The original Destin Commons was opened in November 2003 on the fifty-six-acre parcel located on the northeast corner of Highway 98 and the Mid Bay Bridge Road. Ocean Reef Resorts is pleased to let our esteemed patrons and visitors know that the new expansion which has been underway since September 2012 is projected to be opened around Memorial Day in 2014.

Turnberry Associates developed Destin Commons and defined it to be a "premier open-air super regional lifestyle center." It is indeed all that! This pedestrian-friendly retail complex looks more like a European village than a shopping center. In fact, it is almost Disney-like with its corner turrets, old-fashioned clock tower, interactive fountain plaza, lush landscaping, and cleanliness which provides a very family-friendly shopping environment. It is anchored by a big Belk's Department Store, a Bass Pro Shop, and a Hard Rock Cafe with specialty clothing and accessory stores scattered in between. The original "village" contains over 400,000 square feet of retail space as well as 70,000 square feet of "Class A" office suites. The Bass Pro Shop has become a popular attraction itself with an assortment of giant fish tanks and even a replica of a Great White Shark. Destin Commons actually looks like a town center that includes restaurants with bars, snack venues, and a modern multi-screen AMC movie theater. All of them are digital and state of the arts with the capacity to offer 3D productions on large IMAX-type screens. The theater provides comfortable, multi-tiered stadium-type seating with full unobstructed views of the screen from comfortable high-backed chairs. In addition, numerous speakers deliver sensational surround sound to complete the total movie-going experience.  Just about every holiday season is celebrated at Destin Commons with seasonal musical events, Christmas festivities, and even fireworks. Readers of Emerald Coast Magazine named it "The Best Place to Shop" in an area-wide survey.

Obviously, there has been a huge success here in spite of the Great Recession and the BP Oil Disaster fiasco. The new expansion of the Destin Commons will have 100,000 square feet of additional space which will include twenty prestigious nationally known retailers and three restaurants. Turnberry already has commitments for seventy-five percent of the space available and is in active negotiations with other retailers who have expressed interest in establishing new stores at Destin Commons. The new phase extends from the intersection of Highway 98 and the Mid Bay Bridge Road with a broad pedestrian-friendly avenue running northeast to the existing Sephora clock tower. Like the original, Phase II will be lushly landscaped and adorned with towering Royal Palm trees. The village will come together seamlessly as if it had always been there.

The southwest corner at the intersection will be anchored by a large 20,000-square-foot restaurant/entertainment venue called Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill. This new restaurant was conceptualized by the Bass Pro Shops to provide a unique place for casual dining and will include sixteen lanes of bowling for family fun. The atmosphere is specifically designed with an island-themed bar area that will resemble a sunken treasure ship complete with skeletal remains and jewels. The walls will have big fish tanks featuring colorful exotic fish of all kinds while replicas of sharks will hang suspended from the ceilings appearing to be swimming overhead. Besides adult beverages, the restaurant will be serving family fare that includes tasty appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and burgers.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced that it is also opening a restaurant that will specialize in gourmet Burritos and Tacos. This popular restaurant has locations across the nation, in Canada and Great Britain. Food is served from open kitchens and displayed with all the ingredients so that you may custom order your own plate. Dining areas are chic and modern. Lively music provides entertainment. Chipotle Mexican Grill has received accolades and media coverage for their environmentally friendly operations. All chicken, beef, and pork are naturally raised by private farmers who respect the land as well as the animals in their care. They do not use antibiotics or added hormones and all other ingredients are organic.

H & M the purveyors of fine clothing for men, women, and children have announced that they will be opening a 20,000-square-foot store. Their first upscale store opened on 5th Avenue in New York City back in 2000. They will also feature "a store within a store" offering a wide variety of fashion accessories. "Tervis Tumblers" who provide customized glassware and the popular "Sunglass World" have also announced that they will be opening stores. There are even preliminary plans to construct a Hilton Garden Inn on-site with 157 rooms, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and Fitness Facility. A locally owned store called YogoMogo will be providing fresh frozen yogurt.

When this exciting addition to Destin Commons is completed you and your family should come down for the ultimate family shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. Here at Ocean Reef Resorts, you will find a wide range of Destin Vacation Rentals which include fine private homes and luxurious condominiums from Destin to Panama City Beach. Many are located right on the beach and/or in outstanding gated resort communities which offer championship golf courses and tennis facilities. As always here at Ocean Reef Resorts it is our great pleasure to serve you and yours!