Posted on 12/3/2021
With another year approaching its end, it's always fun to look back on everything that happened during the year! 2021 has been one to remember, especially with increased travel and more beach vacations. To end this year on a high note, we want to share out most engaging Destin and 30A blog posts of 2021—the articles you loved the most. So, reminisce with us as we count up to our most engaging article shared on Facebook in 2021.
10. Crab Island Wild Coconut Girls
It's no secret that Emerald Coast locals and visitors go nuts for coconuts! This fun article is all about the Wild Coconut girls who deliver fresh coconuts right to your boat at Crab Island. Inspired by her explorations in Indonesia, Michaela Partin decided to bring the unique, immersive tropical experience to her home of Destin. She and her coconut girls load up their boat with fresh coconut and pineapple, head out on the water, and bring the fruit directly to you and your fellow vacationers. They leave at about 9:30 am, so don't miss the opportunity to flag them down for delicious fresh fruit!
Read article: Crab Island Wild Coconut Girls
9. Destin & 30A Charcuterie Board Delivery
Charcuterie boards are all the rage these days. Not only are they trendy, but they also make a perfect no-cook vacation dinner. If you don't want to prep your own charcuterie board when while on vacation, don't worry—you don't have to! Gather and Graze on the Emerald Coast delivers charcuterie boards and graze tables right to your 30A or Destin rental. You can get anything from small boards that serve two to large graze tables that can serve up to twelve people.
Read article: Destin & 30A Charcuterie Board Delivery
8. Complete Guide to Mardi Gras in Destin
Mardis Gras on the beach? Yes, please! Destin offers a unique Mardis Gras experience here on the coast. The Village of Baytowne hosts Mardis Gras parades. There is the annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, because there's nothing better post-Mardi Gras parade than a big ol' bowl of gumbo. Other fun ways to experience Mardi Gras the coastal way include a local seafood boil and Emeril's Sunday Jazz Brunch.
Read article: Complete Guide to Mardi Gras in Destin
7. Staff Picks: Destin & 30A Dive Bars
Our Ocean Reef Resorts staff are Emerald Coast experts. They work, live, and play in Destin and on 30A, and as such, know all the best things to do and places to go on the coast. Of course, this includes Destin & 30A dive bars! For this article, we surveyed the staff to find out the must-visit dive bars in the area. Some favorites were Idyll Hounds, Johnny McTighe's Irish Pub, Steamboat Bar & Grill, and AJs Grayton.
Read article: Staff Picks: Destin & 30A Dive Bars
6. South Walton Artist of the Year Chandler Williams
Every year, the Tourist Development Council selects the South Walton Artist of the Year. The selected artist is commissioned to create a piece of art to hang in a public space in South Walton County. In 2021, the council selected local photographer Chandler Williams, whose gallery is located in Grayton Beach. Though Chandler has spent a lot of time adventuring and photographing his travels, Williams has also focused a lot of his photography efforts on his own backyard… the Gulf Coast beaches!
Read article: South Walton Artist of the Year Chandler Williams
5. Nashville Beach: Country Music Stars Love 30A
You're not the only one who loves the Emerald Coast—country music stars do, too! And we can't say we're surprised. Not many can resist the pull of the gorgeous 30A beaches, especially country stars. The laidback lifestyle that country musicians sing about goes hand in hand with relaxed beach living. This article shares some of the country celebrities who either own a home in the Destin area or vacation here, including Luke Bryan and Keith Urban.
Read article: Nashville Beach: Country Music Stars Love 30A
4. Paula Deen Coming Back to Panama City Beach
In March 2021, people were pumped that Paula Deen's restaurant was returning to Panama City Beach. Who doesn't love a dining experience with good southern food and hospitality, friendly staff, and a family-style environment? This is exactly what Paula Deen's restaurant brings to the Gulf Coast. If you're in town for vacation, be sure to visit Paula Deen's Family Kitchen for the best southern comfort food!
Read article: Paula Deen Coming Back to Panama City Beach
3. Take a 30A Taco Tour
Let's taco bout how great the tacos are on the Emerald Coast! This article shares the best places to get tacos on Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton. From west to east along 30A, these are the spots to visit on your taco tour: Stinky's Fish Camp, Shunk Gulley Oyster, Red Fish Taco, Chiringo, LaCo, and Cantina Laredo. And because you're on the coast, don't forget to try some fresh fish tacos during your tour!
Read article: Take a 30A Taco Tour
2. Florida Sea Turtle Rescue
Here in Northwest Florida, we respect our locals—the sea turtle locals! The Gulfarium CARE Center is a non-profit that focuses on marine conservation, to include the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sea turtles. This article discusses the efforts of the CARE Center and also includes a video of a South Walton turtle release. You can learn more about sea turtle rescue and how you can do your part to help the sea turtles on our coast.
Read article: Florida Sea Turtle Rescue
1. 10 Small Destin Vacation Homes with Big Pools
Two- and three-bedroom single-family vacation homes are popular rental options for family getaways in Destin. Especially when those homes have pools! By accommodating between six and a dozen guests, these homes are perfect for small to large family reunions. The homes in this article feature full kitchens, spacious living areas, and comfortable bedrooms. Each also has its own private pool. The pool area with sundeck, lounge chairs, and grill is perfect for a refreshing swim, sunbathing, and poolside Surf n' Turf meals.
Read article: 10 Small Destin Vacation Homes with Big Pools
There it is—our most engaging Destin & 30A blog posts of 2021! Check them out if you haven't already, and join the conversations on our Ocean Reef Facebook. These articles are not only fun reads, but will also help you plan your next vacation to this little slice of paradise.
