There is something that I really love about antiquing. It wasn’t too long ago that I realized this passion that has since become a hobby of sorts, albeit a hobby that I really know nothing about yet enjoy every moment. There is something about scouring through the shops looking for….well…. I’ve never really looked for anything in particular, yet have found items that I realized I could not live without.
I’ve always wondered if you choose the antique pieces or do they choose you? It’s as if the antique were a living being who has traveled the state/country/world and has led a fantastical life and chooses you to take them home to continue its adventure. Where have they traveled? What have they seen? Was it a dining room table that witnessed families gathering around it for twenty years? Oh, the conversations it must have heard! I especially find a heightened curiosity in heirloom, costume jewelry. Who once wore this jewelry? What was their life like? What happened to them? Was it given to them by a lover? And if so, did they have a passionate love affair, was it given as a gift during their times of courting or was it an anniversary gift? Perhaps a piece that reminded them of their children? My imagination has taken me through all these inquiries but I will never know their journey. Perhaps that’s part of my fascination with it.
When visiting the beaches of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, be sure to stop by and visit a few of my favorites, many of which are clustered in the Destin/Miramar Beach area. Who knows? Maybe your next antique piece will find you.
- Antiques on Holiday- 850-837-0488. 105 North Holiday Road. Miramar Beach, FL 32550. Two stories of antiques from all over the world, including pieces of French influences, hand-painted china sets, chandeliers, and furniture.
- Ava’s Attic- 850-424-6767. Miramar Plaza Suite 105 Miramar Beach, FL 32550. 4 suites of furniture, clothing, jewelry, paintings, and local crafts. Part of the fun is going from suite to suite within the plaza (the shops are spaced out within this shopping plaza). Adds to the fun of the search!
- Bienvenue Vintage Home Antiques- 850-837-5122. 11840 Hwy 98 W, Miramar Beach, FL. Located close to the Silver Sands Factory Stores, this warehouse-y metal building showcases multiple vendors with a variety of architectural and cottage-style furniture and vintage wares, including those old window frames that I love using as picture frames.
- Pink House Antiques- 850-678-1117. 714 Bayshore Drive Niceville, FL. Don’t let this tiny shop fool you. I’ve found amazing pieces here, including an old french door, tiny tables, antique buffet tables, framed music posters, dishes, and even some beautifully, handmade clothing. Come prepared to dig for your treasure. You’ll never know what you’ll find.
- Smith’s Antiques. 850-654-1484. 12500 Emerald Coast Parkway Miramar Beach, FL 32550. 25,000 square feet of antique goodness. Also carries contemporary items for do-it-yourself or professional decorators.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Take a paid vacation!
In this economy, it’s tough to hang on to a job, let alone have a benefits package with a paid vacation. We can’t change the economy and we’re not your HR department, but we can increase your vacation benefits package! Now through September 30, 2010, Beaches of South Walton will reward you with a $250 gift card redeemable at Silver Sands Factory Stores or Southwest Airlines. The beach has never been more beautiful. So come on, take a vacation, call in sick, quit your job (ok, don’t do that!), and stay with us along the beautiful Beaches of South Walton. (Some restrictions apply. Must stay at a participating vacation rental associated with the Beaches of South Walton. See Beaches of South Walton website fore details).
-Wish you were here!
The Hometown Tourist
As if you need another reason to visit the beach, check out these amazing concerts coming to a beach near you. Amazing deals on accommodations are available in the Destin, FL, South Walton area, Fort Walton Beach, FL, or Panama City Beach, FL. Free concerts and lodging deals? Why aren’t you down here yet?!
Seaside Concert Series
August 11, 2010; Free and Open to the Public
Moreland and Arbuckle will perform in Seaside, FL on August 11, 2010. Free and open to the public.
Pier Park Concert Series
August 12, 2010; Free and Open to the Public
Musical artist Heartbear City will be playing on August 12, 2010 in Panama City Beach at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater in Pier Park FL from 7-9:00 p.m.
Sandestin Music Festival
August 13-14, 2010
Free and open to the public. Must have printed ticket available at www.sandestinmusicfestival.com. Donations of $10 are appreciated for the Audubon Society, helping birds and wildlife recover from the oil spill in the Gulf Coast.
The weekend festival will begin with acclaimed singer/songwriters at Hammerhead’s Bar & Grill from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a jam session at Rum Runner’s from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Finally, Graffiti & The Funky Blues Shack will take the evening home with a late-night concert from 10 p.m. to midnight.
On Saturday, Aug. 14, the Village Events Plaza in The Village of Baytowne Wharf will showcase the weekend’s main headline act. The event will feature legendary BMI musician and songwriter Steve Cropper, BMI contemporary country trendsetters Jeffrey Steele, Danny Myrick, Marty Dodson and James Slater, ace guitarist and acclaimed singer/songwriter Lee Roy Parnell, Delbert McClinton, White, and up-and-comer Kree Harrison.
Rock the Beach Concert Series:
August 15, 2010
Josh Thompson and Lynyrd Skynyrd to perform on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. on the Boardwalk of Okaloosa Island. Free and open to the public. Shuttle services available.
Clean Coast Music and Arts Festival
August 22, 2010
Harbor Walk Village Destin
11 a.m.-11 p.m.
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Emerald Coast Wildlife Animal Refuge
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Emerald Coastkeepers
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The Gulf Restoration Network
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Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
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Alaqua Animal Refuge
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The Fisherman’s Fund
Feel Good Shopping!
I feel like I’ve been living under a giant, organic rock this summer! For a few years now, I’ve heard of the Seaside Farmers Market where local vendors sell local goods, but, had yet to attend. Last Saturday, I went and have been talking about it nonstop (to anyone who would listen) since.
I brought my own organic cotton tote (a girl has to dress the part, right?!) and off I went from booth to booth looking at fresh produce, dairy, and meat. The farmers were so kind, talking in detail about when/where they picked the produce, how to cook it, how long it stores, etc. I purchased locally grown okra, tomatoes, peaches, strawberry preserves and fresh, organic eggs. I was especially intrigued with the eggs. The farm that sells the eggs, located in Bonifay, FL, raises chicken and duck that are fed USDA certified organic feed, are not given antibiotics or growth hormones, and are able to roam freely and live to maturity (if you’ve seen the documentary Food, Inc. you’ll understand my appreciation with this). If you haven’t had the chance to taste an egg like this, I encourage you to do so. Besides being healthier for our body, the egg taste like…..well, an EGG! I was so intrigued that I actually signed up for the mailing list, which I rarely do. The owner (whom I recently spotted online) sends out an email toward the end of the week and let’s her returning customers know what is fresh and what she will be bringing. And return they will!
For the last few days, the tomatoes have been excellent in guacamole, the okra in gumbo, and the peaches have been sliced and soaked in just about been in every drink I’ve consumed. If you’re looking for a unique experience while vacationing in the Beaches of South Walton, Panama City Beach, or Destin, stop by Seaside next Saturday from 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Side note, we also picked up a freshwater pearl bracelet for my daughter and lip butter from a local soap vendor. See, there’s something for everyone in the family!
See you at the market!
-The Hometown Tourist
If you’re planning a trip to Panama City Beach or nearby areas, be sure to save half a day for an unforgettable trip to Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach. My daughter and I had a free afternoon on our Destin beach vacation recently, and so planned a day that included a leisurely drive down Highway 30A, with a few breaks for shopping and beachside dining along the way, and then an adventurous fun-filled afternoon at Gulf World. We checked the Gulf World website first for a schedule, and learned that a four-hour visit is recommended, as they offer 5 different shows spaced about 45 minutes apart – all included in the park’s admission price.
We arrived around 1:00, just in time for the Exotic Bird Show that featured trained parrots and macaws doing some hilarious and impressive tricks. Next on the schedule was the main event for us — a fast-paced Dolphin Show that featured spectacular jumps and tricks, some with the trainers swimming alongside. Although we went to Gulf World mainly for the dolphin show, we were delighted by the variety of shows as well as by the skill and dedication of all the trainers and performers at the park. We skipped the reptile show and caught back up with the Magic Show – which included some amazing tricks and illusions – even sawing the assistant in half. The children were on the edges of their seats, oohing and aaahing the whole show. The last performance we saw was the Sea Lion show — funny and cool and a little educational as well.
After the Dolphin and Sea Lion Shows, guests have the option of purchasing photos of their child shaking hands with the dolphins or being kissed by the sea lions. I debated about the extra $10 expense, but when we picked up our photos just 15 minutes later I was beyond pleased.
Gulf World offers several interactive programs, such as Dolphin Day Camp, Trainer for a Day and Swim with Dolphins. Gulf World is one of the few places nationwide that offers such an opportunity. The price is $150 for a 75 to 90 minute session and requires advance reservations: 850-234-5271. Next summer, we’ll be back to Gulf World for a swim with the dolphins!
Beaches of South Walton launches “Be beaches of South Walton” campaign. This 90-day radio and television ad campaign is funded by BP and distributed to the Beaches of South Walton to boost a damaged tourism market as a result of the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. The campaign focuses on the growing cultural experiences available along the beaches of Northwest Florida, including YOLO boarding, lifestyle classes at Studio b., and family adventures such as zip lining. The campaign invites the consumer to image “what will you be in the Beaches of South Walton?” The radio and television spots further highlight that the beaches are clean and open to the public. The ads are currently airing on CNN, Fox News, The Weather Channel and several other stations. Radio spots are also being aired in markets including Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Dallas, Houston and Nashville.
Read more about the Beaches of South Walton in this Beachguide press release.
I received some amazing news last week that makes me feel like a very lucky girl. Remember about a week ago, I blogged about the Jimmy Buffett benefit concert? Well, it got reschedule and I got tickets!! Can you believe it?! Someone pinch me please! I’m excited to explore Gulf Shores, dine out, lay on the beach, shop around, and of course, mix a mean margarita for the concert. I will capture as many photos as humanly possible so that I can share them with you when I return. However, it would be really cool if you could meet me there! I’m staying at Crystal Shores. So if you haven’t made your reservations for the weekend and snatched up your Buffett tickets, do so now and I’ll see ya there!
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Repping it up on a Tuesday night
I’m ashamed to admit that in the last 9 years of it’s existence, I have yet to attend a performance by the Seaside Repertory Theatre. Last week, we checked out the schedule and saw there was multiple children’s performances as well as shows for the grown children (I have yet to admit that I’m an adult). We decided to pack up our lawn chairs and wine glasses and head to Watercolor Resort for the performance of The Fisherman and His Wife. I am also ashamed to admit that I have not heard of this story, and according to my friend who is an elementary school teacher, I should have. The backdrop was simple and the performance quite amazing. The actors had a way of involving the children in the audience and our group of kids (ranging from 3-11) were entranced with the story and doing exactly as the actors instructed, in order to participate in the story. I had a whole new appreciation for the REP as it was not about computer graphics, sound effects, and 3-D which seems to be the norm in entertainment. It was about using your imagination as the actors engage the audience in the story. For more information on upcoming shows, visit their website. The Fisherman and His Wife plays every Tuesday evening and is a free show for families. We can’t wait to go back and see Charlotte’s Web on Monday nights in Seaside, FL.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Cool for a Cause
Life on the Emerald Coast can be very rewarding. I’m not just speaking of our the beautiful beaches, dining, and shopping. I’m talking about the real things in life that are rewarding. The small gifts that make a big impact. I’m talking about the gift of giving. I’ve come across a few do-gooder events coming up. Check them out:
I wish I could insert an audio clip of Bob Barkers announcer here saying “a new car”! Vie Magazine is selling chances to win a new Jeep Wrangler. Funds will then be donated to four well-deserving local charities here on the Emerald Coast: Seaside Repertory Theater, Boys and Girls Club, Caring and Sharing, and the Taylor Haugen Foundation. The drawing will be held in Panama City at Pier Park on August 6, 2010. You can also buy your tickets online at Vie. Not only is this cool, but I’d say it’s cool for a cause!
Endless Summer Fling, a joint fundraiser for Children in Crisis, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, and Children’s Volunteer Health Network featuring the Band of Oz. Located in Sandestin on August 14, 2010. Cash bar, buffet stations, dancing, and of course, all benefiting charity. Call 850.864.4242 for tickets.
I recently saw a quote on Facebook that stuck with me. It said “life is like volleyball. You can’t lose as long as you’re serving”. If this was Facebook, I would give it a thumbs up.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
I’ve always loved Jimmy Buffett. He wears flip flops around the clock, sings about margaritas, and loves the beach. In fact, he was born and raised on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. And recently I found another reason to love him: the Jimmy Buffett & Friends benefit concert. This free concert is scheduled on July 1, 2010 on the public beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama to promote tourism on the Gulf Coast. Sadly, all tickets were gone within 5-10 minutes but CMT will be broadcasting LIVE from the beach at Gulf Shores, Ala. Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band will be joined in the concert by his friends Sonny Landreth, Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Jesse Winchester and Allen Toussaint. Although the concert is sold out, I think this would be a fun time to come down to Gulf Shores just for the after-party! Need a place to stay? Click here for Gulf Shores rentals. Organizers hope to present 5 more free concerts to benefit the Gulf Coast.
So badly wish this brown-eyed-girl had tickets!
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Abrakadoodle
I’m trying to figure out how I can rewind time. I’d like to be a kid again. I can think of many reasons why being a kid is fantastic (eating cookies and not gaining an ounce, playing until I pass out, not paying bills, etc.) but if I were anywhere between the ages of 5-12 in the year 2010 living on the beach (dang, that really does sound good), I would be pscyhed to doodle my way through summer at Abrakadoodle, Northwest Florida’s first traveling art education program. From art eduction, to art classes, to art parties, the creative folks at Abrakadoodle are enriching childrens lives here on the Emerald Coast. According to the schedules, classes ranging from sewing, to cooking, to tie dying shirts, to graphic design, to watercolor painting are available, just to name a few. If you are staying on or near 30-A, Sandestin, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville/Bluewater Bay, Destin, Eglin Air Force Base, Navarre, Panama City, or Gulf Breeze, there’s a class for you! Check out their facebook page for updated information and cute little pictures. I’m feeling a song come on…..We are the world, we are the children, we are the ones to make a brighter day…… 
Wish you were here!
-The Home town Tourist
Pomp and Cirque-umstance
I wasn’t sure what to expect when we decided to go to Le Grande Cirque this weekend. Located at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, Le Grand Cirque is a traveling Cirque Du Soleil show. I was interested as I heard feedback that it was an amazing show, but not until I experienced it, did I understand what that critique meant. As we walked in, we were greeted with an assortment of food and beverage vendors, including Chan’s Wine World. This immediately won my approval! We grabbed our bottle of red and found our seats as the MC was beginning. I call him the MC (for “mute comic”), as he was the entertainment in between the entertainment, playing pranks on the audience, etc. while not saying a word. The bright lights turned on and the show began. Acrobats were flying through the air, flipping through hoops, tumbling, dancing, balancing, and doing tricks, which appear to be virtually impossible for a human body to accomplish. I wondered what the faces of my fellow audience members looked like as I’m quite positive that mine was lit up like a child; awe, amazement, shock, and pleasure. Le Grande Cirque will be hosting shows during the week and weekend through the month of August. We will be going back with the kids next trip, as it is definitely a show for all ages. Add this to your must-do activities while visiting the beaches of Northwest Florida this summer. Click here for vacation rentals near Le Grand Cirque.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Did you know that seashells belong to the kingdom which is known as Mollusca? Most Mollusca are soft slug-like creatures which have a hard external shell to help protect them in their ocean environment—it’s this outer shell which is more commonly known as a seashell. The shell itself is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which is secreted over time by the outer surface of the shell as the mollusk ages.
When the mollusk dies, its shell is the one part that generally remains intact. During your last trip to the beach, the chances are pretty good that you came across some interesting sea shells which had washed up on the shore.
It’s the intricate design and colorful pattern of sea shells, of course, which so fascinates us. The shell’s design and color are actually dependent on the mollusk’s diet. In warmer waters you are more likely to find shells in all shapes and colors, while in colder waters you are more likely to find darker sea shells rather than those with vibrant colors.
Most mollusks use their shell for protection and can withdraw completely or at least partially into their shell when faced with danger. The mollusk is only loosely attached to its shell, although the animal may make use of the shell for buoyancy while crawling or swimming along on the ocean bottom.
Did you know that no two seashells are exactly the same? That is because the growth process which the shell endures always varies, which produces irregularities on the outer surface of the shell. When you find a shell that looks unique, that’s because it is unique!
aaargg
Last weekend was the 55th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Celebrated by locals and visitors alike, Billy Bowlegs hosts a fun party on the water (think Mardi Gras on the beach; I’d keep the kids home for this one) and family-friendly activities including a pirate parade and fireworks (both kid friendly). Hosted by the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, Billy Bowlegs is a town unifier; you know what I mean, everyone is talking about it. The “where will your boat be at bowlegs?”, “did you get a new bikini for bowlegs”, “are you bringing the kids to the bowlegs parade?”. If you’ve ever been to Fort Walton Beach during bowlegs, the town is filled with excitement for the weekend. If you haven’t been, mark your calendar for the first weekend in June 2011. Guaranteed good time. Just bring your smile!
Wish you were here!
The Hometown Tourist
Digital Graffiti Show at Alys Beach
I’ve seen a lot of graffiti in my day but I can’t remember the last time I went out of my way too see it. Oh wait, yes, it was this time last year at the annual Digital Graffiti show at Alys Beach, FL. Artists from around the world are selected by a panel of judges to compete in this outdoor art festival where the artists create digital masterpieces (I love using this word when talking about art. I mean, when else can you work this word into a conversation?!) and project them though this quaint town filled with awe-mazing white homes. Walls of homes and restaurants, stone walkways and pools serve as the canvas for this art festival. If you haven’t been, it’s a nominal $20 to go and witness world-class art plastered on world-class architecture. If you’re a local, social, or local and social (muah), join me at the cocktail party around the pool with live music and dancing. The only downfall is that this art festival never seems long enough. Check Highway 30A Vacation Rentals for great places to stay while attending Digital Graffiti and can’t wait to see you!
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Seaside Rocks
I spent Friday night of Memorial weekend in Seaside, FL and it rocked! Not just because it was Seaside, but because Seaside is one of the local resorts that host free outdoor concerts during the summer. Last weekend, a local band called Heritage performed and they happen to be one of my favorite bands. I’m partially biased as I know three of the guys in the band and they are the only three guys I know that are actually in a band, so that makes them one of my faves! Seriously though, they are fantastic and have this way of engaging the crowd, but in a subdued manner. As in, you can talk with your friends and family comfortably and still hear a great beat/lyrics in the background.
We walked across the street and ordered takeout from the Taco Bar. If you haven’t been, put this on the vacay itinerary. It’s a small little beach shack serving up amazing tacos and burritos. We walked our tacos back to our chairs and plopped down for a picnic.
These events are family friendly and cooler friendly, two things that I enjoy! The kiddos ran around entertaining each other with their light-up toys and bubbles and the adults sipped on wine. Does life get any better than the Seaside life?! I had to stop and think if I really lived here or if I was on vacation. After this thought passed, I smiled to myself and thought “if this question really just crossed my mind, life is good today”.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
I’m planning my next trip. To where? I’m not sure yet but I can plan easily to multiple destinations thanks to the opening of the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. With non-stop flights as well as international flights provided by Delta and Southwest, Beaches International will provide easy access to the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Sounds like a commercial, I know, but this airport has brought this sleepy beach town to life. Not just for our own personal traveling ventures, but because we’re ready to play host/hostess to a world of new vacationers. We’re anticipating the arrival of our new guests, ready to take them on a tour of our home, sit them down for supper, and show them the best of what the Beaches of Northwest Florida has to offer.
Sunshine, shopping, dining, golfing, and beautiful beach vacations await.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
I’d like to take some time to address an issue here on the Emerald Coast, or should I say a non-issue. Since you are not here (and you should be) you wouldn’t know the beaches are unaffected by the oil spill. You wouldn’t know that the beaches are just as pristine and clean as they have always been. You wouldn’t know that the fishing is open and the fish are still biting and are as tasty as ever (we had cobia fish tacos last night, delish!). And you wouldn’t know that Destin is still the top rated vacation destination in the world and for good reason. I had the opportunity to spend the day at the beach yesterday. It was packed with locals and tourist alike enjoying the white sands and the cool Gulf waters. Sandcastles were being constructed up and down the shoreline and kids were boogie boarding, seashell gathering, and burying their parents in the sand. Hands down, one of the best beach days of the season. “The beaches of Northwest Florida are just as beautiful as ever and we are excited to see our returning guests and welcome new vacationers as well. We are seeing families check-in with big smiles and checking out with a week full of beach memories, ” said Justin Shelton, owner of Sandcastle Escapes Vacation Rentals. If you haven’t booked your Destin Vacation Rental for Memorial Weekend, there are amazing last-minute deals going on here on the Emerald Coast. Here are a few pictures of the beach that were taken this weekend. Hope to see you and your family on the beach next weekend.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Why not Spend a Day in the Everglades?
The Florida Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands make up one of North America’s most intriguing and beautiful untouched wilderness areas. This rugged subtropical landscape is everything you’d expect it to be and more! Grass prairies, distant marshes, remote lakes and pristine tropical forests stretch as far as the eye can see. You’ll be truly amazed by the rich diversity of wildlife here which includes alligators, ospreys, Great Blue herons, Snowy Egrets, Purple Gallinules, and Roseate Spoonbills along with many other species.
There are numerous opportunities for exploration in the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands, whether you prefer camping, hiking, birding, or taking a ride on an airboat! This vast nature reserve includes the ever popular 6,400 acre Collier-Seminole State Park, 11,000 acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Big Cypress Preserve, Everglades National Park, and the Fakahatchee Strand which is really a slow-moving river system accessible only by boardwalk or guided tour.
Fishing, kayaking and boating are other popular pastimes which are enjoyed by visitors to the Everglades. When it comes to fishing, anglers can take their pick of light tackle spin-fishing, ultra-light or fly fishing for tarpon, speckled trout, redfish, snook, bass and a host of others.
The seemingly endless treasure of mangroves is a sight to behold whether you prefer to take a walking tour or view the “Glades” by airplane, airboat, canoe, bus, van or bicycle. Visitors of all ages are sure to find a wide variety of intriguing activities to be enjoyed in this diverse natural ecological environment.
If you’re looking for suitable lodging in the area, you can check out the accommodations in Everglades City, Port of the Islands and Seaboard Village. Marco Island and Naples are a short drive away, just 35 or 40 miles. You can also find tourism information at the Everglades Chamber of Commerce, which is located at the intersection of Tamiami Trail and State Road 29. Just one word of advice before you come…be sure to pack your hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen ‘cause the sun’s always shining on the Everglades in South Florida!
YOLO your way across the bay
There is a new activity sweeping the beaches of Northwest Florida and I had to test it out for myself. I borrowed a YOLO Board and headed to the bay. I could count on the water in the bay being shallow and I feared a dramatic wipe out the first time I tried to stand up. The trick is, you start off on your knees and once you feel steady, stand up on the board and start your paddle trip. To my surprise, I fell off only twice and not for a lack of ability . I was servery whooping-up-on my friend (I hope he’s not reading this as he may disagree!) and I turned back to talk to him, lost my balance, and took a tumble off the board. After a speedy recovery, I jumped back on my board and we paddled for a good three miles. As we paddled, we marveled at stingrays and random fish passing underneath our boards. I was particularly in awe over the stingray as it seemed to gracefully float through the water. I can honestly say that I have seen them a million times but never from that angle, above the water. There was something about being out in the still of the water to put your soul at ease. Soul cleansing + amazing upper and lower body workout + catching up on my tan = a fun-filled activity on your next beach vacation. Boards of all sizes available for rent (even for the littlest of YOLO boarders) as well as lessons.
The locals here on the beach host weekly YOLO races. Teams of women and men compete all over Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, and the Destin harbor.
I returned home and started researching my future YOLO board purchase- the YOLOYAK, a hybrid YOLO Board and Kayak. Since then, I have converted about five people to the YOLO concept. I guess I am now a disciple of YOLO! Now, I just need that beach house to store my YOLO. I mean, why not?! You Only Live Once!
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
