This is my first official post just to get some content going, but it won't be a normal travel post of mine because I hadn't created my blog yet when I went to Destin for work recently and did not really get to explore the area like I would normally do.
It isn't called the Emerald Coast for no reason. The white sand beaches and emerald water catch your eye immediately. Destin is sandwiched in between Pensacola and Panama Beach, but has a distinct flavor all its own. The beaches are some of the best in the area, the fishing is awesome due to the large number of fish that gather there at the edge of the continental shelf. Destin has a mix of restaurants and shopping. I was there for just a short period of time for a meeting and with a hurricane inbound, we had to bail early. The hurricane missed this part of Florida and I was subsequently screwed out of a longer stay.
One of the first things that caught my attention as I left the airport was the F-35A Lightning II jets flying overhead. That's because Eglin, AFB is connected to the Destin - Fort Walton Beach airport. In fact, it's a hub of naval and military bases. Another thing that I didn't realize is that part of Florida is in the Central Time Zone. Perhaps common knowledge to many, it just hadn't dawned on me that any part of Florida was.
I stayed at the Henderson Beach Resort, which was a very nice place. One block off the beach, the resort has a southern charm to it. A nice pool area and spa onsite as well as meeting rooms. Our food and open bar were taken care of by our meeting hosts, so I was unable to try the resort's restaurant. However, I did get some lunch my first day at the nearby Pazzo Italiano Restorante, Being by myself with little time, I went for their Salsiccia pannini. It entailed Italian sausage, roasted red bell peppers, onions on warm bread, It was pretty solid as the sausage had plenty of flavor and like many sandwiches, the bread makes or breaks the experience and the bread was excellent. They have a wood-fired pizza that I'd like to try. The service was great and the ambiance was what you'd hope for from and Italian restaurant.
I do regret having so little time in the Destin area and would consider going back to spend more time. I really wanted to hit a highly rated place called, The Yard Milkshake Bar. I just didn't have enough time, but the desserts look decadent, and I am always down with places like that. If anyone has been there, let me know.
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