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<atom:link href="http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><title>Destin Florida Real Estate Blog, Karrie Rose</title><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/</link>
<description>Get the latest news and area information about the Emerald Coast and Destin real estate market from top Destin, Florida REALTOR®; Karrie Rose.</description>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/whats-going-on-memorial-day-weekend.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/whats-going-on-memorial-day-weekend.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>What's Going on Memorial Day Weekend?</title>
<description> <![CDATA[
Destin features many events throughout Memorial Day weekend to help you celebrate the holiday. If you've been given a three-day weekend, like most, you'll want to make the most of it. Here are a few of the best events happening throughout the weekend.SunVenture Dolphin, Sunset &amp; Fireworks Memorial Day Cruise from SunQuest CruisesIf you want to take a cruise out on the waters, enjoy fireworks and see the dolphins, this is a great family excursion to enjoy. The SunVenture I Catamaran will take you out on the waters to watch the dolphins play in the water. You'll have a prime seat for the Memorial Day fireworks show, as well. This is perfect for couples and families.Cost is $38 for adults and $25 for children 2 to 14 years of age. Group rates are available for groups with 15 or more adults.Shopping at the Silver Sands Premium OutletsIf you prefer finding deals and saving up to 65% of name brand items, the Memorial Day Weekend sale at Silver Sands Premium Outlets is the perfect event for you. This is a great place to score some great deals before summer and get some great discounts. This is a free event and will open at 10am Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It will run until 9pm every night except Sunday, when the stores will close at 6pm.Memorial Day Concert CelebrationThe Destin Harbor will be the destination for the free Memorial Day Concerts. This is a series that will continue through the summer and will kick off with a firework display over the harbor and a free Sunday night concert. If you want to enjoy music and fireworks, bring the whole family out for this event starting at 7pm.No matter how you decide to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend, you can find something for you, your family or just you and your significant other in Destin.
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 10:46:37 -0500</pubDate>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/breathtaking-golf-at-emerald-bay-golf-club.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/breathtaking-golf-at-emerald-bay-golf-club.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>Breathtaking Golf at Emerald Bay Golf Club</title>
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If you want to feel like you're on vacation every day of the year, a membership at the Emerald Bay Golf Club will provide the resort golfing experience you deserve. The course is located along the Choctawahatchee Bay and provides some of the best views in the area. It's a Bob Cupp designed course and known as one of the premier championship courses in the area. You can enjoy many water and garden views within this gated community, as you play your round.You can find the course located between South Walton and Destin, making it very convenient for everybody in the area. It's just a short drive from all the most popular neighborhoods near Destin, Florida. The course is open to the public, but maintains the same services found at private country clubs. Each hole is designed to accentuate the beauty of the nature around it and provides plenty of great challenges for all skill levels.Along with the 18-hole championship course, the facility includes a driving range, pro shop and grill. The driver range provides plenty of space for practice before your round and for lessons. You can utilize the range for an hourly fee or just hit some balls, which are included in the green fees. Those looking to improve their game can book golf lessons with a PGA professional.Spring and summer rates for the course are $85 before 2pm, $45 starting at 2pm and $35 starting at 4pm. Memberships and special discounts are also available for those looking to spend more time at the course. You can book the Guest House for an event or just come out and play golf with your friends. Whether you're just visiting or you're a resident, this is a golf course every golfer should experience.
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 09:12:12 -0500</pubDate>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/enjoy-music-all-summer-long.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/enjoy-music-all-summer-long.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>Enjoy Music All Summer Long</title>
<description> <![CDATA[
The Concerts in the Village series has begun and it's time to enjoy some great music throughout the summer. This ten-week series features some very talented acts and provides a great way to enjoy time away from the kids or as a family. The concerts happen at Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm. Here's a list of the performers in this year's series.Ron Adams "Reflections" Show - May 16thChina Grove - May 23rdDeja Vu - May 30thThe Mike Veal Band - June 6thCraig Woolard Band - June 13thHeritage - June 20thAlter Eagles - June 27thDavid Seering - July 3rdThe concert series was voted at one of the top ten things to do in Northwest Florida by Florida Travel &amp; Tourism Guide. It features many types of music from Motown and Blues to Country and Reggae. No matter what type of music you enjoy, this concert series provides something for everybody.You can bring your own lawn chair, wine, picnic or enjoy something from Carrabba's or Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q. They will both be on site to provide you with great food. Table seating is also available with 6 to 8 chairs for MKAF Members that are a part of the Picnic Supper Club.Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) Membership InformationYou can become a member with plenty of different options. Individual memberships are $75 and include a season pass for Concerts in the Village and one pass for the Destin Festival of the Arts. Other membership levels provide multiple passes and range from $150 to $1,000.Non-members can attend any of the concerts for $8 per adult or $15 for a couple. Children under 12 years of age get in free. Parking is available at Grace Lutheran Church for all concerts.
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 10:58:06 -0500</pubDate>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/the-best-date-night-in-destin.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/the-best-date-night-in-destin.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>The Best Date Night in Destin</title>
<description> <![CDATA[
SunQuest Cruises provides one of the best choices for your next date night, wedding or just for a memorable night out with friends and family. It's been voted as the best of weddings three years in a row, along with many other awards. SunQuest offers cruises for most major holidays, family cruises, dinner cruises and private event cruises.Dinner &amp; Dancing CruiseThis cruise lasts about 3 hours and provides a chef-prepared meal with live entertainment. The Yacht cruises through the Choctawhatchee Bay and provides plenty of fun for the entire family. With a delicious menu featuring a seared beef fillet and gulf shrimp, this is the perfect cruise for your next date night. Other choices on the menu include a filet with crab cakes, fresh gulf fish with shrimp, spicy beef filet Provençale Fettuccini and lemon rosemary chicken. Enjoy a full service bar, as well.Tickets are $69.59 for adults and $35 for children ages 3 to 10.Private Group CruisesWhether you want to bring out your anniversary party or you want to enjoy time with your church group, a private cruise is a great way to celebrate. You can set your menu with the Executive Chef, include a full cash bar, choose from an extensive wine list and work with a full-time event planner for your event. This is the perfect way to celebrate, hold a meeting or just enjoy time with friends and family. Prices vary, depending on the size of your group.Wedding CruisesTie the knot on the cruse and enjoy a great reception as you spend time out on the water. If you're looking for a unique, yet beautiful way to celebrate the start of your new life, a SunQuest wedding Cruise provides everything you need. You will be provided professional help throughout the entire process to ensure everything happens just right.Packages for Wedding Cruises range start at $45 per guest for a daytime wedding and reception package. The sunset wedding package starts at $68 per guest for the ceremony and reception.
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2013 11:12:34 -0500</pubDate>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/explore-the-destin-history-fishing-museum.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/explore-the-destin-history-fishing-museum.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>Explore the Destin History &amp; Fishing Museum</title>
<description> <![CDATA[
If you want to experience all the Gulf of Mexico has to offer, you need to spend a little time at the Destin History &amp; Fishing Museum. The museum features a 100-foot wall exhibit showing the Gulf floor in all its color. You can also see a huge antique fishing rod and reel collection, which is one of the most unique in the country. It even features a Penn Reel, which belonged to Ernest Hemingway.As you walk through the museum, you'll get an idea of what life was like in Destin before electricity. You can visit the original Destin Post Office building next to the museum. The museum also feature The Primrose, which was constructed in 1925 and is the oldest fishing boat still around. Take in the vintage photography collection from early settlers, boats, beach scenes, captains and so much more.The museum has some future plans, which include:Educational ClassesAdditional ExhibitsA Gift ShopAdult and Children's Birthday PartiesA Lecture SeriesDemonstrationsAnd More!The museum is closed on Mondays during the fall and spring, but open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday. During the summer, it's open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The cost of admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and Military and $3 for children. Children under the age of six are free.Memberships are also available and are tax deductible. An individual membership is $20 a year, family membership is $50 a year, business/club/charter memberships are $100 a year and there are other membership levels, including:Sailfish - $250 for a family membership, which includes t-shirtsWhite Marlin - $500 for a lifetime membership and includes newsletters, t-shirts and history bookBlue Marlin - $1,000 for a lifetime membership and includes newsletters, history book and name in bronze in the museumGrand Slam - $2,500 for a lifetime membership with the same benefits at the Blue MarlinBenefactor - $5,000 and up for a lifetime membership with the same benefits at the Blue Marlin]]> </description>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 12:08:20 -0500</pubDate>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/calling-all-bicyclists.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/calling-all-bicyclists.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>Calling all Bicyclists</title>
<description> <![CDATA[
The 3rd Annual Sandestin Beach Bicycle Tour will be held from May 17th to 19th. This is quickly becoming the top bike tour on the Emerald Coast of Florida. While riding throughout the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful scenery, the Florida sun and plenty of gorgeous beaches. Rest stops will be available throughout the ride including Grayton Beach and many other areas.Bikers can select from three different routes including the 15-mile, 30-mile and 60-mile routes. Each route is flat and will provide Gulf views, along with other scenic views. The event will start on Friday night with packet pick up at Robin's Bike and Fitness. The rides will begin on Saturday and Sunday at 8am at the Baytowne Marina with instructions at 7:30am. The Marina will also have many activities throughout the weekend.The 30 and 60-mile rides start at 8am on Saturday May 18th. Each will begin at Baytowne Marina and will continue throughout the day. The 15-mile ride will start at 8am on Sunday, May 19th. You can also enjoy the Dine for the Dogs benefit from 6pm to 9pm on Saturday and will benefit the Alaqua Animal Refuge at Marina Bar and Grill.Some of the rules riders need to adhere to include:Wearing a helmet at all timesMust carry an ID and medical informationCannot wear ear buds or headphonesMust ride in single fileMust obey all the rules of the roadMust use hand signalsMust respect other riders, pedestrians and motoristsThere's still time to get your spot and choose a route for your ride. Registration for this event can be done online and it's $50 per rider. You must register by May 16th to enjoy this event. The Dine for the Dogs isn't included in the registration fee.
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 11:03:22 -0500</pubDate>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/27-holes-of-beautiful-fun.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/27-holes-of-beautiful-fun.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>27-Holes of Beautiful Fun</title>
<description> <![CDATA[
Golfers will enjoy their time at Indian Bayou Golf Course with three unique nine-hole courses. Each one features signature holes and provides a different challenge for all types of golfers. The forgiving fairways, undulating greens, beautiful pines and sparkling lakes provide an amazing golfing experience. Indian Bayou is known as one of the best course in Northwest Florida and includes the following three nine-hole courses:Choctaw Course - These nine holes will provide a challenge all golfers. Distance and control are important on this course with two par five holes measuring over 550 yards. The entire nine measures 3,464 yards from the back tees.Creek Course - This course features quite a bit of water and challenges the accuracy of golfers. It measures 3,433 yards from the back tees and provides two shorter par five holes.Seminole Course - With wide fairways, multiple doglegs and some water, all golfers will enjoy this nine-hole course. It's the longest of the three measuring 3,614 yards from the back tees, but neither of the par fives are over 550 yards.Along with the three nine-hole courses, Indian Bayou features an excellent practice facility with putting greens and unlimited range balls with your round of golf. The practice facility is only for course members and golf patrons. The course also offers lessons from teaching professionals.Rates and MembershipMemberships are available on an Annual, Semi-Annual and Quarterly basis. Single memberships range from $750 to $2,750. Couples memberships range from $1,000 to $3,250 and an annual family membership is $3,500. Corporate memberships are also available at a rate of $4,500 for two partners and an additional $2,000 for another partner.Regular rates for golf are $75 for 18 holes and $39 for nine holes. The twilight rate starts at 1pm and is $59.
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2013 12:55:10 -0500</pubDate>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/putting-a-spotlight-on-niceville.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/putting-a-spotlight-on-niceville.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>Putting a Spotlight on Niceville</title>
<description> <![CDATA[
The name may seem like its misleading and how could anywhere really be named Niceville? However, this area found in Northwest Florida is full of white sandy beaches, beautiful communities and sunshine. Choosing the right place to settle with your family, when it comes to the Florida Gulf Coast isn't easy. Niceville certainly deserves a look.If you want to enjoy the peace of a quiet atmosphere and you enjoy the small town feel, this is the right town for you. The best part is Niceville offers many of the modern conveniences you need including excellent shopping, local restaurants and good schools. You can find everything you need within just a few minutes.This area was originally known as Boggy Bayou, but the name was changed in hopes of attracting a tourist crowd. This old community comes with plenty of local pride and still has a comforting feel for newcomers. It's close to the Eglin Air Force Base, so there are always new people coming into the area. This provides a great mix of new residents and old locals.Retirees, families, young couples and singles are all found here and welcome in Niceville. It's found along the Choctawhatchee Bay and provides a great atmosphere for all residents. There are plenty of local activities, many outdoors, and the entire family can find something to do here. Activities range from beaches to golf and everything in between. Destin isn't far from Niceville, which provides even more access to events, festivals, activities and more.Many types of homes are found within the area and there's something for all family sizes. Whether you need to relocate for work or you're looking for a great place to retire, Niceville should be high on the list. Don't let the name fool you, it's more than just nice in Niceville.
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 09:56:15 -0500</pubDate>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/the-best-fishing-adventure-in-destin.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/the-best-fishing-adventure-in-destin.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>The Best Fishing Adventure in Destin</title>
<description> <![CDATA[
Charter Boat Special K is a huge boat with plenty of power and the ability to deliver the most memorable fishing trip of your life. This 38-foot Betram is powered by twin turbo engines and can accommodate up to six passengers. There's plenty of room for custom fishing gear and the one-on-one charter fishing experience is one of the best in the area. Whether you want to spend time discovering more about fishing in the ocean or you're after the biggest catch of your life, let Captain Andy take you out on the water.The Gulf of Mexico is full of fish and Destin is known for the fishing potential. With a priority on safety and an enjoyable experience, this charter boat will give you the fishing experience you're looking for. You won't find any bells, whistles or flash when it comes to this fishing boat. However, you will find plenty of good ole anglers like Kyle, Danny and Andy. You can fish with any of them without any worries of corporate ties ruining your experience.Since the Special K is a smaller boat, it's able to find the hot fishing spots. Larger boats might mean more money for the owner, but not quite the same experience for those fishing. With a dozen or more people casting a line, it gets crowded and it's much harder to target the best fishing areas. Not only does the team in charge of the Special K use the smaller boat to help you get more bites, but they also go above and beyond when it comes to bait and tackle.Rates for the boat include up to six passengers and give you the entire boat for the time you pay for. You can reserve from four hours to fourteen hours and the price ranges from $740 to $2,590.
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 May 2013 09:43:39 -0500</pubDate>
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<guid>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/kids-play-areas-found-at-sandestin.html</guid><link>http://www.edkirkland.com/blog/kids-play-areas-found-at-sandestin.html</link>
<author>karrie@edkirkland.com (Karrie Rose)</author><title>Kid's Play Areas Found at Sandestin</title>
<description> <![CDATA[
Kid’s areas are important, especially for families living in the Destin area. Whether you plan to enjoy a stay or you just want to enjoy some of the best area for children in Destin, you should be aware of the following areas.Gordon Davidson Nature TrailThe Gordon Davidson Nature Trail is a great playground for your children. This is a fort-like area where kids can learn about animals, plants and they can even swing from the sky. If you have a few young boys with you, this is the mecca of forts for them to play in.The Village of Baytowne WarfAdventure Landing is found within the village and the design of the playground brings your child's dreams to life. With swings, mazes and winding paths, your young ones can enjoy exploring the many areas within the playground. Slides, bridges and unknown places make this a great place for your kids.Jolee Island Nature ParkAnother great choice for you and your children is Jolee Island Nature Park. This is a place you can enjoy a picnic at the five-acre park. The lush Florida landscape is perfect for you and your children and the Baytowne Marina isn't far away. You can enjoy the trails, complete with a footbridge, the porch swings and even the Horseshoe Bayou. This is a great place for everybody.The Market ShopsIf you need a break from the rest and the kids want to have fun at one of the coolest playgrounds in Destin, the center plaza is the place to go. The jungle gym, slide and sandbox will keep your kids busy for hours.These are some of the best choices within the Sandestin area and you will quickly find out how much your children love these playgrounds and adventures.
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 11:55:39 -0500</pubDate>
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