Completed June 10th-13th, 2013
For our anniversary each year, which is June 13th, we like to plan a vacation to celebrate just the two of us. This year, we contemplated another cruise, possibly New Orleans, Boston, or Destin, FL. We normally take a flight, unless it is a cruise obviously, but this year we were itching to take a road trip. And I am so happy to say that it was a great time and we can't wait to do it again! Our destination was DESTIN, FLORIDA!
Our trip took us from Texas to Baton Rouge to Destin, then we headed back west to New Orleans and the finally back to Texas. It was an easy drive, straight on IH-10, with a few turns along the way. We did it in two days but could have easily done it in one. I will post about Destin today and save New Orleans for another day.
I was SO excited that Destin was included in our trip because that was one of my 30 before 30 goals! Have you ever been to Destin before? It is GORGEOUS. Who knew the USA had gorgeous beaches like that on the mainland (of course, I'm not counting Hawaii). The water was crystal clear, the sand was so super soft... I could've stayed in Destin for a month. But enough talking. Let's get to the pictures! Seriously, it's a picture overload.
Our resort: Sandestin
Our balcony overlooking the bay:
The Village of Baytowne Wharf: cute shops, restaurants, and family fun on our resort property (I HIGHLY recommend this resort complex if you have children!)
If yogurt is an option, we always get some!
The first restaurant we ate at: Graffiti and the Funky Blues Shack. Delicious!
Amazing dipping oil with garlic and red pepper flakes. Mmm.
Caesar salads with prosciutto. So good!
Nate's dish: Buffalo Meatloaf wrapped in Bacon
My dish: Angel Hair and Olive Oil Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes. Goodness.
Our resort had four golf courses. Beautiful at sunset!
We played mini golf twice on this trip: you may think we are five years old, but it is our idea of a good time!
My new happy place: the beach at the Sandestin resort! GORGEOUS water, clearrrrr like a swimming pool, and the most amazing sand. Super soft to the touch. I'm picky about getting in the ocean/ocean water and won't get in unless I can see to the bottom. This beach was just right for me!
I made this picture XL so you could see how soft the sand was... can you tell?! It was fabulous!
Our hotel on the resort property: LeCiel
We had lunch at a brick oven pizzeria called Fat Clemenza's. The BEST pizza I have ever had in my life and our favorite meal during our time in Destin. I took pictures with my phone, so they are not on here, but it was SO good. Anyways, we had a "treat" daily: this place had delicious frozen custard! I had cookie dough in mine. Mmm!
Mini golf night two: we had just eaten at this amazing restaurant called McGuire's who had the BEST burgers! I took pictures with my phone... but just take my word on it. Delicious!
I got a hole in one! Nate got like three or four hole in ones, but I was proud to at least get one!
Another day at the beach!
Look at that clear water... gorgeous!
For the afternoon, we traveled to Seaside, which the absolute, most adorable and picturesque town I have ever visited. Beautiful, classic homes. Such friendly people: a very bike and animal-friendly area as well!
They have food trucks which have the most amazing food. We ate at Barefoot BBQ and it was the best BBQ we have had (I've been saying that a lot, haven't I? But it's so true!)
My dish: pulled pork sliders. They have four homemade sauces and their own dry rub for their meats. So tasty!
Nate had a BBQ brisket sandwich with their macaroni and cheese and beans. That macaroni with their dry rub sprinkled on it was so good!
This record store was awesome: had great finds in it!
We love visiting independently owned bookstores on our vacations. Nate is a book NUT and I just like the old-timey feel of it.
Very dog friendly! Hitches, ice cream, and a drinking station are all available for your pooch! We left Chloe and Oliver with their grandparents (my parents) during the week, but I know they would have enjoyed their stay!
Our last morning, before we headed out of town, we ate at this place called the Donut Hole. YUM. They have regular breakfast food items besides donuts, but I definitely had a donut while we were here!
Hitting the road: peace out, Destin!
If you have never been to Destin, I highly recommend it! Beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, lots to do (mini golf, outlet shopping, movie theatres, mini golf/race tracks/crazy rides), a fabulous family-friendly atmosphere. It was clean, well taken care of, and I couldn't say enough good things about it! We already can't wait to go back again.
So: have you been to Destin? I am glad I put it on my 30 before 30! Another item marked off the list, yay! Happy Tuesday!
"Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you." Psalm 139: 16-18
Oh my gosh, the gulf coast of Florida is my absolute FAVORITE! Seaside, especially. I spent two spring breaks there in college and dream of more vacations there in the future. Loved getting to see these photos of one of my favorite places!
ReplyDeleteOmg! Your pictures are beautiful! Looks like you both had an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteYou look so happy! I so want to be there.
Glad the both of you had a great time.
looks liks you had such a good trip!! that sand does look SO soft!! glad you had a great time- happy late anniversary!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, how FUN!! So awesome that y'all took this trip...the food all looks amazing! Love that y'all play miniature golf, too :) we always did that on vacation growing up. It's so fun!
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