Halloween Fun For All Ages

My kids and I got in the Halloween spirit this past weekend by visiting the Spook House at Sunsations next door to Fudpucker's in Destin. This was the non-scary version of the Jaycee's Haunted House. There were treats, crafts and delicious apples from Off The Vine organic produce. Although the youngest had been convinced by her old sisters that it was going to be scary, I think the eyes say it all, she was pleasantly surprised and had a blast. For more information about the Jaycee's Haunted House, and times for the scarier version, visit their site.

Another Haunted House for a great cause is the Annual Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Haunted House in Fort Walton Beach at the Uptown Station. Both are taking victims until October 31, 2009.

For more information about the wonderful things ECWR does check them out here. From their site:

The ECWR is a not-for-profit organization made up of a caring staff and dedicated volunteers. Its headquarters and refuge are currently located in the heart of Destin, Florida. Over the past 13 years, the ECWR has cared for thousands of animals in need of help – from stranded dolphins to injured eagles to orphaned foxes. The ECWR is mainly supported through the generous donations of local residents and businesses.

If you are looking for something more inspirational and less ghoulish, the contemporary Christian band Mercy Me will be performing at the Emerald Coast Conference Center on October 30, 2009. The band starts at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the conference center.


And lastly, if you are working on carving the perfect pumpkin check out these great tips on getting the longest life span out of your masterpiece. Who knew rubbing them down in petroleum jelly would preserve them? Don't forget to set your clocks back this weekend! An extra hour of Halloween mayhem is to be had.

Destin Festival of the Arts

When: October 24th and 25th, 2009
Where: Henderson Beach State Park in Destin
Donation: $3 for adults, children under 12 free

The 14th annual Destin Festival of the Arts is this weekend. One of Northwest Florida's premier art shows, the festival will showcase over 100 juried artists from around the US who will compete for $8,200 in cash prizes. A range of mediums will be represented including watercolor, photography, oil, acrylic, pastel, pottery, sculpture, clay, collage, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media and digital art. Children can express their artistic side with hands-on art activities at Artshop. There will be strolling performers, a bistro food court, continuous entertainment and festival merchandise.

All of this with beautiful sugar white sands as a backdrop! See you there.

Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival & Rootin Tootin Rodeo Roundup

It's that time of year again! For lovers of mullets (both kinds) the Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival is this weekend. With the humble mullet at the center of this event and art, crafts and entertainment all around, it is sure to be a fantastic festival. Musical guests Chuck Wicks, Blake Shelton and Billy Ray Cyrus will be performing. There is also a Billy Ray and Miley look-a-like contest (and a few rumors that Ms. Miley will be there, I guess we'll have to see.) The event is the 16, 17, and 18th. For more information visit the Mullet Festival site. (I'm a fan of the CamaroMullet).

It's also time for the Rootin Tootin Rodeo Roundup. I'll be attending again this year. For $10 per child, little anglers (with their parents) will get to fish from the Okaloosa Island Pier. This includes a rod to keep, bait, t-shirt and lunch! The Round-up starts at 9 am on Saturday, October 17th.

October is full of festivals and events for the whole family on the Emerald Coast!

31st Annual Destin Seafood Festival

This weekend at the Harborwalk Village the 31st annual Destin Seafood Festival is in full swing.

As the traditional kick off of the Destin Fishing Rodeo there is great food and entertainment including Joan Jett, Survivor (I'm working to achieve expert level for 'Eye of the Tiger' on Guitar Hero ), Black Eyed Blonde and much more! Bring the family for the best of Destin. Visit the festival site for more information.

There Is Always Time For Fishing

In July we received some great shots from Captain Mark of thestriperguide.com from one of his fishing trips to the area while staying at the Island Princess. From Mark:

I come to the Island Princess approximately 3 times a year usually June and July, my customers love the fishing. The Island Princess is a great place to stay.

As you can see we went after snapper most of the time. We caught Kings, short groupers, shark, Porgies and a few others. The snapper fishing was the best I have seen in a long time.

Thanks to Mark for sharing these pictures. Dale E Peterson Vacations offers a fishing trip per day with most rentals. The Destin Fishing Rodeo is just around the corner and runs the entire month of October. There are divisions for every angler. Make some great memories this fall! If you are in the Atlanta area, give Mike a call for striper fishing on Lake Lanier and Carters.

Florida's Gulfarium

The history of the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach.

Whale Sharks in Grayton Beach

On August 10, 2009 whale sharks showed up offshore of Grayton Beach. A dear friend had a chance to swim with them. Check out the video. 

Five Whale Sharks appeared just offshore from Grayton Beach, Florida in the first week of August in 2009. They remained in the local waters for two days. Many of the people chartering the Grayton Beach fishing boats and one group of divers photographed and swam with the whales during the two-day event. A Whale Shark is not a whale (mammal) but is a gentle, non-dangerous, filter-feeding shark that is the largest living fish species. 

James Griffith, a local firefighter/diver in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida captured the beautiful underwater video.The large school of bigger fish swimming with the whale shark are cobia.