Whether youre returning to your familys favorite vacation cottage or planning a first-time trip with a group of friends, the

Gulf Coast boasts classic spots and new finds for every beach comber. Youll find the best places to eat, activities for everyone in your group and must-see sites a-plenty. Weve divided the Gulf Coast Guide by state, traversing the coast from Mississippi well into Florida. Whether youre staying in Alabamas own Gulf Shores or exploring the options in Floridas Beaches of South Walton region, theres no reason to expect anything less than the years most memorable vacation.

With temperatures rising, our minds turn to the gulf.

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by Molly Folse, Clair MClaFFerty, lauren sharpe, susan Vallee and Carla Jean Whitley

gulf coast guide

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Mississippi
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a classic attraction got a new look in late 2010, as the Ohr-OKeefe museum of art opened in its new, $32-million space. The new museum was originally set to open in 2006, before Hurricane Katrina decimated the unfinished building. Now, the Frank Gehry-designed space features six pavilions set up like a village, local materials and attentiongrabbing steel panels. The museums stunning collection of George Ohr art pottery, african-american art and more ensure visitors will find treasures around every corner.
386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi; (228) 374-5547; georgeohr.org

expedition, during which theyll learn how to catch, cook and eat shrimp.
693 Beach Blvd., Biloxi; (228) 392-8645; biloxishrimpingtrip.com

your life.
23rd avenue, Gulfport; (228) 864-1014; msshipisland.com

The 2010 Deep water Horizon oil spill cost the Gulf Coast thousands of dollars in lost tourist revenue, and youll be able to see first-hand the importance of the local seafood industry during the Biloxi Shrimping Trip. The educational boat tours invite guests on a shrimping

Visit undeveloped barrier islands with Ship Island Excursions. Eleven miles off the mississippi coast, youll find swimming, shelling, history at Fort massachusetts, dolphin sightings and tranquility. The ferry trip takes one hour each way, and guests can stay on the island for a half- or full day. Its a peaceful break from all that clutters

Engage your childrens imaginations at the lynn meadows Discovery Center. Lulus The 11-year-old museum introduces kids to other cultures (in the Celebrate the world we Sharemexico exhibit), mississippis history (History Hotel), the local seafood industry (The Port) and more in a variety of interactive exhibits. adults can engage their artistic sides during the monthly Glazed Over pottery classes.
246 Dolan ave., Gulfport; (228) 897-6039; lmdc.org

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In mississippi, golfing abounds, and many courses boast designer names. The Bridges Golf Course at Hollywood Casino Bay St. louis is the states only arnold Palmer-designed course. Jack Nicklaus left his stamp at the Grand Bear Golf Course. Gautiers Shell landing Golf Course boasts a Davis love III design. Head to Gulfport for mark mcCumbers windance Country Club course.
Windance Country Club, 19385 Champion Circle, Gulfport; (228) 832-4871; windancecc.com The Bridges Golf Course, 711 Hollywood Blvd. Bay saint louis; (866) 758-2591; hollywoodcasinobsl.com shell landing Golf Course, 3499 shell landing Blvd., Gautier; (228) 497-5683; shelllandinggolf.com Grand Bear Golf Course, 12040 Grand Way Blvd. saucier; (228) 539-7806; harrahs.com
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live oaks in magnolia Springs, Jesses Restaurant is luxury. worth the drive and an overnight stay at magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast (ask for The Dinner Package special).

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Though the mississippi coast offers more than 20 courses, your curiosity may be piqued by more recent additions. The Jerry Pate-designed Preserve Golf Club in Vancleave and Tom Fazios creation Fallen Oak in Biloxi celebrate fifth anniversaries in 2011.

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The Preserve Golf Club, 8901 Highway 57 N., Vancleave; (228) 386-2500; preservegc.com Fallen Oak Golf Club 24400 Highway 15 N., saucier; (877) 805-4657; fallenoak.com

mississippi is known for singing the blues, so its only natural to combine the states musical legacy with the coasts amenities. The inaugural Gulfport music Festival kicks of may 13 and 14, and will include classics and contemporary favorites montgomery Gentry, Steel magnolia, Jason michael Carroll, David Nail Back water, Train, Flo Rida, Rehab, and Skattered Union.
1909 e. Pass Rd., ste. D11, Gulfport; (228) 388-2001; gulfportmusicfestival. com

14470 Oak st., Magnolia springs; (251) 965-3826; jessesrestaurant.com and magnoliasprings.com

Even though New Orleans steals the mardi Gras spotlight, mobile hosts the nations original celebration. In its 309th year, mardi Gras in mobile, also known as americas Family mardi Gras, has something for all ages to enjoy, especially the moonPies thrown on parade routes. Events culminate on Fat Tuesday, march 8.
Downtown Mobile; mobilemardigras.com

gulf coast guide

Get ready to shop, because at the Gulfport Premium Outlets, youre sure to walk away with bags in hand. The outlet center, renamed in 2010, retains favorite stores that offer designer clothing for both men and women, accessories from popular retailers Coach and Fossil and more.
10000 Factory shops Blvd., Gulfport; (228) 867-6100; premiumoutlets.com/Gulfport

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Charm and luxury is what youll find at Grand Hotel marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa. The historic hotel overlooking mobile Bay is the southernmost stop on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and the No. 1 marriott spa world-wide. Come discover for yourself the 36 holes of golf, 26,000-square-foot spa, seven restaurants and marina that make it one of the top hotels in the world.
One Grand Blvd., Point Clear; (251) 928-9201; marriottgrand.com

Travel back through time, and discover the rich history of alabamas coast. walk the Battle of mobile Bay Civil war Trail and make stops at Fort Gaines, Fort morgan and Blakeley State Park. Visit the museum of mobile at the Southern market/Old City Hall, as well as additional locations at the French Fort Conde and restored firehouse Phoenix Fire museum. Step aboard seasoned world war II veteran, USS alabama, and

mardi Gras is a classic, but this year Biloxi will invite teens to celebrate in the inaugural mary C. Teen mardi Gras masquerade Ball. Its the only event of its kind on the Gulf Coast. Teenagers will enjoy a king, queen and court presentation, a seven-course meal, dancing and of course, costumes galore. The ball will be held march 7 from 6:30-9 p.m. admission is $15, and reservations are required.
iP Casino Resort, 850 Bayview ave., Biloxi; (228) 818-2878; ipbiloxi.com l

Our server said the coffee-rubbed filet was so good youd want to rub your face in it. and you know what? He was right. Tucked among towering

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explore one of the most decorated battleships in United States history.

(800) 566-2453; battleofmobilebay.com 111 S. Royal St., Mobile; (251) 208-7569; museumofmobile.com 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile; (251) 433-2703; ussalabama.com

13 and older can play with a white Bengal tiger cub. Its unforgettable.
1204 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores; (251) 968-5732; alabamagulfcoastzoo.org

coast guide | spring 2010

Taste the cheeseburger in paradise that inspired Jimmy Buffet at the Dew Drop Inn. If cheeseburgers arent your thing, try the specialty hot dogs buried beneath sauerkraut, chili, mustard, ketchup and a pickle slice. For all you Parrotheads, be sure to add Jimmys little sisters restaurant LuLus at Homeport to your to-do list.
1808 Old Shell Rd., Mobile; (251) 473-7872 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores; (251) 967-5858; lulusathomeport.com

A proud member of the Dolphin SMART program (protects wild dolphins through responsible tours), Cetacean Cruises offers a dolphin and nature cruise. Quiet and serene, the nature cruise explores undisturbed forest and narrow creeks. Its like the Florida of yesteryear.
25991 W. Perdido Ave., Orange Beach; (251) 550-8000, cetaceancruises.com

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A great line-up is not the only thing Hangout Music Festival is introducing in its second year. The first and only festival of its kind will feature a fifth beachfront stage and Hammock Beach, a salt-water lagoon with shade, hammocks, art installations and 360-degree views from its Sky-bar tower. Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Widespread Panic, The Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, Amos Lee, Old Crow Medicine Show and many more will grace the stages May 20 to 22. Learn about shrimping, crabbing and oystering on a Skip Trip with Sailaway Charters. Captain Skip will take up to six people on his sailboat for a two-hour narrated nature tour of the bay. Dont miss this unique and interactive way to explore the coast!
24231 Gulf Bay Rd., Orange Beach; (251) 974-5055; sailorskip.com 101 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores; (888) 512-7469; hangoutmusicfest.com

and a view of boats passing by on the Intracoastal Waterway. Welcome to Lulus at Homeport Marina. Owned by Jimmy Buffets sister, Lucy, its a great place to fill up on food and veg out.
200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores; (251) 967-5858; lulusathomeport.com

Whats not to love about the Hangout? It offers delicious food, retro fun (check out the new ping pong tournament) and home of the aforementioned Hangout Music Fest. Buy a souvenir underneath the circus-inspired big top, or add your wish to the Wishing Wall.
101 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores; (251) 948-3030; thehangoutal.com

Turquoise Place welcomes you to the next level of beach lodging. Inside a shimmering turquoise glass exterior, each of the 400 condominiums has its own breathtaking Gulf view, balcony with hot tub and outdoor kitchen, gas fireplace and 2,300- to 5,900-square-feet of space. If thats not enough to pique your interest, the high rise also boasts indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities, a lazy river and sauna.
26302 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach; (866) 966-6451; turquoiseplace.com

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Visit Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the little zoo that could, and take advantage of the animal encounter program. Touch a kangaroo or stand still while a lemur uses your head as a landing pad. Kids
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Sometimes lifes luxuries are as simple as a basket of jalapeno hushpuppies, sweet iced tea (made with real sugar)

Get in touch with your artistic side at Beach CITE Studios, Inc., the only facility of its kind in the Southeast. Enjoy intimate concerts and songwriting seminars, learn to cook local favorites, tap dance the day away, become a Photoshop expert and discover your

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theatrical talents at this community interactive teaching experience.

27267 Perdido Beach Blvd., suite 202, Orange Beach; (251) 981-1989; beachcitestudios.org

group lessons. How often do you get a chance to snap a photo of grandpa on a surf board?
7220 Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach; (850) 235-2702; mrsurfs.com

Down by the bay, 5 Rivers, alabamas Delta Resource Center is the gateway to alabamas largest national natural landmark and americas second largest river delta. Experience the blending of the mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, apalachee and Blakeley rivers by way of boat, canoe, kayak or nature trail.
30945 Five Rivers Blvd., spanish Fort; (251) 625-0814; alabama5rivers.com

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Have a good time for a good cause at the second annual Crawfish in the Courtyard. Held march 31 at the Gulf Coast Exploreum in mobiles historic district, this event has all you can eat crawfish, adult beverages, live entertainment and enter-to-win prizes. Only those 21 and older can attend. all proceeds benefit the Discover Science program, which provides underserved children with educational experiences at the museum.
65 Government st., Mobile; (251) 208-6873; exploreum.com

are you an angler? Or maybe you enjoy watching fishermen haul in their catch? Check out the Russell-Fields Pier, located directly across the street from Pier Park. Passes are $2 to enter the pier, fishing rates are $3 and $6 (children younger than 5 fish free). Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
16201 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach; (850) 233-5060.

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For more than a decade, the Belmont arts & Cultural Center has provided the Pensacola community with a gallery space to showcase its artistic offerings. Visiting artists of any experience level are invited to sign up for a class during their stay in the area. Taught

award-winning and host to the First Family when the president visited Panama City Beach in 2010, Firefly is an absolute delight. Enjoy handmade pastas, lobster tail, fresh Gulf shrimp and artisanal desserts. Reservations recommended.
535 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach; (850) 249-3359; fireflypcb.com

Trade in your beach bags for shopping bags at Eastern Shore Centre, an open-air shopping mall with a unique mix of specialty shops, department stores and restaurants. add some relaxation time with a stop at the community courtyard to enjoy a musical performance or the dancing fountain.
30500 state Highway 181, spanish Fort; (251) 625-0060; easternshorecentre.com

lunch isnt complete without cannons firing or a salt shaker disco ball descending from the sky. welcome to margaritaville, where your Gulf view is accompanied by great food, fun times and Jimmy Buffet songs (and a rainbow of margaritas).
16230 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach; (850) 235-7870; margaritavillepanamacitybeach.com

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Panama City Beach

Never held a surf board before? No problem. The instructors at mr. Surfs will have you standing up on a board in no time. Fun for everyone, ask about
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Its hard to miss the giant upside down house in Panama City Beach. located next to Ripleys Believe It or Not, wonderworks is the newest beach attraction in town. Four floors of interactive games, laser tag, rides and more await you.
9910 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach; (850) 329-0782, wonderworkspcb.com

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by master artisans, these classes last less than a day, and participants take their work home as a souvenir of the experience.
401 N. Reus st., Pensacola; (850) 429-1222; belmontartscenter.com

generations of the Renfroe family have expanded the company to sell all different types of nuts. In the store, you will find candied, roasted, salted and raw nuts, as well as their famous New Orleansstyle pralines.
2400 W. Fairfield Dr., Pensacola; (800) 874-1929

lee House Bed & Breakfast. Constructed in 2008 on the site of the old lee House, the eight guest suites provide comfort to the guests and ready access to the neighboring Seville Square and Fountain Park.
400 Bayfront Parkway, Pensacola; (850) 912-8770; leehousepensacola.com

located on the alabama-Florida border, the Flora-Bama lounge and Package Store has long been one of the most recognizable bar names on the Florida coast. while youre there, dont forget to try out the classic Bushwhacker, a frozen drink made from milk, coffee liqueurs, and rums that has remained a local favorite for more than 25 years.
14701 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola; (850) 492-0611; florabama.com

Housed in a Civil war-era building, Jacksons Steakhouse takes its name from the seventh presidents nearby acceptance of the transfer of Florida to the United States. Styled to resembled the park outside, the upscale restaurant is known for its award-winning wine list and finely crafted steak.
400 south Palafox st., Pensacola; (850) 469-9898; jacksons.goodgrits.com

Need a place to watch the sun set over Pensacola Bay? Visit The Grand marlin, a restaurant boasting the areas best selection of seafood on a menu that guarantees youll find something new every time you visit. For the perfect compliment to your meal, order a cocktail or glass of wine off of the large drinks menu.
400 Pensacola Beach Blvd., Pensacola; (850) 677-9153; thegrandmarlin.com

To find a souvenir for the foodie in your family, visit the J.w. Renfroe Pecan Company. For half a century, three

Just a few miles south of Pensacola lies Gulf Islands National Seashore. Home to the Gulfs signature sugar white sands, campgrounds, and historic forts, this national park has something to offer everyone.
1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze; (850) 934-2600; nps.gov/guis

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Head to the Five Sisters Blues Caf for your fix of down-home Southern food and blues music. For Sunday brunch or dinner and a show, this family friendly venue will have you tapping your feet while you eat. Enjoy the music and the food of one of the up-and-coming names in the Pensacola restaurant scene.
421 W. Belmont st., Pensacola; (850) 912-4856; fivesistersbluescafe.com

To experience the history of the Pensacola area with all the comforts of modern lodging, check out the

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Rococo is an upscale womens consignment boutique offering brands from American Eagle to Yves Saint Laurent. Fashionistas of all ages can shop these brands to their hearts content.
4970 B Bayou Blvd., Pensacola; (850) 607-6073; rococoresale.com

The National Museum of Naval Aviation has added Hangar Bay One, a new 55,000 square foot display area to showcase more of the post-World War II era museum collection. In addition to housing the museums U.S. Coast Guard aircraft collection, the space is also home to the first aircraft to land at the South Pole.
1750 Radford Blvd. Ste. B, Pensacola; (850) 452-3604; navalaviationmuseum.org

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Florida
Beaches of South Walton
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Rosemary Beach is a cycling town. You wont see many cars traveling through, so the best way to explore the area is to rent a bicycle from Bamboo Bicycle Company, located in the heart of Rosemary Beachs town center. A17-mile paved bike trail runs along much of 30-A, in addition to the Timpoochee Trail, which features mostly flat terrain. Bamboo Bicycle Company offers tandem bikes, cruisers and smaller
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bikes equipped with training wheels for the little ones. While on your bike, check out the architecture of Rosemary Beach, which mimics the aesthetics of cities such as St. Augustine, Fla., New Orleans, La., and Charleston, S.C.
50 N. Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach; (850) 231-0770; bamboobicyclecompany.com

lunch, and dinner from its spot smack in the middle of the Rosemary Beach town center.
60 N. Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach; (850) 231-6264; summerkitchencafe.blogspot.com

A short drive from Rosemary Beach is the popular Eden Gardens State Park, a 163-acre state park on Tucker Bayou in Point Washington. The park was once the home of lumber baron William Henry Wesley and his family. Stroll through the garden trails or take a tour of the 1895 mansion, which boasts the second largest known collection of Louis XVI furniture in the United States. The moss-adorned oaks and grassy lawns with a view of the bay make Eden Gardens a favorite picnic spot for visitors.
County Road 395, Point Washington; (850) 267-8320; floridastateparks.org/edengardens

Samford University graduates Chris and Jennifer Webb have been renting beach supplies in Rosemary Beach since 1997. Their company, Sea Oats Beach Service, provides beach umbrellas, chairs, hammocks, cabanas, kayaks, catamarans and surfboards. The company also sets up beach fires and holds Sea School lessons for ages 8 and up.
P.O. Box 611272, Rosemary Beach; (850) 951-3632; seaoatsbeachservice.com

Summer Kitchen Caf started serving the few homeowners and construction workers of Rosemary Beach back in 1999. Twelve years later, the eatery, now known for its Kobe beef burger and vegetarian offerings, serves breakfast,

Relax, and toast sunset at Bud & Alleys, everybodys favorite sunset watching spot in idyllic Seaside. Make your best guess for the time when the sun dips past the horizon and youll win a free cocktail! Order the Seaside Shrimp and sweet potato fries (along with a Mogarita) and dine like a local.
2236 E. Scenic Highway 30A. Seaside; (850) 231-5900; budandalleys.com

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Discover why Grayton Beach has been the goto summer retreat for generations of families. Little ones will appreciate the calm, warm waters of the Western Lake outfall. Shallow and calm, its perfect on a day when the surf is up in the Gulf. Walk to the Red Bar for lunch. Since 1979, The Zoo Gallery has brought unique, handmade art to the Fort Walton Beach area. Owner Chris Wilson, an Auburn University graduate, and his wife Roxie opened the Grayton Beach location in 1999. Twelve years later, Wilson has three locations, and the Grayton Beach gallery remains a must-see spot for visitors. The Zoo Gallery boasts handcrafted pottery, jewelry, limited edition prints, handmade furniture and salvaged pieces, recycled metal, artisan glass, T-shirts, wearable art, cards, books and more.
89 Hotz Ave.; Grayton Beach; (850) 231-0777; thezoogallery.com

Grayton Beach is one of the areas oldest townships. The mile-long beach has consistently been ranked among the most beautiful in the country, which explains why the quaint, laid back beach town remains popular with vacationers. Folks have been renting cabins at Grayton Beach State Park since 1968, and today the park boasts close to 2,000 acres of land where visitors engage in fishing, camping, hiking, relaxation and other traditional beach recreation. In addition, the Grayton Beach Nature Trail, part of Grayton Beach State Park, winds through sand dunes, pine flatwoods and other natural landscapes.
Photo by Tommy Crow

357 Main Park Rd., Santa Rosa Beach; (850) 267-8300; floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach Digital Graffiti is a celebration of digital artistry from all over the world. Join Alys Beach as we open our town to showcase the fusion of design, technology and architecture. Saturday, June 11, 2011 8:30Midnight Buy tickets at www.digitalgraffiti.com www.alysbeach.com | 866.481.8390

The Red Bar is by far one of the most famous indoor spots along the Emerald Coast. Since 1994, locals and tourists alike have enjoyed the eclectic dcor, succulent seafood and funky live jazz, all under the roof of a 100-yearold building in the heart of Grayton Beach. If youre planning a visit, make sure to note that reservations and credit cards are not accepted.
70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach; (850) 231-1008; theredbar.com

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ALYS BEACH is a trademark of EBSCO Industries, Inc. 2011

You havent lived until youve tried Senora Annas fish tacos (grilled or fried) at Georges. Just trust us on this. Located in mesmerizing Alys Beach, this popular lunch and dinner

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Garrett sq ad

1/9/07

3:10 PM

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Real. Beach. Vacation.

Soak in the Old Florida setting of Beautiful Seagrove Beach.
Luxury to affordable vacation homes, townhomes, and condominiums.

spot divides its menu into behave and misbehave categories, but you wont feel guilty about eating anything on this menu. Reservations recommended.
30 Castle Harbour Dr., Alys Beach; (850) 641-0017; georgesatalysbeach.com

Named for renowned scientist Dr. Edward O. Wilson, the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is an environmental center created to foster a love for nature and the outdoors. The center is newly open to the public on the weekends. Just a short drive from the beach, you and your family will delight at the live animal displays and hiking trails.
4956 State Highway 20 East, Freeport; (850) 835-1824; eowilsoncenter.org

www.garrettrealty.com
UP THE ROAD FROM ROSEMARY BEACH & SEASIDE. DOWN TO EARTH IN SEAGROVE BEACH.

800-537-5387 850-231-1544

You Only Live Once is the motto that inspired a Stand-Up Paddleboard revolution. Youll be amazed at the sensation of walking on water and the birds eye view of fish and dolphin. YOLO even offers yoga classes on the boards! Try one out for yourself by renting a board. (850) 622-5760; yoloboard.com Restaurant Paradis opened in 2009, but has already made a splash in the Rosemary Beach community. Fine dining restaurant on one side, laid-back lounge on the other, Paradis serves fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients in an intimate atmosphere.
82 South Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach; (850) 534-0400; restaurantparadis.com

Tapas and chocolate? Yes, please! New to Rosemary Beach is La Crema, owned by Kevin Neel, a burned-out mortgage broker, and his wife Kim. The pair was inspired to open La Crema after a trip to Spain, where they were seduced by intoxicating
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chocolate. La Cremas menu changes seasonally, but features tapas items such as crispy eggplant bites with sea salt and molasses that taste similar to French toast, alongside chocolate dishes like chocolate-dipped bacon and chocolate soup.
8 Main St., Rosemary Beach; (404) 542-2822; lacrematapas.com

Pish Posh Patchoulis is a specialty boutique shop featuring skin, body and beauty products, in addition to accessories such as fabric headbands made by hand by a woman from Tennessee. Of particular interest to beachgoers are the many products Patchoulis offers for sun care and skin affected by the often harsh beach conditions.
82 S. Barrett Square Ste. 10, Rosemary Beach; (850) 231-2005; patchoulis.com

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At the Northwest corner of Rosemary Beach, alongside West Kingston Road, sits the charming Butterfly Garden. Red, yellow and pink flowers attract numerous butterflies who flit and float alongside you as you make your way through the wooden path that curves throughout the park. Tours of the garden are a popular activity during the Flutterby Arts Festival, held each November.
rosemarybeach.com

beach DeaLS
al.com/travel
Find vacation rentals, things to do, restaurants and upcoming events in communities along the Alabama & Florida coasts. Book your spring vacation today. Enter for a chance to win a beach getaway March 1-April 16, 2011. All on al.com/travel.

Destin
CLASSIC
The Donut Hole is Destins go-to place for something sweet. The bakery-caf may be known for its namesake donuts, but full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are also available at both the Destin and Santa Rosa Beach locations. A word to the wise: Get there early if you want fresh donuts for breakfast. Its not uncommon to see a line out the door.
635 Harbor Blvd., Destin; (850) 837-8824; 6745 U.S. 98 W., Santa Rosa Beach; (850) 267-3239

Talk about history and tradition. Check out the Destin Fishing and History Museum, where you can see the oldest seine fishing boat still in existence, as well as antique fishing equipment and other Destin artifacts dating back to the late 1800s.
108 Stahlman Ave., Destin; (850) 837-6611; destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org

Many people set aside a day during their Destin vacation to hit the shops at Silver Sands Designer Outlets. Silver Sands started with 25
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shops in 1992 and has since expanded to over 100 designer outlets, including Ann Taylor, Lacoste, BCBG Max Azria, Brooks Brothers and Michael Kors.
10562 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin; (850) 654-9771; silversandsoutlet.com

The 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort opened in 1973. Adults who vacationed at Sandestin as children are bringing their own families back to the resort, which today boasts four golf courses, 15 tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a marina, spa, shopping, restaurants and more, in addition to the famous seven miles of beach along the Emerald Coast.
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Destin; (850) 267-8000; sandestin.com

Chartwell Hospitality

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The Back Porch got its start in 1979 with a small building on the beach. Known for its chargrilled Amberjack sandwich, The Back Porch also boasts a second location in Panama City.
1740 Old Highway 98 East, Destin; (850) 837-2022; theback-porch.com

Fudpuckers Beachside Bar & Grill has been locally owned and operated since 1982 and has carved out a solid space in beachgoers lists of traditions at both locations in Fort Walton Beach and Destin. Fudpuckers has lots of activities for the kids and great food and drinks for the adults. Just dont forget to pick up one of the restaurants famous T-shirts.
20001 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin; (850) 654-4200; fudtv.com

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