Have your 2019 beach trip planned any time soon? Here is a an updated post from our trip to Destin, FL that we took last September full of delicious food recommendations. Can’t wait to go back this year!

When you do a beach trip anytime after June, you run the risk of having a hurricane interrupt your plans for lots of fun in the sun. Last September, we ended up getting into town right as hurricane Gordon was making its way through the panhandle. After watching the weather closely, we decided that it would be safe for us to stay and make the most of whatever weather God would provide for us.

Swimsuit: Beaufort Bonnet Company 

We arrived in Destin mid-afternoon on a Sunday. By the time we got in town and settled in our Airbnb, the rain had started pouring down so we decided not to venture very far for dinner our first night in town. We ended up at KENNY D’s Beach Bar and Grill. It was the closest place to where we were staying and is a cute little bar and grill run by a guy from Louisiana. For being a bar, it was very kid friendly. There was practically a baby at every table in the place when we arrived!

MONDAY

On Monday we got up bright and early to get out on the beach so we could enjoy as much sun as possible before the rain came in. It was Greta’s first beach experience, and I was so pleased with how she took to the sand. She absolutely loved it and would just sit there and play in the sand for hours!

Rash Guard Swimsuit: RuffleButts

LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE

Monday night we decided to try LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE, a restaurant that was recommended to us by a lot of people. The food was absolutely ahhh-mazing and there was a great view of a harbor on their back porch where we dined.

Although I usually try to eat as much seafood as I can when we’re at the beach, I ordered their tournedos of beef for dinner, which was medallions of filet topped with jumbo lump crab meat and shrimp with a béarnaise sauce (there was some seafood included!). Will had the Blackened Redfish, which was also delicious, and topped with jumbo lump crab meat and lobster. It was also to die for!

While I don’t have any pictures to provide of that meal (I was trying to “unplug” a little while on vacation), I can say that it was SO delicious, we will definitely return to Louisiana Lagniappe on future trips.

TUESDAY

STINKY’S FISH CAMP

Tuesday it rained all day, so we decided to take a drive up 30A to Santa Rosa Beach. We stopped for lunch at STINKY’S FISH CAMP. It was Taco Tuesday, so after enjoying some Gulf Fish and Shrimp Ceviche, Will and I split an order of fish tacos. When we go on vacation we often hop around to different places and share small plates, in an attempt to try as many good places as possible. All the food here was very fresh and tasty!

THE RED BAR/LOUIS LOUIS

After Stinky’s we stopped by THE RED BAR, in Grayton Beach, for a beer because both of us had been wanting to check this place out for a while, and neither of us had ever been before. Because of the weather it was not too crowded, but it definitely had good ambiance and seemed like a good spot to hang out.

Note: The Red Bar unfortunately had a fire in February of 2019, and was deemed a total loss. They do plan on rebuilding, but in the meantime you can visit their sister bar, LOUIS LOUIS.

REAL THAI FUSION

For dinner on Tuesday, we decided to stay in. The eye of the storm was passing through the area so we thought it was best to play it safe. I found a Thai place close by called, REAL THAI FUSION, and picked up some to go, and we enjoyed a yummy meal and some family time together in the condo.

WEDNESDAY

SUNSET BAY CAFE

On Wednesday the storm was still passing through so we were unable to go to the beach as it was showering off and on all day. We decided to go to brunch at Sunset Bay Cafe in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar. We sat on the porch so we could enjoy the weather (it was not raining at the time).

Their brunch was amazing! I ordered a Bloody Mary and it was gigantic! You definitely only need one. We split some Crab Cakes for an appetizer. The jerk remoulade on the crab cakes was a nice touch. For my main course I had the Fried Green Tomato Benedict. It was so delicious, I definitely recommend this place.

After breakfast we decided to check out the Bass Pro Shop, and do a little shopping since we couldn’t be on the beach. It was a nice afternoon together.

POMPANO JOE’S

For  dinner we decided to go to POMPANO JOE’S. By the time we made it out there the sun was setting. We stepped out on the beach to try to take a family picture on the beach. There was no one around to ask to take our picture, so we were not able to get a good family picture, but we did enjoy the view! The sunset was so beautiful with all the shades of orange, red, and purple. A rainbow also came out, so we knew that hurricane Gordon was over, and the rest of our trip would be full of sand and sunshine!

At Pompano Joe’s we started off with some Reggae Rolls, a very popular item on Pompano’s menu. For dinner I had the Red Snapper Galante, which was snapper topped with tomato, basil, and feta cheese. It was very yummy! Will had the Garlic Crusted Grouper with Lobster. It was also very good. Greta enjoyed it all too!

THURSDAY

The next day we hit the beach and had a full day enjoying the sand, surf, and the emerald coast. Greta had so much fun she fell asleep on my chest. I was so happy to sit there and snuggle with her since she rarely falls asleep in my arms anymore.

Hat: Pesca Muerta | Swimsuit: Beaufort Bonnet

BOSHAMP’S SEAFOOD AND OYSTER HOUSE

That night we decided to go to Boshamp’s Seafood and Oyster house for dinner on the Destin Harbor. The food was amazing here, and the restaurant has a great atmosphere. It was very busy, and very lively! We had The Devil’s Crab for an appetizer, and for the main course I had the Hot Louisiana Crawfish Salad and Will had the catch of the day. Next time we’re in Destin, I think we will go here for lunch so we can enjoy the view of the harbor from their patio!

FRIDAY

Since we had so much rain in the beginning of the week, we decided to stay an extra day (our Airbnb host was so sweet, and accommodating!). We had perfect weather on our last day on the beach and enjoyed it to the fullest.

HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE

For dinner we stayed close to our condo, and went to the Half Shell Oyster House. Had to get one more meal of seafood in before heading back to Tennessee! We had some Oysters on the Half Shell and some Oysters Rockefeller to start, and finished the night with some Redfish Orleans and Herb Encrusted Grouper. It was all so fresh, and very tasty.

Overall, it was an awesome trip! You just can’t beat lots of sun, sand, and great food. I also love how family friendly Destin is. Until next time, Florida!

What is your favorite beach vacation spot? Comment and let me know!

CHEERS,

SHIP