Tag Archive for: visit florida

WELCOME TO MIAMI: THE LOEWS MIAMI IN SOUTH BEACH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/5/26

Every single corner of Loews Miami left us speechless. John and I recently did a Florida road trip vacation and ended up at the Loews Miami Beach. WOW! The recently renovated hotel really exceeded every expectation. From gorgeous lobby to sprawling pool to the best cabana experience to phenomenal dining options, the Loews Miami is the premiere Miami hotel. I kept pinching myself to make sure it wasn’t just a dream.

You drive up to the Loews and greeted with a gorgeous fountain and palm trees lining a pristine white hotel. Bellhops and valet swarm to help at every turn. The lobby stuns as you enter with expansive marble floors in a glowing a burst design and a central molecular chandelier that pulls your eye up. There are circular gold accents and colorful rock at the front desk. Bistro Collins and outdoor bar are a stunningly decorated bar and lounge area. My favorite spot in the lobby is the black and white outdoor bar.

Up in the room, it is beautifully designed with luxurious beds and classy accent walls. Plus, marble classic bathrooms and fun in room amenities like champagne and charcuterie are a treat. The best feature is the pool and iconic Miami south beach views from the balcony. I could sit out on the balcony for hours just taking in that view.

You won’t believe your eyes down at the pool deck and outdoor space. You’ll take the palm tree canopy walkway down to the pool opens to a zero-entry resort pool, like a beach! The pool features a central waterfall feature and is lined with palms and luxury loungers. Whether is it a busy day or calm, there are plenty of staff, loungers, and pristine pool to make you relax in the luxury.

And the Loews Miami Beach is right is right on the iconic South Beach! Access to the beach is just beyond the pool and a short walk up the walkway. They offer complimentary lounges and towels to complete your beach day where you can relax and stay awhile.

The Best Amenity: SOAK Cabanas & Daybeds

SOAK in the best amenity at the Loew’s Miami with SOAK Cabanas & Daybeds! If there is one thing that stood out from the Loews Miami Beach, it is their cabana experience at SOAK! I told John, “I live here now.” That is how much this impressed us and I didn’t want to leave at 6! We felt spoiled the whole time.

SOAK at the Loews Miami has 8 secret hideaways from the busy pool deck. They act as a retreat to your own pool house that is climate controlled and has a restful seating area inside next to the large bathroom with shower and rain shower head! Each cabana comes with multiple loungers outside, a cabana attendant to wait on you hand and foot, complimentary water, soda, and fruit plate, and face spritzer in the fridge! On top of that, literally, is your rooftop sun deck for lounging and sweeping pool views and view of the ocean. The views from up there are epic.

Plus, with a cabana attendant, you can order food and drink right from your cabana. We indulged in a complimentary fruit platter that had it all! It is loaded with goodies like blueberries, kiwi, dragon fruit, pineapple, melons, other berries and grapes. To start I opted for the whole coconut cocktail. It was my favorite sip with creamy cool coconut water and boozy dark run.

For eats, we went with the tuna poke bowl, traditional ceviche, and the pepperoni pizza. To start, the tuna poke bowl is very good. Cool tuna seared and encrusted smothered in a bright lemon aioli and sweet eel sauce, fluffy and herbaceous coconut rice, cucumber, and trimmings. This was my favorite dish at the cabana. I also wanted to try the traditional ceviche. It was a good choice with delicate mahi fish on a spicy and creamy Leche con Tigre sauce. Plus, tons of spicy peppers and tangy onions, creamy avocado, and sweet potatoes served with plantain chips. I paired my meal with the Sea Spa refresher. It is a
boozy floral gin with floral elderflower cocktail paired with cucumber! John wanted pizza so he got the pepperoni pizza with a good crunchy crust.

Dining Options

And the food at the Loews Miami is the best hotel food we ever had and have some great options to explore.

Start your morning off at Preston’s with their sprawling breakfast/brunch buffet or choose something like their traditional eggs benny off the à la cart menu! The buffet is the best I’ve ever seen with everything from the omelet station to the pastries, donuts, pancakes and waffles, overnight oats, lox and bagels with all the trimmings, charcuterie and antipasto. I fell in love with the antipasto bean salad, the omelet station, and the eggs Benedict with lime hollandaise and tender pork loin.

Lunch and dinner at the Loews Maimi is also one for the books. They have Bistro Collins and The Sushi Bar combo right in the bar and lounge area with amazing crispy rice tuna, unbelievable steak, delectable sushi, and more. Plus, some delicious cocktails to pair with your dishes.

From the Sushi Bar, we got the Crispy rice tuna, Salmon Nashi, and Nurto trio. My favorite is the amazing crispy rice tuna.
Crunchy rice with spicy tuna, spicy wasabi aioli, and can’t get over the sauce! I also enjoyed the Salmon Nashi dish. It is super fresh salmon, tender, creamy with tart and sweet Asian pear, a sweet yuzu vinaigrette, and citrusy miso. Last but not least is Nutro Trio maki roll. Three fishes, fresh tuna, king salmon, Madai with creamy avocado. It is wrapped in crunchy cucumber and a fantastic white soy vinaigrette. Paired these dishes with the London calling cocktail, an herbaceous dry gin paired with floral St. Germain and bubbly Prosecco.

Bistro Collin’s dishes were top notch as well with red snapper and a filet steak dynamic duo. Starting with the Red Snapper, it is a well-seasoned crunchy skin on flaky and tender snapper. This is paired with creamy lemon orzotto and the Oporto gel (tastes like a tart cranberry) is fruity and tart to juxtapose the creaminess to the pasta and fish. Then, the filet steak is amazing! Perfectly medium with a charred crust on the outdoor and a tangy tart Au poivre with onions and crispy onion straws and paired with the amazing mashed potatoes. It is a gamut of flavors from creamy, garlicky, and buttery. I paired the dinner with my favorite drink of the night, Old Man and Bee Old Fashioned. It is super boozy Michter’s old fashioned with a honeycomb with make it as sweet or not as you want.

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Rao’s

Saving the best for last, Rao’s Miami is the pinnacle of Italian steak houses. They’re iconic spot out of NYC and it did not disappoint with some of the best Italian food I’ve ever eaten like the Veal Agro dolce recommended by our waiter! It is a divine hot, spicy, and sweet cherry pepper vinegar sauce, with tender and perfectly seasoned veal with a hint of earth. Where has this been all my life?

Some other menu items that we really loved were the meatballs, rigatoni bolognese, and Uncle Vincent’s lemon chicken. Starting with the appetizer, the meatballs were probably the best meatballs we’ve ever had. Tender and rich ground beef meatballs perfectly seasoned and stuffed with Italian breadcrumbs and doused in tangy red sauce and creamy cheese. I paired this with the White Lady cocktail. It is delicious floral gin and floral St. Germain paired with lemon sipper.

For our dinner I got the Rigatoni bolognese, a perfectly cooked pasta dish with a perfectly seasoned, herbaceous, rich, hearty, and deep bolognese. Unbelievable. John seriously enjoyed the Uncle Vincent’s lemon chicken. It is tangy and delicious citrusy, lemony sauce paired with tender, juicy and charred whole half chicken. We paired our meal with Rao’s reserve highland old fashioned. Let’s start with the banana foam that is creamy and earthy and then the boozy Glenfiddich concoction of 15 and walnut biters comes in on the end for a boozy, nutty banana sip.

I was TOLD you couldn’t even get a table at the NYC location unless you owned a table or could use someone’s table for the night!

SEEING SARASOTA WITH THE SARASOTA MODERN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/9/26

Discovering a modern oasis in the heart of Sarasota, FL’s art distinct: The Sarasota Modern! Over a long weekend, John and I made our way to South West Florida to experience The Sarasota Modern in downtown’s Rosemary Art & Design District. Let me tell you, The Modern as it is known celebrates a blend of bold architecture, modern design, playful art, yet casual comfort. It is a whole vibe. Here’s our thoughts on the hotel.

The lobby is clean and sleek with pops of contemporary design. The main lounging area has a bold orange couch with colorful pillows, blue chairs, and retro coffee table in a modern design. In the elevator area are more fun retro spots with an eclectic seating area and fireplace. When exiting look up, an alligator is perched above next to a palm tree looking down on the lobby.

The rooms have light and airy vibes! Spacious and clean design with the light wood floors, white and light comfy king bed, retro touches throughout. Large couch seating area with color puff for lounging. The bathroom is sleek white with a rain shower head shower and ample vanity space. The stunner is the balcony overlooking the pool area!

The amentities at the Sarasota Modern float my boat!

Starting with the gorgeous pool sanctuary lined with retro and contemporary green and white loungers and umbrellas. The deck is filled with palm trees galore. The main pool is a great place to cool off. They also have a hot tub, several cabanas that are open for anyone to use. Then, my favorite feature of the pool deck is the cold plunge. It is kept at about 50 degrees and is perfect for the heat! At the pool bar we got the Doctor’s Orders, a creamy and boozy painkiller with pineapple and coconut. For food I opted for the Ahi Tuna Nachos and the Loco Moco.

The nachos are crunchy wonton chips loaded with tender and fresh ahi tuna, creamy avocado, creamy spicy aioli, sesame, crunchy seaweed, picked onions and a delicious savory and sweet sauce. The Loco moco is rich hearty wagyu beef patty on top of white rice, a rich and savory sauce then topped with caramelized onions and mushrooms, a runny egg and scallions. I also enjoyed a poolside old fashioned, a sweet and boozy old fashioned.

Plus, on-site dining options that can’t be missed from Wink, Wink to a one-of-a-kind experience, 7 Paintings. As far as Wink Wink Lounge, is where dishes mix comfort food with a tropical twist paired with creative cocktails and a tiki floral atmosphere. We got several food and drink items from the Jerk Chicken to the Deviled eggs, and cocktails. Starting with the Jerk Chicken, a is tender and juicy chicken with spiced and flavorful jerk seasoning, spicy and sweet honey habanero collards. The Mac and cheese tho! It is rich and creamy. I paired it with the Gin ne sais qui gin martini with tart grapefruit, prosecco, floral lavender and glitter.

For our appetizer we got the Deviled eggs. They are pickled eggs with creamy filling, delicious aji Amarillo, topped with cheese and sprouts. I paired the eggs with the Hey there gorgeous is floral elderflower and bubbly Prosecco with sweet candied hibiscus flower. To end the night we enjoyed the Carrot Cake. It is moist and spiced with tons of carrots with a sweet yuzu lime cream cheese frosting.

Stop the presses, now you can now EAT a famous masterpiece at 7 Paintings. It is a one-of-a-kind (only 4 locations in the USA) interactive 7-course meal that brings 7 famous artists work to life through 3D mapping that brings stunning visuals to each canvas, themed music, amazing menu, and even a wine/cocktail pairing! My favorite part was when I got to play with my food and actually paint my own Jackson Pollack!

Here are the details on the courses, pairings, and artists:
The first course is the DaVinci/Michelangelo. You crack the code with a flashlight, open the box and bring out a hand with a rich, savory, sweet, whipped ricotta tart wrapped in Phyllo. This course is paired with Italian Brut.
The second course is the Banksy Girl with Balloon to reveal a Beef carpaccio! It is really rich and savory the earthy olive and the crunchy crostini perfectly paired with rose wine.
The next course is Picasso, Weeping Woman. It is a tender flaky fish red snapper dish with citrusy and creamy coconut rice. It is served with smooth Albariño.
The fourth course is the Painted our own Jackson Pollack! Paint brushes and cups with different dressings in them to dip the veggies and salad ingredients that comes on the side. My favorite is the ginger dressing. It is served with chenin Blanc.
The next course is the Andy Warhol dish. It came out under his famous tomato can with coco-cola reduction in a bottle!! Rich and tender meat, sweet and savory cocoa glaze and creamy potatoes topped with crispy tangy onions the make this dish! Wine: Cab & Merlot
The first dessert is the Surrealism with Dali. It is an ice cream and crema with a bruleed top. It is served with accoutrement like chocolate, olive oil spray and berries in a smoky bowl. Paired with espresso martini, boozy and strong coffee cocktail.
The final course is another dessert. We got to paint a starry night by Van Gogh IN CHOCOLATE on top of a delicious coconut cake overlay.

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Other amenties include complimentary bikes, water, coffee, tea, breakfast muffins, towels, and beach gear. They also have the Retro VW Bus, The Reggie, to take you within a 3 mile radius. Another great amenity is the location! It is in walking distance to local bars and restaurants, Main Street, the Marina, and of course to all things art! Then, only 3.6 miles from the beautiful Lido Key beach with AMPLE beach parking if you go early.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/20/23

Always Exploring, Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL is a BLAST for space lovers of all ages! We recently adventured down where we relived the Apollo launch at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, then blasted into the future at the NEW Gateway, The Deep Space Complex, followed by a mesmerizing look at the actual Space Shuttle Atlanta, got to chat with an Astronaut, Charlie Walker, and explored the larger-than-life rocket garden. And that just the beginning of the adventure, the adventure has just begun at Kennedy Space Center. To the moon!

Our first stop was to the bus tour to Apollo/Saturn V Center where you go behind the gates onto NASA property and see the Vehicle Assembly Building that’s bigger than three Empire State buildings and even a NASA crawler transporter (it was in the movie Armageddon). Then, enter the world of Apollo 8 and Saturn V, where first you’ll relive the Apollo launch where they immerse you in a lifelike reenactment of the Apollo launch. I was particularly impressed with this and even got goose bumps! Then, head over to the vault where you’ll see Shepard’s space suit, an Apollo capsule, and other cool relics from that time in the Space race. On top of that you can touch a moon rock AND stand underneath the largest rocket ever flown.

After the bus tour, we rode back to the main visitor’s complex and made our way into Gateway, The Deep Space Complex. There we explored visionary human deep space travel designs from SpaceX, NASA, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin including Deep Space Habitat, Starliner from Boeing and their innovative space suit “Rosie.” Interact with a variety of touch screens to explore further into each cutting-edge innovation. Gateway also includes Spaceport KSC, immersive rides that will take you on an epic futuristic journey.

Our Kennedy Space Center adventure then led us to Space Shuttle Atlantis. After a brief video about the shuttle, the curtain raises to reveal the ACTUAL shuttle! The sheer size of the shuttle is absolutely breathtaking. You can explore the orbiter that traveled 126 million miles up close and explore every aspect including what the bed quarters looked like, the toilet, a replica of the controls that actually work, as well as 60 other exhibits, see shuttle-era artifacts, and fun interactive simulators. PLUS, Shuttle Launch Experience that simulates an actual launch into space!

Being huge space lovers, we went to infinity and beyond and got an intimate Chat with an Astronaut. Two times a day, join a small group of Space aficionados for an intimate and thrilling adventure. During this experience, ask questions of one of NASAs astronauts, enjoy an unlimited food buffet with fruit, sandwiches, and hot foods, as well as water and soda. They’re also frosty adult beverages for those 21+ like local beers and wine. Our astronaut was Charlie Walker, an industry payload specialist from 3 Discovery voyages! He told us they DO drink their own pee in space (it is filtered!), that it takes 30 minutes to prepare a meal in space, and the best food is shrimp cocktail. You go home with a signed photo and a coin!

Finally, we took some time to make our way around the Rocket Garden, a “garden” of HUGE ROCKETS! Explore these engineering feats of technology that got us to where we are today. The most fascinating to me was the Titan-Mercury.
Kennedy Space Center is $75 for adults and there are specials on their website. Please note, chat with an Astronaut is extra/an add on.


Courtyard by Marriot Titusville


Beyond Kennedy Space Center, we stayed in the Courtyard by Marriot Titusville at Kennedy Space Center that is the closest hotel to the visitor complex. It is only 10 minutes! Launch into the lobby where you’ll see a NASA space suit, space toys, Lockheed Martin rocket, and small touches like little rocket lights and space related art. They have a bistro and bar with coffee and light bites downstairs, then on the roof is The Space Bar with full food menu and themed cocktails overlooking the inter coastal waterway between Titusville, FL and the Space Center! It’s a beautiful view from the lobby or rooftop.
Then, exploring our large King room, what hits you first is the view! It is the same view as the rooftop bar of the inter coastal. A large comfy king bed literally is beneath the stars with a beautiful space accent wall. Near the window is the circular couch, while the wet bar area is angular lines. The bathroom is also crips, clean, and spacious. Everything screams Space!

Something that makes this hotel special is that you can watch the scheduled launches from Cape Canaveral right from your room, the seating near the water behind the hotel or from the rooftop bar (preferred spot!). We got to see the Falcon 9 SpaceX launch at 11:41pm on 8/6!

The Space Bar

Remember when I mentioned that the Courtyard Titusville has a rooftop bar called The Space Bar? Well, the sky calls to us and we dined in style overlooking the beautiful waterway surrounded by space themed murals, neon signs, and more! Let’s not forget their out of this world tuna poke bowl, marvelous mahi tacos, creative cocktails, creamy deviled eggs, and perfect pretzel. It’s all delicious.

Here’s the details about The Space Bar’s food and drink starting with The Causeway Cosmo cocktail that is tangy cranberry, floral hibiscus, cool lime paired with vodka and triple sec and topped with blue edible glitter. Named after a Beastie Boys song, the Intergalactic Planetary cocktail is cool and sweet, coconut rum, tangy citron, St. Germain floral elderflower liqueur, blue curacao, and pineapple.

We dove into the Deviled eggs & Bacon, a sweet and savory treat with candied bacon, yet creamy and rich inside. It comes with a side of spicy, candied bacon and chips! The Blackened Mahi tacos are creamy and sweet up front with flavorful, meaty fish that is lightly seasoned and enveloped in a grilled shell. Plus, the Tuna Poke bowl is savory tuna, tender, with creamy avocado, spicy aioli, seaweed and a side of wasabi for heat. This one is unique as I’ve never had asparagus in a poke bowl. It adds a crunch that’s good! Finally, the Bavarian Jumbo Pretzel is large and presented hanging! Buttery, warm, crisp outside and soft inside and served with cheese and mustard!

When are you planning your trip to Kennedy Space Center?

Bonsai Pensacola Beach

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/6/21

Bonsai Pensacola Beach

Luxurious delicacies from the sea are on beautiful display at Bonsai Pensacola Beach! Located in the Hilton Pensacola Beach, we were treated to their amazing Omakase experience with wine and sake pairings. This waiter guided 6-course experience was top notch and you could go at your own pace. The best part is the food is just as delicious as it is looks! Get ready for the Omakase Experience.

Kicking-off our Omakase Experience was with course 1, the A5 Wagyu Striploin paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon. This was the best piece of meat I (Liz) have ever had with an almost buttery like feel on the tongue that literally melts in your mouth. It is the right amount of meat and fat then the addition of the salt from the Himalayan salt block underneath adds an element of saltiness that elevates the flavor. Would NOT change one thing about this bite.

Moving on to course 2, the Nama paired with Asahi Shuzo Kubota Sparkling Dew. This was my (Liz’s) personal favorite sake with the perfect body and finish for a fish pairing. Plus, course 3 was the Nigiri and Sashimi paired with, Kikusui Shuzo Perfect Snow, an unfiltered sake. All being the same mix of fish, one being without rice and the other with, the fish they provided was all very VERY fresh and tender. We got a sampling including Steelhead trout, tuna, salmon, and Hamachi to name a few. Of the fish a few highlights included the salmon that was actually creamy, while the Hamachi is lighter and paired with the caviar added the right amount of salt. The favorite was the Steelhouse trout, it literally melted in your mouth and had an amazing flavor. Once you pair all of them with a little bit of real wasabi root and rice, you’ve got an amazing bite.

On to Course 4 that was the Pork Ramen perfectly paired with Chardonnay. A ramen lover, this one didn’t disappoint with a flavorful pork broth and tender pork belly. The noodles had the right tenderness, while the tang of the green onion and savory of the egg comes in at the end for a great bite.

One of the best courses was course 5 with the Hickory Smoked Tuna and Florida Citrus roll paired with Kikusui Shuzo Chrysanthemum Water. This was the best experience of the entire dinner as they smoke the salmon and bring it in a dome of hickory smoke. Once at the table, they open the dome and the smoke billows out, while leaving a slight smokiness on the tuna itself. As for taste of the roll, the tuna is light and pairs well with the creamy avocado and savory rice, then on the back you get the smoked flavor. Divine. The Florida Citrus roll is also very light but has tons of fresh fish flavors mixed with lemon. Lemon is really the best pairing with fish!

To end the night, course 6 is the Anmitzu dessert with Optimia Port Wine. The Anmitzu is a hodgepodge of ingredients like ice cream, passion fruit, matcha, gelatin, and other fruits. Each element brings a different flavor and all together is an amazing bite. Paired with the port wine, that is brown sugar forward, yet boozy, you’re in for a treat.

Beyond the meal, some of the authentic touches make this meal one-of-a-kind. One of these is the wasabi. They literally grind the wasabi root at your table and it’s so mild and doesn’t give you that nose feeling that typical wasabi would give you. Did you know that what you get at most restaurants is horseradish? Another of these was the soy sauce in both whiskey barrel aged and mushroom. They were less salty and more earthy than a typical soy sauce. Preferred the whiskey barrel aged as it was even more savory and a little bit boozy on the end. I’d take that home with me and use it on everything. The final touch was the white glove, server guided experience that gave the whole night an intimate feeling.

If you’re on the beach in Pensacola, we’d highly recommend getting to Bonsai for the Omakase Experience. What course speaks to you?

ACTIVITIES ABOUND AT SANDESTIN, FL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/6/21

Activities Abound at Sandestin, FL

As the sunsets over the luxurious rooftop bar, the rays hit the beautiful bay water throwing up shades of purple, orange and pink, enveloping all spectators in the final moments of the day’s light. Down below a large stream interconnects with lakes, rivers, and eventually into the ocean where sunbathers sip cocktails under branded umbrellas. There’s also a walkway covered in palms and other lush trees where a couple walk hand-in-hand pass a treehouse and a large bridge with marina views. The rows of boats bob up and down in the water as the blue and purple of the evening sky meet at the horizon. Did you feel that? That’s Sandestin.

Grounds

The gates opened to the Bayside of Sandestin, and we drove around the first traffic circle and exited to the first right. Just to the right is one of our favorite spots on all the grounds, what we call the long walkway! The entrance to the wooden walkway and pier is wrapped in palms and other greenery and as you pass through, the long walkway opens into a breathtaking view of the bay dotted with grasses and lone trees. Go to the end and take in the beauty of the entire space. When you’re done there, keep going toward the Lakeside area, you’ll notice that it’s lined with a canopy of arching trees that create a beautiful dance of contrasting light and dark. It’s worth just driving through it to enjoy the natural beauty. Beyond that, the golf grounds are pristine and lush, the beach is gorgeous, and everything is freshly landscaped. There is not a lack of beautiful spots in Sandestin, so find your favorite locale.

Osprey Pointe – Accommodations

Near the Marina and Baytowne Wharf, the luxurious Osprey Pointe has 2, 3, and 4-bedroom condos that are great for couples, groups, and families. The second you enter the spacious condo, you feel right at home. With all the bells and whistles, the impeccably decorated kitchen has a full group of appliances and everything you’d need to make a meal! The kitchen is open to the living space and looks out onto the beautifully landscaped bay nearby. Out on the patio, you could sit all day and gaze at the bay view! This 2-bedroom has 2 bathrooms, and the master is spacious and has a huge, sparkling master bath with two showers! Beyond the beautiful condo, Osprey Pointe boasts a beautiful pool with a ton of seating, tables, and shade! So, take a dip in the pool, then take a bike ride or walk down to the Marina and Baytowne Wharf. It’s just minutes away. Even if Osprey Pointe isn’t for you, they have so many accommodation options from beachfront to bayfront.

Beach

Speaking of Beachfront, the wooden walkway maneuvers gracefully through the large sandy dunes and opens onto a spectacularly white and pristine beach. Dotted with blue, branded chairs, people lounge in the shade, build sandcastles, and play in the clear, blue-green water. Beyond relaxing and gazing at the beautiful water, there’s so much to do at Sandestin Beachside! You can grab a drink at the beach bar on the beach, lounge in a beach chair and umbrella with a good book, stay for lunch at The Beach House, get a sandcastle building lesson, or even take a ride on a jet ski or kayak.  We’d recommend a key lime daiquiri from The Beach House, then opt for a pair of chairs and an umbrella to enjoy the natural beauty of the beach!

Marina

Rows and rows of all types of boats bob up and down as the water ebbs and flows in the beautiful bay. Diners at the Marina Bar and Grill sip on cocktails and bite into tasty tacos, as they watch the sun set over the boats and disappears into the horizon. The Marina Bar and Grill is a chill little outdoor spot on the Marina with some serious eats like the grouper sandwich and fried fish tacos! Wash it down with a cocktail! Plus, they have a spot that you can bring your own fish, clean it, and they will cook it for you right there!! On one side of the restaurant is the resident Macaw, Mary Ann. She is out during the day when the Marina Bar and Grill is open and is a great photo op for you to catch. She was born in 2010, and did you know Macaws can live 50 years?

Next to the restaurant and set back from the water is the bike rental where a row of bikes are available for Sandestin guests and owners to use at their leisure. It’s so easy to bike around Sandestin, and beyond the golf cart parade we witnessed daily, is the preferred way to get around. On the other side of the lot is where you can rent kayaks and water toys to explore the bay even more.

Our favorite spot at the bay, is the wooden path between the Marina and Baytowne Wharf. Entering next to the Marina Bar and Grill, the thick trees feel like a jungle on one side with beautiful Marina and water views on the other. As you walk, the wooden path winds through the trees and views of the Marina and the boats are stunning. Stop off at the treehouse for the best top views of the entire area! As you find your way around from there, you’ll come upon a long wooden bridge where the marshy grounds turn into a beautiful stream and empties into the bay. It’s gorgeous. You’re reward is at the end with Baytowne Wharf upon you.

Baytowne Wharf

THE spot to shop, dine, and drink IS Baytowne Wharf. Taking a tour in a circle, your greeted with the sound of children laughing on the brightly lit carousel. Beyond that everything a child could want waits for them with an arcade, sweet shops, games, and a ton of activities! If you follow the circle around from there is where the dining and drinking options start. If you like bull riding or country music is your thing, they have it. If you want to sit with the view of the bay while you sip and nosh, they have that too at Hammerheads and Village Door. Village Door has a large 40 oz cocktail with a souvenir cup so you can remember your time there, plus they also have a great spot to eat on the bay. Hammerheads has a fantastic happy hour daily from 4 to 6 pm. We’d suggest grabbing a seat right at 4 pm on the water!

Sandestin doesn’t have a lack of places to see the sunset, so you should stay for the sunset here and walk out to the Wharf Pier and watch the sun disappear into the watery horizon. For the kiddos, they have fish food you can purchase and feed the fish below.

Continuing the circle, there’s a street that mimics New Orleans! That’s our favorite spot in Baytowne Wharf with several food and drink spots like Hartell’s Diner and Fat Tuesday, as well as a row of cute shops! Fat Tuesdays has great deals on daiquiris for $8 bucks and a shot for $1 extra. We’d recommend the Miami Vice or 44 Magnum. Plus if you’re looking for a fun evening out? Start at Fat Tuesday, then head over to Rum Runners for a dueling piano experience. You can pick your favorite songs for the piano players to sing, take a seat, and sing along!

Our favorite restaurant in the Wharf has to be The Marlin Grill. We stopped by there for dinner our first night and we fell in love with the Roasted Duck and the Scottish Salmon appetizer. Please make sure to make a reservation because they’re always busy or cross your fingers for a spot at the bar.

Hotel Effie

Only steps from Baytowne Wharf, Upscale, modern, yet, inviting, Hotel Effie is THE SPOT to stay in Sandestin. She is adorned with Ara Rooftop Bar where a luxurious rooftop pool meets the sky, cabanas, and a stunning almost 360 view of the entire Sandestin grounds. Stop by for a fantastic Toasted Coconut daiquiri and catch the sunset from multiple views! Downstairs, you should also visit the newest and hands-down best restaurant in Sandestin, Ovide. From Atlanta Chef, Hugh Acheson, this lavish dining spot has wonderfully crafted cocktails like the grapefruit forward Sun Kissed or our favorite cocktail, Shore Leave. They have fantastic dishes like the stellar filet mignon, flavorful blackened mahi mahi, uniquely good farm egg, rich prime beef tartare. We’d recommend anything on this menu, it’s that good.

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As the gates closed on our time at Sandestin, we reminisced about our favorite memories and thought about all the wonderful food, drinks, and sunsets we got to witness. We felt we actually needed more time to explore even more that Sandestin had to offer. We’d recommend at least 4 nights to get the full experience. What would you like to experience most?

Sandestin, FL is located in Miramar Beach, FL in between Destin and Santa Rosa Beach on the Emerald Coast.

Website: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort | Your Place in the Sun