PENSACOLA

BY LIBBY MCMILLAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY MILLER

CHARMED LIFE

SEE WHY THEY CALL DESTIN, FLORIDA, “THE WORLD’S LUCKIEST FISHING VILLAGE.”

Some call Destin a “lucky” town. A better word might be “enchanted.”

Visitors to the Florida panhandle are hypnotized by the water surrounding coastal Destin, about 45 miles east of Pensacola. Calm and serene, with turquoise hues more often seen in the Caribbean, the sea off Destin’s coast is simply breathtaking. Residents say their little stretch of the gulf gets its color from sunlight bouncing off Appalachian quartz in the sand below.

Whatever the reason, it’s a magical sight.

Beach lovers consider Destin a true American paradise—and with good reason. As if brilliant water weren’t enough, Mother Nature has blessed it with fine-grained sand that’s sparkling white. And while strong winds have damaged or destroyed many coastal dunes nearby, Destin has, almost miraculously, been spared. It has won countless awards and accolades, and was named “Best Beach in the United States” by www.USATODAY.com.

The villagers count their blessings. Indeed, an iconic billboard over Destin’s main bridge welcomes visitors to “the world’s luckiest fishing village.” And nature’s blessings aren’t just of the aesthetic kind. Home to the largest commercial fishing fleet in Florida, the thriving coastal community attracts anglers from across the country who come for its bounty of blackfin tuna, king mackerel, snapper, flounder, grouper, pompano, cobia and more. In seafood markets, casual cafés and upscale restaurants from one end of town to the other, locally caught fish are front and center.

Sport fishermen also love Destin, where they can test their luck against marlin, swordfish and sailfish. In yet another stroke of great fortune, the quickest route to deep water along the Gulf Coast is right here on the Emerald Coast, where the sea drops to 100 feet within 10 miles of the shoreline. A colossal month-long Fishing Rodeo—held in October—fills the docks with fans hoping to meet the fishermen as they return from open sea. On any given day, however, a walk past the fishing fleet can offer amazing photo opportunities, as dozens of fish are skillfully cleaned and filleted for the folks who caught them.

That enchanted water seems to draw in visitors as well as fishermen, and Destin provides practically unlimited ways to enjoy it. Snorkeling is wildly popular, due to the crystal-clear waters and sparkling sand. Kayaking and parasailing are also common activities. And, not too far from the beautiful sea, is Big Kahuna’s Water Park (www.bigkahunas.com), an exciting new attraction slated to open in the spring.

Those who (somehow) manage to drag themselves away from the water will still find activities to enjoy thoroughly. Golfers will have a hard time deciding which lush course to tackle first. Kelly Plantation (www.kellyplantation.com), Regatta Bay (www.regattabay.com), Indian Bayou (www.indianbayougolf.com), Seascape Golf & Tennis Resort (www.seascaperesort.com) and Emerald Bay Golf Club (www.emeraldbaygolfclub.com) all allow public play, as does Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (www.sandestin.com), on the town’s eastern edge. This mega-resort boasts its own marina.

Shoppers, too, will feel lucky to have found Destin. The nation’s largest designer outlet center, Silver Sands (www.silversandsoutlet.com), is located in the city. Smith’s Antiques Mall and Interiors Market (www.smithsantiquesmall.com) has an ample share of quirky surprises. And Destin Commons (www.destincommons.com), a striking new lifestyle shopping center, tempts locals and visitors with 80+ stores and a children’s playground.

And Destin, like any town that built its fortune on fish, is filled with culinary delights. Harborfront favorites like The Lucky Snapper (www.luckysnapper.com; 850-654-0900) and A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster Bar (www.ajs-destin.com; 850-837-1913) are now complemented by new gourmet eateries. Notable upscale venues are Zampieri’s Harbor Grill (www.zampierisharborgrille.com; 850-650-3900), where the stylish interior is matched by four-star food and wine; Beach Walk Crystal Beach (www.beachwalkcafe.com; 850-650-7100), where savvy locals enjoy epicurean delights with a view; and Bistro Bijoux (www.bistrobijouxdestin.com; 850-622-0760), a “Nouvelle” New Orleans bistro in Sandestin’s lively Baytowne Wharf area.

Whatever speaks to you—a romantic beach getaway, exciting water sports, the perfect family vacation or a sunny golf weekend—Destin is sure to please. This lucky village shares her treasures with all those who come her way, but beware—once Destin casts her spell, you may find yourself completely enchanted.

FINDING THE CRESCENT CITY ON THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE

A SMALL CITY PACKED with big flavors, Destin has plenty to offer foodies. And the area is enjoying an explosion of epicurean influence from the Big Easy, so fans of New Orleans cuisine have plenty of gems to discover.

Synonymous with mouth-watering New Orleans food is the Brennan family, responsible for Destin’s new Royal B Restaurant (www.royalbrestaurants.com; 850-269-1741). Graced with a classic, romantic interior, the authentic eatery tempts patrons with shrimp remoulade, crawfish beignets, Creole gumbo and chicken Rochambeau.

Hit the Sandestin area for more Crescent City cuisine. Finz (www.sandestin.com; 850-267-4800), at Sandestin Golf and beach Resort, infuses its comfort-food menu with Cajun and low-country influences, while Bistro Bijoux (www.bistrobijouxdestin.com; 850-622-0760), in the lively Baytowne Wharf area, wows with its Nouvelle New Orleans cuisine.

Another Baytowne Wharf favorite is New Orleans Creole Cookery (850-351-1885), which serves BBQ shrimp and crawfish bisque. The Boathouse Oyster Bar (www.boathouseoysterbar.com; 850-837-3645) complements its namesake selection with gumbo, cold beer and a harbor view. And in Santa Rosa Beach, just east of Sandestin, Louisiana native Johnny Earles draws raves for his award-winning Cajun-Caribbean fusion at Criolla’s (www.criollas.com; 850-267-1267).

Still more New Orleans restaurants plan to set up shop in Destin. Visitors will soon be able to enjoy the iconic Commander’s Palace (www.commanderspalace.com), one of New Orleans’ most prized restaurants since 1880, when it opens an outpost in the upscale HarborWalk Village at Destin Harbor this spring.

Also scheduled for a spring opening is the legendary Pat O’Brien’s (www.patobriens.com), with its world-famous hurricane in a tall, curvy glass. As if to complete the Who’s Who of New Orleans restaurants, HarborWalk Village has secured a deal with New Orleans’ grande dame of comfort food, Camellia Grill.

With the state’s largest commercial fishing fleet at its docks, Destin will always be a seafood capital. Just don’t be surprised when your platter comes with a Cajun accent.

Bon appétit!