When I first came to Destin in 1993, I felt like Christopher Columbus must have felt discovering the new world. I was traveling along Highway 98 heading over the Destin Bridge from East to West. The clear blue February sky reflecting the sun’s rays off the white sugary sand. And the Gulf’s crystal clear emerald green waters. Shimmering on each swell. Gave me a felling of being transported back in time.

Leaving an impression on me as alive today as it was when it happened. At that time, traffic was sparse and the only Snowbirds were the seagulls who had the world’s most beautiful beaches all to themselves. Most restaurants and other businesses were closed for the winter. The only activity you might see was a commercial fishing boat bringing in a days or even weeks catch. You see Destin has always been referred to as “The World’s luckiest fishing village”.

Fast forward to today and the unspoiled natural beauty of the area remains as tranquil and vibrant as ever. Only nowadays, Destin has a lot more to offer visitors all year around. The fishing remains as good as always, the Golf courses with their lush greens are open all year as are the restaurants. The harbor provides plenty of entertainment, as boats, some for sightseeing others for fishing or sailing, come & go all day long.

Today being a Snowbird in Destin means enjoying comfortable temperatures, beautiful sunsets, and having the normally occupied beaches during summer all to yourself. Whether you want to have a picnic on the beach, or just relax breathing in the salty air from the Gulf. The Emerald Breeze condominium gives visitors a front row seat to all the action with all the modern amenities to match. Something Christopher Columbus I’m sure would have enjoyed.

Bob Gonzalez Jr. is a local author and has been living in Destin since the early nineties. To learn more about Bob and find more information on his book, A Flicker in the Water, and his local fishing adventures, we invite you to visit his website, flickerinthewater.com.