November 6, 2022
Hints of fall are scattered throughout the Florida Panhandle, and we couldn’t be happier. As everyone gears up for the holidays, we lay our eyes on Thanksgiving – a holiday full of family and friends, good food (sometimes way too much!), and fall festivities. Spending the holidays along Florida’s Emerald Coast is a family tradition for many. Learn about where to eat Thanksgiving dinner, what to wear, and everything there is to do during the week so you can plan out your perfect beach escape.
Thanksgiving Day – an annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year.
Join the friendship and feast at AJ’s on the Bayou this year! From 12 pm – 5 pm, they’ll be serving up your classic Thanksgiving meal, and, at no cost to you! Yep! You heard us right! Donations are strongly encouraged by those who are able and will benefit the Kids on the Coast Foundation. What cooler way to celebrate family and friends and give back to the local community! Read more about AJ’s on the Bayou Thanksgiving Day Feast!
For a classy, unique dining experience, consider making reservations (required) with Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn. They’ll be serving up mouthwatering plates from 10 am – 5 pm. This is a four-course meal and reservations can be made for parties under 4 folks! Please note that everyone in the party must be at least 13 years of age. Make your reservations online for Beach Walk Café’s Thanksgiving feast!
Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer, located waterfront on the Destin harbor, is a local favorite. They’ll be serving up their annual Thanksgiving feast, all day long, from 11 am until 7 pm. Reservations are highly recommended. Check out their Brotula’s Thanksgiving Menu
Join Chipper’s BBQ for a finger-lickin’ good dinner this Thanksgiving. They have two options – you can either dine in between 1 pm – 6 pm on Thanksgiving Day for a traditional meal (reservations highly recommended), or place an online order before Nov 21st for a catered family meal that you can pick up on Wed (all day) or Thur (before 1 pm). Check out Chipper’s BBQ Thanksgiving options
*As of 11/6/22, we cannot locate the 2022 Thanksgiving dinner details to share. The following is from 2021* Give back to the local community at Harbordocks Thanksgiving drive up feast. From 11 – 5, they’ll be serving free traditional Thanksgiving meals to-go. Donations are accepted which benefit both Okaloosa Habitat for Humanity and Destin Harvest. Harbordocks is proud to offer this amazing community event for the 27th year. Check out Harbor Docks Give Thanks event
You’re going to love this Thanksgiving Buffet along the Destin harbor! From roasted turkey, beef brisket, blue crab ravioli, and maple glazed ham, you’ll have plenty to choose from. The savory sides are to die for, and make sure to save room for some pecan pie, pumpkin cheesecake, or banana foster bread! Buffet runs from 11 am – 7 pm. Adults are $58 | Children are $28 | Kiddos under 5 are FREE! See Marina Cafe’s Thanksgiving Buffet menu here
*As of 11/6/22, we cannot locate the 2022 Thanksgiving dinner details to share. The following is from 2021* Take all the hassles off your shoulder this holiday season, and let Kenny D’s cook for you! They take advance reservations on their oh-so-famous and oh-so-scrumptious Cajun fried turkeys. Or, turn it into a meal with green beach casserole, yams, rice & gravy, dinner rolls, and some pumpkin pie! You won’t be disappointed with Kenny D’s Thanksgiving fried turkeys!
*As of 11/6/22, we cannot locate the 2022 Thanksgiving dinner details to share. The following is from 2021* You are cordially invited to dine and sip at The Ocean Club’s annual Thanksgiving dinner. Reservations are required, and seating opens at noon and lasts until 8pm. This is an excellent restaurant that’s a local favorite, tucked away just outside of the Tops’l Resort in Miramar Beach. The Ocean Club dinner
*As of 11/6/22, we cannot locate the 2022 Thanksgiving dinner details to share. The following is from 2021* Take the stress out of finding a place to dine on Thanksgiving, and join the Royal Palm Grille family. They have an amazing $39 menu where they’ll be dishing up a harvest salad, slow roasted herb crusted turkey, sides, and choice of dessert. No reservations required. Let’s Give Thanks with Royal Palm Grille
Spend Thanksgiving on the water, cruising through the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay with SunQuest Cruises. You’ll enjoy a fabulous Thanksgiving lunch or dinner buffet aboard the 125 foot Solaris Yacht. Feel free to explore the three decks and savor carved meats, fresh veggies, and delectable desserts. There are 2 cruise options, one from 11:30 am – 2 pm or 6 – 8:30 pm. Both cruises are family-friendly, however children must be supervised. Call ahead for reservations. Check out the Solaris Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
We are SO excited about this one, ya’ll! One of our favorite restaurants in Grand Boulevard, Vin’tij is serving up a 4-course feast you won’t want to miss. They also have a la carte entrees and sides to choose from, but no matter what, you won’t walk out hungry! Dive in to the Vin’tij Thanksgiving Menu here
We are excited about what Blue Mountain Bakery has to offer this Thanksgiving holiday! Pre-order a homemade meal that’s packed perfectly for you to reheat on the big day. Follow the instructions provided, and you’ll eat like Kings and Queens without all the stress. This menu is amazing, and they also have vegan options available. Check out Blue Mountain Bakery’s Thanksgiving menu
Café Thirty-A does it up right with an excellent feast on Thanksgiving Day. They offer amazing to-go dinners that easily feed 6 folks. Pick up is between 11 am – 5 pm on Thanksgiving Day in Seagrove Beach. Check out the Café Thirty-A Thanksgiving take out menu
*2022 Reservations are full, but you can add your name to the wait list.* Lay your eyes upon Chef Tim Creehan’s scrumptious Louisiana Fried Turkey, and you won’t want to go anywhere else! Don’t worry, he has all the fixings there, too, and some fabulous desserts. Open from 11 am – 3 pm, Thanksgiving Day, adults will be $89.99 and children under 10 are $49.99. This is one of the hottest places to be in 30A on Thanksgiving Day! Cuvee 30A’s Thanksgiving Day Dinner is at it again!
Order a scrumdidlyumptious Thanksgiving Day meal from Destin Ice Market 30A. You must place your order by November 18th and pick up between 11 am – 5:30 pm on November 23rd. The market is closed Thanksgiving Day. They have options from uncooked turkeys where you can do your magic, to smoked turkeys that are so savory. Choose from lobster mac and cheese, cornbread dressing, garlic mashed taters, and so many other excellent sides. This is an amazing way to relax in your vacation rental and dine with closest friends and family over the holiday! Destin Ice Market 30A Thanksgiving To Go Menu
For a gobble good time, head to Seaside’s famous Great Southern Café. This year, they are rockin’ a plated meal which will leave you stuffed and thankful. Advanced reservations are required. Seatings are available between 10 am – 4 pm. Adults are $39 | Children are $19. Give Great Southern Café a buzz today so you don’t miss out on the pumpkin cheese cake with Chantilly cream and caramel glaze!!
We’re thrilled to share a newer experience with you all! Order ahead of time from Little’s Lunches and Kitchen, and you’ll get a whole Thanksgiving meal prepared. All you have to do is pick it up and heat it up! It cannot get any easier to enjoy the holiday with your family in your vacation rental and still have an amazing meal served. Choose between servings for 4, 6, 8, or 10. Pick turkey, meatloaf, or prime rib. There are a slew of slides to select from, and some amazing desserts to finish the course! You have to check out the Little’s Lunches Thanksgiving menu!
Experience a tasty meal Old Florida Fish House’s Turkey Day Buffet from 11am – 6pm. The roasted turkey is absolutely scrumptious and pairs well with the brown sugar and fall spice candied ham. Prime rib is the local’s favorite, or tease those tastebuds with some salmon or shrimp. Check out Old Florida Fish House’s Thanksgiving menu
Savor an amazing meal at one of 30A’s most iconic restaurants, Stinky’s Fish Camp. It’s the only day of the year where you can make reservations here, and in fact, they highly encourage them as they fill up quickly! A special Thanksgiving menu is served from 11 am – 7 pm on Thanksgiving Day – give Stinky’s a call to save your seat!
After stuffing yourself with good food, go exploring the trails of a state park or forest in Destin or 30A. Our top favorites are the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, the Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, and the Point Washington State Forest in 30A. Depending on the park, you can enjoy walking/hiking trails, go cycling, or even rent a kayak for water exploration. These experiences are an inexpensive way to spend quality time with the family and allow you all to connect with Mother Nature. We would suggest checking with each park first on activities available, and if you need to rent a bicycle or kayak directly, check out our friends at Fun Pug Rentals or La Dolce Vita. For those looking for the ultimate adventure, inquire with Jeep 30A to learn about their off-roading forest tours!
Family portraits are great to schedule in the fall when tourism slows. The beaches aren’t as busy, so you tend to have more opportunities to capture those stunning family memories. Remember, family photos should be fun and candid. Don’t stress, and just be yourselves! We love fun, vibrant colors so think about mixing it up from the normal all white ensembles. Ashley Nichole Photography and Savannah Rio Photography both do amazing jobs at making you feel comfortable and capturing your authentic smiles. Ashley shot our wedding, and Savannah has done both family portraits for our family as well as professional headshots.
30A’s most famous Thanksgiving Day races are back. Join the crowd for a 10K, 5K or 1 mile run where proceeds are donated to local charities. You must register before the event as there is no same-day registration. This is a family-fun event, ideal for runners and walkers, young and wise(r). Learn more about the 30A Thanksgiving race before it’s too late!
This is one of our most favorite fall activities! Join us and the Boathouse team on Saturday, Nov 19th for the annual Turkey Trot, benefitting Food for Thought. Wear your best Thanksgiving-day outfit for a chance at a Best Dressed Prize. Sip on a bloody mary or a beer, walk, skip, or jump along the harbor at the sponsored stops for some fun holiday obstacles, and join the merriment afterwards for prizes, raffles, and a whole lot of awesomeness.
On Sunday, Nov 8th, Sandestin will host their inaugural Turkey Trot 5K run and 1 mile fun run/walk. End the race at the Marina Bar and Grille for a fun day of football on the big screen at Baytowne Marina.
Sand castles are such a fun and exciting way to spend time with your family or friends on the beach. Make unique memories and build a design you’ll be proud of. Beach Sand Sculptures and Sandcastle Rockstars offer lessons and service to all areas between Destin and 30A. The possibilities are endless, whether you make a sand turkey sculpture or create your dream castle.
Beach bonfires are a unique and fun way to spend an evening under the stars. There are many local service providers to choose from, but our favorites are Salty Girls Beach Setups, The Bonfire Guy and Light Me Up beach bonfires. Services range depending on your party size and can include various offerings like permit-pulling, setup and clean up, smores, beach chairs and tables, speakers, tiki torches, and much more. Grab a blanket, and curl up along the beaches of South Walton in this cool experience!
The weather is absolutely beautiful in November here in the Florida Panhandle. The days can be warm as the beaches heat up with the bright Florida sun. Evenings tend to cool off as the sun sets. We would suggest packing a few long sleeve shirts and a hoodie or jacket, along with your swimsuits and sunscreen.
Sip and Savor: Exploring the Best Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries along the Emerald Coast
Welcome to the Emerald Coast, where the crystal-clear waters meet the delightful world of craft beverages.
Ultimate Bachelorette Party Guide: Destin, FL Edition
This ultimate guide will help you plan the perfect bachelorette getaway in the Florida Panhandle, from accommodations to unforgettable activities.
Eco-Tourism in Destin: Exploring the Natural Beauty
Destin and Miramar Beach, Florida, are renowned for their pristine beaches and turquoise waters, but they’re also a haven for eco-tourism enthusiasts seeking to connect with nature while treading lightly on the environment.
Choosing the Right Vacation Rental: Condos vs. Beach Houses
When planning a getaway to the beautiful coastal paradise of Destin and Miramar Beach, Florida, one of the key decisions to make is where you’ll call home during your stay.
The Best Time to Visit Destin, FL: A Seasonal Guide
We’ll help you discover the best time to visit Destin by highlighting the advantages of each season, sharing insights into the weather, pricing, and local events.
How to Plan a Romantic Getaway in Destin
If you’re planning a romantic getaway, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll share tips and recommendations to help you plan the ultimate romantic escape in Destin and Miramar Beach.
A Bed 4 Me: Property Manager Fundraising Challenge 2024
Breathe Easy Rentals is thrilled to announce our partnership with Gulf Tide Vacations in sponsoring the Property Manager Fundraising Challenge, sponsoring A Bed 4 Me, during the month of February 2024.
Elevate Your Stay: Top Catering and Private Chef Recommendations at the Beach
In this blog, we’ll explore how culinary experiences, including catering and private chefs, can transform your beach vacation into a gourmet getaway.
Unlocking Success: Recap of the 2023 STR Conference Season
In 2023, the calendar was alive with conferences here and there, all year long, creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) like never before. If you’ve never been to a STR conference, I’m here to tell you, it’s well worth your investment!
