Hanging Out in Destin at the Sunny Oasis
Houston Woman - Travel Section
by Beverly Denver
I am no stranger to Destin, Florida. Truth is, I’ve been there many times. As a young adult (to check out the guys on the beach), as a couple (to enjoy more of the offerings of the Emerald Coast) and, even as a grandmother (dare I say that word) to enjoy this seaside resort from the eyes of a child.
But, until last fall, I had never gone to Destin with a few of my girlfriends — to do what girlfriends do when they get together: Enjoy the sun and surf and chat, dine at great restaurants and chat, shop for new clothes and chat and, of course, treat ourselves to luxurious spa treatments and chat. All of those things showed up on the itinerary my friends and I created for ourselves when we planned a fun-filled getaway to the beach.
Day One
We flew out of Hobby Airport and into Pensacola, via Southwest Airlines, on a Friday afternoon. Since we planned to pick up the rental car at the airport and depart as quickly as possible, we promised to bring only carry-on luggage. Well, that proved to be impossible.
The list of “essentials” was longer than we thought. There were the tubes of sunscreen, the hats, visors and sunglasses, the flip flops, sandals and sneakers, the beach towels, books and magazines, the iPhones and iPads, the plastic water bottles and snacks! The clothes!
So, by the time we picked up our heavy suitcases at Baggage Claim, loaded up the car and headed east to Destin, we were already more than ready to get to our Sunny Oasis on Crystal Beach.
Working with the experts at Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, we learned a lot about the place beforehand; we couldn’t wait to see and stay in this exquisite, newly renovated home with its stunning decor.
Driving up, we were immediately taken by the home’s bright yellow exterior, blue shutters and charming front porch. The two Adirondack chairs positioned right there welcomed us “home.”
Inside, we found a fully furnished gourmet kitchen with new granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a center island and eating bar.
The large master (the room I volunteered to take) featured three sets of French doors that opened to the living room below and an outside deck offering amazing gulf views. A second bedroom had a full bath and opened to the pool deck. The third bedroom had a full bath, two sets of bunks and a loft with three additional twins.
Additionally, two more private bedrooms were located in the guest house out back.
The home’s living room and attached dining room were both lovely and spacious. And, the large flat screen TV — for late-night watching — was yet another welcomed sight.
After only a brief respite at the Sunny Oasis, we gave in to the call for another kind of nourishment. Fresh seafood!
A favorite in the area is Camille’s, which features the freshest fish and seafood from Harbor Docks Seafood Market. Getting there from our “base camp” was a quick, two-minute drive on Scenic Hwy 98. The restaurant is located in the heart of Crystal Beach, on the second floor of the Beachside Inn.
Chef Blake VanZant’s menu includes a delicious combination of seafood, steaks and pizzas, which are all made from the freshest local ingredients.
A favorite among the salads at Camille’s is the Wedge, made with grilled napa cabbage, bacon, oven-dried tomatoes and blue cheese dressing. I ordered that, and I’m glad I did. Truly delicious! A nice beginning to any and all of Camille’s amazing entrees.
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