When USA Today ran a story in a recent Week End Section of the paper lauding the various entertainment options available for families along the Emerald Coast in the wake of the oil spill that has been so economically devastating to Destin, Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton, it could not have come at a better time.
Reminding potential tourists as often as possible in as many ways as possible that the beaches and the Gulf here in our area remain pristine is very important.
Emails from friends wanting to know if it is safe for their children to swim in the Gulf, i.e. how toxic is the water? Is a reminder that there is a good bit of misinformation continuing to circulate either through the media or very likely word-of-mouth.
If only people could see clean up crews walking the beaches with large clear plastic bags that are virtually empty of tar balls, that would tell the story of how fortunate we are at this time.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, one of the jewels of the Emerald Coast, has continued to add to its family friendly atmosphere and currently there are several new options that made for a perfect Saturday afternoon of totally insane fun for the two middle schoolers that I had in tow. In fact they thought that it was one of the “best days” they have ever had here at the beach Justin Bieber notwithstanding.
Our first stop was at the Baytowne Marina where the girls put life jackets over their bathing suits and climbed on board the Red Shark Banana Boat. Banana water boats are built using PVC reinforced materials. Each is hand made using glue bonded overlapping seams making it perfect for family recreation.
A jet ski hooked onto the boat and like the announcer says at the races, “they’re off”! Hanging on the girls along with a couple of guys went out for a ride that ended with their being dropped off at the Wibit.
The Wibit is a floating water park that feature obstacle course components, slides, and inflatable adventure for all ages, giving a whole new dimension to the resort’s Water Fun Guarantee. The Water Park on Choctawhatchee Bay will remain at Sandestin throughout the summer.
The Wibit is anchored in a shallow part of the bay so near the shore that when someone is tired of slipping and sliding around it they could simply hop off and wade into the beach. While the current configuration of this “AquaGames Arena” is limited more pieces are on the way. The modularity of the product allows for an unlimited amount of combinations. Sharks and wibits add up to serious hunger which is easily solved at the Baytowne Marina Bar and Grill hard by the marina itself with a sumptuous view of the bay. It is also the perfect place to toast the sunset.
We gorged on a variety of foods including the Louisiana Shrimp Boil which is a week end (Friday and Saturday night) special. This tasty platter of shrimp, sausage, corn-on-the-cob and roasted red potatoes as presented would be enough for two people.
My middle schoolers topped it off with what I call an embarrassment of riches, the “Marina Brownie Sundae” that lived up to its name of decadent. It consisted of ice cream, brownie, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and my hands down favorite, M&Ms
This should have been followed by a short nap but on the other side at Baytowne there is the Zip Line and the Bungee jump. However before heading out there was time to meet Shady Habib, the Marina chef, who is a native of Egypt. Shady and the personable staff at the Grill are but one more reason to check it out.
There is a path along the bay between the Marina and Baytowne Adventure Zone that is fun to walk or if you must there is ample parking at Baytowne. Here again the Baytowne family of employees who are in charge are undoubtedly the nicest, friendliest most helpful people you will meet and they really did help to make the Sandestin experience even more enjoyable.
The Zipline literally whisks you across the lagoon while giving you a fabulous overview of Sandestin provided you 1) are able to keep your eyes open at that height and 2) you are middle school age and fear nothing except having to go back to school so early in August.
After zipping across the lagoon the girls were ready to hit the Eurobungy. One of the girls swore she would never do the bungee but when I caught up with them the young lady was being carefully strapped into a harness before being sent into bungeeland several feet up in the air.
After somersaulting around they landed safely, their lunch still in tack, and were ready to hit the Small and Big Ropes. Unfortunately our time had run out but then again that is our rasion d’etre to return. Well that and maybe one of the free concerts scheduled throughout the summer as well.
The Village of Baytowne and the Marina are located at 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Destin, Fl. 2550
Phone 850-267-8117 or 850-267-8180
www.baytownewharf.com
Caitlin Nebel strapped in for Euro Bungy Jump. Click to enlarge.
- Photo2 by Charles Siskin