What is a beer garden? With their popularity growing, it is rare to find someone who has never been exposed to one yet you may still not be familiar with its details. The origins of such establishments date back all the way to 19th century Germany.

A beer garden is defined as an outdoor area in which beer and local foods are served, typically at shared tables. In my opinion, there should be one of these on every corner. A no hassle, relaxed atmosphere with food and drink. What could possibly top that? I know, maybe one with a view of a harbor… You could basically arrive by boat after a long day of fishing or soaking up the sun of a beautiful beach. Maybe one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with emerald green waters. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

Thankfully, Joe Campbell was thinking that in 2014 when he established The Other End Restaurant and Beer Garden. Tucked behind The Kayak Experience, which is directly across from Sexton’s Seafood Market, lies a somewhat hidden gravel parking lot. Leaving behind the traffic of Highway 98, you are presented with a secluded area with wooden floors and a canopy top. By now you have noticed the Airstream food-truck sitting directly behind the bar, but have you noticed the 16 beer taps? Yes! If you haven’t fallen in love yet, chances are you just did. At least, that was my experience the first time I discovered The Other End.

It was a breezy summer day at the Destin Dog Park and my friend and I were searching for a pet friendly place to go for dinner (Oh yea, The Other End is pet friendly as well). We polled the other dog owners and heard the usual suggestions until a beer garden was mentioned. A few hours later I had found one of my favorite places in Destin. You just can’t lose with a place who’s selections include the “Pig In The Garden” slab cut bacon, lettuce, and vine ripe tomato served on a croissant topped with aioli or the “Duck Confit Grinder”, a sandwich with duck confit, top with grilled onion, peppers and mushrooms, smothered in house made beer cheese. Sometimes all you need is a fresh German bratwurst with sauerkraut and maybe a side of Belgian fries, which is hand cut fries cooked in duck fat.

Well, there you have it. The Other End is a great place and a great addition to Destin. Let’s do our part now and keep them around. Hopefully, there is no end in sight for The Other End.

It’s that time of year again, time to don your best holiday attire and spread some cheer for a great cause. The 9th annual Destin Nights’ Santa Pub Crawl is upon us. Started in 2007 by a select few Destin Nights founding fathers, this annual event has grown into one big Christmas party. Everyone is welcome on December 17th at HarborWalk Village. Festivities start at 7:00 p.m. and last until 12:00 a.m. Proceeds from the Pub Crawl benefit Emerald Coast Relay for Life.

Pub Crawl Stops and Times:
7PM- Fishheads
8PM- Margaritaville
9PM- Jackacudas Seafood and Sushi
10PM- Crab Island Cantina & Jesters Mardi Gras
11PM- Harry T’s Lighthouse
12AM- Coyote Ugly Saloon
So come deck the halls in your tacky sweaters, Santa outfits, elf ears, and reindeer antlers while we spread holiday cheer through HarborWalk Village with jolly drink specials at each stop. It’s all for a good cause.

There is nothing better than a parade during the holiday season. Wait, maybe there is! It’s a boat parade!

On December 11th, the 30th Annual Destin Harbor Boat Parade will set sail. This yearly celebration of the holiday season is a remarkable sight, with local boats coming together to light up the entire Destin Harbor. The festivities will begin in the afternoon all along the harbor with boats lining up in the harbor between 5 and 5:30 p.m. The lighted boat parade will roll out at 6 p.m. Judging of the boats will take place at Margaritaville with an awards presentation and a fireworks display set to light up the sky. The parade can be viewed from the docks and restaurants west of the Grand Harbor condominium on Destin harbor.

The boat parade is open to all commercial, charter and private vessels. Entry forms can be picked up at the museum, Destin Community Center, City Hall, Destin Chamber of Commerce, or many of the businesses along the harbor.

Entry fee is $25 per boat.

There will be awards in 10 categories: private boat 30 feet and under, private 31 feet and over, charter/commercial boat 30 feet and under, charter/commercial boat 31 feet and over, tour boat/motorized 50 feet and under, tour boat/motorized 50 feet and over, sailboat 30 feet and under, and sailboat 31 feet and over.
An additional award will go to the best overall boat entry.
The city of Destin is sponsoring an award to the boat that best highlights the harbor heritage.

In case of bad weather, the event will be held the following Sunday, Dec. 18.
For more information, call the museum at 837-6611 or email kathydestinhistory@gmail.com

You won’t want to miss Santa’s Arrival at Destin Commons on Friday November 18th. Not only can you get ahead of your Christmas shopping, but you can also celebrate the kick-off to the holiday season here in beautiful Destin. Festivities begin at 6pm and will include, arts and crafts, face painting, music, merriment, and fun! A holiday parade follows at 7pm with Santa himself in attendance. The event culminates at 8pm with a spectacular fireworks finale. If you are going to be on the Gulf Coast, get in Christmas spirit at Destin Commons.

The 9th annual Blues, Brews and BBQ will kick off tomorrow, the 5th of November at 11:00 am. This local event, held on the HarborWalk at Emerald Grande, gathers the Gulf Coast’s best chefs and “pits” (BBQ Pit, that is) them against one another. Restaurants around town will offer samples of creative BBQ styles (not necessarily the traditional pork, beef, or ribs) and signature coastal food. Prizes will be awarded to the top winners in categories such as “Best Traditional BBQ”, “Best Seafood BBQ”, and Most Original BBQ”. Plenty of Live music and cold brews accompany this rocking good time. For more information head on over to the Emerald Grande Events Page.

We’re proud to release our re-designed website, HolidayIsle.net! We’ve spent a lot of time and energy into this new version, and feel like it will be far easier to use — from making online reservations to getting valuable Destin-area information.

Let us know what you think by filling out our contact form.