Destin Seafood Festival
Florida is one destination that is famous for seafood. Whether you're a fishing enthusiast looking to head out on a deep sea fishing excursion or you simply love to devour the daily catch, there is one destination in Florida you should check out: Destin. While it is possible to enjoy seafood here all year long, one of the best times of year to visit is the annual Destin Seafood Festival. During this celebration of seafood and local heritage visitors can enjoy music, dance, markets, and more.
The 2011 Destin Seafood Festival is taking place Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 . When some people hear about this festival, they assume it will only be about seafood, but that isn't the case. In addition to seafood from AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar , Lucky Snapper , Crazy Lobster , and many more, there are also 15 stages set up along the Destin Harbor for local entertainment and concerts. A good deal of the action will take place near the two main stages: HarborWalk Village and Fisherman's Wharf .
Many travelers hear "seafood festival" and think "expensive." This festival proves otherwise; in fact, you don't even need to buy tickets to attend. The Destin Seafood Festival is a free event. Once you arrive at historic Destin Harbor you can purchase drink tickets, but no entry fee is required. Guests should then feel free to sample as much or as little food and drink as they please. The festival lasts for the whole weekend, but the big day is Saturday when the festival goes all day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you're wondering about the hours for the rest of the festival, Friday hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
No festival would be complete without some entertainment. The 2011 festival is particularly special because 15 songwriters from Nashville will be performing in addition to the rest of the entertainment. You might also be wondering about entertainment for kids. The Destin Seafood Festival thinks of the little ones too, providing a kids' zone that includes a bouncy castle, arts, crafts, and more. In addition to these types of entertainment, remember that local seafood is really on show here. Be sure to check out a wide range of local seafood options from popular local restaurants such as Fisherman's Wharf Seafood House and Grand Vista Bar and Grill .
One additional question many visitors have is about parking. It is now easier than ever to reach the Destin Food Festival thanks to shuttles that connect parking areas with the festival. It is possible to park your car in the HarborWalk Village , in the Destin Community Center , or the Destin Fishing Museum and hop the shuttle to reach the festival. This way you won't have to deal with any traffic.
Now that you're intrigued by the entertainment and tempting treats of the Destin Seafood Festival, it's time to take care of some practical planning. In a seaside destination like Destin, the best accommodations without a doubt are Destin vacation rentals. Waking up with a view of the ocean in your own private rental is sure to take your trips to new heights. After a busy day of exploring the festival, returning to your own cozy rental will be the perfect end to a perfect day.
The 2011 Festival