Consider These Things When in Destin

If you're planning a visit here to Destin Florida or maybe, considering relocating here and you want to know what things you should consider. Maybe you're not familiar with the area or have visited once or twice in the past and don't really remember what's what or, you know, a lot of things have changed since the last time you visit. You want to know what to consider. I'm going to go ahead and talk to you about some of those things, that way you're prepared and know what to expect when you're here in Destin, Florida.

All right. So, when in Destin. Some of the things to consider. 

PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES IN ADVANCE 

First, you want to make sure you plan your activities in advance, especially in the spring and summer time when there's more of a crowd. There's going to be a lot of people out there that plan on doing the same things that you and your crew plan on doing. So, if you are attending an event or do an activity that's going to require purchasing tickets, you may want to purchase those in advance. Not doesn't necessarily have to be a day or a week in advance, maybe even if it's the same day, just pick up your tickets in the morning. And, if it's afternoon activity, you'll already have the tickets and you'll be able to avoid the lines. You'll also want to consider the drive time from wherever you're staying or where you live, to how long it takes to get to the place that you're needing to go to because there's a lot of traffic on Highway 98 in the spring and summer. There was a lot of construction I think that's died down a little bit. And, of course, there's unexpected accidents. So, just make sure you plan your route and know where to go and how long it's going to take you to get there so you don't end up running late. And, you also want to know where you're going to park. Just in case it's a place where they're going to run out of parking spaces on site. Just be familiar with where the nearest public parking lot is, that way. that will save you some of the headaches during the last minute when you're trying to hurry and find parking, and your event or activity is getting ready to start. Or you’re meeting up with a lot of people and you don't want to be that one that's running late just because you can't find a place to park, and you had to park way down the street and it took you some time to walk up to where you're supposed to be. So, just make sure you plan that in advance to and then we were going to go if there's no more parking spaces on site. 

KEEP A LIGHT JACKET OR UMBRELLA 

Another thing to consider is to, maybe keep a light jacket with you or a small umbrella because even on our sunniest days, we will have a little bit of rain. Of course, you can check the forecast in advance, especially if you’re planning an outdoor activity that's going to last most of the day or most of the afternoon. They could say, 30% chance of rain on the weather for example. That 30% chance might just be a little five-minute period at 2:00 in the afternoon and then after that, you're good to go. But, some people don't like to get wet, but there's a lot of us Floridians that really don't care. It could be raining and we'll just run out there anyway, because we got places to go, places to see people to meet. So, if you don't like to get wet or if us girls don't like to get our hair wet, just make sure you have a light jacket on hand just to cover yourself if you're maybe in the middle of shopping at the Destin Commons or Silver Sands Outlet. Or if you're just, you know, at a park for picnic and it starts to rain, you have something to cover yourself with until it passes. There are a lot of times where you're maybe a mile down the road and you can see ahead, there's a rain cloud and you know, the next few minutes, you're about to be right up under that rain cloud when you're driving. Again, don't let that ruin your plans for the day because we do have a lot of sporadic rain showers here. But, just make sure you check the weather in advance to make sure it's not just one of those days where it actually will be raining all day. 

CONNECT WITH A REALTOR 

Another important thing I want you to consider when your Destin. If you're looking for property purchase, it would be best for you and make your life easier if you were to connect with a realtor. I know someone. Especially, if you're looking for condos or investment properties, there's a lot of the units that would be occupied or they can only be shown within a short period of time during turnovers. Or, there are homes that you want to see that are occupied by the owners, and then you're going to have a realtor with you to be able to access the property. You don't really want to just contact a different agent each time you want to see a property that can get a little, that can wear you out a little bit when you have to kind of explain your backstory to each and every agent that you meet. It's easier if you just connect with one realtor, that way, they know what you're looking for. They are familiar with your family and you know, what works best for you. They know what your finances look like. You just build a relationship with the one person instead of, you know, repeating the same story with different realtors each time you go to a property. So, if you are looking to purchase here in Destin, Florida, again, just connect with the realtor to make it easier. Especially, again, the condos you have to have maybe gate codes and door codes, of course, the realtors will be able to have that information that you need access to each of these properties. That way you don't have to worry about, waiting to find out if the listing agent is available for you. Just connect with one realtor such as myself or anyone here at the Whittemore group, we got you covered. 

ANIMAL LOVERS 

Now, for you animal lovers out there. You also want to make sure you know where you can and cannot bring your pets. A lot of people ask about the beaches they're allowed to bring their dogs on the beach. No, you're not allowed to bring your dogs out on the public beach. But there are a couple of dog parks in Destin. And, if you are looking to purchase a condo, most of the condos do allow the owners to have pets and of course, they have the designated areas where you're allowed to bring your pets to go potty or to play and mingle with other dogs. So, just know that you can't just pull up to a public beach and bring your dogs out there. Somebody will say something you may get into just a little bit of trouble. 

PET A LIVE ALLIGATOR 

Another awesome thing to consider when you're in Destin is to, pet a live alligator. Especially if you're just visiting, you can go back home and tell everybody that you got to pet a live alligator. The best place to do this would be at Fudpucker's Gator Beach. They have a free shows, free Gator shows and you'll also have the opportunity to feed the alligators. No, they're not just out in the wild running around, you're not just chase one down. Of course, they have the professionals there. So, nobody gets hurt and the alligators don't get hurt. But, I haven't even done that myself and I've been meaning to. I drive past Fudpucker's all the time, but one of these days I will pull over and, you know, hopefully I'll have my family with me too, so they can experience petting a live alligator. As creepy as that sounds, I actually think it would be pretty cool as well. 

FISHING  

Also, when in Destin, you might want to consider going fishing. Why is that? Well, Destin is considered or is also known as the world's luckiest Fishing Village. Of course, there are many fishing charters for you to choose from. There's a lot of opportunity for you to be able to have someone with you to go fishing. If you're not familiar with it or if you don't have your own boat, there's a lot of local businesses that will be able to take you out on that experience. I haven't done a fishing charter myself. I've been on dolphin cruises, but I have not actually been fishing. I've been fishing off the Pensacola Bridge years ago, but one of these days, that's another thing I do want to try and that's why I want you to consider as well, because I know how fun it is especially when you're with a group of people. I know fishing is a great outdoor activity that you can just do anywhere at a lake, but I think it's more fun in Destin because you can go on the fishing charter and have fun out on the water and you have a captain there with you to guide you along the way especially if you're not familiar like me. 

UBER & LYFT 

And, last but not least thing I want you to consider when you're in Destin is to make sure you have the Uber or Lyft app on your phone. There are a lot of great bars in Destin Florida or there's some activities or festivals that will have alcohol provided. One of my favorite events every year is the Taco and Tequila Fest. Of course, that is exactly what it is. You can get tacos and tequila for hours. Of course, if you do plan on attending those type of events, you want to make sure that you have a ride, you have your designated DD, whatever it takes to get you back to your home or to your rental safely. There's places like McGuire's where you can enjoy your Irish wake and you might want to walk over to the HarborWalk and go to Margaritaville, go down the street to AJ's. Again, there's so many great places for you to have drinks. We want to make sure that you have a good time, but stay safe as well. Because, at the end the day, you may just need a ride home. So, it's very convenient for you to already have the Uber or the Lyft app, or maybe you already have a designated driver with your group that were able to get everyone back home safely. 

Well, that's all I have for today. Of course, there's many, many more, but I just wanted to keep it short and sweet. If you have any questions, please feel free to call/text us at 850.320.7757 or email us at Admin@WhittemoreGroupRE.com