True to our 2011 resolution, which inspired us to sneak off to Maui last year, this year we’ve road tripped down to Destin, Florida so we can soak up some rays and recharge our drill DIY batteries.
Turns out even if you love painting and sanding and stripping wallpaper, it’s nice to step away from the primer and the sawdust to reboot for a week with your family. And since we had already driven down to Atlanta last week for the Haven Conference, we figured why stop there when the beautiful gulf coast was a half-day drive away…
Destin was our destination of choice because our good friends the Bowers have said such great things about it. Oh, and did I mention the Bowers came with us?
We do plan to drop in a few times throughout the next five days with some posts that we wrote up before we left (we have an awesome $1,000+ international giveaway that we’ll share tomorrow morning along with some other things, like a sweet Reader Redesign). But our main goal is to recharge, put the laptops down, and show Clara a good time.
So we’ll just be stopping by every once in a while until next Monday (please forgive us if we’re not actively answering comments until then). We can’t wait to come back refreshed, inspired, and ready to tackle everything on our beefy to-do list. If only we could coerce our house sitters into painting some blue trim while they’re there (we have a few friends and family members who are taking turns moving in to stare at the wallpaper hang out while we’re gone).
What do you think the odds are of them surprising us with some painted trim when we return? Methinks it’s zero point zero zero. So we’re grateful that this is the only blue that we’ll be staring at for the next few days:
Naaaature! (said in the voice of Robert Goulet, of course).
Sarah says
You have to go take a day on 30A… go to Seaside and eat at the food trucks and go to Sundog books. Take the kids to the Alys Beach playground then go to La Crema in Rosemary for spanish tapas, wine and drinking chocolate!
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats says
Have so much fun!! You guys deserve a nice break!!
Bridget says
Destin is great, I went there a couple times as a kid!
Chaney says
The gulf coast is one of my most favorite places in the whole world. Ahh! So jealous you’re there. ENJOY it!
Lauren says
Glad you’re able to get away, and Sherry that’s such a good pic of you and Clara!
Tamara says
I hope you have a fun yet relaxing time. And I have to say that first photo of you and Clara is probably the most beautiful I’ve seen of you two. Thanks for sharing!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Have fun! My husband and I were just talking about taking our boys to Destin sometime since it’s a manageable drive and I’m craving the beach. I’ve never been there but I hear it’s nice!
Nicole says
Good for you guys- looks like a great place to vacation!
That photo of Sherry and Clara is priceless- definitely frame-wall worthy :)
April Mattingly says
I spy with my little eye….a little baby Bower bump!! I just read your post Katie. Congratulations and may the Lord bless you and keep during this emotional time. Hugs!!!
Ps. Sorry I posted about Katie on your blog Sherry, but I know you won’t mind since she’s your bff. :) Love you girls!!
Ryan says
We go to Destin every year in September for a week and we love it. I knew you were in Destin instantly from your Instagram pics – that white sand is unmistakable!
I hope it’s a great trip! We are heading down in a few weeks!
Carrie Lea says
I am as emerald as the sea with envy! :) I can only afford to travel there in my mind right now.
You guys deserve it! I love Destin so much and I know you will too. If you post a bazillion pics of the ocean I won’t be sad at all.
Hector says
Looks like a blast, enjoy your vacation!
Maria@The_Brooklyn_Fig says
That picture of you and Clara is precious. Enjoy your trip!
Summer says
I live in Pensacola, FL! You are so close to us! Destin is absolutely beautiful. Enjoy your stay!
Kirsten Oliphant says
I saw your photos on instagram and thought “that looks like Destin,” but then didn’t want to say anything because it made me feel like a creeper. I bet you had a fabulous time!! My fam and I started going to Destin after moving back down to Texas, but now we go to Gulf Shores and we do it in October. Why? Saves money, still hot enough to enjoy the beach, but a little milder and NO ONE IS THERE. I’m throwing that little suggestion out there if you guys liked the gulf vacay. I don’t think I’ll switch back to a summer beach time after enjoying the fall beach. :)
Beth Dunn says
Destin looks amazing. The only thing I know about Destin is that one or more of the characters in Anne Rice’s books liked to go on vacation there, I think. Not a vampire. Possibly one of the cool witchy ladies from New Orleans. I can’t remember, I just remember I liked the character and it made me think happy thoughts about Destin. Which might say more about me than about Gulf Coast resort towns and their suitability for family fun times. This is not a very helpful comment. Anyway, I hope you have a great time, and I am sure nothing supernatural will probably happen at all! <3
Allison says
Would these house sitters also be dog sitters? Does Burger stay home when you go on road trips or go with you? I know you took him on your honeymoon! If he does go, how do you keep him entertained so he’s not cooped up alone all day while you enjoy your non-dog activities?
YoungHouseLove says
He comes with us whenever the travel allows for it. So he could easily come on a road trip and stay at a dog friendly rental house, but he couldn’t come to Hawaii since flying there with a dog requires quarantine (we didn’t want him to have to go through that, so he stayed back with John’s parents who were house sitting).
xo
s
Karen Q. says
Enjoy yourselves- you so deserve it! Have a fabulous time-soak up some sun and chillax!!!! 8)
Blake says
I was wondering when you guys would come visit my home! I always freaked out when I would see that the Bowers had vacationed where I live and wondered when they would convince you guys to join them on a vacay!
I agree with all the previous suggestions. Red Bar, Seaside, Grayton Beach, Baytowne Wharf, Alys Beach are all great! Enjoy your vacation! I don’t own a restaurant or have a super cool house to house crash, but my mom rents paddle boards across the bay from Destin. You guys should check it out! It is super fun and the kids would love it! Enjoy your vacation!
Kim says
Enjoy! :D
S says
Oh, I hope you have a wonderful vacation! I just had abdominal surgery, so the pic of Sherry and Clara on the beach makes me jealous because 1. I’ve missed out on too much summer fun and 2. I can’t imagine when I’ll be ready to lay on my stomach at the beach!
And I hope someone surprises you with some painted trim too!
Erica M says
Had to say the Sherry/Clara pic on the beach is so gorgeous, definitely worthy of your newest gallery wall!! :)
Maddie says
YAY! Good for you guys, have so much fun! Love that pic of you and Clara with the Barbies…TOO cute. Also I love it so much when the Bowers/Petersiks hangout and your posts overlap…everyone needs BFFS to enjoy life with and y’all are the best to follow!
Sarah says
Hope you have a great trip and a much-deserved rest!
If you plan on doing some shopping while in Destin be sure to hit up Destin Commons, and don’t forget to visit the Flip Flop Shops there! It’s an awesome store featuring flip flops and sandals for the whole family!
Enjoy!
Leigh says
I’m a Bama girl so the Gulf coast is one of my favorite places in the world. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL and Destin, FL are my absolute favs because of the beautiful beaches and blue water.
Enjoy your time in Destin! And I agree with the others, you should totally frame that picture of you and Clara.
Nicki says
We just returned from a week long stay in Destin! We were with the whole entire fam damily! All in one big house. But we had a great time. Went paddle boarding, snorkeling, and just soaked up that gorgeous beach! Enjoy! We went to a fabulous shop called Brocante Consignments and Antiques. I highly recommend it, I was absolutely in love with the place. My daughter bought a vintage gown there to wear at her homecoming this fall, but they have tons of house stuff too! And her gown is so antiquey and gorgeous!
annie @ anniehearts says
Enjoy your time away!
You two deserve it like nobody’s business!
Annie XO
Gwen, The Makerista says
Good for you all! You deserve a break and I hope you get some R&R. I always hear the most amazing things about Destin!
Christine says
I love the Naaaature reference! Have fun in Destin! Recharge recharge recharge. I am just starting up my DIY/Lifestyle website and I am charging forward and it is not exhausting, but I don’t see how you do it EVERYDAY! You guys are brilliant!
Jeannine @ Small and Chic in Cville says
Good for you, Youngsters. Have a great vacation. :)
Lacey says
I recommend making the 15 min drive over to Seaside, Fl while you’re there. It is beautiful and a very family friendly place right on the beach, so worth the drive! They have a farmers market every Tuesday and Saturday morning and their Wednesday night concerts are perfect for families…good music and ice cream on the beach! We love the Red Bar too, and Cafe 30A. You can’t go to Florida and not drive down 30A! :) Enjoy your trip!
Lindsay says
That photo of Sherry & Clara is beautiful! Looks like something from a magazine! My gosh!
Amber@AnAlmostFairyTale says
Go to Fudpuckers! Seriously it is the best atmosphere! We went in the Spring and enjoyed it so much. That part of the world is beautiful. (Try the parmesean tilapia. To die for!)
Bailey says
That white sand is unreal!! I’ve never seen sand that beautiful (in real life) – have an amazing time!!
xox
Bailey
http://akabailey.blogspot.com
Carli says
Love that you guys snuck away and that you’re with the Bowers! Have the BEST time!!
Leanne says
The Silver Sands Outlet Mall in Destin is awesome if you’re up for some shopping.
Lisa says
Be sure to drive down the road to 30A — A truly special spot. Seaside, Alys, Rosemary — go all the way to end. You won’t be sorry!!!
melissa says
Yay enjoy Destin! I live about 20 minutes from there. Check out Burrito del Sol. They have a physical restaurant in Fort Walton Beach but they also have a food truck that roams Destin. Awesome food with free range and antibiotic free meat. I think their facebook page will let point you to the truck.
Kathleen says
Sherry, That picture of you and Clara on the beach is absolutely gorgeous!!!
Linda says
I agree with others about that photo of Sherry and Clara being a good one. Most impressive though is just how relaxed Barbie looks. Destin seems to suit all of you well!
jill says
When I hit “Robert Goulet voice” I dang near fell out of my chair. Hilarious.
Emma Hooft says
Have fun on your trip! Looks awesome!
Autumn Beach says
Oh, wow…GOOD. FOR. YOU! So glad you guys are getting away. You totally deserve a break! And how fun to have vacation friends! Have a WONDERFUL time. And don’t even think about about replying to comments! :) ENJOY!!
Tammy says
For great deco inspiration, make it to Rosemary Beach!!
Amanda says
Have fun! Where did you get Clara’s adorable suit? I must know!
YoungHouseLove says
That was on the clearance rack at Gap about 3 months ago I think.
xo
s
Julia @ Cuckoo4Design says
YAY, vacation! Wishing you guys a great time.
Elizabeth Carter says
I’ve went there every year for as long as I can remember. You’ll love it. If you can, be sure to check out Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach. You will feel like you’re in a different country. They are fabulous. Have fun! :)
Lena says
Oh reading all these comments makes me sad. My hubby and I moved to Miramar Beach after we got married. It’s right next to destin. Long story short, we had bad timing as had to come back to Denver. His cousin has a place on Blue Mountain Beach that hubby spent every summer at growing up. We LOVE it there and miss it oh so much.
Everyone has given great suggestions and I’m sure the Bowers would have already mentioned most of them.
Have fun. Those sugar sad beaches and the emerald coast are just to die for. I love the sound your feet make on that sand.
Maybe Clara will have fun catching the little sans crabs. My husband and i are always grabbing them. The little ones don’t hurt :)
Petra says
Enjoy it all, have a big glass of wine and put your feet up! Maybe the elves will finish all of the blue trim!
Nicole Underwood says
Welcome to Florida! Enjoy!!