“Would you like lump crab meat with that?” Florida recap (Miramar/Destin Area)

First off, I want to remind everyone that traveling during the time of COVID-19 may not be an ideal time at all to go. With that in mind, maintain your social distance and wear your mask (over your mouth and nose).

COVID-19 Travel tips:

1. Pack extra masks (they’re required on the flight-may want to have extra just in case)
2. Pack hand sanitizer & disinfecting wipes (sometimes wipes are given, but not always)
3. Eat before arriving to the airport (minimizes your exposure & some airports have very limited options open)
4. Pack a water bottle (if it is a quick flight they may not do in service-water or snacks)
5. Pack snacks (see above)
6. Thank your flight crew-remember that, without them, you would not be able to travel during this uncertain time

With that being said, let’s get to the good stuff!

Where do you go to eat & How do you get reservations?

For our group of 6 people, we actually had no trouble getting into restaurants with or without reservations even with the Destin area being so crowded. We made reservations for most dinners on Open Table, and that made everything so easy! Due to COVID-19, the dining situations are changing daily, so I would also recommend to follow the news and ask locals for tips on dining, beaches etc. Some restaurants were publicized on Google as “take out only” however, when you called they did actually have “dine in” available. Also, some establishments are not allowing reservations at this time due to the unpredictability of everything.

Restaurants we went to:

Louis Louis–highly recommend! This restaurant had a very down to earth feel. Menu was available on a chalkboard as well posted around-very cute and homey. We started off with some martinis-very yum, and also some Smoked Tuna Dip and Crab Cakes. Amazing! I had the Blackened Grouper for an entree, and it was amazing! If they offer anything blackened in Destin-get it!

Ocean Club Restaurant–great deal & amazing food! This restaurant has a fancy, white table cloth feel, but also sort of a jazz feel with the live music that plays by the bar area. They have an early dinner special 5pm-6pm where you get 2 entrees for the price of 1! What a deal! We started off with some Fried Green Tomatoes with Lump Crab Meat on top, and I had the Catch of the Day Almandine, which did not disappoint. Definitely recommend this place for the deal alone.

*side note-I had come here for a special family event years ago so it also has a sentimental factor for me.

Marina Cafe–Great harbor view & great food! The restaurant overlooks the harbor and has lots of windows lining the whole back of the restaurant which provides great views even if you are not sitting next to the windows. White table cloths, very classy place! We started off with some wine-big wine restaurant! Also started off with the “Jumbo Lump Crab on Panko Crusted Eggplant Medallions”–Yumo! And I had the shrimp pasta–and the waitress asked if I would like to add lump crab meat on top (I’m a sucker for those kinds of things, and I of course said “yes!”) Very good! I also shared some of a friends, “Pan Seared Andouille Crusted Louisiana Redfish”–so amazing-I recommend this dish!

**Definitely recommend all of these restaurants, we were not disappointed!

Tips for Destin beach area at this current time:

1. Drive if you can. I say this because Ubers and taxis are not a plenty due to COVID-19, and with that in combination with how many people are in the area at this time–Ubers are overwhelmed!
2. Go to the grocery store for breakfast, lunches, and snacks. You don’t have to do this, but if you want to get in the maximum amount of beach time–this helps. Also, again if you are limited with transportation, having to only worry about 1-2 rides per day for dinner for example is way easier than 3-4 rides or taxis.
3. Pack your own sunscreen and beach equipment if possible. Again-if you drive you bring your own chairs, umbrella, big sunscreen (>3.4 oz), etc.
4. If you do have to take Ubers, see if you can arrange a ride with someone personally. From the stories from locals, arranging a ride on Uber does not ensure you a ride to the airport.

With all these things in mind–enjoy your trip and play safe!

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me via comments/email/DM to ask more!

❤️-

Red