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Destin is called the "luckiest fishing village in the world" and that remains the main attraction for me. Others in my family would tell you it's the beaches and golf. My daughters are shopping fiends and won't hesitate to tell you that outside of New York City that Destin is their favorite spot to shop. The choices for those with a passion for dining are almost endless.

Fishing is a year round pleasure in Destin. The Harbor boasts the largest commercial fishing fleet in the United States. The best months are April through October but I've never failed to catch something. This is one of the few places where you can do it all, freshwater, pier or bridge fishing, right off the beach, deep sea and close to shore. Saltwater fly fishing is gaining rapid popularity and the waters around Destin are perfect. The deep water is only ten miles off the coast so even a half day charter can get you there.

The beaches in and around Destin are the most beautiful in the world. The calm gulf waters are perfect for swimming and water sports. This makes for a great place to learn to sea kayak and sail. If you have ever wanted to design a castle check out Sand Odyssey. Here you can buy all the tools you need to get started and take lessons from a world champion sand sculptor.

Golf never takes a day off in Destin. There are hundreds of courses along the Emerald Coast with four hundred holes to choose from in the heart of town. Emerald Bay features a four star golf school including daily rounds of eighteen holes. Kelley Plantation, a Fred Couples signature course exudes pure luxury for your golf experience including ice cold apples on the first and last tees. Regatta Bay has three nine hole courses to choose from. Combine two for a round of eighteen.

Destin is home to the world's largest upscale outlet mall. It is filled with over a hundred of the top national chains with the likes of Perry Ellis and Sharper Image. Unique stores like The Bose Factory can be found as well. Tucked inside some of the little strips and upscale shopping enclaves are unique boutiques, design galleries and artist studios.

Take a morning to see the Destin Fishing and History Museum to get a feel for what the heart of this village is really like. Spend the afternoon racing the kids at the track on Hwy 98. If the beach wasn't enough fun and sun there is a huge water park in the middle of town. With all the artists and chefs there are classes offered all year round.

Food that brings you closer to heaven is on nearly every corner. Two of my old time favorites are McGuire's on 98 and AJ's in the Harbor. The bartenders at either place can offer up the latest advice for the best eats in town. They have never steered me wrong.

Learn more about this author, Betsy Young.
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