Almost business as usual by Jane Tolbert

Sunrise at Destin


It seemed like just another day on the beach. Sand crabs scuttled about, but when a shadow passed, they made quick dashes to their holes. Dogs romped happily. Seagulls lined up facing the gulf. Sunrise and sunset were spectacular performances from the beach and hotel decks.


Almost business as usual except for the dearth of tourists. Those few beach goers were there for two conferences held at the Sandestin Hilton.

Cabanas on the Destin beach


A few locals attributed the drop in tourism to the negative media coverage and misconceptions that followed the Deep Horizon disaster of April 2010. The print media continue to revisit the issue with headlines like "Florida Panhandle hotels hurt by oil spill's effect" (LA Times, Oct. 23, 2010) or "Oil Fears Still Crimp Tourism" (St. Pete Times, Oct. 14, 2010).


Destin is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay (I had to look up the spelling but wouldn't attempt to pronounce it), about 30 miles south of I-10. On my first trip to the Emerald Coast, I walked barefoot on the powdery white beaches. I found no tar balls but only a few unwanted visitors--jellyfish and minuscule Portuguese Man of War brought in with the wind and surf. I dined with a friend in the Baytowne Wharf area. No waits for a table on the terrace, and only a few parents pushing strollers or pedestrians with dogs on leashes wandered the streets.


On a more positive note, the Hilton offers fantastic accommodations. Its rooms go beyond the wild expectations of most parents--a sleeping area for kids that is separate from the bedroom/ sitting room and balcony for adults. Additionally, the hotel has indoor and outdoor pools and play areas for kids. Of course, when my kids were small, I never could have afforded these accommodations! But as a conference participant, I received great rates.

The hotel includes the 13th floor



Miles of nature preserves border this highly developed area of hotels, spas and golf courses.




The true test of a successful beach town--would I return? Long drive. No tango, but friends. Not the delightful bustle of South Beach, but peace and calm. Night activities (Fourth of July and New Year's) within what a Swedish friend called "crawling distance" for those who imbibe sound tempting. . . . But could someone tell me what is a bomb shot?