8 Ways To Celebrate

Life holds countless moments to be celebrated. From birthdays and anniversaries to promotions and new endeavors, each celebratory occasion is unique, and we should treat it as such. 

However, we tend to find ourselves seated at the same restaurants or setting up at our trusted beach spot—not to mention barhopping, which has decreased in popularity alongside a cultural shift toward sobriety. 

Here’s a fresh take on where to go and what to do to celebrate you.

Create and Keep 

Whether it’s decorative or wearable art, the act of creation has a multitude of benefits: relaxation, creativity, focus, and tangible memory-making. There are countless studios, galleries, and businesses along the Emerald Coast that specialize in custom painting, pottery, jewelry, candle making, hat making, and more. Some of these spots are open to visitors, while others come to you. 

Our Local Suggestions:
30A Hat Bar, Miss Fizzwick, Sun Bear Gallery & Studio, Terra Handcrafted, The Shard Shop, Tijon Fragrance Lab

Photo courtesy of Emerald Coast Science Center

Indoor Adventure 

Let your inner child play by exploring indoor adventures like escape rooms, axe throwing, trampoline parks, bowling, rock climbing, roller skating, and laser tag. Museums and educational centers are also locales of whimsy and wonder. 

Our Local Suggestions: Emerald Coast Science Center, Gulfarium, Destin Fishing & History Museum

Social Butterfly 

If you’re someone who has never met a stranger, invite your friends out to make
new friends at a local trivia night, arcade, game night, karaoke bar, or line dancing class. Test your knowledge or vocal range,
or have a blast learning new dances. 

Our Local Suggestions: Fat Daddy’s Arcade, Thrills Laser Tag & Arcade, 3rd Planet Brewing, Yard Bar, Wild Greg’s Saloon

Culinary Creativity

So much of memory is tied to food, and for good reason: A meal shared with loved ones is the ideal way to congregate, celebrate, and converse. Instead of selecting where you’ve been or where everyone else goes, consider hiring a private chef, attending a cooking class, planning a food crawl, touring food trucks, hosting a picnic or potluck, afternoon tea, or a mocktail-making class. 

Our Local Suggestions: The Twisted Fork Culinary Classroom, 360 Blue In-Home Cooking Class, Emerald Coast Chefs, Marrow Private Chefs, Rowan’s Plate, Tipsy Mule

Photo courtesy of Sunquest Cruises

Get Outdoors 

In the Sunshine State, especially in temperate Northwest Florida, there’s no shortage of beautiful days to be enjoyed. By land or sea, we are close to countless parks and waterways to hike, bike, boat, and paddle. Also consider ziplining, horseback riding, golfing, mini golfing, disc golfing, sunset sailing, chartered fishing, or a group camping trip. 

Our Local Suggestions:
SunQuest Cruises, Emerald Coast Water Tours, Emerald Coast Island Excursions, Blue Dolphin Tours, Shell Island Boat Rentals & Tours

Arts Patron 

Few activities are as enjoyable and enriching as supporting the arts, be it through a concert, a film, a play, a gallery, or other live performance. Gather your group to dance, sing, marvel, and then discuss. Check local arts associations, theaters, and concert venues for performance dates and times. 

Our Local Suggestions: Mattie Kelly Arts Center,
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Saenger Theatre, Pensacola Little Theatre 

Photo by 1shot Creations courtesy of Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Staycation 

Sometimes we forget that we live where many love to vacation. Get the best of both worlds by planning a staycation close to home. Book a weekend stay, a night, or plan a day at one of the stunning resorts and hotels nearby. Indulge in a spa treatment, dine luxuriously, shop away,
take in the views, order room service, and slumber on plush pillows. 

Our Local Suggestions: Hotel Effie, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel, The Pearl Hotel, Henderson Beach Resort, Watercolor Inn & Resort

Flock to a Festival 

While this option requires a bit of advance planning, it will be worth it. The Emerald Coast boasts some of the best festivals and events in the South, from arts festivals to food and wine festivals to charity events and more. Visit local tourism sites, shopping centers, event arenas, park websites, and Emerald Coast Magazine’s calendar for more details. 

Our Local Suggestions: Grand Boulevard, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Pier Park