Emerald Coast’s Best of 2015
Join Us in Celebrating the 2015 Best Of the Emerald Coast Winners
You have spoken, the votes have been tallied and the results are in. In this annual Best of the Emerald Coast issue, we give you 150 of the best reasons why you love to live, work and play on the Emerald Coast. Here, we celebrate your favorite places to shop, dine, relax and take care of business.
After 16 years, the Best of the Emerald Coast Awards is still one of the most popular charity events of the season. And why not? This highly anticipated fall fete showcases the best food and beverages, shopping, entertainment and services available along the Emerald Coast.
We thank all of our loyal readers for taking the time to cast their votes in our 15th annual reader poll, we thank our contest auditors for verifying the results and we thank our event sponsors and charity partners in advance for what we know will be the “best” evening ever.
Congratulations to the 2015 Best of the Emerald Coast winners …
ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD AND BEVERAGE | SERVICE PROVIDERS | SHOPPING
Entertainment
Art Gallery
Justin Gaffrey Studio Gallery
justingaffrey.com (850) 267-2022
Santa Rosa Beach
Best Place for Kids Birthday Party
Abrakadoodle
abrakadoodle.com (850) 424-5058
Destin
DJ
Shane Keller – Rock the House
rockthewedding.com (850) 582-9725
Santa Rosa Beach
Golf Course
Regatta Bay
regattabay.com (850) 337-8080
Destin
Local Artist
Justin Gaffrey
justinmadebyhand.com (850) 267-2022
Santa Rosa Beach
Local Attraction
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
gulfarium.com (850) 243-9046
Destin
Local Event
Little Black Dress Party
whitewilsoncommunityfoundation.org (850) 863-8112
White-Wilson Medical Foundation
Musician/Vocalist/Band
Cadillac Willy
cadillacwilly.com (850) 585-1284
Destin
Place for a Date
Marlin Grill
marlingrill.com (850) 351-1990
Miramar Beach
Place to Go Dancing
The Village Door
thevillagedoor.com (850) 502-4590
Miramar Beach
*Place to Read a Book
Hilton SandestinBeach Golf Resort & Spa
hiltonsandestinbeach.com (850) 267-9500
Miramar Beach
Place to Take the Kids
Destin Commons
destincommons.com (850) 337-8700
Destin
Place to Watch a Sunset
Vue on 30A
vueon30a.com (850) 267-2305
Santa Rosa Beach
Radio Personality
Woofy – 99 Rock
tunein.com (850) 243-3699
Fort Walton Beach
Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
sandestin.com (850) 267-8000
Miramar Beach
Tennis Facility
Seascape Resort
seascape-resort.com (877) 424-2601
Miramar Beach
*Voting was Conducted Online
ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD AND BEVERAGE | SERVICE PROVIDERS | SHOPPING
Food & Beverage
Appetizer
Bonefish Grill
bonefishgrill.com (850) 650-3161
Destin
Bagel Shop
Panera Bread
panerabread.com (850) 837-2486
*Destin location
Destin, Miramar Beach, Fort Walton Beach
Bakery
Bon Appetit French Bakery & Café
bonappetitfrenchbakery.webs.com (850) 244-2848
Fort Walton Beach
Bar/Tavern
The Craft Bar
thecraftbarfl.com (850) 460-7907
Destin
BBQ
Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q Restaurant
jimnnicks.com (850) 424-5895
*Destin location
Destin, Niceville
Beer Selection
World of Beer
worldofbeer.com (850) 424-7939
Destin
Bloody Mary
The Red Bar
theredbar.com (850) 231-1008
Grayton Beach
Breakfast
Another Broken Egg Café
anotherbrokenegg.com (850) 650-0499
*Destin location
Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Pensacola
*Brewery
Grayton Beer Company
graytonbeer.com (850) 231-4786
Grayton Beach
Brunch
Mama Clemenza’s European Breakfast
clemenzasatuptown.com (850) 243-0707
*Fort Walton Beach location
Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach
Cajun/Creole
Louisiana Lagniappe
thelouisianalagniappe.com (850) 837-0881
Destin
Chef
Tim Creehan
timcreehan.com
Destin
Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
pfchangs.com (850) 269-1806
Miramar Beach
Coffee
Starbucks Coffee
starbucks.com (850) 650-0333
*Destin Commons location
Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, Niceville
Dessert (TIE)
Café Bolo
cafebolo30a.com (850) 267-2060
Santa Rosa Beach
The Donut Hole
(850) 267-3239
Destin, Santa Rosa Beach
Fine Dining
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
ruthschris.com (850) 837-7884
Destin
Food Truck/Airstream
The Big Red Truck
harrysbigredtruck.com (850) 737-1185
Destin
French
Bijoux
bijouxdestin.com (850) 622-0760
Miramar Beach
Gourmet/Food Shop/ Specialty Food Store
The Fresh Market
thefreshmarket.com (850) 650-0989
Destin
Grouper Sandwich
Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant
destinseafood.com (850) 837-7575
Destin
Gumbo
Hightide Restaurant and Oyster Bar
hightiderestaurant.com (850) 244-2624
Fort Walton Beach
Hamburger
McGuire’s Irish Pub
mcguiresirishpub.com (850) 650-0000
Destin
Happy Hour
Cuvee Bistro
cuveedestin.com (850) 650-8900
*Destin location
Destin, Inlet Beach
Hibachi
Osaka
osakahibachiandsushi.com (850) 650-4688
Destin, Panama City Beach
Best Frozen Treat
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
brusters.com (850) 269-2920
Destin
Italian
Clemenza’s at Uptown Station
clemenzasatuptown.com (850) 243-0707
Fort Walton Beach
Locally Owned Restaurant
Marie’s Bistro
mariesbistro.com (850) 278-6856
Blue Mountain Beach
Margarita
Cantina Laredo
cantinalaredo.com (850) 654-5649
Miramar Beach
Martini
Marlin Grill
marlingrill.com (850) 351-1990
Miramar Beach
Mediterranean
Aegean Restaurant
aegeanfl.com (850) 613-6120
Shalimar, Miramar Beach
Mexican/Latin American Restaurant
Pepito’s Mexican Restaurant
mypepitos.com (850) 650-7734
*Destin Location
Destin, Niceville
Onsite Catering
Townsend Catering
townsendcatering.com (850) 622-0663
Santa Rosa Beach
Outdoor Bar
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
boshamps.com (850) 424-7406
Destin
Outdoor Dining
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
boshamps.com (850) 424-7406
Destin
Oysters
Hightide Restaurant and Oyster Bar
hightiderestaurant.com (850) 244-2624
Fort Walton Beach
Pizza
Fat Clemenza’s Brick-oven Pizzeria
fatclemenzas.com (850) 650-5980
Miramar Beach
Restaurant in Bay County
The Firefly
fireflypcb.com (850) 249-3359
Panama City Beach
Restaurant in Escambia County
Jackson’s Steakhouse
jacksonsrestaurant.com (850) 469-9898
Pensacola
Restaurant in Okaloosa County
Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer
brotulas.com (850) 460-8900
Destin
Restaurant in Walton County
The Red Bar
theredbar.com (850) 231-1008
Grayton Beach
Romantic/Special Occasion Restaurant
Marlin Grill
marlingrill.com (850) 351-1990
Miramar Beach
Sandwich Shop
Lenny’s Sub Shop
lennys.com (850) 269-1152
*Destin location
Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Destin, Niceville, Crestview
Seafood Market
Destin Ice Seafood Market & Deli
destinice.com (850) 837-8333
Destin
Seafood Restaurant
Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant
destinseafood.com (850) 837-7575
Destin
Service, Food & Beverage
Clemenza’s at Uptown Station
clemenzasatuptown.com (850) 243-0707
Fort Walton Beach
Sports Bar
Johnny O’Quigley’s Ale House
johnnyoquigleys.com (850) 306-1012
*Crestview location
Destin, Crestview
Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
ruthschris.com (850) 837-7884
Destin
Sushi
Harbor Docks Restaurant
harbordocks.com (850) 837-2506
Destin
Thai
Jasmine Thai
jasminethai-destin.com (850) 460-7780
Destin
Wine List/Wine Bar
Chan’s Wine World
chanswineworld.com (850) 269-2909
*Destin Location
Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, WaterColor
Wings
Buffalo’s Reef
buffalosreef.com (850) 243-9464
Fort Walton Beach
*Voting was Conducted Online
ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD AND BEVERAGE | SERVICE PROVIDERS | SHOPPING
Services
Aesthetician
Melissa St. John — Destin Plastic Surgery
theplasticdoc.com (850) 654-1194
Destin
Acupuncture Clinic
The Tortoise Clinic
thetortoiseclinic.com (850) 267-5611
Santa Rosa Beach
Airport
VPS — Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport
flyvps.com (850) 651-7160
Valparaiso
Architect
William “Bill” Pope — W Architects, PA
(850) 654-6522
Destin
ATV/Golf/Electric Cart Dealership
Electric Cart Company
electriccartcompany.com (850) 622-2000
Santa Rosa Beach
Audio/Visual Provider
AVX Audio Video Excellence, Inc.
avxinc.com (850) 529-4743
Santa Rosa Beach
Automobile Dealership
Sam Taylor Buick GMC Cadillac
samtaylor.com (850) 364-1032
Fort Walton Beach
Auto Repair/Body Shop
Sam Taylor Buick GMC Cadillac
samtaylor.com (850) 364-1032
Fort Walton Beach
Bank
Regions Bank
regions.com (800) 734-4667
*Destin Main Street location
Destin
Boat Sales and Service
Legendary Marine
legendarymarine.com (850) 337-8310
*Destin location
Destin, Fort Walton Beach
Builder/Contractor (TIE)
Chi-Mar Construction
chimarconstruction.com (850) 837-8016
Santa Rosa Beach
DKM Dixon–Kazek Morrison Custom Homes
dkmcustomhomes.com (850) 650-7539
Miramar Beach
Car/Limo/Shuttle Service
654-Limo Chauffeured Services
654limo.com (850) 654-5466
Destin
Charity/Non-profit
Alaqua Animal Refuge
alaquaanimalrefuge.org (850) 880-6399
Freeport
Charter Boat/ Watersports
Charter Boat Back Down 2
backdown2.com (850) 837-9551
Destin
Chiropractic Practice
Payne Chiropractic Wellness Center
destin-chiropractor.com (850) 654-8770
Destin
Computer Repair Services/Tech Support
CRC Data Technologies
crcdatatech.com (850) 654-7262
Destin
Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Practice
Destin Plastic Surgery
theplasticdoc.com (850) 654-1194
Destin
Credit Union
Eglin Federal Credit Union
eglinfcu.org (850) 862-0111
Fort Walton Beach, Destin
Customer Service
White-Wilson Medical Center
white-wilson.com (800) 654-3584
*Main campus
Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Navarre
Dance/Cheerleading/Gymnastics Class
U.S. Gold Gymnastics & Cheerleading
usgoldgymnastics.com (850) 654-3124
*Miramar Beach location
Miramar Beach, Crestview
Dental Practice
Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics
greatfloridasmiles.com (850) 622-5888
*Santa Rosa location
DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa Beach Beach
Dermatology
Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology
coastalskinsurgery.com (850) 654-3376
*Destin & Miramar Beach location
Miramar Beach
Event Planning Firm
Proffitt PR
proffittpr.com (850) 502-1652
Miramar Beach
Event Venue
Roux 30A
roux30a.com (850) 225-1615
Santa Rosa Beach
Eye Doctor Practice
O’Donnell Eye Institute
greatfloridaeyes.com (850) 622-4000
Santa Rosa Beach
Family Physician/Practice
White-Wilson Medical Center
white-wilson.com (850) 863-8100
*Fort Walton Beach location
Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Navarre
Financial Planning/Investment Firm
Clear Harbor Wealth Management
clearharborwealth.com (850) 687-3384
Destin
Flooring
Infinity Flooring
infinityfloors.com (850) 650-1039
Miramar Beach
Florist
GG Bloom
ggbloom.com (850) 460-2078
Destin
Gym/Health Club/Fitness Center/Studio
Destin Health and Fitness
destinhealthandfitness.com (850) 650-5104
Destin
Hair Salon
Avantgarde Salon
avantgardeaveda.com (850) 654-5057
*Destin location
Destin, Niceville
Heating and Air Service
Gulfshore Air Conditioning & Heating
gulfshoreair.com (850) 897-6540
Niceville
Holistic/Alternative Health
Foundations Medical Center
foundationsmedicalcenter.com (850) 660-6701
Santa Rosa Beach
Homeowner’s Association
Sandestin Owners Association
sandestinowners.com (850) 424-5960
Miramar Beach
Insurance Agency
Affordable Home Insurance
affordablehomeinsurancedestin.net (850) 654-1567
Destin
Interior Design Firm
Lovelace Interiors
lovelaceinteriors.com (850) 837-5563
Miramar Beach
Landscaping/Lawn service
Starrscape, Inc.
leafremovalservices.com (850) 897-1147
Niceville
Law Firm
Matthews & Jones
destinlaw.com (850) 837-3662
*Destin location
Destin, Niceville
Lighting Store
Beautiful Lights
destindesigncenter.com (888) 837-5563
Destin
Locksmith
Destin Locksmithing
destinlocksmithing.com (850) 654-9910
Miramar Beach
Martial Arts/Karate
Resolute Martial Arts & Family Fitness
resolutemartialarts.com (850) 797-4434
Destin
Massage Therapist
Regatta Chiropractic & Laser Center
regattachiropractic.com (850) 424-7856
Destin
Media Provider (Cable, Internet, Phone)
Cox Communications
fwbchamber.org (850) 862-4142
Fort Walton Beach
Medical Center/Hospital
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast
sacredheartemerald.org (850) 278-3600
Miramar Beach
Medical Practice
White-Wilson Medical Center
white-wilson.com (850) 863-8100
*Fort Walton Beach location
Fort Walton Beach, Destin,Niceville, Navarre
*Mortgage Lender
ENG Lending
englending.com (850) 362-6488
Fort Walton Beach
Nail Salon
4 Seasons Nail Spa
(850) 654-4100
Destin
On-site Dry Cleaner
French Laundry
frenchlaundrycleaners.com (850) 622-0432
*Santa Rosa Beach location
Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach
Oral Health Care Specialty Practice (Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Periodontics)
Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics
greatfloridasmiles.net (850) 622-5888
*Santa Rosa Beach location
Santa Rosa Beach, DeFuniak Springs
Orthopedic Surgical Practice
Orthopedic Associates
orthoassociates.net (850) 863-2153
*For appointments at all locations
Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville
Pediatric Practice
White-Wilson Medical Center – Pediatrics
white-wilson.com (850) 863-8100
*Fort Walton Beach location
Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Navarre
Personal Trainer
Matt Staver, Blueprint Health Studio
blueprinthealthstudio.com (850) 460-2588
*Destin location
Destin, Santa Rosa Beach
Pharmacy
Publix Grocery
publix.com (850) 796-1841
*Fort Walton Beach location
Fort Walton Beach, Destin,Santa Rosa Beach
Photo Booth Company (TIE)
FaceTime Photobooth
facetimebooth.com (888) 988-3223
Santa Rosa Beach
Smile Ya’ll
smileyallphotobooth.com (850) 608-3038
Santa Rosa Beach
Photography
Roland Moriarity Photography
rolandmoriarty.net (850) 358-0764
Santa Rosa Beach
Physical Therapy Practice
PT Solutions
ptsolutions.com (850) 863-7581
*Fort Walton Beach location
Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach
Plumbing Fixtures/Service
Ben Franklin Plumbing
benjaminfranklinemeraldcoast.com (850) 678-0021
Niceville
Pool Building/Service Company
Cox Pools
coxpools.com (850) 235-7957
Miramar Beach, Panama City
Printing/Copying Services
Copy Systems
copysystemsonline.com (850) 650-0886
Destin, Santa Rosa Beach
*Private Investigator
Destin Investigations
destinpi.com (850) 376-5283
Destin
Property Management Group
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties
destinvacation.com (850) 837-1071
Miramar Beach
PR/Advertising Agency
Proffitt PR
proffittpr.com (850) 502-1652
Miramar Beach
Real Estate Group
RealJoy Properties
realjoyproperties.com (850) 424-3094
Destin
Security/Alarm System
Westco Protection
westcoprotection.com (850) 664-6464
Destin
*Shopping Center
Destin Commons
destincommons.com (850) 337-8700
Destin
Spa Services
Meritage Spa at Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology
coastalskinsurgery.com (850) 654-3376
Miramar Beach
Specialty Fitness(Pilates, yoga, etc.)
Crossfit Destin
crossfitdestin.com (850) 424-1012
Destin
Specialty Pets Services/Products
Furry Fanatics
furry-fanatics.com (850) 278-6902
Santa Rosa Beach
Specialty Surgical Practice
Orthopedic Associates
orthoassociates.net (850) 863-2153
Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville
Title Company
McNeese Title
mcneesetitle.com (850) 337-4242
Miramar Beach
Vacation Rental Company/Service
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties
destinvacation.com (850) 837-1071
Miramar Beach
Veterinarian
Barry Veterinarian
barryvethospital.com (850) 837-7072
Miramar Beach
Wedding Planner Company
Solaris Sunquest Cruises
sunquestcruises.com (850) 650-2519
Miramar Beach
Wedding/Reception
Solaris Sunquest Cruises
sunquestcruises.com (850) 665-2059
Miramar Beach
Weight Loss Facility
Dr. Bawa & Associates
drbawa.com (850)-586-7890
**For appointments at all locations
Destin, Fort Walton Beach
*Voting was Conducted Online
ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD AND BEVERAGE | SERVICE PROVIDERS | SHOPPING
Shopping
Antiques Shop
Smith’s Antiques
smithsantiquesmall.com (850) 654-1484
Destin
Beachwear Retailer
Islanders
islandsurf.com (850) 243-4362
Fort Walton Beach
Children’s Clothing Retailer
Coconut Kidz
sandestin.com (850) 351-1800
Miramar Beach
Consignment/Resale Shop
Ava’s Attic Consignment Boutique
avasatticindestin.com (850) 424-6767
Miramar Beach
Eyewear Store
Wells Vision Center
visionsourcedestinfl.calls.net (850) 424-6677
Destin
Furniture Retailer
Sugar Beach Interiors
sugarbeachinteriors.com (850) 837-5157
Miramar Beach
Gift Shop
Design Avenue
design-avenue.com (850) 424-5155
Destin
Jewelry Store
McCaskill & Company Fine Jewelers
mccaskillandcompany.com (850) 650-2262
Miramar Beach
Locally Owned Retailer
Today’s Boutique
todaysdestin.com (850) 837-5565
Destin
Men’s Apparel
Destin Threads
destinthreads.com (850) 837-8750
Destin
Outdoor Furniture Retailer
Bay Breeze Patio
baybreezepatio.com (850) 269-4666
Miramar Beach
Sporting Goods Retailer
Bass Pro Shops
basspro.com (850) 269-6200
Destin
Wedding Shop
Simply Elegant
sebridals.com (850) 862-3334
Fort Walton Beach
Women’s Accessories
Lotus Boutique
lotusboutique.com (850) 460-7881
Destin
Women’s Apparel
Today’s Boutique
todaysdestin.com (850) 837-3160
Destin
Women’s Shoes
Sunset Shoes
sunsetshoesonline.net (850) 837-3510
Destin, Miramar Beach
ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD AND BEVERAGE | SERVICE PROVIDERS | SHOPPING
