2A • East Tennessee’s Mountain Views, May, 2018
Emerald Coast cover article continued ... Sugar White Sand & Emerald Water
Why is Destin so lucky?
Yes, the sand in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island really is sugar white and powder soft. It’s as brilliant as our photos depict – no Photoshop required! This is because the sand contains finely ground quartz crystal. At the end of the last Ice Age, the world’s temperatures began warming, icecaps began melting, and large volumes of water were carried by rivers to the world’s oceans. The rising Apalachicola River, originating in the Appalachian Mountains, carried quartz particles down into the Gulf of Mexico and deposited them along our coast. Over time, the sea level rose and the quartz sand formed the shoreline. This beautiful white sand remains cool even in the heat of summer and gives the water its trademark emerald color by reflecting sunlight back up through the surf.
The underwater 100-fathom curve, where our relatively shallow waters drop to dramatic depths, is a miracle of nature. This curve draws closer in to Destin than to any other spot in Florida, creating the speediest deep-water access on the Gulf and therefore, the speediest access to fantastic deep-sea fishing. As a result, the Destin Harbor boasts the largest and most elaborately equipped fleet in the state with more than 200 charter boats. Popular and delicious catches in the area include various species of tuna, grouper, and snapper. Blue marlin, cobia, and pompano are also easy catches throughout our waters. The Emerald Coast also yields more billfish each year than all other Gulf ports combined. In addition to great fishing, the Emerald Coast also offers breathtaking diving. Various reef clusters reveal four-foot basket sponges and purple sea whips, as well as vibrant yellow angelfish, six-foot manta rays, and protected 350-pound sea turtles.
Activities, Attractions & Annual Events More than 300 festivals and events take place along our coast each year. Below, find a sampling of what to expect each season. Visit our event calendar to see more of what’s happening along the beach.
Spring »» Destin Cobia Tournament »» Kitty Hawk Kite Festival »» Fudpucker’s FourPlayer Volleyball Tournament
Summer »» Billy Bowlegs Festival »» Boat Week/Poker Run »» Paddle at the Porch
Fall
New Home Construction & Remodeling Over 30 Years Experience Giving You the Highest Quality of Workmanship & Materials Let us put our experience to work for you!
Contact us today for an estimate!
Ask About Our Village Series Plans WL&D Home Construction & Remodeling Al Wilson Insured & Licensed TN Contractor #00063200 Office: 865-458-1748 • Cell: 865-640-5816 or at Village Realty 865-458-3500 www.awilsonhomes.com
»» Destin Seafood Festival »» Destin Fishing Rodeo »» Mattie Kelly Arts Festival »» Emerald Coast Classic
Winter »» Holiday on the Harbor/ Christmas Boat Parade
Photo by East Tennessee’s Mountain Views
»» New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop »» Bayou, Bay & Back Run »» Mardi Gras
Activities One thing you won’t hear while on vacation to Florida’s Emerald Coast is “I’m bored!” The coast is packed with things to do, see, and eat. Hit the water on jet-skis or a paddle board. Sail above the emerald water in a parasail or even a helicopter. Sink below the waves to visit with wildlife on a SNUBA or snorkeling adventure. Or climb aboard a dolphin cruise, charter boat, or even a pirate ship to sail the seas. Off the water, stay cool with a visit to our local water park in Destin, Big Kahuna’s. Or take a break from the heat yet still enjoy the sunshine at fantastic open-air shopping destinations such as Destin Commons and the Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Museums and activity centers, such as the Destin History & Fishing Museum, Indian Temple Mound Museum, and Emerald Coast Science Center, are not only educational and interesting, but fun indoor options if you need a little beach break. Delicious, local dining is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we always recommend the seafood! Stroll the Destin harbor or visit the boardwalk on Okaloosa Island to take in a great view and some fun with your meal. To taste truly fresh, Gulf-sourced fish fare, visit one of our Gulf to Table restaurants.
Access by Car U.S. Highway 98 travels along the Emerald Coast, edging along the Gulf of Mexico through Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island. From I-10, exit on to Highway 85 south at the Crestview/Fort Walton Beach exit and head straight to the beach!
Access by Air The Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is serviced by American Airlines, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Contour. Direct flights are available from a number of cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Cincinnati, Washington D.C., Newark, and many more. For more information visit www.emeraldcoastfl.com.
20th Annual Spring Art Show
M
embers of the Art Guild of Tellico Village (AGTV) will exhibit a new art collection May 11-13 at the Tellico Village Community Church, located at 130 Chota Center in Loudon. All artists, aspiring artists, and art enthusiasts are invited to attend. Visitors will be treated to a wide variety of new original works, celebrating the artistic diversity of both emerging and established guild members. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork will be on display – from painting, drawing, and photography to sculpture, jewelry, pottery, and fabric art. Carl Gombert, PhD, a professor of art at Maryville College, will be juror for the show. Dr. Gombert, who has exhibited his own artwork at more than 200 shows throughout the country, will select artist awards in a number of categories. In addition, all attendees are invited to vote for their three favorite pieces of artwork, and the “People’s Choice” awards will be presented on Sunday afternoon. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, May 11, from 5 to 8 pm. Refreshments and live music enhance the evening while guests have the opportunity to interact with the artists. The exhibit continues on Saturday, May 12, from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, May 13, from 8 am to 2 pm. There is no charge for the public to attend the opening reception or the exhibition.
About the Art Guild of Tellico Village Guild members, guests, and individuals interested in joining the Art Guild are welcome to meetings, classes, and workshops. The Art Guild of Tellico Village is a 501(c)(3) association, which is organized to support and encourage creativity in and appreciation and patronage of the visual arts through educational activities such as lectures, tours, workshops, classes, and exhibits. The Art Guild’s premier event each year is the annual Art Show held in early May at the Tellico Village Community Church Life Center. Art Guild members have the opportunity to exhibit and arrange for the sale of their artwork. Additional information about the guild and an application for membership are available on their website at www. tellicoartguild.org.