Emerald Coast Parent, May+June 2017

parent Emerald Coast

May+June 2017

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Mother’s Day Off

Growing—Alongside Your Children

Letting Dad Be Dad Appreciating Our Differences

Family Road Trip

8 Survival Tips for the Car

DO IT YOURSELF SUMMER READING PROGRAM

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May+June 2017

contents

5 9 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FAMILY BUILDERS

Strong Families Don’t Just Happen

5 9 10

Family Road Trip 8 Survival Tips for the Car

21

Family Chatter......................................................................22 That’s Good to Know!........................................................24 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care........ 25-26 Teach Your Kids Something New!............................... 28 Snacks—Recipes for Tasty Get-togethers.................31 Crafts—Get Creative with Your Kids............................34

Letting Dad Be Dad Appreciating Our Differences Do It Yourself Summer Reading Program: Keep Kids Turning Pages Day After Day!

RESOURCE GUIDE

Restaurants

14 36

Mother’s Day Off Growing Alongside Your Children

38

Whether your looking for a delicious cup of joe or a four-course night on the town—start here.

Teen Talk Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another

Discover new tastes and experiences. Enjoy!

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

45

Get to know the people, places and things that make this the Emerald Coast special!

YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

18

Living life to its fullest begins with staying healthy, fit and safe.

How to Know if a Bug Bite Is Serious..........................18

Spark up some lively conversation with your kids. Take the FamilyChatter Challenge.

Seasonal Events | The Arts.............................................45 Runs, Walks & More | Sounds Fun.............................. 46 Reoccurring Local | Volunteer........................................ 47

22 FamilyChatter

parent Emerald Coast

Editorial Director Tasha Williams info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Editorial Snacks & Crafts Coordinator Carol Eide info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Snacks and Crafts Contributing Authors Gayla Grace Christa Melnyk Hines Christina Katz Pam Molnar Calendar of Events and Resource Guide Suzanne Bratton info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Calendar Proofreader Jennifer Cullis

In everything we do, we believe in inspiring families to live, laugh, love and enjoy life—TOGETHER! Director of Sales Nathan Wilson nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: 503-710-1720 Sales Manager Lexy Cruz lexycruz@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: 850-716-2893 Creative Director Rob Williams robwilliams@itsyourmagazine.com Webmaster Brent Nims nimsmedia.com Would you like to write for Emerald Coast Parent?

Please contact our editorial director with your request.

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Emerald Coast Parent content may not be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopy, without the express written permission of the publisher. Emerald Coast Parent is not responsible for the loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. It’s Your Magazine and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors, publisher and designers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein.

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4 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine

By Joanna Nesbit

Family Road Trip R THE CAR O F S IP T L A IV V R U 8S

The idea of a family road trip typically conjures fears of the proverbial small-fry question in an endless loop. “Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” But airfares don’t always compute for family budgets, and road trips offer impromptu opportunities that air travel doesn’t, such as visiting a quirky museum or a unique restaurant, as well as soaking up landscape utterly different from your own. With a little planning, families can survive a road trip and create fond memories at the same time. Here’s what to bring:

need ideas, your local children’s librarian can offer great recommendations tailored to your kids’ interests.

Audiobooks: Listening to stories

is great for all ages, and when my kids were little, we always hit the library before leaving (I’m all about free entertainment).

Pick books with good narrators and a story long enough to engage the family for several installments. Try the Harry Potter series; Charlotte’s Web, read by E. B. White himself; or the Chronicles of Narnia. If you

Art supplies: Invest in beanbag lap desks with storage areas, one for each kid. You’ll avoid the territorial squabbles and kids love having their own work area.

Before leaving, pack the lap desks with new art supplies that won’t be messy if dropped.

Continued on page 6

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2017 • 5

Continued from page 5

Try square crayons, washable markers, coloring books, paper, sticker books, and Wikki Stix (available on Amazon). Plan to hold back some supplies for refilling the desks for a brighter return trip.

Games and Activities by Carole Terwilliger Meyers. For the older set, our family loves 399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specifically Designed to Keep Your Brain Young

by Nancy Linde. Other family faves are the Mad Lib series and the Rand McNally Kids’ Road Atlas. While you’re at it, pack a Moon Guide travel book (libraries carry many) for the area you’re visiting or try www.weirdus. com for wacky regional tales (you can also purchase Weird books by state). Have your kids read up on the area to suggest fun stops.

your kiddo playing hours of Angry Birds, consider a few educational geography apps such as these: My Big World (ages 3-5), Barefoot World Atlas (elementary/middle), Google Earth (teen and up), and Got It— United States of America (elementary).

Visit bestappsforkids.com for more ideas.

Other handheld toys like the Fidget Cube II are a great way to keep your overly active child busy and unplugged! Visit www. kickstarter.com/projects/antsylabs/fidgetcube-a-vinyl-desk-toy for more ideas.

Can you say snack time?

Magnetic games: Many games

these days are issued in a magnetic format with a travel-sized case. Don’t break the bank, though. Take along games you know your kids will enjoy—Magnetic Bingo is great—but double check that the pieces aren’t so small they can’t be handled (I’ve played games that practically required tweezers to pick up the pieces). Try Growing Tree Toys for ideas.

Don’t break the bank, Take along games you know your kids will enjoy!

Car travel books: A few books with conversation starters and puzzles can engage families in ways they don’t at home. After all, part of a road trip’s purpose is to connect. Elementary-aged kids will enjoy Miles of Smiles: 101 Great Car

Word and spy games: Young

kids will enjoy license-plate tag, Slug Bug, and I Spy. Older kids have fun with word games. We play the Four-Letter Word Game (uh, no, not those four-letter words).

Here’s how: One person says a word containing four letters and the next person thinks of a four-letter word starting with the last letter of the previous word, and so on. Example: tack = keel = line. For younger kids, try a three-letter variation. We also love Snaps Is the Name of the Game, a syllable game well suited to tweens and teens.

Handheld gadgets: Yep, my kids had iPod touches as younger kids and now smartphones, and many families don’t leave home without the iPad. Handheld gadgets can go a long way to keeping family peace. But if you don’t want

Car treats: Edible treats do a great job of occupying time, and it’s worth altering your treat policy while on the road.

Besides healthy snacks, which I pack individually for each child, I let my kids hit the candy aisle for a treat to start off the trip.

During the trip, we look for local goodies— a fun-looking ice cream shop or a unique candy shop—and I usually have something tucked away in the car to pull out when spirits are flagging. Chewing gum or Skittles can do wonders at the right moment.

DVD player: Popping in a movie

for the kids is an easy fall-back for families, but it also keeps kids from noticing what’s outside the window—and the point Continued on page 8

6 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Continued from page 6

of a road trip is, well, altering the day-to-day routine of home.

But when everyone needs a break, a movie can be just the ticket.

Don’t forget the headphones, and consider tapping your friends to borrow movies your kids haven’t seen.

Plan to hit the playgrounds in towns you’re passing through or search out that small-town oddity.

Stops, stops, stops: This is not exactly a car supply,

but it is a critical component of a road trip. Building in daytime stops helps avoid burnout, especially for the very young. If part of the road trip’s purpose is the journey itself, then plan to hit the playground, waterpark, amusement park or zoo in a town you’re passing through. Searching out that small-town oddity can also add a bit of excitement to your travels. Try mapping these stops before you leave or along the way. v

Joanna Nesbit l ives in Washington state. She writes about parenting, education, college finance, and millennials. Learn more about her at www.joannanesbit.com or follow her on Twitter at @joannanesbit.

8 May+June 2017 EC Parent Magazine

: d a D e B d a D g Lettin ifferences rD Appreciating Ou

By Lara Krupicka

It’s our second time attending a gathering at the home of some family friends. Adults stand in clusters in the kitchen, chatting and eating. Occasionally a few kids charge past. I’m in the middle of a conversation about school sports with another mom when I hear a familiar two-toned sound. It’s my husband’s signature whistle.

I hunch my shoulders toward my ears, shooting him the did-youreally-have-to-do-that look. But it is getting late. We do need to round up our kids. Sure enough, footsteps come quickly, thudding from several directions. Pretty soon, our three girls are gathered around my husband, getting their

departure instructions. He gives a knowing grin over their heads.

I shrug back at him. Truth is, as much as I don’t care for his Captain Von Trapp impression, it works.

Before we had our first child fourteen years ago, my husband offered to yield all the parenting to me. “After all, you were the babysitter. I know nothing about babies,” he claimed. Yet something remarkable happened in that hospital room. While I was bedridden, recovering from childbirth, he figured out how to care for our daughter. By the time we got home with our new little one, he was teaching me how to swaddle her, scolding me for leaving the jumbled blanket too loose.

When I couldn’t coax a burp, he’d coach me on a hold he’d perfected for doing the job.

Before long he was interjecting other ideas of his own, learning to assert himself as her father. And by the time our second child arrived, he truly was an old

pro. Watching him grow into that role made me swell with pride. I loved his knack for calming our girls when they were fussy.

He’d put his brawn to work gently swinging our heavy car seat carrier, baby and all, until they settled. And I loved how he’d sing tenderly off-key as he deposited them in their beds for the night.

I worried someone

would get hurt.

There were other moments though, where I chafed at the differences between his parenting ways and mine. He’d wrestle and roll on the floor with our girls, eliciting shrieks and giggles. I worried. Worried he’d be too rough, that someone would get hurt. He’d brush off my over-cautiousness.

Continued on page 13

ItsYourMagazine.com EC Parent Magazine May+June 2017 9

DO IT YOURSELF SUMMER READING PROGRAM

By Cindy Hudson

Research shows that when kids read during the summer, they tend to get into the swing of learning easier when they go back to school.

But requiring reading time or assigning certain books isn’t the answer; rather, encouraging reading for fun is more likely to keep kids turning pages day after day!

Summer reading programs at libraries, with their tracking booklets and prizes, are effective and easy to take part in. But what if you don’t live close to a library branch or find it difficult to go often? Also, as your kids get older, they may be less motivated to earn the prizes offered.

A simple solution is to create a summer reading program tailored specifically to your kids. With just a few minutes and some thought about their reading habits and what motivates them, Continued on page 12

10 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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OF A DIY SUMMER READING PROGRAM Don’t require your kids to read a certain number of pages or for a certain amount of time each day.

Let them lead the way in deciding how they will achieve their goals.

Do encourage reading all kinds of materials: graphic novels, nonfiction, poetry, different genres of fiction, etc.

Don’t be too generous with your prizes. Kids will know if they have put forth the effort to gain a reward.

Do decide what to do if one of your kids earns an outing and another doesn’t.

Don’t let them earn prizes for almost reaching a goal.

Do allow audiobooks, e-books, magazines, storytelling and other story-related activities, like attending plays, to count.

Don’t punish your kids for not reading.

Do make sure your kids know they can always catch up to earn a prize they’d like to win.

PLAN SOMETHING FUN AND CREATIVE AS AN END-OF-SUMMER CELEBRATION! Continued from page 10

you can put together a game that tracks reading time and offers rewards they will be eager to earn. Here’s how: Create your own rules. Think about your kids’ reading habits and decide what will work best for them. You may track by number of pages read, books finished, audio books listened to, or amount of time spent. If you have them record time spent, think about what challenges them.

For some, 15 minutes may be an accomplishment, while voracious readers may need a higher goal. Ask your kids what benchmarks they feel are fair for them to earn a prize.

Put together a tracking system.

You can do something as simple as having your kids keep a log in a notebook or as elaborate as making a calendar noting benchmarks to prizes throughout the summer. Get your kids involved in decorating the log or deciding where to put it so that they don’t forget to record their reading. For inspiration, search online for summer reading printables.

Personalize your prizes. Consider things that will motivate your children to pick up a book. Do they like getting stickers, taking trips to the park, or going on a family bike ride? Do they enjoy going out for ice cream, taking in a movie, or hanging out at the swimming pool? You could even create your own coupons to exempt them from assigned chores around the house, such as doing the dishes, vacuuming, or taking out the trash.

12 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Be ready to adjust. A few weeks in, take a look at how your kids are doing and adjust if you need to. You may find that the prize levels are set too high. If your children believe they can’t achieve them, they may not be motivated to try.

On the other hand, if they earn rewards too easily, they may feel their effort is not deserving of their treats. You want them to feel the sense of accomplishment that comes from putting in the work.

Let your kids know how much they’ve accomplished by summing up their total pages read!

Celebrate at the finish. Let your kids know just how much they have accomplished by summing up their total pages read, making a list of books they finished, or asking them to talk about their favorite read from the whole summer. Do something fun, such as writing a book review to post online or cooking a recipe that goes with a favorite book.

Then go out and celebrate with whatever grand prize you have chosen as an endof-summer reward. v Cindy Hudson writes about books, reading and family literacy at MotherDaughterBookClub.com.

Continued from page 9

“Loosen up,” he’d say. “We’re having fun.”

Or he’d lead our family on hikes through the woods of a campground, urging us to forge our own path. I’d call out often from the rear of our pack, “Are you sure this is the right way? These branches are getting awfully thorny. How are we going to get across this stream here?”

Again he’d ignore my fears and cross that stream with his characteristic aplomb, guiding our trusting girls along behind him.

Sometimes he simply has a different idea of what’s appropriate for our children, such as letting our tween head out into the cold with a thin jacket on because she’s “not as chilly as you always are.” Or feeding our girls Spam with their macaroni and cheese, like it makes a complete meal.

Sometimes he has a

different idea of what’s appropriate for our children.

When he first started whistling for our kids, I questioned his motives. Did he really think they could be summoned like dogs?

True to his engineering nature, he rattled off a reasoned response I found hard to

refute–something about efficiency and pitch. He remained insistent that the whistle worked. I relented.

and lighthearted nature.

the only way. Because of his role as a father, I’ve become a better mother.

At last, we’ve gotten together our kids, said our goodbyes and headed out the door of our new friends’ house. As our girls scamper down the walk ahead of us, I reach out and squeeze my husband’s hand. I give him a quick smile. In return he lets out another whistle, low and under his breath. It’s a quiet catcall. It’s directed at me. And it lets me know, in his own way, he appreciates our differences too. v

As with many of the other ways he parents differently from me, I’ve found his whistle is an improvement over the alternative (say, yelling). Just as I learned that wrestling with

Lara Krupicka is a freelance writer and mom to three girls. She likes that her husband, Mike, is the one her daughters go to for pulling splinters.

I’m glad my girls have their father—they need his

adventurous spirit

dad can be safe and fun, the wild can be a great place to conquer fears and explore new things, and young girls can be warm enough in just a light jacket on chilly days, I’ve learned that a whistle summons has its place in our family life (we won’t talk about those macaroni and cheese and Spam dinners).

In all this, I’m glad my girls have their father to parent them too. They need his adventurous spirit and lighthearted nature to balance their straitlaced mom.

And I need his differences too. I’ve grown through parenting with him. I’ve learned to let go more. I’ve learned to risk more.

And I’ve found my way doesn’t have to be

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ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2017 • 13

Mother’s Day Off

By Heather Lee Leap

Popovers, French toast, bacon and salad. That was the Mother’s Day menu at my house one year when my daughters were small. That was the year I abandoned my family for the day, walked away from responsibility for five hours, and let them fend for themselves.

My children, aged three, six and nine, were determined to prepare a surprise dinner in my absence. Already, as I headed for the door, they had pulled our collection of children’s cookbooks from the shelves and spread them across the kitchen floor. My husband, his repertoire limited to baked potatoes, chicken breasts and steamed broccoli, eyed the cookbooks with a mixture of apprehension and resignation as he kissed me goodbye and shooed me out of the house.

I cradled a cup of herbal tea in my hands and watched the steam swirl up and disappear. The tea tasted faintly of guilt.

Snug on a couch at a coffee shop twenty minutes later, I cradled a cup of herbal tea

in my hands and watched the steam swirl up and disappear. The tea tasted faintly of guilt. For Mother’s Day my most fervent wish was to get away from my children.

True, I didn’t require flowers or an elaborate family excursion. Reservations for a river cruise were not on my wish list. I also did not want to be left alone for a quiet afternoon in my house where the voices of laundry, dishes and dust bunnies would call to me irresistibly, not unlike the voices of my children.

Continued on page 16

14 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Continued from page 14

I’d spent the past nine years as a passionate adherent to all things attachment parenting. My children had clung to me, hung from me, swathed in vibrant slings.

They had snuggled close in my bed at night and nursed until they each finally gave it up shortly before the age of two.

Now my breasts were my own, and the littlest one had given up both diapers and sleeping in our bed. The endless days of rocking and nursing and carrying, wondering where I ended and my children began, had come to a close. But each of my days and most of my nights were devoted to meeting their needs and creating a nurturing and engaging environment for them.

My life revolved around my family and there was scant space for anyone else, including myself.

My life revolved around my family and there was scant space for anyone else, including myself. Parenting experts talk about newborns being unable to differentiate themselves from their mothers. I

was only beginning to rise out of the mist, stumbling my way toward being more than a mom.

I look forward to the day when spending Mother’s Day with my kids will be a treat.

Mother’s Day became my day off and was my first step on a path of finding me again. I needed to remember who I’d been before children and discover who I wanted to be–not that those thoughts were in my mind then. I only knew a strong desire to escape, yet here I was at a coffee shop, worrying that I should miss my family more.

Later in the afternoon, I looked up from my tea and knitting and saw a woman sitting across from me, on the other side of a low table spread with newspapers. Two young men sat on either side of her. When they got up to order at the counter, I spoke to her.

“Are those your sons?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said, glancing toward them with a smile. “They’re home from college.”

“I look forward to the day when

16 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

spending Mother’s Day with my kids will be a treat.” I said. “Now they are little, so the treat is in not being with them.”

This woman, older than me, younger than my mother, nodded. “I remember when it was like that.”

Some of my guilt lifted away like the steam from my cup. Each day as a parent, circumstances are changing. Just as my children move through different developmental milestones, so do I. Single-minded devotion has given way to a more balanced parenting style as I’ve grown and as my children’s needs have changed.

I arrived home at dinner time to a meal I would never have prepared. The menu made up of foods my husband felt safe creating with three miniature chefs. The girls danced around me and pulled me to my seat at the table, eager for me to share in this repast. I was glad to be home, my family had survived without me, and I realized there was space in our relationship for me to grow alongside my children. v Heather Lee Leap is a freelance writer, wife and mother. She remembered who she used to be, decided who she wants to be, and dove into writing. She has yet to make popovers. Find her at www.wellnessandwords.com.

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YOUR FAMILY’S

How to Know if

a Bug Bite Is Serious It’s summertime, meaning cookouts, picnics, trips to the park, and family vacations. All this extra time spent outdoors also means more exposure to bugs. From ants, ticks and spiders to bees and wasps, the potential to get bitten or stung by one of these outdoor pests also grows.

Most of the time, common over-the-counter medications can help relieve bug bite or sting symptoms. Acetaminophen can help with pain, and a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream can help relieve redness, itching or swelling. But sometimes, bug bites can require medical attention, especially if the bite causes an allergic reaction or becomes infected. Seek medical attention if any of these occur:

• a large rash around the bite • pain or swelling that lasts longer than three days or extends beyond the original site of the bite or sting

• bee or wasp sting in the mouth that causes severe swelling that could interfere with breathing • dizziness or fainting • facial swelling • nausea or vomiting If you think you’ve been bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider, or stung by a scorpion, head to the ER, as these can be life threatening—especially for children and seniors— and may require immediate medical attention. v

• rapidly changing symptoms Severe allergic reactions to bug bites and stings can be life threatening. If you notice any of the following signs, call 911 immediately:

• shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing • chest pain 18 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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FAMILY

25

BUILDERS Strong Families Don’t Just Happen

Spend a little time talking to each other every day—take our Family Chatter challenge. Have some messy fun in the kitchen or at a craft table making some of our featured Snacks & Crafts.

Help your children develop a summer bucket list with our Teach Your Kids Something New. Discover how to spend a little one-on-one time with your daughter without breaking the bank in That’s Good to Know. ENJOY LIFE—TOGETHER!

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EC Parent Magazine • 21

Eating dinner around the family table and long family conversations are time-honored traditions. If your family is like ours, however, you’ll agree that it’s not always simple. Our FamilyChatter Challenge is simple— just do your best. Here are some simple questions that will hopefully inspire your family to enjoy great conversations whenever, however, you can. Enjoy!

Live, Laugh, Love and TALK TOGETHER! o If you could create a new cereal flavor, what would it be?

What is your current favorite cereal flavor? o When

Do you like to get your face painted at special events or does the feel of the paint bother you? o

have you felt angry recently?

How did you resolve the issue?

o How do you think your friends’ family lives compare to ours? Are they closer/more distant?

Why do you think so?

o When was the last

time you helped your parents without being asked?

o Do you tend to do your chores and homework right after school or do you put them off until the last minute?

o If you could do one thing every day for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Why?

o If you could make one improvement to the world, what would it be? How possible do you think it is?

What’s stopping you?

If all your clothes could only be one color, what color would you choose?

o If you could design a T-shirt or bumper sticker, what would you draw or write on it? Why?

o

o If you could travel to another planet, what would you bring with you? Who would you like to be with you? Why?

summer camp do you look forward to the most each summer?

If you could be great at something, what would you want to be great at? Why?

o What are you proudest of in your life? How long did it take you to achieve?

Has it given you the desire to do more in life?

What encourages you?

o

22 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

o What

o How long does it take you to fall asleep? Do you dream? What are your dreams usually about?

o Would you

consider yourself to be shy or more outgoing?

o When you’re doing something difficult, do you look at a clock or do you prefer not knowing how long it takes?

MOMMY/ E M I T R E T H DAUG na B y C h ri s ti

K a tz

11 Outings that Won’t Break the Bank My daughter remembers experiences more than things. She is quicker to recall a playful adventure with a parent or a party with her pals than she is to remember time she spent alone engaged in imaginative play. She has always had a vivid imagination and plenty of toys for exercising her wildest imaginings, but the bottom line is that she enjoys sharing experiences with others more than she enjoys playing alone in her room.

And these are the stories she recalls over and over.

time adventurous and playful, because we’ve got logistical and practical covered on a daily basis. And since Daddy is usually the fun playmate and Mom is often the task-master-chauffeur, we need to plan our fun or it won’t happen. So I’m sharing eleven outings moms can enjoy with daughters that require little or no planning:

As a full-time work-at-home mom, I spend plenty of time with my daughter.

But my challenge during these formative tween-teen years is to make more of our

schools puts on a spectacular “trashion” show, where the students design and create clothes out of recycled materials.

Exposure to this show year after year is

Make more of the time you spend with your daughter adventurous and playful!

1. Attend a fashion or trashion show. Every year, a collection of local

how we both got bitten by the fashionshow bug. This summer, we’ll dress up and attend the real thing. My fashion-sketching daughter cannot wait!

2. Relax at a day spa. Sometimes local spas will offer discount packages based on the season or time of day. Call in advance to find out when specials are offered so that you can take advantage of them. They may also offer low-cost use of the facilities without having to purchase a suite of spa services. While you are inquiring, ask about any two-for-one or discount packages for moms and daughters. You might plant a seed for their next promotion.

3. Rediscover cruising the mall.

Maybe you hate shopping at the mall.

Or maybe you love it. Try to scroll back in your memory and remember how you felt about it when you were a tween and teen. Remember how your own mother’s Continued on page 27

24 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Cut out this page.

Then, cut it down the middle.

He takes his half, she takes hers.

Keep it simple.

Don’t keep score.

Just enjoy life and each other— as often as you remember!

Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump-start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

10 WAYS to sh w

R E H y u care Surprise her with something sweet and thank her for all she does.

Help her identify a small, achievable goal in life—then, help her achieve that goal.

Reaffirm her often—express your gratitude, love and commitment.

Encourage her to relax and have fun with her children.

Volunteer your help around the house with her many daily tasks.

Take her out for a mini-date (coffee, tea, donuts . . . and conversation).

Pick up after the children when she least expects it—surprise her.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue.

Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Take your kids out for some fun and encourage her to enjoy some well-deserved downtime.

Wash the dishes when she cooks.

Send her a love note in the mail.

Email us your ideas! Let us know how you go out of your way to SHOW HER YOU CARE! info@itsyourmagazine.com ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2017 • 25

Cut out this page.

Then, cut it down the middle.

He takes his half, she takes hers.

Keep it simple.

Don’t keep score.

Just enjoy life and each other— as often as you remember!

Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump-start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

10 WAYS to sh w

M I H y u care Plan a barbecue—invite friends he enjoys.

Surprise him with a coffee at work.

Tell him how much you appreciate his help around the house.

Help foster teachable moments with him and his children.

Encourage him to spend time doing what he enjoys with his friends.

Take him on a movie date—let him choose the movie.

Bring him a snack while he is watching TV. Encourage him to play with his kids!

Send him a love letter in the mail.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue.

Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Ask him what some of his dreams are if the sky was the limit.

Email us your ideas! Let us know how you go out of your way to SHOW HIM YOU CARE! info@itsyourmagazine.com 26 May+June 2017 EC Parent Magazine

Continued from page 24

behavior thrilled or didn’t thrill you? Then perhaps you will be ready to have a grander time strolling the mall with your daughter, sharing mall stories from your childhood.

Don’t forget to hit her favorite food court stall and all the teeny bopper shops she loves. You can do this, Mom!

4. Go ice or roller skating. I made a bit of a fool out of myself at the local ice rink thinking I could still skate like a tween myself. So take it from me, Mom, a broken arm or ankle won’t make the trip more memorable. However, if you can time your visit to coincide with a disco theme or neon skate, do it. She’ll beg to bring a friend, but make your memory first, and bring the friend next time.

item for herself, and spend ten bucks on enough snacks to keep you both going for a couple of hours.

9. Go on your favorite type of tour together. This could be a home tour, a farm tour, a historical tour, a bus tour, or a museum tour, just to name a few possibilities. It’s fun and engaging to learn new things together. And you’ll be amazed how much more you can appreciate any experience when it’s fueled with interesting information and stories. Suddenly, architectural style jumps out at you or brush techniques become apparent. Have fun comparing personal preferences.

10. Take the train to the city (or country). From where we live, we

5. Squeeze in a movie matinee. can take the local train to a nearby suburb This works well for a spontaneous escape on a bad weather day that has you both sniping at each other. Next time you squabble, calmly walk away and pull up the local movie show times. Then breeze back into the room and tell her you’ll call a truce if she will go to the movies with you, popcorn and a favorite beverage included.

6. Venture out for a transporting lunch. Think of an upscale neighborhood or part of town you’d love to explore and target a lunch spot you’ll both enjoy. After lunch, spend the afternoon windowshopping boutiques. Sometimes it’s fun to imagine you live and shop in a more elite zip code, even if just for an afternoon.

7. Pop in for pedicures. This is another quickie getaway for when times get tense. You may find the chair massage is almost worth the price of the pedicure itself. Bonus idea: Take your daughter to a drugstore on the way to the salon and let her purchase the hottest new color. Then she can take care of her own touch-ups.

8. Forage for treasure at a flea market, craft show, or farmer’s market. My daughter enjoys doing this, even though she’ll never admit it. The key is to make the trip about her, not me. If I am dragging her along because I am looking for something, that’s a different type of trip. But when my focus is on helping her discover what she admires, it becomes a more supportive and encouraging adventure. Give her ten bucks to spend on an

and catch another local train that will take us into the city. It makes for an even more interesting adventure if we take the bus to catch the train. If your daughter ever lives in an urban area, she’ll thank you for helping her learn how to read a transportation schedule while she’s young. Have a cup of tea and a treat when you arrive at your destination and then watch the fresh scenery whoosh by as you head back home.

11. Express yourselves at an art studio. Sit side by side and create pots or tiles at your local glaze-it-yourself shop, or check out other local artisan shops for an array of choices. The yarn shop may offer a basic knitting class, the bead shop likely has a bracelet-making opportunity, and the art supply shop may have painting or collage workshops. Be sure to do this on a day that is otherwise unscheduled so that you can relax into the experience and enjoy the creative process thoroughly. Maybe grab a hot chocolate or frozen yogurt afterward to extend the fun.

I may never be as hilarious as Daddy, but I share things with our daughter my husband never will. And these conversations happen best when my daughter and I kick back, relax, and simply enjoy each other’s company. v Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz’s mother could not only handle the mall, but she also knew just where to find the best doughnut or ice cream cone treat after shopping.

RITE-OF-PASSAGE GIFTS TO GIVE YOUR DAUGHTER Watermelon Bonne Bell Lip Smacker Love’s Baby Soft Perfume A training bra A trip to the mall to get her ears pierced Black or fluorescent nail polish Her first tube of mascara Body glitter Her own razor and shaving cream A strobe light or disco ball A pretty zippered case or micro-purse for discreet items A bottle of Sun-in hair bleach A pre-paid debit card to use with her allowance savings Books about understanding boys and the birds and bees

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2017 • 27

Teach Your Kids Something New!

KE A A M O T W HO ST BUCKET LI ru p ic ka B y L a ra K

Summer Bucket List Essentials 24 Ideas to Start Yours

As parents, we look to summer as an opportunity to capture memorable family times. But whether our kids’ vacation days are spent lazing by a pool or learning new skills at a camp, the time speeds by.

Soon we’re scrambling to finish the many activities we promised ourselves we would do. To prevent summer fun from escaping, it helps to have a list of what you hope to do before the long break from school is over–what many moms like to call a “summer bucket list.” If you haven’t created yours yet, here are 24 ideas to help get you started:

Catch fireflies and watch how they flicker. National

Take a boat ride (canoe, sailboat, motorboat).

Roll down a grassy hill until you’re dizzy.

Make s’mores over a campfire. According to Girl Scouts of the USA, the first recorded recipe for “Some Mores” (later shortened to s’mores) appeared in the 1927 Girl Scout publication Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. And if you want to make a celebration of it, eat your s’mores on August 10, National S’Mores Day.

Eat cotton candy, snow cones, or elephant ears (preferably at a carnival).

Skip stones on a pond or lake. The North American Stone Skipping Association cites the Guinness World Record number of skips as 51. See how many you can get.

Geographic notes that over 2,000 species of these beetles exist and each has its own unique pattern of blinks.

Bake a homemade apple pie, or cherry or blueberry or rhubarb–you choose.

Go fishing or set out on a frog hunt. Go to a baseball

Teach your kids how to whistle with a piece of grass. Don’t know how? Check out The Double-Daring Book for

game. With major league teams playing 162 games per season and minor league teams playing an average of 140 games (not to mention local youth league games), you’ll find plenty of opportunities to cheer on your favorite players.

Have a picnic lunch. Go more than once and try different menus: fried chicken, Italian hero sandwiches, hard sausage with cheese and crackers.

Girls by Andrea J. Buchanan and Mirriam Peskowitz (William Morrow, 2009) for instructions on that and more fun activities.

Do a cannonball into a swimming pool (jump with both legs held up to your chest). Then try a can opener (keep one leg straight and hold the other up at your chest). Have a contest to see who can make the biggest splash.

Continued on page 30

28 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Continued from page 28

Go to an outdoor concert. You can see a big-name artist at a large venue or check out a municipal band concert in your area.

Make homemade ice cream during National Ice Cream month (in July, as designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1984). Crank it using an old-fashioned style machine, make a game of it using an ice-cream maker ball, or go the easy route with an automatic ice-cream maker.

Draw with chalk on a driveway or sidewalk. P lay

Night Sky Lite (free on Android or iOS) or Star map ($5 on iOS) or Skymap (free on Android) to guide your search.

Play croquet or bocce ball in your back yard.

Host a “Viking dinner” in your back yard. Serve salad, spaghetti, jello, and a cream pie–but don’t provide any utensils (you decide whether guests can use their hands). Make sure everyone wears mess-worthy clothes.

Teach your kids how to play Kick the Can.

hopscotch while you’re at it.

Play the license-plate game. Each time you’re in the

Go fruit picking for strawberries, cherries, blueberries or other summer fruit. Find a farm open for

car, watch for out-of-state license plates. Print a map of the United States and color in each one as you find it. Or track your progress on the License Plate Game app (for iOS). See if you can find them all before summer ends.

fruit picking, along with crop calendars showing which fruits are available when at http://www.pickyourown.org/.

Take a day trip to a town or city you have never visited before.

Fly a kite. Buy a cheap one at a dollar store or make your own using dowel rods and plastic trash bags. You can find instructions for a variety of models at http://www.my-best-kite.com/. Or try your hand at a dual-line stunt kite (available at hobby or toy stores).

Have a watermelon seed spitting contest.

Sleep out under the stars. See how many constellations you can pick out. Use a smartphone stargazing app such as The

Run a lemonade stand.

Add your own gotta-do-this activities to make the most of the summer months with your family. While you’re at it, why not make “create a bucket list for next year” one of your goals, to keep track of new ideas you come across in the midst of this year’s fun. v

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE CLASSES FOR AGES 4 THROUGH ADULT ,

ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE ARE WELCOME BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS BUILD SELF -CONFIDENCE HAVE FUN

Beach Parfait YOU NEED 10 oz. clear cup 6 oz. vanilla yogurt Party drink umbrella Gummy shark 1/3 cup granola Sour belt candy

• • • • • •

• 1 graham cracker, crushed into crumbs • Spoon • Scissors • Blue food coloring

DIRECTIONS Pour granola in the bottom of the cup.

Add food coloring to yogurt to create blue water.

Spoon the yogurt on top of the granola. Freeze until yogurt is stiff.

Use scissors to cut a 1-1 ½ inch length of sour belt candy.

When the yogurt is stiff, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs to cover half of the top of the yogurt to create a beach.

Place the gummy shark on the blue half of the top of the yogurt.

Lay the sour belt “towel” on the graham cracker beach and insert the umbrella next to the towel.

Enjoy!

• • • • • • • •

Looking for a fun, tasty, easy snack to make and enjoy with your child—this is it. Enjoy!

Dinosaur Eggs YOU NEED 3 personal-sized watermelons or cantaloupe 1 cup each of: • crushed pineapple • red/green grapes, quartered • diced apple • mini colored marshmallows • whipped topping Paring knife Melon baller or small cookie dough scoop 2 mixing bowls Measuring cup Mixing spoon

• •

• • • • •

DIRECTIONS Use the knife to cut a zig zag line around the top of the melon to remove the top.

Use the melon baller or scoop to remove round lumps of melon and create a shell for the dinosaur egg.

Set lumps aside in a mixing bowl and discard any seeds.

In a second mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients except melon lumps.

In the shells, layer the melon and the fruit mixture, finishing with 3 lumps of melon on top.

Replace the top on the shell and refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 3 eggs.

• • • • • •

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2017 • 31

Rainbow Fish Cupcakes INGREDIENTS Favorite boxed cake mix Cupcake papers Cupcake pans to make 24 cakes Prepared vanilla frosting at room temperature Blue and green food coloring

• • • • •

• M&M candies in a variety of colors • Wilton® Candy Eyeballs • Mixing bowl • Two medium-sized bowls • 2 table knives

DIRECTIONS Mix and bake cupcakes according to the package instructions.

Let the cupcakes cool completely.

Divide the frosting into 2 bowls. Add blue food coloring to one half of frosting and green food coloring to the other half. Stir with the knives until the color is uniform.

Frost half of cupcakes with blue and the other half with green frosting.

Use candies to decorate the cakes to look like rainbow fish— 2 red candies to make the mouth and arched rows to make scales on the body.

Place Wilton Candy Eyeballs.

• • • • • •

This summer as you are sitting around with your child, enjoying a nice summer, add a little fun and flavor to your day. These Funfetti Ice Cream Sandwiches are easy to make and taste great. Enjoy!

Funfetti Ice Cream Sandwiches YOU NEED Ice cream sandwiches, any flavor or shape Rainbow sprinkles, any shape Small bowl Optional—waxed paper or sandwich bags

• • • •

DIRECTIONS Pour sprinkles into a small bowl.

Remove the sandwiches from their wrappers.

Press the ice cream edges of the sandwiches into the sprinkles to coat.

Optional—wrap the sandwiches in waxed paper or sandwich bags until ready to serve.

• • • •

32 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

www.childcarenetwork.com/programs/summercamp

Flower Pot Wind Chimes MATERIALS (4) 2" terracotta pots 2 yards of jute Large wood or plastic beads with holes

• • •

• Craft paint (variety of colors) • Paint brushes (variety of sizes) • Paper plate • Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS Use the paper plate as a palate for the craft paint. Use a larger brush to paint a base coat on the pots. Let dry.

Use small brushes to paint simple designs or shapes on the pots: dots, stripes, bugs, flowers. Let the paint dry.

Holding the ends of the jute together, tie a knot 2-3 inches above the ends of the jute. Unravel the ends below the knot.

String a 6-inch length of beads on the jute.

String a pot on the jute so it hangs upside down like a bell over the string of beads. Tie a knot in the jute just above the bottom of the pot.

String another 6 inches of beads on the jute and add a second pot above the string. Knot the jute just above the bottom of the second pot. Repeat this until you have all four pots strung with beads between them.

String 2-3 inches of beads above the top pot and tie a knot to create a loop for hanging the wind chimes.

• • • • • • •

Handprint Key Chain MATERIALS White Shrinky Dinks® Alcohol-based ink pad Letter beads 12” Colorful yarn Carabiner or keychain ring Sharpie marker

• • • • • •

• Large-eyed beading needle • Hole punch • Scissors • Baking sheet • Brown paper • Conventional/toaster oven

INSTRUCTIONS Carefully read the Shrinky Dinks® instructions.

Thoroughly stamp child’s palm in ink. Carefully stamp the hand on the Shrinky Dinks material. Wash hand. Let ink dry for 1 hour.

Carefully cut around the handprint, leaving a ¼” border.

Use a Sharpie to write child’s name across the palm—since it will shrink, print with large letters.

Punch a large hole at the wrist of the print—the hole will shrink.

Bake the handprint following the instructions. Note—larger pieces tend to curl more while baking. Stop and gently unstick any edges as it shrinks. It will flatten out by the end of the baking cycle.

Let the print cool completely.

Use the needle to string the beads (spelling the child’s name) on the yarn, looping back through the beads a second time so that there is a long loop at one end of the string of beads and the two ends of the yarn at the other end. Tie knots in the yarn at the beginning and end of the string of beads.

Push the end of the yarn loop through the hole in the handprint.

Pull the string of beads through the loop and pull tight, connecting the print to the beads. Clip the carabiner to the yarn loop as shown.

Make a handprint for each child (makes a great Mother’s Day gift!).

• • • • • • • • •

•

34 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Footprint Beach Towel MATERIALS Solid-colored or striped beach towel 1 bottle fabric paint 1 paint-writer fabric paint Colorful long shoe laces

• • • •

• Cookie sheet lined with foil or waxed paper • Needle and thread • Scrap piece of cardboard • Wipes for cleanup

INSTRUCTIONS Spread out towel face up. Put cardboard under the bottom right corner.

Squirt fabric paint onto the lined cookie sheet, about the size of your child’s foot, and place the sheet next to the towel.

Carefully have your child place one foot in the paint.

Firmly stamp the painted foot onto the towel. Press down on each toe. Wipe the foot completely and repeat with other foot.

Let the footprints dry for about an hour.

Use the paint writer to write name across prints. Allow to dry.

Fold the towel in half lengthwise and roll it up.

Tie the ends of the shoelace around the towel on each side. Mark on each lace where it overlaps itself. Untie the lace.

Sew the spot you marked on the lace to the edge of the towel below the prints and 3” in from the long edge and the center fold.

Retie the shoelace. Use the lace as a carrying handle.

• • • • • • • • • •

Flip-Flop Welcome Sign MATERIALS 1 pair of colorful flip-flops ¾” foam letter stickers 2-yard length of jute Small sea shells/sand dollars Super glue gel (Gorilla brand works well)

• • • • •

• 18” of 3/8” ribbon • Colored Foamie sheets • 3/16” drill bit • Electric hand drill • Pencil • Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS Position your flip-flops horizontally as seen in picture.

Write welcome with sticker letters on the flip-flops.

Drill 2 holes in the heel and 2 holes in the toe of each flip-flop.

Cut out 2 starfish shapes from Foamie sheets. Cut two small horizontal slits, ¼ inch apart, at the center of each starfish.

Tie a 2” long loop at the center of the jute.

Thread one end of the jute down the left side of the craft, through the first starfish, both flip-flops and the second starfish.

Thread the other end down the right side of the craft (skip first starfish) through both flip-flops and the second starfish. Lay down and adjust spacing.

Tie the two ends of jute together, leaving a 3” tail. Unravel the tail.

Glue the sand dollars to the starfish.

Glue small shells to the flip-flops.

Tie a bow at the top of the sign.

Hang the sign in your home or on your front door.

• • • • • • • • • • •

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2017 • 35

TEEN Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another!

TALK

Helpful Tips for a Happy Life Summer is right around the corner, which for many of us means graduation. This means we are finally done with high school and the restrictions that come with it. We have our whole lives ahead of us! Now this may sound like it’s going to be all fun and games, but that’s not exactly the case. With the freedoms of adulthood also come the responsibilities of adulthood.

Unfortunately, many high school graduates have little to no idea about how to prepare and do some of the things that are important to functioning properly in life. These include opening a bank account, devising and following a budget, getting a credit card, paying for college or technical school, managing one’s time, cleaning a dorm room or apartment, cooking a meal, even just changing a tire!

With this in mind, I’ve provided some tips for three very important aspects of being an independent and successful adult: managing your income, managing your credit cards, and managing your time:

Managing income:

• Developing a good budget plan and sticking to it are extremely important at any age, but this is particularly so when you first enter the “real world.” Many young adults end up in debt because they haven’t learned how to spend wisely or save money.

• When planning your budget, list all your expenses and your total income.

Determine to not spend more than you earn.

• Not spending more than you earn will not only keep you out of debt, but it will also allow you to save money—and maybe even donate money to worthy causes.

• The following is a breakdown of what I try to do with every paycheck I receive.

Each line represents a percentage taken from each paycheck.

50%—living expenses (rent, phone, car insurance, etc.)

20%—savings account/emergency fund (for that European vacation you want or for those unexpected flat tires) 10%—retirement savings account (it’s never too soon to start; the sooner you start this, the sooner you can retire!)

10%—personal spending (this is your for-fun fund) 10%—charity (this is not just a good thing to do; if you donate to a registered 501(c)3 foundation, you can reduce your taxes)

Managing credit cards:

• A credit card is designed to build credit.

To get a student loan, a car loan, an apartment, a mortgage, and much more, companies require that an applicant have a good credit score. Having a credit card, and showing responsibility in paying off the monthly balance, will allow you to build good credit.

36 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

• Remember, this is not free money! Do not under any circumstance use this card as an opportunity to go crazy shopping or to buy expensive items, because you will be required to pay it all back. The last thing a college student needs is credit card debt.

• Most credit card companies charge 18% to 21% in interest. To avoid getting in debt, and paying more than you should for an item, always pay your credit card bill in full when you receive the bill.

If you carry a balance from month to month, those jeans that were a bargain at $25 suddenly become way more expensive!

Managing time:

• Create a detailed weekly schedule that includes every course you are taking, lab hours (if applicable), work hours, and homework/study hours.

Consider this part of your schedule as nonnegotiable.

• Then after this, you can pencil in your free/fun time: going to the gym, meeting up with friends, etc.

• Learning to prioritize activities/ responsibilities is an extremely important skill to develop, because as events and activities begin to pile up, not being able to balance your time efficiently can cause stress. v

Shailey SENIOR, AGE 18

Resource Guide

RESTAURANTS

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks and Dessert! From a delicious cup of joe to a four-course night on the town—your choices of where to go abound. Experience life to the fullest by discovering new tastes and experiences! All the information you need to get started is right here. Enjoy!

Crestview | Destin | FWB | Gulf Breeze | Navarre | Niceville/Valparaiso | Pensacola American FIREHOUSE SUBS Multiple locations throughout area.

Hungry? We specialize in hot subs and submarine sandwiches made with premium meats and cheeses, steamed to perfection, then piled high on a toasted private-recipe sub roll. Our menu will surely satisfy your appetite!

Founded by firemen. Catering available.

CHARLIE’S BURGER BAR

Ryan’s

Chicken Salad Chick

Outback Steakhouse

3000 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, 423-7160

36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy, #111, Destin, 460-2888

34908 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 269-1936

Uncle Bill’s Family Restaurant

Donut Hole Bakery & Café

Panini Pete’s Cafe & Bakeshoppe

252 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, 689-0099

635 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 837-8824

Wayne’s Catfish House

4463 Commons Dr. W #10a, Destin, 460-8881

346 W. James Lee Blvd., Crestview, 398-5266

Grafitti’s Funky Blues Shack

Wings of Fire Inc.

707 Hwy 98E, Destin, 424-3511

397 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview, 689-3473

HoneyBaked Ham & Café

2 Harbor Blvd., #100, Destin, 424-7695 A one-of-a-kind full-service Burger Bar. Choose from one of 18 different burgers or get creative and build your own. Pick the bun, then the type of meat, then the cheese and your sides.

Asiago’s Skillet

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE

2931 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, 337-8860

Multiple locations throughout area.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s menu boasts bold, flavorful food and smoothies with a healthy appeal, all made to order from the freshest ingredients. We find that superior, simple ingredients including real fruit and veggies set our smoothies apart from the others.

Everkrisp

34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-2636

300 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 424-4160

Island Wing Company

Callahan’s Restaurant & Deli

981 Hwy 98E, Destin, 837-2999

791 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 837-7171

Johnny Rockets

Camille’s at Crystal Beach

4348 Legendary Dr., Destin, 837-0005

Landshark’s Pizza

1071 Hwy 98E, Destin, 460-3128

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 15000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 337-RUTH (7884)

Shakes Frozen Custard 1065 Hwy 98, Destin, 269-1111

Smashburger 4283 Legendary Dr., Destin, 424-7600

The Breakfast Table Cafe 385 Hwy 98E, Destin, 460-7322

The Craft Bar 4424 Commons Dr. W #3c, Destin, 460-7907

300 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 424-6743

The Pancakery

4424 Commons Dr., Destin, 269-2909

Longhorn Steakhouse

Wingstop

CHARLIE GRAINGERS BBQ

34863 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 654-9115

16055 Emerald Coast Pkwy Suite 111, Destin, 837-5333

Miller’s Ale House

World of Beer

34906 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 837-0694

4285 Legendary Dr., Destin, 424-7939

Chan’s Wine World & Bar

9373 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 460-8898 503 N. Navy Blvd., Pensacola, 208-3770

38 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

960 Hwy 98E, Destin, 269-0791

E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E

Al’s Beach Club & Burger Bar

Synergy Organic Cafe

1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 243-2232

120 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 865-4919

Asiago’s Skillet

T.G.I. Friday’s

110 Amberjack Dr., FWB, 586-7998

Buffalo Wild Wings 99 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 301-9464, buffalowildwings.com

Cafe Organic 113 Truxton Ave., FWB, 585-3645, cafeorganicfwb.com

Chili’s 504 Mary Esther Cut-Off, FWB, 243-2019, chilis.com

Corner Cafe

547 Mary Esther Cut-Off N.W., FWB, 244-0003

TASTE Tapas & Wine Bar 196 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 226-7417

The Boardroom Pub & Grub 158 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 200-4741

Tommy Mattonie’s 723 Eglin Pkwy N.E., FWB, 862-0895

692 Bob Sikes Blvd., FWB, 803-0263

Yard Birds

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

540 Mary Esther Cut-Off, FWB, 301-9273

99 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 226-8824, fiveguys.com

Fokker’s Pub 196 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Unit D1, FWB, 218-3318

KC’s Sandbar & Grille 190 Miracle Strip Pkwy S.E., FWB, 244-1087

Magnolia Grill 157 Brooks St. S.E., FWB, 302-0266

McAlister’s Deli

Ruby Tuesday 3805 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, 916-6565

Sail Inn Sandwich Shop 5248 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, 934-9603

Tiger Point Golf & Country Clb 1255 Country Club Rd Gulf Breeze, 932-1330

99 Eglin Pkwy Unit 23, FWB, 226-7131

88Cafe

Neighborhood Cafe

1815 Alpine Dr., Navarre, 939-0098

415 Mary Esther Cut-Off N.W., FWB, 243-4211

Props Craft Brewery & Grill 255 Miracle Strip Pkwy S.E., FWB, 586-7117

Slick Mick’s Deli & Grille 19 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 864-5577

Sugar Mill Sweets Bakery | Cafe 93 Beal Pkwy Unit E, FWB, 862-9431

All American Heroes 8544 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-9797

Culver’s 8792 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 684-3777

Johnny Huston’s Grille & Bar 7634 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-9900

Lagerheads on the Gulf 8579 Gulf Blvd., Navarre, 846-6944

Sailor’s Grill

VIEW FULL DIRECTORY ONLINE! itsyourmagazine.com

1451 Navarre Beach Blvd., Navarre, 939-1092

TC’s Front Porch 8552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-160

Ye Olde Brothers Brewery 4458 Hwy 87, Navarre, 684-1495

The Clubhouse at Bluewater Bay Resort 2000 Bluewater Blvd., Niceville, 897-2583

UCBB ad-Emerald Coast Parent.indd 1 5/9/17 8:57 AM ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2017 • 39

R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E • E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T

Danny’s Fried Chicken

CARMELINA’S CAFE

Flora-Bama Lounge

Pensacola Ale House

408 John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, 678-1145

9400 University Pkwy, Pensacola, 208-6211

17401 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola, 492-0611

5906 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 505-2670

Front Porch

Carmen’s Lunch Bar

Global Grill

Pot Roast & Pinot

407-B S Palafox St., Pensacola, 542-4334

27 S Palafox Pl., Pensacola, 469-9966

321 E Cervantes St., Pensacola, 607-7336

CASEY’S HOT DOGS

Goat Lips Chew & Brewhouse

Saltgrass Steak House

306 Bayshore Dr., Niceville, 897-1027

Hurricane Grill & Wings 4597 Hwy 20E., Niceville, 932-1075

4051 Barrancas Ave Suite C, Pensacola, 471-8950

One20 a Modern Bistro

Cheddar’s

120 Partin Dr., Niceville, 729-2120

Ruby Tuesday Restaurant 191 E. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, 729-1014

Toast Wine Bar & Small Plate 4550 Hwy 20 E., Niceville, 2796665

Becky’s Eatery 5 Interbay Ave., Pensacola, 457-8542

Beef O’Brady’s Downtown 22 S Palafox Pl., Pensacola, 607-6776

7173 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 484-5203

CJ’s Kitchen & Grille 2100 W Garden St., Pensacola, 435-9543

Cole’s Wings & Things 2301 N Pace Blvd., Pensacola, 434-0940

Cottage Cafe 203 W Gregory St., Pensacola, 437-0730

Dharma Blue 300 S Alcaniz St., Pensacola, 433-1275

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Dog House Deli

5108 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 512-1480

30 S Palafox Pl., Pensacola, 432-3104

2811 Copter Rd., Pensacola, 474-1919

Good Eats 8920 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 293-5746

Grover’s Fingers & Wings 9418 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 477-7172

Homestead Kitchen 3160 N Pace Blvd., Pensacola, 432-5805

Hurricane Grill & Wings 6205 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 696-2699

Jackson’s Steakhouse 400 S Palafox St., Pensacola, 469-9898

Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille 997 S Palafox St., Pensacola, 432-5226

Jalapeno Grill & Smokehouse 710 N Palafox St., Pensacola, 433-8054

Logan’s Roadhouse 4958 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola, 471-9291

Lucy’s in the Square 301 S Adams St., Pensacola, 378-8475

Mackey’s Mudhouse & Grille

Seville Quarter 130 E Government St., Pensacola, 434-6211

Sluggo’s 101 S Jefferson St., Pensacola, 791-6501

So Chopped 407 S Palafox St., Pensacola, 433-6505

Sunshine Garden Cafe 1025 W Moreno St., Pensacola, 434-6412

Texas Roadhouse 7177 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 476-3222

The Burger Factory 314 S Navy Blvd., Pensacola, 435-4155

Twin Peaks 4952 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola, 696-6242

Asian Bamboo Sushi Bar & Hibachi 2511 S Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, 689-1391

Hot Kim Chi 496 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, 683-1995

28 N Palafox, Pensacola, 912-8600

THAI SIAM CUISINE

Magnolia

396 E. Cedar Ave., Crestview, 423-4510

2907 E Cervantes St., Pensacola, 912-6196

My Favorite Things 2813 E Cervantes, Pensacola, 346-1707

New York Nick’s

You Sushi & Hibachi 450 N. Main St., Crestview, 306-3986

Yumi Buffet

9 Palafox Pl., Pensacola, 469-1984

2680 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, 683-8886

Norma’s at Duh

Fuji Sushi & Seafood Buffet

501 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 466-5136

985 Hwy 98E Unit B&C, Destin, 424-5665

O’Briens Bistro

Jackacudas

4350 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola, 477-9120

40 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

905 E Gregory St., Pensacola, 434-3600

56 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 424-3507

Oscar’s Restaurant

New Dragon Mongolian Grill & Buffet

2805 W Cervantes St., Pensacola, 432-8388

34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-1288

E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E

Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 34745 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-4688

Thai Delights Restaurant

Golden China Restaurant

Jasmine Fusion

830 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 932-2511

119 E 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola478-0393

Shang Hai Restaurant

821 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 650-3945

364 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 932-6882

China Best

Golden Dragon

280 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 862-6788

Fusion Bistro 9 Eglin Pkwy N.E., FWB, 226-7957

Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant 550 Mary Esther Cut-Off, FWB, 243-8400

Kiku Hana 550 Mary Esther Cut-Off N.W., Suite 16, FWB, 226-6077

Kim’s Korean Restaurant 99 Eglin Pkwy, Suite 7, FWB, 244-2872

Lotus Thai 550 Mary Esther Cut-Off, FWB, 243-3744

Okinawa Japanese Steak & Seafood House 180 Eglin Pkwy N.E., FWB, 244-0055

Orchid House Thai Restaurant 238 Eglin Pkwy N.E., FWB, 862-8611

Siam Garden Café

9914 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 939-2555

Makong Thai Restaurant

8224 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-9898

The Slippery Mermaid 8779 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 621-2119

Thailand’s Best 1935 Ortega St., Navarre, 939-6950

Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant 1045 E. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, 729-0555

Jin-Jin Chinese Restaurant 1132 E. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, 729-1989

Philippine Market & Café 144 S. John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 729-0811

Pho Nguyen Vietnamese Noodle

1111 E. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville 678-1333

163 Eglin Pkwy N.E., FWB, 244-4600

Thai International Restaurant

Thaiger Thai Restaurant

481 S. John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2146

415a Mary Esther Cut-Off, FWB, 362-7408, 362-7409

Khon’s on Palafox

Nippon Sushi & Grill

Sawadee Thai Cuisine

Wild Ginger Hibachi

119 E 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola, 332-5535

Peking House

Thai Kitchen

99 Eglin Pkwy #34, FWB, 581-7600

Kazoku Restaurant

1935 Ortega St., Navarre, 939-6950

139 N. John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 729-0060

Thai Saree

505 Brent Ln., Pensacola, 476-8889

34 S Palafox St., Pensacola, 912-6762

334 N Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 862-7426 1 Eglin Pkwy N.E., FWB, 243-5748

Kappa Japanese Cuisine

Bangkok Garden 1708 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola, 432-5511

China Wok

5042 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola, 474-1000

Pho Golden Palace 7156 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 857-8892

Ruby-Gin Filipino 2 N Old Corry Field Rd., Pensacola, 332-5024

Sake Cafe

Barbecue/Southern ARLENE WILLIAMS BBQ 4900 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, 434-7525

Hog’s Breath Saloon 541 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 837-0644

Buck’s Smoke House 303 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 837-3600

Jim ‘N Nicks 14073 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 424-5895

Smoke on the Water 302 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 797-8252

Mary’s Kitchen 99 Eglin Pkwy #42, FWB, 863-1141

Mother Earth’s Café 512 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 863-3092

4795 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 494-9999

Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ

Shanghai Buffet

The Parson’s Son BBQ

1741 E 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola, 857-8891

34 Wright Pkwy #B, FWB, 314-8989

Siam Asian Diner

The Tipsy Pig Bar & Grill

2670 Creighton Rd., Pensacola, 607-8499

138 Miracle Strip Pkwy S.E., FWB, 301-0515

Sumo Sushi

Billy Bob’s Beach Barbecue

224 E Garden St., Pensacola, 432-7520

911 Gulf Breeze Parkway Gulf Breeze, 934-2999

Tu-Do Vietnamese Restaurant

Alphy’s Catfish House

7130 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 473-8877

1900 Hwy 87 S., Navarre, 5151201

925 Beal Pkwy, FWB, 314-0717

YAMATO ORIENTAL CUISINE

Dirt Road Cookers

131 N New Warrington, Pensacola, 453-3461

6900 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 384-8839

Yum’s Chinese

East River Smokehouse

1620 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, 477-2999

8491 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 939-2802

1517 W Cervantes St., Pensacola, 429-2002

Fusion World 509 S Palafox St., Pensacola, 438-1999

VIEW FULL DIRECTORY ONLINE!

Grape Garden

itsyourmagazine.com

Ichiban

400 N Navy Blvd., Pensacola, 457-6598

Horizen Sushi 3103 E Strong St., Pensacola, 432-7899 5555 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 494-2227

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2017 • 41

R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E • E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T

Rib Shack of Navarre

KC JOHN’S BBQ

Broussard’s Bayou Grill

9532 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-4244

11117 Lillian Hwy, Pensacola, 417-2965

690 E Heinberg St., Pensacola, 469-940

Cold Creek BBQ

Shotgun BBQ & Steakhouse

Cubs Crawfish

1160 John Sims Pkwy E., Niceville, 279-4447

550 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola, 484-7001

11125 Lillian Hwy, Pensacola, 456-7551

Po Folks

Smokey’s Real Pit BBQ

Picasso Jazz Club

6475 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola, 478-0860

19 S Palafox Pl., Pensacola, 433-4507

SONNY’S BAR-B-Q

509 S Palafox Ave., Pensacola, 792-4834 BRAZILIAN

1170 John Sims Pkwy E., Niceville, 729-2262

Blue Dot Barbecue 310 N De Villiers St., Pensacola, 432-0644

Fat Boys Bar-B-Q 550 E 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola, 332-6224

Five Sisters Blues Cafe 421 W Belmont St., Pensacola, 912-4856

GROVER T’S BBQ 5887 US-90, Milton, (850) 564-1231

6702 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 476-7618 630 N Navy Blvd., Pensacola, 456-2000

Union Public House 309 S Reus St., Pensacola, 607-6320

Voodoo BBQ & Grill 1741 E 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola, 912-8111

Cajun

Gunshot BBQ

Tonie’s Gumbo House

509 S Palafox St., Pensacola, 438-1999

8600 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 428-3864

Hot Spot BBQ

BAYOU CAJUN SEAFOOD, PO’BOYS & PHO

901 E La Rua St., Pensacola, 497-6060

6705 Pine Forest Rd #500, Pensacola, 435-4200

The Ruby Slipper Cafe

Rodizio Grill 605 E Gregory St., Pensacola, 466-2113

Caribbean The Caribbean Pot 481 S. John Sims Pkwy Suite B, Valparaiso, 389-2270

Creole 790 on the Gulf 2996 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, 650-4853

Louisiana Lagniappe 775 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin, 837-0881

India Palace 6757 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 466-5770

Passage to India 3102 E Cervantes, Pensacola, 433-8887

TASTE OF INDIA 810 E Gregory St., Pensacola, 439-3005

Irish Beef O’Brady’s 2509 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, 682-9588

Johnny O’Quigley’s 1025 Industrial Dr., Crestview, 306-1012

MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB 33 Hwy 98E, Destin, 650-0000 600 E Gregory St., Pensacola, 433-6789

O’Connor’s Pub & Grill 1878 Andorra St., Navarre, 939-8400

Italian

Café Bienville

Mia’s Italian Restaurant

314 Bayshore Dr., Niceville 678-2233

2203 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, 682-8333

French Quarter Grill

Crust Pizzeria

714 Howell Rd., Niceville 678-2604

104 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 460-2990

LOUISIANA LUNCHBOX 7000 Pine Forest Rd, Pensacola, 361-1130

French Zesty Baguette Bistro 4418 Commons Dr. Suite C, Destin, 460-8797

Heavenly Croissant 722 N Beal Pkwy, FWB, 862-6790

Bon Appétit Bakery & Café 420 Mary Esther Cut-Off N.W., FWB, 244-2848

Bay Café 233 Alconese Ave. S.E., FWB, 244-3550

German Schnitzel Brew House 98 Eglin Pkwy, Suite 8, FWB, 226-4796

The Schnitzel Lodge 4504 E. Hwy 20, Niceville, 279-4485

42 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Indian

La Famiglia Ristorante Italiano & Pizza 4260 Legendary Dr., Destin, 424-5795

Mama Sherry’s 529 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 460-7014

Mellow Mushroom 960 Hwy 98E, Destin, 650-6420

Mimmo’s 979 Hwy 98 #5, Destin, 460-7353

VINNY MCGUIRE’S PIZZA 29 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 650-0116

Tuscany Italian Bistro 36178 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-2451

Ali’s Bistro 171 Brooks St. S.E., FWB, 226-4708

Clemenza’s 75 Eglin Pkwy Suite 126, FWB, 243-0707

Giovanni’s One89 189 Brooks St., FWB, 664-0035

E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E

Niki’s Pizza

V. Paul’s Italian Ristorante

Azteca Mexican Restaurant

Cancuns Mexican Grill

2843 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, 934-4228

29 Palafox, Pensacola, 466-5855

789 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, 682-8206

1385 Shoreline Dr., Gulf Breeze, 916-4520

Chipotle Mexican Grill

El Paso Navarre

4281 Legendary Dr. #J, Destin, 269-0187

9500 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-4994

La Paz Restaurante & Cantina

El Patron Mexican Grill

950 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin, 837-2247

8137 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-0950

Papa’s Pizza 37551 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, 934-3334

Santino’s Gulf Breeze 368 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, 932-1211

New York Pizza Depot 8207 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-6973

Sal’s Pizzeria & Grill 6903 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-8240

Ciao Bella Pizza 4400 E. Hwy 20E., Niceville, 729-0066

Dominic’s Pizzeria 177 John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2131

Tradewinds Restaurant 205 Government Ave., Niceville, 678-8299

Bonelli’s 1217 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 466-3002

Carrabba’s Italian Grill 311 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 438-0073

Fazoli’s 7210 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 473-9585

Franco’s Italian Restaurant 523 E Gregory St., Pensacola, 433-9200

Geno’s Italian Restaurant 9276 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 477-2365

Georgio’s Pizza 3000 E Cervantes St., Pensacola, 432-5996

Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen 10 Palafox Pl., Pensacola, 497-6073

O’Zone Pizza Pub 1010 N 12th Ave., Pensacola, 433-7336

Paisano’s Pizzeria 3910 W Navy Blvd., Pensacola, 912-8714

Santino’s Pizza & Grinders 4771 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola, 474-0400

TUSCAN OVEN 4801 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 484-6836

Jamaican Bamboo’s Jamaican Restaurant 236 Miracle Strip Pkwy, S.E., FWB, 226-6464

Lana’s Jamaican House Cafe 7700 W Fairfield Dr., Pensacola, 453-2144

Mediterranean Zoe’s Kitchen 4357 Legendary Dr., Destin, 650-6525

Ali Baba Grill Cafe 550 Mary Esther Cut-Off, FWB, 986-5555

The Aegean Restaurant 1259 Eglin Pkwy, Shalimar, 613-6120

Yiota’s Greek Deli 130 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Mary Esther, 302-0691

Aegean Breeze Deli 913 Gulf Breeze Pkwy #20 Gulf Breeze, 916-0430

MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL 985 Hwy 98E, Destin, 650-6637 423 Mary Esther Cut-Off, FWB, 664-6637

JJ Chagos

PEPITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Cafe Amapola

757 Hwy 98E, Destin, 650-7734 1313 Lewis Turner Blvd., FWB, 226-4147 4585 E. Hwy 20, Niceville, 279-4949

Burrito Del Sol 201 Miracle Strip Pkwy S.E., FWB, 226-8016

Hot Head Burritos 421 Mary Esther Blvd., FWB, 226-4040

Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina

Fresh Greece

1176 Eglin Pkwy, Shalimar, 613-6970

111 E. John Sims Pkwy., Niceville, 279-4623

Ricon Boriqua

CHRISOULA’S CHEESECAKE CAFE 236 W Garden St., Pensacola, 438-5650

Hip Pocket Deli Truck 4130 Barrancas Ave., Pensacola, 455-9319

Hummus

538 Eglin Pkwy N.E., FWB, 863-3323

Rockin Tacos Grill & Tequila Bar

481 S. John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 678-6767

East Gate Cafe 481 S. John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2271

Old Mexico Restaurant 1177 E. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, 729-1127

Taco Town 113 Partin Dr., Niceville, 729-8646

Casa Ole 2256 E Olive Rd., Pensacola, 479-7700

Cazadores Mexican 3005 E Cervantes St., Pensacola, 438-1747

Katie’s Cuban Cafe

1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 226-8226

2030 N 12th Ave., Pensacola, 466-2365

Sabor A Mexico

Miguel’s Mexican Food

13 Eglin Pkwy S.E., FWB, 243-3331

2 E 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola, 607-7121

3012 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 332-6709

Sotol Tequila & Mezcal

JORDAN VALLEY CAFE

196 A Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 362-7333

201 S Jefferson St., Pensacola, 607-2780 4550 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 466-5901 201 S New Warrington, Pensacola, 466-2342

8476 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 710-3760

Monterrey’s Mexican 5030 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola, 479-7351

Mexican/Cuban/ Puerto Rican CRAB ISLAND CANTINA 2 Harborwalk Blvd #100, Destin, 424-7417 We offer a large selection of seafood, Latin-inspired cuisine, award-winning Fusion, and Black Angus steaks all served in a casual waterfront-dining atmosphere.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • May+June 2017 • 43

R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E • E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T

CIC ad-Emerald Coast Parent.indd 1

5/9/17 8:56 AM

Rio Bravo

Marina Café

East Bay Crab House

L & L Fresh Seafood

596 E 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola, 466-2468

404 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 837-7960

9250 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 939-5543

1611 N Pace Blvd., Pensacola, 432-0234

Single Fin Cafe

O’Quigley’s Seafood Steamer & Oyster Sports Bar

The Boathouse Landing Restaurant

Marina Oyster Barn

380 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, 433-2929

Taco Rock

34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 837-1015

124 N. John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 678-2805

Tailfins Seafood, Alehouse & Oyster Bar

Doc’s Oyster Bar

5454 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola, 436-2080

The Dwarf Chicken Stand 407 N DeVilliers St., Pensacola, 470-0652

Xiscali Mexican

172 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 650-1200

AJ’s on the Bayou

920 E Gregory, Pensacola, 435-2907

200 Eglin Pkwy, N.E., FWB, 864-4694

Z Taco

AJ’s Oyster Shanty

509 S Palafox St., Pensacola, 438-1999

Seafood

108 Santa Rosa Blvd., FWB, 226-8108

Anglers Beachside Grill 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 796-0260

303 Glen Ave., Valparaiso, 729-0406

Dockside Oyster Bar & Café 821 Bayshore Dr., Niceville 678-1241,

L J Schooner’s Dockside Restaurant and Oyster Bar 290 Yacht Club Dr., Niceville, 897-5400

Atlas Oyster House 600 S Barracks St., Pensacola, 437-1961

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House

High Tide Restaurant & Oyster Bar

414 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 424-7406

1203 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 244-2624

5025 N 12th Ave., Pensacola, 471-2324

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Old Bay Steamer

BONEHEADS - FIRE GRILL

14059 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-1881

102 Santa Rosa Blvd., FWB, 664-2795

Capt. Dave’s on the Gulf

Red Lobster

3796 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, 837-2627

326 Miracle Strip Pkwy S.W., FWB, 664-2700

DEWEY DESTIN

Rick’s Crab Trap

9 Calhoun Ave., Destin, 837-7575 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin, 837-7525

178 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 664-0110

Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant 530 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 650-4400

Harbor Docks 538 Hwy 98E, Destin, 837-2506

LULU’S DESTIN 4607 Legendary Marina Dr., Destin, 710-5858 (LULU)

Stewby’s Seafood Shanty 427 Racetrack Rd. N.W., FWB, 586-7001

The Gulf 1284 Marler Ave., Okaloosa Island, 387-1300

Dave’s Oyster Bar 4584 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, Fl 32563 934-1789

44 • May+June 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Bonefish Grill

10015 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 477-4002

505 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola, 433-0511

Nick’s Boathouse 455 W Main St., Pensacola, 912-8775

The Oar House 1000 S Pace Blvd., Pensacola, 549-4444

Sam’s Seafood & Steaks 420 S A St., Pensacola, 432-6626

Shux Oyster Bar 3 W Main St., Pensacola, 438-1999

The Fishing Hole 15 Brent Ln., Pensacola, 912-6664

VEGAN End of the Line Cafe 610 E Wright St., Pensacola, 429-0336

CACTUS FLOWER CAFE Navarre, Ortega Park Drive, 936-4111 Pensacola, 12th Ave in P ensacola, 432-8100 The Boardwalk, 934-5999 Highway 98, 471-2324

The Fish House 600 S Barracks St., Pensacola, 470-0003

Joe Patti’s 524 South B St., Pensacola, 432-3313

Just Fish & Grits 3300 N Pace Blvd., Pensacola, 438-2410

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FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Making the Most of Life on the Coast! We live on a beautiful coast that has so much to offer, and we’re here to make sure you know what’s going on in your own backyard. Enjoy!

Seasonal

The Arts

Memorial Day Weekend Celebration

Stars of Tomorrow Meet Haydn

Sat, May 27 – Mon, May 29 – Baytowne Wharf Kick off your summer at Baytowne Wharf during their Memorial Day Celebration. Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and a patriotic fireworks show on Sunday evening. On Monday, the Sandestin Veterans will present a Memorial Day program in honor of our veterans. For more information, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Fri, May 5 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.)

The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 30th season finale concert is set, and the winners of the 30th Annual NFSO Guild Concerto Competition will perform at this family-friendly concert. The NFSO will present Haydn’s famous “Lord Nelson Mass,” featuring the orchestra and the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale. For more information, please visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Art Exhibit: Tales & Myths: The Paintings of Katherine Ace

Mon, May 15 – Sat, July 22 – McIlroy and the Holzhauer Gallery (10:00a.m.)

The Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries will present the national touring exhibition Tales and Myths: The Paintings of Katherine Ace. The works of Portland, Oregon-based artist Katherine Ace take fairy tales and retell them in large-scale mixed-media paintings.

For more information, please visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium and enjoy songs from some of the most memorable movies. For tickets, show times and more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Guest Artist Piano Recital – Larry Weng Sat, May 20 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 30th season is offering a wonderful series of guest artist recitals. This guest recital will star Larry Weng, an internationally known pianist.

For more information, please visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Hairspray, Jr. – Summer Theater Workshop Wed, June 28 – Thurs, June 29 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

The college’s summer musical theater workshop will be presenting the mini-musical comedy Hairspray, Jr. The program is the culmination of concentrated training in voice, acting and dance. For more information, please visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Butler Does Broadway

Mon, May 15 – Baytowne Wharf (6:00p.m.)

Memorial Day Weekend Concert Celebration Sat, May 27 – Sun, May 28 – HarborWalk Village (7:00p.m.)

Celebrate Memorial Day at HarborWalk Village, because it is finally time for flip-flops, suntans and summer! Enjoy live music, fire spinning and fireworks over the Destin Harbor. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Head to the Events Plaza Stage at Baytowne Wharf for an evening of Broadway as students from Butler Elementary School perform.

Admission is free. For more information, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

FWBCC Presents Movie Magic

Fri, May 19 – Sun, May 21 – Fort Walton Beach (7:00p.m.)

The Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus is presenting their 42nd season. Head to the

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Sacred Heart Charity Golf Classic and Spring Bash

Sun, May 7 – Mon, May 8 – Sandestin Proceeds from this year’s event will support Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast’s Emergency Department expansion. This event will kick off at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa with a Kentucky Derby theme. There will be live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a live and silent auction. As in previous years, the tournament will feature local golf pros competing against one another, while also playing with the registered groups.

For more information, please visit www. sacredheartcharitygolf.com.

Runs, Walks & More

Sounds Fun

2nd Annual Kiwanis Charity Skeet Shoot Tournament

Ladies’ Night Out Downtown!

Sat, May 6 – Crestview (8:00a.m.)

Head to the Shoal River Sporting Clays for the Kiwanis Charity Event, the 2nd Annual Sporting Clay Shoot. Sponsorship will help support the project to revitalize the John B. McMahon Environmental Center in Crestview.

Fees for this event will include 100 clays, shells, breakfast, lunch, goodie bags, and awards to the top shooter and each member of the high-scoring team. Participants must provide their own shotguns, eye/ear protection, as well as transportation around the range. For more information, please call 850-689-4349.

Heritage Museum Tour for Home School Students

Tues, May 16 – Valparaiso (1:00p.m.)

The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida now offers tours for home school students once per quarter during the school year. Each tour focuses on a different topic related to Northwest Florida history and includes a hands-on activity reinforcing the lesson. For more information or to register, please visit www.heritage-museum.org.

Thurs, May 11 – Fort Walton Beach (5:00p.m.)

Girlfriends and shopping go together like wine and cheese, and when you throw all four together, you have the ingredients for a great evening! The Downtown FWB Organization is excited to kick off this year’s 7th Annual Ladies’ Night Out Downtown! This event is free; just pick up your bag with a stamp card inside at any participating stop, collect all of the stamps, and turn in your card at the end for great prize drawings! There will be complimentary food and drinks, special discounts! For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Finest of the Emerald Coast

Thurs, May 11 – HarborWalk Village (6:00p.m.)

Northwest Florida Daily News presents the Finest on the Emerald Coast winners’ event, with local businesses showcasing the reason they were voted the finest. There will be delicious food, entertainment, and recognition of the Finest on the Emerald Coast winners.

For more information, please visit www. fwbchamber.org.

4th Annual Seaside Writers’ Conference Mon, May 15 – Sat, May 20 – Seaside

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County announces the 4th Annual Seaside Writers’ Conference taking place in Seaside as part

The Little Pirates Parade

Sat, May 20 – Fort Walton Beach (9:00a.m.)

Captain Billy Bowlegs and Krewe will be there to judge children’s costumes and floats in different age groups. Child-made pirate floats are encouraged, and dog costumes will be judged as well! Hosted by First City Bank at Downtown Fort Walton Beach. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

The Little Black Dress Party – Havana Nights Sat, May 20 – Sandestin (6:00p.m.)

Head to Sandestin Linkside for our Little Black Dress Party! There will be a live and silent auction, live performances, dinner and dancing, and more! All proceeds will benefit the WhiteWilson Community Foundation. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

3rd Annual Paws on Palafox

Sat, May 6 – Pensacola (8:00a.m.)

Leash up your pup and go to downtown Pensacola for the 3rd Annual Paws on Palafox 3K dog walk. The event starts and ends in Plaza de Luna Park at the South end of Palafox. You will enjoy waterfront views, historic Pensacola, and the vibrant downtown business district. Bob Tyler Toyota provides the lead pace car, while Woerner’s Landscape and Pet Supply awards each participant with a treat at the finish line. For more information, please call 850-898-3384.

of Art Week South Walton. This will include a full week of intensive writing workshops, one-day seminars, agent consultants, school outreach programs, and social events. This event provides an opportunity for writers of all experience levels to celebrate writing, to network, and to hone their craft. For more information and a list of headlining authors, please visit www.destinchamber.com.

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62nd Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival Fri, June 2 – Mon, June 5 – Fort Walton Beach (11:00a.m.)

It’s that time of year again for pirates, beads, gold doubloons and pirate ships! This year’s Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival will kick off Friday June 2 and will end with the Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade on Monday, June 5 at 7:00p.m. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

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Fat Tuesday Parade

Every Tuesday in June – HarborWalk Village (7:00p.m.)

Head to HarborWalk Village and watch as it transforms into The Big Easy! Enjoy floats, costumes, live music, street performers, and float riders tossing beads. For more information, please visit www.emeraldgrande.com.

Boomin’ Tuesday

Every Tuesday – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.)

Enjoy lawn games and inflatables in the Events Plaza. Then watch as Baytowne lights up the sky with a breathtaking fireworks show at 9:15p.m. This event is free. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Reoccurring Local Bubbly Baytowne

Thurs, Jan 26 - Thurs, May 18 – Baytowne Wharf (5:00p.m.)

Sip and shop through the Village streets, and enjoy an evening of champagne, live music and shopping! This event is free. For information, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Sunday Cinema

Every Sunday – Baytowne Wharf (8:00p.m.)

Grab a lawn chair or a blanket and head to the Events Plaza Lawn at Baytowne Wharf to enjoy a movie. This event is free. For more information and movie listings, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

GulfWind Paddle & Surf Wednesday Night BOTE Board Demo Event Every Wednesday of each month – Santa Rosa Beach (6:00p.m.)

Socialize with other paddle board enthusiasts every Wednesday evening and demo ride the entire fleet of BOTE Boards! For more information, call Steve with GulfWind Paddle & Surf at 850-200-8375.

Wednesday Night Concert Series

Every Wednesday – Baytowne Wharf (7:00p.m.)

Enjoy the great weather and live entertainment. The concert series features local and regional talent on the Events Plaza Stage. For more information, please visit www. baytownewharf.com.

Magical Thursday

Every Thursday – Baytowne Wharf Watch as featured pirate Captain Davy takes you on an adventure with two magic shows on stage. For show times and more information, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Volunteer Opportunity Place

Contact CC Fearson at 850-659-3190.

Socks

Contact Nikole Wood at 850-863-8999.

PAWS

Contact Alicia Sikes at 850-243-1525.

Salvation Army

Contact Lisa Martinez at 850-243-4531.

Habitat for Humanity

Contact Mark McEnaney at 850-685-0686.

Florosa Fire Department

Contact Tom Peele at 850-581-2900.

VFW

Contact Harvey Eckoff at 850-244-3834.

Goodwill

Contact John at 850-837-8516.

Destin Community Center

Contact Lisa Firth at 850-654-5184.

Waterfront Rescue Mission

Contact Tina or Sharron at 850-244-2726.

Destin History & Fishing Museum Contact Kathy Blue at 850-837-6611.

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Contact Susan Leivelle at 850-650-1880.

Boys & Girls Club

Contact Rita Cummins at 850-862-1332.

Red, White and Blue Hero Celebration Every Thursday in June – HarborWalk Village (7:00p.m.)

Enjoy a weekly celebration of the American war hero. Head to HarborWalk Village for a presentation of the colors, ceremony celebration, WWII vintage airshow, and live music. Close out the evening with fireworks over the Destin Harbor and fire spinning at 9:00p.m.

2nd Saturday Market at DeFrance Antiques Every second Saturday of each month – Fort Walton Beach (9:00a.m.)

Hydroflight Mondays

Every Monday – Baytowne Wharf Enjoy shows from fly-board extraordinaire Ben Merrell over the lagoon! Watch as he soars to the sky and makes waves at Baytowne Wharf.

For more information and show times, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Poetry & Music Jam

Every second Tuesday of each month – Crestview (6:00p.m.)

Poets and musicians are invited to bring their work and instruments to a free-form, openmic poetry reading and jam session. For more information, please call 850-682-4432.

Head to DeFrance at downtown Fort Walton Beach and meet with vendors, artists and crafters as they display one-of-a-kind creations.

Expect to see repurposed items, jewelry, clothing, shabby chic furniture, art, food and more. For information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Rock the Docks

Every Saturday in June – HarborWalk Village (7:00p.m.)

Make this summer a hit! Rock the docks every Saturday on the Destin Harbor with free concerts from 7:00–9:00p.m. This event is free. For more information, please visit www. destinchamber.com.

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ATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER ED RE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EX NTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENC ATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER ED RE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EX NTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENC ATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER ED RE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EX ENCOUNTER For more information about these programs and more, call or visit our website.

Discover the difference a hands-on encounter 850.664.1261 • www.ECScience.org with science can make!

Seasonal Hours: Tue.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Find touchable, workable exhibits that teach about natural phenomena and basic scientific principles for children and families.

• Robotics Exhibits • Live Reptile & Amphibian Room • Live Birds • Brain Games • Field Trips • Planetarium Nights • “Science of...”(Monthly event series geared towards adults)

31 SW Memorial Pkwy.

Fort Walton Beach

Have Your Party at the Science Center!

Choose from one of our four themes: Dino Dig • Animal Safari • Mad Scientist • Space Party Packages Available Saturdays from 11am-1pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm

Party includes admission for 12 children and two adults, a science activity, use of the private party room, a party host to assist with party details, party favors for each child, setup/cleanup, decorations, use of fridge and microwave, paper products and drinks. Call today to plan your party!

First Saturday of the month 10 am-2 pm • Ages 9-14 Our Robotics Workshops will cover a range of robotics skills and concepts to help introduce students to robotics and give them the skills needed to compete in Lego League.