2013 Memorial Day Festivities

Posted on May 21st, 2013

Memorial Day Festivities

Celebrate the unofficial start to summer Memorial Day Weekend at HarborWalk Village. After spending some time aboard the Southern Star, join in the fun with full weekend of music, arts and crafts, street performers, and fireworks.

The fun kicks off on Friday, when Departure, the area’s favorite Journey Tribute Band will be rocking the docks with their electric show. They will perform fan favorites, like “Don’t Stop Believing”, ‘Separate Ways” and “Open Arms”. The show begins at 7:00pm, and concludes with a fireworks display later that evening. Departure also takes the stage again Saturday night, for an encore performance. This is a family friendly event and there are plenty of activities in and around Harbor Walk Village designed to keep your littlest rockers busy and entertained..

On Sunday night, Louis Prima Jr. and his band, The Witnesses, carry on his father’s legacy as the ‘Original King of Swing”. This high- energy mix of old fashioned swing music and contemporary pop hits will have you Jump, Jive and Wailing for more. A crowd favorite, Louis Prima Jr. And The Witnesses have been entraining people and caring on his father’s rich legacy all over the country. The Emerald Coast is pleased to welcome him and his show back to Harbor Walk Village for the Memorial Day celebration.

Kick off the summer season style with a dolphin cruise aboard the Southern Star and then an afternoon and evening exploring Harbor Walk Village. From shops and restaurants to live musical performances and watching the evenings catch come in from the charter fishing fleet, there’s always something exciting at HarborWalk Village.

The schedule for Memorial day is :
The Southern Star sails at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 both Saturday and Sunday
The Buccaneer sails at 3:30 and 6:30 on Friday and 12:30, 3:30, 6:30 on Saturday
Departure plays at 7:00 on both Friday and Saturday with fireworks at 9:00 Friday night
Louis Prima Jr. and The Witness takes the stage at 7:00 Sunday night.

2013 Destin’s Week of Blessings

Posted on May 8th, 2013

The crew of the Southern Star is pleased to announce that it is that time once again to celebrate the annual Blessing of the Fleet. The Blessing of the Fleet is held once a year as a way to give thanks and ask God for a bountiful and safe season for those who brave the waters off the coast of the beautiful white beaches of Destin and the surrounding areas. This year, a short tent service will be held on the docks at Destin’s Fishing Fleet Marina, followed by a processional by the Pastors responsible for the blessing service. Following the blessing, there will be a fish fry on the dock. If you are interested in attending the blessing, the service will start on Thursday, May 9th at 4:00pm, followed by the processional, then the fish fry. In addition to the Blessing of the fleet, there will be several other related events beginning with the Blessing of the Families on May 5th and ending with a celebration on May 11th to celebrate the Blessing of the Destin HarborWalk Village.

Destin Hosts The World Cobia Fishing Tournament

Posted on April 24th, 2013

 

Spring is Cobia Season along the Emerald Coast, and anglers and boat captains have been patrolling the shoreline in search of this long, and incredibly powerful fish. Cobia, which can grow to be up to 135 pounds migrate east to west along the sugar white sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle every year. Cobia can be caught by spinning, plug casting, bottom fishing, and trolling. During March and April, you’ll see plenty of Cobia fishing boats trolling along the beach in search of fish, bragging rights, and cash. (more…)

Southern Star To Host Fundraiser For The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Posted on April 18th, 2013

 

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR) is the Emerald Coast’s nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the area’s flora and fauna. Serving five counties, including 85 miles of Gulf Beaches and 350 miles of shore line, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, ECWR  and its talented staff and volunteers work to rehabilitate and release all orphaned and injured wildlife across the Florida Panhandle.  ECWR is the NOAA certified response team for protected animals for the Panhandle. These highly trained volunteers and staff members respond stranded and injured marine life, especially dolphin, along the Gulf Coast. In most cases, the Marine Stranding Team, made up of three veterinarians and other marine specialists can reach the distressed or stranded animal within two hours.  The staff and volunteers are trained to treat and transport the animal as well as remove and dispose of fatalities. (more…)

The Southern Star Welcomes the 2013 Miss Destin Candidates

Posted on April 15th, 2013

Our  2013 Miss Destin will be crowned on Saturday, April 20^th at the Destin Community Center, and the Southern Star recently hosted the six Miss Destin Candidates for an afternoon of conversation, dolphin watching, and sightseeing. The six qualified candidates had an opportunity to mix and mingle with the 2013 judges as well as current Miss Destin, Callie Katz.  The annual Miss Destin pageant is a tradition almost as old as the Fishing Rodeo.  Did you know …? (more…)

Explore the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Posted on April 12th, 2013

If your trip aboard the Southern Star has left you excited for more dolphin and marine life adventures, you should head over to Okaloosa Island and spend a day exploring the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Since opening in 1955, Florida’s Gulfarium, now known as the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, has enchanted, entertained, and informed locals and visitors about the animals, fish, and birds that live in and around the Emerald Coast. It underwent a massive renovation last year, resulting in more streamlined layout and a greater emphasis on interacting with the marine life.

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The Southern Star Hosts ONE HOPE

Posted on March 29th, 2013

One Hope is an international Christian Ministry Organization that works to “ affect destiny by providing God’s eternal word to the children and youth of the world”.  Recently, Captain Steve and Wendy Wilson opened up the Southern Star to the internal staff and missionaries for a day of sightseeing, testimony, and spiritual growth. The motto of the Southern Star is “Expect A Miracle”, and those who work with One Hope expect one every day. (more…)

Destin Named Travel Channel’s Best Family Beach 2013

Posted on March 18th, 2013

Destin was recently named the Travel Channel’s Best Family Beach for 2013. Receiving more than 43 % of the votes, Destin beat out popular family vacation destinations like the Outer Banks North Carolina, Paradise Island, The Bahamas,  and Cape Cod. Editors and voters singled out Destin’s pristine beaches and commitment to keeping the environment “PG” and family friendly. (more…)

Taking A Great Dolphin Photo

Posted on March 15th, 2013

The dolphins swimming in the Destin Harbor and Choctawhatchee Bay can serve as inspiration for some great photos. Captain Steve and the crew of the Southern Star work hard to make sure visitors see as many dolphins as possible on the two-hour cruise. With the relative affordability and accessibility of good camera equipment, you can take some great photos of the dolphin when you see them splashing and playing in the water. (more…)

Southern Star Awarded TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Posted on March 6th, 2013

Destin’s original Dolphin Cruise, the Southern Star was recently awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, receiving more than 85 reviews of 4.5 stars for more. TripAdvisor is an online community forum that allows visitors and locals to post reviews and feedback about restaurants, hotels, and attractions.  Certificates of Excellence are only awarded to businesses that provide the highest levels of customer service and meet and exceed expectations on every level. (more…)