It's Beer & BBQ Season on the Emerald Coast

There are so many reasons to love fall along the Emerald Coast and here’s yet another—It’s barbecue & beer festival season! From Fort Walton Beach to Miramar Beach, Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast turns up the heat with BBQ Competitions and beer tastings. The aromas of delicious barbecue and the clink of glasses toasting a new favorite ale can be smelled and heard on multiple fall weekends. Add to that the spectacular Autumn weather, vibrant blue skies and sparsely populated beaches and you’ve got a recipe for fun.  
 
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s coming up:  
Sept. 20 - The FWB BBQ Festival will take place at the Landing on Sept. 20, from 11 am to 4 pm.  This festive afternoon will have the delectable smell of BBQ wafting from The Landing, the sounds of music in the air, and a variety of craft beers for the tasting. Watch the cooking teams as they scramble to get their entries turned into the judges on time.  Select teams will want your vote for the People’s Choice Award, so make sure you bring your appetite.  The event is family-friendly with activities for the kids.  Admission is free!

Sept. 27– Barbecue fun continues with Eggs on the Beach EggFest BBQ Competition on Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach. Tasters are invited to sample the delicious results of foods smoked and grilled on the Big Green Egg and vote for their favorites. The cooking competition will be complemented with cooking demonstrations, specialty brews by Abita Beer, live music, a chance to win a Big Green Egg, kids activities, and more. The best part is that you’ll be eating for a good cause. Proceeds benefit the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, providing a home away from home for military families during treatment for serious illness or physical/occupational therapy. Advance tickets are $25/Adult or $15/Child (kids 10 and under are free) or $35 at the gate. To learn more visit EggsontheBeach.com. 

Sept. 27- The Destin Beer Festival will feature high-end craft and microbrews on Sept. 27 from 2 to 5 p.m. The event will also offer various culinary stations, a VIP Tent, live entertainment and a merchandise booth. Some of the biggest names in the craft brewing industry will be exhibiting at this event! Proceeds from this year’s event benefit Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which raises funds for children in need in Northwest Florida. Tickets for VIP are $50 in advance and $60 the day of and provide early entrance at  1 pm to schmooze with the beer celebs and taste something special from their cask. General Admission tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the gate.

Oct. 18 – The 7th Annual Baytowne Beer Fest features American specialty beers from around the nation. Sample more than 200 domestic and international craft beers and brewery representatives will be on hand to discussing brewing and answer questions. The event will complemented with live music. VIP tickets are $55 in advance at $60 at the gate and provide access to VIP party from 12:30 – 2 p.m. General Admission Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate and includes beer tasting glass to sample beers from 2-6 p.m.

Looking for a home away from home near one of these festivals, view our premier South Walton and Destin vacation rentals online or call our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

Hope to see you soon for some sunshine, beer and BBQ!

*Must be 21 years of age to attend beer events; please drink responsibly
 

Published by Tracy Louthain
Friday, September 19, 2014