Gift Ideas – Destin, South Walton & 30A Authors & Books

With the holidays upon us, you may be searching for the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for person on your holiday gift list. For those who love Destin, Miramar Beach and 30A, we’ve rounded up a gift list of local books and authors from the area that may be the perfect gift for someone on your list. Or give the gift of a Destin Vacation by purchasing one of our Holiday Gift Cards (available in denominations up to $500 & ENJOY 10% off now through Dec. 24!) Happy Gift Giving!

The Accidental Adventures of Mattie the Giraffe by Andi Scurto

Local Destin resident, author and artist, Andi Scurto created Mattie the Giraffe for a Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation poster contest. She had such fun she started painting this whimsical character in a variety of settings that became the foundation for Mattie’s colorful adventures. The result: A fun-filled children’s story of a locally-born character who travels near and far, including such iconic locations including the Eiffel Tower, the South Pole, and Columbia, South America to name a few. https://www.destinfun.com/blog/post/the-accidental-adventure-of-mattie-the-giraffe

Pathway to Paradise by Robert Reynolds

This premium quality hardbound book features 156 full color pages of The Emerald Coast of Florida, stretching from Pensacola to Panama City, and encompasses Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Seaside, Grayton Beach, and other communities. Pathway to Paradise on Florida’s Emerald Coast details the history of one of Florida’s most exciting destinations, and tells the story of one of its most celebrated roads, Scenic Highway 30A. Robert Reynolds, author of Simply Seagrove, has captured the background and highlights the entire Emerald Coast of Florida.  Available at the Blue Giraffe in Inlet Beach. https://bluegiraffe30a.com/product/pathway-paradise-floridas-emerald-coast/

Seaside A to Z by Katie Hines Porterfield

This children’s book highlights the quirky nuances of Seaside, Florida letter by letter. Children will enjoy flying in tandem with a seagull throughout the book as it travels to beloved spots such as Sundog Books, the REP, and Duckies, and participates in fun activities like building sandcastles on the beach and swimming in the pool. Seaside A to Z brings to live just twenty-six of the many reasons why families from Florida and beyond cherish time spent in this charming, pastel-hued town on the Emerald Coast. https://bluegiraffe30a.com/product/seaside/

Rare Coastal Dune Lakes by Ginger Jackson Sinton

This full color, 112-page softbound coffee table photo book is filled with beautiful images of the rare coastal dune lakes, coastal plant and animal life along Scenic Highway 30A in Northwest Florida reflecting the biodiversity of the area and the emerald coastline. With a section on state parks and nature preserves in Walton County, Florida, the photo guide explores why the lakes are rare and why the biodiversity of the ecosystems is critical to the beauty of the land and the life of its people. https://bluegiraffe30a.com/product/rare-coastal-dune-lakes/

Goodnight 30A by Grace Skertich

This children’s book combines all the fun things to do along Scenic Highway 30A. Written by lawyer-turned-children’s-book-author Grace Skertich and illustrated by the well-known artist David Lynch, this book is full of bright, colorful works of art that capture the whimsical atmosphere of 30A. Readers will recognize depictions of famous local areas and businesses including Charlie’s Donut Truck and George’s in Alys Beach, The Red Bar, Bud and Alley’s in Seaside, dolphins, sea turtles, YOLO boards, beautiful dune lakes, blue lupine flowers, WaterColor Beach Club, and outdoor movies in Rosemary Beach to name a few. Available at the Blue Giraffe in Inlet Beach. https://bluegiraffe30a.com/product/goodnight-30a/

Grayton Beach Affair by Jim Harvey

This novel based on true events is set in Grayton Beach during WWII.  while love and war based on true events. Written by Jim Harvey who grew up in the local area and lives in Destin, this classic story of love and war paints an accurate depiction of life in Grayton Beach during the 1940s.

The Time Between by Karen White

Karen White is a part-time resident of Watercolor and a New York Times Bestselling Author. Her book titled The Time Between is a story about the bond of family. The plot traces two sisters who escape from Hungary in 1944 to the southern United States.

Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze

This thrilling mystery novel by local author Vicki Hinze is set right in the Florida Panhandle! This story is about a test in faith, love, and hope. The main character in the story loses her memory, but knows something significant has happened to her and the mystery must be solved. The author Vicki Hinze has written over 30 books and is a resident of the Gulf Coast.

Live the Book!

Start planning your next Destin vacation and create your storybook adventures. View our collection of South Walton and Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652. 

See you @ the beach!

Published on Thursday, December 23, 2021