The island itself is covered by shallow water averaging only 2 feet. It is possible to anchor off the sand bar and swim or wade to the party areas. The water there is also fairly calm as it is protected behind the Destin bridge and coastline. Most summer days an informal party will gather there almost like a force of nature. Supplies purchased from nearby Destin can be brought there for party goers to enjoy. In addition pontoon boats, party barges, personal craft and even large inflatable water toys become part of the attraction. Between those in actual boats entire lines of kayak and jet skis can be seen tied up like horses outside an old west saloon.

Although the summer fun can and does include the typical college kids, Crab Island is also a popular spot for families and older residents. Children too young to swim can be seen floating in life preservers right alongside their parents and other partygoers. There are even some local residents who have been coming to the island for decades. Some people even bring their pets although these are generally left to play on the boats. Between those who are too pasty to be local and those who tanned up for the occasion it is a true mixed bag of gulf coast music and great parties.

When visiting Crab Island keep in mind these helpful tips. There is no where to lay down on the island as it is entirely covered by water so bring a floating platform, floating air mattress or your own boat for when you need to get out of the water. Remember the sun will be stronger than you expect so use sunscreen and don’t forget a sun hat. Keep in mind that things tend to float away so make use of a reasonably strong anchor and tie your materials up. Finally, stay hydrated. Whether you bring your drinks or buy the while there, remember to bring a carrying case for your drink or you’ll be holding it all day long.

The services offered at Surfside Spa include an express facial, anti-aging facial, Swedish Massage, Custom Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, and many others. Please visit www.surfsidespa.com for a complete list of services offered.

Something that sets Surfside Spa apart is the Zumba classes they offer. There are classes not only for adults, but also for children ages 4-12. The children’s class is known as Zumbatomic and was designed especially for kids, combining hip-hop, reggaeton and pop with concepts like coordination, discipline, confidence and teamwork.

Viva Italia:  A Food and Wine Event 

presented by Artesana Fine Wines and Jackson’s Steakhouse

Jackson’s Steakhouse is proud to once again partner with local wine store, Artesana Fine Wines, to present a wine and food tasting, “Viva Italia,” Thursday, November 10, 5:30 p.m., at Jackson’s Steakhouse.

Few countries take their autumn harvests as seriously as Italy. Visit any hilltop town or small city on a weekend in the fall and you’re likely to run into plenty of fresh markets, weekend feasts and food festivals celebrating the season.

With the Italian fall harvest season serving as the inspiration for the tasting, Artesana Fine Wines has hand selected four stellar Italian wines to complement a selection of classic Italian dishes as prepared by Chef Irv Miller. In addition to the stellar menu selected for the evening, Pensacola Opera’s soprano,Sewell Jeter Griffith, will entertain guests during the presentation of the main course with a selection of two Italian arias.

The featured menu presentation for the evening is as follows:

Antipasto

Gorgonzola soufflé with baby arugula, walnut vinaigrette and pear-infused white balsamic agrodolce paired with Adami Bosco di Gica Brut Prosecco Superiore NV, Veneto, Italy

Primo

Rich, savory tart with Italian pork sausage, tomato, basil and oregano paired with Inama Soave Classico 2009, Veneto, Italy

Secondi

Pappardelle lasagna with veal parmesan, pomodoro sauce and fontina paired with Vietti Nebbiolo Perbacco 2007, Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

and

Slow-braised beef short ribs, risotto Milanese and field peas paired with Boroli Barbera d’Alba, QuattroFratelli 2007, Alba, Piedmont, Italy

Dolce

Amaretto-roasted apricot and almond macaroons dusted with confectioners’ sugar

The event cost is $75 per person plus tax and gratuity and will include three wines and four courses. Seating is limited; reservations required. Be sure to make yours by calling Jackson’s Steakhouse(850) 469-9898.

When: Oct 21, 2011 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Fonville Press, 147 N Charles Street, Alys Beach

Bring your four legged friend to Fonville Press for the 5th Annual Howl*O*Ween and Pet Parade benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge, including pumpkin painting and a prize for the Best Owner & Dog Costume.

More Info: www.alysbeach.com
Phone: (850) 213-5500

Headlining acts for the 2011 Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival include Trace Adkins, Brantley Gilbert and Jake Owen. An enormous array of food concessions, good times, arts and crafts, carnival rides, cartoon characters, clowns and top name entertainment await you at the 2011 Annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival, Oct. 21-23, 2011, in Niceville, FL. Named one of the top food festivals in the USA by Parade Magazine (#12 in the country!), 2011 marks the Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival ‘s 35th year. Festival Opening hours Friday Oct. 21st 11 A.M……Saturday Oct. 22nd 9 A.M…….Sunday Oct .23rd 10 A.M.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

6:00 p.m.     Local Talent
7:30 p.m.     Singing Showdown Final Five
8:15 p.m.     Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster
10:00 p.m.   BRANTLEY GILBERT

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

11:00 a.m.    Twinkling Twirlers
11:30 a.m.    All-star Twirlers    
2:00 p.m.      Waylon Thibodeaux
3:30 p.m.      Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster
5:00 p.m.      Welcome and Introductions
5:30 p.m.      Waylon Thibodeaux
7:00 p.m.      Alabama Blues Brothers
8:15 p.m.      Singing Showdown Winner
8:45 p.m.      Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster
10:30 p.m.   TRACE ADKINS 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

11:00 p.m.   Amplified Performing Arts Center
11:45 a.m.   Ruckel Middle School Cheer Team
12:30 p.m.   RB Christian School Praise Band
1:00 p.m.     One Way Band – Christian Rock
1:30 p.m.     Guests Without Bags – Christian Rock
2:00 p.m.     Homeland Harmony –  Gospel
3:00 p.m.     Sleepy Man Banjo Boys
4:15 p.m.     TO BE ANNOUNCED
6:00 p.m.     JAKE OWEN

LOCAL TALENT BETWEEN
SCHEDULED ACTS

KIDS STAGE AND CLOWN SHOWS
ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY

coastline and charming towns of 30A. A three-day culinary and cultural celebration

benefiting childrens’ charities, returns to Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast November 4-6,

2011. The annual festival is comprised of six events ranging from wine and food

tastings to a winemaker dinner and charity auction.

A collaboration between the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce and Destin Charity
Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), Taste of The Beach combines new and established
food, wine and artistic events featuring prized vintners and renowned chefs. The majority
of proceeds from ticket sales and the charity auction benefit local charities that work to
improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk
children in Northwest Florida.

This year’s exciting schedule of events includes: Taste of The Harbor, Taste of Bay Wine
& Food Experience, Al Fresco Reserve Tasting at Ruskin Place, Seeing Red Wine
Festival, a wine maker dinner at Seagar’s, Taste of the Beach After Dark, and the Taste of The Beach & Charity Auction.