By Cheryl Alexander

Destin, Florida, is famous for its dazzling sugar white sand beaches and emerald green waters, which have earned the area the moniker “Emerald Coast.” It was recently named “One of the Ten Most Beautiful Places in America” by Good Morning America viewers.

Finding the right place to stay and the best places to go at a great value can be a little stressful. That’s when working with professionals you trust and who know the area becomes crucial. On Florida’s Emerald Coast, no one can do a better job for you than the experts at Newman Dailey Resort Properties.

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, co-founded and owned by Jeanne Dailey, is a locally owned sales and property management company that specializes in resort rentals. For 27 years they have been recognized in Destin and South Walton for their excellence, integrity and professionalism. TripAdvisor consistently ranks them as “excellent.”

Dailey explains, “We are known for our friendly team of professionals who bring in-depth knowledge of the marketplace along with stellar service and warm welcomes to every visitor.”

“Vacationers love the diversity of our properties,” Dailey says. “They are able to find the perfect Destin vacation rental from our database of properties.” Newman-Dailey offers guests options from beautiful beach homes large enough to entertain a family reunion, wedding or special occasion, to spectacular beachfront Destin condos with amazing views of the Gulf.

One such property is Paradise Palms, a three-story yellow “castle” in Crystal Beach, a much sought-after area in Destin, just across from the glorious Gulf of Mexico. Imagine playing pool in the game room or enjoying outstanding meals in the huge state-of-the-art kitchen; picture two master suites (five bedrooms total) with bathrooms as large as the rooms themselves. See yourself enjoying the view from the wrap-around porches, with the beach just across the street and lots of shopping, golf and restaurants around the corner. An elevator connects all three floors, and there is free wireless internet, garage parking, washer/dryer, gas grill and a splash pool for quick dips.

 

Special “Celebration Vacations”

Dailey adds, “We realize that vacations bring families together, many times to punctuate special moments worthy of a celebration. Newman-Dailey Resort Properties is ready to make it spectacular with our ‘Celebration Vacation’ package.”

With the Celebration Vacation package, those charged with organizing the big event can begin by selecting the perfect rental online or by calling one of the Newman-Dailey vacation specialists. Choose just the right accommodation for your event and your guests. Newman-Dailey has teamed up with Table Five to create just the right kind of celebratory meal — a three-course meal and a delectable dessert — in your vacation home or condo. Then, to capture the special memories, Newman-Dailey partner Steve Wells Photography provides a special one-hour photo session either on the beach or at your rental, and your group receives a DVD with all the images.

The Emerald Coast itself is a reason to celebrate and simply enjoy time off work. Within the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico is an unprecedented playground for anglers, kayakers and divers. Heralded as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” the Destin Harbor is rich with history, while offshore its waters offer an abundance of snapper, grouper, marlin and pompano. Near shore, you’ll enjoy parasailing, jet skis and catamarans for an exciting, different view of the coast. Dolphin and dinner cruises offer additional authentic, nautical experiences for those who enjoy being out on the water.

For land lovers, the breadth of activities is endless. Family fun and shops complement the area’s attractions, including Big Kahuna’s water park; The Track, the ultimate go-cart track where you’ll find the Wild Woody, a three-tiered go-cart roller coaster hybrid and Kid’s Country for the little tykes, or Surf’in Safari mini-golf featuring jungle animals and waterfalls, and even a 75-foot plunge off the bungee tower which might be the adrenaline rush you’re looking for; and the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (gulfarium.com), with upgraded exhibits and animal habitats for dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, sharks, stingrays and sea turtles.

 

Golf, Museums and Fun Galore

If golf is your game, play a round at Regatta Bay Golf and Country Club, nestled among breathtaking nature preserves along the Choctawhatchee Bay and designed by esteemed course designer Robert C. Walker. The 6,894-yard, par-72 course offers and extraordinary golf experience for players of all skill levels (regattabay.com). There’s also Seascape Golf Course, featuring 18 lush contoured fairways winding through the resort’s lush forests and around its tranquil lakes. This course is situated among a series of fresh water and coastal dune lakes and features breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from many holes (seascape-resort.com/Golf.aspx).

A child’s fantasy museum of science waits at the Emerald Coast Science Center, stimulating the imagination with exhibits such as a reflecting Castle of Mirrors, “adult-sized” bubble makers, an Illuma Storm and more. The Destin History & Fishing Museum, Inc., and Indian Temple Mound (listed in the National Register of Historic Places) provide even more cultural encounters for your vacation adventures.

Seafood options are as assorted as the marine life in the Gulf. Try Pompano Joe’s, the Crab Trap, Poppy’s Crazy Lobster or Dewey Destin Seafood Restaurant & Market for some superb dinner selections. Make sure to have a breakfast or two at Another Broken Egg-Bayside at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

When you book your Emerald Coast vacation through Newman-Dailey, you’ll get much more than just great accommodations and superb customer service. With each night’s stay, you’ll get free stuff through their Gift Card program, as well as incredible special offers on many of the area activities, attractions, restaurants and more.

Additionally, the Late Summer Value Season is available for guests who book their vacations between Aug. 6 and Sept. 2, 2012. These lucky travelers save up to 30 percent off the standard Summer rates. Newman-Dailey is also proud to honor the men and women who serve our country. Military personnel receive a 10 percent discount on any South Walton or Destin vacation rental, with valid military I.D. upon arrival or use promo code MILITARY when you book online.

As well as providing the best service to visitors, Newman-Dailey’s reputation among property owners is as sparkling as the Destin sand. Serving owners with excellence and integrity, their property management division offers the best in property care and cleaning, knowledgeable, experienced staff, ensuring the highest occupancy levels and well-cared for properties for owners.

Find the perfect Emerald Coast vacation rental or real estate investment from a true Florida gem: the Newman-Dailey database of properties. Get a little sand in your soul and experience the beauty of the Emerald Coast for yourself.

For more information about Newman-Dailey, call 800-225-7652 or visit their website at destinvacation.com.