Giving Thanks in Paradise: Thanksgiving in South Walton

Thanksgiving Brunch on the Bay

Sandestin celebrates November 28, 2013, with a huge Thanksgiving Brunch at its Linkside Center. The resort’s award-winning culinary team headed up by Chef Kirwan plan to present a scrumptious array of Holiday favorites such as roast turkey, pineapple bourbon-glazed ham, Andouille sausage dressing, along with the thanksgiving essential green bean casserole. Opening the feast at 10:00 AM means brunch will also be the order of the day serving up made-to-order omelets, a Belgian waffle station, and something with a bit of a local flair – a southern shrimp and grits station. If your idea of a Thanksgiving feast is more along the lines of “Forget the bird…let’s move on to dessert”, you won’t be disappointed. There will be an assortment of pies, cakes and cookies, as well as a Bananas Foster flambé station.

Enjoy Thanksgiving Brunch set against stunning views of Choctawhatchee Bay. Admission is $46 for adults and $19 for children. Make your reservations early. You won’t want to miss out on the start of what is sure to become a beautiful new tradition. You can reserve your seat by emailing ThanksgivingBrunch@Sandestin.com. Or, call 850-267-6398

November 28, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Location:  9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Beach, FL 32550

Thanksgiving Buffet at the Sandestin Hilton

Eliminate the work this Thanksgiving. In 2013, let’s say no to doing dishes while laced with L-tryptophan from “seconds” on Turkey. Give thanks with your family and friends with a festive spread with all the trimmings. The Hilton at Sandestin Beach can help you take the stress out of the Holiday when you enjoy world-class dining. Price of the buffet is $34.95 for adults and $12.95 for children aged 6-12. Children under 5 eat free. For reservations, call 850-267-9500 (ext. 44).

November 28, 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m | Location:  4000 Sandestin Blvd South, Sandestin, FL 32550 | Website:www.sandestinbeachhilton.com

Thanksgiving Day Buffet Cruise

Imagine a lavish Thanksgiving Buffet surrounded by sparkling emerald gulf waters and you can see why this popular Thanksgiving venue sells out every year. Board the Solaris and let the chefs of SunQuest Cruises serve up a feast of garlic & herb roasted turkey, maple ham, shrimp & Andouille jambalaya, gourmet casseroles and sides, and a cornucopia of coastal delights. Top it off with an assortment of desserts. The Solaris offers panoramic views from indoors and outdoors, so relax and enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving lunch. As SunQuest says, “Just come aboard SOLARIS, count your blessings and leave the cooking to us.” Seating is limited so secure your reservations now. Boarding starts at 11:15 a.m. on November 28. The cruise runs from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Tickets range from $20 – $58. You can make reservations online at www.SunQuestCruises.com  or call 850.650.2519.

November 28, 11:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m | Location: Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach, FL 32550

Thanksgiving Feast at Elephant Walk

Elephant Walk restaurant at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is known for its creative entrees, and Executive Chef Mike McAnulla has crafted a Thanksgiving menu that is sure to show off the staff’s culinary skills. Elephant Walk will be offering a luscious buffet of over 25 dishes including freshly carved roasted turkey with pecan cranberry relish gravy, honey-glazed ham, herbed lamb stew with rice, and a carved round of beef angus. True to their art of incorporating the freshest local gulf seafood into their eclectic menu, the buffet will also serve up Sauteed Grouper with Citrus Caper Beurre Blanc and Shrimp and Crab Newburg. Sides will include cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, fresh autumn vegetables, and a variety of salads. For desert, classic pumpkin pie, southern bread pudding with caramel sauce, chocolate pecan pie and Elephant Walk’s signature Key Lime Pie will round out the holiday fare.

Elephant Walk is located on the Gulf of Mexico in Sandestin Resort offering its diners panoramic views of the emerald waters. Experience world-class service, eclectic cuisine and a dynamic wine list at Elephant Walk. This extravagant buffet serves from noon to 7:00 p.m., making it a great option for those seeking a later time frame for their Thanksgiving meal. Cost of the buffet is $34.95 for adults and $16.95 for children. Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins will be accepted upon availability. Please call 850-267-4800.

November 28, 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m | Location: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort at 4009 South Sandestin Boulevard, Destin, FL  32550

Thanksgiving at WaterColor Inn

Thanksgiving Day Brunch at the LakeHouse

This year WaterColor Inn and Resort opened The LakeHouse, a 3700 square-foot open space open and light with views across Western Lake. Join WaterColor in celebrating an inaugural Thanksgiving Brunch at The LakeHouse.  Cost is $65++ for adults and $30++ for children. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 850-534-5050.

November 28, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Location: WaterColor Inn & Resort, 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Fish Out of Water

WaterColor’s award-winning signature restaurant Fish Out of Water will be serving Thanksgiving Day Dinner from 4:00-8:00 PM. Enjoy a special four-course dinner flavored with amazing views of the gulf’s emerald waters. Executive Chef Brian Murray has been featured on the Cooking Channel’s Emeril’s Florida. The culinary team of Fish Out of Water uses the freshest ingredients from local fishermen and farmers in a menu of delectable selections celebrating the season’s bounty. Dinner price is $60++ for Adults and $25++ for children. Reservations for this special dinner are recommended. You can reserve online , email concierge@watercolorresort.com , or call 850-534-5050.

November 28, 4:00-8:00 p.m. | Location:  WaterColor Inn & Resort, 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459