Going on the first mini vacation in 35 years. Taking the wife to see the ocean for the fist time in her life. I haven't been to Fort Walton since 1965.

Anybody got any recommendations for current restaurants and hotels?

Anybody know the weather forecast there Sunday thru Wednesday?

Thanks guys!

TH-45

Weather Underground says: Sunday, Monday &  Wed : A chance of a thunderstorm, low of 57 with a high of 79.  Tuesday is Clear and 64  & 81.

For an old fashioned seafood restaurant, I recommend Stewby's Seafood Shanty 427 Racetrack Rd. FWB.
By "old fashioned" I mean, sweat tea, fresh seafood, fried Mullet, flip flops and shorts.  Wife and I eat here ~once a month.

Is there anyplace I can buy a bunch of smoked mullet to bring home in the cooler?  I LOVE smoked mullet and cannot get it here in Tn.

I have no idea on that one.  Hopefully some one can help.

Stay outside of FWB if you're looking for a hotel. I think you'll find Navarre or Okaloosa Island are going to be optimal in terms of scenery, driving distance and safety.

There are a smorgasbord of good restaurants in and just outside of FWB, just fire up Yelp and sort them by ratings, you'll get a pretty good idea what to try. There is a strip of restaurants on the boardwalk of Okaloosa Island, but I think they are for the most part overpriced for the quality of food they serve, which is meh. It's a tourist dive, so take it for what it's worth.

ETA: The Hampton Inn and Suites in Mary Esther off of Hollywood Blvd. may be a good choice. It's pretty much brand new, and close to FWB. Also, it's not stuck in the middle of the city in all the hustle and bustle, and it's right next to the mall. I imagine it's a relatively safe area, I see Sheriff deputies hanging around in that area on a pretty regular basis either parked (probably filling out paperwork or something), or patrolling the mall area.

Well we made it here safe and sound. Took wife to see the sea right before dark. First thing she saw was the two red flags flying. She asked me what they meant. I told her the truth that it meant bad rip tides and folks should not go swimming. She noticed my bouncing a little up and down. She then asked what it meant to me. I told her simple in the days of my wild and reckless youth it meant grab the boards because the surf was UP! She then reminded me sternly I was NOT allowed in the water past my calves when I wondered out loud where I could rent a board!

Six to eight foot waves about 500 yards out with good form and sets. Can we all tell I miss my surfing days?

After crossing the bay across a rather large bridge she announced she would NOT go on a cruise either. LOL This was especially true when I told her that what she was looking at was a semi calm bay and not the waves at sea. See how much money I saved with a $4 toll bridge crossing. hahahahahaha

Well we made it here safe and sound. Took wife to see the sea right before dark. First thing she saw was the two red flags flying. She asked me what they meant. I told her the truth that it meant bad rip tides and folks should not go swimming. She noticed my bouncing a little up and down. She then asked what it meant to me. I told her simple in the days of my wild and reckless youth it meant grab the boards because the surf was UP! She then reminded me sternly I was NOT allowed in the water past my calves when I wondered out loud where I could rent a board!

Six to eight foot waves about 500 yards out with good form and sets. Can we all tell I miss my surfing days?

After crossing the bay across a rather large bridge she announced she would NOT go on a cruise either. LOL This was especially true when I told her that what she was looking at was a semi calm bay and not the waves at sea. See how much money I saved with a $4 toll bridge crossing. hahahahahaha

Made it back last night, and I am beat.  All in all Fort Walton/Destin made  me want to cry.  It has gotten WAY too touristy!  I figured on growth, but it has gotten ridiculous.  It is good that I still knew a couple of places and folks on the boards helped.



For all y'all who helped, THANK YOU!



Brought back some mullet that I am having to smoke as NO ONE serves it anymore it seems, except in Niceville during their mullet festival.  Someone needs to tell the places to eat also that there is ways to cook seafood besides FRIED and steamed!  Shrimp scampi is also a way to eat shrimp.



Did get my round of Putt Putt at Goofy Golf.  For those that know it I finished the first course four under par and DID hole in one in the snake!



The three day fishing limit of Red Snapper is a crime.  I am sorry that mankind was too greedy 40-50 years ago.  I will admit I was part of it by working on the fishing boats in the 60's, but in my defense I was just a kid baiting hooks for the 'Yankees'.  It was catch as much as you wanted back then, and they DID!



Wife was suitably impressed with the ocean and its might and majesty, but she is insistent she is NOT about to go on a cruise.  LOL



Anyway, Florida, Thank You.  I am looking forward to a three day NAP!