HarborWalk Village Launches New Adventures this Spring and Summer 2012

If you have visited HarborWalk Village before you will enjoy seeing all the new adventures, activities and dining venues that have come to the Harbor this year. There is something here for everyone. From fishing adventures to shopping, dining and entertainment, HarborWalk Village boasts more fun and more memory making than ever before. Here are some of the changes you will see this year.

Getting Around

Travel along the harbor is more fun when you take advantage of a water taxi or boat shuttle. You can also ride a people powered rickshaw or hop a ride on Dino, the new animatron throughout HarborWalk Village, it's for kids only, sorry Dad. 

Zip Line Adventure 

Ride Emerald Coast's Longest Zip Line

Amusement USA's highly anticipated zip line is the longest and most beautiful ride along the Emerald Coast.  Spanning 500 feet between two 80 foot steel towers, overlooking, Destin Harbor, East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico.

The Duel Zip Line will allow riders to zip and share the experience together. You can digitally record and or photograph your zip line experience and the zip line staff will instantly post your adventure on You Tube, Facebook and other social sites.  A 40 foot LED lit rock climbing wall and a gravity defying free fall attraction adds to the exciting adventure. (850) 543-4291

It's Treasure Time 

HarborWalk Village Mining Company is a family mining attraction where children of all ages can find different kinds of gemstones, amethysts, rubies, emeralds, arrowheads, crystals, fossils and more. The experience is exciting and educational. The Harbor Walk Village Mining Company will allow children to explore and discover natural treasures. (850) 543-4291

Cast off with Destin's Biggest Pirate Ship, The Buccaneer

Experience thrilling adventures aboard the new Buccaneer Pirate Ship. Captain Steve and Wendy Wilson, operators of the Southern Star Dolphin Cruise, have added a Pirate Ship to their family run fleet. The Buccaneer can hold up to150 mates and interactively entertain the whole family with pirate stories, sword fights, treasure hunts, water gun battles, music and games. You're barely out of the harbor before pirate hats or bandannas top every head and face paint converts even the fairest cheeks and chins with scrolling mustaches, scruffy sideburns, and fiendish goatees. Then out come the water pistols for a pirate kids against pirate parents soak 'em fest that has everyone rolling.  A treasure hunt and tales of high seas adventures round out the activities. (850) 269-0896  DestinPirateShip.com.

Let's Eat!  

Crab Island Cantina is the brain child of the team from Pepito's Mexican Restaurants. Crab Island Cantina overlooks the famous party and boating destination, Crab Island and is located on the picturesque western end of HarborWalk Village. Crab Island Cantina features an open-air courtyard, intricate wrought iron work and a dramatic fire and water fountain. This new restaurant will be a great place to enjoy lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The menu highlights classic and creative Mexican fare and Latin inspired favorites. The culinary team, led by Executive Chef Julio Lucero, is integrating fresh seafood, Black Angus steaks and locally sourced sustainable ingredients into the menu. The full service bar offers extensive tequila and beer selections. A kid friendly healthy menu will be available. Live entertainment will be scheduled several nights per week.   850-424-7417 CrabIslandCantina.com

Capt. Rex Sets Sail 

Captain Rex's Catamaran, the Emerald Dancer has made some changes, making it not only a unique vessel in Destin but the first of it's kind in the United States. Not only does the boat have exciting performance under sail, Emerald Dancer's new rig will allow the vessel under Destin Bridge, which will allow the boat to carry passengers on exciting cruises on days when the Gulf is too rough to sail comfortably. The ability to use Choctawhatchee Bay opens up new cruise options, such as the famous Crab Island swim cruises, sailing and kayaking combination cruises, and with the additional speed available they could offer all day cruises exploring the Bay and the bayous.  Captain Rex Walley's Sailing Adventures (850) 650-8787.   

Have you been fed at the Shed?

The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint at HarborWalk Village welcomes you back the new and improved Shed BBQ & Blues Joint from their winter break renovation. Now diners and music fans can enjoy an even bigger stage accommodating larger acts, plus an enlarged back bar area. (850) 460-2271.

Boardwalk Project

It has never been easier to enjoy Destin Harbor. The City of Destin began construction on Phase I of The Destin Harbor Boardwalk this year. The new walkway provides public access to over one-half mile along the northern edge of Destin Harbor. The Boardwalk is a wide, well lit walking path with benches for those wishing to stop and enjoy the harbor front. This is a great place to watch boats going by, fishermen hanging their catch up for display or even fireworks. The Harbor Boardwalk offers a place to take a delightful stroll along the harbor and enjoy the sights anytime. For more information about the progress of the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, you can visit the "Destin Harbor Boardwalk" facebook page.

The Vault Assault  

Laser Maze

HarborWalk Village is excited to announce a new indoor laser maze opening this year by the HarborWalk Village stage. Both kids and adults can enjoy the fun filled action rain or shine.   

Apex Broadcasting Radio  

Apex Broadcasting in HarborWalk Village has announced two new radio stations to their company. 1031 THE BLAZE will feature today's best rock artists as well as those from recent years, but no classic and no oldies. The New Q-92 will feature "Hit Music Now", a blend of Today's Contemporary Music, as well as the most entertaining shows including the nationally syndicated Elvis Duran Morning Show and American Idol's Ryan Seacrest.

Welcome Visitors!

The TDC is pleased to announce the opening of their second Emerald Coast Welcome Center, located on Destin Harbor within Harbor Walk Village. The TDC's two Welcome Centers, one on Okaloosa Island and the other in Destin, represents all lodging properties, attractions, restaurants, and retail establishments located in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, on Okaloosa Island, in Cinco Bayou and Mary Esther to all visiting guests. The opening of the second Welcome Center in a Destin location will receives over 2.5 million visitors per year. www. emeraldcoastFL.com 1-800-322-3319 

Poppy's Crazy Lobster New Culinary Team

There's a new chef in the kitchen at Poppy's Crazy Lobster, and he's making some delicious changes. Chef Tyler McMahan, a Destin native, has joined the Poppy's team.  New items guests can enjoy include Lobster Mac & Cheese with fried Shiitake chips, fish tacos with saffron coconut rice, and Filet of Beef with port wine demi-glace and smoked Gouda cheese grits. (850) 424-6744 thecrazylobster.com.