Miramar or Rosemary Beach : Two Great Destinations

Miramar or Rosemary Beach : Two Great Destinations

by | Oct 23, 2019 | Blog

 The Florida panhandle is known for crystal clear water, white beaches, and incredible vacation spots. Both Miramar or Rosemary Beach fit neatly into those descriptions. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, both provide visitors with pristine water and gorgeous waterfront locations. 

Miramar or Rosemary Beach

Miramar and Rosemary are about 30 minutes apart on either side of Point Washington State Forest. Both beaches offer nearly identical beach-fronts with completely different atmospheres and attractions. 

Resorts & Hotels 

Miramar beach is close to the larger city of Destin. It has a much more bustling community and a typical beach vacation vibe. With larger resorts like Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Courtyard by Marriot, and Embassy Suites, there’s plenty of room for the summer and spring crowds, as well as snowbirds escaping the snowy winter months up north. The majority of the hotels offer more exciting, energetic experiences on the beach front or nearby. 

Find a list of some of Destin’s best resorts here.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Rosemary-Beach several miles to the east. While Miramar-Beach was created with a focus on tourism, Rosemary-Beach is considered to be an incorporated master planned community. All the streets and shopping districts are well organized, with a neat grid-like structure offering dozens of small cozy shops and intimate, sophisticated resorts such as: The Pointe by Wyndham or The Pearl Hotel.

 

Attractions

Only a 15-minute drive from Destin, guests staying at Miramar-Beach have countless occasions for fun and exploration. Known as the Emerald City, Destin holds world-famous fishing opportunities, incredible mini-golf, and a lively night scene with dozens of bars and courtyards known for live music, street performers, dancing, and festivals. 

Rosemary-Beach has a slower, more relaxed vibe. With large cozy houses, beautiful boardwalks, community pools, and parks at nearly every corner, Rosemary-Beach offers many opportunities for entertainment and relaxation. It’s around 30 minutes from Panama City, a large city with a lot more options, but most guests can find plenty of ways to enjoy an evening with the endless walk ways, fascinating boutiques, and unique art galleries.

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary-Beach is ideal for family vacations or for anyone looking to have a relaxing, rejuvenating trip. With several quality resorts offering spas and dinner options, This Beach does create an incredible experience that offers something to guests of all ages. 

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach has an entirely different approach to entertainment. Built around the traffic of Destin and attracting tourists from all along the coastline, this is a perfect place for large families who want a fun-filled, packed beach vacation or for young adults looking for great nightlife by the beach. 

Where Should You Go Miramar or Rosemary Beach? 

Both beaches offer their own spin on a fun Florida vacation, with completely unique entertainment options. Rosemary-Beach, with its sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere, is perfect for individuals attempting to escape the rush. If you’re looking for gorgeous beach walks and adorable shops in a cleaner, less congested location, Rosemary-Beach is perfect. 

Guests searching for energy and excitement on their trip to the Florida coast, Miramar-Beach is a destination. Just outside of Destin, there are more people, more activities and plenty of time to enjoy it all. Ideal for large busy families or anyone looking for an upbeat Spring Break you’ll never forget.

 

Need help getting to Miramar or Rosemary Beach? St. George’s Airport Shuttle and Taxi Service provides rides to and from local airports near Miramar or Rosemary Beach. We can take you straight to your hotel, resort, Airbnb, or any other destination around the area!

 

Destin Airport Shuttle VPS to/from Rosemary Beach : $90

Destin Airport Shuttle VPS to/from Miramar Beach  : $55

Panama City Airport Shuttle ECP to/from Rosemary Beach : $80

Panama City Airport Shuttle ECP to/from Miramar Beach : $100

Pensacola Airport Shuttle PNS to/from Rosemary Beach : $180

Pensacola Airport Shuttle PNS to/from Miramar Beach : $120

 

 


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How to Get Anywhere from Destin Airport

How to Get Anywhere from Destin Airport

by | Oct 23, 2019 | Blog

destin florida

Travel is one of life’s greatest joys, especially when you’re coming to Florida! Vacations, business trips, holidays, and other occasions are better in the Panhandle. But, if it’s your first time coming to a local airport like Destin, you’ll need to plan ahead about how you’re getting to and from Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport. How to Get Anywhere from Destin Airport?

 Airport Shuttles & Taxis

 The most reliable way to get where you’re going is by hiring a private ride from a taxi or airport shuttle. Taxis that sit at the airport tend to be a little more expensive, but if you book a Destin airport shuttle ahead of time, you can save money, know the costs ahead of time, and ensure you’re definitely going to get where you want to go.  

 St. George’s Airport Shuttle & Taxi Service offers rides between Destin – Fort Wort Walton Beach Airport and all local areas, including Miramar Beach, Destin, Okaloosa Island, Santa Rosa Beach, and others. Know what you’re paying with set pricing, pay a fixed price for a large 6 or 7 passenger vehicle, and get a free child seat for kids aged 0 months or above. 

How to Get Anywhere from Destin Airport? 

 

 

 

 

Public Transit 

 Currently, there are no public transit companies servicing the Destin / Fort Walton Beach Airport VPS. You don’t have any public bus, train, or other options immediately out of the airport. 

 Private Hotel Shuttles 

  If you’re staying in a large hotel or resort, they may offer you a hotel pickup and drop off service. Not all hotels offer this service, but it’s a great choice if yours does.

 

 

 

 

 Destin Car Rentals. 

 

 

 

 

Rental Cars You can get a rental car straight out of the Destin / Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). There’s a rental car facility on the premises and multiple other rental car companies nearby. If you wanted to rent a car, you would have an easy option for the whole trip to go to and from the airport. 

 

 

 

 

 

Airport rental cars tend to charge a premium compared to other rental facilities. You have to pay for every day you’re renting the car, even if you only use a few times during your vacation. If you’re not familiar with driving in the area, it could be a waste of money to get a rental car. Plus, you have to pay for fuel, up-charges to get the right kind of car. 

 

Uber/Lyft/Etc. 

 Both Uber and Lyft operate around the Destin airport. You can hail a rideshare to or from the airport and local destinations. The prices can be competitive, but rideshares are a little less reliable than other rides you can book ahead. 

 The other problem with rideshares is the extra charges and limited features. The cheaper rideshares only carry 4 people, but they may not fit all your luggage comfortably. You may have to upgrade to a more expensive vehicle to get up to 6 passengers and enough space for luggage. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll have access to a child seat in a rideshare, so you’d have to bring your own with you. 

 St. George’s Airport Shuttle & Taxi Service can get you anywhere you need to go from the Destin Airport and back again. Look for our competitive flat rate prices to popular destinations!

 

 

 

 

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Choosing the Right Florida Taxi or Shuttle Service

Choosing the Right Florida Taxi or Shuttle Service

by | Oct 22, 2019 | Uncategorized

Best Florida Taxi or Shuttle Service

It’s not every day that you need an airport shuttle in Florida. If you’re not used to booking this kind of service, or if you’re looking to up your game and get a better deal, we’ve got a few tips to help you out to get Florida taxi or shuttle service.

Remember Your Luggage

It’s easy to remember how many seats you need for the people in your party, but don’t forget to account for the luggage! The last thing you want is a car with plenty of seats but no room for suitcases.

Ask about vehicles available and see if there are any upcharges for a change to a larger or different car. The best companies will offer a flat rate for each type of vehicle, so you can get a quote without having to search for too long.

Skim the Reviews

Don’t go in blind. Most reputable airport taxi or shuttle services will have reviews of some kind available online. Check for Google My Business reviews, reviews listed on company websites, Yelp reviews, Tripadvisor reviews, or anything else that might point to the quality of their service.

You don’t have to go read reviews that’s posted. Keep an eye out for good and bad adjectives used most frequently. It’s better to see more people using words like reliable, punctual, or friendly rather than late or rude. Skim through and you’ll be able to see the trend pretty quickly.

Ask about Extra Charges on Your Route

Airport fees, tolls, and other route-specific charges can really add up! Make sure you’re getting an all-inclusive price when you talk to the airport shuttle company.

Book Early

The best airport shuttle services tend to fill up early. You need to book as soon as possible to make sure you get a great Florida airport shuttle. This is especially true for smaller shuttle businesses that only have 1 or 2 main drivers. These companies tend to offer great, reliable service at competitive prices, so they get booked sooner.

Know Your Budget

Always have a budget in mind before you start looking for a service. You can check around to see what average service costs are in the area to formulate a budget, but you need to have it in mind before you start getting quotes from companies.

You need to know what you’re willing to spend before you book anything. How much is too much? Know your budget so you don’t accidentally overspend on your trip.

Ask about Amenities

Vehicles don’t offer a lot of amenities, but it never hurts to ask about the necessities or luxuries on your list. In the necessities category, you should ask about things like baby or child seats, space for a pet carrier, or top storage for large/awkward items, if any of these things apply for you.

You may also want to ask about some luxuries, just to know what you can expect. These might include phone chargers, working AC, or similar features.

Call Around

Why settle for the first airport shuttle company you’ve contacted? See if you can get a better price with a different company. Look around and make sure you’ve gotten the best deal for your airport shuttle ride.

St. George’s Airport Shuttle & Taxi Service offers ride service to and from Destin/Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), Pensacola International Airport (PNS), and Panama City Airport (ECP). Check out our competitive flat rates here!

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By considering these factors, you can choose the best taxi or shuttle service for your transportation needs to or from Destin airport in Florida.

8th Annual Paddle at the Porch

8th Annual Paddle at the Porch

by | Aug 6, 2019 | Blog

Annual Paddle at the Porch

The 8th Annual Paddle at the Porch Sponsored by Destin ER will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, beginning at 9 a.m.

Paddle at the Porch showcases the beautiful emerald green water and white sandy shores of Destin, Florida, behind one of its most loved restaurants, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster Bar. It features a Kids’ Fun Paddle, 1-Mile Beginner Ride, 3-Mile Recreational Race, and 6-Mile Elite Race. Races will be followed by awards.

Race Start Times
9 a.m. – 3/6-mile races start
10:30 a.m. – 1-mile race starts
11 a.m. – kids’ fun race (for ages 12 & under only) starts
Award for all races will begin directly after the last race.

Awards
They will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall winners, as well as the 1st place winner for 50+ in the following categories:

1-Mile Beginner – Men’s, Women’s
3-Mile Recreational – Men’s Displacement, Women’s Displacement, Men’s Surfstyle, Women’s Surfstyle
6-Mile Elite – Men’s Elite, Women’s Elite

The names of the top male and top female in the 6-Mile Race will be placed on the Destin SUP Cup. The overall top male and female in the 1-Mile, 3-Mile, and 6-Mile races will also get to choose from some awesome new BOTE lifestyle products, including the KULA Softy 2.5 (retail value $229), BOTE Highwater Slingback (retail $150) and BOTE Aero Chair (retail $129)!

The top boy and girl in the Kids Fun Paddle will win a BOTE Youth t-shirt and hat.

Registration
Pricing is as follows:
1-Mile Beginner – $35 until Aug. 16 / $45 on Aug. 17
3-Mile Recreational – $40 until Aug. 16 / $50 on Aug. 17
6-Mile Elite – $55 until Aug. 16 / $65 on Aug. 17
Kids’ Fun Race – $12 (This price does not include a race shirt.)

Racer Welcome Party & Gift Card Giveaway
BOTE is welcoming racers with a party from 4 – 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, at the Destin headquarters, located at 383 Harbor Blvd. Catch up with racers old and new, and enjoy food, compliments of AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, and cold beer. One lucky racer, participant or sponsor will win a $100 BOTE GIFT CARD! The giveaway will take place at the end of the event, and you must be present to win.

*Please note that packets will not be available for pick up here.

Race Packet Pickup
Packets are available for pick up at the Destin Chamber, located at 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A, in Destin, on Friday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. They may be picked up the day of the race beginning at 7 a.m., at The Back Porch. 

Register Here
Al Capone’s Many Visits to Destin

Al Capone’s Many Visits to Destin

by | Jun 19, 2019 | Blog

Destin, Florida has a surprising amount of history with famous figures and significant events. Take a ride with St. George’s Transportation and we can tell you all about it, including the story of Al Capone’s connections to Destin.

During the midst of prohibition, a group of local business leaders in Tallahassee discovered that the notorious mobster Al Capone  was passing through town. Despite his place on the FBI’s “most wanted” list, a small crowd (including a few police officers!) enthusiastically welcomed the gangster into the capital city. His ability to stay one step ahead of the law made him a bit of a folk hero in much of the country. As he passed the crowd, Al Capone simply rolled down the window of his black limousine and waved as they cheered wildly.

 

Al Capone

 Although he was most known for his Chicago connection and frequent Miami vacations, Al Capone was no stranger to the Florida Panhandle. It was in the sunshine state that Capone liked to rest and escape the bitterly cold winters. He also used Florida as a place to hide out and lie low after various assassination attempts. Over time, it became an important part of his vast criminal empire.

 The coast of North Florida was where his bootleggers would make landfall, on their long dangerous journey smuggling in spirits from the Caribbean islands.

 “One of Al’s favorite recreation spots was Grayton Beach,” claimed Frank Pericola, Editor of the Panama City News Herald. The Valpariso Inn just past Fort Walton was another local joint he enjoyed visiting. But, Capone was always well behaved. The last thing the famous criminal wanted was too much attention while he was on vacation.

 al capone

 

Although Al Capone purchased a massive 14-room Miami Beach retreat under his wife’s name for $40,000 in 1928, he was always moving around the state. He made countless road trips along both coastlines while his mansion was undergoing $100,000 worth of renovations, including the additions of a swimming pool, boathouse, and dock. According to local historian Tony Mennillo, one of Al Capone’s favorite travel destinations was the Emerald Coast, likely because it was also an ideal spot for bootlegging.

 

 

“It was desolate and hard to get to, and it was known for its moonshine,” said Mennillo. 

 

 

 

 

 During the 1920s, Destin was something of a retreat haven for bootleggers, including Al Capone. Just a few years ago, the Tampa Tribune had famously proclaimed the location Florida’s “Little Vegas” for its connections to illegal gambling. Locals say Capone would run liquor through the Choctawhatchee bay. There was a special train located in nearby Defuniak that traveled straight to Chicago. That coupled with the area’s many speculated waterways seemed to confirm a local theory that Capone hid a smuggling operation in plain sight.

 

 

 

According to the book, “Salty Memories Along the Coastal Highway” written by Tony Mennillo, many locals in Defuniak proclaim with absolute certainty that Al Capone, the legendary mobster, was there as a frequent vacationer. The stories go that a man nicknamed “Big Al” who possessed many of the same mannerisms as Al Capone was believed to be him on holiday throughout the 1920s and early 30s. Big Al had his own black limousine, not unlike the one described speeding on the streets of Tallahassee that was confirmed to belong to Capone. He had his own driver and could be found playing marathon rounds of golf on newly trimmed Bermuda grass.

 

 

 

 Sometimes he would approach various locals to be his golf caddies for the day. The young men always accepted the offer because he was known to be a great tipper. After he got to know them a bit, he would identify himself as Al Capone. After golfing, Big Al would always take the young caddies back to his clubhouse for a beer. If the bartender declined to give the teenage caddies a beer, the rage of Capone would be felt.

 

 

 

He would yell, “They’re with me and I said get ’em a beer!” 

 

 

 

Explore Destin for Yourself