Unique Things To Do On Vacation
Play Outside the “Sand” Box
By Tara Roberts
It's a given that when you travel to the beach you plan for most of your stay to be staked out at the water's edge, lying in the sun. The Emerald Coast has an irrefutable reputation as one of the nation's best beach destinations, and being in or near the water seems to be the rule. But, why have a routine vacation, when you can experience something a little different?
When visiting the Emerald Coast play outside the "sand” box and try some of these unique experiences.
Paintball
There are several paintball fields in the area. Each has its own layout and obstacles. Some locations sell supplies and rent equipment.
- Niceville Youth Center, Palm Blvd. near the Baseball Complex behind City Hall
Open Tuesday to Friday 2-8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 9 p.m.
(850) 729-0758
- Panhandle Paintball Field, 2305 Sherman Ave., Panama City
Open everyday noon to 6 p.m. Hours may vary, call ahead.
(850) 785-2030
- Tyndall AFB Paintball Field, Panama City
Open Thursday to Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday
(850) 283-3199
Ceramics
Why buy a beach souvenir when you can create a one-of-a-kind treasure? These businesses offer a wide selection of ceramics that you glaze with your own design and they fire it for you. It typically takes about three business days to get your item back.
- Fired Up - two locations: Sandestin - Market Shops in Sandestin, Highway 98 and Uptown Station, 99 Eglin Pkwy in Fort Walton Beach
Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sandestin (850-269-2820) and FWB (850-302-0202)
- Paint'n Place, The Village at Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin
Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(850) 267-6062
- Glaze and Blaze, Miracle Strip Pkwy, Downtown Fort Walton Beach
Open Monday to Thursday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Offers one-day turnaround for most glazed items.
(850) 244-9984
Radio controlled cars
Give free rein to your inner racecar driver at these RC tracks. Drive at break neck speeds without the worry of really breaking your neck.
- B&T RC Central, Playground Rd., off Racetrack Rd., Fort Walton Beach
Radio Controlled cars race on an open track. The hobby shop offers RC supplies and repairs.
Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(850) 863-1666
- Island Raceway, Shoreline Shopping Center, Hwy. 98, Destin
Raceway offers four large, custom-built tracks for LeMans, Indy, NASCAR and Dragster slot cars. Bring your own or rent a car at the Raceway.
Open Tuesday to Saturday noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
(850) 837-5659
Bead Jewelry
Create your own custom jewelry from an astounding array of natural stone and crystal beads, charms and bangles.
- Garden of Beadin' – two locations: Crystal Beach Shopping Center (near Barnes & Noble Booksellers), Hwy. 98, Destin, and Uptown Station, 99 Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach
Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Destin (850-654-4966) and FWB (850-796-3262)
- Bead Girlz, Palm Plaza, Hwy. 20, Niceville (near Kelley's grocery store)
Open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(850) 678-4308
Scrapbooking
Make a lasting memory of your beach vacation with a custom scrapbook using your own photos. Call to book your private party.
- Croppin' Corner, 175 NE Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach
Open Monday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(850) 581-2767
