Welcome to the very first I Wash You Dry Travel post!

I am super blessed to be able to travel and experience new places, their culture, their sites and most importantly… their food! I thought it would be fun to share my adventures and recommendations with you, in case you’re ever searching for a new place to go yourself!

Last month I met up with a few awesome bloggers at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida for a girl’s weekend.

I was blown away at the all the fun stuff planned for us that weekend, but I think my favorite part about the whole trip was how everything was either within walking distance or just a short (free) shuttle ride away. It was like Disneyland for grown-ups!

The first thing that we did when we got there was to find a place to eat dinner. We settled on Acme Oyster House, and boy, were we in for a treat! The restaurant was decorated like a cute diner, filled with neon lights, checkerboard tables and lots of smiling faces.

I ordered the chargrilled oysters, and while the photo is not the best, those oysters were! The garlic butter sauce was divine. I highly recommend trying those as well as the hush puppies and boo fries. So good!

After dinner we made our way onto the beach for what I can only describe as a S’mores Extravaganza as we watched the sun set. I could not get over the sugar white sand. It felt like baby powder! After the s’mores we hung around to watch a fireworks show, and then headed back to our amazing 2-story condo in the Lasata complex.

In the morning we headed over to the Sunset Bay Cafe, where we sat on the patio, over looking the gorgeous bay.

The food was in-cred-i-ble. The Southern Fries, which were side-winder cut fries that came out with a black pepper country gravy, fried cheese curds, and bacon. OMG – I wanted to eat it all!! Good thing I ordered myself the Veggie Egg White Omelette as my main dish, which left me some room to nibble on other’s tasty dishes like their House Made Cinnamon Roll with orange icing made from Florida oranges!

Right after breakfast Amanda and I did a brief (really brief) workout in the resort’s new gym. The facility was full of brand new equipment, several rooms for classes, and even saunas and whirlpools. After our workout we headed out to one of their many pools to cool off before we enjoyed an express massage in their serene Day Spa and Salon.

It was just what we needed to relax before heading out on our next adventure!

Stand Up Paddle Boarding!!

This was my first time paddle boarding, and let me just say, it’s a lot easier to do than you think! The folks over at YOLO Board Adventures at Baytown Marina give you excellent instructions and tips before you set out, so you’re confident you can do it.

It was so much fun and a great workout. I really want to buy a paddle board now! I highly recommend this one!

After all the fun in the water we headed over to the Marina Bar and Grill where I had another first – Fried Dill Pickle Chips!

We sat on the patio overlooking the bay again. It was gorgeous views everywhere you looked!

I also ordered these incredible Fish Tacos, which were a blackened fish with an asian slaw and spicy mayo sauce. I added some avocado on top, and they were perfect. Also, their fries were straight up amazing. Just sayin.

After all of this, it was time to head back to the condo to freshen up/take naps.

When we got back to the condo there was world renown executive Chef, Javier Rosa, busily cooking away in our kitchen. We were in for a delicious treat that night. Chef Rosa is Sandestin’s new executive chef and he was there to spoil us with a 5 course dinner! I don’t think I’ve ever felt so special in my life.

I can not believe how amazing all the food was. I think my favorites were the pork over grits (bottom left) and the vanilla soufflé (bottom right).

Can I just have a personal chef for the rest of my life?

The next morning, you’re never going to believe this, but we ate more food!

We stopped in at Another Broken Egg, which has a menu full of unforgettable dishes and just a short walk from everything. You definitely need to order the City Grits, Biscuit Beignets, and the Huevos Rancheros.

We spent the day shopping at the outlet mall just a few miles down the road, where I bought my first Kate Spade bag! I’m in love!

After shopping we were hungry again, so we headed over to The Beach House for an incredible lunch. I fell in love with the decor and personality of this cute restaurant and immediately wanted to go home to redecorate my house with a beach theme! 🙂

How carefree does this place look?! I want to live right there on that chair!

Some of my faves from The Beach House that you definitely need to order: Buttermilk Fried Calamari (the buffalo butter on this is AMAZING!), Grouper Cheek Tacos, and the Seafood Basket. Don’t forget to order dessert! The Key Lime Pie in a Jar was out of this world!

We finished off the evening with a quick stop at The Donut Hole.

For the love of donuts, people!

I had the best time hanging out with my girlfriends, but I am already planning a trip back there with my family.

The main part of the resort is full of cobblestone pathways with shops and entertainment all along the way.

From restaurants to zip-lines and even live music, this place really has it all! Yes, even a carousel!

So whether you’re going for a girl’s weekend, a family vacation, or maybe a romantic getaway, you’ll definitely find that Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the right place to be!

I had an amazing time with this great group of gals.

(from left to right: top row – Kristan (Confessions of a Cookbook Queen), Lauren (Lauren’s Latest), ME!, Stephanie (Plain Chicken)
bottom row – Shelly (Cookies and Cups), Sommer (A Spicy Perspective), Jenny (Picky-Palate), Amanda (Kevin & Amanda) )

Thank you SO MUCH to Sandestin for hosting us for an unforgettable weekend!

I want one of YOU to have the perfect weekend getaway in Sandestin!! We’re teaming up with Sandestin to give one lucky reader their own Weekend Getaway in Sandestin.

The Giveaway

• 3 day / 2 night stay for 2 (See official contest rules for details.)
• 1 Round of Golf for 2 (Baytowne, Raven, or The Links)
• 2 Breakfasts for 2 at Sunset Bay Café
• Beach chair + umbrella set up for 1 day
• Complimentary bicycle use for 2 during stay
• $100 Gift Certificate to Marlin Grill

How to Enter

Use the PromoSimple widget below to enter.

Contest ends June 19, 2015. You may enter once per day. Winner will be notified by email.
Good luck, friends!!! 🙂

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