My urge for white crystal sand running through my toes finally got to me. Even though I know my wife and I had waited until the last minute, I was determined to get to my favorite beach in Destin, FL. One July 2nd, I began hunting hotel availability. Absolutely all of my favorite spots in Destin were full and running at minimum of $160 per night for 7/3 and 7/4. So I expanded to Niceville across the bay. Same full status for all hotels there per the internet. Started calling and found one LAST room (smoking) at the Quality Inn - Niceville on highway 85 North. With no previous review on Tripadvisor, I had to think about making this jump. Took a chance based on my previous stay at the Holiday Inn Express-Niceville which was very good and was just down the street from the Quality Inn.

Drove the 6 hours and found the following:
Location - 16 miles from the beaches of Destin, FL via the mid-bay bridge ($2.50 each way). The area was primarily strip shopping centers... more