The Hilton Sandestin Arts & Culture Weekend offered guests the unique opportunity to explore art galleries, studios, and boutiques throughout the area and create their custom pieces. From beach-side breakfasts to local adventures, visitors witnessed an array of artistic flair during two full days of discovery.
Breakfast of Champions at Sandcastles Restaurant
The second day of the Hilton Sandestin Arts & Culture Weekend began with a breakfast of champions at Sandcastles Restaurant. Families and friends gathered cheerfully, filling the restaurant with laughter and chatter as they enjoyed the well-stocked buffet. With an American family bistro menu, Sandcastles provides a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, all conveniently located next to the lobby for quick and easy access. This allowed guests to maximize their vacation experience with more time to explore.
Enjoy Beach-Side Service at Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill
She was delighted to spend the morning on the beach, taking in the sun and blue skies from a bright yellow umbrella. May is the ideal time of year for Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s. For lunch, she had the option of requesting beach-side service but chose to head to the pool deck and enjoy Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill with other bloggers and travel writers. This is great for anyone traveling with kids, as they can have their meals, drinks, and snacks delivered right to their lounge chairs without having to move.
Exploring Mary Hong’s Studio and Shard Shop
After lunch, the exploration of local art studios continued with a visit to Mary Hong’s Studio, home to the 2014 South Walton Artist of the Year. Mary’s inviting and warm demeanor was immediately evident, as were her impressive mosaics made from recycled glass which decorated her pristine studio. The afternoon then took an even more exciting turn when Mary led the way to her Shard Shop, a boutique where visitors could make their art creations. The three Shard Shop locations in Destin, South Walton, and New Orleans offer a unique opportunity for anyone looking to express themselves creatively.
Not far from Mary’s studio, the group stopped by Andy Saczynski’s studio to admire his work. Recently named the 2013 South Walton Artist of the Year, Andy’s contemporary art was nothing short of amazing. His bold use of non-traditional mediums revealed his creative genius and truly impressed the onlookers. Lastly, the day concluded with a visit to Chandler Williams, the 2014 South Walton Photographer of the Year. With over 18 years of experience, Chandler’s ability to creatively capture moments and represent his native Gulf Coast history through his photographs is truly remarkable.
Popular Dishes
Hadashi Sushi Bar located in the Sandcastles Lounge of the Hilton Sandestin is proud to offer a wide selection of traditional sushi bar menu items and chef specialties. The convenient location near the lobby makes it easy for visitors to enjoy fresh sashimi or sushi accompanied by sake or cocktails. Popular dishes include the Boston Roll and the Wild Spider Roll, sure to leave diners feeling satisfied.
An Unforgettable Experience
The 11th Annual Digital Graffiti Festival in Alys Beach was a sight to behold! With the sun setting, attendees gathered to marvel at the unique projection festival, where select artists used digital technology to project their artwork onto the iconic white-wall buildings of the Alys Beach community. The interactive lights, sounds, music, and optical illusions created an atmosphere of wonder and amazement, providing an unforgettable experience for all who attended. Food trucks lined the streets, offering refreshments for those looking to enjoy the festivities even more. It’s no wonder this annual event has become so popular!
Digital Graffiti is an incredible experience for those lucky enough to be in South Walton around the third weekend in May each year. The short festival immerses attendees in the creative genius of an ever-changing roster of brilliant digital artists, leaving them feeling inspired and mesmerized. It’s worth making a trip for!
The Hilton Sandestin Arts & Culture Weekend is a fantastic way to experience the beauty, artistry, and culture of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Whether it’s admiring Mary Hong’s impressive mosaics in her studio, creating art in a Shard Shop, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, guests will find something to enjoy during their stay. The options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the many restaurants next to the hotel lobby make it easy to take SternWednesdays break and recharge for engaging and exciting experiences throughout the day.
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