Located on the Emerald Coast of Florida's panhandle, Destin beckons.  A baby boomer's dream vacation, Destin has morphed into one of the top vacation destinations in the United States.  We baby boomers have some qualities in common with Destin.  For starters, over the last 50 years, it has aged like a fine wine.  We've aged and gotten better, right?  

Anyway, Destin was initially settled by Captain Leonard Destin.  He moved from New London, Connecticut to Destin in 1845 and became a fisherman, establishing the fishing industry that still survives today in Destin.

There's been a lot of development and growth in Destin over the last 50 years.  Sort of like us boomers, I guess.  Back then, Dustin had bountiful fishing and lush forests.  Hmm, I'm seeing yet another parallel.  

Moving on--according to the 2000 census, Destin has just over 11,000 full-time residents.  Throughout the year, people from all over the world are finding a little piece of paradise during their visits to Destin.

Destin fits boomers because of the variety and number of activities it offers. After all, baby boomers are quite varied in their tastes and level of energy.  Where else can you attend a Fishing Rodeo that offers over $100,000 in prizes in over 30 categories of fishing?  Is art more your style?  Visit some of the city's wonderful galleries.  An antique buff?  Well, Destin has great antique shops. And if shopping is what you seek, start spending that retirement stash.  Just check out Destin's outlet mall and shops.    

Don't have as much energy as when you were younger?  That's okay.  Perhaps you would prefer to try out beach-combing.  Find your spot and laze the day away, watching the surf and the people.  The soft, rippling white sandy beaches bordering the beautiful, emerald ocean will soothe your tired, hippie soul.  Plus, if you get a second-wind, take advantage of the array of water sports in the vicinity.  Swimming, skiing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and diving are all available.

Maybe golfing is your forte.  Courses are plentiful in Destin.  It doesn't matter if you can't finish that 18th hole.  When you tire of swinging the clubs, take another break to rest up for a great dinner out.  The multitude of restaurants in Destin range from Italian French, Mexican, and Cajun, to Asian.  And then there's seafood. 

Did I say, "fresh seafood?"  Well, all you boomers out there who are (ahem) supposed to be eating healthy will not be forgotten in Destin.  The fresh seafood restaurants are everywhere.  

Of course, next, you'll want to pull an all-nighter.  I'm talking about sleeping, of course.  So head back to the gorgeous beach home or condo you rented for the weekend. 

Destin provides a plethora of homes, restaurants, and activities fitting for baby boomers. A trip there will clearly cure what ails you, and at our age...

This tidbit of boomer advice was brought to you by Rita Chaney.

We know that baby boomers are discriminating.  They like the good life, and they like it now.  Luckily for them, they can enjoy the luxury that they are used to and still save a few bucks (maybe start a college fund for a grandkid?  Or a Zonder.com editor?) with a Destin vacation villa with every amenity they need. (Did we mention our need for graduate school?  And a special grandparent?)