Once again, I met up with my friend, Kat (of JustabeachKat blog), for a day of shopping and lunch. And we hit the usual spots, some antique stores that are in the area: Bienvenue, Smith’s, and Holiday Antiques. All great places to browse. The fun thing about antique stores is you never know what you’ll see.
I walked around and snapped pics as I went, so I hope you’ll feel like you’ve been right there with us.
An old mirror
A cutie-pie dog in one shop we went in. He is a Maltipoo, we were told. Totally adorable.
This is outside Bienvenue. Lots of neat old European things.
And of course, in Florida, you will always find plenty of shells for the taking (or rather buying).
Love these glass floats, I think I must get some of them. Love that lamp too.
Framed sea fan.
Love this idea for a candle holder.
Pretty old aqua shabby piece.
This pic doesn’t show it, but this is about the biggest birdcage we had ever seen. HUGE, with a huge pricetag too. 
Aqua and toile chair. Sweet!
Kat made me pose in this rooster chair. No, I wasn’t tempted to bring it home. Check out his feet. 🙂
Love this big ole’ armoire, with just enough shabbiness.
How about license plate art? Have you ever? He is cute.
Shells and bottles.
More glass floats.
Dovecote, I think this is called. Neat old piece.
Isn’t she adorable?
Don’t need another fan, but loved this one.
Globes.
Pretty aqua door.
Loved how this all looked together.
Kat spotted these pretty mother of pearl bracelets, so I bought one for only $6. And I already have necklace and earrings to go with it.
After a bit of shopping, we hit The Back Porch for lunch. I haven’t been here in ages, so it was fun to go back. Great food, right on the beach, very casual.
This was our view.
And we pigged out on this. Got our fill of seafood for the week. Love it!
Then Kat drove me by a really pretty B&B, Henderson Park Inn, right on the beach. It has a Nantucket feel to it. I’ve never been to New England, but this is what I’m picturing.
Gorgeous entrance.
And how about all these white rockers on the porch, looking out to the beach? Nice huh?
Their beach. Can’t ever get enough of this view. 
Love it.
Love the shingles.
And one last stop at the Restoration Hardware outlet in Silver Sands outlet mall. 
Lots of pretty lamps. We had fun looking, but I didn’t buy a thing. Some of these lamps were good prices.
Mirrors.
And some candlesticks.
A fun day with Kat! We had a blast and it’s always great to meet up with her. Thanks Kat, for taking time to hang out with me again this year.
I even got to see Miss Daisy again. We had fun snuggling and I think she remembers us staying with her last year. 🙂
Check out the post below about a conference I’m involved with next month. Go over and read all about it!
This looks like so much fun, Rhoda! Wish I could’ve been there with you, but this post is the next best thing. I love Destin and am dying to get back there sometime soon.
Rhoda, you take me back… I lived in FWB for a few years and loved hitting up the shops in Destin and dining on Amberjack at the Back Porch. Yum! (with a little Donut Hole thrown in the mix). Didn’t know that there was a Restoration Hardware Outlet! Glad I left before that came or i would have spent a pretty penny there. have you ever been to Potagers? It’s in San Destin on the beach side of the road and is filled with loverly items like you pictured. Definitely worth a visit on your next round. My most fave nursery is off of 30A in Santa Rosa Beach beyond Seaside & Watercolor, Eastern Lake Nursery. Check that out if you haven’t either. Well, thank you for sharing. I loved seeing it all again!
Rhoda, you girls look like sisters! We are getting ready to go to the beach (the Atlantic) and can’t wait – tired of the RAIN, RAIN, RAIN! Thanks for the shopping tour! Linda
Hi, Jennifer, Oh you know all the good spots! Unfortunately, Potagers has gone out of business. They were there last year & this year, gone. Kat mentioned them too, she like that place.
Really like the larger furniture pieces. If I could only get them home……..
I miss our Winter Park home, our Destin vacations, and, well, civilization! Thanks for sharing such gorgeous pics and wonderful places which hold the most precious of memories for me.
I lived in Destin for years and miss it so much! Thanks for taking me back:) Henderson Park Inn has a great brunch. Next time you are down there you’ll have to make your way out to Seaside. There is a beautiful store there call Pizitz Home & Cottage….it fits you wonderfully! Love your blog.
How fun! My parents have a home in Destin that they are currently redoing, so my mom has been sending me lots of iPhone pics from the antique shops there. There is a beautiful white chunky dining table I think they are going to take from Smith’s. I LOVE that dovecote – Do you remember where you saw that? I think she needs to go take a look!
I need to get her to run over to Restoration Hardware and get some of those lamps, too! Or better yet, I need to go for a visit so I can get some of my own. 🙂
Oh, and the Back Porch…my very favorite. As a child, my parents had a condo on the beach and we’d visit Destin once a month. Every single day for lunch we’d walk down the beach and eat at the Back Porch. It brings back such memories every time I go there. Grilled Amberjack Sandwich. Sigh…
Hey Rhoda! Great photos! I think I’ll go down to Destin and check out those European things for my courtyard! Also the RH outlet! Love your new profile pic!
Carol
It looks like you had a great vacation, Rhoda! I saw a lot of items I liked, but I think my favorite pictures are those of the beach view.
Looks like you had a great day and saw lots of great things! I saw several things I need you to go back and get for me!!! You and your friend look like sisters. Thanks for sharing.
Pam
Thanks for taking us to Florida with you today and to the antique shops. Loved seeing all of it. Looks like a great place for a vacation!
Oh what a fun day you must have had strolling through all those stores. And that meal on the beach? YUM!
I can’t believe summer is over. 🙁
I just want to say that you look GORGEOUS in the photos. Especially that one of the rooster chair!
(Can’t believe you didn’t want to take that home with you)
😉
Layla
How much fun, Rhoda! I’ll be going in November and will hit the Back Porch, also! Love it! Isn’t that just the most beautiful beach in the world? Thanks for sharing!…Debbie
you do look like sisters… such fun strolling and lunching at the beach
Lots of fun things you saw! Sounds like a perfect day with a friend!
Nancy
Rhoda: It looks like you had a wonderful time!!! Beautiful blue skies, great seafood, fantastic shops and that view of the Gulf!! I am so envious!!
I just saw your message regarding meeting up when I come to Home Goods! I would LOVE that! This past weekend we ended up going to Auburn in the rain!! I am going to come to B’ham in the next couple of weeks and will come to the Home Goods over on 280!! I will let you know when!!!
Have a great day and thanks for sharing!!
Lou Cinda
Rhoda, if you’ve never been to New England you absolutely must go! My husband is from Massachusetts and when I go to the New England area I drool over all the houses. His aunt used to own the most beautiful bed and breakfast that was loaded with antiques. Every Christmas Eve she hosted a Norman Rockwell type Christmas party. We were able to attend once before she passed away and it’s by and far one of my best Christmas memories. Anyway, girl, you need to make a special trip to New England! You might never come back!
What a fun trip! I love seeing all of the sites via your eyes. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Rhoda,
The antique store was unbelievable!! Please tell me you bought something!! I saw so many things that I’d be piling up at the counter!!
What a beautiful place to visit. Love the beach scenery.
xoxox
Jane