Having never been to Destin before, we were thrilled over the location of this house once we got the lay of the land! Tucked in a quiet neighborhood, you would never realize that less than half a mile up the street there is a grocery store, pharmacy, cinema, restaurants and an outdoor mall. The traffic in that area was very manageable and you were just a short drive away from the many attractions in Destin and Okaloosa Island to the west and Miramar Beach and Sandestin to the east…a very nice central location. There was minimal traffic in the neighborhood, which was nice with small children. The walk to the beach was very manageable for our 6 and 4 year old, and the beach cart, umbrella, chairs, sand toys and boogie boards were an added bonus that helped minimize our packing from home. The beach itself is pristine, not overly crowded, and has public restrooms and showers to rinse off before your walk home. The house was very clean, simply and nicely decorated, had anything we needed to prepare meals at home, and was very comfortable for our family.  The pool is just 3 houses away, and while small, was roomy enough for the three families there the day we visited. The Markels were very responsive and easy to work with. We definitely would stay here again!

Everything was so perfect at this cottage. We loved the decor and amenities. Everything was very clean! The short walk to the beach was so convenient with our 3 kids. We loved stopping by Camille’s for a breakfast sandwich before the beach. A huge plus for our family. We took advantage of the many activities the owners put in their blue book. All of their recommendations were spot on!

This was our 1st trip to Destin but definitely not our last! We hope to return to These Are The Days next year and maybe take my in -laws! They would love it!

This was the first “real” vacation we have taken in years. What an amazing experience from beginning to end! The owners responded immediately to my request, and were helpful every step of the way.

The cottage was absolutely perfect for our family. It is so spacious and the layout makes it very user friendly. The beach decor is very classy, subtle, and soothing. The beds and pillows were very comfortable, and my boys loved the bunk room with their own T.V. and X Box. The kitchen was extremely well equipped with every appliance and utensil imaginable. Everything was immaculate when we arrived, and we were even able to check in early, which was a huge blessing after driving for two days.

We enjoyed the walk to the beach, although my eight year old was starting to slow down on the return trips after playing in the ocean. The beach chairs, toys, and cart were yet another added bonus to this adorable cottage.

We definitely were not ready to leave These Are The Days. We made wonderful memories and hope to visit again soon.

Thank you so much to the Markels for sharing this little piece of paradise with us.

We rented the house for a Mom’s getaway trip and it was PERFECT!!! There were four of us and we did not feel crowded at all. The location is wonderful. It is within minutes of shopping and restaurants yet feels secluded. The walk to the beach was less than 5 minutes, and when it got too windy one day, we took advantage of the community pool that is located a couple of doors down from the house. The house is perfect for a family, and I am planning on returning with my family at some point. We will definitely be back!!!

My family and I can’t thank you enough for providing us with the perfect vacation home! We LOVED that the house was so close to the beach, nearby restaurants, and the pool! It was so relaxing and convenient to be able to walk everywhere. For anyone wondering, this house is in the ideal location. We also loved having Camilles so close-yum! The house was the perfect setup as well; spacious living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. Everything was so nice and easy and we definitely would recommend this house to anyone looking to vacation in the area.

Our family of three were looking for a special vacation rental – we all needed to unwind and de-stress and were looking for a cottage that was comfortable and would enable us to totally relax. I am very happy to report that we found just what we were looking for in These Are The Days. Everything was fantastic and all the little touches were thoughtful and very much appreciated. The Keurig coffee machine was very welcome first thing; the beach cart and beach chairs were invaluable; the beautiful interior very much enjoyed. It appeared that nothing was missed off the list and it enabled us to thoroughly enjoy our week by the beach. The location is perfect too – a five minute easy walk to the wonderful Crystal Beach – but still feeling quiet and residential. You really do have everything you need and it’s all provided in an idyllic setting. If we head back to Destin (I should probably say ‘when’, rather than ‘if’ because we loved it so much!), we would would love to rent this cottage again. Thank you to the Markel family for making it a pleasurable experience from beginning to end.

It really is the little things – and that’s what made These Are the Days such an enjoyable place to be for our family last week. The home was a perfect size for 2 adults, 2 teens, and 2 children. The location was great – a five minute walk to a nice public access point with restrooms. The quaint neighborhood was close to restaurants and stores, yet felt very residential and private. The community pool was small, but we only used it a couple of times. Little things like the bikes, the beach cart, the extra beach chairs and beach toys, the pancake griddle, a clean well-stocked kitchen gave us a home away from home feeling. Everything was very organized and well explained. I knew even before our trip we were in good hands – the owner was truly great to work with. She responded very quickly and generously answered all of my concerns and questions. It’s easy to see what attracted their family to this area and this home. We hope to return again to Destin and spend more days at These Are the Days. Thank you!!

The home is beautiful! We had a wonderful time. The furnishing are beautiful and you feel like you are at the beach when you walk in. Anything you can think of has been provided for cooking , packing a lunch for the beach or just chilling in the front porch with a glass of wine. Quiet neighborhood and less than 600 steps to sugar , white sand. Thank you for letting us stay in your lovely beach home. Hopefully it will be available on our next trip to Destin !!!

We just returned from staying at ‘These are the Days’ and were so sad to leave. Everything about the home and the location was exactly what we needed. The house itself was so well kept, clean, beautifully decorated, and very cozy. We walked every morning to the beach, then went to Camille’s for smoothies and sandwiches, then came back to the house to cool off, relax, play cards, and just hang out before heading out again. So many details made this place special: the bikes, the shower in the back with the cute hooks for all your beachwear, the beach cart with boogie boards, the summery decor throughout the house, etc. It was too hot for us to cook on the grill outside, but it looked new. There was plenty to do in the area – Big Kahuna water park was a hit, going into Destin Harbor for fireworks, renting wave runners, and going to the movies at Destin Commons right across the street on the only cloudy day we had all week. Owners were very easy to work with – we would love to go back if only there were direct flights from our home town!

We had a wonderful stay at this home and will definitely be booking again this time next year! It was so close to the beach, pool, and anything you could possibly need in town, shopping, restaurants, etc. The house is beautifully maintained and furnished! I would definitely recommend!

Beautiful house in a great location and VERY clean. Short walk to the beach. The owners seem to have thought of every amenity, from a beach cart to the K-cup coffee maker. The bikes were especially nice to have, especially for morning rides to Camille’s. I can’t think of anything that was lacking during our stay. The owners were very easy to work with. I would recommend this property.

We just returned from a wonderful vacation experience in the beautiful “These Are the Days”! The decor is so welcoming and instantly makes you feel at home. We met our daughter and her husband, along with our two granddaughters, and had plenty of room for all of us. The outdoor shower and additional outdoor water hoses were great for keeping sand out of the house. The wrap-around porch was so inviting for an afternoon drink. Everything is so clean and comfortable. Thank you for opening your home to us.

This cottage was absolutely perfect for our two families (4 kids, 4 adults).  We appreciated the bright, fresh beach-themed decor. The living room has two large sofas and two chairs – there was plenty of space for all of us to relax. The master bedroom is enormous and has a walk-in closet. The kids’ room with the bunk beds has a TV which was nice (all the bedrooms have TVs). We found the two water hoses were very convenient for washing off sand and the flip flops bin on the porch is a nice touch, too. The neighborhood is so picturesque with its white picket fences. The house is a short distance from the beach, grocery store and shops. If I could give this home 6 stars, I would!

We stayed at “These are the Days” for 2015 Spring Break and had an absolutely wonderful time. I have rented from VBRO at least 5 times, and this home was the BEST by far. There are too many great things to mention (but I will try): the beds are the most comfortable ever, the decor is perfect – it felt like home, the small details were so great (small things that I needed to cook in the kitchen, postcards for me to write, bins for flip flops, etc.), the outdoor shower was awesome, etc., etc. I came with my two teenage boys and they loved their room and the fact that there were tv’s in every room!

The location was perfect also — the neighborhood was quiet and quaint, Camille’s coffee was right around the corner and the beach was 2 blocks away. We rode the bikes multiple times down the bike path to the Crab’s Nest and other beaches, and took a drive to Seaside (which was fun but ridiculously crowded).

We plan to come back again soon!!

We came to These Are The Days for a girls getaway to relax and found that this is the perfect house to do that in. We were wowed by the “Coastal Living” decor, so serene yet fun, everything was clean and spotless. The big living area was so inviting and comfortable and fit all of us for late night wine and watching chick flicks. Thanks to the owner for providing beach cruisers as we rode all over to grab lunch and enjoy the water views. The house is in a great location, next to the beach walkover path. We ended our day on the wrap around porch. Can’t wait to come back with the family too!

My sister and I spent a few days at this awesome cottage. It’s light and bright, nicely decorated, very clean with all the necessities. Love the beach theme and soothing colors. Parking was great and it was a short walk to the beach. The sand in Destin is soft and white, the water is calm and the sunsets are beautiful. Looking forward to renting this well cared for home again.

We could not have asked for more. TATD is spotless, fully equipped, steps from the ocean, restaurants and shopping; yet, unbelievably quiet and comfortable. Our family can’t wait to visit your property in Crystal Beach  again very soon. Next time we will remember to bring stickers from our area to help decorate the surfboard out back.

The bed was so very comfortable. We met a few of the neighbors who were happy to suggest a few local fun spots. Nice that we could walk to the beach, and restaurants. Enjoyed a refreshing cool drink on the front porch. The sunset was one we’ll never forget. Simply fantastic! Loved all the interior calming colors and beachy art. Planning our next trip to “These are the days”….soon!

White picket fence, wrap around porch that encloses you with a southern charm, streets lined with palms and crepe myrtles of vanilla and raspberry flavors. We’re greeted every morning by the cardinal singing “good morning and how was your sleep?”  Do we walk to the beach or take a bike ride? It’s all so calming.

We take a walk to the crystal beaches sharing it with sun bathers, children splashing, friendly strollers along the shore, all awaiting the tranquil afternoon shower. Yes – These are the days we will forever remember. The perfect summer cottage to enjoy with family and friends. It is definitely a place we will revisit.

The owners of this property have done a wonderful job developing a gem in one of the most unique neighborhoods. This area is perfect for families in that it is a secluded area with close proximity to everything. Walk to the beach, minutes away from every dining option, or sit at private neighborhood pool. Owners have replaced all bedding (A+) and furniture, with wi-fi and PS available. Bicycles were a big bonus for children, as they were able to ride to the beach, around the neighborhood or to the yogurt store. I will be asking for details on mattress as purchased for king, as I have not rested as well since leaving!! Owners use this property personally, so none of the issues that can result from strictly income properties. We plan to go back. Thanks to Michelle for her continuous follow-up on our stay.

Our family stayed at “These Are The Days” recently and had a blast. The property is accurately described in the  listing – all furnishings are new, it’s in a safe and quiet neighborhood and a short walk to the beach. The owners were very easy to work with. We’ve rented several condos and houses over the years along the Emerald Coast and we now have found our “go to” rental based on location, property, and price – so we’re already planning our trip for next year.