Florida’s climate is perfect for producing a wide range of blossoms for honey bees to create some of the best honey in the world.

With approximately 205,000 honeybee colonies, Florida ranks third in U.S. honey production behind California and North Dakota. Yielding an average 98 pounds of honey per colony, Florida produced more than 20 million pounds of honey in 2013.

Visitors to the Emerald Coast can enjoy the lightly colored honey, from the legendary Tupelo trees in the our part of the state, which can be purchased at many local roadside stands or around Destin at our local grocers.

Families may also enjoy making a trip to one of the nearby Honey Farms, where they can take a guided tour, complete with protective clothing of course, and see how the honey they enjoy is harvested.

Your crew will also learn many amazing facts about this sticky nectar of the Gods, including tons of useful tips on how to use honey in your everyday life.

For instance, did you know that allergy sufferers can benefit from taking a teaspoon of honey a day that is from the area they are visiting, to relieve some of the symptoms? This is because honey contains tiny amounts of the pollen that causes all the issues, and by giving the body these small bits to process, it allows it to become desensitized to the irritants a degree.

To experience the taste of our local Florida honey, with its slightly salty, citrus undertones try this amazing recipe from the caring staff at the Sea Oats Motel in sunny Destin, Florida. Perfect for a family breakfast, prepared in your suite’s fully equipped kitchen, and served up on your private balcony overlooking the spectacular Gulf, before heading out to explore all the unique area attractions that are just moments away.

HONEY BREAD PUDDING WITH FRESH FRUIT

Ingredients:

• 8 large eggs
• 3 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 ¼ cups sugar
• 1 ½ cups whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1-pound loaf cinnamon-swirl bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ cup Florida honey

Butter: 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.

Directions:

Whisk eggs in large bowl to blend. Add milk, sugar, cream, Florida honey and vanilla; whisk to blend well. Stir in bread. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake pudding uncovered until puffed and golden, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool slightly (pudding will fall). Serve warm with Fresh Florida Fruit. Serves 12.

For more tips, recipes and ideas for your family’s time on the breathtaking white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast, be sure to make your next reservation at the charming seaside motel, The Sea Oats, an original in Destin.

Our units include cozy furniture, spacious living areas, sumptuous beds dressed in crisp linens, oversized bathrooms, and private balcony facing endless miles of blue horizon bordered by sparkling emerald waters as well as fully equipped kitchens, washer/dryers, high speed internet, large flat screen televisions with movies on demand, and lots of fluffy towels.

Amenities range from first rate beach services who can provide access to chairs, umbrellas, jet skis and more, to our huge beachside pools, surrounded by lush vegetation and fragrant flowers, to our lighted tennis courts, and finally our shuttle service which will get your family safely around the shore.

Nearby activities that will excite even the most reserved member of your family include visiting the Gulfarium, Sport fishing, kayaking the Bay, bird watching at Henderson State Park, the amazing waterpark Big Kahuna’s with more than 40 rides, the Track with go-karting and so much more.

There are so many adventures to be had nearby to Sea Oats Motel that you may not know where to start first, but you will know that you picked the perfect place to stay on your visit to the Emerald Coast.

Call the Sea Oats Motel today to learn more about our rates or to book your stay! 850-837-6655

photo credit: Joshua Doubleu via photopin cc