NYBanker: Thanks, the relocation is going better than expected. We enjoyed living in Virginia, but sure love taking impromptu beach lunch breaks now. We are actually the reverse of a retirement move, as my husband is in the long-term/senior care industry and is launching a therapy consulting business from here. Most of the work is still back in Virginia, but with winter coming, new business tax structures, and the fact we'll now be closer to aging parents who will need our help in the coming years, it's all in all a great move.

In the past, we have found the area to be a great compromise for groups with a variety of economic means, as people can choose anything from renting a 10K+ gulf-front luxury home for the week, to a smaller cottage a few blocks back, depending on the group traveling. Also both Delta and Southwest fly into the closest airport, ECP. When Southwest has area fare sales, Delta will frequently match them for a few days.

Matt: It definitely won't compete with the quality of DC/Baltimore fare, not as inventive. Havana seems more like classics done well from scratch; we've found it to be consistent over the last three weeks for this area. Their steaks have been quite well. Only weak dish to date was the shrimp and grits. (Strange on the coast, but just not enough flavor.) At 30 minutes I'd do it if the other options are chain restaurants, but it doesn't strike me as a destination fine-dining type place. The only beach view for sunset drinks would be upstairs at Sol Luna, I didn't go up the stairs to see the view during sunset to see how it looks when the sun goes down from that location, but we've had some stunning fall sunsets this month. Hopefully you've seen them in Okaloosa County too. Fish Out of Water has a strong reputation for fine dining, and a gorgeous view for sunset, but we have only had dinner there once years ago and it was disappointing. V Seagrove might be another place to consider. Most plates there have been solid, if not memorable. Havana Beach and George's are my top two places to eat here right now. Edward's Fine Food & Wine, which ValveKing mentioned, is a place we like to order take-out from for sunset picnics. They have a courtyard that might be a more romantic setting in warmer months; we haven't dined in there yet. This fall the chef/owner is doing some interesting prix fixe dinner and a movie events, with the courses being inspired by the accompanying film. Might make for a unique date night. It is across from Havana Beach/The Pearl.