Henderson Park Inn offers a private retreat on the beach

Henderson Park Inn offers a private retreat on the beach

By Deborah Wheeler

debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com

DESTIN - Nestled at the end of a quiet and secluded stretch of beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico on Destin's Scenic Highway 98 can be found peaceful looking Henderson Park Inn.

Its rustic and rugged gray shaker exterior resembles long-standing New England structures.

Henderson Park Inn was built in the early 1980s as a bed and breakfast and is one of the few gulf-front bed and breakfasts in Florida.

Located adjacent to the Henderson Beach State Park, the adults-only inn has long been the choice of those looking for a quiet and romantic getaway.

Almost knocked out by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the inn reopened in May 2007.

"We want everyone to know that we are back," said the inn's assistant manager, Tamee Gaddis.

To celebrate, John Morris of Chan's Wine World held a wine tasting at the inn on April 19 for the inn's guests. Gaddis said the tastings might become a regular event at the inn.

However, every evening a complementary social hour is held for guests in the gathering/dining room, which overlooks the blue gulf and white sand private beach.

In the gathering/dining room, a full breakfast is complementary for guests daily, along with a gourmet boxed lunch. Dinner is not served.

From the gathering room, step through the French doors onto the large shady veranda furnished with rockers that beckon guests to sit for spell, rock and admire the view.

For those who prefer to feel the sand between their toes, beach service and chairs are provided for guests.

The three-story complex boasts 29 king or queen rooms. Each offers a magnificent view except for the secluded and spacious honeymoon suite.

Furnishings in the high-ceiling rooms are Victorian inspired. Private baths, a terrace, coffee makers, stocked mini-refrigerators, microwave ovens, DVD players and free DVD rentals are standard. Most rooms have whirlpool tubs. Suites, high-speed Internet and non-smoking rooms are available, as is a meeting/party room available for rent.

The inn is open all year.

For more information call (850) 269-8646 or visit http://www.hendersonparkinn.com.