Your Destin Florida vacation wouldn't be complete without a little shopping, and Destin Commons should be your first destination.

Destin's growing reputation as one of the South's most popular shopping destinations is a result of places like Destin Commons, the Silver Sands Outlet Stores and Grand Boulevard Sandestin.

Destin Commons is a unique, open-air town center with more than 75 stores, upscale restaurants, and a 14-screen movie theater with stadium seating. You can entertain yourself and your family for hours and hours without ever leaving its quaint town square-like atmosphere.

One of the more popular stores is the Bass Pro Shop. Even if you're not an outdoorsman you'll be amazed by the sheer size of the store. There's bound to be something there of interest to you and your kids.

The coolest part of the store is the 10,000 gallon saltwater aquarium with native fish staring at you from behind the glass. I had a hard time leaving the store after finding it.

It's a great place to go if the weather isn't so great, or if you just want to take a break from the beaches. Go eat at Hard Rock Cafe, grab some ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, and finish the evening with a movie at the Rave. It'll be a night your kids will thank you for.

Destin Commons is located at the corner of HWY 98 and the Mid Bay Bridge Rd. For more information visit the Destin Commons website.