You'll like Niceville. Not far from me. I think you'll be at Eglin AFB, right? We got put up there after Hurricane Ivan.
Niceville is very pretty and Destin has tons of great beaches and shopping. There is a quilt shop in Destin called the Cotton Loft, although I haven't made it there yet. There are listings for some in Ft. Walton Beach too.
Welcome to Florida!