Northwest Florida Blog Posts

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally Rolls into Panama City Beach this Spring for its 26th Spectacular Yea

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Easter Happenings Will Soon Be Hopping on the Gulf Coast!

All along the Alabama and Florida Gulf coasts, communities are getting ready to celebrate Easter with live music, egg hunts, bunny visits, and more â and visitors of all ages are welcome to join in! Following is a list of several Gulf Coast Easter events!

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Flora-Bama Mullet Toss: Flying-Fish Fun on Florida’s Perdido Key

Saturday, March 16, 2024

The 15th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival

Jeff Tweedy, a Grammy Award winner and founding member of the legendary rock band Wilco is one of several headliners scheduled to perform at the 15th annual 30A Songwriters Festival.   If you're a fan of great music and the writers who pen the songs you love, you’ll want to make plans to attend the 15th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival --

Sunday, January 7, 2024

Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights Dazzles Guests

Spectacular Christmas displays light up Bellingrath Gardens & home over the holiday season. Lighting Up Holiday Nights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home Millions of lights will illuminate the sky over Bellingrath Gardens & Home this holiday season. Magic Christmas in Lights celebrates its 28th annual enchanting event at the 65-acre Theodore

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Sandestin Golfers Trade Toys & Gift Cards for Tee Times

Santa holds donated toys he will give to kids in need.   Tee Off for Toys Making Christmas Merrier for Kids & Families in Need   Golfers can make Christmas merrier for kids in need when they take part in Tee Off for Toys, Saturday and Sunday, December 10th and 11th, at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Participants who bring a new,

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival Spotlights Composers

The Flora-Bama Lounge, on the Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida line, is one of many venues where songwriters perform in the Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival.   Photo by Beth Childs   International Songwriters' Festival's 39th Year   The Gulf of Mexico and its white-sand beaches are the backdrop every fall

Monday, November 13, 2023

The 2023 Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest

Celebrating Delectable Craft Beers by Some of the World's Most Beautiful Beaches!   SaIf you’re a fan of the resort life, the beach, and great beer you’ll definitely want to check out the 15th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest, happening this October right in the heart of  Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort  near beautiful 

Friday, August 4, 2023

Emerald Coast Poker Run: Playing Cards for a Cause

Annual Event Making a Difference for a Quarter Century You don’t have to own a boat to have plenty of fun during the Emerald Coast Poker Run. Participants and party-goers alike are sure to have a blast at the annual boating and fundraising event, presented by the Emerald Coast Foundation as part of Boat Week. History shows this event -- which

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Sand In my Boots Music Fest Planning Star-Studded Lineup for Gulf Shores

[caption id="attachment_4400" align="alignleft" width="600"] Foo Fighters perform at a previous fest. Photo by Oliver Walker.[/caption] Hangout Fest fans have jammed with some  of the hottest new artists on today’s music scene in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Past lineups for this packed three-day event have included Foo Fighters, The Killers

Friday, April 16, 2021

Giddy for Graffiti

One of the  most popular events on 30A is right around the corner, Digital Graffiti Festival: A Drive-Thru Experience at Alys Beach. Alys Beach gives artists from all over the world the opportunity to display their original work while competing for prize money in a juried art competition. This one-of-a-kind visual and immersive event features

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Biking Along the Gulf Coast — a Winter Wonderland

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Flora-Bama Mullet Toss: Fishy Fun on Florida's Perdido Key

If you think a mullet is just a bad haircut, you probably haven’t heard about the Flora-Bama Lounge’s Annual Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party . Centerpiece of this tongue-in-cheek Perdido Key event is a strange but satisfying three-day competition. It involves tossing a mullet  – a small fish

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally Rolls into Panama City Beach this Fall for its 23rd Spectacular Year

This Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally biker and his dog are all smiles about the biannual event which draws more-than 60,000 bikers.   The Most Biker-Friendly Free Rally in the U.S.   Thousands of bikers will soon be wheeling into Panama City Beach for the Thunder Beach Autumn Motorcycle Rally 2023. The five-day event, founded in 1999, will

Friday, September 18, 2020

Jellyfish Facts: Safety Tips, Sting First Aid, and Fun Things To Know

Safely exhibited behind the glass of an aquarium, jellyfish, with their fluorescent colors, spots, stripes, and other markings, can be real crowd pleasers. However, a close encounter with a jellyfish in the ocean or on the beach can have painful consequences for vacationers. The good news is that these stinging nuisances, which are found abundantly

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show: Exciting 2019 Season Closes in Style

On November 8 and 9, Naval Air Station Pensacola will welcome the Blue Angels back to the base for their homecoming air shows. The Friday and Saturday shows will mark the Angels’ 73rd anniversary. Since 1946, they have been traveling the country, wowing audiences with their precision flight formations (sometimes bringing them as close to

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Boardwalk Beach Resort Weddings: Say "I Do" on the White Sands in Panama City

Whoever said life is all about the journey rather than the destination clearly did not have a Boardwalk Beach Resort wedding in Panama City. Close your eyes and picture you and your partner, the bridal party, and the groomsmen having fun taking photos while the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. Think of how much joy it will bring you to relive those

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Boardwalk Beach Resort Weddings: Say “I Do” on the White Sands in Panama City

Whoever said life is all about the journey rather than the destination clearly did not have a Boardwalk Beach Resort wedding in Panama City. Close your eyes and picture you and your partner, the bridal party, and the groomsmen having fun taking photos while the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. Think of how much joy it will bring you to relive those

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Gulf Coast Fishing in Northwest Florida and Alabama â A Year-Round Affair

Itâs a fact that the sugar-white sands and blue-green waters of the Northwest Florida and Alabama Gulf coasts attract millions of visitors each year. But did you know that these locations also offer some of the best fishing in the world? In fact, the fishing fun is just as bountiful as sunshine here. And you donât have to sign up for a charter and

Thursday, August 16, 2018

10 Not-To-Miss Things To Do Along Highway 30A

[caption id="attachment_3379" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Campbell Lake, one of the area's rare dune lakes, is in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.[/caption] While most visitors are naturally drawn to the beautiful beaches when booking a stay on Highway 30A , they quickly realize that there is much more fun and adventure to be had

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Discover Floridaâs Forgotten Coast

T he natural unspoiled environment known as âFloridaâs Forgotten Coast,” which includes the quiet coastal communities of Apalachicola , St. George Island , Mexico Beach , Cape San Blas , and Carabelle, offers a unique look into the rich traditions of Floridaâs Gulf Coast. This colorful area is best known for its excellent oysters, superb fishing,

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Discover Florida’s Forgotten Coast

T he natural unspoiled environment known as “ Florida’s Forgotten Coast," which includes the quiet coastal communities of Apalachicola , St. George Island , Mexico Beach , Cape San Blas , and Carabelle, offers a unique look into the rich traditions of Florida’s Gulf Coast. This colorful area is best known for its excellent oysters,

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Happy Tasting at Apalachicolaâs Annual Forgotten Coast Chefs Sampler

Because itâs hosted by a city with the memorable name of Apalachicola, you should expect the 22nd annual Forgotten Coast Chefs Sampler to be uniquely fun. Presented by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, the event features chefs from all over the Forgotten Coast, preparing and serving their most creative dishes. It’s scheduled for Sunday

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Happy Tasting at Apalachicola’s Annual Forgotten Coast Chefs Sampler

Because it’s hosted by a city with the memorable name of Apalachicola, you should expect the 22nd annual Forgotten Coast Chefs Sampler to be uniquely fun. Presented by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, the event features chefs from all over the Forgotten Coast, preparing and serving their most creative dishes. It's scheduled for Sunday

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Highway 30-A Arts: The Heart and Soul of South Walton

  While scenic Highway 30-A might be best known for its lush landscapes and tropical tranquillity, this renowned stretch of Gulfside road is also dotted with galleries displaying local and regional artwork. From beach paintings to driftwood furniture and seashell picture frames, these South Walton communities offer something just about everyone

Friday, April 28, 2017

Beach Safety Tips for an Amazing Vacation

BE SAFE SWIMMING Make sure everyone in the family knows how to swim. Swim where there’s a lifeguard, and don’t swim alone. When swimming in the ocean, avoid getting into water that is more than waist-deep. Young and/or inexperienced swimmers should wear U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. If you're planning on going boating

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Blue Angels Air Show: Keeping Your Cool in Pensacola's July Heat

There’s nothing quite like watching the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration team, perform aerial acrobatics near its home base at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Most everyone enjoys watching fast planes, and if the sight of their vapor trails doesn’t send you daydreaming, then the sounds of the screaming jets roaring overhead

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Hit the Beach Getaway Jackpot at Seaspray Condos

Looking for a Florida vacation spot where you can park the car and leave the keys on the counter for the duration of your stay? Seaspray Condominiums Fort Walton on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach is all about convenience and accommodation – which makes it the perfect destination for your next family vacation or group getaway, such as a family

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Five Reasons Guests Love Boardwalk Beach Resort in Panama City

One of the most popular destinations in Northwest Florida, Panama City Beach is flush with accommodating hotels and condos eager to be your home base for a memorable getaway. Choosing the right one is important, too, because where you stay can make or break your vacation experience. Boardwalk Beach Resort offers the views and service, plus all the comforts

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Days and Nights of Holiday Cheer in Destin and Fort Walton Beach

[caption id="attachment_4049" align="alignleft" width="636"] Holiday lights at the Village of Baytowne Wharf[/caption] With mild temperatures and a sunny disposition, winter on Florida's Emerald Coast is delightful. And if trading your shovel and snow boots for a bathing suit and flip-flops doesn’t seem festive enough, there are

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Enter BeachGuide's December Vacation Giveaway

Warm up your winter with a Gulf Coast getaway from BeachGuide! We're giving away a two-night stay in a deluxe beachfront condo along Northwest Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast. The winner will get to choose from a large selection of two-bedroom condos in Destin , Hwy 30a , Fort Walton or Panama City Beach , Florida, or other nearby beach areas. Winter is

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Let Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Put You in a Festive Mood

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with a glass or two of bubbly? And wine lovers will have a great opportunity to sample some of the best at the upcoming Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights tasting, hosted by the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This festive weekend event is the official prelude to the popular

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Sterling Resorts Fall Break Special â Get 15 Percent Off on a Northwest Florida Vacation!

At a time when much of the country is experiencing falling temperatures, Northwest Florida is experiencing falling rates on fall getaways to the most gorgeous beaches on the planet. And while the temperatures might be very pleasant â in the 70s and 80s â the festivals and special events really begin to heat up along the Emerald Coast. Of course, youâll

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Sterling Resorts Fall Break Special – Get 15 Percent Off on a Northwest Florida Vacation!

At a time when much of the country is experiencing falling temperatures, Northwest Florida is experiencing falling rates on fall getaways to the most gorgeous beaches on the planet. And while the temperatures might be very pleasant — in the 70s and 80s — the festivals and special events really begin to heat up along the Emerald Coast. Of

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Boardwalk Beach Resort Free-for-All Fall Special Leaves More Cash for Fun

Missed getting down to the Florida Gulf Coast for a beach vacation this summer? No worries, because Boardwalk Beach Resort in Panama City Beach has the perfect fallback plan! Summer is great, but fall is even better here because visitors can enjoy uncrowded beaches, mild temperatures , and some serious savings on a stay at a Panama City Beach vacation rental

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Aquatic Adventures Aplenty at Navarre Beach Marine Park

Colorful fish swim around a section of artificial reef at Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary. Photo by Sandi Kemp. If you like your beach getaway to be equal parts relaxation and adventure, then Navarre Beach Marine Park is the place for you. Located on a barrier island and surrounded by Santa Rosa Sound on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other,

Friday, October 9, 2015

Special Events Lure Visitors to Gulf Coast Year-Round

[caption id="attachment_2566" align="alignleft" width="461"] Anglers of all ages are welcome to compete in the Destin Fishing Rodeo.[/caption] Warm weather, emerald waters, and beaches so white that they dazzle the eyes are the major attractions for most visitors to the Florida and Alabama Gulf coasts. But the region also plays host to music festivals

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Trade in your snow shoes for flip flops!

With warmer temperatures just around the corner, now is the time to start getting into a Spring state-of-mind. And what better way to get into the spirit than with a spring break beach deal in Northwest Florida? Luckily, ResortQuest By Wyndham Vacation Rentals is currently offering hot deals like 15 percent off your vacation rentals, through April 12

Saturday, February 28, 2015

How To Pack the Perfect Beach Bag

The best way to ensure a relaxing day at the beach is to start with a little planning. Giving some thought to what to pack in a beach bag means you won’t get settled on the sand only to discover that your bottled water and sunscreen are back at your condo or hotel room. Following are some tips on how to pack the perfect beach bag, along with some

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Itâs a Great Time for Horsing Around on the Gulf

The cool, sunny days of winter are perfect for enjoying a different kind of Gulf Coast vacation adventure  ­ – horseback riding on the beach. Trail riding is an exciting way to get up close and personal with the areaâs natural beauty, from pine woodlands teeming with wildlife to coastal forests skirting the rare dune lakes (where fresh and salt

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

It’s a Great Time for Horsing Around on the Gulf

The cool, sunny days of winter are perfect for enjoying a different kind of Gulf Coast vacation adventure  ­ - horseback riding on the beach. Trail riding is an exciting way to get up close and personal with the area’s natural beauty, from pine woodlands teeming with wildlife to coastal forests skirting the rare dune lakes (where fresh

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Beach Plants and Sand Dunes Were Made for Each Other

We all know how pretty sand dunes are, but did you know that sand dune systems on the Florida and Alabama beaches are formed by wave and wind action and help to protect mainland areas from tropical storms and hurricanes?  The sand dunes, which have evolved over millions of years, actually help to absorb the vast energy created by storm waves

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Panama City to Rock With Second Annual Gulf Coast Jam

Some of country music’s brightest stars are heading to Panama City Beach this month for the second annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam. Headliners for what promises to be a country music extravaganza to rival last year’s are Grammy Award winners Carrie Underwood and Dierks Bentley and reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and Grammy Award winner

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Find Family Vacation Fun at Sterling Shores Destin

A top-rated resort, Sterling Shores is just minutes away from everything Destin has to offer, from fishing charters and golf to shopping and restaurants . Sterling Shores Destin is the ideal base for a family vacation on Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast. "It's a great place to spend quality time with your family," said one recent guest. "It's

Friday, June 13, 2014

Turn Your Sandcastle Creations Into Cash!

Enter our Sandcastle Facebook Photo Contest this summer, and you could win CASH and a FREE sandcastle-building lesson! The grand prize is $200 plus a two-hour lesson from beachsandsculptures.com , owned by professional sand sculptors Rick and Capri Mungeam. The lesson (good through the end of 2015) includes a demonstration of proper sand-sculpting tools

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Enter Our Gulf Coast Getaway Giveaway TODAY!

During the month of May, we’re offering one of our lucky Facebook fans the chance to win a three-day, two-night stay in a deluxe two-bedroom condo on the beautiful Gulf Coast, from Gulf Shores to Panama City Beach. To enter, just visit us at https://www. facebook .com/ Beachguide ‎ and click on the contest link. Be sure to ‘share

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Easter Happenings on the Gulf

All along the Alabama and Florida Gulf coasts, communities are getting ready to celebrate Easter this weekend with live music, egg hunts, bunny visits, and more — and visitors of all ages are welcome to join in! Following is a (partial) list of what’s going on. Destin and South Walton — The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin, April

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

The Gulf Coast Welcomes Spring With Food, Wine, Music, and Fun

[caption id="attachment_1922" align="alignleft" width="960" caption="The Seabreeze Jazz Festival is coming to PCB's Pier Park April 23-27."] [/caption] With a lineup of events that includes music festivals and food festivals, plus the iconic Flora-Bama’s annual Mullet Toss, folks along the Gulf Coast are gearing up to have fun this spring. Following

Monday, March 31, 2014

Gulf Coast Food Festivals Warm Chilly Winter Days

Winter is prime time for food festivals along the Gulf Coast. Following are details on some of the most popular, coming up in the next few weeks. Apalachicola Oyster Cook-off — Friday, January 17, 6 - 8 p.m., and Saturday, January 18, noon - 5 p.m., Riverfront Park On Friday evening, there will be a preview of oyster-related silent auction items

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Aviation Museum Offers Family Fun Away From the Beach

As an outing for a rainy day, or just for a break from sun and sand, Pensacola’s National Naval Aviation Museum offers an exciting and educational experience for the whole family. One of the most-visited museums in Florida, the kid-friendly facility offers free admission, free parking, and free guided tours of everything from vintage aircraft

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Happening in November in Destin

Saturday, November 9 Habitrot for Humanity Half Marathon and 5K Run Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 6 a.m. to noon Course features spectacular scenery ranging from beach to bay. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. www.sandestin.com/events Saturday, November 16 Sandestin Wine Festival presents Sparkling Wine and Holiday Nights Village of Baytowne

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Songwriters Take the Spotlight at Annual Music Festival

The Gulf of Mexico and its white-sand beaches are the backdrop for the 29th annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. Rated one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Frank Brown festival showcases the talents of songwriters from around the world. This year, the 11-day event runs from Thursday, November...

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Beer Fest This Weekend at Baytowne Wharf

More than 200 international and craft beers from 40-plus breweries are the stars at the sixth annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest in Sandestin. Known as “the Best Beer Fest on the Emerald Coast,” the celebration kicks off on Friday night, October 18, with a beer and barbecue pairing presented by Marlin Grill on the Village of Baytowne Wharf&

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

October Means Month-long Seafood Celebration in Destin

“The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” is counting down the days till the Destin Fishing Rodeo. Described as “the ultimate tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages,” the popular competition — a magnet for fishermen since 1948 — annually attracts more than 30,000 participants. The fishing is free for everyone

Monday, September 23, 2013

Any Timeâs a Good Time for Fishing in the Gulf

As home to more than 200 species of fish, the Gulf of Mexico attracts thousands of anglers every year. In fact, thereâs something biting year-round, all the way from Destin â known as âThe Worldâs Luckiest Fishing Village❠and boasting one of the largest charter fishing fleets in the U.S. â Â  to Gulf Shores â which annually hosts the popular

Monday, September 9, 2013

Any Time’s a Good Time for Fishing in the Gulf

As home to more than 200 species of fish, the Gulf of Mexico attracts thousands of anglers every year. In fact, there’s something biting year-round, all the way from Destin — known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and boasting one of the largest charter fishing fleets in the U.S. —   to Gulf Shores

Monday, September 9, 2013

Pool Parties, Picnics, Fine Art, and More for Labor Day

[caption id="attachment_1788" align="alignleft" width="1936" caption="Folk art at last year's Baytowne Art Walk"] [/caption] Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is gearing up for its annual Labor Day Weekend Celebration, August 29 through September 4. This year’s lineup of special events includes an art show, live music, pool parties, picnics, beach

Friday, August 23, 2013

New Music Festival Debuts in Panama City Beach

Country music fans will have something to celebrate when the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam debuts in Panama City Beach next month. Scheduled for September 26, 27, and 28, the event   features a stellar lineup that includes Toby Keith, Brantley Gilbert, Trace Adkins, Kip Moore, Darryl Worley, Blackberry Smoke, and the Charlie Daniels Band. Performances...

Friday, August 16, 2013

A Prosperous Past Enriches the Present in Apalachicola

The spirit of Old Florida is still alive along the wide, tree-lined streets of Apalachicola. Situated between river and bay, the town has been a busy commerce center since the 1830s and was once the third largest shipping port on the Gulf Coast. Before the Civil War, cotton grown in the surrounding areas was stored in Apalachicola warehouses until it

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

What To Pack for the Beach

While you don’t need a whole lot of stuff for a trip to the beach, it still pays to put a little thought into what you’re packing. Otherwise, you’ll either end up lugging too many pairs of shoes or discovering when you arrive that you’ve forgotten something basic like suntan lotion or your bathing suit. Following are our suggestions

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Football Season Starts Early at SEC BeachFest

Get fired up and get a head start on football season at the second annual SEC BeachFest, scheduled for August 15, 16, 17, and 18 in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In addition to appearances by football greats Gene Stallings, Vince Dooley, and Phillip Fulmer, activities at this championship celebration include 5K and one-mile fun runs, a golf tournament

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Pensacola Beach Hosts High-Flying Air Show

The annual Pensacola Beach Air Show is flying high again this summer with 24 different aerial acts, plus plenty of food and live entertainment for the whole family. This year’s action-packed show, presented by the Santa Rosa Island Authority, is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13. Admission is free. Show time on both days, which

Monday, June 24, 2013

SunQuest Solaris Serves Up Dadâs Day Treat

Still looking for something to give Dad for his special day? Even if heâs one of those guys who already has it all, heâll appreciate being treated to the Fatherâs Day lunch and cruise aboard the SunQuest Cruises Solaris. Sailing from Sandestinâs Baytowne Marina, the Solaris will depart at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, for a two-hour trip that includes

Monday, June 10, 2013

SunQuest Solaris Serves Up Dad’s Day Treat

Still looking for something to give Dad for his special day? Even if he’s one of those guys who already has it all, he’ll appreciate being treated to the Father’s Day lunch and cruise aboard the SunQuest Cruises Solaris. Sailing from Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina, the Solaris will depart at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, for a two-

Monday, June 10, 2013

Get Ready to Enjoy a Great New Sport – Paddleboarding

One of the most popular new sports to hit the Gulf Coast is stand-up paddleboarding. Itâs fun, itâs safe, and itâs relatively simple to learn, so itâs a great activity the whole family can enjoy. Paddleboarding offers a whole new way to enjoy the water – lakes, canals, and other inland waterways as well as the Gulf. Similar to a surfboard but

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Get Ready to Enjoy a Great New Sport - Paddleboarding

One of the most popular new sports to hit the Gulf Coast is stand-up paddleboarding. It’s fun, it’s safe, and it’s relatively simple to learn, so it’s a great activity the whole family can enjoy. Paddleboarding offers a whole new way to enjoy the water - lakes, canals, and other inland waterways as well as the Gulf. Similar to

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Fort Walton Beach Braces for Bowlegs Invasion

Visitors and residents alike, beware! Fort Walton Beach is bracing for trouble when that infamous pirate, Captain Billy Bowlegs, and his band of merry men stage their annual invasion. The resulting skirmishes though, will be fun, not mayhem, when Billy and his crew come ashore at Fort Walton Beach Landing Park and parade through the city streets in

Friday, May 24, 2013

Summer Happenings at HarborWalk Village

Pardi Gras The good times never stop rolling at Pardi Gras. The annual HarborWalk Village celebration, billed as “a little bit of New Orleans every Tuesday night all summer long,” kicks off this year on May 28. Festivities include parades, live jazz by the Village Brass Band, jugglers, dancers, street performers, stilt walkers, floats,

Monday, May 20, 2013

Ultimate Fun Run Comes to Orange Beach

The Color Run 5K is coming to The Wharf in Orange Beach on Saturday, May 25. A unique new sporting event, The Color Run has no winners, no official finishing times, and almost no rules. Participants of all speeds (walkers as well as runners) and all ages are invited to race. Since its debut in January 2012, The Color Run has grown from 50 races and

Monday, May 13, 2013

Art, Music, and More in Santa Rosa Beach

The landscaped grounds of WaterColor Inn and Resort in Santa Rosa Beach are the setting for the 25th annual ArtsQuest Fine Art and Music Festival. Scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend, May 10, 11, and 12, ArtsQuest includes a juried competition showcasing 40 artists from the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, plus the work of hundreds of

Monday, April 29, 2013

Cycling for a Good Cause at Sandestin

You’ll be cycling for a good cause as well as the fun of it when you sign up for the Sandestin Beach Bicycle Tour, scheduled this year for May 17, 18, and 19. Proceeds from this popular event, which draws hundreds of bikers to Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast each spring, are donated to the Alaqua Animal Refuge, a non-profit, no-kill shelter

Monday, April 15, 2013

Fish to Fly Again at Flora-Bamaâs Mullet Toss

Mark your calendars now for Thursday, April 25. Thatâs when the Flora-Bamaâs strange but popular rite of spring, the 29th annual Mullet Toss, gets under way. The iconic roadhouseâs curious celebration continues daily through Sunday, April 28, with a bikini contest, a keg toss, and a tug of war in addition to the mullet-throwing contests. For the uninitiated...

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Fish to Fly Again at Flora-Bama’s Mullet Toss

Mark your calendars now for Thursday, April 25. That’s when the Flora-Bama’s strange but popular rite of spring, the 29th annual Mullet Toss, gets under way. The iconic roadhouse’s curious celebration continues daily through Sunday, April 28, with a bikini contest, a keg toss, and a tug of war in addition to the mullet-throwing contests...

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Stevie Wonder Heads Star-Studded Hangout Line-up

The Hangout Music Fest has done it again. For the fourth year in a row, the popular Gulf Shores extravaganza is boasting a knock-your-socks-off line-up of stars that would do any city proud. Headliner for this year’s show is the legendary Stevie Wonder, 22-time Grammy Award winner and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Wonder, a 50-year

Monday, March 11, 2013

Contest-Winning Beach Photography Tips

If you think all shots of sand and surf have to look the same, think again. By following a few simple  beach photography tips from the pros, you’ll be able to create prize-winning photos that capture memorable moments you and your family will enjoy again and again. Following are some (nontechnical) suggestions for better beach photos: - Look...

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Learn How to Set Sail Safely

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s first boating safety class of the season will be held Saturday, March 30, at the Coast Guard Station Destin. Every year, the Auxiliary holds classes designed to qualify individuals to operate a boat legally and safely in Florida waters. Topics to be covered include a general introduction to boating, boating law

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Alys Beach Hosts Highway 30-A Wine Fest

Alys Beach, one of the communities along Northwest Florida’s scenic Highway 30-A, is hosting the second annual 30A Wine Festival on March 9 and 10. Activities for the two-day event include wine tastings and seminars, wine and food pairings with dishes from local restaurants, live music, and Sunday’s Rose and Croquet, featuring rose wine

Thursday, February 21, 2013

It's All About Wine

Tickets for the Sandestin Wine Festival are selling faster than the proverbial hot cakes, so it’s a good idea to order now. According to special events manager Lanier Motes, current ticket sales are well ahead of those for previous festivals. “The demand is a testament that there is no substitute for this longstanding Sandestin tradition

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Stroll Into the Past at Fort Pickens

Costumed interpreters and the lights of hundreds of candles will bring the past alive at Fort Pickens during “A Candlelight Tour of Fort Pickens” on Saturday, February 9. The largest of four forts built in the mid-1800s to defend Pensacola Bay and its navy yard, Fort Pickens was also one of only four bastions in the South never to be occupied

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Mardi Gras on the Harbor

The good times just keep rolling at Destin’s HarborWalk Village with the fifth annual Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration. Parade time is 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, and guests should prepare to be dazzled by the spectacle — floats with costumed riders, street performers, live music, and plenty of beads and other souvenirs. All of this

Monday, January 21, 2013

Annual Song Fest Brings Stars to Highway 30-A

Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Jeffrey Steele top an exciting line-up of more than 125 performers participating in this weekend’s Highway 30-A Songwriters Festival. Williams penned “Passionate Kisses” in the 1980s, a song later recorded and made popular by Carpenter. The title earned Williams the Grammy for Best Country

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Chillin’ in the Gulf

The folks at the Flora-Bama have made it a tradition to start off the new year with thrills and chills. Literally. Every New Year’s Day at high noon, crowds of partiers, some in costume and others scantily clad, jump into the chilly (think a temperature in the mid-50s) waters of the Gulf of Mexico during the iconic roadhouse’s Polar Bear

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Chillinâ in the Gulf

The folks at the Flora-Bama have made it a tradition to start off the new year with thrills and chills. Literally. Every New Yearâs Day at high noon, crowds of partiers, some in costume and others scantily clad, jump into the chilly (think a temperature in the mid-50s) waters of the Gulf of Mexico during the iconic roadhouseâs Polar Bear

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Gulf Coast Boat Parades Light Up Local Waters

All along the Gulf Coast, ‘tis the season when captains and crews wrap their vessels in Christmas lights and take to the water for the annual holiday boat parades. Pensacola Beach will put on a dazzling spectacle of decorated vessels on Friday, December 7, with in its popular Lighted Boat Parade. The procession starts at Pensacola Beach Marina

Friday, November 30, 2012

Free Food for the Kids, and Fun for All!

Pompano Joe’s is teaming up with the Emerald Coast Surfriders  Foundation to bring beach-going guests treats rather than tricks this  Halloween. Ghouls, ghosts, goblins, and just plain folks are invited to the  popular Destin restaurant for its big Beach Spooktacular, scheduled for  Saturday, October 27,

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Blue Angels Homecoming Bash

Celebrating their return to Pensacola after their 2012 tour of the U.S., the Blue Angels will host a Homecoming Air Show on Friday and Saturday, November 2 and 3, at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. The Angels, the U.S. Navy’s Precision Flight Demonstration Squadron, are famous for their tight formations and breathtaking stunts, performed at speeds

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Second Annual Serve2Cure Set for October 6

Participants in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s Serve2Cure Tennis Tournament can have the satisfaction of knowing they’re having fun for a good cause. Proceeds from the annual event, held this year on Saturday, October 6, will go to patients in the breast cancer program at Sacred Heart Hospital. The hospital’s oncology department

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Races Raise Funds for Habitat Homes

Helping Habitat for Humanity provide affordable housing for families in Walton County is the goal of the second annual Habitrot for Humanity Half Marathon and 5K, hosted by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Routes for the two races, scheduled for Saturday, October 6, will wind throughout the 2,400-acre resort. That means participants will enjoy views

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Coastal Living Cover Shot at Sandestin Beach Resort

Destin gets a turn in the national spotlight when the October issue of Coastal Living hits the newsstands. October’s cover photo, staged and shot at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, features pumpkins carved in sea-inspired designs, resting on the sand with the Gulf of Mexico in the background. Inside the magazine is a two-page spread showing the

Monday, October 1, 2012

Sandestin Announces Artful Ending to Summer Fun

Some of the South’s most gifted artists will display their work at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort this Labor Day weekend during the annual Baytowne Art Walk. A variety of different artistic styles, techniques, and media will be represented at the three-day event, which runs from August 31 through September 2. Hours for the show, to be held at

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Noshing for a Good Cause

Historic Magnolia Grill in Fort Walton Beach is the setting for the fourth annual wine and cheese reception, 2 — 4 p.m., Sunday, July 22,   benefitting the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. Guests will enjoy snacks, wine, and cheese while listening to live music and animal rescue stories told by refuge staff and volunteers. There will also

Friday, July 6, 2012

Get Certified to Boat in Florida

If your Florida vacation fun includes boating, here’s something you need to know. State law requires anyone born after January 1, 1988 operating a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more to pass a boating safety class and get a boating safety identification card from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. But not to worry &mdash

Saturday, June 9, 2012

The Big Easy Comes to Destin Via Parti Gras

You don’t have to wait till next year to enjoy a little Mardi Gras madness. Not when Pardi Gras, a big New Orleans-style celebration, kicks off every Tuesday night at Destin’s HarborWalk Village. Billing itself as the spot “where Bourbon Street meets the beach,” HarborWalk puts on its party face and lets the good times roll on

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Sandcastles Reach for the Stars

It took eight hours’ hard labor to build “Illumination Castle,” the sand sculpture in the photo posted here . The fanciful creation is the work of “The Sandman,” Rick Mungeam, a former residential home designer turned professional sand sculptor. “At sunset, we lit the strategically located windows and doors with candles

Thursday, May 31, 2012

USCG Auxiliary Promotes Safe Fun in the Sun

With summer just around the corner, it seems like everyone’s getting out on the water to enjoy the warm, sunny days. And because boating safety is so important to summertime fun, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Destin urges everyone to participate in National Boating Safety Week, May 19 — 25. As part of the week’s activities, the

Friday, May 11, 2012

New 2012 Golf Packages by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

  I'm not a golfer, but for one of my best friends, a good round of golf is practically a religious experience (He claims that a big bucket of gently used golf balls was one of the best presents I ever gave him.) So when I saw the great packages being offered for 2012 at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort's championship courses, I was quick to

Friday, February 10, 2012

Just a Little Beach Lovin'

I welcome each month as if it were a new beginning and in particular, February.   Why, you ask?   Well, it's the month of love!!   For those of you that criticize Valentine's Day as being a Hallmark-holiday, steer clear of me because on this day, and pretty much for the next week and a half, I will be wearing pink, tying

Monday, February 6, 2012

Hooks, Lines, and Singers

It's back and bigger and better than ever!   The 30a Songwriters Festival will host over 300 musical performances and 125 artists during the weekend of January 13-15.   I really enjoy music but I feel a little insecure about my music knowledge (or shall I say, lack-there-of).   That said, I recognized one of the groups

Thursday, January 12, 2012

BeachGuide's Performing Arts Guide

Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College:   Broadway Series, Artist Series, and Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra.   A collection of professional and student productions.   You won't believe this venue and the incredible works of art. Sinfonia Gulf Coast- Just celebrating it's 5th season, Sinfonia

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Labor{less} Days on the Emerald Coast

It's about that time again.   One last day to say adios, sayonara, and adieu to another fantastic summer.    Time to fire up the grill after a long day at the beach and watch some fireworks.   I won't be your hometown tourist this weekend as I'll be spending my holiday with my favorite people, the Chicago Cubs (oh, and

Tuesday, August 30, 2011