So When is Spring Break?
Want to know when students will be on the loose for Spring Break 2012?
Here’s a list of spring break dates 2012 for colleges and universities across the South. All of the beaches in Northwest Florida are popular Spring Break destinations for families and college students across the Southeast. This year is no exception, as resort managers all along the Gulf Coast are reporting record early bookings this year. Be sure to check BeachGuide.com for vacation rentals, including hotels, condos and beach houses.
ALABAMA
March 5-9
University of Mobile
March 12-16
Auburn University
University of Alabama
Troy State University
University of South Alabama
University of Alabama-Birmingham
March 19-23
Samford University
University of Alabama-Huntsville
March 26-March 30
University of North Alabama
ARKANSAS
March 5-9
Harding University
March 19-23
University of Central Arkansas
Southern Arkansas University
University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
FLORIDA
February 27-March 2
Nova Southeastern University
March 5-9
Florida A & M
Florida State University
Valencia Community College
University of Central Florida
University of Florida
Florida Atlantic University
March 12-16
University Miami
University of North Florida
Santa Fe Community College
University of South Florida
GEORGIA
February 27-March 2
Georgia State University
March 5-9
Kennesaw State University
Columbus State University
March 12-16
Emory University
Georgia Southern University
University of Georgia
Valdosta State University
March 19-23
University of West Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
April 2-6
Augusta State University
KENTUCKY
March 5-9
Eastern Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University
March 12-16
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
LOUISIANA
March 12-16
Tulane University
April 2-6
McNeese State University
University of New Orleans
Loyola University
April 5-9
Louisiana Tech University
April 9-13
Louisiana State University
April 23-27
Southeastern Louisiana University
MISSISSIPPI
March 12-16
Mississippi State University
University of Mississippi
University of Southern Mississippi
MISSOURI
March 12-16
Southeast Missouri State University
Missouri State University
Webster University
St Louis University
March 19-23
University of Central Missouri
March 26-March 30
University of Missouri-Columbis
NORTH CAROLINA
March 5-9
Duke University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
East Carolina University
North Carolina State University
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
SOUTH CAROLINA
March 5-9
College of Charleston
Winthrop University
University of South Carolina-Columbia
March 19-23
Clemson University
TENNESSEE
March 5-9
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee Tech University
East Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University
University of Memphis
March 12-16
Middle Tennessee State University
March 19-23
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
TEXAS
March 12-16
Texas Tech University
Sam Houston State University
Texas A & M University
Texas State University-San Marco
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Houston
University of Texas at Austin
Collin College
Tarrant County College
March 19-23
Houston Community College
Also be sure to check for spring break deals on BeachGuide.com. All of the deals and vacation rentals are also listed on the FREE Beachguide iPhone App. Download it before you go to also find nearby restaurants, attractions and more!!
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 pass the information on.
Here’s the scoop: three packages ranging in price from $99 to $191 (depending on the season). Each includes play on two of the resort’s four courses – Burnt Pine Golf Club (designed by Rees Trent Jones), Raven Golf Club (designed by Robert Trent Jones ll), Baytowne Golf Club, and The Links Course. Rates are based on a two-night stay and include carts, unlimited use of Sandestin’s practice facility, and range balls.
And even if you’re like me and don’t know an iron from a putter, the 2,400-acre resort on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast has plenty to offer. In addition to seven miles of beautiful white-sand beaches, amenities include a marina, 19 swimming pools, 15 tennis courts, and a fitness center and spa. A pedestrian village is packed with shops, restaurants, and night spots. So even if your spouse or significant other is a golfer and you’re not, you won’t be bored. Just send him or her out to the links and get ready to enjoy your vacation your own way. That’s what I intend to do.
____________
More info on Destin Golf
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 heart bows in my daughter’s hair, making heart shaped pancakes and chocolate souffle, and….if I was forty years older, would crochet myself a sweater (or should I say, tank top. After all, this is Florida!) with a big, red heart on it!
Here are upcoming Valentine Day Events and Specials for the Beaches of South Walton area:
First Note Music Hall- a new and exciting venue on hwy 30a in Blue Mountain Beach (Redfish Village). Nothing like a great menu and live music. Call 850-622-0221 for reservations.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf- Valentine Dinner for two and a flight of wine. Anytime I hear flight of wine, I’m there!
The Village of Baytowne Wharf- Solaris Yacht. A three course dinner for two, live music, champagne, and a cruise around the bay in a yacht. Yes, champagne and a yacht. I could get used to that!
The 2012 Valentine Tour of Homes -So this may not be as romantic but certainly a fun way to spend a Saturday. Plus it comes four days after Valentines. So technically, you can get a 2 V-day dates in one week! Saturday, February 18, 10:00am – 4:00pm, showcasing some of South Walton’s most beautiful and unique homes.
The proceeds from the self-guided annual Tour benefit the CAA’s Educational Giving Program, which provides over $20,000 in grants to Walton County teachers and scholarships for students to participate in supplemental and continuing art education.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event.
http://www.culturalartsalliance.com/
The Wine Bar at Grand Blvd, Sandestin- A great way to kick off Valentine’s Week! A tasting of fine chocolate and champagne. Who needs food after this decadence?! Feb 12, 2012 from 2-4pm. Call 850.982.9761 for details.
Remember, all you need is love. And a comfy pair of flip-flops!
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Interested in staying in for Valentine’s and snuggling with your pookey? Check out more specials on Beachguide.com/Deals!
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 on the lineup and couldn’t be more giddy….the Bangles! That’s right, a little flashback to the ’80′s Walk Like and Egyptian. With music genres including folk, country, and rock, there’s something for everyone to enjoy (even me!). Have I mentioned that it will be sunny and in the ’60′s?! Where else can you sit back, listen to some tunes, and look at the Gulf of Mexico (hint: nowhere!!). Interested??? Download the schedule here and stay with us at your favorite 30-A Vacation Rental. Be sure to track the festival on the website, facebook page, or download the 30ASWF app free for Androids and iPhones,. Venues and concert times are subject to change.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
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 Gulf Coast combines traditional orchestral with modern and imaginative techniques. It’s unlike any symphony I’ve ever experienced, meaning it’s no snore-fest. I once attended a Sinfonia concert where the audience participated in the performance using our cell phones. The conductor would cue the audience to use cell phones to produces sounds and lights. It was entertaining and engaging.
Seaside Repertory Theatre- A fun-for-the-whole-family theatre. Whether performing outdoors and integrating the audience or performing at their venue in Seaside, they have a myriad of shows for all ages.
Saengar Theatre- A venue originally built in 1925 and underwent a $15 million renovation. I literally have about five shows I need to attend this season including Elvis Lives, My Fair Lady, Riverdance, and Young Frankenstein. I wish I lived closer. I’ve really gotta work on getting that private jet!!
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 the 45+ family members uniting at Wrigley Field to celebrate my Grandpa’s 80th birthday)! But I wouldn’t leave you without your How-Not-To-Labor, Labor Day weekend calendar of festivities including outdoor concerts, fireworks, movies under the stars, and of course, beach time!
Rosemary Beach-(30A Vacation Rentals) Saturday, September 3rd, Kids Rock Party. Bouncy house, face paint, and hula hoops. And what says Labor Day weekend like an airbrush tattoo?!
Seaside-(30A Vacation Rentals)Friday, Art Walk @ Ruskin Place. Haven’t you always wanted to be one of those people who sips chardonnay and looks at art on a Friday afternoon?! If so, please go for me and act fancy! Follow it up with a family movie under the stars, Fri-Sunday at the amphitheater.
Emerald Grande, Destin- (Destin Florida Vacation Rental or Fort Walton Beach Vacation Rental) free family activities all weekend including kids crafts and music. Fireworks on Sunday night over the harbor starting at 6:30 p.m.
Emerald Coast Convention Center (Okaloosa Island)- Greek Festival! I’ve yet to go but it.is.happenin’ over there! Can the Greeks do anything wrong?! I mean villas on the water, olive oil, gyros, the word opa, and pretty complexions! That’s it, I’m going to be Greek in my next life.
This iconic picture is one those that makes me happy to be an American. It’s painted by Wyland on the rooftop of the Legendary Marina in Destin, FL. and pays tribute to the military forces along the Emerald Coast.
Wishing you all a very happy and relaxing Labor Day.
-The Hometown Tourist
Here Fishy, Fishy
I’ve never been much of a fisherman (fisherwoman??) although I’ve always wanted to go deep sea fishing just to experience the Gulf from a different angle other than my beach chair. I admit that I’ve only held a fishing rod twice in my adult life. To my surprise, I got a rush each time I had a little bite on my line. My family was disappointed both times that I only caught a small fish the size of my hand. But I remember looking at it with such pride that I, the girl who doesn’t know a thing about fishing, reeled something in. I can only imagine the surge of adrenaline these anglers must get at the Destin Fishing Rodeo.
Every year, Destin holds a one month long fishing tournament where anglers from around the world compete for the biggest and the best fish the Gulf of Mexico has to offer. I’ll never forget, a few years back, an 850 pound shark was at the end of someone’s line! It made national news and was the talk of Destin (see photo below).
If you’re a beginner, professional, or just a spectator, there’s fun to be had by all. The month long rodeo includes parades, mullet tosses, exotic car shows, 5k runs, and on October 31st, the final weigh in and fireworks spectacular on the harbor at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar.
This is one event you don’t want to miss while staying at your Fort Walton Beach Vacation Rental or Destin Vacation Rental.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
I was a huge Amy Grant fan back-in-the-day (I wonder how old something has to be before one can use the phrase back-in-the-day???). I just Googled Baby Baby and it was in 1991. Wow, twenty years. My daughter and I heard a local commercial regarding this concert last week. She turned to me and asked “who’s Amy Grant”? Ouch. I suddenly felt my arthritis kicking in and gray hairs sprouting. I gave her a quick rundown of Amy Grant’s hits and suggested we attend her concert at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island. If you’re staying at your Destin Vacation Rental or Fort Walton Beach Vacation Rental and looking for a great show, get your tickets here. Here are a few yummy spots in Fort Walton Beach to enjoy your pre-concert meal.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
We always want what we can’t have. We have curly hair, we want straight hair. We don’t have enough time, we have too much time. Is there ever a happy medium? I may contemplate these thoughts til the end of time, but, on Saturday, I found my answer to the ongoing debate of whether it’s better to be hot or cold. I’m not one for cold winters but I don’t particularly enjoy when the temperature reaches over the 100 degree mark. And recently, the weather has been hot. I mean, real hot. I was driving down highway 98 feeling exhausted from the heat when I saw a sign. Not a proverbial sign, THE SIGN. The sign that indicated that 32 Degrees of coldness awaited me across the highway! Gasp! The perfect combination of cold on a hot summer’s day. Here’s how I achieved enlightenment:
(step 1) I pulled a NASCAR maneuver across the highway (not recommended!) and surprised my tweens with a quick stop for frozen yogurt.
Step 2: Proceed to toppings bar
This is where the magic happens. Two toppings bars just like the one below, line the side wall. This is where I had to practice self restraint. Remember Pavlov’s Law? My mouth was literally watering upon looking at the toppings. Serious. Eye. Candy.
#3
I made sure to balance my cup-o-yummy with some sliced strawberries and almonds so that I could rationalize adding the chocolate syrup and whip cream.
We left there happy, sugared-up, and a heck-of-a-lot cooler! Yummy times to be had near your Destin Vacation Rental.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Here Comes the {beach} bride
The Emerald Coast is famous for sunny beach days, great seafood, and creating lifelong family memories. But what better memory is there than two families uniting in marriage? Here at the beach, weddings are a common occurrence. From Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Panama City Beach, Pensacola Beach, and every beach and bay and state park in between, the Emerald Coast makes for the perfect natural setting for weddings. But we’re not the only ones who “got the memo” regarding the most beautiful beach weddings. If you’re here between the months of March-June or September-November, there’s a good chance you’ll see a wedding. I’ve been to other beaches around the world and can honestly say, the Emerald Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Best part, you don’t have to show that passport photo (you know the one where you’re not looking your most photogenic?!) or go through customs to get here (although some feel they’ve been transported to a fairytale world). Wanna get married along the Gulf Coast of Florida? Check out our favorite wedding site Marry Me At The Beach.com. The photos below highlight a few of our unique wedding locations:
(All photos curtsey of Meg Baisden Photography)
The Gardens (Eden State Park)
The Bay (Bentley’s on the Bay)
And, of course, the Beach!
Wishing you a beach wedding that makes all your dreams come true,
And a lucky sand dollar to put in your shoe (or flip flop)!
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Eglin Welcomes F35
For those of you that may not be military savvy, Eglin Air Force Base is one of the largest Air Force’s bases in the world covering 724 square miles of reservation and 97,963 square miles of water ranges in the Gulf of Mexico. Last year, Eglin AFB celebrated it’s 75th Anniversary. It is a vital part of our local economy, employing approximately 15,000 military and civilian employees. Fifteen thousand people who eat in restaurants, play at the beach, shop, and spend money in our towns. And those 15,000 people who invite friends and family to visit and they eat in our restaurants, shop in our shops, and play in our beaches, and spend money in our towns. And not just permanent residents, military personnel on business trips who participate in all these same events. And without Eglin AFB, you would not be hearing from your Hometown Tourist. I, too, relocated to the beach by way of my Air Force Dad, who was assigned to Eglin in the ’90′s. Some call me an military brat, but my Dad just calls me a brat!
Last week was a historical week for Eglin. The First F-35 landed on Eglin AFB on July 23, 2011. This is a first production model of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter which arrived directly from Lockheed Martin’s production plant in Fort Worth, Texas. “This is an extremely exciting day for us. We’ve been waiting two years for this day,” Col. Andrew Toth, commander of the 33rd, said as he waited for the jet to arrive. “Having it here is just outstanding. There are a lot of smiles out here today.”
Here’s a fun day trip for those of you visiting the area in your Fort Walton Beach Vacation Rental or Destin Vacation Rental: The Air Force Armament Museum. I used to be bored by this tour when my now-retired Air Force father insisted we take all of our visiting friends and relatives. But as an adult, it seems much more interesting. This museum is the only facility in the world dedicated to the display of Air Force armament. For further information, call (850) 651-5253.
BeachGuide.com and your Hometown Tourist welcome the F35.
Run Tourist Run
I have yet to write a post about this (although I may have mentioned it from time to time) that I enjoy a good run. Last year, I ran my first half marathon and have 2 slated for 2012. The other day, I jogged down hwy 30A exploring the scenery. I glanced over to my right while running past Oyster Lake and saw the reflection of the houses and docks into the water. I thought it was such a beautiful sight that I stopped my run (any excuse for a break!) and snapped a few photos. These photos were taken with my iphone! No color enhancements done to these photos. This is Au Natural majestic scenery. This prompted an idea for my post: all my favorite races along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Check out BeachGuide for your vacation rental needs.
Sandestin FL
Sandestin Triathlon
August 20, 2011 6:30 a.m.
This one requires a little bit more training than a run but I would love to cross this off my bucket list. One of the biggest triathlons along the Gulf Coast, the annual event raises money for Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. Since my sister is a nurse at Sacred Heart, let’s all go out and support this. I’d like for her to keep her job (she gets me nice birthday gifts!). A half mile swim, 20 mile bike ride, and 4 mile run completes this event.
http://www.sandestintriathlon.com/
Rosemary Beach
Jim DelMauro Rosemary Run (5K)
October 8, 2011
A picturesque running tour through the beautiful community of Rosemary Beach, FL. Proceeds benefit Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. For more information, call 850-231-1861 or visit http://tinyurl.com/RBPDRU.
Apalachicola Bay, FL
October 23, 2011
Now this one is a real doozie! A 5k and a 10k (for the lightweights!), a half marathon, full marathon, and an ultra 50k (that’s 31 miles folks!) for all the mega runners! I’m quite positive that after running this, you will no longer forget The Forgotten Coast! I’ll place this one on my list of races I need to work up to!
Seaside
Seaside Half Marathon
First Weekend in March, 2012
I slacked on this race and didn’t register this year but am definitely signing up last year (it happen to be the weekend after I ran my half marathon in Orlando and I just couldn’t get into it. I’m a wimp, right?!). It’s a nice, flat jog down Scenic Hwy 98 from Seaside, FL to Gulf Place and back to Seaside for the after party! Proceeds benefit the Seaside Neighborhood School.
Lace up your racing shoes and get goin’! We can’t wait to see you here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Escape the Beach
I would be remiss if I did not mention one of my most favorite attractions for locals and tourists in Destin. Why have I not mentioned this before?
Is it because it has become such an interglacial part of my summer days that I have overlooked it due to it’s familiarity? If you’re looking for a great escape from your beach days and conveniently located in the heart of your Destin Vacation Rental, check out Big Kahunas Water Park. The park spans from front to back with all sorts of slides: tube slides, twisty, scary, fast slides, and kiddy slides. Two lazy rivers envelope the park. This is where you’ll find me floating around in the sun.
Ever year, I purchase the season passes. They’re a great deal considering if you go (I believe it’s 2.5 times), it pays for itself. (Little secret: at the beginning of August, season passes go on sale for 2012 but you can also use them for the end of this season, 2011. So, if you plan on visiting before Labor Day and plan on coming back anytime next spring or summer, this is a super deal!!). Other fantastic points for visitors, there is a plethora of lifeguards in every pool, slide, waterway, and waterfall. This puts my mind at ease and maybe yours, too. Concession stands and drink stands a’plenty. These come in handy after hours of water-sliding. Can you believe I can still work up an appetite floating in the lazy river? That or I just like pizza and hot pretzels! Plenty of good ole’ fashion fun to be had at Big Kahunas.
Can’t wait to see you there~
The Hometown Tourist
Sandestin Music Festival
Just when you think summer is almost over, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is throwing a party. Not just any party, a collection of country and rock songwriters and performers including Jeffrey Steele, Rhett Akins, Lari White, James Slater, The Pernikoff Brothers, and Joanna Cotton. The Sandestin Music Festival kicks off August 12, 2011 at the Village of Baytown Wharf at 6 p.m. and wraps up on August 13, 2011 at 10 p.m. These musical acts are sure to lift those end-of-the-summer blues. “We invite everyone to gather their families and join us for a wonderful weekend of top-shelf entertainment, ” says John Russell, Sandestin resort chief. “This is the perfect way for us to cap the summer season.” Download your free admission ticket for the festival here.
Need a place to stay? Check out our Destin Vacation Rentals or Hwy30A/South Walton Vacation Rentals for great deals in lodging for the festival.
Can’t wait to see you there!
-The Hometown Tourist
See our Shining Sea
If you’ve been reading this blog long enough, you know that I am a holiday junkie: food, friends and family, and themed decorations. It makes me want to find something to celebrate every single day. I can’t think about the 4th without thinking of all the cookouts, watermelon eating, and sparklers that have become associated with my 4th’s. For those of you lucky enough to be at the beach, you will see the most beautiful sight when the illumination of the fireworks cast upon the waters. While I will not be at the beach to celebrate (sniff, sniff) I won’t leave you without a list of party spots. We can’t wait for you to see our shining sea!
Need a last minute place to stay? Check out our accommodations at BeachGuide. Another great offer available from BeachGuide at the Resorts of Pelican Beach.
Panama City, FL
Salute to Freedom: Festival and Fireworks
Date: 07/04/2011
Time: 2:00-10:00PM
A festival celebrating America’s Independence. This year’s July 4th event is called “Salute to Freedom” and will feature live entertainment all day concluding with the $25,000 fireworks display! The event will be simulcast on local radio stations as well. This event attracts up to 50,000 spectators each year.
Fireworks Cruise aboard the Lady Anderson Yacht
Date: 07/04/2011
Take the dinner cruise, featuring a delicious buffet, and enjoy the firework display from the water. Tickets start at $65.00 for adults. Boarding is at 6:30 pm and the cruise runs from 7:00pm to 10:15pm.
Just want to enjoy the fireworks show, Board Capt. Anderson and watch the amazing displays from the water! Boarding starts at 7:30pm and cruise runs from 8:00pm to 10:15pm. Call for pricing.
Star Spangled Spectacular
Date: 07/04/2011
Time: 4:00-10:00PM
The Veteran’s Dedication 9:00AM-all veterans invited to attend. Pier Park Star Spangled Spectacular starts at 2 p.m. Children’s crafts and family activities start at 2:00PM at the BookIt Beach. Entertainment stage opens at 2 p.m. featuring Haden: Tootsies House Band, Crossfire: Army Band & Navy Bands. The Panama City POPS honor troops and veterans 7:30 p.m. at Aaron Bessant Park with a live concert! Followed by Fireworks at 9:00 pm. – Join us for Panama City Beach’s premier fireworks display! Listen to the synchronized music show during the fireworks on 92.5FM WPAP!
Co. Hwy 30A
-July 3 Pre-4th of July party @ Seaside beach. 9pm-12am. Join your friends and family on the beach in Seaside for a Pre-July 4th fireworks show to get everyone into the Independence Day spirit! Head down to the beach early to grab your seat in front of the Seaside Pavilion before the show, which starts at 9PM!
-7am-9pm 4th of July Celebration @ Rosemary Beach
-8am South Walton 4th of July Parade
-Red, White and Baytowne @Baytowne Wharf
-7-9:30 pm Stars, Stripes July 4th Celebration @Seaside, FL
Destin, FL
Destin Commons
The Destin Commons is heating things up with a hot new summertime event – Smoke on the Coast. This family-friendly event held at one of our family’s favorite hotspots is set for Saturday, July 2 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Kick off your Fourth of July weekend by gathering your family and friends to find out who is boss of the sauce at this barbecue cook-off. Teams from Hard Rock Café, Poppy’s Sports Bar, Bass Pro, Valleycrest, 98 Bar-B-Que and Hog Heaven are donning aprons and wielding barbecue brushes in order to claim the bragging rights of this inaugural event.
In addition to finger-licking tasty barbecue, there will tons of fun festivities for kids such as art projects, face painting, pirate magic, and bouncy houses. All ages will enjoy live music, special giveaways and a fantastic fireworks display at 9 p.m.
The Emerald Grande
Hot dog eating contest sponsored by Dave’s Dog and spectacular fireworks display. Darnit, I hate missing this. I love a good hot dog eating contest!!!
Happy Independence, watermelon-eating, barbecuing Day!!
Hope to see you here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Essentials to Pack for the Beach
Rental condos and houses often only supply the bare essentials. Thankfully these days, you’ll almost always find a coffee maker and blender! To meet your needs during your vacation, consider packing or buying the following items to make your stay more comfortable.
- Coffee filters
- Salt, pepper, staples, and favorite condiments
- Dishwashing liquid and a sponge
- Extra dishwasher detergent
- Paper towels and napkins
- Zip-top bags. Essential for leftovers and packing sandwiches and snacks for the beach.
- Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
- Garbage bags. You can never have enough of these.
- Laundry detergent. With three children, I do laundry at the beach!
- Regular-size bar soap. Those small bars don’t do the job.
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toilet paper
- Hangars
- Beach towels
- Beach chairs and umbrellas. Depending on where you stay, rentals may or may not be available.
- Extra ice!
The Heat Is On!
Is it hot out here or is my credit card burning a hole in my pocket?
I realize that for most, Spring Fever means getting that “itch” to blow off work and hit the beach. To me, the itch is in the form of a little bite from the shopping bug. I have found that the Rx for this is a strong dose of serious, hard-core shopping. I started my daily dose of medicine a few days back when I invited my very pregnant friend on a “walk” (she wasn’t aware that I desperately needed to revamp my summer wardrobe). I tricked her into this walk and told her I need to write a blog posting for Beachguide.com and needed to “experience” different stores. I continued to explain to her that I am paid to write about my experiences and this is research that I have to conduct for “work”. Man, pregnant women are gullible!! We grabbed our Starbucks and started our journey in Seaside, FL. I eased her into this excursion by first stopping at the cutest little kiddy shop, Duckies. 
I told her that this stop was for her and we would look for little girly thing’ies for her new baby. What I didn’t realize is, that I may end up enjoying this shop more than Madam Preggers. This is the cutest little novelty shop full of toys, clothing, baby tutu’s, candy, ruffly-butt bloomers (soooo stinkin’ cute) and even a line of maternity tops and diaper bags. I just adored this shop and need to find a small child to take with me so I have an excuse to go again. I wondered how many times the store employee’s hear “omg, that is so cute” in the course of one day.
Next stop: Perspicasity
I always have to stop through this outdoor marketplace to refill my bohemian apparel. One of my dearest friends once told me that my fashion style was “beachy”. My interpretation of that comment was that my style represented a very free-spirit, cottony, flowy look which was a compliment to my inner surf girl spirit. I walked away with two of these beach sarongs (which I searched all over Mexico for and now found them right down the road) which can be worn in a variety of ways. I wore mine yesterday and literally came up with a minimum of three ways to wear this. Last night, I sported the “I feel bloated and need a loose sheet wrapped across my body” look. I looked cute despite feeling inflated like a beach ball. There are few garments that can pull-off such a feat. Hence the reason I purchased two. Worth. Every. Penny!
I have a tween daughter. If you have one, too, you know they have a…..unique….style! It’s an ongoing battle to satisfy both mom and daughter simultaneously (they say it doesn’t get easier until daughter is mid-twenties. God bless us!). I’ve had the opposite experience at Snap Tween. Cute little dresses and apparel as well as novelty accessories. And tweens looooove accessories! Charm bracelets, charm flip flops (think Croc jewels only for flip-flops), hot pink earphones, and peace-sign sunglasses. I had just as much fun in this store as my tween, which I thought would be impossible!
Next stop: Pier Park (just give me a day to cool down my credit card)!
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Vision Airlines announced it’s new hub will be none other than…..{drum roll please}...Northwest Florida Regional Airport! Starting June 1, 2011, Vision Airlines will add 100 new flights to it’s roster. Vision targets the leisure traveler and aims to connect more cities in the southeast. Keep an eye out (get it?? vision…eye..? I tried!) for promotional fares to their new destinations. Getting to your Destin Vacation Rental has never been easier.
Vacationers, please fasten your safety belts. It looks like you’ll be experiencing a smooth and comfortable ride to the beach.
Wish you were here!
-The Hometown Tourist
Giddy for Graffiti
One of my most favorite events is right around the corner, Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach. Alys Beach gives artists from all over the world the opportunity to display their original work while competing for $10,000 worth of combined prize money, awarded in five different categories.
“We are seeing work that continues to push digital materials in unique ways, allowing for more expressive, even soulful, results. The diversity of work has expanded as well, with submissions coming to us from Turkey, New Zealand and Senegal, to name a few. This year’s walls at Alys Beach will see even brighter and more provocative work, building on a global awareness and maturity that makes the festival an important venue for projected art and artists,” says Brett Phares, Digital Graffiti Curator for Alys Beach.
And if you’re a social butterfly like me, you’ll enjoy being on the scene and being seen! The d.j. and strategically placed cocktail bars keep the party moving around the pool and through all the exhibits. A must-do on your vacation itinerary. The fourth annual Digital Graffiti Festival at Alys Beach will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011. Purchase tickets here. Need a place to lay your sleepy head after the party? Check out Highway 30-A vacation rentals.
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See you there!
-The Hometown Tourist
TripAdvisor recently named Destin, FL in the top 25 destinations in the U.S. The “beautiful, clear green water” and “extremely fine, soft sand” make Destin, FL a must-see beach destination. No surprise to all the visitors who frequently visit the beaches of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast! And it’s certainly no surprise to locals! Way to go Destin!
