More and more people are flocking to the beach as domestic and outdoor tourism rises, which means several coastal areas are seeing an increase in visitors. While the benefit of a beach vacation during the COVID-19 pandemic is that it allows for relatively safe travel, you still don’t want to be around large crowds, even […]
Fort Morgan Public Boat Launch Fort Morgan’s Public Boat Launch provides courtesy access to the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With multiple slips allowing four boats to be launched or retrieved simultaneously, boating enthusiasts can come and go with ease. Ten parking spots allow for individuals or groups to meet for a day […]
You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy a trip to Fort Morgan. Located on Mobile Point, a little more than 20 miles from Gulf Shores, it’s off the beaten path but definitely worth the trip. Completed in 1834, the fort was designed to control the main ship channel into Mobile Bay, so […]
There are literally hundreds of decisions to be made when planning a wedding. The first one is deciding where you want to get married. For those of us in love with the sugar-white sands of the Gulf Coast, a beach wedding is an ideal way to personalize the celebration. And the icing on the wedding […]
Beach Wedding Checklist
Both romantic and practical, beach weddings are popular with busy couples who want their big day to stand out from the crowd. The white sands and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico form a dramatic backdrop that’s guaranteed to make your wedding memorable. Other attractive Gulf Coast beach wedding venues include lush tropical […]
(Reef photos courtesy of Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary and Navarre Beach Marine Science Station.) Take a look from the balcony of your Navarre beachfront condo or from a beach chair on the sugar-white sands, and there’s no denying that Navarre Beach boasts a natural beauty that stands above most other Northwest Florida vacation destinations. But there […]
On your next trip to Destin, why restrict all your fun to the beach? The Gulf of Mexico is home to thousands of marine creatures, and they offer plenty to explore beyond the water’s edge. But few inhabitants of the Gulf capture the imagination as well as dolphins. With their mouths curved into permanent smiles, […]
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 […]
Where you stay on vacation truly can make or break your experience. Booking a hotel room has been the traditional vacation practice for decades, and it’s an economical choice for a short stay. But vacation rentals – private homes and condominiums, typically located in residential areas – offer a different experience. Rentals not only feel […]
You’ve picked your dream beach destination, found a vacation rental, and you’re booking your stay, but inevitably you’ve got one more decision to make: Should you or shouldn’t you buy travel insurance. What would happen to your beach vacation investment in the event of a tropical storm or an unforeseen illness? What if you have […]
While Destin, Florida might be well known for the spectacular Gulf views from its sugar-white beaches, there’s another vantage point that provides even better views – and way more thrills as well. That’s the one from above via parasailing. A Unique Perspective Seeing this popular beach destination from 400 feet in the air provides the […]
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 each […]
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 […]
It’s 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 […]
Discover Florida’s Forgotten Coast
The 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, superb fishing, and mouth-watering seafood, but there […]
Imagine you’re a bird soaring above the sparkling Gulf of Mexico, just where the waters meet the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. What would you see? Maybe schools of fish swimming below, or a pod of dolphins playing a few hundred feet under your toes. Perhaps you’d catch a glimpse of sea turtles nesting […]
Immerse yourself in a delightful array of handmade arts and crafts during this year’s Siesta Fiesta Art Festival. The annual block party is scheduled for May 4-5 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in beautiful downtown Sarasota, Florida. The Street Fair setting will be in 5 Points Park and will showcase the unique creations of artists and […]
The sugar-white sands of Clearwater Beach will soon become raw material for works of art during the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. Sixteen of the world’s best sand sculptors are lined up to participate in this year’s 10th annual festival. It’s scheduled for March 29th – April 14th and themed “Sands of Time.” These incredible […]
St. Petersburg, Florida, comes alive with the blues at Vinoy Waterfront Park during the highly acclaimed Tampa Bay Blues Festival. Hailed as one of the world’s finest blues music events, the festival, scheduled this year for April 6-8, packs out the house with three days of legendary sounds from some of the biggest names in […]
Head to the Anna Maria Island Art League’s 30th Annual Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts and dive into art of all colors, textures, and mediums. Held each year in Holmes Beach, the biggest community on this beautiful barrier island, Springfest brings people of all ages together to share its three biggest attractions […]
You know you love to run. And you know you love the beach. So, what are you waiting for? Join the folks at Boca Grande Community Center for an island 5K Run and Fun Walk through the historic town, one of Southwest Florida’s premier spots to take in the sun. Not only is the event […]
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, […]
Art connoisseurs know that the love of art comes from the heart, bringing joy and visual engagement. So it’s no wonder that “For the Love of Art,” a festive cocktail party/gala organized by the Naples Art Association, is a highly anticipated event that has become as unique as the artistic creativity and artists it showcases. […]
If you ever need a reason to head to the beach, ArtFest Fort Myers is destined to be one of them. The popular event gives you all the fun and sun you need wrapped in one sweet weekend. Held each February on the city’s beautiful waterfront, ArtFest features original artwork from more than 200 experienced […]
The Intracoastal Waterway will become a sea of floating holiday-light displays on December 2nd during the 35th annual Venice, Florida Christmas Boat Parade. Seasoned boating enthusiasts and novices alike will take to the water for the magical evening and a chance to claim top spot for the best-decorated holiday boat. The parade is set to […]
Nothing says celebrate like a Mardi Gras event coupled with a great batch of fresh, spicy gumbo, especially when you’re talking about the 20th Annual Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off scheduled for February 17, 2018. Held during a season of smaller beach crowds and ideal Florida temperatures, this popular event features the best gumbo and Brunswick […]
Finding the perfect beach vacation rental to book for a reasonable price can be difficult. So, we suggest that rather than struggle with uncertainty, you go through an experienced and reputable property management company when booking vacation rentals. In addition to making the booking process easier, the advantages of using a pro may include discounts, […]
Come one! Come all! Whether you’re a devoted Hemingway fan, a Key West lover, a white-bearded “Papa” Hemingway look alike, a fisherman, a paddleboard pro, a 5K enthusiast, a big-time partier, or all of the above, you’re in for six days of unrivaled fun at 2017 Hemingway Days. The 37th annual celebration of the life […]
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 will love. Plan some time […]
Music and beach lovers will experience rock-and-roll heaven on earth at the Monster Energy fifth annual Fort Rock Festival, Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. South Florida’s biggest rock festival will feature two stages with a lineup of artists that is sure to appeal to rock-and-roll […]