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Spring Fever

Feb 23 11
by The Hometown Tourist

Hot flashes?   Hallucinations?   Not to worry.   No need to pick up the phone and call the Doc.   It’s a mild case of Spring Fever but, be warned, it’s more contagious and severe with every day that goes by.   The cure?   Pack your bags and visit the beaches of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.   From Fort Walton […]

February deals and steals!

Feb 7 11
by The Hometown Tourist

Stay two nights and receive the third free in Seaside, FL!   Who’s ready for an early spring break?

No Way, $49 One Way?!

Jan 19 11
by The Hometown Tourist

Vision Airlines announces introductory flight offers as low as $49 from the Beaches of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast (airport code VPS) to locations all over the Southeast and even to Niagara Falls, N.Y. Newest flight schedule is as follows: March 25: Destin/Fort Walton Beach to: Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Atlanta; Louisville; Little Rock; Baton Rouge; […]

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Jan 17 11
by The Hometown Tourist

Despite it being the second week of January, I have yet to make my New Year’s Resolution List (unless you count the never-accomplished, rollover resolutions from last year’s list)! I decided that there are so many things I want to do, see, and experience right in my own backyard.   Something more realistic to accomplish than […]

Tour de’ 30A

Dec 29 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I have an old friend who was a Florida transplant (military) and relocated to Germany.   A few weekends ago, the once flip-flop-wearing friend returned to the beach for a short visit.   As the Hometown Tourist, I felt it my obligation and delight to give my friend an official Tour de’ 30A.   Our plan was to […]

Getting There is Half the Fun

Dec 12 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I consider myself a Solutions Girl.   I [halfway] joke and tell my friends if they have a problem, I will have the solution.   So when I ran across a news write-up on PCBDaily.com, I just knew I had to re-post. I should give you a little backup information about this post.   We have a new […]

Hooks, Lines, and Singers 2011

Dec 1 10
by The Hometown Tourist

The 30-A Song Writers Festival is making it’s annual debut January 14-16, 2011.   Hosted by the Cultural Arts Association of Walton County,   nationally recognized artists as well as up-and-coming acts will be shakin’ booties and moving souls up and down Hwy 30-A.   (Side note:   last year, I purchased a custom scented body cream from Patchouli’s […]

Santa’s Gettin’ Sandy

Nov 18 10
by The Hometown Tourist

The Holiday’s are back!   If it wasn’t for the calendar, I would have a hard time believing that to be true after sitting on the beach this past weekend.   I mean, really?   Thanksgiving is next weekend?!   I’ve probably gained 5 pounds just typing the word Thanksgiving!   Hopefully the ongoing list of local events will help […]

CNN loves PCB!

Nov 17 10
by The Hometown Tourist

CNN names Panama City one of 5 Value Destinations for Winter Travel.   Yah!

North meets South

Nov 8 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I admit that I am a Southern Girl.   In fact, snow and all things cold-weather frighten me.   When it gets below 65 degrees, I start pulling out my wool sweaters and boots and prepare for hibernation.   It’s just part of being raised in the South but there is a part of me that, around the […]

Sweet Treats

Oct 26 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I just couldn’t believe my eyes this morning.   As if you need another reason to visit the beach during the most awe-mazing months of the year, check out this sweet deal from Southwest Airlines.   Flights between Dec 1-15 & Jan 4-Feb 16, 72 hours only!! Stop reading this and start booking! Wish you were here~ […]

A Real Pain-In-The-Neck

Oct 25 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I’m a big believer that the right person is put into your path at the right time in life for a particular reason.   I have two such people that I’m referring to in this blog, both whom saved me from my big, pain-in-the-neck kinda month.     About a month ago, I literally had a huge pain […]

Sounds of the Beach

Oct 12 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about one of my favorite series of events that takes place here at the beach.   All along the coast from October-May, the orchestral sounds of Sinfonia Gulf Coast ring through the air.   Kicking off the season is Mary Wilson of the Supremes followed by Orchestral Holiday […]

I Taste Autumn

Oct 5 10
by The Hometown Tourist

Helllloooo October!   I can’t believe it’s that time of year again.   I have officially turned off my air conditioner in both my house and car and am enjoying the most amazing weather here at the beach.   I’m amazed and tickled to see and hear everyone talking about how beautiful the weather is and how spending […]

The Fountain of Youth

Sep 20 10
by The Hometown Tourist

There is nothing that sends you back to childhood as quick as an ice cream sundae buffet.   I know this because I was quickly transported to age 9 at U-Twirl in Destin, FL last Saturday.   Walking in as the adult, I was trying to figure out the correct protocol for concocting my sundae; identifying the […]

One man’s trash is a beachgoer’s treasure

Aug 30 10
by The Hometown Tourist

There is something that I really love about antiquing.   It wasn’t too long ago that I realized this passion that has since become a hobby of sorts, albeit a hobby that I really know nothing about yet enjoy every moment.   There is something about scouring through the shops looking for….well…. I’ve never really looked for […]

Take a paid vacation!

Aug 8 10
by The Hometown Tourist

In this economy, it’s tough to hang on to a job, let alone have a benefits package with a paid vacation.   We can’t change the economy and we’re not your HR department, but we can increase your vacation benefits package!   Now through September 30, 2010, Beaches of South Walton will reward you with a $250 […]

When the beaches are rockin’, please come a’knockin’

Aug 3 10
by The Hometown Tourist

As if you need another reason to visit the beach, check out these amazing concerts coming to a beach near you. Amazing deals on accommodations are available in the Destin, FL, South Walton area, Fort Walton Beach, FL, or Panama City Beach, FL.   Free concerts and lodging deals?   Why aren’t you down here yet?! Seaside […]

Feel Good Shopping!

Aug 2 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I feel like I’ve been living under a giant, organic rock this summer!   For a few years now, I’ve heard of the Seaside Farmers Market where local vendors sell local goods, but, had yet to attend.   Last Saturday, I went and have been talking about it nonstop (to anyone who would listen) since. I brought […]

Gulf World Shows Thrill and Delight All Ages

Jul 27 10
by Renee Taliaferro

  If you’re headed to Panama City Beach or nearby, make sure to set aside half a day for an unforgettable visit to Gulf World Marine Park. On a recent trip, my mom and I found ourselves with a free afternoon, so we decided to plan a day full of adventure on this Destin beach […]

Beaches of South Walton launches new ad campaign

Jul 26 10
by The Hometown Tourist

Beaches of South Walton launches “Be beaches of South Walton” campaign.   This 90-day radio and television ad campaign is funded by BP and distributed to the Beaches of South Walton to boost a damaged tourism market as a result of the Gulf Coast Oil Spill.   The campaign focuses on the growing cultural experiences available along […]

The Hometown Tourist to visit Gulf Shores, Alabama

Jul 6 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I received some amazing news last week that makes me feel like a very lucky girl.   Remember about a week ago, I blogged about the Jimmy Buffett benefit concert?   Well, it got reschedule and I got tickets!! Can you believe it?!   Someone pinch me please!   I’m excited to explore Gulf Shores, dine out, lay on […]

Repping it up on a Tuesday night

Jul 1 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I’m ashamed to admit that in the last 9 years of it’s existence, I have yet to attend a performance by the Seaside Repertory Theatre.   Last week, we checked out the schedule and saw there was multiple children’s performances as well as shows for the grown children (I have yet to admit that I’m an […]

Cool for a Cause

Jun 29 10
by The Hometown Tourist

Life on the Emerald Coast can be very rewarding.   I’m not just speaking of our the beautiful beaches, dining, and shopping.   I’m talking about the real things in life that are rewarding.   The small gifts that make a big impact.   I’m talking about the gift of giving.   I’ve come across a few do-gooder events coming […]

Jimmy Buffett & Friends- live from the Gulf Coast

Jun 23 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I’ve always loved Jimmy Buffett.   He wears flip flops around the clock, sings about margaritas, and loves the beach.   In fact, he was born and raised on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.   And recently I found another reason to love him: the Jimmy Buffett & Friends benefit concert.   This free concert is scheduled on July […]

Abrakadoodle

Jun 15 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I’m trying to figure out how I can rewind time.   I’d like to be a kid again.   I can think of many reasons why being a kid is fantastic (eating cookies and not gaining an ounce, playing until I pass out, not paying bills, etc.) but if I were anywhere between the ages of 5-12 […]

Pomp and Cirque-umstance

Jun 15 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I wasn’t sure what to expect when we decided to go to Le Grande Cirque this weekend. Located at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, Le Grand Cirque is a traveling Cirque Du Soleil show. I was interested as I heard feedback that it was an amazing show, but not until I experienced it, did I understand […]

aaargg

Jun 8 10
by The Hometown Tourist

Last weekend was the 55th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival in Fort Walton Beach, FL.   Celebrated by locals and visitors alike, Billy Bowlegs hosts a fun party on the water (think Mardi Gras on the beach; I’d keep the kids home for this one) and family-friendly activities including a pirate parade and fireworks (both kid […]

Digital Graffiti Show at Alys Beach

Jun 6 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I’ve seen a lot of graffiti in my day but I can’t remember the last time I went out of my way too see it.   Oh wait, yes, it was this time last year at the annual Digital Graffiti show at Alys Beach, FL.   Artists from around the world are selected by a panel of […]

Seaside Rocks

Jun 2 10
by The Hometown Tourist

I spent Friday night of Memorial weekend   in Seaside, FL and it rocked!   Not just because it was Seaside, but because Seaside is one of the local resorts that host free outdoor concerts during the summer.   Last weekend, a local band called Heritage performed and they happen to be one of my favorite bands.   I’m […]