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| · July 18, 2003 · |
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· Beaches Of South Walton Announces Autumn Tides Events For 2003 Season Destination Gives Visitors A Reason To Visit Florida This FallWALTON COUNTY, Fla. (July 17, 2003) - Florida's 13 most scenic communities fill their fall calendars with festivals celebrating everything from food and wine to the arts and sports. Beaches of South Walton's Autumn Tides program highlights the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast and pays homage to some of the region's most popular artists. Pleasant 70-degree temperatures and fantastic seasonal rates await visitors from September through December. "Fall is the best time of year to visit the beach," according to Dr. Stephen Leatherman Director of the University of Maryland's Laboratory for Coastal Research (a.k.a. Dr. Beach). "The water is still warm and the fragrant air is refreshingly cooler." Food and wine festivals combine savory scents, succulent seafood and specialty wines. The first event of the season, Lobster Fest & Cabernet & Chardonnay Shoot Out (August 29-30), celebrates crisp wines with more than 50 Chardonnays & Pinot Noirs for guests to sample. Later in the season, the Seeing Red Wine Festival (November 6-9) features more than 200 wines from around the world and award-winning guest winemakers. Environmental events celebrate the area's unspoiled coast, sugar-white sand, pristine sand dunes, and scenic nature trails. In October, Back to Nature Eco-Tourism Festival (October 4-5) celebrates the great outdoors with a wide variety of activities including kayaking, guided nature walks, hiking, biking, fishing and much more. Visitors explore this region's natural vegetation and wildlife while enjoying breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, pristine sand dunes and coastal dune lakes. When the moon rises, local legends and folklore are told around the bonfire at Grayton State Park. Vibrant sights and sounds fill the air with live performances, films and concerts. Some of the country's most talented filmmakers gather at The Annual Baytowne Film Festival (September 27-28), screening independent and student films in a cozy beachside setting. Visitors experience local culture at Grit & Grace "Lessons Learned" (October 25-26; November 1-2 and 8-9), an official Folk-Life Production, which entertains audiences with a theatrical presentation of southern charm, culture and humor. Sporting events bring cheers and celebrate healthy, active lifestyles. Women's tennis heats up at the Ladies' Club Challenges in Sandestin (September 19-21 and 26-28; October 17-19; November 7-9), while Trek for the Coast (September 13), a certified 10-mile competition and 5K fun run, takes runners for an invigorating race through the scenic beachside communities which line the coast. Family-friendly events entertain children and parents alike. An annual tradition at Gulf Place, the Flutterby Children's Art Festival (October 11) highlights art and encourages creativity with more than 100 arts and crafts booths, a display of children's works and interactive art exhibits. A petting zoo, moonwalk and other kids' activities round out the day. Hometown Holiday (November 28) kicks off the gift-giving season with more than 100 vendors showcasing arts and crafts, along with children's activities including a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, train ride, carriage rides, and live entertainment. Those with a keen sense for a great deal will enjoy Autumn Tides' shopping extravaganzas. Silver Sands, the nation's largest designer factory outlet, holds a Treasure Hunt (October 10-19) like no other, inviting guests to find great deals while competing for the grand prize-an authentic "Autumn Tides" watercolor by renowned artist Donna Burgess, and a collection of Silver Sands Factory Stores merchandise. South Walton Community Yard Sale (October 11) held in the quaint town of Seaside is one of the top attractions of the fall with finds including designer lamps, antiques and much more. Autumn Tides events complement this time of year when the beach is serene and the sound of waves lapping the shore is heard for miles. A complete list of Autumn Tides events is attached and is also available online at www.beachesofsouthwalton.com. Visitors interested in learning more about packages for specific event weekends can learn more about the region by visiting www.beachesofsouthwalton.com, or by calling 1-800-822-6877. About Beaches of South Walton Beaches of South Walton, nestled in Florida's Panhandle, is a destination known for its eclectic communities, natural beauty and fine dining. The area's 13 picturesque communities are bordered by a coastline full of perfectly sculpted sand dunes, stunning sugar white sand and clear aqua water. It is the only destination in the nation to have 26 contiguous miles of sugar-white beaches certified as Blue Wave beaches by the Clean Beaches Council. It also includes one of the "Best Beaches in the Nation" according to Dr. Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a., Dr. Beach). To learn more, visit www.beachesofsouthwalton.com. Media Contact: Tracy Louthain Senior Account Executive 404-262-3000 x6351 |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |