Travel Guide Article Index

7 Wonders of the Emerald Coast

For a couple thousand years the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World have remained the pinnacle of human ingenuity. Statutes and temples that were truly of Biblical proportions were included in this list. All were man-made, all monuments to mythological gods, leaders and kings, or power and opulence.

What sort of grand edifice would best represent the Emerald Coast? Could a quintessential catalog of man-made structures unique to this little slice of heaven be easily assembled? more

20 Hiking Safety Tips

Do not let the lack of mountains fool you! Hiking trails in Florida can be just as dangerous as hiking trails that run through mountain ranges. The biggest danger you face when hiking any trail is the people that are lurking on the trails with you. Do not assume that because you are in a state park or forest that you are safe from human nature. more

7 Wonders of the Emerald Coast: You Voted

The votes are in, the ballots counted and the readers have had their say. A list of what makes this region special, its own Seven Wonders, has been selected and it is no surprise that the Sugar White Beaches of the Florida Panhandle ranks as the number one wonder of the Emerald Coast. more

A little juice of the vine

Mix together temperate weather year round, long spring and summer seasons, plenty of rain and sunshine, and you have the right recipe for outstanding Florida wines. Matching the diverse and discriminating clientele found on the Emerald Coast, area wineries offer an astounding variety of regional, Italian, German, Australian and California wines. more

A new tourism pitch? Get pumped up

At least one resort is banking on packing their property by helping tourists overcome the pain at pump. The Gas Package offered by the Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach offers patrons a $50 gas card upon departure, with a 4-night minimum stay. more

A Tourist’s Guide to Roundabouts

It seems like a simple enough procedure – follow the directional signs in a counterclockwise manner (that means turn to your right), continuing in that direction until you can exit to your right on the desired road. You have successfully driven through a modern roundabout. Or, have you? For most Emerald Coast motorists driving through a roundabout, or the more common traffic circle, has become second nature – and this in an area where stop signs are often regarded as yield signals. Remarkably, courtesy is the norm and traffic moves easily around the British import. more

A ‘cool-er’ way to staying hydrated on the beach

“Cool, very cool” reads the sticker on the side of several coolers with handlebars parked out front of Beach Access gift shop on Old Highway 98. “They are cool man, real cool,” said Cruzin Cooler representative Rick Harmon. Since October of last year, Harmon has been the regional distributor for Cruzin Cooler motorized carts in Fort Walton Beach. Over the past several years, cooler scooters have become very popular along the beach and at sporting events such as NASCAR races, where they are easily accessible and permitted. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outfitters are now selling the electric coolers. more

Adventures on the Blackwater River

On a beautiful Thursday afternoon, two of my coworkers and I discussed all the outdoor activities we hoped to accomplish this summer. Within minutes, we had a canoe trip planned to the Blackwater River in Holt. We could not count down the days fast enough. Friday crept in and the mood was still light and happy. I convinced one of my other friends, also in the Freedom family, to wander out to Blackwater River State Park with us on Saturday. more

Air Force Armament Museum Is a Blast!

If you’re an airplane, military or history buff, a sure stop that you’All want to make on any visit to the Emerald Coast is the Air Force Armament Museum. The only museum of its kind, this collection is dedicated to all things associated with the weapons the Air Force uses and the delivery systems that put those weapons on target. more

Air travelers face ban on batteries

To help reduce the risk of fires, air travelers are no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage. The ban began Jan. 1. more

Area Attractions

All you've wanted to do for months was stretch out on the beach. You dreamed about it. You envisioned it. You wanted sand between your toes and you needed the sound of the tide. Taped to your computer screen, last year's postcard of our emerald green waters has tempted you and teased you, beckoned you to return - and now you are here. more

Back to Nature

A bright blue sky is reflected on the surface of the water Monday morning at the new Turkey Creek Walk North in Niceville. The park is accessed from College Boulevard near Twin Cities Hospital, north or upriver from the Turkey Creek Walk on John Sims Parkway. more

Beach Books

It just seems too hot to do much of anything this time of year — anything, that is, except pour a tall, cool drink and crack that stack of books you’ve been saving up for the lazy days of summer. Unless you’re a student facing long days of Tolstoy from the required list, doing some light reading is such a treat, bookstores sell a specific type of book to satisfy that need: Dedicated readers call them “beach reads” –books just perfect for putting in a beach bag while you soak up the sun. more

Beach Checklist

You are about to head off for a day at the beach, but you know that you always forget something everywhere you go. EmeraldCoast.com wants to make this a fabulous and stress-free day. That is why we have created this handy checklist that you can print out and easily take with you around the house as you gather up the appropriate items for a pleasure-filled day. more

Beach Photography: Capturing the Perfect Beach Memories

Anyone can take a picture, but not everyone can take a good picture. With a little help, you will be taking better beach pictures than all of your friends. Not to mention, you may actually look at your beach vacation shots again rather than leaving them to gather dust in your bedside table. more

Beyond the Tan

Carolyn Geiser goes to Sun Spot Atlantis tanning salon three times a week, but most of the time she doesn’t get in a tanning booth. more

Blackwater Canoe Trip

A canoe trip on the Blackwater River is the best way to spend a beautiful spring afternoon. Watch a video as one Fort Walton Beach man takes a trip down the Blackwater River on a Saturday afternoon in May. more

Call it “Scenic 30A”

County Road 30A is now known as Scenic 30A. The Scenic Corridor Committee was presented the designation at the Florida Department of Transportation office in Tallahassee at 4 p.m. on Feb. 20. The committee will now be working with the FDOT to place signs with the official scenic logo all along the road. more

Campground Hosts Needed in Florida

The perfect camping option for some people is serving as a volunteer campground host at any of 78 state parks throughout Florida. The year-round, short-term post - lasting no more than three to four months – offers a free campsite in exchange for as few as 20 hours a week work. more

Camping with Pets

You dusted off the tent and cleaned out the cooler. Hiking gear, bug spray, sleeping bags and water jugs are already packed in the car for a week-long camping trip to one of Florida’s beautiful state parks. The pet sitter will arrive in half an hour to discuss feeding and exercise routines for your two best friends. Back up a minute – why is the pet sitter on her way? Didn’t you know most Florida state parks allow travelers to camp with cats and dogs on the exception of a limited few? more

Can Panhandle beaches beat Mickey Mouse?

Branding is what gives Orlando the edge in attracting tourists over the Emerald Coast, ResortQuest’s Lino Maldonado says. “We’re Florida’s number two destination next to Orlando, but we have more empty rooms,” Maldonado, a member of Okaloosa County’s Tourist Development Council, said at this week’s TDC meeting. The reason, he said, is that Orlando is identified with Disney and even non-Disney attractions benefit from that. more

Catfish are Biting

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced a list of some of the best catfish fishing holes in the state and some of the Emerald Coast’s most pristine streams make the list! more

Coastal Dune Lakes at Topsail Hill are rare and precious

Come to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and discover a natural feature that sets it apart from other recreational and natural areas in the world; rare natural coastal dune lakes. These lakes are so rare that they are considered globally imperiled by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory. more

Creative financing proposed for beachfront parcel

Walton's Board of County Commissions gave the OK to William Wilson's representative, attorney George Miller of DeFuniak Springs, to go forward with attempts to secure over $10 million from private investors and grants for the purchase of an approximately 3.3 acre beachfront property near Angelo's, for conservation by the county. If the plan succeeds, the property's value has almost doubled since June 2004. more

Dam Fishing

Panama City’s landmark, Deer Point Dam, is one of the area’s most popular recreational sites for fishing, swimming and boating. There are many different places to fish in the dam area. You can fish off the dam catwalk, all along the shoreline and off a pier. They are all great places to cast a line, or you can get yourself a boat. more

DEP celebrates Florida Hiking Trails Month

Recognizing February as Florida Hiking Trails Month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is joining the Florida Trail Association to encourage Floridians to take advantage of Florida’s extensive trail system and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Trails System Act. more

Destin Area Things to Do

There is more to Destin than the 24-miles of sugar white beaches. Rest assured, there is plenty of sand and sun to go around, but on the off chance that you ever wonder if there is more to life than tanning on the beach – there is definitely more to do. Venture out to find a rich variety of places to see, activities to do and fun to be had. more

Dog Days of Summer

Summer vacation plans are made, the bags are packed, the car is filled with gas, coolers are full of snacks and drinks for the trip, and maps are tucked into the sun visor. Yet, there is that ever present feeling that something has been forgotten. The “thing” is Fluffy or Rover. When traveling with pets, which more and more families are doing, it is vital to prepare in advance. It isn’t simply a matter of loading the dogs and cats into the car and driving away. more

Dressing for a Day at the Beach

Dressing for a day at the beach sounds like an easy task, but so many Emerald Coast visitors happen upon the beaches in the wrong attire. We here on the Emerald Coast like to consider ourselves experts at dealing with the Florida sun and would like to pass on our first-hand knowledge to help make your stay pleasant and comfortable. After all, if you burn on the first day of vacation, you may end up spending the rest of your time inside putting on aloe rather than in our shops spending money. I am here to make sure that does not happen. more

Early Spring Break numbers show improvement

The umbrellas and volleyball nets are out, signifying the start of the annual Spring Break migration to area beaches. Although the beach season has just gotten underway businesses in the area are reporting an increase in the number of vacationers in the area as compared to last year. more

Emerald Coast Ink

You have plenty of options when it comes to tattoos in Panama City. However, if you want a high-quality, custom tattoo, there is only one place to go – Black Koi Tattoo in Callaway. Owner and artist Kim Landers has hand selected the other artists who work in her shop. more

Everyone Loves a Bargain

The Florida Panhandle is home to some of the country’s most expensive tourist attractions, but this has not stopped the Emerald Coast from bringing in a deluge of visitors to its sugar-white beaches, emerald green waters, and the much loved amusement parks. Aside from the millions, if not billions of dollars these attractions generate year-round, Florida also offers guests a myriad of ways to entertain themselves during their stay at bargain rates. more

Fishing the Emerald Coast

Back in 1845, Captain Leonard Destin settled in northwest Florida and pioneered the fishing industry here. Since Capt. Destin\'s first catches, the Emerald Coast has been known as a fisherman\'s paradise. Whether you fish off the shore of Okaloosa, Walton or Bay Counties, in Choctawhatchee Bay or St. Andrews Bay, or in the rivers, bayous and lakes in the area, anglers can be certain of a fishing fantasy come true. more

Florida State Parks Repeat National Award

Florida State Parks met another unprecedented milestone having won the National Recreation and Parks Gold Medal, recognizing the agency as the “Nation’s Best Park System” for a second time. Florida is the only state park system to have achieved that level of recognition. Earlier this year, Florida State Parks also reached a national record of 1 million hours of donated volunteer hours. A major economic contributor, state parks generated more than $665 million in revenue in the last fiscal year, employing 13,000 rangers and management staff, and providing recreation outlets for over 17 million annual visitors. more

Freshwater Fishing in Florida

Ask anyone, or just read the billboards as you cross Destin Bridge. Fishing for pleasure, sport or profession, is a thriving business on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is a place where diners can watch from their table as the fishing fleets bring the “Catch of the Day” for local restaurants. While the focus is on saltwater fishing, with anglers pulling in record Wahoo, tuna and other deep-sea monsters, Florida also offers a wealth of freshwater possibilities. more

Friends of Eden Gardens presents Easter at Eden

The Friends of Eden Gardens, a citizen support organization of the Florida Park Service for Eden Gardens State Park, is sponsoring Easter at Eden on March 23 from noon to 3 p.m. at the park. This is the 8th year the Friends of Eden have sponsored Easter at Eden. Families in the community are encouraged to bring a picnic, kick back and listen to bluegrass music while the kids have fun. more

Get connected

As our world continues to get smaller and smaller, the technology needed to help us keep pace with our shrinking space has gotten more cosmic. Before when on vacation, keeping in touch with family, friends, or especially the office, was a challenge. Now, all you need is a laptop computer and a WiFi connection. more

Going to the Dogs

About 20 miles north of Panama City Beach, in the small town of Ebro, a mechanical rabbit rounds a track as eight greyhounds chase after it. Spectators watch on cheering as they place bets on which dog they think will win. more

Gone Fishin

Picture it – azure skies, emerald green gulf waters, sugar white beaches, a slight breeze, warm sun and a fishing pole. You’re in paradise! When vacationing on the Emerald Coast part of that stay should be devoted to one of America’s favorite pastimes – fishing. One of the best reasons for fishing here is that there are so many options, and so many fish to catch. more

Greenway Trail Opens

Construction has been completed and the Greenway Trail is open to the public. Walkers and cyclists can meander through approximately one mile of paved paths and timber bridges throughout South Walton County’s government and education complex. The various trails offer the public a close up view of indigenous plants, trees, creek beds and wetlands, all of which is handicap accessible. The $650,000 project began in March 2007. The county has recently purchased eight acres behind South Walton High School for a park connecting to the trails. more

Guide to Destin

One of the youngest municipalities on the Gulf Coast, Destin’s heritage can be traced to Connecticut fisherman Leonard Destin, who settled here about 1845. For decades he and his descendants fished and navigated the only channel passage to the Gulf of Mexico between Panama City and Pensacola, known as Destin’s East Pass. Find out more about local culture by visiting the Destin History & Fishing Museum located at 108 Stahlman Ave., next door to the Destin Community Center. more

Guide to Panama City

With a long history as a port for travelers, Panama City remains the perfect spot for weary vacationers, with its 27 miles of coastline offering ample opportunity for fishing, swimming, boating, diving and snorkeling. Panama City has earned a reputation as one of the premier diving locations in the south. There are 50 artificial reefs and several sunken ships teeming with marine life where divers can swim among small corals, colorful sponges, mantas, crustacean of all kinds, and seemingly endless schools of baitfish. Natural reefs, 3 to 8 feet high, stand no more than 110 feet offshore offering the perfect spot to view native fish and other sea creatures. more

Hiking the Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast is more than sand and sea! The Emerald Coast is a hiker’s paradise with a number of trails just waiting to be discovered by you. This is a nature enthusiast’s guide to hiking on the Emerald Coast. Get ready for an inside look at state parks, forests and trails. You are about to discover the best hiking locations across the Emerald Coast. more

How to Not Look Like a Tourist

Let’s face it – we can all spot a tourist from a mile away. They are the ones that have the kids on leashes and are constantly digging for maps in their fanny packs. They always have the camera ready even if it is just to take a couple dozen pictures of the stop sign in front of the hotel that they are staying.The Emerald Coast thrives off of the money that is brought in from the tourist industry; therefore, it is our personal mission to educate the tourist. more

Is artwork now only for the rich?

As local artists get creative in finding ways to market their work in a slow economy, some ponder the question of whether artwork will become a luxury that only the rich can afford. Area artists have varying opinions on the subject, with several expressing beliefs that it has always been a luxury item for the wealthy. more

It’s not easy being Green

When taking a vacation on the Florida Panhandle, it’s not just the crystal clear Emerald waters that are green. Thanks to an innovative program established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, visitors can now choose a hotel that has a Green Lodging designation. more

Landmark PCB mini-golf attraction getting face-lift

PANAMA CITY BEACH - At Goofy Golf on Front Beach Road, a 50-foot Easter Island head competes for attention with a golden dragon, a pirate ship, dinosaurs and a giant monkey. The outlandish statues were built nearly 50 years ago out of rebar, steel and stucco and have done their work well for decades. more

Leave the driving to us

Traveling has become more difficult with rising gasoline prices, but once arriving on the Emerald Coast, it is easy to park and ride, or hop a shuttle from just about anywhere in town for less than one gallon of gas. Thanks to the public transit systems in Okaloosa County and Panama City, visitors and locals can get around without spending an arm and a leg. more

Losing ourselves

Don\'t let your next Emerald Coast vacation become a nightmare. A report from the trenches: One couple\'s battle to regain their identity. more

Magazine editors to share travel writing tips

Southern Living Magazine editor Richard Banks and SweetTea Journal editor Todd Keith will participate in the 13th annual Florida Chautauqua Assembly by leading a session titled “So You Want to Be a Travel Writer?” on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. Banks and Keith will share tips, advice, and their experience – from the corporate and freelance side – during this insiders’ look at the world of travel writing. more

Make it a safe day at the beach

While making a trip to the beach is often the vacation of a lifetime, there is an element of danger involved. Unlike a public pool, there are no depth markings on the beach. Swimmers can be wading along a sandbar only for it to suddenly drop into chest–deep water. Rip tides and strong currents can drag beach goers out into the Gulf quickly and there is always the chance wiggly, biting and stinging things will join the fun, even close to shore. more

More restaurants coming to Pier Park

It’s not hard to find a place to eat at Pier Park, with new restaurants like Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Hofbrau Beer Garden, and Bootleg Barbeque opening this spring at the Panama City Beach development. Indianapolis-based developer Simon Property Group on Tuesday announced four more new eateries coming to Pier Park this year, including the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant. Also coming are Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Baja Café and Guy Harvey’s Island Grill. more

Morrison Springs Park under construction

Morrison Springs is temporarily closed for construction of a new park which will soon include boardwalks, educational pavilions, parking areas and landings for divers. Morrison Springs has been a nationally recognized and popular diving location for decades just outside the small town of Ponce de Leon, but just inside the Walton County boundary line. more

Morrison Springs renovations to offer more diversity

The best of both worlds for divers and boaters will soon be a reality after the completion of the Morrison Springs renovation project. Boaters will have a launch area separate from the main diving area, a safer situation than when the same area was shared. The $1.3 million project started in January and is slated for completion this summer. The renovations are funded from grants from Northwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection. It also includes in-kind services provided by Preble-Rish Consulting Engineers and Surveyors and Walton County. more

New hotel coming to busy corner

A new hotel chain has checked in for an extended stay at the corner of Racetrack Road and Eglin Parkway. Maitland, Fla.-based Liberty Investment Properties, the principal franchisee of Value Place Hotels in the state, has confirmed plans for a four-story, 120-room economy suite hotel where the former West Building Materials — which has been vacant for about six years — used to operate. more

Novice Take on Fish Preparation

So you’ve just reeled in a yummy looking fish, so now what do you do? Well, there are a few options, depending on what you plan on doing with it. In other words, here comes the real fun part. If you plan on releasing the fish, then do so quickly. The best way to release a fish is to keep it in the water if you can. If the fish doesn’t have sharp teeth, like a bass, hold its lower lip between your thumb and index finger. more

Off-Season Vacations Offer Big Savings

Face it, the biggest draw for tourists coming to the south, particularly Florida and especially the incomparable Emerald Coast, is the sun and sand. Well, maybe not so much the sand, but the beach definitely. Combine that with year-round tropical weather, Florida is a vacationer’s dream. more

Online travel buys exceed real world

The year 2007 was the first in which more travel was purchased online than off-line in the U.S., according to the Pho-CusWright Consumer Travel Trends Survey. more

Panama City Area Things to Do

Panama City home of Spring Break celebrations for thousands of college and high school students every summer, is much more than party central. The 27 miles of coastline offer a venue for beach activities that will appeal to vacationers of all ages. more

Park moves forward with $5 million in upgrades

The next step in the development at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will soon begin. A $5 million plan to extend the tram road, add cabins, tent sites and a new ranger station was approved last year, Park manager Tommy Ervin said. All the engineering and consulting work has been completed. The state has awarded the contract. more

PCB announces spring, summer attractions

Just in time for spring and summer travel come new family attractions and entertainment at one of America\\\'s top beach destinations – Panama City Beach. Get ready for a season filled with pirates, sea creatures, zoo animals, flying trapeze artists, water rides and more. more

Pier Park’s limited opening brings in crowds

PANAMA CITY BEACH - The combination of locally owned businesses and nationally-known stores is proving to be successful for Bay County’s Pier Park. At the grand opening on Feb. 14, several business owners said they chose Pier Park because of the projected mix of restaurants and retail shops they hope will bring in customers. more

So, You’re Going to Get a Tan Anyway

You heard and saw it all – the risk of skin cancer, the older people with wrinkly, leather-like skin, and the painful sunburns. But, you think it looks so good. A tan used to be a “badge of health” that the rich and famous got on their trips to sunny locales. And, your favorite star has that golden bronze look. So, you decide it’s worth the risk. Before you take that face that looks like a mime out into the broiler, maybe you should know a few things. A little knowledge could make the difference between gain and pain. more

Southern Living readers again praise Emerald Coast

With his gulf-front location at the foot of the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, Dan Empson knows that catering to families is good business. That’s why he brings in a clown and offers $1.99 kids’ meals several nights a week. On those nights, families bring in close to 50 percent of his revenue. more

State of the springs

Florida lawmakers are considering assembling a short-term task force to assess the conditions of Florida’s springs. Though nutrient pollution from stormwater runoff might be taking a toll elsewhere in the state, springs near Bay County reportedly are doing well. more

State Parks Major Economic Contributor

Florida State Parks contributed more than $665 million to local communities in fiscal year 2004-2005, generating more than 13,000 jobs and welcoming more than 17.3 million visitors. Parks in every region of the state were major tourist attractions, with one facility in the Panhandle ranking in the top five. more

Staying Safe on the Beach

The Emerald Coast features some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Tourists come from all over the country to relax and experience the paradise that the Emerald Coast has to offer. A vacation is a time for experiencing as a family and creating memories; however, if not exercising the proper precautions, this wonderful beach experience could quickly turn into a nightmare. The purpose of this article is not to scare you, but instead to make you aware of the potential dangers that you face in the Gulf of Mexico. more

Tackling the Tackle Box

To hardcore fishermen there is nothing more sacred and vitally important than the tackle box. Like any good Boy Scout you want to be prepared for any and everything and your tackle box is the trusty saddlebag. Of course, you want the basics like lures, extra line, hooks, fishing knives, flies, weights and spinners. But, what are all those things and what do they do? more

TDC encourages beachgoers to 'Leave No Trace'

Beaches of South Walton's scenic beauty is enjoyed by millions of visitors each year. It is the commitment by residents and visitors that has earned these beaches some important designations. more

Ten Things That Tourists Should Never Do, But Do Anyway

Locals here on the Emerald Coast have seen it all the time – tourists that go too far. We’re not talking about the usual stupid stuff like leaving a couple of cases of beer bottles at the beach, “borrowing” towels or not tipping when you get good service. These are things that go over the top, and some may actually be hazardous to the individuals involved. Let me explain. more

Thanks to volunteers, Eden’s beauty shines like a jewel

One of the Emerald Coast’s best-kept secrets is Eden Gardens, a real jewel in the crown of Florida’s State Parks. Eden Gardens is located near Point Washington on Tucker Bayou on County Road 395. The park preserves the historic Wesley mansion in a setting of massive, spreading, moss-draped, live oaks, and is surrounded by azalea, camellia, rose, and fern gardens. more

The Facts about Greyhound Racing

Some might compare it to dog fighting. Many claim it is a dying industry. Most states have banned the practice. more

The Fountain of Youth (Video, Photos)

Spend the day drinking, splashing and bathing in Ponce de Leon Springs. If rumors are correct, you may be restoring years to your life. Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, located in the Florida Panhandle, claims that the Fountain of Youth makes its home in this park. more

Time to Spruce Up That Vacation Home

Every year, you rent out your home on the Emerald Coast to a few lucky vacationers. In recent years, you have noticed that your customers are tapering off. What is happening? Maybe it is the scare from all the hurricanes or maybe they are just tired of the same old vacation home year after year. Never fear, because I am here to give you a few tips for sprucing up your vacation home and making it the fun place that all your vacationers remember it to be. more

Traditional arts alive and well in Walton County

With everything imaginable available at a mega store or boutique of some kind within a short driving distance, there is little need for anyone to create things the old-fashioned way by hand, as our grandmothers and grandfathers did. Or is there? The traditional arts are alive and well in Walton County, Santa Rosa Beach resident Lynn Abbit firmly states. Abbit is part of a group of more than 30 women who meet to knit. more

Traveling with Teenagers

Traveling with a teenager is a lot like traveling with a small infant. You still have to pack of lot of things to keep them entertained; the toys are just more complicated. Older kids also tend to sleep for hours, make lots of noise when they are unhappy or hungry, and are difficult to reason with. There is a definite communication barrier. Adults and teens actually do speak two different languages Again, as with infants, teenagers require a great deal of care when going outside the confines of your home. more

TSA takes over at airport

Heed this advice: Bring at least two picture IDs if you’re flying out of Okaloosa Regional Airport. The Transportation Security Administration is now checking IDs at security stations instead of airline-contracted workers. Regular flyer Thomas W. Ballard of Niceville tried to pass through the TSA checkpoint at Okaloosa Regional on Jan. 18 with his Air Force, retired ID. more

Turtle Beach Inn receives Florida Green Lodging Two Palm Designation

Turtle Beach Inn was recently recognized as the state’s 4th property to receive the Florida Green Lodging Program Two Palm designation. more

Unique Things To Do On Vacation Play Outside the “Sand” Box

It's a given that when you travel to the beach you plan for most of your stay to be staked out at the water's edge, lying in the sun. The Emerald Coast has an irrefutable reputation as one of the nation's best beach destinations, and being in or near the water seems to be the rule. But, why have a routine vacation, when you can experience something a little different? When visiting the Emerald Coast play outside the "sand” box and try some of these unique experiences. more

Up Close and Personal: Fred Gannon State Park

Off the beaten path, along an undistinguished stretch of residential highway, sits a jewel on the Emerald Coast. Located in Niceville, just off Highway 20 on Rocky Bayou, is Fred Gannon/Rocky Bayou State Park. There are no long and winding roads to traverse, no dirt paths to dust up your car, and no undecipherable directions to interpret to find this lovely nature preserve. more

Vacation Seasons: When to travel

It isn’t just a matter of where to go on vacation or where to stay once there. It is important to also decide when to travel. The standard four seasons – spring, summer, fall and winter – don’t necessarily apply when planning a vacation. Travel destinations like the Emerald Coast, depending on the accommodations, can have six, nine or 11 seasons, and nightly rates will reflect that. more

Walton County Beach Access

Walton County has many public accesses to its beaches. However, many are in private and gated neighborhoods; and as the issue of private beaches becomes more controversial, it becomes difficult for a beachgoer to know where to go. This map illustrates the regional Tourist Development Council maintained accesses along with three Florida State Parks that provide ample parking, handicap access and lifeguards at locations indicated. more

Walton County’s Greenway Trail to Open

Walton County’s newest trail exhibiting some of the county’s finest natural resources will open on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. in Santa Rosa Beach. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be hosted by District 5 County Commissioner Cindy Meadows at the main boardwalk located between South Walton High School and the Coastal Branch Public Library. more

Water Recreation Across Northwest Florida

How many ways are there to get wet? Hundreds, and the Emerald Coast has them all. The choices of water-related activities and water sports along the Emerald Coast are enough to confound the avid aqua-nut and fog his/her scuba goggles. Swim with the dolphins, explore coral formations in an undersea world, skim across whitecaps or soar above waves dangling from a parachute filled with sea air. This water recreation vacation planner will outline all the possibilities, but you have to make the ultimate decision of what to try first. more

World’s Luckiest Fishing Village

Destin is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the south. Every year, millions of visitors flock to the emerald green waters and sandy white beaches that make their home in this conveniently located city. Although most travelers prefer sun to fish, there are still those that come to town with a fishing pole in hand. Destin has been coined the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for good reason. Known internationally for its quick access to deep water, Destin actually owns this title. more

Your Home Away from Home

One vacation option that is especially good for longer stays or large groups is rentals, such as condos, townhouses and single-family homes. This article gives the pros and cons for staying in a condo and provides lists of extras you will need for your stay. more