Everyone loves a romantic gesture – whether you have been married for years, or you’re just in the early stages of a relationship. Heck, some of us just like to dream about the romantic things we would like to do once “the one” shows up to declare everlasting love. We all like the idea of doing something memorable with that special someone, and the good news is that it’s easy to do with just a little time and effort. Panama City Beach is the perfect place to show someone how much you care. Check out our romance inspired To Do list, and snag yourself some serious brownie points.

1. Walk on the new Russell Fields Pier as the sun goes down. (or comes up!) The new Russell Fields Pier is located at the south entrance to Pier Park and is the perfect spot to stroll hand in hand as you take in the sweeping views of the Gulf. The pier re-opened in July after a year of construction and an investment of $8 million, and is now bigger and better than ever at 1500 feet in length and 17 feet in width. There’s a $2 entrance fee per person, but the quiet, scenic walk is most definitely worth it.

2. Get a Couples Massage and discover the meaning of true relaxation together. There’s no better way to soothe body and soul than having someone massage your cares away in a tranquil environment. Salon Baliage and Spa (12118 Panama City Beach Parkway) features a couples room beautifully decorated in eastern-inspired style furnishings – perfect for pampering you and your significant other. Each individual can choose a different massage, so it’s no problem if you love Swedish style massage but she’s always wanted to try a hot stone massage. Massages can be for either 60 or 90 minutes, and start at $70 per person. For an added touch, Salon Baliage can provide champagne and chocolates to the package. Call (850) 235 1985. 

3. Take a Sunset Cruise on The Lady Anderson. This dining yacht is one of Panama City Beach’s top attractions, and makes for a very memorable and romantic experience. Located on Grand Lagoon adjacent to the award winning Captain Anderson’s restaurant, the Lady Anderson offers a scenic cruise, live entertainment, and an excellent seafood, shrimp and prime rib buffet – all in one. Call (850) 234 5940 for reservations and more information.

4. Splurge on Some Jewelry and add some sparkle to your relationship. Panama City Beach is home to some fantastic jewelry stores where you can find the perfect piece for that perfect someone. Pier Park has a great variety of traditional stores, including Zales, Kay Jewelers and Carlyle & Co. If you are looking for something unique, try Maharaja’s in the Village of Grand Panama on Hutchinson Blvd. (850) 249 4050) Maharaja’s is a family owned business that offers a fine selection of breathtaking designer jewelry. Choose from earrings, watches, necklaces, rings, bracelets and more, with a style for every taste. Fish Tales Art Gallery (850) 234 1036) at Pier Park has a fantastic selection of beautiful hand-made crystal jewelry, and for something to remind you of the beach, check out Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Gifts, also at Pier Park. (850) 234 6200.

5. Pack a Picnic and head to St. Andrew’s State Park – consistently voted one of the top 5 beaches in the country by Trip Advisor. St. Andrew’s State Park is located on the very east end of Thomas Drive, and offers visitors a peaceful escape, just minutes from all the action. Walk one of the two nature trails that wind through an abundance of coastal plants and provide a great opportunity for spotting wildlife and for bird-watching. Or stroll the shoreline until you find the perfect spot on the soft, white sands that look out over the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew’s Bay. Spread out a blanket and enjoy a romantic picnic in paradise – it doesn’t get any better.

6. Dine at Firefly Restaurant. Firefly Restaurant is a casual fine dining establishment located in the Edgewater Shopping Plaza. Step through the doors and you will feel as though you have been transported to a Mediterranean bistro, thanks to the graceful, warm ambience and romantic outdoor setting under a grand oak tree. Firefly serves up fresh, local seafood, succulent meat dishes, handmade pastas and imported specialties, all of which are beautifully presented. Try the mint pesto crusted Australian rack of lamb, the apple wood bacon wrapped shrimp, or the sautéed gulf grouper. Exquisite desserts and a fine wine list complement the experience. Located at 535 R. Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach. Call (850) 249 3359 for more details.

7. Watch a Sunset from the Beach for the ultimate romantic experience. Panama City Beach is famous for its spectacular sunsets and it won’t cost you a penny. It’s not about simply watching the sun disappear into the ocean and listening for the “plop” sound. It’s about observing something so real, so natural, and so beautiful happening right before your eyes that you feel it stir your soul. The combination of the snow-white sand backdrop, the glassy expanse of the water, and the rich red sky is awe-inspiring to say the least, and is something you will remember forever.

If you enjoy good food and fine wine, you won’t want to miss this year’s Taste of THE Beach events that kick off on November 5^th, 2009 throughout the Panama City Beach and Destin area.

2008 was the first year this exciting culinary and wine inspired event took place, and this year promises to be even better, with no less than seven different mini-events making up the glorious celebration overall. In addition to mouth-watering regional cuisine and impressive wine tastings, Taste of THE Beach will feature some incredible live music and the chance to celebrate our spectacular destination in style. All proceeds are going to Emerald Coast children’s charities, so you can indulge and still feel good about it! Here’s a rundown of what’s happening.

Thursday, November 5^th at 5:00 pm – Taste of the Destin Harbor.

The kick-off event will be held at the Emerald Grande Resort in Destin overlooking the beautiful Destin harbor. Between 5:00 and 8:00 pm, guests can enjoy delicious cuisine from local restaurants (including Louisiana Lagniappe, Legendary Yacht Club and The Back Porch), sample fine wines, and listen to live music provided by Chuck Lawson. There will be a firework display by Harbor Walk Village, and there’s even a 2 night stay at the luxurious Emerald Grande up for grabs! The wines to be poured are: Veuve Clicquot, Caymus Conundrum, Ferrari Carano Tresor, Sterling Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and BV Tapestry. Cost is $50.00 per person –  SAVE $15.00 by using the special promo code destinharbor02. (Promo code for this kick-off event only.)

Friday, November 6^th at 5:30 pm – Taste of Bay Wine and Food Experience.

Enjoy the best of what Bay County has to offer at this Pier Park, Panama City Beach event. Sip exceptional wines and sample appetizing cuisine prepared by local restaurants in Panama City Beach. Enjoy the aromas and flavors while strolling outdoors directly across from the Gulf and alongside the many shops and boutiques at Pier Park. Wines to be poured are: Gaja, Mount Veeder, Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay and Argyle. Tickets are $50.00 per person –  SAVE $15.00 by using the special promo code pierpark06. (Promo code for this event only.)

Friday, November 6^th at 6:00 pm – Al Fresco Reserve Tasting in Ruskin Place.

Amid the art galleries of Ruskin Place in gorgeous Seaside, guests will taste a range of highly allocated and reserve wines, dine on sushi and hors d’oeuvres prepared by noted local restaurateur and Chef Jim Shirley, and enjoy live chamber music. Wines to be poured are: BV Georges de Latour, Beringer Private Reserve, Rodney Strong Symmetry and Veuve Clicquot. Tickets are $145.00 per person.

Saturday, November 7^th at 1:00 pm – Seeing Red Wine Festival.

The Seeing Red Wine Festival is one of the largest events during Taste of THE Beach. This picnic-style festival will take over the streets of Seaside, offering dozens of domestic and international red wines to sample while live music entertains. Wines to be poured are: Moet Imperial, Caymus, Argyle Nuthouse Pinot Noir and Mount Veeder. Tickets are $120.00 per person.

Saturday, November 7^th at 6:30 pm – Winemaker and Shakers.

Happening at the following fine restaurants:

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, 4000 S Sandestin Blvd, Destin
FireFly Restaurant, 535 Beckrich Road, Panama City Beach
Restaurant Fire, 55 Clayton Lane, Grayton Beach
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 15000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin
Finz Beachside Grill, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin
Beachwalk at Henderson Park Inn, 2700 Scenic Highway 98 East, Destin

Tickets are $125.00 per person at each location.

Sunday, November 8^th at 10:00 am – THE Beach Champagne Brunch.

Between the hours of 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will be holding THE Beach Champagne Brunch. Wines to be poured are: Veuve Clicquot, Roederer Estate, Moet Imperial and Ruinart. Tickets are $35.00 per person.

Sunday, November 8^th at 3:00 pm – Taste of The Beach and Charity Auction.

Taste of THE Beach wraps up with a silent auction to benefit 11 local children’s charities including Sacred Heart Foundation, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Children in Crisis and Ronald McDonald House. Guests have the opportunity to bid on fantastic prizes donated from the community and can enjoy cocktails and appetizers. Wines to be poured are: Caymus Special Selection, BV Georges de Latour, Robert Mondavi, Reserve Cabernet, Krug Champagne and Ruinart. Tickets are $35.00 per person.

Telluride MountainFilm at WaterColor

In its ninth year, WaterColor’s outdoor MountainFilm Festival celebrates the best in independent thinking – where adventure is celebrated, history is important, and people are passionate about what they believe. It attracts an audience seeking a culturally rich, conversation-inspiring experience in which to discuss films, share ideas and be inspired, all under a dramatic canopy of stars. By being a part of the “Taste of THE Beach,” participants will have the opportunity to pair incredible wines with incredible films in an incredible setting, and present an even greater event for all to enjoy. Wines to be poured are: Coppola Sofia Blanc De Blanc, Coppola Chardonnay Directors, Coppola Pinot Noir Directors and Coppola Merlot Directors.

Showtimes are 7-10 pm and gates open at 6 pm. Cost is $30.00 per person for one night or $50.00 per person for two nights.

Photos Courtesy of THE Beach.

It’s that time of year again – there are no crowds, the temperatures are cooling off, and being outside on a clear, sunny day is utterly fabulous. Fall in Panama City Beach really is perfect for getting out and indulging in your favorite activity, whether that be walking, biking, swimming, running or golfing. Golfers especially have good reason to dust off the clubs and head to the course. Panama City Beach is home to a huge variety of exceptional golf courses, each with its own character and challenges, and most located in glorious settings. Today we are looking at the golf courses of Bay Point – an exclusive community nestled on a 1,100 acre wildlife sanctuary and overlooking the sparkling waters of St. Andrew’s Bay.

Whether you are an avid golfer or just starting out, Bay Point is by far one of the best places to play golf in Panama City Beach. Bay Point features two of the most spectacular 18-hole courses along the Emerald Coast, plus a peaceful and serene atmosphere in which to play.

Boasting over 7,000 yards, the Nicklaus Course is the only Nicklaus Design golf course in Northwest Florida. Prior to being a Nicklaus course, this award winning course was known as Lagoon Legends, and was one of the most challenging courses in North America. In 2004, renovations began, and on September 17, 2005, the Nicklaus course was opened to wonderful reviews. The course has a slope rating of 143 and a course rating of 75.3, and plays along the natural terrain of majestic scrub oaks, towering Florida pine trees, sandy-white waste areas and salt-water marshes. This is a challenging course – the layout features “illusionary” bunkers that are strategically placed to tempt golfers through a “risk/reward” scenario, plus uncharacteristic elevation changes that are unique to Northwest Florida. Look out for signature hole No. 5, offering panoramic views of Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews Bay.

The Meadows Course provides a classic country club atmosphere. Designed by Willard C. Byrd, the course opened in 1973 and was renovated in 2004 by Nicklaus design. The course stretches for a whopping 6,913 yards – testing even the best golfer’s distance. Stunning and well manicured, the course rating is 73.3 and it has a slope rating of 126. The Meadows also features occasionally tight fairways plus numerous bunkers and lakes, to provide an ever-changing set of challenges.

The Rates are as follows and are valid through December 31^st, 2009:

Meadows Golf Course – Morning Rate $69, Midday Rate $59

Nicklaus Golf Course – Morning Rate $109, Midday Rate $99

Reservations are subject to availability and may be made 30 days in advance.  To book a tee time, call (850) 235 6950.

There are also many in-season and off-season specials throughout the year. Make sure to frequently visit the official website for the latest specials and promotions. Don’t forget to check out the Stay and Play packages, and combine your premium golf experience with a getaway at the award winning Marriott Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa.

Bay Point Resort Golf Club is located at 4701 Bay Point Road, Panama City Beach. For more details, call (850) 235 6950.

I hate to do this – but I’m going to let you in on one of Panama City Beach’s biggest secrets, and my own personal favorite spot. Camp Helen State Park lies just 9 miles (ten minutes by car) from most areas of the beach, and in my opinion, is one of Florida’s finest parks. Untouched by commercialism, Camp Helen offers the visitor a rustic yet idyllic setting in which to escape the crowds and enjoy the great outdoors.

What’s the History of Camp Helen?

Prehistoric middens (trash heaps) and mounds have been found within the park, suggesting humans have been in the area for approximately 400 years. Camp Helen State Park was originally known as Inlet Beach to early European settlers and later to developers. The area around Phillips Inlet was initially developed for recreational opportunities in the early 1920’s, with a lodge and associated buildings being added to the property in the 1940’s. Some of these buildings can still be seen today, and give an insight into tourist life along the Gulf Coast back in the day. From 1945 all the way to 1987, Avondale Textile Mills of Sylacauga, Alabama operated Camp Helen as a resort for vacationing employees.
Thanks to the efforts of the local community, Gulf Coast Community College, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Camp Helen was acquired by the State of Florida in 1994 under the Conservation and Recreational Lands Programs, and today offers visitors a first-class state park.

Where Exactly Is It?

Camp Helen State Park is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, just west of the Phillips Inlet Bridge on the Bay County and Walton County line. The park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico, Phillips Inlet, and Lake Powell, which is one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. The great thing about Camp Helen is that it has it all – wooded nature trails, tranquil lake scenery, and an expansive, open white-sand beach. When you’re here, you feel like you are one with the outdoors, thanks to the natural beauty that surrounds you at every turn, and the peace and quiet that is so hard to find in the heart of Panama City Beach.

What Can I Do There?

The opportunities for outdoor recreation are unlimited at Camp Helen State Park. Wildlife viewing is extremely popular, as the three different water bodies have created a diverse habitat for wildlife that includes rare shorebirds and Bald Eagles. Camp Helen is a great fishing spot for both fresh and saltwater species, and the park provides numerous nature trails for hiking. Visit the lodge and relax in the rocking chairs overlooking Lake Powell, or head to the beach for swimming, beachcombing, tanning or boating. Camp Helen State Park is open from 8:00 am until sundown, 365 days a year. The admission fee is $4.00 per vehicle with a maximum of 8 passengers, or $2.00 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, or passengers in a vehicle with a holder of an annual individual entrance pass.

What Else is Happening at Camp Helen State Park?

This Saturday, October 10^th, Camp Helen invites you to its 4^th annual Ghost Walk and History Tour. Hear scary stories, learn about the Lake Powell Sea Monster, laugh with pirates, and maybe even maybe see a ghost!  It will be a wonderful evening of continuous storytelling and historic re-enactment, and is suitable for all ages, including kids. The event is hosted by the Friends of Camp Helen and proceeds from the event will be used for the renovation and preservation of the park. Costumes are encouraged and flashlights are recommended. Event starts at 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3 for children under 12 years of age.

For those who have some spare time on their hands and would like to give back to the community, Camp Helen State Park always welcomes volunteers. A volunteer can do many things, including greeting visitors, conducting tours, helping Park Rangers remove exotic plants or simply maintaining the natural beauty of the beach, waterways or trails. If you are interested, stop by on any Thursday morning about 9:00 am or pick up an application in the visitor center.

If you are planning a Panama City Beach vacation either in the near future or perhaps even next year, do yourself a favor and check out the Sterling Beach condominiums. I’ve seen a lot of condos in Panama City Beach, and I have to say, these are some of the most beautiful units I have ever seen. Sterling Beach is located on the peaceful yet close-to-everything part of Thomas Drive, convenient to St. Andrew’s State Park and Treasure Island Marina. If you need peace and quiet, you got it. If you need to be within minutes of dining, shopping and attractions, it’s all close enough to be considered convenient. In my opinion, Sterling Beach has one of the best locations in town. The property is owned by Sterling Resorts, whose other Panama City Beach condominiums include the brand new Laketown Wharf, plus Sterling Breeze, Sterling Reef, Reflections at Bay Point, and Splash.

Arriving at Sterling Beach, you will soon realize that this is not your run-of-the-mill condo resort. You will notice small touches of luxury even as you pull into the parking lot, and that remain consistent throughout the property. Everything looks and feels new and polished, and the atmosphere is very welcoming. Once you check in, the accommodations themselves will blow you away. Sterling Beach features four different types of condominiums as follows:

• Captiva – 2 Bedrooms/2 Full Bathrooms at 1,706 square feet.
• Biscayne – 3 Bedrooms/2 Full Bathrooms at 1,897 square feet.
• Dauphine – 3 Bedrooms/3 Full Bathrooms at 2,518 square feet.
• Amelia – 4 Bedrooms/4 Full Bathrooms at 2,930 square feet.

Regardless of your floor plan, each and every unit boasts the same upscale amenities and beautiful décor. There are no dated or worn out furnishings in sight, it’s all modern and utterly gorgeous, with more than enough space for everyone to be comfortable and feel at home. Some units offer floor to ceiling glass windows that spectacularly showcase the ocean below, and all units feature extra large private balconies – perfect for relaxing, dining or simply taking in the sunset. Other amenities include free unlimited DVD rentals, free high speed internet access, a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, linens and towels, Wolfgang Puck coffee, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. There’s no better way to stay – you have the luxuries and conveniences of a high-end hotel, with all the comfort and space of home.

Sterling Beach resort itself is the perfect vacation destination for families, groups, couples or snowbirds. The 48 seat private movie theater is ideal for those nights when you don’t want to leave the resort but fancy just getting out of the room for a while. Enjoy a movie, take a walk on the beach after dark, and finish with dessert on the balcony for a memorable evening. During the day, guests can lounge by the 4000 square foot free-form pool or spend time on the 300 feet of private beach. (Complimentary beach chairs in season.) There’s also a grill area, and children’s activities available in season. Need to keep up your workout regimen on vacation? Sterling Beach features a state-of-the-art fitness center and a gulf-front hot tub for soothing those muscles post-work out.

Snowbirds take note! Choose Sterling Beach for your Panama City Beach getaway and enjoy rates starting from under $50 per night. Plus: welcome gift upon check-in, planned activities, games, outings and prizes, discount coupons to local restaurants and attractions, monthly donut and coffee social, free unlimited DVD rentals along with free local and long distance calls to Canada!  Rates subject to  availability and based on a 28 night minimum.

Sterling Beach Resort is located at 6627 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach. Call (850) 236 9595 for more details.

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