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.

Here is the photo recap:

[polldaddy poll=2085685]

Voting will end October 14 and the winner will be named in next week’s newsletter. Happy Voting!
Voting is Closed: See the final winner by clicking here

Oct 8, 2009 (Thu) 7:30 PM
Marina Civic Center

You’ve never experienced anything like this. “Illuminations” combines European cirque-style performance artistry with American circus arts and Broadway theatrics to give you a show you will not forget.

Cirque Dreams Illumination is a bustling city of generalities set in a landscape of dreams, towering buildings and infinite possibilities. Ablaze with lights and activities, objects and shapes transform into windows and stairways that lead beyond imagination.

City dwellers collect objects that are balanced beyond belief, linemen delicately walk wires, daredevils leap tall buildings and flyers redefine the risks of flight. Everyday occurrences are transformed into astounding feats performed by an international cast of acrobatic urbanites, flexible fanatics, world-class athletes, musicians and more. This action packed Cirque Dream is enhanced with over 100 inventive costumes and set in a fantastical cityscape of dimension and special effects. Cirque Dreams Illumination will surpass its “jaw dropping, family friendly spectacle” proclamation by the Los Angeles Times and exhilarate audiences of all ages.

Purchase Tickets Online!
Tickets on sale now!
$37, $46, $50

BECOME A BAY ARTS ALLIANCE MEMBER!
Get this show in the Bay Arts Alliance Presenting Arts four show series for a discounted price with member benefits.
Memberships including all four shows start at only $350 for two people, savings of $50!

We are on the lookout for the best sandwiches on Panama City Beach. Everyone has a place they like to recommend or a sandwich they can’t get enough of eating and now you can tell us all about it. If you’re a tourist, a local or a business owner hoping to promote you very best gripper let us know and we’ll judge for you.

Submit your suggestions below. It can be a specific sandwich or a restaurant, point us in the right direction and we’ll give them a taste. In our October newsletter we’ll rank the top 10. Only one can be the best!

Our current Favorites:

Cebo – Hippie Chick from Liza’s Kitchen

Jason – Albuquerque Turkey from Fatty’s

Ellie – Grouper Sandwich from J. Micheal’s

.

What we are going to do is a TooCreative first, and hopefully a regular event for the staff. On Thursday at 1:30 pm, we will embark on an adventure to our neighboring tourist attraction, 30A – to share snippets of what makes life so magical over there. This is an area that is known around the world as a high-end, unique and charming haven for vacationers and property owners alike.

This jaunt will be broken into 7 sections: Inlet Beach, Rosemary, Alys Beach, Seaside, Watercolor, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach. We’ll be doing this on pcbdaily AND on seepcb, looking at the “newsy” stuff and the “touristy” stuff, respectively. The goal is to have a guerrilla style series of articles that give you an update and tell you about the area as we find it on Thursday. As we experience, we will write and take pictures. Then, when we find a place that has internet, we’ll publish right to the sites.

UPDATE

Wow, we spent an entire afternoon taking in 30A, a place so packed with fun stuff we made it Alys Beach just as the sun set. Over the next three weeks, we will return to this spectacular area to report on Seaside, Watercolor, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach each deserving their very own large post due to the sheer size and amount of things to do. It was a blast. To catch up on the sites we’ve visited please see the links below:

Discover Inlet Beach

Discover Rosemary Beach

Discover Alys Beach

September

-Sept. 19th- Gulf Coast Community College Commodore Sun Run 5k, 10k & Fun Run

- Sept. 24th through 27th- Thunder Beach Fall Rally. Bike display and custom bike competition in the promo area.

October

- Oct. 3rd- Woodlawn Church Family Fall Festival. Rides, bounce houses, free food and drinks, contests and entertainment for the whole family. Held at Aaron Bessant Park. Open to the public.

- Oct. 9th, 10th & 11th- Seafood Wine & Music Festival. Held at Frank Brown Park. Gates open at 4pm to 11pm on Friday, 11am to 11pm on Saturday & 11am to 6pm on Sunday. For more info. please visit www.panamacitybeachfest.com or call 1.800.PCBEACH

- Oct. 10th- Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Pink ribbons will be hung in the promo area in remembrance of Cancer victims and in support of Cancer survivors. Ribbons may be purchased at Unique Boutique by Irene & Co. After the ribbon hanging ceremony, there will be pink cookies, cupcakes and pink lemonade served at Unique Boutique.

- Oct. 15th- Treasa Foundation Walk. Charity walk to benefit research of still-born babies. Walk begins at 4 pm

- Oct. 16th- Heart Walk- 2.75 mile route will go through Pier Park. Registration begins at 5:30 pm. Walk begins at 6:30.

-Oct. 17th- Girls Inc. Half Marathon. Join Girls Inc. for our Inaugural Half Marathon & Relay at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. The run begins at 8:00 am. For more information contact Girls Inc. at (850) 769-6703 or girlsinc@girlsincofbaycounty.org. To register go to www.active.com

- Oct. 24th- Boo at the Beach. Bring the kids out to the promo/green grass area to enjoy a hay bale maze, pumpkin carving, spooky stories, arts & crafts and a pet costume contest. 11 am to 2 pm.

-Oct. 24th- Rescues & Runways. Hosted by Maurice’s this fashion show will benefit the local Humane Society.

- Oct. 31st- Malloween. Trick or Treating throughout the property, hay bale maze, and costume contests for the kids. 6 pm to 8 pm.

November

- Nov. 6th-Taste of the Beach. This venue will be an international wine tasting experience with over 300 wines to taste and food samplings from various Bay County restaurants. Proceeds from the tasting go to benefit various local charities dedicated to helping underprivileged children. 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

- Nov. 9th through 15th- Emerald Coast Cruizin. Classic car show to be held at Frank Brown Park.

- Nov. 11th- 4pm. Emerald Coast Cruizin Parade. Parade of classic cars down the Pier Park boardwalk.

-Nov. 20th-22nd- Modonarro. Italian street painting fair featuring 3-D sidewalk chalk art. Presented by the Visual Arts Center of Bay County.

-Nov. 21st- St. Jude 5K Run

- Nov. 27th- Black Friday- The busiest shopping day of the year featuring lots of special sales and door busters.

- Nov. 27th- Santa’s Arrival and Breakfast. Santa will arrive on property at 10am for cookies and hot chocolate with all the naughty and nice boys and girls. He will then be available for pictures at the Santa House located on the boardwalk.

- Nov. 27th-2nd Annual Mayors Tree Lighting. The PCB Mayor will light the 20ft. Christmas tree located in Town Center at 6 pm. Holiday carolers will also perform to help ring in the holiday season.

- Nov. 28th- Rescue Mission Festival of Trees. Christmas trees that have been decorated by local businesses will be on display and auctioned off in the promo area. All proceeds go to benefit the Rescue Mission.

December
- Dec. 5th & 12th- 5pm to 7pm. Pet Photos with Santa. Bring your furry friends out to have their picture made with Santa at the Santa house on the boardwalk.

- Dec. 5th & 6th- Run for Redfish Half-Marathon

- Dec. 12th- 4pm. Panama City Beach Christmas Parade. Parade will begin in Town Center and travel throughout Pier Park down the Boardwalk to Front Beach Road.

Along with many beach residents, I have spent the whole of summer’s slow decline anxiously anticipating the Fall Season. I love the cool weather, the colors and the ripples of pumpkin spice in the air. In my opinion, fall is Panama City Beach’s very best season, transforming our town from a hot, tourist-filled circus to a quiet and festive jewel of home for anyone who lives in this great city. There are a number of reasons to be excited about the season from something as simple as less traffic in the streets to traditions as beloved as Halloween and Thanksgiving. But, in Panama City Beach there are even more reasons to get excited about the season to come; here are 5 of them

Fall Art Show September 18 – 20 – Pier Park

If you like art and enjoy seeing totally unique creations, the Fall Art Show will be an exciting place for you this fall. Throughout Pier Park you’ll see artwork on display and being created various artists. While you’re there enjoy Pier Park’s great restaurants and shopping.

Thunder Beach Fall Rally – September 24 – 27

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice yearly on Panama City Beach and the fall event may very well be the best of its kind during the season. Bikers, vendors and exhibitors from around the country descend on Panama City Beach, Florida for Panama City Beach Bike Week and locals get to ride into all the fun. They share stories, see great bands and live entertainment, find the hottest custom motorcycles and motorcycle accessories available, and to experience a scenic ride on The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches!

Taste of the Beach – November 6 – Pier Park

Wine enthusiasts and aficionados, gourmets and gourmands, philanthropists and successful friends will combine talents and passions to create an unparalleled 4 day gala at the “Taste of THE Beach-Wine.Dine.Donate”. This 4-day extravaganza will be held in the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, also referred to as THE Beach

This fabulous venue will hit Panama City Beach with an international wine tasting experience with over 300 wines to taste and food samplings from various Pier Park restaurants.

Oktoberfest – October 2 – 4 – Downtown Panama City

The Annual Oktoberfest transforms quaint downtown Panama City into a bustling German-style village. From accordion players to carnival rides and sausage eating contests, this Uber-Strassen-Fest has it all. Large food tents are concentrated near the bandstand.

Food enthusiasts will be serenaded by local musicians of a variety of styles, so practice your polka. Oktoberfest offers plenty to keep the little ones busy, while the adults savor a huge selection of beer. Carnival rides, face-painting, clowns and other family activities are part of the fun. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the event, from the ceremonial tapping of the kegs to the Oom-Pah-Pah band concerts.

Seafood Wine and Music Festival – October 9 -11 – Frank Brown Park

If this event doesn’t get you excited about the season, nothing will. Panama City Beach’s signature Festival will be held during Columbus Day weekend and could be the most fun you will have all year.

Enjoy fantastic entertainment including performances by country singer and Dancing with the Stars’ Julianne Hough, the legendary Styx, plus John Anderson and Grand Funk Railroad. Sample delicious culinary treats and fine wines from around the world, and take part in fun activities for the whole family.

Honorable Mentions: EVP Pro Tour Labor Day Festival – September 5 – 6, Jazz by the Bay – October 16 -17, Holly Fair – November 12 – 15, Iron Man Triathlon – November 7, Emerald Coast Cruzin Car Show – November 9 – 14

1. Put the delicious back into healthy eating. Nutritious meals and snacks can be just as yummy as the sugar laden variety, and after a while, you won’t even miss the junk. If you like sushi, Publix offers a great selection, along with a wonderful variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Check out the extensive organic and health food sections at both Publix and Winn Dixie and try to switch out just a couple of favorite items a week. Vegetarian options have come a long way – there’s a replacement for almost every type of meat product now, and most of them are actually really good. Try exchanging red meat for the protein-rich Morningstar Farms or Boca variety and enjoy less calories and less fat. Instead of bringing home take-out for dinner, check out seafood markets such as Cardenas on Thomas Drive or Buddy’s on Highway 79 for fresh, local fish and seafood. Simple to cook and full of protein, serve with a crisp salad or fresh greens for a mouth-watering and super healthy dinner. Eating out? Almost all Panama City Beach restaurants offer fresh seafood options or feature healthier choices on the menu. Try the new Shan Kishi on Back Beach Road for Japanese fusion cuisine and sushi, Liza’s Kitchen on Thomas Drive for made-from-scratch sandwiches and soups, or go with the grilled or broiled options at local restaurant favorites such as Schooners, Capt. Anderson’s and Boatyard.

2. Get physical. If you are not already a member of a local gym, check out some of the great specials on membership available, or request a complimentary day pass before you purchase. Gold’s Gym on Hutchinson Blvd is offering a $25 enrollment fee instead of the usual $149, plus a $39 a month membership fee that includes your choice of either unlimited tanning, childcare, or aerobics classes. World Gym on Front Beach Road offers an annual membership at $29 a month, with an initial $29 down. You’re locked in for a year, but after that fees can go month to month. If you live on the west end of the beach or you are looking for a more intimate setting, Carillon Beach is home to a well-equipped boutique gym with membership at $39.95 a month. There’s no initial fee and the lake views make working out something to look forward to.

3. Strike a pose. Yoga is growing tremendously in popularity and for great reason. More and more people are discovering the benefits of this ancient practice and it is now a mainstream option for getting in shape, getting rid of aches and pains, and increasing energy. As well as incredible physical benefits, yoga also calms the mind and is a wonderful way to relax. The good news is that you don’t have to live in L.A to find a great yoga class. Panama City Beach has several options, and you can pick up a yoga mat for around $20 at Wal-Mart, Target or K Mart to take to your class or use between classes at home. Gold’s Gym offers a yoga class on Tuesdays at 6:35 pm to 7:35 pm, or on Wednesdays at 9:30 am to 10:30 am. (may be subject to change.) World Gym offers a class every morning Monday through Friday at 9:40 am to 10:40 am, Saturdays at 10:00 am to 11:00 am, plus an additional class on Monday evening at 6:50 pm to 7:50 pm. (may also be subject to change.) Another option if money is tight is to grab one of the many excellent yoga DVDs available for less than $10, and follow the poses in the comfort of your own home or condo. Namaste.

4. Make it a team effort. Staying in shape doesn’t have to be a chore. You can actually make new friends and have fun at the same time by signing up with an adult softball or soccer team. Get a great workout while getting in touch with your inner competitive side. Frank Brown Park offers an adult softball league with the new season starting at the end of September, and a senior softball league starts in the New Year for the snowbirds. Call (850) 236 3037 for more details. Get a kick start on your soccer skills by contacting Panama City Adult Soccer (PCAS) and asking about their adult soccer league. Games consist of 45 minute halves of play with a 15 minute halftime.  There are ten games per season with the top four teams advancing to semi-finals and finals.  Teams will travel once every three weeks to play teams in the regional area. For additional information on sports activities on Panama City Beach please call (850) 819 5638.

5. The Beach. There’s nothing like saving the best for last, and in this case that certainly rings true. Here in Panama City Beach we have the best possible resource right on our doorstep, and it won’t cost you a cent. Hit the beach for an unlimited number of ways to work out, both in the water and out. You simply can’t beat the great outdoors, the fresh air and the spectacular setting. Granted, running around on the beach during the summer wouldn’t be much fun, but for the next six months temperatures will get cooler and the beach will be the perfect spot for all kinds of exercise. Walking, running, yoga, swimming, body surfing, boogie-boarding, playing Frisbee and volleyball, we have miles and miles of beautiful beaches that make these activities enjoyable for everyone. Round up some buddies and head to the beach for a game of football, or grab the dog and hit the doggie beach for some fun with Fido. Reconnect with someone special on a sunset stroll, or bring the kids for a day of splashing in the surf. Whatever you do and however you do it – get outside, have fun, and make the most of Panama City Beach’s number one way to keep healthy and happy.

Blowin’-n-The Wind Management: Pay one night and get one night free for up to 15 free nights with any two-night minimum stay from August 1 through December 31, 2009, excluding Labor Day Weekend. Blowin’-N-The Wind Management’s offers seven different rental properties with accommodations ranging from multi-bedroom condominiums to three-bedroom cottages and more. Each property includes family-friendly amenities, such as boat docking areas, tennis and basketball courts, fitness centers, swimming pools, a putting green and more. For more information visit their website or call 1-800-874-8600.

By the Sea Resorts: Rates start at just $99 per night, now through October 9, 2009, at Legacy by the Sea and Shores of Panama. Located in the heart of Panama City Beach, By The Sea Resorts offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms and one and two-bedroom suites with fully-equipped kitchens and private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Amenities include heated gulf-front pool, free continental breakfasts, free airport shuttle service, game room and more. For more information visit their > website or call 1-888-627-0625.

Chateau Motel: Stay three nights and receive the fourth night free, compliments of the Chateau Motel, a hotel and condo alternative featuring 150 ocean-view rooms. Double room rates start at just $79 per night, based on double occupancy, from August 9 through October 18, 2009, excluding holidays and special events. For more information visit their website or call 1-850-234-2174.

The Inn at Thomas Square: Stay any five nights and receive the next two nights free, now through December 31. Located just across the street from the beach and along Grand Lagoon, the Inn at Thomas Square, a three-story condominium, offers all the comforts of home set in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Units can accommodate from two to eight people, so whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family or a group, these rentals can accommodate any sized group. All condos have fully-equipped kitchens and washer and dryer combos. For more information visit their website or call 1-800-874-8600.

Ocean’s Bar and Grill: Kids eat free Memorial Day through Labor Day at Ocean’s Bar and Grill located at the Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort. Overlooking the famous lagoon pool and the pristine white sandy beach, Ocean’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers everything from seafood and steak to burgers and fries. Click here for more information.

Shores of Panama by Oaseas Resorts: To celebrate Panama City Beach’s signature Seafood, Wine & Musical Festival (Fri. – Sun., Oct. 9 – 11), guests can enjoy a luxurious, Gulf-front condo, plus two tickets to this year’s event, for as low as $99 per night for a minimum of two nights. Better yet, book three nights and receive the fourth night free, or stay until 5 p.m. Sunday to catch the last show! This newly constructed beachfront condominium resort offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Guests choose from efficiencies to three-bedroom units. Each has a fully equipped kitchen and private balcony. Units with one, two or three bedrooms also have living areas. Among the resort’s amenities: a spectacular 13,966 square-foot gulf-front pool, one of the largest in Northwest Florida; fitness center with cardio equipment, spa, sauna, and steam room; two bars serving lunch and dinner; game room; free high-speed Internet access; and comprehensive children’s activity program. For more information visit their website or call 1-877-808-4323.

Sugar Beach Condominiums: Stay five nights and receive two nights free, September 8 through October 30, 2009, or stay four nights and receive three nights free, November 1, 2009, through January 30, 2010. Reservations must be booked for two months or longer. For more information visit their website or call 1-800-457-8427.

Summerhouse of Panama City Beach : Stay two nights in a private, two-bedroom, gulf-front condo and receive the third night free. Better yet, stay seven consecutive nights and receive the sixth and seventh nights free. This offer is valid for stays between August 2, 2009, and February 28, 2010, excluding September 3 – 7, 2009. For more information visit their website or call 1-800-354-1112.

The Towne of Seahaven: Receive half off rates at Origin at Seahaven, the Seahaven Beach Hotel and the Best Value Inn. Plus, buy one dinner and receive a second dinner free at Hammerhead Fred’s. Also enjoy complimentary cocktails with dinner at Shark’s Beach Club. Rent one beach rental and receive the second beach rental free. Plus, take 50 percent off all clothing purchases at Liz and Jane Clothes. This offer is valid from August 2 through October 30, 2009, excluding holidays and special events. The Town of Seahaven’s accommodations are rich with amenities: beachfront and gulf-view rooms, multi-bedroom accommodations, private balconies and more. Origin at Seahaven also features a state-of-the-art fitness center, theater and indoor and outdoor dining. Located near Pier Park, the premier shopping/dining/entertainment destination; beautiful beaches; and endless family attractions, the Towne of Seahaven is the ultimate summer getaway. For more information visit the website or call 1-850-636-8550.