» Parks and Recreation

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 opport...

If you’re on Panama City Beach, outdoor adventures aren’t hard to find. From various nearby springs and creeks to caverns and dolphin seeking, this little town really does have it all. Here is a list of 6 of the popular places in the area where you can have you very own outdoor adventure. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park Home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, Wakulla Springs plays host to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, deer, and birds. Daily guided riverboat tours provide a closer view of wildlife, and glass bottom boat tours are offered when the water is clear. Swimming is a popular activity during the hot summer months. A nature trail offers a leisurely walk along the upland wooded areas of the park. The Wakulla...

The Most Beautiful Beach Anywhere… Perennially listed on America’s Top Ten Beaches, St. Andrews State Park is a beach-lover’s dream. A perfect combination of uncrowded beach and true natural settings, St. Andrews State Park allows the Panama City Beach visitor to get out of the city and get into nature. And truly, “beautiful” doesn’t fully describe this majestic place. It’s just a short drive east and away from the city street, but its well worth the trip. As I drove in, the various species of trees and lushness of, well, so many trees, I suddenly realized I was no longer in the city. All around me are natural treasures. Sounds of birds and nearby tides quiet the air. Everywhere, in every direction, are various species of animals. In fact, I learned over 2,100 marine dep...

Title: Pier Park Concert – Rollin in the Hay – New Grass Location: Pier Park Date: Thursday June 18th. Here’s a taste of the upcoming band: Rollin In The Hay “Combine the good times and instruments of a front porch hoe down with the muscle of a power trio, and the savvy of veteran touring musicians. Coat that with a little caffeine-laced three part harmony and you begin to understand the sound of Rollin’ in the Hay. This Birmingham, Alabama based band has become one of the forerunners in the “Newgrass” musical revolution in America. Their constant touring from colleges to concert halls has taken them coast to coast playing their souped-up brand of acoustic grassrock. Opening shows for everyone from Greg Allman to Widespread Panic, the sound of the...

If you regularly haul hundred pound yellowfin tuna, maybe you shouldn’t just show them off to your friends, but enter in a fishing tournament and show it off to the world. Below is the upcoming 2009 fishing tournament schedule for the Gulf Coast  area. 05/22 – 05/25  Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Billfish Tournament 06/05 – 06/09  Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic 06/19 – 06/20  Emerald Coast Billfish Classic 06/20 – 06/27  Bayou Bash 07/03 – 07/09 Pensacola Big Game Tournament 07/17 – 07/18  Bay Point Invitational 07/25   MBARA King Mackerel Tournament 07/25 – 07/26  Marquart’s King Mackerel Tournament 08/13 – 08/16  Grand Lagoon National 08/29  C-Quarters King Mackerel Tournament 09/09  Poorman’s Shootoff 09/2...