Organizations who want to be a part of the 2011 Beaches to Woodlands Tour need to fill out this form. Entries sent after July 8 will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
October is a time to exhale, enjoy cooler temperatures, reconnect with family and friends and enjoy all that life has to offer.
I call it a gratitude month.
This is the 8th year for the Beaches to Woodlands Tour of Santa Rosa County and my second as tour coordinator. The tour this year includes more than 40 events and venues scattered throughout the county which stretches from Jay, Chumuckla and Munson bordering the Alabama line to downtown historic Milton to Navarre, Gulf Breeze and Navarre Beach. Most of the events and venues are free or low-cost and are tied to a local charity.
Whether you live locally or are from out of town, the tour is a perfect excuse to take a weekend vacation and get back to nature with special rates offered by area vacation rental companies, hotels and cabins or choose to get away in your RV or pull out the camping gear for a rustic experience.
Anglers enjoy the new Navarre Beach Fishing Pier to reel in their catch and enjoy the serenity of the sea. The pier is now the longest along with Gulf of Mexico stretching some 1500 feet from the shoreline. Children will also enjoy many of the tour’s signature events such as the Coastal Encounters at the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station, Butterfly Festival, Depot Days at the West Florida Railroad Museum and touring newly reopened Gulf Breeze Zoo.
Santa Rosa County is internationally known through Milton golf trio, Bubba Watson, Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum who are making their mark on the PGA Tour. Area golf courses are offering substantial discounts through the month of October so be sure to bring your clubs.
October is a great month for festivals and as always, the Beaches to Woodlands Tour kicks off with the Jay Peanut Festival, now marking its 22nd year. Others not-to-miss include the Munson Heritage Festival, St. Rose of Lima International Festival, Oktoberfest and more.
Athletes looking for fun events to test their skills will enjoy competing in a distance bike race, regional volleyball tournament and numerous 5k runs and walks set in the county’s most picturesque settings.
Adventure seekers will enjoy the new Zipline canopy fall foliage tour at Adventures Unlimited. If soaring above the rivers, creeks and white sand beaches instead your style, canoeing and kayaking offer a serene day on the water.
A great way to sample foods from local restaurants is the Taste of Navarre hosted by the Navarre Beach Chamber or ramble around Mainstreet Milton which features local cuisine served up in a classic downtown setting. Wine sampling, barbeque, fair food and chili are also on the tour menu.
The tour helps showcase local artisans and celebrates the life and history of the county.
The area features several fun Halloween-themed events including Boo at Zoo Gulf Breeze Zoo, a Haunted House and Ghost Walk both set in downtown Milton.
So, take the time this fall to reconnect with family, nature and friends. Give yourself a chance to unwind and exhale. We look forward to hosting you in Santa Rosa County.
Enjoy.
Karen Harrell
Beaches to Woodlands Tour Coordinator
From Around the County
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Corn Maze at Sweet Season Farms
Sweet Season Farms owners Trent and Sharon Mathews and their... -
Depot Days at the West Florida Railroad Museum
The history of Milton blows its whistle at the L&N... -
Ghosts of Milton Walking Tour (Ghost Walk)
The Ghost of Milton Walking Tour (Ghost Walk) is a fun way... -
Taste of Navarre
The Gulf Coast may be known for its seafood, but you can...