With Labor Day fast approaching, the Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC) is encouraging guests to book now and capitalize on its popular “Be Rewarded” gift card promotion, while enjoying the beautiful beaches, as well as world-class events and activities over the holiday weekend in the relaxing Gulf Coast destination.
“Many travelers have been concerned about our beaches since the Gulf oil incident, and we’re proud to report the beaches are beautiful and our 15 beach communities are open for enjoyment,” said Dawn Moliterno, executive director of the Beaches of South Walton TDC. “More importantly, we’re giving families an added incentive to experience these world-class beaches and incredible beyond the beach activities over thethree-day weekend with our ‘Be Rewarded’ program.”
Visitors who book and complete a three-night or more stay by September 30, will “Be Rewarded” with a $250 gift card good for either shopping at Silver Sands Factory Stores or for future travel on Southwest Airlines.
Beyond the Beach Events
Beyond the beach there are plenty of events and activities to keep families entertained. For those who love art, take a gallery tour, enjoy First Friday Artwalk in Seaside’s Ruskin Place on Sept. 3 or visit the The Art Expo at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, taking place throughout the weekend. Attendees will be inspired by the incredible talents of local and regional artists who display their masterpieces complemented by live music under the night sky.
For those who enjoy live performances, on Saturday, Sept. 4, Alys Beach, in conjunction with Escape to Create, hosts Alys Sound. Dr. Chuck Mason composed a number of pieces that explore “Music for Porous Architecture.” Six musicians will perform and merge with music/sound from eight speakers. The live musicians will provide a beautiful, contemplative, sonorous sound that will interact with the recorded music, creating beautiful sonorities derived from local sounds such as waves, shells and wind.
On Sunday, Sept. 5, “A Musical Farewell to Summer” will be performed at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The Sinatra inspired musical mastery of renowned pianist and singer David Seering will be complemented by the Joe Occhipinti Orchestra. The outdoor event presented by theMattie Kelly Arts Foundation takes place in Grand Boulevard’s Grand Park, where patrons will be entertained in the best of Broadway and big band hits. In addition, live local bands playing styles ranging from big band to jazz to bluegrass will perform throughout the area’s 15 beach communities.
Family Activities
Fun activities for the family are waiting around every coastal dune lake, bike path and cottage. Rent a YOLO Board for an afternoon of paddling on the area’s rare coastal dune lakes, the Gulf or the Choctawhatchee Bay. Rent bicycles and ride along the 30A bike path. Attend a ranger program at Topsail Hill State Preserve. On Sept. 4, at 9 a.m., the state park ranger will discuss native frogs and toads of Northwest Florida, sharing fun stories about these noisy, yet elusive creatures. Also on Saturday, the Kids Rock the Block! event at Rosemary Beach invites families out for a rockin’ night of fun.
Be Rewarded Program
The rewards program and $250 gift cards are available only for stays with official Beaches of South Walton lodging partners listed on theaccommodations section of the destination’s website. Gift cards will be distributed at the Beaches of South Walton Visitor Information Center to guests with a printed and dated deposit receipt, the paid receipt from their three-night stay, which includes promotional code (BSW250) and valid driver’s license. This incentive program is on a first-come, first-serve basis, while supplies last. Funding for the program is being provided through a grant from BP.
For more information about Beaches of South Walton, visit www.BeachesofSouthWalton.com or contact the Visitor’s Center at (800) 822-6877.
About Beaches of South Walton
Beaches of South Walton is a destination located along a 26-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast and comprised of 15 picturesque beach communities, and white sand beaches and emerald green waters for which the region is renowned. Named as one of the Top 12 travel destinations for 2010 by Frommer’s, visitors to the destination enjoy a relaxing escape: an upscale, yet casual, place to unwind and rejuvenate. To learn more, visit www.BeachesofSouthWalton.com.
