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It’s that time of year again – the time when we start to crave the sun on our faces and the sand between our toes. Looking for family fun beyond the beaches in Northwest Florida, or a little romance in Georgia’s Golden Isles? Want to plan your vacay around some fabulous festivals along the coast? You’re in luck. In Points North’s March issue, we offer a glimpse at a few glorious Southern beaches, plus the scoop on packages, promotions and events at beach destinations across the Southeast. For even more information to make planning your beach getaway a breeze, read on.
Beach Briefs
A Whirlwind Tour of Our Southern Beaches
 Spectacular Seaside Winter Warm-Up
Visit Ocean Lodge on St. Simons Island through March 31 to enjoy a nightly rate of $198 per night for two nights, $189 for three nights or $158 for seven nights – that’s up to 54 percent savings! Use promotional codes WARMUP, WARMUP3 or WARMUP7 respectively when booking. 866-932-0593, www.oceanlodgessi.com
Adventurous Soul
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is a lush, 5.5-acre private island dotted with crushed seashell paths amid verdant tropical foliage. Located in the Lower Florida Keys, each of the 15 spacious thatched-roof bungalows offer ocean views with plush interiors. Their “Adventurous Soul” package is filled with five jam-packed days of snorkeling, fishing and yoga all while surrounded in complete luxury. This package is available through May 31 and includes a seaplane flight to Key West, a snorkel trip for two, a half-day back country fishing trip for two, an 80-minute “Twist of Zen” yoga experience for two at SpaTerre, the “Lilyanna Picnic” for two, a $300 credit per person and a full meal plan  for two for French and Pan-Latin cuisine at the award-winning Dining Room. Sound exhausting? It isn’t, because you’ll have five days to enjoy every minute of this private experience. 800-343-8567, www.littlepalmisland.com
A Winter Escape
Captiva Island is the best place to be during the chilly winter months (and they have been quite chilly this season), and South Seas Island Resort on Florida’s Captiva Island is offering a special escape until April 30 with rates as low as $299 per night. The “Winter Escape” package allows guests to trade their parka coats and scarves for swimsuits and sunscreen while earning a $50 resort credit with a two-night stay. For each additional night each guest will receive a $25 resort credit, up to $250, that is applicable toward resort expenses: spa treatments, equipment rentals, meals and other activities or classes offered by this incredible resort. This wildlife sanctuary in Florida spans two-and-a-half miles of shell-laden beaches and is absolutely perfect for a quiet family vacation. 866-565-5089, www.southseas.com
Spring Break S’mores
Any person with a family knows that finding the perfect balance of fun and relaxation at a resort would be the quintessential experience; The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach Shores, Fla., includes enough pleasure and enjoyment for the whole family. (Be sure to check out this month’s All Points Bulletin for a chance to win a stay here!) Even if you don’t win the giveaway, their “Stay and Play,” two-night package includes room accommodations for the whole family and a $100 dining credit. Also included are beach chair and umbrella rentals, along with a Shores bag of beach toys to guarantee a fun, family day at the beach. To tip it all off, you can enjoy their signature S’mores by an Oceanside fire pit. 866-396-2217, www.shoresresort.com
Beach Calendar
GARDEN SHOW AT AMELIA ISLAND [March 5 – 6]
Hosted by the Fernandina Farmer’s Market, this event will showcase nature’s brightest colors for two days at Central Park. With growers and nurseries from around Florida, the show will feature more than 50 vendors with a full assortment of flowers, plants and accessories. Get expert advice and enjoy how-to presentations while enjoying the Florida sun. Mention “GARDGU” and enjoy a special show rate at Amelia Hotel at the Beach. Amelia Island, 904-491-4872, www.ameliagarden.com
AN ELEGANT COMPETITION [March 11 – 13]
With more than 250 classic production and racecars from seldom-seen private collections on display at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach, it’ll be tough to focus on your putting. The event also includes road rallies, RM Auction of vintage cars, seminars, a black tie gala dinner and silent auction. Amelia Island, 904-636-0027, www.ameliaconcours.org
GULF BREEZE ART FESTIVAL [March 12 – 13]
Gulf Breeze, Fla., celebrates the arts with elegance and grace with a juried fine arts and crafts festival that brings quality national, regional and local artists to the area. This two-day event is family-friendly and free to the public with more than 115 artists. For lodging, please visit www.floridabeachestorivers.com. Gulf Breeze, 800-480-7263, www.gulfbreezearts.org
ORANGE BEACH FESTIVAL OF ART [March 12 – 13]
Juried artists from Orange Beach, Ala., and throughout the nation display their fine art and crafts this season on the beautiful Wolf Bay. Additionally, there will be a Literary Arts Tent, Drama and Dance Stage, Children’s Fine Art Gallery and a Songwriters and Musicians stage to showcase other areas of art. The talent is immense; the price of admission is free. Orange Beach, 251-981-2787, www.obfoa.com
ALYS BEACH SPRING CONCERT SERIES [March 16, 23; April 6. 13. 27]
Bring your dancing shoes and join Alys Beach, Fla., as they showcase various local and regional acts in their local amphitheatre. This is sure to be a beautiful getaway. Alys Beach, 866-732-1760, www.alysbeach.com
WANDERLUST FESTIVAL [March 17 – 20]
Yoga and music have the innate ability to relax the mind and pierce the soul. The Standard Spa in Miami Beach is a holistic paradise whose outdoor lawns, Turkish hamam and aroma steam baths offer the ultimate experience. This celebration of health and hedonism will feature notable yoga teachers from the nation’s top studios. Ticket prices vary by package, though there is a special if you purchase your tickets and lodging together. The Standard Spa, 305-673-1717, standard.wanderlustfestival.com
APALACHICOLA ART WALK & WINE FESTIVAL [March 26]
Stroll the streets of downtown Apalachicola as artists and musicians show, sell and demonstrate their talents, then enjoy a wine tasting that evening followed by wine pairing dinners and scrumptious local restaurants. Apalachicola, 850-653-9419, www.apalachicolabay.org
BAL HARBOUR MOVIES ON THE BEACH [March 26]
You might already know Bal Harbour is one of the most prestigious fashion meccas in the world, but it’s now garnering distinction as one of South Florida’s premier tourist attractions, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy cultural happenings as well. In collaboration with ArtNexus, the Bal Harbour Shops are hosting themed collector-worthy installations. Each month, the Shops will feature displays and collections inspired by fashion, the art scene in Miami, and video installations. At night, Movies on the Beach take place under the stars at Bal Harbour Beach. This month is a double feature, which opens with a collection of past winners from the Museum of Contemporary Art’s annual Optic Nerve film festival, followed by the award winning “La Vie En Rose,” the story about brilliant but tortured French singer, Edith Piaf. Bal Harbour Village, 800-847-9222, www.balharbourflorida.com
GULF COAST SALUTE AIR SHOW [March 26 – 27]
This patriotic event will be highlighted by the U.S. Thunderbirds in their 57th year representing the men and women of the United States Air Force. The two-day show will also feature a variety of military and civilian aerial shows as well as food, games and attractions. For accommodations in nearby Mexico Beach, visit www.mexico-beach.com. Tyndall Air Force Base, www.tyndall.af.mil
LING DING TOURNAMENTS [Weekends in April]
This old fishing festival was popular 20 years ago, and now it’s back and better than ever! Boaters can fish it out for cash prizes, and all proceeds benefit the Forgotten Coast Warrior Weekend and the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association. Mexico Beach, Fla., 888-723-2546, www.mexico-beach.com
SHUCK & SHAG (SO VERY CHARLESTON!) [April 8]
Nothing is finer than shagging in South Carolina, so head to The Village Plaza and shuck local oysters while you learn the state dance. Afterwards, stay for movie night. Wild Dunes Resort, 888-778-1876, www.wilddunes.com
MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY [April 23]
 Join “Alys,” the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter cordially for a tea party. Enjoy fairytale food, hat decorating and mingle with the classic characters. Don’t be late! Though this event is free, hats are limited to the first 150 young guests. A suggested donation of $5 will be accepted to benefit Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. Alys Beach, 866-732-1760, www.alysbeach.com
SANDESTIN WINE FESTIVAL [April 28 – May 1]
White tents, flowing wine, gourmet food, ladies strolling in hats and live music sum up one of the best events of the season. The grand wine tasting will captivate even the casual wine drinker with more than 600 wines. The Culinary Pavilion will feature the food treasures of Spain. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 800-622-1038, www.sandestinwinefestival.com
SHRIMP FESTIVAL [April 29 – May 1]
For nearly half a century, this small crustacean has caused a big sensation in historic Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Fla. This popular event also features a nationally-recognized juried fine arts and crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, kids activities, contests, pirates, free admission and 25 food booths serving up the tastiest shrimp you can find. Amelia Island, 866-426-3542, www.shrimpfestival.com 
PIER CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION [May 13 – 14]
Celebrate Anna Maria City Pier’s centennial event with “Art, Food & Wine on the Pine,” a culinary experience and a parade along historic Pine Avenue plus a juried art show, minstrels and music. The local Historical Society will showcase a traditional Settler’s Mercantile where leather tanners, quilters, silversmiths, blacksmiths, bakers and other trades people reminiscent of the early 1900s will make and sell their wares. The celebration will end with an evening “Picnic in the Park” followed by a spectacular fireworks display over Tampa Bay. Anna Maria Island, 941-729-9177, www.annamariaisland-longboatkey.com
PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT [May 13 – 22]
Nationally recognized Plein Air artists have been tasked with capturing the allure of Florida’s Forgotten Coast on canvas. Visitors can watch as they paint on the beach, across the marsh, beside the lakes and throughout the streets of coastal towns from Mexico Beach to Carabelle, Fla., Florida’s Forgotten Coast, www.pleinairfl.com
HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL [May 20 – 22]
A smile will cross your face when you think about relaxing on a beautiful beach, listening to some good vibrations and getting a great deal. This festival is headlined by Paul Simon, The Black Keys, Foo Fighters and so many more fabulous artists that Gulf Shores, Ala., might burst with excitement. Brett/Robinson Real Estate will give you four nights for the price of three, with some restrictions on locations and subject to availability. Visit www.brettrobinson.com for rates. Gulf Shores, www.hangoutmusicfest.com
WILD AMELIA NATURE FESTIVAL [May 20 – 22]
Residents and visitors are invited to experience the wild side of Amelia Island, Fla. With more than 25 seminars and experiences, the three-day festival offers something for everyone. You can take a Segway tour of Ft. George Island, kayak the marshes along Ft. Clinch State Park and explore bird habitats by bike. There are several programs designed specifically for children, including a Kids Niche with hands-on nature activities. Amelia Island, 904-251-0016, www.wildamelia.com
“DAMES AT SEA” [June 3 – July 1]
SummerTide Theatre is proud to present this flashy, glitzy story set in the 1930s. Ruby, a talented tap dancer from the country who longs for Broadway success, has a story that’s full of love, laughter and big musical numbers. Gulf Shores, 251-968-6721, www.summertide.org
HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL [June 17 – 19]
Foley, Ala., is the home of this 7th annual event, which boasts 45 brightly colored hot air balloons. You can view these stars of the sky at sunrise and sunset depending on the day and the weather. In addition to the balloons, the event will host musicians, 60 kites flying high, an arts and crafts village and a children’s village with plenty of activities. Foley Sports Park, 251-943-3291, www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com
Additional Resources
Beyond the Beach
When you’ve had enough sun bathing and boogie boarding, Navarre Beach, Fort Walton and Okaloosa Island provide plenty of options for family fun.
Adventures Unlimited
www.adventuresunlimited.com
Emerald Coast Science Center
www.ecscience.org/
Florida's Gulfarium
www.gulfarium.com
 Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center
www.fwb.org/museum
Gulf Breeze Zoo
www.gulfbreezezoo.org
Navarre Beach Pier
http://www.navarrebeachpiercam.com/
Luther's Pontoons, Waverunners, Kayaks
www.lutherspontoon.com
Liquid Surf & Sail
www.liquidsurfandsail.com
Sunscreen with a Side of Shears
A unique partnership in Southern Florida caters to visitors on a mission to do good in the Everglades and feel good in Miami.
Everglades National Park
www.nps.gov/EVER
Delores But You Can Call Me Lolita
www.deloreslolita.com
Mandarin Oriental, Miami
www.mandarinoriental.com
Isles of Gold
St. Simons Islands provides the perfect place for a little romance and southern charm.
 Brunswick and the Golden Isles of Georgia
www.comecoastawhile.com
St. Simons Island Trolley Tours
www.stsimonstours.com
Ocean Lodge
866-932-0593
www.oceanlodgessi.com
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