The last couple of blogs have been focused on New Year’s Eve celebrations.  I told you how you can celebrate New Year’s twice in the Forgotten Coast.  I also wrote about Southwest Airlines presenting a grand celebration at Pier Park in Panama City Beach.  Now, I’m going to tell you about some other New Year’s festivities you should definitely try to catch. 

The Village of Baytowne Wharf will be an awesome place to countdown the seconds before the New Year.  Plenty of restaurants and live music will lead you through a fun filled night topped off with a magnificent fireworks display.

If you’re in Pensacola, you’ve got a couple of choices.  First, the Pensacola Pelican Drop at the intersection of Government Street and Palafox is where you’ll want to be as the giant illuminated pelican will descend from its 100 foot platform at the stroke of midnight.  Over 50,000 people are expected to attend this extravagant celebration.  Or, take a break from the city and head to Pensacola Beach where you can wind down and relax as you enjoy the fireworks display from the Gulf Pier.

Wherever you head tonight be sure to have a great time while staying safe.  Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals wishes you a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2010!

On Thursday, December 31, Southwest Airlines will present the second annual Panama City Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park.  One of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations along the coast, the event represents some of the Best that the Beaches of Northwest Florida has to offer.  White sand beaches, family fun and celebration. 

The 800 pound flowing beach ball will begin its 100+ foot descent a little before midnight on December 31^st.  Beginning at 5:30pm, there will be plenty of Pier Park festivities free and open to the public.   You’ll be able to enjoy family friendly entertainment including bounce houses, street performers, stilt walkers, face painters and party favors.   The family part of the event wraps up around 8:30pm with fireworks and a family ball drop with over 7,000 inflatable beach balls!

The countdown celebration will take place from 9:00pm – 12:00am and the streets will be closed to traffic.  Live musical performances, prize give-aways (including six pairs of roundtrip airfare compliments of Southwest Airlines), and an amazing midnight fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico will help you have an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.  The event’s featured artist is the band Vertical Horizon!  Their hits include “Everything You Want”, “You’re a God” and “Best I Ever Had.”  They will take the stage at 10:45pm to finish up the rest of our amazing 2009!

Southwest Airlines, the presenting sponsor for this annual event, is the first airline to announce service to the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. 

Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals wishes you and your family a wonderful and safe New Year’s Eve.

For more updates on events, specials and more become our fan at www.thefacebook.com/SouthernResorts.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve twice this year in the Forgotten Coast!  Spend one countdown in the eastern timezone of Port St. Joe & St. Joe Beach before travelling five minutes west to Mexico Beach for another celebration. 

Free Shuttle Busses will be available to all passengers 21 years and older.  Shuttle stops will include:

• Sunset Coastal Grill
• The Thirsty Goat
• St. Joe Bar
• Haughty Heron
• Regan’s Pub and Oyster Bar
• Lookout Lounge
• Amanda’s Bistro
• El Governor
• Mango Marley’s
• Ruby Rumrunner’s
• Toucan’s

The Gulf County Tourist Development Council and Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals invite you to enjoy this safe and fun way to celebrate the New Year twice along the Forgotten Coast.  If you don’t have plans, make your resolution to visit the Beaches of Northwest Florida and start the new year in style. 

To find out about more events, specials and more become our fan at www.facebook.com/SouthernResorts.  A fantastic vacation to the beach awaits you at Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals.

Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals wishes you and your loved ones a merry Christmas!  Ok, so I know I’m a day early but we’d like to remind you to be safe if you’re traveling.  Whether you’re driving to the Beaches of South Walton or to Michigan, going 10mph over the speed limit to arrive an hour early is not worth the risk.  Instead, slow down and be courteous to the other drivers out there.  Trust me, it’ll work out in your favor. 

Remember that the true Christmas spirit doesn’t come in a wrapped gift.  It comes as a gift from the heart.  There is no prize greater than sharing special moments with those that matter to you most.  Enjoy this wonderful holiday and celebrate the true reason for the season.

From all of us here at Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals, we wish you a truly Merry Christmas!

Have you finished your holiday shopping?  The days are winding down quickly and soon Santa Claus will be coming to town.  Actually, Santa Claus is already in town at the Destin Commons.  Bring the kids to see Santa and enjoy their awe as they whisper what gifts they’d like from St. Nick.  Professional photos are taken and available for you to purchase and treasure for years to come.  So round up the family and head to the Destin Commons to enjoy the last couple of holiday shopping days before Christmas!

If you’re pondering a vacation to the Beaches of Northwest Florida, be sure to check out our Destin vacation rentals to find your favorite place at the beach. 

Gain access to more specials, events and happenings along the coast by becoming our fan at www.thefacebook.com/SouthernResorts.  Come experience real southern comfort with Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals.

Christmas is only 3 days away!  As the kids return home and you set aside time for friends, make some plans to get out on the greens for a little fun.  Holiday Golf Club in Panama City Beach offers fantastic rates on its ”Championship” and “9 hole” courses. 

The 18 hole par 72 Championship course has been described in national golf publications as one of Florida’s most enjoyable yet challenging tracks.  For the days leading up to Christmas, they have specials in place reaching as low as $35!  (after 12pm) 

Holiday Golf Club also features Bay County’s only “lighted” 9 hole Par 3 course.  The friendly design is inviting to families and the scratch golfers out there who could use a little more experience.  For only $15.95 you can walk the 9-holes with your fellow golfers. 

Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals is proud to invite you to Holiday Golf Club, our exclusive golfing partner in Panama City Beach.  To access even more specials, events and happenings along the coast become our fan at www.thefacebook.com/SouthernResorts.

Gather the kids, wrap up the scarves and zip up the coats.  Tonight, WindMark Beach will be having a fun time with Santa, smores, music and hayrides!  Santa will be arriving in festive spirit at 7:00pm and will be accompanied by Christmas activities through the village center. 

If you want to arrive a little early, at 5:00pm there will be cookie decorating at Town Hall.  Then, at 6:00pm the hayrides through WindMark Beach will begin. 

At 6:30pm, let the carolers’ voices soothe your soul as you gather around the fire pit.  Local performers Dana and Charlie Black will be singing holiday classics.  Visit the Panache’ tent to enjoy the delicious smores station or mix a some hot coacoa. 

Then, as promised, Santa arrives at 7:00pm for photos and Christmas requests from the kids.  Pets are welcome as the whole family is invited to enjoy this memorable holiday event.

Find more events, specials and more by friending us at www.thefacebook.com/SouthernResorts.

When you’re visiting the Beaches of Northwest Florida, it’s easy to enjoy the white beaches and emerald water.  But, it’s also fun to appreciate some of Jack Frost’s treats for the winter.  The Village of Baytowne Wharf proudly presents their ice skating rink to get us all into the holiday spirit. 

Open Monday – Saturday from 11am-10pm and on Sunday 11am-9m, this ice skating rink is perfect for all of us who like to experience some cold and ice.  The seasonal ice skating rink has become a seasonal favorite the past couple of years and the cost has stayed low.  $8 lets you skate the day away with an additional $2 for renting ice skates.

Located in Sandestin, near the Beaches of South Walton, The Village of Baytowne Wharf offers plenty of dining choices and some fun shopping.  Make your plans to come and visit Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals for your winter getaway to the beach.

Find exclusive specials and more by becoming our fan at www.facebook.com/SouthernResorts.

This morning at a press conference at the Breakers restaurant in Panama City Beach, Florida, Southwest Airlines announced the four destinations that will be serviced from our Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City, Florida. We were there and anxiously awaited with others from Bay, Walton and Gulf Counties. The announcement incited cheers from all. The markets offering non-stop service to and from our regional airport are Orlando, Baltimore/Washington, Nashville, and Houston. This is exciting news for the region as a whole. The exposure to the Beaches of Northwest Florida will enhance our economy in so many ways.

While the Southeast markets have known about our beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters for quite some time and have visited our Florida vacation rentals by car, now the fly-in crowd can experience THE Beach with ease, too. With new sets of travelers, not only will our lodging, retail, and dining segments get a boost, but also will our real estate market.

Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals looks forward to working with Southwest Airlines, the nation’s leading low-fare carrier!

All of us here at Southern Resorts would like to give a warm welcome to our Snowbird guests from the north.  Whether you’re from the mountains of Colorado or the hustle and bustle of New York we welcome you to the beautiful Beaches of Northwest Florida. 

Southern Resorts has created a special Southern Snowbirds‘ page to keep you updated on some local roosts, events and specials around the area.  Our offices along the Beaches of Northwest Florida will be holding twice monthly morning socials beginning in January.  The dates will be listed on this page.  

If you haven’t booked your place at the beach yet, the Southern Snowbirds’ page is the perfect place to find specials.  So, whether you’re young or young at heart we wish you warm holidays and a pleasant trip along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. 

To gain access to exclusive specials, events and more become our fan at www.facebook.com/SouthernResorts.  Come experience real southern hospitality with Souther Resorts Vacation Rentals.