Photo by Shamus Pons
Pack your bags, grab a sweater and head to the beach. Whether you enjoy food and wine, nature, performing arts, or shopping, there is a ton to do and see this season at the shore. “The fall is our best kept secret,” said Tracy Louthain, Director of Public Relations and Visitor Services at the Beaches of South Walton.
Located in northwest Florida on the Emerald Coast, the area has 15 diverse beachfront communities stretching 26 miles from Inlet Beach to Seaside. In the fall, the average temperature is 80 degrees. “The water is still warm enough for swimming, yet daytime temperatures are pleasant. More importantly, it is a quieter season. The kids are back in school--so it becomes romantic with lots of couples coming for long weekends. The fall also brings spectacular sunsets, as well as the migration of the Monarch butterfly fluttering along the coast.”
Kimberly Chapman, public relations manager for the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitor Bureau, agrees that the fall is a great time to visit. “It’s our shoulder season, so we are a little less crowded and the rates have shifted away from the peak season pricing. The weather is wonderful. The lack of humidity makes outdoor activities, such as, boating, fishing, golf and birding especially inviting.”
Northshore residents can drive to the Beaches of South Walton or Gulf Shores in less than five hours. Here is a sampling of the events planned for this fall. For more information, visit www.beachesofsouthwalton.com or www.gulfshores.com.
SEPTEMBER
Baytowne Wharf Art Expo Sandestin
September 4-6
A weekend of world-class art and live music in the Events Plaza. The southeast’s leading artists gather for this three-day festival.
(850) 267-8186
www.baytownewharf.com
A Starry Starry Night at the Hilton Sandestin Beach, Sandestin
September 25
Intimate tables for two are set up on the beach. Couples enjoy an evening under the stars, with fine cuisine, wine, and live entertainment. End the evening watching a romantic movie.
(850) 267-9500 or (800) 367-1271
www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com
OCTOBER
Distinctive Kitchens Culinary Arts Center presents International Cuisine ~ Pinot Envy, Orange Beach October 2
Inside the store and culinary theatre, enjoy a fabulous selection of Pinot Noirs complimented by unique food pairings: Wheel of Brie with Thyme and Mushrooms, Duck Rillettes with Dried Cherries, Salmon Cakes with Herbed Aioli, Bourbon Chicken, Liver Pate, Blue Cheese and Walnut Spread with Apples and Pears, and Grilled Lamb and Fig Skewers with Mint-Pepper Glaze.
(251) 224-1776 www.dk4u.com
South Walton Community Yard Sale Seaside October 3
Held outdoors in the Seaside Amphitheater, along Scenic Hwy 30A, the Yard Sale features more than100 vendors.
(850) 231-6107
www.seasidefl.com
38th Annual National Shrimp Festival Gulf Shores (main Public Beach) October 8-11
Over 300,000 people savor the shrimp during this annual four-day festival featuring two musical stages, 300 fine arts and crafts vendors, and a Children’s Activity Village. (251) 968-4237 www.nationalshrimpfestival.com
6th Annual John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest Gulf Shores October 15-18
The Alabama Coastal BirdFest coincides with the annual fall migration of birds from North America to Central and South America. Events are held at 5 Rivers; Alabama’s Delta Resource Center.
(251) 621-1902 www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com
Autumn Playwright Festival Seaside October 7-17
The Seaside Repertory Theatre’s annual homage to Harold Pinter, winner of the 2005 Nobel Prize for Literature through panel discussions, staged readings, and a full-scale production. (850) 231-0733 www.seasiderep.org Vettes at the Village Sandestin October 17 Drawing over 200 Corvettes and thousands of enthusiasts, this event is designed to create awareness of and raise money for the charities of the participating Vette chapters. (850) 267-8186 www.baytownewharf.com Baytowne Wharf Beerfest Sandestin October 23-25 Over 40 plus brewers and 70 beer styles will be available to sample while listening to live music. (850) 267-8186 www.baytownewharf.com NOVEMBER Seeing Red Wine Festival November 5-8 Seaside Wine enthusiasts stroll through Seaside, sipping a wonderful selection of wines and listening to world class music. Enjoy intimate lectures and tasting with featured guest winemakers, dinners and al fresco reserve wine tasting. (800) 277-8696 www.seasidefl.com 25th Annual Frank Brown Songwriters Festival November 11-21 Gulf Shores
Published and aspiring writers and musicians gather to celebrate. (850) 492-7664 www.fbisf.com
Flutterby Festival November 14-15 WaterColor
A family festival celebrating the colorful migration of the Monarch butterfly through the region. Features children’s arts and crafts booths.
(850) 622-5970
www.culturalartsassociation.org
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