What's Happening at Navarre Beach on the Island & the Beaches to Rivers of Santa Rosa? Spring 2008 NAVARRE GEARS UP FOR SPRING BREAK Come Back to the Island" is the spring and summer promotional theme for Navarre Beach, located on the eastern end of Santa Rosa Island, between Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach. The 12-mile stretch of beach is bordered by the Gulf Islands National Seashore and the Navarre Beach State Park. "We are a family friendly destination with lots to do for everyone without breaking the bank, " Kate Wilkes, executive director of the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council, said in a news release. "We are seeing strong booking numbers this season from our feeder markets in Baton Rouge, Birmingham and Atlanta." Wilkes said higher gas prices actually are a benefit to Navarre Beach and surrounding attractions in Santa Rosa County. "We are an easy drive from several large Southern cities, and once you get here all the amenities you need such as grocery stores, souvenir shops and restaurants are within a five-mile drive," Wilkes said. "Many of our visitors choose to stay in condominiums where they have the option of cooking some of their meals or enjoying one of our local restaurants. It's another way to stretch the family vacation budget." Wilkes also pointed out that there were several family-friendly activities within an easy drive of Navarre Beach including the Panhandle Butterfly House, the Northwest Florida Zoo and the L&N Train Depot. Also available for rental are surf fishing gear, sea kayaks, sailboats, snorkeling gear, bicycles and other beach toys. There are three hotels located in Navarre, just over the beach bridge, including the newly opened Hampton Inn. Santa Rosa County also features wooded cabins, RV Parks and tent camping sites in the northern end of the county nestled next to white-sand bottomed creeks and rivers in the Blackwater River State Forest. The area is known as the canoe capital of Florida. Golfers will enjoy the new online reservations system available at the newly rejuvenated Hidden Creek and Tiger Point golf courses. There are also several day spas available within a five-mile drive. Families who haven't booked their spring or summer trip might want to look at doing that soon. "Many of our rental companies are urging callers to go ahead and book their trip, especially during summer vacation weeks," Wilkes said. "The trend the past few years is people are waiting until the last minute to book their vacations, but 2008 is not the year to do that." View Spring/ Summer Specials, Events Calendar and Summer Promotion on www.ComeBacktotheIsland.com. Where's Randy? Last fall, Santa Rosa County introduced "Randy the Butterfly," as its new official tour guide. After all, who better to shed light on the region than a creature that's flown high and low, exploring every nook and cranny of the Beaches to Rivers of Santa Rosa? "Randy the Butterfly" is charged with discovering and promoting Northwest Florida's hidden treasures. And, because he likes to do things on the fly, Randy plans to use the ease and the speed of the Internet to keep you posted. Check out Randy's recommended itineraries, resources for active travelers, hot links, and more by visiting www.beaches-rivers.com/planning.php. Be sure to explore Santa Rosa County's online, interactive trails map, too, at www.beaches-rivers.com/trailsmap. widened and renourished Navarre Beach, October 2006 Banana Beach: Nourish Body & Soul A smoothie shop has opened at Summerwind. Also new is Camp Banana Beach, educational awareness programs conducted by area experts and targeting children and others interested in the beach environment (open to the public). Bikers on the Beach Every Sunday afternoon, hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts gather behind Cocodries for Bikers on the Beach, a social gathering and cookout. Many of the bikers are baby boomers mirroring a nationwide trend. Visitors Center Work is underway on a new Santa Rosa County Visitor's Center located at the foot of the Navarre Beach Bridge at Navarre Park. The new center is open to the public Dec. 2007. Beach Weddings Navarre Beach has become a popular beach wedding destination. Tropical Beach Weddings, a locally based company will host dozens of beach weddings at a variety of locations this summer. Canoe Capital of Florida The Blackwater River State Forest in Santa Rosa County, Florida is known as "The Canoe Capital of Florida" due to its extraordinary variety of inland rivers that provide a unique opportunity for visitors seeking adventure aboard a canoe, kayak, or inner tube. Cutting across the Florida Panhandle at regular intervals is a series of clear, forested rivers, their banks dotted with expansive, glistening white sandbars. Some of the best canoeing is in northern Santa Rosa County on Blackwater River and Coldwater Creek. This is a popular day trip for many beach visitors. Church Non-denominational church services are held on the outdoor deck at Cocodries each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Doggie Treats Sailor's Grille and Bakery not only offers fresh-baked goods for humans but also their favorite pets. This bakery's homemade doggie treats were a take-home treat long before the recent spate of pet food recalls. Eco-Beach In addition to renting beach bikes, surfboards, sea kayaks, beach wheelchairs, fishing poles, and other fun beach equipment, Eco-Beach has launched a webcam at www.navarrebeachwebcam.com to give visitors and locals alike a chance to view Navarre Beach 24-7. The Eco-Beach store has relocated just west of Cocodries to provide better access for beach visitors. Two new beach volleyball courts will be constructed behind the store. Family Time Also popular on Navarre Beach is "togethering" - a trend for busy families that want to vacation in one location. Grandparents, siblings, and extended family often book multiple rental units for an informal family reunion. Going for the Green: Golf The Club at Hidden Creek recently received a 4.5 star rating from Golf Digest in its "Best Places to Play," making it one of only five Northwest Florida courses to receive the top rating. A new clubhouse featuring "Tuscan Grille" has opened in Fall 2007. Most area courses offer a variety of lodging and golf packages. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Santa Rosa Island, October 2006 Gulf Islands National Seashore Update Federal funding to replace the two-lane road between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach through the Gulf Islands National Seashore was recently announced. The road is expected to reopen some time in 2008. Residents and visitors alike cannot experience this picturesque dune landscape along the Gulf of Mexico again by car, bike, and foot. Juana's Pagoda A new 3000-square foot deck was recently added between Juana's Pagoda and Sailor's Grill & Bakery. This new deck already has been used for a variety of group and special events. Juana's marks its 18th anniversary on July 1, a milestone especially important in light of recent hurricanes. Beach volleyball remains a big attraction at Juana's Pagoda. Recently a fifth court was added, and leagues play three nights per week. Take a Hike...Online Let your fingers do the walking. Visit Northwest Florida's Trails Map Web site, which we've recently updated to include new maps for all trails in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties. The address is: www.beaches-rivers.com/trailsmap. State Park Renovations Underway Work has begun to renovate facilities at the site of the state park at the eastern edge of Navarre Beach. The state is expected to hand the park back over to the county by the end of the year. New Accommodations Guide Available The Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council has published a new Navarre Beach Accommodations Guide. This guide includes information on vacation rentals, ranging from condos, to apartments, to homes. It also highlights general information and attractions throughout the Beaches to Rivers of Santa Rosa. To request free copy, call 800.480.7263 or click here. Please check back for regular updates and sign up to receive our bi-monthly e-newsletter here.

Santa Rosa Tourist Development Council • 1-800-480-7263
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