Vision Airlines Gives Passengers $200* When Booking a Vacation Package for 2 to Destin/Ft. Walton Beach*

/PRNewswire/ -- Vision Airlines announced today that the company will offer the first 1000 passengers a $200 Visa gift card when they book a qualifying vacation package with Vision Airlines to Destin/Ft. Walton Beach. To qualify for this $200 Visa Gift card, customers must book a vacation package for 2 adults, which must include airfare, hotel/resort accommodations, and car rental with a minimum 3 night stay. The first 1000 customers to book a low-cost, minimum 3-night stay, vacation package for 2, will receive a $200 Visa gift card upon arrival at Northwest Florida Regional Airport located in Ft. Walton Beach. These special vacation packages may be booked at www.visionairlines.com or by calling 1-877-FLY-A-JET (1-877-359-2538).

Vision Airlines' discounted vacation packages deliver maximum value with some of the lowest prices available anywhere. Consumers are urged to check and compare with other online travel companies. Vision Airlines offers vacation packages to numerous cities but the $200 Visa gift card will only be awarded to the first 1,000 customers that book a qualifying package to the Destin/Ft. Walton Beach area, with flights arriving and departing Northwest Florida Regional Airport.

"This is another step to make travel affordable this summer for the family. The Destin/Ft Walton Beach area offers some of the best beaches in the US and was recently voted one of the Top 10 best places to live and boat by Boating Magazine," said David Meers of Vision Airlines' Chief Operating Officer. "With our low fares and great hotel rates, our packages are some of the best values for vacation travel this summer," added Meers.

Vision Airlines currently services 23 markets from its hub at Northwest Florida Regional Airport, located in Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, including non-stop flights to Las Vegas and many other popular leisure destinations such as Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, and Ft. Myers.

While some passengers may not need the hotel or rental property, they can still take advantage of Vision Airlines great low airfare specials. Visit www.visionairlines.com to check out the lowest fares to these great destinations.

* Details on $200 Gift Cards:

In order to receive the $200 Visa gift card, the reservation must be made for two guests and include airfare, hotel accommodations, and rental car. The reservation may be booked at www.visionairlines.com or by calling 1-877-FLY-A-JET (1-877-359-2538). This offer is good for passengers flying from any of the 22 Vision Airlines markets to Destin/Ft.Walton Beach. Accommodations and car rental reservations must be made in the Destin/Ft. Walton Beach area. The first 1000 travelers to book this type of vacation package will be able to pick up a $200 Visa gift card at the Vision Airlines ticket counter at Northwest Florida Regional Airport, located outside of the terminals and gates. The passenger that books the reservation will need to show government issued identification in order to receive their $200 gift card. This promotion ends when 1000 vacation packages in Destin/Ft. Walton Beach are booked for two guests.

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Special Olympics Georgia Has Folks Freezin' for a Reason

/PRNewswire/ -- The coolest event to hit the Metro Atlanta area promises to bring plenty of chills and thrills Saturday, February 19th at Lake Lanier Islands Beach & Water Park in Buford, Georgia. There are more than 250 plungers registered and more than $34,000 has already been raised. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Georgia.

Plungers will brave the chilly weather and water all while wearing swimsuits or zany costumes. The Polar Plunge is 2 p.m., and the gates will open at 11 a.m. Other highlights include food, music, costume contests, a bounce house, dunking booths, Special Olympics athlete appearances and warm drinks and heaters. Also, Lake Lanier Islands Resorts is waiving the gate fee for plungers and spectators.

All you have to do is raise a "bear" minimum of $50 in pledges (or as a personal donation) to plunge. Then you also receive a commemorative Plunge Long Sleeve T-Shirt. Additional event incentives are available for those raising $150 and above.

This year's Polar Plunge is presented by Lake Lanier Islands Beach & Water Park and Star94 FM,
and is supported by Marietta Wrecker, Dutch Walters Photography, SilvAd Promotions, State Farm, Iron Sky, and Bass Pro.

It's not too late to sign up! For more information or to register, please visit www.PolarPlungeGA.com or call the Plunge Hotline at (770) 414-9390 x 115.

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3rd Annual Tybee Labor Day Beach Bash - Oceanfront Fireworks and The Landsharks

 Enjoy the ocean breezes, live music and fireworks from the majestic Tybee Pier & Pavilion at the 3rd Annual Tybee Island Labor Day Beach Bash on Sunday, September 5th from 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Free live entertainment starts at 7pm with Gary Roland and The Landsharks Band! The Landsharks have performed with Jimmy Buffett and opened for several major artists, including The Beach Boys, Patti Labelle, Three Dog Night and Inner Circle. After performing with them Jimmy Buffett proclaimed that “The Landsharks are showmen, they’re fun. They’re a fun band” and also said “Funny thing was, The Landsharks knew the songs better than I did. And I love some of their arrangements.”

Spectacular fireworks under the stars start at 9:15 pm or at dark followed by more music until 10pm. Most nearby bars and restaurants will be open throughout the event to purchase food and refreshments.

The 3rd Annual Tybee Island Labor Day Beach Bash is sponsored by the Tybee Island Tourism Council, TybeeFest and Southern Eagle Distributors proudly distributing Landshark Lager, a Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville style brew.

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Good News as Summer Travel Increases on Jekyll Island

T2F Editor Note:  Just say "Jekyll Island" and some of our staff members go all "gooey- eyed."  Stories of years long ago of family vacations just bubble out with everyone in the office enjoying hearing them.  A friend of my family owned a couple of hotels on the island way back when and we would spend a lot of time down in Brunswick on the beach.  Ahh, the stories I could tell!  Hey, why not just go and check it out yourself?  Who knows?  You may come back with great memories for your family. In the meantime,  I'm going to check my calendar to see when I can escape back to my island of fun.

/PRNewswire/ -- With revitalization underway, Jekyll Island is beginning to see a return of visitation despite the sluggish economy. At its regular meeting Monday, the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Board of Directors reviewed hotel reports showing strong revenue growth for the month of June. Hotel revenue was up 28 percent over June 2009. The new Hampton Inn & Suites generated nearly $500,000 in revenue and achieved 92 percent occupancy for the month. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel saw revenue increase 25 percent over last year.

"The new Hampton Inn &Suites is attracting people back to Jekyll," stated JIA chairman Bob Krueger. "I spoke with a hotel guest this morning who had not been to Jekyll in many years. He was having a great time."

The growth in business was split between groups and guests on vacation. Several conventions held their meetings on Jekyll Island in June. Groups were rewarded with great weather and businesses ready to serve up a healthy dose of hospitality

Higher visitation translated into more business for island restaurants, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Summer Waves Water Park, whose revenue is 10 percent or almost $100,000 more than 2008.

"Leveraging events to gain earned media and focusing on internet marketing is paying off," stated Eric Garvey, JIA Chief Communications Officer. "We are in a good position. Our message is out there and we are being rewarded with incremental business."

Ben Porter, Chairman of the JIA Board of Directors Marketing Committee, echoed the optimism. "These results are a reflection of the staff's hard work and commitment, and I am very pleased with the direction we are heading."

With plans for two new hotels, beach village shopping and dining and a new convention center moving forward, Jekyll Island is quickly becoming Georgia's premier beach destination. The good news is timely as the economic recovery tries to pick up steam. When looking for bright spots, look to the beautiful Georgia coast and Jekyll Island.

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Making The Most Of A Trip To The Beach

(NAPSI)-For surefire fun on a visit to the beach, an increasing number of families are getting their feet wet in South Carolina. What's more, new attractions and old favorites are just waiting to break up--and perk up--the trip.

For instance, there's Carowinds (www.carowinds.com) at the North Carolina state line on Interstate 77. There, a new NASCAR-themed roller coaster pays tribute to the Intimidator, legendary driver Dale Earnhardt, while providing some fast thrills for even the most experienced coaster fanatic.

On a more sedate note, nearby is Historic Brattonsville, one of the largest restoration and living history sites in the Southeast. The 775-acre Revolutionary War battlefield site features 29 historic structures and programs chronicling Carolina Piedmont development from the 1750s through the 1840s (www.chmuseums.org).

Natural history, meanwhile, unfolds off Interstate 95 at Woods Bay State Natural Area. The park preserves one of the largest remaining pristine Carolina bays, with carnivorous plants, alligators, plentiful songbirds and a cypress-tupelo swamp (www.SouthCarolinaParks.com).

In bustling, pedestrian-friendly Greenville, there's Heritage Green, a campus of museums and theatres, including a brand-new children's museum.

Columbia, the state capital at the intersection of interstates 77, 20 and 26, features Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (www.riverbanks.org), the South Carolina State Museum (www.scmuseum.org), the Columbia Museum of Art (www.columbiamuseum.org) and the largest children's museum in the South (www.EdVenture.org).

Also on your way to the beach are produce stands on nearly any major side road. Pick-your-own and working farms open to visitors also abound. You can check out the "Farms" link at www.sc-heritagecorridor.org for locations.

Learn More

More information on destinations in South Carolina is at www.DiscoverSouthCarolina.com and the South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions site, www.scatr.com.

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Families Flip-Flop To The Beach For Less

(NAPSI)-A terrific backdrop for rich memories does not have to put a hole in your wallet.

Florida's Emerald Coast provides a number of ways by which families can save on warm-weather getaways. Try these tips:

Hit The Web

Search travel and airline web sites for last-minute deals. You can also sign up to be alerted of bargain beach vacations in specific parts of the country.

Frugal Fun

Look to visit affordable attractions while you're away. It can be a fun way to save and see some unforgettable sites. For instance, at Florida's Emerald Coast, you can watch dolphins "dance" at Florida's Gulfarium or splash around at Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park for less than you might expect. The area offers a host of affordable and entertaining events, often at little to no cost. (www.destin-fwb.com)

Here's a look at some of the wallet-friendly and fun activities found in the southern sea towns of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island:

• For less than $10, families can visit the U.S. Air Force Armament Museum, the Indian Temple Mound and Museum, the Destin History & Fishing Museum, or the Emerald Coast Science Center.

• The area's fun, family-friendly festivals and events include the 4th of July Celebration at Fort Walton Beach Landing, the 17th Annual Emerald Coast Poker Run, Emerald Coast Boat Week and the Black History Arts Festival.

Moneyless Memories

From building sandcastles and bodysurfing waves to watching sunsets and snorkeling for seashells, families make memories at Florida's Emerald Coast for no cost at all.

With 24 miles of sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters, the destination has been voted the "Best Beach Town in the South" for 14 consecutive years by the readers of Southern Living.

It also offers affordable accommodations, from beachfront hotels and a bed-and-breakfast to condominiums and vacation homes. You can learn more at www.destin-fwb.com or by contacting the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at (800) 322-3319.

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Movies on the Beach This Summer at Callaway Gardens®

This Summer Callaway Gardens®’ Robin Lake Beach becomes an outdoor cinema with Movies on the Beach.

Each Monday night through August 3, Robin Lake’s sandy beach will be the seating and the stars the backdrop for evenings of family-oriented movies. Projected onto an inflatable, 35-foot wide screen, the movies will be shown with a digital projection system with surround sound.

The movie schedule is:

June 8: Paul Blart: Mall Cop

June 15: Kung Fu Panda

June 22: Hotel for Dogs

June 29: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

July 6: Monsters vs. Aliens

July 13: Night at the Museum

July 20: Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

July 27: elf

Aug. 3: Night at the Museum Battle of the Smithsonian

In conjunction with the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens the season ends with a special showing on Saturday, September 5.

Sept. 5: Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines

Prior to show time, moviegoers will be entertained with music, beach games and more. Showtime will be at dusk (generally around 9:00 p.m.). Guests may want to bring a blanket or lawn chair and a portable AM radio for enhanced sound where they are sitting. The Beach Pavilion will be open for snacks and beverages.

Movies on the Beach is a great way to end a full day of family fun at Callaway Gardens. Guests visiting the Gardens during the day will be admitted to the movies at no additional cost. Day admission is $15/adult; $7.50/child (ages six to 12); children five and younger are admitted for free. The Gardens and its attractions are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the U. S. Hwy. 27 Beach Gate, movie-only admission is $5 per adult; $2.50 for children ages six to 12; and free for children age five and younger. For pass holders, admission is $4 per adult; $2 for children ages six to 12.

Don’t rush home, enjoy all of the Summer fun at Callaway the next day on an overnight package. The Callaway Gardens Stimulus package starts at only $99 in the Mountain Creek Inn (rates are available in the Cottages and Villas) and, in addition to admission to the Gardens and the movie, includes free golf, tennis, boating and biking.

Be sure to check out Callaway’s additional special Summer attractions including Iceberg Island (fee), a floating water playground, and the Xcelerator (fee), the world’s largest inflatable waterslide, both on Robin Lake. New this year - guests can try flying on the high trapeze outdoors under supervision of the FSU “Flying High” Circus performers on the beach (fee). These are in addition to the beloved traditional beach attractions included with admission -- Chickadee Choo Choo miniature train, paddleboats, miniature golf course, shuffleboard and the FSU “Flying High” Circus, an acrobatic circus with six weekly performances.

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Spice up your January with the 20th Annual Great Southern Gumbo Cook-Off at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

T2F Note: White sand, blue green water, cajun food, ahhhhhh. This cookoff at Sandestin receives the coveted Fayette Front Page Day Tripper award. While it isn't likely we'll all rush to Destin for a day trip, we are inclined to make a weekend out of it!

/PRNewswire/ -- With live Cajun music, door prizes and gumbo, the 20th Annual Great Southern Gumbo Cook-off, held at The Market Shops at Sandestin(R) Golf and Beach Resort, is sure to spice up anyone's afternoon. Held Saturday, Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., this event will be fun-filled with live authentic Cajun and Zydeco music by Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band and plenty of tasty gumbo.

Celebrity judges including Shelley Harrington of Southern Living Magazine and Tom Lewis from NBC/WJHG-TV will hold blind judging contests for top "Critics Choice" awards. All Cook-Off attendees will have an opportunity to vote for "The People's Choice" awards, while registering to win gift certificates and prizes.

Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 the day of the event. For ticket information, contact The Market Shops at 850/267-8092. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Destin Family YMCA and the Walton Education Foundation, Inc., both of which are United Way agencies.

For people wanting a great weekend getaway, Sandestin offers terrific rates as low as $89 at the Bayside Inn, and at the Village or Grand from $119 with the option to upgrade to a one bedroom for only $10 more. For accommodations, people can visit www.sandestin.com or call 800/470-7389, and mention code 225813.

Sandestin(R) Golf and Beach Resort offers the most complete resort experience in North America. Located on Florida's Beaches of South Walton, Sandestin is a 2,400-acre destination resort for all seasons and for all ages. Sandestin invites guests to enter a world of 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,700 condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of hotel accommodations like no other Destin vacation rentals. The resort boasts more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, certified children's programs, a fitness center and spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space and a pedestrian village featuring a host of boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants and nightlife venues. Sandestin is part of Intrawest Hospitality Management, a leader in destination resorts.

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A Winter Oasis On Sugary White Sands

(NAPSI)-A shaky economy doesn't have to mean shelving your family vacation. Instead, you can follow the lead of other budget-conscious travelers who have found ways to hit the road without breaking the bank.

A good first step is to find destinations offering discounted rates. For instance, you can save about 40 percent on accommodations as you soak up the rays at a top winter oasis: Florida's Emerald Coast.

Located on the upper Gulf Coast, the destination welcomes winter visitors with inviting temperatures averaging 72 degrees as well as gentle breezes. Unlike other seaside destinations, "value season" runs December through March. And while the area's preferred activity tends to be "relaxing and doing as little as possible," it also offers plenty of enticements. Here's a closer look for those looking to escape the wrath of Jack Frost:

Beautiful Beaches

Stretching 24 miles, the Emerald Coast has been voted "Best Beach in the South" for 13 consecutive years by readers of Southern Living magazine. The beaches provide seating for performances by dancing dolphins and sandpipers and picture-perfect sunrises and sunsets.

Delightful Sites

The area boasts family attractions such as the Gulfarium--home to creatures ranging from 600-pound seals to two-ounce clown fish--along with the U.S. Air Force Armament Museum, one of only three American museums dedicated to the display of Air Force weaponry. For more whimsical fun, the Emerald Coast Science Center is a child's science fantasy.

Great Golf

Ranked as one of the top 10 "Best Golf Towns in America" by Golf Digest magazine, the Emerald Coast offers challenging courses designed by world-renowned architects such as Fazio, Finger, Dye, Couples and Cupp. The area's 1,080 holes of golf can delight putters without being pricey on the wallet.

Gone Fishing

Hailed as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Florida's Emerald Coast harbors the largest and most elaborately equipped charter boat fleet in the state. With more than 20 types of fish, first-time anglers and seasoned "old salts" can delight in deep-sea excursions for as little as $25 a half day.

Dining Delights

From rackety-shack oyster bars and salt-air cafés to upscale restaurants, these eateries are simple in atmosphere yet spiced with character. Served up with the flavor of Southern hospitality, they are known for their "to-die-for" dishes.

For more information, visit www.destin-fwb.com or call (800) 322-3319.

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Looking for a holiday gift for a hard-to-buy-for person?

/PRNewswire/ -- If you're like thousands of people this holiday season trying to find gifts for hard-to-buy-for loved ones and friends, Sandestin(R) Golf and Beach Resort, a premier destination for all seasons and all ages, has creative, easy and time-saving answers for you. A variety of options, ranging in price include the following:

- The 20th Annual Great Southern Gumbo Cook-Off Tickets
This gift is a great choice for food lovers. Advance discounted
tickets are only $13 per person. Held at The Market Shops at Sandestin
Golf and Beach Resort, this January 10 event will be fun-filled with
live authentic Cajun and Zydeco music by Chubby Carrier and the Bayou
Swamp Band and plenty of tasty gumbo to sample. Add Sandestin
overnight accommodations starting at only $89, plus tax and fees. Call
850/267-8092 or go online at www.sandestin.com.

- Sandestin Wine Festival
Enjoy The Sandestin Wine Festival for $50 per person with discounted
advance tickets. The event is held on April 25 and 26, featuring Grand
Wine Tastings, the pouring of more than 600 domestic and international
wines. Representatives from more than 80 vineyards from across the
globe will entertain questions, offering a rare opportunity to learn
about wines and tastes. Order online at www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

- "Golf Enthusiast Extras"
For the Golf enthusiast in your life, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
has a variety of fun options. Choose from a one hour golf lesson for
$100, a round of golf for two at the nationally acclaimed Raven Golf
Club in January or February for a special price of $190, a Guys Golf
Getaway for four starting at $260 person (two night stay in a 3 BR
Dockside Villa, one round per person at Raven Golf Club, one round
per person at Burnt Pine Golf Club), or a Tiger Woods collection
Nike(R) golf shirt from the Raven Golf Pro Shop for only $80. Call
850/267-8155 to order.

- Fun for Fido
A special treat for animal lovers include a series of free events at
The Village of Baytowne Wharf. On February 20-22, watch the
spectacular Ultimate Air Dog competition. On February 22, furry
friends and owners can participate in the special Pooch Parade, with
specially decorated wagons, golf cars and/or bicycles. Overnight pet
friendly accommodations start at only $149. Reserve accommodations
online at www.sandestin.com for special savings.

- The "Younger You" Gift Package
For the person who wants a youthful appearance, Sandestin Day Spa and
Salon is offering onsite consultations with Rodney Soto, MD of The
Younger You Institute. Additional Medical Spa offerings at Sandestin
include Botox(R), soft tissue augmentation, and skin care
recommendations including Obagi(R), one of the most recognized
prescription-strength skin care lines. The Sandestin Day Spa and Salon
also offers traditional services including manicures, pedicures,
massages and more. For information call (850) 267-6466. Overnight
accommodations and Girlfriends Getaways packages are also available.

- Sandestin Beach Lover's Getaway
Sandestin's beautiful beach is an attraction and a special treat to
enjoy. Stay in a lovely one bedroom beachside unit for two days and
one night, starting at $139 per night until March 1. Free amenities
include tennis, bike rentals, fitness center and more. Not valid on
December 31. Please mention code: 2255G4. Save money by booking online
at www.sandestin.com.

- Sandestin Gold Gift Card
Let a special person in your life feel like a VIP with a Sandestin
Golf and Beach Resort Gold Gift Card. This card is available in any
denomination and can be used for overnight accommodations, golf,
tennis and at most retail shops and restaurants at The Market Shops at
Sandestin and the Village of Baytowne Wharf. For more information,
visit:
www.sandestin.com/headerandfooter/giftcards/tabid/817/Default.aspx


Purchases must be made before December 20, 2008. Shipping costs in some cases may apply.

Sandestin(R) Golf and Beach Resort (www.sandestin.com) offers the most complete resort experience in North America. Located on the sugar-white sand Beaches of South Walton, Florida Sandestin is a 2,400-acre destination resort. Sandestin invites guests to a world of 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,700 condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of hotel accommodations. The resort boasts beautiful beaches and bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, children's programs, fitness center and spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space and a pedestrian village featuring boutique shops, restaurants and nightlife venues. Sandestin is part of Intrawest Hospitality Management (www.intrawest.com), a world leader in destination resorts.

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The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Planning an Affordable Autumn Getaway

T2F Note: Here are some great deals for the fall.

Myrtle Beach Autumn Packages:

Hotel Blue Fabulous Fall Super Saver

Fabulous Fall Super Saver includes oceanfront accommodations and discounted prices for bowling at Hotel Blue’s sister resort. (Bowling and entertainment center located one block away.) $38-53 per night. Sunday to Thursday. Excludes Nov. 26-29, 2008. For more information, visit www.hotelBluemb.com or call (800) 843-3466.

Springmaid Resort

Buy three nights of the Bed & Breakfast package at Springmaid Beach Resort and get the fourth night and breakfast free. Enjoy this great deal, plus Springmaid’s all ocean view rooms, six pools (two heated) , two lazy rivers, fitness center, onsite restaurants, full sized in-room refrigerators and microwaves, plus the famous Springmaid Pier.

Bed & Breakfast package includes:
- Nightly lodging (Sunday through Thursday)
- Daily hot buffet breakfast
- Free admission to Springmaid Pier
- Resort miniature golf course discounts

Rates from:
$44/person 8/31-10/2/08
$39/person 10/5-10/24/08
$34/person 10/26-11/26/08

Rates based on standard resort room, double occupancy. Limited availability. Restrictions apply. Friday/Saturday and holiday rates available -- additional charges apply. For more information call (866) 764-8501 or visit http://www.springmaidbeach.com/specials.html.

Marina Inn Fall Family Fun

Five Nights of Fall Family Fun for $999. Includes accommodations in a Grande Guest room for five nights, 1/2-day boat rental on a 22-foot FunDeck Boat, four general admission tickets to Hard Rock Park or four “Ticket to Play” passes that include top rated attractions at Broadway at the Beach and full breakfast each morning in Waterscapes, the Marina Inn’s signature restaurant. No blackout dates! Valid through December 31, 2008. For more information call (877) 913-1333 or visit www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com/familyfun.


(ARA) - America’s wavering economy along with swelling gas prices have tampered with vacationers’ travel plans throughout the summer, leaving many travelers in the lurch. As wallets continue to tighten and stress levels rise, Americans are realizing just how much they need and deserve a vacation getaway that for now seems to be tossed on the backburner.

But despite fuel costs and financial worries, there is good news on the horizon for determined vacationers! As the seasons transition, Americans don’t have to throw in the towel on travel for the rest of the year. Simply learn to travel smarter by taking extended weekend getaways during the autumn shoulder season.

There are many ways to cut costs and allow for a fabulous fall trip. Here are some insider tips that will help you de-stress and recharge, while getting the most for your travel dollar:

Structure a Budget

First and foremost, figure out what you can realistically afford for your next trip, and stick to your guns. Create budget estimates for each vacation day, from meals to attractions, and even highway tolls. By understanding how much you have available before leaving home, you’ll save yourself the headache of ATM overdraws and never-ending credit card bills once you return from your trip.

Make a Smart Destination Choice and Create a Realistic Timeframe

Choose a destination that is close enough to reach quickly and cost-efficiently, but is a world away in ambiance. Do your homework and peruse through guidebooks, travel blogs, Web sites and newspaper and magazine reviews for destinations that provide climate-friendly options in which to spend a relaxing long weekend.

Choose the Right Accommodations

Select a hotel with an in-room kitchen efficiency so you don’t have to eat every meal in restaurants (that gets expensive!), and find a nearby grocery store so you can stock up with a few provisions. You’ll be amazed at how much money eating cereal for breakfast and packing cold cuts for lunch can save you each day. If you’re traveling with a larger group or family, check out beach homes, condos, timeshares and villa rentals, which can turn out to be a much less expensive option, per person.

Now is the time to also look for deals and offerings such as free nights, complimentary parking, or special incentives (like gas cards). With fewer people traveling these days, many hotels are offering attractive deals to get visitors in the door.

Research Affordable Activities

Seek out a destination with lots of activities that are free or highly affordable. When researching things to do or see in a destination, find attractions that will stretch your dollar the farthest. Savvy travelers will also plan in advance to save money through online coupons and deals. As a bonus, you’ll reduce stress while on vacation because your itinerary is already set.

By following the above tips, you’ll surely find and enjoy a long weekend break that fits within your budget. One terrific place you might wish to consider when putting these tips to the test is the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. Known best as an affordable, budget-friendly vacation destination with a vast variety of accommodations, meals and attractions to suit every visitor, this is a great option for the smart traveler. Here’s why:

Location and Weather
Boasting a mild climate and perpetually temperate weather, Myrtle Beach is a great destination choice year round, especially in the autumn. Its pristine coastline, affectionately called the Grand Strand, is the star attraction here. Stretching for 60 miles, travelers have access to all kinds of public beaches and oceanfront access, from state parks to picturesque waterways -- the perfect oasis away from the stress of everyday life.

Quality Accommodations with Perks
With a variety of accommodations from which to choose, including many updated and spacious beachfront condos with kitchens and additional seasonal promotions, Myrtle Beach offers great deals for saving money on food and lodging costs.

A Variety of Affordable Activities
Whether it’s hitting Myrtle Beach State Park to enjoy the pristine beach for pennies or even popping a quick game of miniature golf -- Myrtle Beach is the Miniature Golf Capital of the World -- there are plenty of options to have fun on a budget in Myrtle Beach.

For further incentives, vacationers can get a great bang for their buck at Myrtle Beach’s acclaimed attractions. At Brookgreen Gardens, a beautiful nature oasis on the site of four former rice plantations, your entry ticket is good for an entire week. And if you visit Hard Rock Park -- the world’s first 140-acre, music-themed amusement park -- on the day of a big-name concert, you’ll be admitted free to that evening’s concert.

The moral of the story? If you’re itching to use some of those precious vacation days for an extended weekend this fall, choose a destination that has it all within reach. With the right combination of budget-friendly activities, great weather, and a mix of fun and relaxation, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable and much-deserved getaway.

For more information visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle1 (888-697-8531).

Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Sandy Toes and Edisto's Loggerhead Sea Turtles

Having just arrived at our destination, we were quick to grab our swimsuits and fall out the door onto the sand of Edisto Beach, South Carolina. Slather on some sunscreen and let the vacation begin. While our expectations were high for the week, we stumbled across other finds that show us high hopes for the future.

Surrounding our beach house on the water side were two areas of orange tape. Looking closely, we could see indentations in the sand and the signs placed by the volunteers who watch the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. We sat smack down in between two turtle nests. One had been there for about 40 days and the other one about 10 days according to beach patrol Gary. Gary, who patrols the beach and is a volunteer loggerhead watcher, was eager to teach us landlubbers about the turtles.

The gracious ladies who come ashore to lay their eggs between May and August are coming home to the island of their birth. These gentle creatures can be up to three feet in size and weigh several hundred pounds. They come ashore at night to lay the ping pong ball sized eggs. Their flippers serve as a shovel and it can take an hour or more for the female to complete her nest. A typical nest will contain approximately 60-180 eggs.

The turtles are easily distracted from the work at hand. Should there be lights on the beach, or animals in the vicinity, the turtle may just crawl up and crawl back, thus exhibiting a "false crawl," whose track shape resembles a horseshoe. Gary told us she would then just abort the eggs into the ocean. A "true crawl" is one where the volunteers who walk the beach at night can locate the nest, and it has two distinct tracks.

Our second morning on the beach was thrilling. Here were new turtle tracks. Our trusty guide Gary showed us how to read the turtle tracks. In front of the nest was a huge "x" as in "x marks the spot." Gary explained the turtle patrol who had watched the turtle during the night placed the "x" to alert him of a new nest. He then placed an orange flag in the center of the nest.

Over the incubation period of the next 50-60 days, Gary and the other turtle watchers will keep a close eye on the nest. As time nears for the eggs to hatch, the sand will start to settle. A shell is then placed on top of the nest to show how much it is sinking. Experienced eyes can read those shells and determine about when the hatchlings will make their appearance. The hatchlings will boil out of the nest and head towards the ocean. The watchers are there in hopes that all of the young will make it there. Imprinting happens as soon as those hatchlings emerge. They follow the light of the moon to the ocean. If there are any lights on at the houses, the little tykes become confused and head towards the road.

Once the turtles go into the water, the males will never again touch land. Only the females will return in about 20 years or so.

Gary explained the process where the turtle watchers verify a nest. The nest will be about 18 to 24 inches down in the sand. A stick is used to verify the eggs' location. From the explanation, a gentle hand is used during this process.

Sometimes the eggs are too close to the high tide mark and have to be moved. Should the nest be moved, each egg must be individually moved without rotating the angle at which it was found. If the eggs are turned, the turtles will not hatch, or they will be deformed. While we were there, the oldest nest in front of our house had to be moved. There was an extremely high tide one night and the front part of the nest would not have been above the water line for more than a few days at most. The patrol moved the eggs about 30 feet. While this nest only had a few weeks left to go in its incubation phase, it was the only way any of the eggs will have a chance to hatch.

According to Gary, the female turtles will come ashore three or four times during the season to lay their eggs. The survival rate of the little tykes from the laying to adulthood is only about 1 in a thousand.

These animals can survive for close to 200 years. Full of grace and beauty, they are on the endangered list. Survival from predators who are natural and non-natural have severely depleted this turtle population. Over development on beaches and the loss of sandy beach for their nests have also taken their toll.

Protect the sea turtle. Give them hope. Give us hope.

Until next time,
Sandy Toes on Edisto

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Visit Edisto Island SC with Sandy Toes

Edisto Island, South Carolina, is about 40 miles from Charleston and remains unspoiled. The small beachfront community is ideal for families who want to find their place in the sand. To date, there has been no excess development on the island and everyone finds "Edislow Time." Join "Sandy Toes" and see some of the natural beauty of the island.

Click here to see another one of Sandy Toes' adventures on Edisto.


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Community News You Can Use

“Dr. Beach” Names Caladesi Island America’s Best

BUSINESS WIRE--Caladesi Island State Park takes the number one spot in the 18^th Annual Top 10 Beaches ranking produced by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research.

Caladesi is a pristine getaway beach in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area, only 20 miles west of bustling downtown Tampa. Traveling to this island is an experience itself, as it is reached by pedestrian ferry, complete with old salts telling interesting tales, or by private boat. The bayshore is a mangrove forest interlaced with kayak trails and is a bird lover’s paradise. The only mode of transportation on this lovely island, dominated by palm trees, is by foot over the super fine white sand. There is a great snack bar and other creature comforts to enhance your island experience, and both the grounds and landscape are well maintained. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer beach season, but the waves are generally only measured in inches so don’t bring your surfboard.

Caladesi is a well-kept secret. Surrounded by the beauty of a lush state park, few people in Tampa seem to know its whereabouts, while everyone is familiar with the popular Pier 60 at nearby Clearwater Beach. Caladesi’s real attraction is its powder white sand, warm, crystal clear water and beautiful nature, all making it the number one beach to enjoy and decompress.

As “Dr. Beach,” Leatherman has selected the annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate the beaches, including water and sand quality, as well as facilities and environmental management, as part of the National Healthy Beaches Campaign.

What makes Dr. Leatherman’s selections unique is his knowledge as a Ph.D. coastal scientist with over 30 years of experience studying storm impacts, beach erosion and ways to improve beach health and safety.

The National Healthy Beaches Campaign was established to acknowledge the many beautiful and “healthy” beaches around the country, from seaside to lakeside destinations, for any taste. The Storm & Tides Project is a component of the NHBC.

Watch for a forthcoming debut TV Special on “America’s Best Beaches” during Independence Day weekend; check your local listings.

TOP 10 BEACHES 2008
1.	Caladesi Island State Park
	Clearwater/Dunedin, Florida
2.	Hanalei Beach
	Kauai, Hawaii
3.	Siesta Beach
	Sarasota, Florida
4.	Coopers Beach
	Southampton, New York
5.	Coronado Beach
	San Diego, California
6.	Main Beach
	East Hampton, New York
7.	Hamoa Beach
	Maui, Hawaii
8.	Cape Hatteras
	Outer Banks of North Carolina
9.	Cape Florida State Park
	Key Biscayne, Florida
10.	Beachwalker Park
	Kiawah Island, South Carolina