Florida’s Emerald Coast (NAPSA)—Readyto trade your winter fleece for flip flops? Here’s a jewel of a vacation idea: Take a trip to Florida’s Emerald Coast. With inviting temperatures, the most sunny days of any southern sea town and sumptuous seafood throughout winter, the Emerald Coast on Florida’s upper Gulf of Mexico coast provides what may be the perfect cure for cabin fever. Savvy seasoned visitors favor its more than 1,080 golf links, serene sugar-white sand beaches, world-renowned fishing and shelling in emerald green waters and savings of up to 40 percent off on 18,000 waterfront rooms through March. Comprised of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island, the Emerald Coastoffers: Challenging golf. Designed by world-renowed architects and enhanced by the surrounding waters—hbay, bayou, gulf and sound—the golf courses are endowed by Mother Nature. Even during winter, average 72-degree temperatures and gentle breezes complement area courses. These include the new 225-hole Kelly Plantation Golf Club; Emerald Bay, a 6,802-yard masterpiece crafted by nationally-recognized architect Robert Cupp, the former chief designer for Jack Nicklaus; and picturesque Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, a must for pleasurable play with good, solid scores. Fun in the sun. After a long day’s play, the “Best Beach in the South”—as voted by readers of Southern Living for six consecutive years—beckons guests. Although the 24 miles of shore are Sugar-white beaches, emerald green waters, fabulous fishing and golfing: Enjoy it all on Florida’s Emerald Coast. swept bare, an aquarium oftrea- sures awaits about a mile out, from seahorses to cockles, clams andstriped cowrides. Fabulous fishing. Hailed as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin’s East Pass is only 10 miles from 100-foot depths. Harboring the largest and the most elaborately equipped charter boat fleet in Florida, more billfish are caught each year on the Northern Gulf than all other Gulf ports combined. The gamefish are also the widest variety on the Gulf, from cobia and tarpon to triggerfish and king mackerel. Whether you’re a fishing firsttimer or a seasoned “old salt,” numerous deep sea excursions— offshore, bottom, inshore and others—are available for as little as $25 a half-day. Catches can be cooked up for free at certain “fishfriendly” restaurants. To plan an Emerald Coast getaway, call the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 322-3819 or visit www. destin-fwb.com.
