Travelers “Go Green” At Autumn Tides Celebration (NAPSA)—Sustainable tourism is on the rise. With 66 percent of the U.S. adult population inter- ested in environmentally respon- sible travel (according to a study by Yankelovich), visitors are seeking destinations that adopt sus- tainable platforms. Beaches of South Walton, a destination located along North- west Florida’s Gulf Coast, places a great emphasis on sustainable and green practices. During the quieter fall months, the Autumn Tides cele- bration in Beaches of South Walton highlights sustainability and incorporates events that showcase the region’s unique ecosystems and habitats, environmen- tal stewardship, options for organic dining and shopping and local culture. In addition to enjoying popular events, such as the Flutterby Festival, which celebrates the colorful migration of the monarch butter- fly, visitors will enjoy spectacular fall sunsets, comfortable temperatures and exceptional seasonal rates. The celebration kicks off Labor Day weekend and continues through November and features a number of signature events, including: Responsible Tourism Guidelines 1. Support the local economy—Shop boutique shops and seek out small businesses. 2. Know the source of your food— Frequentrestaurants that use local produce and purchaselocally grown food. 3. Conserve our valuable resources—Turn off lights, as well as faucets, hoses and outdoor showers when notin use. 4. Observe the natural environment—Be sensitive fo nesting turtles and birds and take an eco-tour. 5. Contribute to the destination—Donate left behind items or volunteer with one of the local environmental groups. Source: Beaches of South Walton, Florida @ MountainFilm on Tour at WaterColor (Nov. 7-8), from Tel- luride Film Festival that features works by independent filmmakers celebrating community, adven- ture, culture and environmental preservation. Highlighted events in the 2008 lineup include, the Back to Nature Festival (Oct. 17-19), which fea- tures a weekendof outdoor activi- ties exploring the vast natural habitats and ecology of Beaches of South Walton; the Southern Breeze SunDancer AdventureTriathlon & Biathlon (Sept. 22), cele- Wine + Culinary Festival (Sept. 12- run. 2008 artist of the year, Donna Burgess, at the nation’s largest brating the area’s vast amount of natural land through individual and relay teams competing in a 9mile mountain bike race, 1.5-mile canoe competition and a 5.5-mile South Walton Community Yard Sale (Oct. 4), where every- thing old is new, and reusable, on the streets of Seaside. 14) returns for its fifth year with dinners, wine tasting events and seminars; and Autumn Tides Month at Silver Sands, which celebrates designer factory store center. For a complete lineup of this year’s events, visit www.autumn tides.com.
