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FLORIDAWhere Memories Are Made

STAY & PLAY GUIDE

Some cometo get away.

Others toget closer.

Get a little sand in your soul.Pirate ships. Dolphin cruises. Zip line adventures. Open-air

shopping. Fun family restaurants. 24 miles of sugar-white

sand beaches. Whether you seek family adventure or

peace and relaxation, you’ll fi nd what you’re looking for

on the legendary Emerald Coast, named a

“Top Place to Visit” by

National Geographic.

Start planning today.

EmeraldCoastFL.com | 800-322-3319

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SOAK IN THE SOUTHERN BEAUTY OF FLORIDA’S LEGENDARY ISLAND.

The splendor and sophistication of the classic South is alive and well in Florida. From our pristine

beaches to our majestic moss draped oak trees, choose from charming historical inns or luxury

beach resorts. Come pamper your mind, body and palate like no other place in Florida. Or the South.

come make memories®

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All around the state of Florida, visitors discover their dream vacation in the form of amazing landscapes and encounters with nature, as well as an endless list of things to do—from relaxing on the beach to experiencing all kinds of Florida adventures. It’s the kind of place where travelers often wish their vacation was

longer and where you should plan to take plenty of pictures, because Florida creates vacation memories you’ll enjoy reliving again and again!

You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities in the state’s northeast corner, where visitors find Amelia Island, a barrier island rich in history and breath-taking natural beauty. The area is known for its upscale resorts, world-class spas, and championship golf courses. Its calendar never runs dry with events like the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in early May featuring juried fine arts and crafts and shrimp prepared every way possible. The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, dedicated to delivering a wide variety of chamber music at the highest level, is held

throughout the month of May with performances at a variety of venues—from intimate to historic settings.

In Northwest Florida, you’ll need your camera at all times! Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island are nicknamed the Emerald Coast because of the striking color of their ocean waters—a great backdrop for group shots on the beach. Visitors are hypnotized by the smooth white sparkly sand, the tranquilizing ocean breeze, and the amazing seaside sunsets. Destin is considered one of the top five shelling destinations in the world. Yet, this area offers much more than relaxing days on the beach. Its deep water attracts one of the widest arrays of marine life in Florida so artificial reefs, wrecks and a limestone shelf make it a fantastic location for divers and snorkelers. In the “world’s luckiest fishing village,” as Destin is known by many, anglers catch red snapper, white trout and blue marlin in the Gulf of Mexico. Considering also the surrounding bayous, lakes and bay, an abundance of fish can be caught year-round. The beloved Gulfarium has offered an up close look at sealife native to the area since 1955. And shoppers, consider yourself forewarned; it’s hard to leave Destin without bags full of new

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Parrot Key Waterfront ResortThis tropical oasis includes 4 pools, white sand terraces, gardens, spacious suites and Tiki Bar.

Save 20% with this ad.877-243-8159 or 305-809-2200

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Key West Marriott BeachsideThis magnificent Marriott features exceptional

suites, upscale amenities, private tanning beach, conveniences, and personalized service.

Every stay, an absolute delight.866-679-9450 or 305-296-8100

keywestmarriott.com

Ocean Key Resort & SpaLuxury, with a twist! Elegant interiors boast

shades of indigo, turquoise and lime. A tropical hideaway, waterfront in Old Town.

800-328-9815oceankey.com

Little Palm Island Resort & SpaExclusive and elegant. Thirty ocean front suites,

perfectly appointed in authentic thatched bungalows. Consistently named among the world’s best.

800-343-8567littlepalmisland.com

Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin ResortTranquil island of charming cottages with a beach, spa, restaurant, pool and more.

Minutes from Key West, miles from stress.866-235-7300 or 305-292-5300

westinsunsetkeycottages.com/coastal

Southernmost Hotel CollectionYour unique vacation destination where Duval meets the Atlantic in historic Old Town. Simply elegant, simply unique, simply southernmost.

800-354-4455 or 305-296-6577 southernmostresorts.com

While eternal youth is nice, so is fresh seafood. Take Key West. From waterside dining to casual fish joints to bustling sidewalk cafes, it’s an epicurean journey you won’t soon forget.fla-keys.com/keywest 1.800.527.8539

What Ponce de León was really after.

MCTKW-9163 Coastal Living LO1 • April ‘14

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clothes, souvenirs and bargain finds purchased in any number of tantalizing Emerald Coast shops.

Experience Destin by making your home away from home in Edgewater Beach Condominiums. Its French Riviera-inspired architecture and balcony views make this luxury beachside condominium so unique, visitors may never make it down to ground level. But then again, Edgewater’s putting green, Tiki Hut Bar & Grill, multi-level pools, a shuffleboard court, and beautifully manicured grounds are pretty enticing reasons to get out. Plus, the beach is just steps away and you don’t want to miss that!

If scenery is important for your vacation, stay in Destin’s Resorts of Pelican Beach, located within walking distance or a short drive to shopping, dining and popular attractions. This gated condominium community offers great summer deals for views from as high as the 19th floor and amenities like a beachside tiki bar, a fitness center, a game room and tennis.

Just east of the Emerald Coast area, enjoy the quiet Seagrove Beach neighborhood with easy access to the trendy communities of Seaside and Rosemary Beach. To rent a home or condo here, Garrett Realty Services has been fitting travelers with vacation accommodations since 1987 and can find a place and amenities that fit a range of preferences--from large luxurious beach homes, to townhomes, quaint condos with a view, old Florida style houses and more.

For an outright escape, get to Northwest Florida’s Mexico Beach, an off-the-beaten-path family-friendly beach town free from traffic lights and home to nothing but family-owned restaurants. Nature lovers enjoy its white-sand beaches, turtles, birds, urchins, and starfish, as well as easy access to natural and artificial reefs and shipwreck sites, making it great for diving and snorkeling.

Make unforgettable vacation memories in Ocala/Marion County where visitors discover classic Florida charm and great outdoor adventures like horseback

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The colors of the sea and sky on the Emerald Coast are so alluring they cannot be forgotten.

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1, 2, & 3 Bedroom Rental Condominuims, 2 Large Sparkling Pools, Wading Pool, Hot Tub, Children’s Playground, State of the Art Fitness Center, 300 Feet of Private Beach

Destin, Florida • 800-822-4929 • www.edgewaterbeach.com

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.refresh at Edgewater on the beach

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heart’s content. Home to the only living coral barrier reef in the U.S., the Keys is one of the most diverse dive destinations in the world.

Located in an exclusive Fort Lauderdale neighborhood, the Lago Mar Resort & Club offers visitors a sophisticated European-style coastal vacation experience. Owned by the same family for more than 50 years, Lago Mar is committed to delivering luxury and service and the staff prides themselves in treating guests like they are members of a private club. Lago Mar’s 6,000-square-foot full-service European spa and tropical dress code help set this resort apart from others.

On whichever Florida vacation you choose, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your trip today at VISITFLORIDA.com.

riding, kayaking, golfing, zip lining, biking, hiking and fishing. While in the horse capital of the world, why not stay in a 5-star equestrian resort? And since the 1820s, vacationers have enjoyed glass-bottom boat tours in Silver Springs State Park.

On the west coast of Florida, St. Pete/Clearwater is home to award-winning beaches with both high-energy people-watching environments as well as secluded places to enjoy the sea and sand. It’s a vibrant and growing cultural destination—plan a visit around its iconic Dali Museum. Or, stroll its eclectic shops and galleries, then take in a trendy restaurant and chic dance club.

A Dr. Beach #1 Beach, Siesta Key in Sarasota County is great for relaxing and picture taking! So, even though it’s hard to tear yourself away from the area’s beaches, the communities that make up Sarasota County are filled with personality. Enjoy a performance by Circus Sarasota in the “circus capital of the world.” Experience world-class golf, tennis, resorts and spas in Longboat Key. And, St. Armands offers posh yet casual dining, shopping, and spa-hopping.

The Florida Keys have long been a haven for artists, from writers and painters to musicians and actors. With these renowned residents, it’s no wonder the Key West cultural scene delivers in a big way. Help celebrate its musical traditions at the Key West Songwriter’s Festival in May. Art from its many festivals makes a great Key West souvenir or just make artistic memories by visiting area galleries. From Cuban Conch Cuisine to tropical cocktails, there are many things that make dining in Key West an experience to remember. Local acting and dance theatres will not disappoint with widely recognized names oftentimes headlining performances. The summer offers fishing tournaments and other angler events, but you don’t need an organized occasion to catch bonefish, tarpon, Spanish mackerel, and barracuda. In fact, more saltwater world records have been established in the Florida Keys than any other angling destination on the globe. For added fishing intrigue, catch permit, amberjack, snapper and grouper by fishing area shipwrecks. Reef fishing delivers snapper, grouper, yellowtail and more. The Keys are known among other things as the “dive capital of the world.” So, when you’re not fishing the shipwrecks and reefs, you can throw on the scuba gear and explore to your

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Bask in golden sun on our famous beaches. Explore a prism of history at the Ringling Museum, Theater & Gardens. Enjoy an array of entertainment, for a kaleidoscope of fun in Sarasota County.

Go Beyond the Beaches®.

VisitSarasota.org or call 1.855.886.2547

FAMILY VACATIONS ARE BETTER IN COLOR.

Scan here to find out more about these destinations or go to coastalliving.com/marketplace.

Remember your trip to Key West with a souvenir from local shopping spots.

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EUROPEAN SOPHISTICATION. TROPICAL DRESS CODE.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Ten lush acres on the Atlantic OceanExclusive private spa

“One of Fort Lauderdale’s best resorts,” Zagat

(855) 318-9014 | lagomar.com BELLEVIEW DUNNELLON McINTOSH REDDICK

Do You Love

Trail RidesSnorkelingKayaking?Historic CharmFishing

The charm of classic Florida and allure of adventure in the great outdoors never ends in Ocala/Marion County. In fact, it’s only beginning. Explore More at OcalaMarion.com

A Place to Remember

Brought to you by: Mexico Beach Community Development Council

An Unforgettable EscapeWhere unrivaled sugar-sand beaches and emerald waters come together

for an unforgettable getaway!Visit mexicobeach.com or

call 888-723-2546Treat your family to an unforgettable vacationexperience in the heart of the Destin resortarea. Upon your arrival, you'll quickly learn whyso many guests choose to visit us, again!

RESORTS OF PELICAN BEACHOn the Beach in Destin, Florida!

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Reward Your FamilyWith A PelicanBeach Vacation.

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