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Things to Do in Cape San Blas this Spring

Things to Do in Cape San Blas this spring!

FIND GREAT CAPE SAN BLAS RENTALS at FLORIDAGULFVACATION.com

April 2009

9th Annual Mexico Beach Photography Contest

When: 04/01/2009 - 08/01/2009
Where: Mexico Beach Visitor's Center
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Enter your photograph in the Photography contest. Pick up your entry form at the Visitor's Center and submit your 8 x 10 picture. All photographs must be taken in Mexico Beach. Categories include: animal life, people, sunrise/sunsets, landmark, beach, boating & fishing, and flora/fauna. Winners are displayed at the Visitor's Center throughout fall of 2009.

SaltAir Farmers' Market

When: 04/04/2009 - 11/21/2009 10;00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Downtown port St Joe
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The Port St. Joe SaltAir Farmers' Market brings fresh seasonal produce from local small farmers and much more to Florida's Forgotten Coast. Throughout the growing season, regionally grown vegetables and fruit, locally harvested Gulf seafood, carefully crafted artisan goods, and educational opportunities highlight the market's. Located in downtown Port St. Joe, the SaltAir Farmers' Market serves as a community gathering place and cultural center where attendees can enjoy arts, workshops, live music, and exhibitions while shopping the market and Reid Avenue's retail district. There is no better place to be on a Saturday Morning.

The Market is open the first and third Saturday each month from April through November.

Easter Egg Hunt

When: 04/11/2009 - 04/11/2009
Where: 8th Street Park, Port St Joe

The Junior Service League of Port St Joe hosts this annual Easter Egg Hunt for children of all ages with games and prizes at the 8th Street Park. Everyone is welcome!

Beach Blast Triathlon and Duathlon

When: 04/25/2009 - 04/25/2009
Where: Veteran's Memorial Park of Beacon Hill, St Joe Beach
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Don't miss this year's excitement. Athlete's will run, bike, and swim in a raceof speed and endurance. After the race the fun continues at the Beacon Hill Park in St Joe Beach with food to celebrate the day.

A Taste of the Coast

When: 04/25/2009 - 04/25/2009 10:00 am - 11:00 pm
Where: Frank Pate Park & the Centennial Building Port St Joe
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A Taste of the Coast; An Artful Affair Saturday, April 25, 2009 Art in the Park, Frank Pate Park, Hwy 98 & Hwy 71, 10 AM - 4 PM Main Event: Art Auction and Restaurant Tasting, Centennial Building, Port St. Joe, 6 PM Contact Dana Boyer, 227-3777, for more information.

Old Friends Get Together Bluegrass Pickin

When: 04/30/2009 - 05/02/2009 Day & Night
Where: Fisherman's Landing & RV Park

4th year of the Old Friends Get Together Bluegrass Pickin will be held at the Fisherman's Landing & RV Park 7681 Doc Whitfield Road, Howard Creek. For more information contact Helen Muncher 850-827-2255.

May 2009

First Fridays - A Fine Art & Music Series

When: 05/01/2009 - 08/07/2009 6:00 pm
Where: The Port Inn & Thirsty Goat
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Gulf Alliance for Local Arts hosts a music and art reception the first Friday of each month during the summer with a little bit of everything as the sun goes the down. First Fridays May 1st, June 5th, July 3rd, and August 7th.
850-227-4960.

Derby Days

When: 05/02/2009 - 05/02/2009
Where:

Sponsored by the Junior Service of Port St Joe.

Plein Air Paint Out 2009

When: 05/07/2009 - 05/17/2009
Where: Gulf County
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Nationally acclaimed artists gather on Florida's Forgotten Coast, the noteworthy stretch between Mexico Beach and Alligator Point, to participate in the 4th Annual Plein Air Invitational, May 7-17, 2009. Painters will set up their easels and pull out their brushes to document the landscape and culture of this last vestige of authentic "Old Florida". The public may view the artists at work in several venues. Contact The Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition for more information 850-227-4255.

The communities of Mexico Beach, WindMark Beach, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, Apalachicola, Eastpoint, St. George Island, Carrabelle, SummerCamp and Alligator Point have joined forces to produce the most impressive art event seen along the coast. Artists will be painting on the beach, across the marsh, beside the lakes and throughout the streets of these waterfront towns. Experience beauty through the eyes of America's finest plein air artists!

7th Annual Kids Win Fishing Tournament

When: 05/15/2009 - 05/16/2009
Where: Port St Joe Marina
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A wonderful event just for kids! This children's fishing tournament is for kids 3-16 where each registered child receives a FREE rod & reel, tackle box, t-shirt, and goody bag! Fish from anywhere and bring your catch to weigh in. Prizes are awarded in several categories. Contact 850-227-1099 for details.

Tupelo Honey Festival

When: 05/16/2009 - 05/16/2009 9:00 am - 4:00 pm CST
Where: Lake Alice Park, Wewahitchka

The annual Wewahitchka Tupelo Honey Festival celebrates this local delicacy. The honey festival features live music, food, arts & crafts, children's activities, and Honey. Contact the City of Wewahitchka for more information 850-639-2605 or gwenexley@gtcom.net.

Top Vacation Rentals for SuperBowl 2009

Consider Beach Vacation Rentals For the Big Game

This Year the road to NFL finale leads directly to the beautiful beaches of Tampa Bay and Super Bowl XLIII. Everyone in the Tampa Bay Beaches community is excited to welcome you and know you'll enjoy our rich history, year-round sunshine, white, sandy beaches and thrilling attractions.

If you are planning to attend the SuperBowl in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium February 1, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. EST then hopefully you know that the Tampa Region also boasts the Top Rated Beaches in the Continental USA.

Why spend Hundreds of dollars a night on hotel rooms in Tampa when the Gulf Coast Beaches, just 20 miles away from the stadium offer Sun, Sand and Convenience for less!

One example at Indian Shores Vacation you can get a 10 day rental, direct beach front, 2 bedrooms/2 bath with almost 1400 sq ft for just under $400 per night. Compare that to what local hotels are charging and you will see the value.

There are literally thousands of beach rentals available in this area. Check them out before you make your final plans for the Big Game

Things To Know Before Using a Vacation Rental

Some people go right into renting for their Vacation, not knowing that there could be hidden costs. These can substantially change the economics of your vacation on the beach. So be prepared and ask the questions up front to make sure you get the most for your money on any vacation rental.

The owner or agent may require a cash security deposit before they hand the keys over, at the final checkout this will be returned to you minus any expenses for damaged property, unexpected cleaning or phone bill. The waiting period to get your money back can be as long as 30 days with some agencies. With phone charges the way they are today - look for owners who offer free local and long distance. Many owners will waive the security deposit as well but cleaning fees almost always apply.

Make sure you know the cancellation policy. The owners aren't trying to punish you here, but if you wait too long they run the risk of not finding another renter, which greatly impacts their income. If you cancel your trip you may not get the deposit back; this is also the case for if you cancel the trip after you make the full payment there is always a chance that you won't get your money back. Most agencies and owners don't require full payment until 30 - 45 days before arrival. In an emergency many will work with you to credit for future dates.


Some other hidden fees could include Travel Insurance, Linen Rental, Pet Fee, Unit Service fee, and Reservation Fee. Most of these are optional but they could still be something you should plan ahead of time. Realistically speaking Linens should be included in the rate as should the Unit Service Fee. Anyone charging for this I would avoid. Travel insurance is cheap and can be obtained easily, just make sure you are clear on what it covers before buying. Whether it makes sense is a personal call. If you know you are going I would avoid the extra expense. Pet charges should be fair and reasonable.

All in, Beach Vacation Rentals provide the best of both worlds. You save money on the nightly rate with larger parties, you get more room, more comfort and great locations. As is always the case look for reputable members of Travel Organizations such as TET (Trust Earned Travel) or Trusted Vacation Rental and enjoy your Vacation.