(NAPSA)—Great newsfor anyone contemplating a beach vacation these days is that good clean fun is ready to be had along the 24 miles of sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast encompassing Destin, Fort Walton Beach and OkaloosaIsland. Namedthe “No. 1 Beach Town in the South” for 14 consecutive years by the readers of Southern Living, Florida’s Emerald Coast remains unpretentious and breathtakingly beautiful. “The oil hasn’t altered our beaches. We encourage everyone to come see for themselves that what we're best known forisstill the best around,” says MarkBellinger, president and CEO of the Emerald Coast Convention andVisitors Bureau. From building sand castles on the shore and watching dolphins at Florida’s Gulfarium, to casting lines in the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village and teeing off at more than 1,080 incredible holes ofgolf, there’s plenty of fun to be found. Other events include boat week, a pokerparty, free rock concerts on the beach and a seafoodfestival. More Than Just A Day At The Beach You can charter a boat for fishing or sightseeing, dine at elegant eateries or rackety-shack oyster bars and see where several movies and TV shows werefilmed. You can also shop the high-end boutiques or bargain hunt at the designeroutlet mall. Stimulate your child’s imagination at Emerald Coast Science Miles of clean, white beaches and emerald-green water await vacationers year-round on Florida’s northwest coast. Center with its interactive science displays ranging from a reflecting Castle of Mirrors to oversized bubble makers, a hair-raising Van de Graaff generator and an electrifying Illuma Storm. Then cool off at a big water park with a trio of mini golf courses or visit the creatures at an alligator attraction. Affordable Accommodations Along with a wide range of attractions and events, Florida’s Emerald Coast offers year-round, affordable places to stay—in more than 14,000 Gulf-edged rooms— from beachfront hotels and bedand-breakfasts, to multibedroom condominiums and vacation homes. There are also special accommodations available for weddings, business meetings and romantic getaways. For more information on a vacation at this delightful destination, visit www.destin-fwb.com or contact the Emerald Coast Con- vention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at (800) 322-3319.
