1. Walk on the new Russell Fields Pier as the sun goes down. (or comes up!) The new Russell Fields Pier is located at the south entrance to Pier Park and is the perfect spot to stroll hand in hand as you take in the sweeping views of the Gulf. The pier re-opened in July after a year of construction and an investment of $8 million, and is now bigger and better than ever at 1500 feet in length and 17 feet in width. There’s a $2 entrance fee per person, but the quiet, scenic walk is most definitely worth it.

2. Get a Couples Massage and discover the meaning of true relaxation together. There’s no better way to soothe body and soul than having someone massage your cares away in a tranquil environment. Salon Baliage and Spa (12118 Panama City Beach Parkway) features a couples room beautifully decorated in eastern-inspired style furnishings – perfect for pampering you and your significant other. Each individual can choose a different massage, so it’s no problem if you love Swedish style massage but she’s always wanted to try a hot stone massage. Massages can be for either 60 or 90 minutes, and start at $70 per person. For an added touch, Salon Baliage can provide champagne and chocolates to the package. Call (850) 235 1985. 

3. Take a Sunset Cruise on The Lady Anderson. This dining yacht is one of Panama City Beach’s top attractions, and makes for a very memorable and romantic experience. Located on Grand Lagoon adjacent to the award winning Captain Anderson’s restaurant, the Lady Anderson offers a scenic cruise, live entertainment, and an excellent seafood, shrimp and prime rib buffet – all in one. Call (850) 234 5940 for reservations and more information.

4. Splurge on Some Jewelry and add some sparkle to your relationship. Panama City Beach is home to some fantastic jewelry stores where you can find the perfect piece for that perfect someone. Pier Park has a great variety of traditional stores, including Zales, Kay Jewelers and Carlyle & Co. If you are looking for something unique, try Maharaja’s in the Village of Grand Panama on Hutchinson Blvd. (850) 249 4050) Maharaja’s is a family owned business that offers a fine selection of breathtaking designer jewelry. Choose from earrings, watches, necklaces, rings, bracelets and more, with a style for every taste. Fish Tales Art Gallery (850) 234 1036) at Pier Park has a fantastic selection of beautiful hand-made crystal jewelry, and for something to remind you of the beach, check out Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Gifts, also at Pier Park. (850) 234 6200.

5. Pack a Picnic and head to St. Andrew’s State Park – consistently voted one of the top 5 beaches in the country by Trip Advisor. St. Andrew’s State Park is located on the very east end of Thomas Drive, and offers visitors a peaceful escape, just minutes from all the action. Walk one of the two nature trails that wind through an abundance of coastal plants and provide a great opportunity for spotting wildlife and for bird-watching. Or stroll the shoreline until you find the perfect spot on the soft, white sands that look out over the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew’s Bay. Spread out a blanket and enjoy a romantic picnic in paradise – it doesn’t get any better.

6. Dine at Firefly Restaurant. Firefly Restaurant is a casual fine dining establishment located in the Edgewater Shopping Plaza. Step through the doors and you will feel as though you have been transported to a Mediterranean bistro, thanks to the graceful, warm ambience and romantic outdoor setting under a grand oak tree. Firefly serves up fresh, local seafood, succulent meat dishes, handmade pastas and imported specialties, all of which are beautifully presented. Try the mint pesto crusted Australian rack of lamb, the apple wood bacon wrapped shrimp, or the sautéed gulf grouper. Exquisite desserts and a fine wine list complement the experience. Located at 535 R. Jackson Blvd, Panama City Beach. Call (850) 249 3359 for more details.

7. Watch a Sunset from the Beach for the ultimate romantic experience. Panama City Beach is famous for its spectacular sunsets and it won’t cost you a penny. It’s not about simply watching the sun disappear into the ocean and listening for the “plop” sound. It’s about observing something so real, so natural, and so beautiful happening right before your eyes that you feel it stir your soul. The combination of the snow-white sand backdrop, the glassy expanse of the water, and the rich red sky is awe-inspiring to say the least, and is something you will remember forever.

2008 was the first year this exciting culinary and wine inspired event took place, and this year promises to be even better, with no less than seven different mini-events making up the glorious celebration overall. In addition to mouth-watering regional cuisine and impressive wine tastings, Taste of THE Beach will feature some incredible live music and the chance to celebrate our spectacular destination in style. All proceeds are going to Emerald Coast children’s charities, so you can indulge and still feel good about it! Here’s a rundown of what’s happening.

Thursday, November 5^th at 5:00 pm – Taste of the Destin Harbor.

The kick-off event will be held at the Emerald Grande Resort in Destin overlooking the beautiful Destin harbor. Between 5:00 and 8:00 pm, guests can enjoy delicious cuisine from local restaurants (including Louisiana Lagniappe, Legendary Yacht Club and The Back Porch), sample fine wines, and listen to live music provided by Chuck Lawson. There will be a firework display by Harbor Walk Village, and there’s even a 2 night stay at the luxurious Emerald Grande up for grabs! The wines to be poured are: Veuve Clicquot, Caymus Conundrum, Ferrari Carano Tresor, Sterling Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and BV Tapestry. Cost is $50.00 per person –  SAVE $15.00 by using the special promo code destinharbor02. (Promo code for this kick-off event only.)

Friday, November 6^th at 5:30 pm – Taste of Bay Wine and Food Experience.

Enjoy the best of what Bay County has to offer at this Pier Park, Panama City Beach event. Sip exceptional wines and sample appetizing cuisine prepared by local restaurants in Panama City Beach. Enjoy the aromas and flavors while strolling outdoors directly across from the Gulf and alongside the many shops and boutiques at Pier Park. Wines to be poured are: Gaja, Mount Veeder, Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay and Argyle. Tickets are $50.00 per person –  SAVE $15.00 by using the special promo code pierpark06. (Promo code for this event only.)

Friday, November 6^th at 6:00 pm – Al Fresco Reserve Tasting in Ruskin Place.

Amid the art galleries of Ruskin Place in gorgeous Seaside, guests will taste a range of highly allocated and reserve wines, dine on sushi and hors d’oeuvres prepared by noted local restaurateur and Chef Jim Shirley, and enjoy live chamber music. Wines to be poured are: BV Georges de Latour, Beringer Private Reserve, Rodney Strong Symmetry and Veuve Clicquot. Tickets are $145.00 per person.

Saturday, November 7^th at 1:00 pm – Seeing Red Wine Festival.

The Seeing Red Wine Festival is one of the largest events during Taste of THE Beach. This picnic-style festival will take over the streets of Seaside, offering dozens of domestic and international red wines to sample while live music entertains. Wines to be poured are: Moet Imperial, Caymus, Argyle Nuthouse Pinot Noir and Mount Veeder. Tickets are $120.00 per person.

Saturday, November 7^th at 6:30 pm – Winemaker and Shakers.

Happening at the following fine restaurants:

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, 4000 S Sandestin Blvd, Destin
FireFly Restaurant, 535 Beckrich Road, Panama City Beach
Restaurant Fire, 55 Clayton Lane, Grayton Beach
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, 15000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin
Finz Beachside Grill, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin
Beachwalk at Henderson Park Inn, 2700 Scenic Highway 98 East, Destin

Tickets are $125.00 per person at each location.

Sunday, November 8^th at 10:00 am – THE Beach Champagne Brunch.

Between the hours of 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will be holding THE Beach Champagne Brunch. Wines to be poured are: Veuve Clicquot, Roederer Estate, Moet Imperial and Ruinart. Tickets are $35.00 per person.

Sunday, November 8^th at 3:00 pm – Taste of The Beach and Charity Auction.

Taste of THE Beach wraps up with a silent auction to benefit 11 local children’s charities including Sacred Heart Foundation, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Children in Crisis and Ronald McDonald House. Guests have the opportunity to bid on fantastic prizes donated from the community and can enjoy cocktails and appetizers. Wines to be poured are: Caymus Special Selection, BV Georges de Latour, Robert Mondavi, Reserve Cabernet, Krug Champagne and Ruinart. Tickets are $35.00 per person.

Telluride MountainFilm at WaterColor

In its ninth year, WaterColor’s outdoor MountainFilm Festival celebrates the best in independent thinking – where adventure is celebrated, history is important, and people are passionate about what they believe. It attracts an audience seeking a culturally rich, conversation-inspiring experience in which to discuss films, share ideas and be inspired, all under a dramatic canopy of stars. By being a part of the “Taste of THE Beach,” participants will have the opportunity to pair incredible wines with incredible films in an incredible setting, and present an even greater event for all to enjoy. Wines to be poured are: Coppola Sofia Blanc De Blanc, Coppola Chardonnay Directors, Coppola Pinot Noir Directors and Coppola Merlot Directors.

Showtimes are 7-10 pm and gates open at 6 pm. Cost is $30.00 per person for one night or $50.00 per person for two nights.

Photos Courtesy of THE Beach.

After all the votes were counted, one sandwich stood above all others as Panama City Beach’s number #1 sandwich. By your vote, the resounding winner isLiza’s Kitchen’s Hippy Chick, a filling, delicious panini-baked treat that if you haven’t tried yet, you’re behind the times, my friend. Here’s the low down on this tasty dish.

While the Hippy Chick may be Liza’s Kitchen’s signature and most beloved sandwich, it wasn’t the first sandwich on the menu. “When we we’re making the switch from fine dining to lunches, we spent a lot of time thinking about what sandwiches we wanted to make.” Says, Mike Meek, head chef and one of Liza’s owners. “We knew we wanted the portebello and the roast beef pimento. In fact, the sandwich we thought was going to be the most popular was the turkey brie. But it’s the Hippy Chick. By far the favorite.”

An absolutely dynamite sandwich, the Hippy Chick’s ingredients consist of a carefully chosen array of flavors; freshly made focaccia bread, goat cheese, roasted chicken, roasted red pepper, spinach and a spicy mustard made in-house. All of it is pressed together in a panini-press and heated all the way through. What you have then is perfectly seasoned meat, zesty spice and melted goat cheese to smooth the whole thing over, giving you a spicy kick in a creamy first bite.

Head over to Liza’s and have a Hippy Chick. It’s not only a tasty sandwich, it is the undisputed, BEST sandwich on Panama City Beach.

see the vote: click here

Wines to be Poured

Gaja | Mount Veeder | Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay | Argyle

Get your tickets! General Admission $50. Visit http://www.tasteofthebeachfla.com/

It’s been said of Johnny Rawl’s blues, “You can’t re-invent the wheel but you can still make top of the line tires.” Johnny no more invented the blues than Cadillac invented the car, but when you hear it live, you will think he was the inspiration for it all. Equal parts Southern, soulful blues and dazzling showmanship, the Johnny Rawl’s live show in arguably the purest blues in America.

Johnny has appeared on the cover of the April 2002 Living Blues Magazine and has been nominated four times for the W.C. Handy Award. His most recent award came from the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame for RB Male Vocalist of the Year 2006.

Johnny has performed at the Chicago Blues Festival twice, The Russian River Blues Festival, The King Biscuit Blues Festival, The Portland Waterfront Blues Festival, Poconos, as well as festivals in Sweden and Poland. He tours constantly, playing well over 200 dates a year. He can also be heard on XM radio’s Bluesville. Whether he is playing in a small club or a large blues festival, Johnny gives it his all and the crowds love him!

When: Friday October 16th 8:00 p.m.

Where: Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar on Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach

The festival features noted jazz artists playing a variety of jazz styles including mainstream, classic, Dixieland, and Latin.

Fest ‘09 headliners include J.B. Scott/Lisa Kelly Swinging All-Stars (Jacksonville); Longineu Parsons Quintet (Tallahassee); Jazz vocalist Giacomo Gates (New York City, NY); and Victor Payano Quartet (Orlando).

Admission is free.

A stage:
10:30- Blue Eclipse
11:10- Element 55
11:50- Storage 24
12:30- Aerias
1:10- Mid Summer Classic

B stage:
10:50- Steel Fading
11:30- Dead Ringers Guild
12:10- Red Hour
12:50- Shadow Life
1:30- Mara Dona

Here is the photo recap:

Weekend Wednesday is all about giving you an early start on the weekend. All the events and specials throughout the weekend all in one place and posted on hump day so you may plan accordingly. Below is enough fun to keep your weekend full and exciting.

Fall is in FULL Swing!

Weather Report

Friday, High 74 – 30% Chance of Rain

Saturday, High 69  – 0% Chance of Rain

Sunday, High 68 – 0% Chance of Rain

Thursday October 15th 2009

Visual Arts Center – Animals & Architecture Watercolors by Don Taylor

Margaritaville – Barry Fish Band LIVE

Downtown Panama City – Scarecrow Festival – Create Your Own Scarecrow – All Day

The Hangout on S. Thomas – Shag-A-Rama – Free Shag Dance Lessons w/ Beach Shaggers – 12PM – 12AM

Little Black Dress Night At the Boatyard – Women Accessorize in Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness – 7PM Until

Club Oxygen – DJ Doc Roc – Ladies Drink Free 9-12 – $1 draft

Coconuts – Fifth Street Poker League @ Coconuts 4PM

Friday October 16th 2009

Jazz By The Bay – Free festival; music, food and sunshine – Oaks-By-The-Bay Park

Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise – Betsy Ann Riverboat  – Ship leaves 6:30 www.betsyannriverboat.net

Cole Bros Circus of the Stars – Wheel of Destiny, acrobats, aerial ballet, clowns, elephants & camels – Bay County Fairgrounds

Barkin on the Bay – Live Music, Food and Charity – Bay Point Marriot – 9AM – 4PM

Visual Arts Center – Animals & Architecture Watercolors by Don Taylor

Start! Heart Walk – Promoting Healthy Living – Pier Park 5:30PM

Martin Theater – Marrakesh Express will perform hits by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – 7:30PM

Downtown Panama City – Scarecrow Festival – Create Your Own Scarecrow – All Day

The Hangout on S. Thomas – Shag-A-Rama – Free Shag Dance Lessons w/ Beach Shaggers – 12PM – 12AM

Coconuts – LADIES’ NIGHT! Free well drinks for the ladies from 10PM to Midnight!

Club Oxygen – Unforgiven Friday 2-4-1 Everything 7-9 – Ladies Drink FREE 10-1

Margaritaville – Lennie Jennings LIVE

Hofbrau Beer Garden – Free Beer Friday – Free Beer at 6 pm

Spinnaker’s – LIVE music with SOULHAVEN

Club La Vela – Battle of the Bands  – 2 Nights 20 Bands

Saturday October 17th 2009

Saturday Morning Movies – Grand Theater – $3 gets you movie, popcorn and drinks – SHREK

Jazz By The Bay – Free festival; music, food and sunshine – Oaks-By-The-Bay Park

Panama City POPS Orchestra – Anything Goes – 7:30 PM at Arnold High School Auditorium

Barkin on the Bay – Live Music, Food and Charity – Bay Point Marriot – 9AM – 4PM

Downtown Panama City – Scarecrow Festival – Create Your Own Scarecrow – All Day

Cole Bros Circus of the Stars – Wheel of Destiny, acrobats, aerial ballet, clowns, elephants & camels – Bay County Fairgrounds

St. Andrews Waterfront Market – Fresh Produce, Arts, Crafts and Seafood in Downtown PC

Margaritaville – Jason Grandy LIVE

Club La Vela – Battle of the Bands  – 2 Nights 20 Bands

Spinnaker’s – LIVE music with SOULHAVEN

Club Oxygen – Sinful Saturday 2-4-1 Everything 7-9 – $1 drinks 9-12 – $5 Jagerbombs All Night

Hofbrau Beer Garden -Strong Man Contest

Sunday October 18th 2009

Cole Bros Circus of the Stars – Wheel of Destiny, acrobats, aerial ballet, clowns, elephants & camels – Bay County Fairgrounds

Downtown Panama City – Scarecrow Festival – Create Your Own Scarecrow – All Day

Margaritaville – Jason Grandy LIVE

Spinnaker’s – Sindustry Sunday – All SIN & VIP & SUPER Cardholders get $2 Premium Drinks 11pm-close.

Our Suggestions:

This will be the first cool weekend weather of the year and perfect for getting out. Families will have a blast this weekend at the downtown Panama City “Jazz By The Bay”. Food, music, fun and amazing fall weather.

Couples, you’ll definitely want to take the “Mystery Dinner Cruise” on the Betsy Ann Riverboat. It’s fun, romantic and the food will be amazing. Just go to www.betsyannriverboat.net for more information.

Clubber’s, There is no better place to be this weekend than Club La Vela’s battle of the bands. It will be 20 amazing bands rocking out the stage to show you why they are the best.

Have a happy weekend everyone and remember if you want to add an event to Weekend Wednesday just email me cebo@toocreative.com

Salt Water

MEXICO BEACH/PORT ST JOE OFFSHORE

The King mackerel bite improved this week and were hitting flat lines or trolling Mann’s Stretch 25’s and 30’s. Spanish mackerel and bluefish schools are at the buoy line and around the Air Force tower. A few schools of Spanish are scattered along the beaches and in St. Joe Bay. You can catch them by throwing gotcha lures, spoons, or any variety of plugs.

ST JOSEPH BAY

Redfish are the hot bite right now. Fishing a live shrimp under a Cajun thunder is working the best. A real hot spot for reds as reported are the grass flats and sand bars around Black’s island. Using this same rig in the same areas is also producing some decent trout. For artificial, use a gold spoon or a topwater plug at first light. A few more pompano catches reported along the shore of Mexico Beach using a pink pompano jig, and inside crooked island sound are some large Spanish mackerel working and are being caught on live LY’s and rattletraps.

PANAMA CITY OFFSHORE AND BAYS

Schools of Bonita can be found all over inshore right now. Free-line cigar minnows or herring, or throw jigs and spoons for a lot of action. The King mackerel are still biting very well from the beach out to 40 miles. Grouper have slowed way down. To find them, fish well offshore from 20 plus miles out. Use large live baits. Wahoo are being caught from 20-40 miles out. Hi speed trollers, like the Yo Zuri Bonita, are a sure bet. Lots of AJ’s are still being caught around the 100’ mark over bridge spans and large wrecks. Big hard tails are the best bet for keeper AJ’s.

ST. ANDREWS BAY SYSTEM

Flounder are just beginning their migration out of the bay and some smaller fish have been found around the inshore buoys. Slowly drag live bull minnows across the bottom to catch these fish. The Redfish action is heating up on the flats in East and West Bays. Slowly and quietly drift the flats in 3 feet or less water using a ½ ounce Gold Spoon or your favorite Top-water Plug. The Bull Reds are still being caught with live shrimp and pinfish around the jetties. Trout are biting well on the flats in 3 to 5 feet of water with top-water lures early and live shrimp or Gulp under a popping cork later. Larger Trout are being caught free-lining live Alewives. Mangrove Snappers are very plentiful under the bridges and at the jetties. Use live shrimp. King Mackerel are being caught regularly off the new city pier along with Spanish, Bluefish, Lady Fish, Redfish and a few Flounder. Ladyfish, Bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are biting well at the jetties on spoons and Gotcha Plugs.

DESTIN

Fishing is very good right now over the past week there have been some very nice catches of Yellowfin tuna, Blackfin tuna and Dolphin on the off shore scene. Trey Windes caught a nice blue marlin on Wednesday at the knuckle.

Kings and blackfin tuna are still good near shore mixed with a few dolphin. The bottom fishing has been good for amberjack and grouper. In the bay the reds are very good with some nice trout but not many numbers of them. Plenty of flounder are in the harbor but there are some throwbacks there.

The pier is getting a few kings, ladyfish and blues.

FRESH WATER

The largemouth bass are at the tributaries and hitting spinner baits regularly. For the big boys, fish big 10-12” worms in dark colors around the tree trunks

For more information on Panama City Beach fishing go to www.halfhitch.com