We are heading in to a three day weekend on the beautiful Gulf Coast.  For many area businesses, it will be the last BIG BANG of the summer.  Local residents will get to stop and smell the salt air before gearing up for a busy snowbird and holiday season.  Fall is the best time of year to enjoy the beach.  The crowds are gone, the weather is perfect and the rates at local condos and beach homes are low.  With so much to do this time of year, I thought I’d take this opportunity to remind you of some upcoming events you won’t want to miss….

http://www.nationalshrimpfestival.com 

The Gulf Shores 38^th Annual Shrimp Festival will be held October 8-11^th, featuring over 300 vendors and attracting over 300,000 visitors to the Gulf Coast.  There will be art, crafts, jewelry and plenty of SHRIMP.  There will also be a variety of entertainment, including the talented Lee Ann Womack on October 9^th from 8:30-10:00.  This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever.

http://tasteofpensacola.com

Taste of  Pensacola will be held September 19^th and 20^th in Downtown Pensacola at historic Seville Square.  Admission to this event is free and will feature some of Pensacola’s best restaurants and entertainment.

http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/SeafoodFestival/index.html

The 32^nd Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival will feature over 180 arts and craft vendors, live music by local and regional acts, cooking demonstrations, a 5k run/walk, children’s area and much more!  This event has the distinction of being named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southern Tourism Society.  Admission to this event is also free and will be held September 25^th-27^th in Historic Downtown Pensacola’s Seville Square overlooking Pensacola Bay.

With so much to do, you too, should take time to stop and smell the salt air and relax with the locals!