An annual tradition, Florida�s 13 most scenic beach communities fill their fall calendars with the finest festivals showcasing all that exists both on and off the beach. Food and wine, arts and culture, sports and nature are represented in Beaches of South Walton�s 2004 Autumn Tides program. The series of festivals held from September through December includes annual favorites as well as new events that pay homage to the culture, food and beautiful surroundings of this pristine area of Northwest Florida. Both on and off the beach, pleasant 70-degree temperatures and fantastic seasonal rates await visitors during Autumn Tides. �While the beach is our primary attraction, fall is a great time to discover all that Beaches of South Walton has to offer,� said Kriss Titus, executive director of the Walton County Tourist Development Council. �Our thriving arts community, passion for preservation and award-winning restaurants set the stage for a four-month celebration like no other.�

Food and wine festivals combine savory scents, succulent seafood and specialty wines. Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort hosts the first event of the season, the Seafood and Mini Wine Fest, (September 4-5) featuring fresh seafood, international and domestic wines and live entertainment. In Rosemary Beach, the Southern Breeze Coastal Wine Tour (October 22-24) blends premium wines with Gulf Coast cuisine to create a fusion of succulent tastes. In November, Sandestin�s Village of Baytowne Wharf is transformed into a world of hot jazz, fine food and awesome art with the Second Annual All That Jazz, Wine & Art Festival (November 12-14).

Environmental events celebrate the area�s unspoiled coast, sugar-white sand, pristine sand dunes, and scenic nature trails. The Third Annual Back to Nature Festival (October 15-17) showcases the area�s exquisite landscape and rich history with two days of activities including hiking, biking, kayaking, area tours, nature walks and a nighttime water safari.

Visitors experience the region�s deep Native American history through traditional storytelling and exploration of an ancient Indian trail. New this year, Ride for Life (October 23) invites participants to join the Paradise Pedalers for a scenic ride along the 30-A bike path skirting coastal dune lakes, state forests and charming beach communities.

Vibrant sights and sounds fill the air with live performances, films and concerts. Nearly 40 unique and entertaining full-length features and independent short films take center stage at the Third Annual Baytowne Film Festival (September 24-26) in Sandestin. Grit & Grace, the official folk life production of Walton County (October 30-31, November 6-7 & 13-14), engages audiences through a dramatic production that tells inspiring stories of Walton County pioneers.

Seaside Repertory Theatre�s Autumn Playwright Festival (October 21-31) is a two-week long celebration of a unique playwright with events including play productions, panel discussions, staged readings and ancillary events.

Sporting events bring cheers and celebrate healthy, active lifestyles. In September, the Second Annual Trek for the Coast (September 10-12), sponsored by the Clean Beaches Council, has participants racing to protect the pristine, sugar-white beaches. The 10K, 5K and 1-mile family fun walk is followed by a raffle, silent auction and fitness fair. The Seaside Adventure Triathlon (September 12) takes participants on a challenging tour of the best the area has to offer. The event includes a 7-mile stint on the mountain bike, a 1.5-mile kayaking trip on Western Lake, and a 4-mile run that finishes on the beach at Seaside.

Family-friendly events entertain children and parents alike. An annual tradition at Gulf Place, the Flutterby Children�s Art Festival (October 9-10) highlights art and encourages creativity with more than 100 arts and crafts booths, a display of children�s works and interactive art exhibits. A fantastic new addition to this year�s Autumn Tides celebration, Via Colori (October 2-3), an Italian street painting festival, transforms the U-shaped street around Seaside�s Amphitheater into an artist�s canvas. With only colored chalk and their creativity, visitors and residents create masterpieces on the cement parking lot.

Hometown Christmas (November 26) kicks off the holiday season in the downtown streets of DeFuniak Springs with live entertainment, children�s activities, a parade, food booths, prizes and more. Those with a keen sense for a great deal will enjoy Autumn Tides� shopping extravaganzas. Silver Sands Factory Stores, the nation�s largest designer factory outlet, hosts its annual Treasure Hunt (October 8-17), where visitors can uncover great deals at more than 100 brand-name retailers. Visitors who present same-day receipts totaling $300 receive a complimentary print of the third annual "Autumn Tides" watercolor by renowned local artist, Donna Burgess. South Walton Community Yard Sale (October 9) in Seaside is an annual event featuring more than 200 �vendors� that has quickly become one of the highlights of the season.

A complete list of Autumn Tides events and activities is available online at www.beachesofsouthwalton.com. Visitors interested in booking travel to the region can learn more about accommodation options by visiting www.beachesofsouthwalton.com, or by calling 1-800-822-6877.

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About Beaches of South Walton Beaches of South Walton, nestled along Florida�s coastal Northwest, is a destination known for its eclectic communities, natural beauty and fine dining. The area�s 13 picturesque by a coastline full of perfectly sculpted sand dunes, stunning sugar white sand and clear aqua water. It is the only destination in the nation to have 26 contiguous miles of sugar-white beaches certified as Blue Wave beaches by the Clean Beaches Council. To learn more, visit www.beachesofsouthwalton.com

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Media Contact: Tracy Louthain +1 404-262-3000 tracy.louthain@edelman.com