Falling For New Places, Faces, Events and Opportunities

Photo by Allison Yii
Zandra Wolfgram|!!| Emerald Coast Editor

Fall is the most fabulous time of year on the Emerald Coast. The lines at our favorite restaurants disappear, the water is crystal clear and temperatures cool off, tempting us outside to enjoy Mother Nature. Move over spring, fall is a great time for renewal and fresh starts, too. In this issue we take a look at several new places, faces, events and opportunities on the EC.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the 37th Annual Great American Smoke Out Day is Nov. 15. We take a moment to reflect on these important health issues with a story on Ann Rector, the owner of the REACH Institute offering healing through the most powerful medicine ever — human touch. I offer some personal thoughts on my journey through breast cancer in The Last Word as well.

We toast Oktoberfest with a frothy feature story on beer — not only where to belly up to local bars but how to make your own batch, along with tasty recipes and a handy roster of upcoming local beer events.

Fall brings some of the most popular events on the coast: the Destin Fishing Rodeo and the Destin Seafood Festival. We thought it a perfect time to catch up with Pam Dana, who graciously shared her secrets to success — in the boardroom, on the back of a charter boat and in life in general.  

To mark Veteran’s Day, we honor the career of Col. Nodjomian, the “mayor” of Eglin Air Force Base, and the amazing military services of the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast.

In Going Places, we take you out of town to three regional casinos we “bet” you’ll love for weekend getaways. But you don’t have to go anywhere to have a great time. The next couple of months are full of the “best” eventful happenings of the year. Join me Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 for the Best of the Emerald Coast and Emerald Coast Top Salon and get ready to party at the two coolest events in 2012.

Finally, if like me you find butterflies inspiring, be sure to check out our Spotlight on the Butterfly House Museum in Navarre. Their annual Monarch Madness event truly is special. Bring your family to learn about and help release hundreds of butterflies. Better yet, sign up as a volunteer. It will surely give your spirit wings.  

Categories: Opinion