We are right in the thick of things with this year’s Plein Air Paintout, a 10 day event that features over 20 nationally acclaimed artists who gather from Mexico Beach to Alligator Point.  These artists set up their easels and pull out their brushes to document the landscape and culture of this last vestige of authentic “Old Florida”.  The 10 day art-inspired celebration is jammed pack with events such as the Quickdraw which is open to anyone over the age of 14.  Pick a location, paint it, name it and then sell it.  There’s a student art day, different Artists’ receptions throughout the area, Plein Air TGIF, the Wetroom Exhibit and Sale, Art in the Afternoon and the list goes on.  Throughout the Plein Air Paintout, you can experience art as it happens and then have the opportunity to purchase it when it is done.  This is truly a great time for not only the patrons, but also the artists.  Our area is one like no other, and offers the perfect backdrop for a variety of styles of painting.  If you’ve not made plans to catch it this year, please start your plans for next.  The organization that puts this together does a fantastic job of organizing this event and getting information out early so check out the website, www.pleinairfl.com often.

As locals we have our reasons why we feel like you should visit our little slice of paradise.  Everyday we appreciate the beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear, kid friendly waters.  We enjoy dining at our local seafood dives and being able to find the perfect gift at our unique boutiques.  But sometimes you need to hear this from an outsider.  Read what the bloggers from StyleBlueprint Nashville have to say about their recent spring break trip to Cape San Blas.  Sounds like they got to enjoy exactly what we brag about.  Even the family dog wasn’t left out of this trip.

There will be four license-free fishing days in Florida this year! What a great opportunity for anyone who has never fished in Gulf County, or those who come but a few times a year.  The dates are as followed: April 7th for Freshwater only, June 2nd for Saltwater only, June 9th for Freshwater only and September 1st for Saltwater only.  Come take advantage of this thoughtful opportunity.

In Gulf County, you can have the best of both fishing worlds…freshwater and saltwater.  From the Dead Lakes to St Joseph Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, there’s fish for all.  See what VisitGulf.com has to say about our fishing.

If you’re heading to the beach this winter, and looking for something to do other than sitting on the beach, we’ve got just the answer for you…The Artery.  The Artery Studio, opened recently in Port St. Joe, offers a variety of classes for budding artists young and old.  From pottery classes to jewelry-making and acrylic painting classes there is something for all interests.  If you’re a family here with your kids, on occasional Friday nights they offer a kids’ workshop from 6:00-8:00 pm to allow parents a “date night”.

As described by The Artery, they are Providing a convenient, affordable and friendly atmosphere to create, collaborate and learn! I’ve experienced this first hand with my oldest daughter.  She thoroughly enjoyed a week long art camp here over the Christmas break.  It was $25 for the entire week and she so eagerly brought home several “masterpieces” that will be treasured always. 

To find more information about The Artery, visit their Facebook page or call 850-227-5741.

It’s hard to beat the sunsets that we experience here along the Forgotten Coast.  With the St. Joseph Peninsula, or what we call Cape San Blas, running North and South into the Gulf of Mexico the evening sunset drops in the West directly into the water.  The same is true at Mexico Beach and St. Joe Beach.  It is truly an amazing sight to watch it sink lower and lower until, poof, you have the legendary green flash before the sun disappears.

Fall sunsets typically seem to be just a little more breathtaking than most.  I don’t know if it’s because the days are starting to get shorter, but simply put they are breathtaking.  So much so, it’s worth a trip to the beach just to see for yourself.  As your driving along Highway 98 as it winds along the coast, you’ll see car after car pulled over just around 8:00 pm with cameras ready for that perfect shot.  Come see for yourself and don’t forget to bring your camera.