Florida’s Emerald Coast is growing in popularity. The Florida panhandle offers a different approach to vacationing that many travelers prefer to the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist- oriented destinations such as Orlando and Miami. And to the surprise of some, the area is also home to a beer festival, now in its ninth year. It’s the Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest, held in the village of Baytowne, at Sandestin.
What’s in Store
The 9th annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest is scheduled for Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15, 2016. The fun begins Friday evening with “Beer From Around Here”, an event featuring craft beer from nearby breweries plus samples of appetizers. This event is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8p.m. and it’s a good way to get better acquainted with the beer brewed in Florida’s panhandle.
Saturday, October 15 will feature the event everyone is waiting for- the beer tasting. There will be a VIP offering between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., featuring exclusive tastings of beer not available to other festivals goers, along with delicious food. This will lead into the main event, the Craft Beer Tasting, which will run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nearly 200 beers will be available for sampling during the four hours, including beers from around the United States and the world. Those with VIP passes will get first shot at all of these beers, as their tickets grant them one hour early access. Brewery personnel will be on site, ready to educate attendees on beer styles, flavors, etc. Live music will fill the air as you drink.
Weekend Getaway
For all of you northerners in need of a quick warm- up, Sandestin Florida makes a great choice for a weekend getaway. The month of October is particularly nice, because the dew points and humidity have dropped, yet the temperature still remains pleasantly warm, with daily highs averaging in the upper 70’s and daily lows averaging in the upper 50’s.
There are several places of lodging to accommodate festival goers, but possibly the best option is the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. To encourage beer loving folks to attend the festival, this beachfront place of lodging has special offers for guests attending the festival. Just be sure to use group code BEER16 when you book your trip and you will receive special rates. We at Great Beer Now have stayed at this resort and rank it our favorite hotel/resort in the Destin area.
Florida’s Emerald Coast is a great vacation destination any time of year. The blue/green Gulf coast waters, the fresh breezes, and the slower pace make the Destin area the perfect choice for those who want to stay warm but don’t want to fight the crowds. Add a beer festival to the mix and you have all the makings of a great getaway, so follow the links, book your trip, and have some fun in western Florida this fall.
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