With temperatures falling precipitously all over the country, now is the time to steal away to the beaches of Florida for an open-water swimming event in Fort Myers or a seafood festival in Panama City Beach.
By Steven Kurtz
Aaron Peirsol’s Race for the Oceans, October 9-11
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Looking for a challenge this weekend? Head down to Fort Myers to compete in the open water swimming event hosted by former Olympic champion Aaron Peirsol. Peirsol’s Race for the Oceans features plenty of activities for the whole family, as well as some healthy competition for the die-hards. In addition to the 1K and 5K open water events (with youth and masters brackets), Peirsol will host open water swim clinics with fellow Olympians Brendan Hansen, Brooke Bennett and Rowdy Gaines. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be instructed by some of the world’s best swimmers. Peirsol’s partner for the event, the Oceana organization, is dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans from over-fishing to pollution, and all proceeds will benefit that cause. At the very least, this will give you an excuse to hang out on the beach all weekend.
Travel and Accommodation
The event offers several travel packages that include two night’s accommodation as well as entry into the event. There are plenty of other options if you prefer to book yourself.
Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival, October 9-11
Panama City Beach, Florida
If you don’t want to break a sweat this weekend but still want to get away to the warmer weather, check out the Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival. Panama City Beach, Florida, provides a beautiful backdrop for all of the weekend’s activities at Frank Brown Park. Local area chefs will perform demonstrations on how to prepare their signature dishes, recipe cards included. Pair your food with some great wine, as wine tastings will take place everyday with some of the top local producers as well as several other domestic and international participants. Of course the festival wouldn’t be complete without day and night musical entertainment. Besides getting to hear local performers in all genres, check out 70’s greats Styx and Grand Funk Railroad. They will not disappoint.
Travel and Accommodation
There are plenty of discount packages offering tickets to the festival and accommodations through the festivals sponsoring partners. Fly into Panama City-Bay County Airport, connecting through Atlanta.
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October 10th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
So glad that you mentioned Aaron Peirsol’s Race for the Oceans event. Anyone who is interested in making a donation to the cause of ocean preservation can go to racefortheoceans.org or oceana.org to contribute. My only complaint about this story is that you call Aaron Peirsol a “former Olympic champion” - the man is the current world record holder in both the 100m and 200m backstroke (LCM) and as far as we know, is training for the London Olympics in 2012. Give Aaron his due! Thank you
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