Few things in life give me greater pleasure than a fabulous meal and a nice glass of wine in a new locale. I've been known to plot vacations around scored dinner reservations of a notorious restaurant or plan a beach vacation around the best seafood restaurants, or map out days in NYC around cafes, bakeries and wine bars. For me, every travel opportunity is an epicurean journey, but my favorites are the local food and wine festivals, the ultimate celebrations of gourmet delights.
Taste of THE Beach, Northwest Florida
November in the Florida Panhandle is the perfect time to celebrate. The summer crowds have left the beaches of South Walton and have been replaced by the Autumn Tide-a three month long celebration of the area's rich culinary and cultural offerings. Last year was the Inaugural festival that included wine and food tastings and dinners from Panama City to Destin. I recommend staying in Rosemary Beach or Seaside. Rosemary Beach is beautiful and sophisticated with Sunday jazz brunches on the beach. Seaside is more about casual beach attire. Either way it will be just what you desire.
The Second Annual Taste of THE Beach takes place Nov 5-8. Tickets are sold separately for individual events; visit; www.tasteofthebeachfla.com for information, or contact the Seaside Cottage Rental Agency for Seeing Red Wine Festival packages. www.cottagerentalagency.com.
If you would like to stay in Rosemary Beach, visit; www.rosemarybeach.com/pensione-rosemary-beach.aspx
