OFTIG 2012 - (Page 10)

NORTH FLORIDA IS THE ORIGINAL FLORIDA—A LAND WHERE NATURE IS THE MAIN EVENT... ...and where a good portion of the nation’s history surrounds you. It’s also one of the hottest regions for destination weddings and honeymoons, thanks to its Florida flair and Southern hospitality. “North Florida is a hidden gem,” says master bridal consultant Lisa Burnett, who owns Elegant Weddings by Lisa. “We have all the beaches, country clubs and Florida ambiance at a more reasonable fare. We also have great historic and destination wedding locations.” Indeed, the mix of urban and “rural” offerings here might be Florida’s most prolific for romantic and natural settings, be it by the shore, deep in the woodlands or in flower-topped fields. The northern part of the state, including the Panhandle, offers a perfect mix of the natural and the convenient, often just minutes away. It might be thought of as Florida’s more laid-back region, but it’s a well-known fact that the beauty of this part of the state conceals innumerable options for excitementfilled escapes. This is, after all, the site of the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America—St. Augustine, as famous for its historic structures as it is for quirky attractions such as Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, around which an archaeological park has been developed. “The allure of the Mediterranean- and Spanish-style architecture in St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, combined with the pristine beaches and the luxurious seaside resorts, attract lovers from all over the world,” says Barbara Golden, communications manager for St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches. North Florida is where T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park hides some of the prettiest beaches in the state, as well as distinct trail hiking, boating and fishing experiences. The site of Florida’s capital, North Florida also north holds its own when it comes to cultural activities, whether it’s the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra or the museums and art festivals of Gainesville. And as so often happens, these options for fun and relaxation—outdoor movies under the stars in Jacksonville Beach, a bike ride along the dunes of Grayton Beach State Park, a jazz festival in Panama City Beach—are also heavy in possibilities for romance. North Florida also reveals quite a difference between coastlines. “The Gulf of Mexico offers a very different experience from the Atlantic coast. The waters are bluegreen and clear, almost Caribbean-like, with low surf and beautiful white beaches—a result of quartz crystal mountain deposit from the Ice Age—that can’t be found anywhere else in Florida,” says Carillon Weddings founder Victoria Volpone. The shores of the Atlantic Ocean, meanwhile, can reveal harder-packed sand and its own bevy of colorful marine life. And that’s not even counting the many rivers, lakes and springs found inland and which offer countless options for outdoor recreation, honeymoon escapes and of course, spectacular locations for nuptials. Another perk to the region is its range of accommodations. You’ll find grand resorts with every conceivable luxury in store and beachfront hotels welcoming sandy feet, as well as a multitude of tiny inns and even Victorian-style B&Bs hidden away by foliage, lavish in antiques and generous in their heartfelt Southern welcomes. North Florida is no longer just a “drive” destination, thanks to the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport near Panama City Beach, which to date welcomes flights from Houston, Baltimore, Atlanta and other major cities. This makes it much easier for couples and wedding guests to get here and spend more time enjoying their stay. 10 NORTH 2012 Official VISIT FLORIDA Specialist Program: Destination Weddings & Honeymoons 

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of OFTIG 2012

North
Central
Agent Resources
Exam
South
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Ritz-Carlton
Marriott International
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
Walt Disney World Weddings
Honeymoon Tours

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