Coastal Adventures, Zipline Tour and Corn Maze Highlight Santa Rosa County Beaches to Woodlands Tour

News provided by

Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council

Sep 23, 2010, 02:00 ET

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- With a design that proclaims its support for the Gulf Coast, the Sweet Season Farms Corn Maze kicks off the 7th Annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour of Santa Rosa County, a month-long series of events staged in late September through the month of October.

"The corn maze was a huge hit last year and we expect it to be just as popular over its six-week run this year," said tour coordinator Karen Harrell. "The design says 'Florida Gulf Coast, Still Paradise' showing support for the area."

This year's tour features more than 40 events and venues presented by the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council. Events and venues touch all corners of Santa Rosa County from Navarre Beach to historic Milton, Munson, Chumuckla, Jay, Gulf Breeze and Navarre.

Fall temperatures in the area drop into the low 80s and 70s for daytime highs and 50s and 60s in the evening. Vacation rentals at Navarre Beach start at $100 per night. Wooded cabins with fireplaces and campsites are available at Adventures Unlimited near the Blackwater River State Forest and camping is available at area RV parks and rustic tent sites at select area state parks.

"I think we all are ready to relax and get outdoors by the time October rolls around," said tour coordinator Karen Harrell. "Most of the events are free or low cost, educational, family-friendly and tied to a charity. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy a day trip or a weekend visit."

A new event is 'Kids Fish Free' at the new Navarre Beach Pier for the entire month of October. On Oct. 2 the first 75 children under age 12 will receive a free rod and reel and tackle as part of the annual Coastal Encounters staged at the nearby Navarre Beach Marine Science Station. Also new is the Adventures Unlimited Fall Foliage Zip Line Tour, which gives visitors an unparalleled view of the creeks and rivers of scenic Blackwater River State Forest.

Highlights are the Jay Peanut Festival (Oct. 2-3), Munson Heritage Festival (Oct. 9), Monarch Butterfly Festival (Oct. 8-9), Depot Days Celebration (Oct. 9); St. Rose of Lima International Fall Festival and 5k (Oct. 8-10) in Milton; Covenant Hospice's Blue Jeans & BBQ Festival and Bull Riding (Oct. 23) at Hayes Ranch; Holland Farms Tour all month; Ghosts of Milton Walking Tour (Oct. 22-23) and Downtown Milton Haunted House (Oct. 22-23 and 29-30) return.

History buffs will enjoy the Bagdad Front Porch Stroll (Oct. 16) and kids of all ages will be gently spooked at the Gulf Breeze "Boo at the Zoo" (Oct. 22-23 and 29-31).

The Holley Hill Pottery Gallery/Studio Open House returns over two weekends (Oct. 2 and 16); local art and fine wines will be on display at A Splash of Spirit (Oct. 2) at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Navarre; an original musical history storytelling event "Moonshine Creek, Family Reunion" (Oct. 1-2) and the 9th Annual Santa Rosa Art Association's "ArtFest" (Oct. 2) at the Bagdad Recreation Center.

The historic lecture series "Secrets of Santa Rosa Archeology & History in Your Own Backyard" is staged weekends at Arcadia Mill Archeology (Oct. 2-23). Also on tap is the Chumuckla Classic Country Music Festival (Sept. 30-Oct. 2) at the Farmer's Opry House; Garden and Environmental Home Expo (Oct. 2) at Navarre Conference Center; Hayes Ranch Open House and Farm Tour (Oct. 16) and The Santa Rosa Horse Council Weekend of Trail Riding, Camping and Concerts (Oct. 22-24) at Coldwater Creek Recreation Center.

Golf Santa Rosa County will feature golfing specials available all month at four area courses.

Recreational athletes enjoy some of the area's most beautiful vistas: The Riverwalk 5K (Oct. 2) takes runners through historic Bagdad, the Blackwater River State Trail and the Milton Riverwalk; the Run for the Reef 5K and 1-Mile Kid Fun Run (Oct. 16) parallels the Gulf of Mexico at Navarre Beach and the Mediacom Garcon Point Bridge Run for Education (Oct. 23) takes runners across the Garcon Point Bridge and Pensacola Bay. Cyclists test their endurance at the 12th annual Fenner McConnell/Matt Wantz Blackwater Heritage Memorial Ride (Oct. 16) with distances up to 100 miles through the Blackwater River State Forest. At Navarre Beach, the Ghost Chase Triathlon and Duathlon (Oct. 24) returns for a second year and the Juana's Pagodas Annual Beach Volleyball Tournament and Chili Cookoff (Oct. 10) is a tasty and fun competitive day.