Travel Tips

Local crews building new Hurlburt hotel, club

Mona Moore, Florida Freedom Newspapers

HURLBURT FIELD - Hurlburt is doing its part to stimulate the local economy. Construction of a new military hotel and club facilities is under way and a new Joint Operational Planning Facility (JOPF) will soon follow. "It's a project that almost nev... Full story

Financing delays Hilton construction

Dusty Ricketts, Florida Freedom Newspapers

OKALOOSA ISLAND, FL - Even the Hilton Hotels Corp. is not immune to the ongoing financial crisis. Construction on the Hilton Emerald Coast, a four-star resort planned for the north side of U.S. Highway 98 just east of the Elks Lodge, tentatively... Full story

Another pedestrian bridge over U.S. 98 moves forward

The walkway would connect the Hilton Emerald Coast to Beasley Park

Dusty Ricketts, Florida Freedom Newspapers

OKALOOSA ISLAND - Crossing U.S. Highway 98 to and from the planned Hilton hotel is on its way to becoming a lot safer. Okaloosa County commissioners this week voted to reduce the building front setback for the planned Hilton Emerald Coast on Okaloos... Full story

Encore acquires Sterling Resorts

By Daniel Carson, Florida Freedom Newspapers

PANAMA CITY BEACH - Destin-based Sterling Resorts LLC, which manages five Panama City Beach resort properties, and Sterling Realty LLC are now under new ownership. Encore Enterprises spokesman Ed Gilbert said Thursday the Dallas hotel company's Enco... Full story

New hotel coming to busy corner

By MICHAEL BREWER Daily News Contributing Writer

FORT WALTON BEACH — A new hotel chain has checked in for an extended stay at the corner of Racetrack Road and Eglin Parkway.     Maitland, Fla.-based Liberty Investment Properties, the principal franchisee of Value Place Ho... Full story

Vacation Seasons: When to travel

By Tara Roberts

It isn’t just a matter of where to go on vacation or where to stay once there. It is important to also decide when to travel.   The standard four seasons – spring, summer, fall and winter – don’t necessarily apply when ... Full story

Off-Season Vacations Offer Big Savings

By Tara Roberts

Face it, the biggest draw for tourists coming to the south, particularly Florida and especially the incomparable Emerald Coast, is the sun and sand. Well, maybe not so much the sand, but the beach definitely. Combine that with year-round tropical wea... Full story

It’s not easy being Green

Environmentally friendly accommodations

By Tara Roberts

When taking a vacation on the Florida Panhandle, it’s not just the crystal clear Emerald waters that are green. Thanks to an innovative program established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, visitors can now choose a hotel t... Full story

Dog Days of Summer

Taking a Pet on Vacation

By Tara Roberts

Summer vacation plans are made, the bags are packed, the car is filled with gas, coolers are full of snacks and drinks for the trip, and maps are tucked into the sun visor. Yet, there is that ever present feeling that something has been forgotten. T... Full story

See Archives