| Procrastinators take note. Mother's Day is May | | | | Shopping, Dining & Nightlife |
| 9th - but you've still got time to plan a terrific | | | | What's a getaway trip without some serious |
| getaway for Mom on the Gulf Coast, which | | | | shopping, dining and nightlife? Fine choices include |
| includes some of the top destinations in Florida | | | | the Village at Baytown Wharf in Sandestin, Florida, |
| and Alabama. Here are some suggestions for the | | | | and Destin Commons [ in the heart of Destin, |
| best places to go. | | | | Florida. |
| Figure Out What Mom Likes | | | | Tips for a Successful Trip for Mom |
| Let's face it. The whole idea of taking Mom away | | | | Take the advice of savvy event planners who |
| from home is just that - to get away from all her | | | | know a thing or two about planning a successful |
| everyday chores and responsibilities. To make her | | | | trip. |
| Mother's Day special, figure out what she really | | | | - The secret is to plan a series of surprises. Keep |
| likes and then find ways to make those activities | | | | things unexpected, but plan well ahead for |
| and pastimes part of the trip. This will help you | | | | activities and venues that require reservations - |
| determine where to go. | | | | or will be crowded. |
| Hit the Beach | | | | - Be sure family fun includes extra touches just |
| If Mom loves the beach, choose a destination | | | | for Mom. She's sure to love a luxurious spa day |
| known for its fabulous white sand and lots of | | | | complete with the latest treatments or a |
| sand-and-sea activities. Florida and Alabama have | | | | romantic dinner for two at a first-class restaurant. |
| some of the nation's most pristine beaches, along | | | | - Stay flexible. Mom may enjoy some activities so |
| the world-famous Emerald Coast. Find spectacular | | | | much she'll want to do re-visit them. Find a Great |
| Florida beaches in Destin and Fort Walton while | | | | Place to Stay |
| Alabama beach locales include Orange Beach and | | | | Now that you've got a handle on the activities |
| Gulf Shores. | | | | and surprises to delight Mom during her Mother's |
| Links Fun | | | | Day getaway, it's time to select just the right |
| Avid golf Moms will love the challenges of such | | | | Gulf Coast accommodations that are either close |
| courses as Regatta Bay Golf Course in Destin, | | | | to or far enough away from the action to be |
| Northwest Florida's #1 rated 18-hole championship | | | | totally relaxing. Check out these three to start: |
| course, designed by Robert C. Walker, Arnold | | | | - Escapes to the Shores - Orange Beach, |
| Palmer's former lead architect. Kiva Dunes, the #1 | | | | Alabama - Luxurious Emerald Coast beachfront |
| rated golf course in Alabama, located in Gulf | | | | condos. |
| Shores, unfolds through sand dunes, lakes, and | | | | - Beachside II by Resort Quest - Destin, Florida - |
| natural wetlands. Another great course is Peninsula | | | | Gulf-front accommodations at Sandestin Beach |
| Golf & Racquet Club, set along Mobile Bay in | | | | Resort. |
| Gulf Shores and nestled beside Bon Secour Wildlife | | | | - Pinnacle Port Resort - Panama City Beach, |
| Preserve. This 27-hole full-service Alabama golf | | | | Florida - Condos right on the beach and a 26-acre |
| club also features a great Mother's Day brunch! | | | | lake. |