ResortQuest Offers Competitors of Helen Drake Invitational Tennis Tournament 10 Percent Off Luxury Accommodations

The largest U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) event in Florida returns for its 28th season to TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort in Destin, Fla.

TOPS'L Beach and Racquet Resort, a professionally managed luxury property by ResortQuest^® by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, will welcome the Helen Drake Invitational Tennis Tournament this month for its 28th season on the breathtaking beaches and emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As one of the largest USTA events in Florida each year, this sanctioned tournament is expected to attract participation by hundreds of competitors from across the southeastern United States from its kickoff date on Wednesday, April 13 through Sunday, April 17, 2011.

As the proud host of the annual Invitational, ResortQuest is offering 10 percent off a three-night stay for registered tournament players at resort condominiums in TOPS'L Beach Manor, TOPS'L Tides, TOPS'L Summit, TOPS'L Tennis Village and TOPS'L Captiva. This special rate is available from the beginning of the tournament through its close on April 17.

Situated on 52 acres in Destin, Fla. and bordered by both the Gulf of Mexico and a tranquil nature preserve, TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort is renowned as a top tennis destination year round. Tennis Magazine has named TOPS'L among the "Top 50 Tennis Resorts in the U.S." every year since 1987. Tennis Resorts Online, rated it a "Gold Medal Resort" for 2010, designating it as one of the 10 best tennis resorts in the world.

Tournament Director for the Helen Drake Invitational, Joe D'Aleo, has run the tournament for more than a decade and also serves as the District 1 President of the USPTA. D'Aleo leads the team of professionally certified tennis instructors on staff at TOPS'L. The Tennis Desk at the TOPS'L Club offers player-matching services, round robins, tennis clinics, and private and group lessons. Resort guests enjoy complimentary use of 12 newly resurfaced rubico clay courts, including 10 that are lighted for night play.

To take advantage of ResortQuest's Helen Drake lodging discount, guests should call 1-800-380-4808 and mention Promo Code A3030. Availability is limited, and reservation must be booked by phone. More details, including terms and conditions, are available online at www.ResortQuestDestinVacations.com/helen-drake-tennis-tournament.htm.

Destin Cobia Tournament

With a name like “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, Destin is a town that takes their fishing very seriously.  That’s why the 15th Annual Harborwalk Marina Destin Cobia Tournament is one of the highest anticipated events of the year.  Weigh-ins will take place at the Harborwalk Marina (66 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541).  Anglers come from all across Northwest Florida (along with some visitors, too) to compete for cash and prizes.  The tournament begins in March and ends on May 6th with an Awards Ceremony at Harry T's (46 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541). 

There are many categories to the tournament, including 30 foot and under, ladies, senior, junior, pee wee, and more!  Anglers look forward to the excellent payout, in which last year over $35,000 in cash and prizes were awarded.  All proceeds benefit the Miss Destin Scholarship Fund, helping local girls further their educational goals.

Even though the tournament has already begun, as of today, no one has caught the first Cobia!  Join us this spring in one of many Destin and Ft. Walton Beach vacation rentals, and maybe you can take home the prize!

The Orange Beach Festival of Art

If you’re visiting the Gulf Coast in March, be sure to check out the Orange Beach Festival of Art, the first fine art and fine craft show of the season.   The festival will be at the Orange Beach Art Center (26389 Canal Rd., Orange Beach, AL, 36561) on March 12th and 13th.  It is held each year during the second weekend in March, and has been a highly anticipated event for almost twenty years.  There will be over 65 artists, two stages, and two specialty tents to choose from at this FREE event.

The Literary Arts Tent will showcase local and celebrity authors for book readings and signings.  See dance perfomances and theater troops in the Performing Arts Stage.  Kids will be able to dabble in six hands-on exciting art experiences in the Kid’s Art Alley.  Catch a glass blowing demonstration at The Hot Shop, or enjoy amazing regional talent at the Songwriters and Musicians stage as they share their wonderful music.  There will also be artwork on display from artists from all over the nation.

Throw some fine art into your family vacation, as this festival has something to please everyone!  There’s still a lot of availability for spring along the Alabama Gulf Coast and in Perdido Key.  Don’t miss out on this great event!

Mardi Gras on the Emerald Coast

Laissez les bon temps roulez!  Mardi Gras is coming up, and although Fat Tuesday isn’t happening until March 8th, there are plenty of upcoming celebrations happening all along the Gulf Coast.  Bring out your masks, boas and beads and join us for these unforgettable festivities!

Panama City will play host to the St. Andrew’s Mardi Gras Festival on February 25th & 26th.  There will be a Kids Parade on the 25th down Beck Avenue, and the 26th will feature the Annual Grand Parade along the same route.  In addition to the parades, there will be a two-day festival in the Oaks by the Bay Park (1000 Beck Ave., Panama City, FL, 32401) with entertainment for the entire family.

HarborWalk Village on the Destin Harbor (10 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL, 32541) is bringing us two celebrations: Enjoy the parade on February 26th with beads, live music, and traditional New Orleans revelry, or join them March 8th for the Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Bash featuring free red beans and rice, performers and live music that’s sure to be a good time!

The islanders of Pensacola Beach definitely know how to have a good time, as they are also featuring two parades.  February 26th will host the Kids & Kritters Parade ($5 fee for your furry friend to participate) from the Beach Fire Station (901 Via de Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach, 32561) to the Pensacola Beach Community Church.  Check out the costumed kids and pets in this fun and furry parade.  March 6th will feature the big celebration, the Krewe of Wrecks, down Via de Luna Drive at 12pm.

The Gulf Shores area is the closest to Mobile (the true birthplace of Mardi Gras), and they are having five separate parades!  March 4th is the Mystical Order of Mirams Mardi Gras Parade in Orange Beach at 6:30pm from Wintzell’s Oyster House (24131 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL, 36561) ending at Rite Aid.  The Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Parade is March 5th in Orange Beach at 6:30pm from Live Bait (24281 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL, 36561) ending at the Perdido Beach Resort.  March 8th is Fat Tuesday, so there are three parades to choose from: the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade at 10am along Highway 59, the Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade at 1:30pm beginning at Wintzell’s, and LuLu’s 7th Anniversary Celebration and Boat Parade, an all-day event at LuLu’s at Homeport (200 E 25th Ave., Gulf Shores, AL, 36542)

The Emerald Coast is proof that you don’t need to be in New Orleans or Mobile to celebrate Mardi Gras in style.  Come join us in one of many properties all along the sandy white beaches, and be ready for lots of beads (and maybe a Moon Pie, too).

Sandestin Gumbo Festival

When I think of good southern food, gumbo is always one of the first things that comes to mind.  It has a flavor that only comes from true southern home-cooking.  Get your own taste of southern hospitality at the 22nd Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival on February 18th and 19th.  This year, the festival has moved to The Village of Baytowne Wharf and is now stretched over two days during the President’s Day weekend.  

Friday will offer the first-ever “Taste of the Village” from 6-9pm, where guests can enjoy samplings of the region’s finest cuisines from assorted Village merchants.  The main event will take place on Saturday from 12-4pm.  Guests can sample gumbo and Bloody Mary’s and cast their vote for People’s Choice.  Celebrity judges will have a blind judging to determine the award for Area’s Best Gumbo.  Our own Hank Taylor, Executive Chef at TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort, is the current two-year reigning champ!  There will also be an award for the business or restaurant with the most innovative booth.  Enjoy live entertainment in the Events Plaza courtesy of Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe, and Cajun dancers.  

Tickets can be purchased at Graffiti & Funky Blues Shack in The Village of Baytown Wharf, or online.  Weekend passes are $15 in advance and $25 the day of the event.  If you need to purchase a ticket the day of the event, bring in five or more non-perishable food items and receive a $5 discount off the ticket price.  Proceeds will benefit The United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties.  Take advantage of this President’s Day weekend and book your stay today with ResortQuest! 

Alabama Lifestyles Expo

Looking for places to see and things to do while vacationing in Alabama?  Look no further: The 18th Annual Alabama Lifestyles Expo is coming to Caribe Resort (28103 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561) on February 10th from 9am to 2pm.  The event is presented by the Alabama Advantage for Relocation, the Caribe Resort, and the Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, promoting healthy living and quality of life for people age 50+ and their families.

This FREE event will feature informative sponsors and vendors for activities such as tours, day trips, parks and recreation, golfing, concerts, and various other entertainment.  Check out area restaurants and places to shop, as well as gather some information about healthy living.  There will be FREE health screenings, eye exams, and wide arrange of other medical, dental, and personal services.  There will also be a plethora of information on financial planning, asset protection, real estate, and much, much more. 

If you are not already one of our beloved winter guests, we still have plenty of availability for this event.  Check out our units in Alabama or Perdido Key online, or call (888) 909-6807 to book your reservation.  You don’t want to miss this spectacular event!

ResortQuest Welcomes Vision Airlines to the Emerald Coast

ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is proud to welcome Vision Airlines to the Emerald Coast. Vision Airlines recently announced the expansion of its service to 17 new destinations from Northwest Florida Regional Airport. Vision Airlines will provide service from the Destin/Ft. Walton Beach airport to cities such as Baton Rouge, Knoxville, Little Rock and Atlanta. Low fare, non-stop service will provide the opportunity for customers to visit Florida’s Emerald Coast in a more timely fashion and allow for a longer stay. 

Lino Maldonado, Vice President of Operations for ResortQuest, said, “We are very excited about the potential Vision Airlines brings to the table. This area has been in need of a low-cost air carrier for a very long time. Additionally, it is my understanding that 5,800 seats per week will be delivered into our area as a result of Vision’s presence. This is not only an addition to the industry but a wonderful boost to the community.”
 

Vision Airlines is based in Suwannee, Georgia and is providing service from smaller cities to popular tourist destinations such as those along the Emerald Coast. Currently, rates as low as $49 each way are available through the carrier. Cities served by Vision Airlines include Asheville, NC, Atlanta, GA, Baton Rouge, LA, Birmingham, AL, Chattanooga, TN Columbia, SC, Destin, FL, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Ft. Myers, FL, Greenville, SC, Gulfport, MS, Houston, TX, Huntsville, AL, Knoxville, TN, Little Rock, AR, Louisville, KY, Macon, GA, Miami, FL, Niagara Falls, NY, Orlando, FL, Savannah, GA, Shreveport, LA, St. Petersburg, FL
 

“ResortQuest and Vision Airlines make for the perfect guest experience. The non-stop service to the area will give vacationers an opportunity to get away to ResortQuest properties for an extended stay or even a weekend getaway. It’s a wonderful way to stretch the tourism dollars and the Northwest Florida experience,” Maldonado added.
 

ResortQuest offers vacation rental properties in the Northwest Florida area from Panama City Beach to the Gulf Shores, Alabama area. ResortQuest joined the Wyndham Exchange & Rentals program in 2010, to form the largest full-service vacation rental business in the world with a diverse portfolio of more than 85,000 vacation properties in over 100 countries.

Pensacola Double Bridge Run February 5th

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida
 
Get ready for a fun run with some of the most amazing views in Northwest Florida.  Pensacola’s Double Bridge Run will take place on February 5th.  There are two events for the run: a 15K beginning at 7:00am and a 5K at 8:00am.  Join over 3,000 participants as you cross over the Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound.
 
The 15K will start downtown in front of Plaza de Luna (900 S. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL), deep in the historic district of Pensacola, at 7:00am.  The race route takes you north on Palafox Street, east on Garden Street, south on Alcaniz Street through downtown, then east on Bayfront Parkway, across Pensacola Bay Bridge to Gulf Breeze, and a final turn to Bob Sikes Bridge taking you into Pensacola Beach.  The 9.3 mile USATF certified course does have a minimum pace requirement; you are required to keep within a 14-minute mile, which keeps a fierce competition.  A fresh addition to the 2011 run is that the 15K will have a corral start. There is a cap of 2,500 runners for this category.  The 5K run/walk begins in Gulf Breeze at the Gulf Breeze Schools (649 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze, FL) onto Bob Sikes Bridge, entering Pensacola Beach.  There is a max of 1,200 runners and 300 walkers in this event.
 
In the 15K division, there are awards for the first three overall finishers for men and women: $1,250 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place, and $250 for 3rd place.  There will also be awards for the top three masters, grand masters, and senior grand masters.  Prizes for the 5K go five deep to men and women in 0-39 or 40+ age divisions. 

You can register for the Double Bridge Run online at www.active.com until February 1st with a registration fee of $35.  If you miss this deadline, they are holding a Race Expo at the Pensacola Beach Hilton on February 3rd and 4th.  There will be no race-day registration, so be sure to register now!  If you are looking for accommodations for the event, check out our beautiful properties in Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach.           

Treasure Chest Found Along Northwest Florida Gulf Coast

Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, diamonds, and gold have been found on Northwest Florida and Alabama’s gulf coast shore. Northwest Florida and Southeastern Alabama boast sapphire and emerald green waters, ruby red sunsets, sand as sparkling white as tiny diamonds, and golden opportunities for spectacular vacation accommodations. ResortQuest Vacation Rentals offers beach-front condominiums, villas, townhomes, patio homes and even private homes along the treasure-laden shore.
 
TOPS’L is one of the ResortQuest jewels.  Whether you’re on a quest for a top-rated tennis facility…or a top-shelf beach resort …or top-of-the-line views from spacious balconies ….there’s only one answer. TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort.  TOPS’L, managed by ResortQuest, offers a resort within a resort. Courtside villas, private townhomes and patio homes, and hi-rise condominiums that overlook the beach are nestled among 52-acres of beauty that has made Destin famous.
 
Also nearby are top-flight golf courses, incredible fishing, watersports, hiking and biking trails, dolphin watching, nature preserves, historic forts, museums, wave pools, amusement parks, all levels of dining, upscale and bargain shopping, and so much more.
 
For more information about ResortQuest on Florida and Alabama’s beautiful gulf shores, please visit www.resortquestnwfl.com or call 800-336-GULF (4853).

Bayou, Bay & Back 5K/10K Walk/Run Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

Gear up for the first Bayou, Bay & Back 5K/10K Walk/Run, taking place in the heart of Destin.  ResortQuest is proud to be the official Accommodations Sponsor!

Presented by the Destin Area Sports Commission, the race begins at Clement Taylor Park on Calhoun Avenue on January 29th at 8am, rain or shine.  The park sits on Choctawhatchee Bay, and the race route will take you along Choctawhatchee Bay along Calhoun Avenue, down to Beach Drive following Joe’s Bayou, through side streets to Benning Drive, and back to Calhoun Avenue for the 10K route.  For the 5K route, the turnaround point is Joe’s Bayou at Beach Drive.

There are categories for runners and walkers, male and female.  Awards will be given to both male and female First Place Overall and First Place Master, and First, Second, and Third in each age division. 

To register for the run/walk, you can complete the registration form prior to January 27th on http://www.active.com/running/destin-fl/destins-bayou-bay-and-back-5k10k-runwalk-sponsored-by-shoreline-2011?int=29-6, or by contacting the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce at (850) 837-6241.  Prior to January 28th, the race registration fee is $25, and the fee changes to $30 if you register the day of the race from 6:30-7:30am.  Complimentary race T-shirts will be guaranteed to the first 400 participants.

So come on out and join us for the first  Destin Bayou, Bay & Back 5K/10K Walk/Run!  Check out our website for great deals over the race weekend.  See you there!

ResortQuest Goes Fishing with Bill Ando of Southern Boating Magazine

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

Recently, ResortQuest had the pleasure of hosting Bill Ando, Senior Editor of Southern Boating Magazine, at the beautiful Silver Shells Beach Resort in Destin. One of the many activities that he wanted to partake in while visiting the area was to go deep sea fishing, and what better place to do that than in Destin, the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village!”

We hosted Bill on a charter with Captain Tommy Browning, a local fishing legend, aboard the Finest Kind which is docked at the Harborwalk Marina. No experience needed, as the Finest Kind’s capable crew will teach you all you need to know. Waking up early for our 6-hour trip was hard, but the experience was well worth it!

We were lucky enough to go out on the last day of Red Snapper season, and brought in an abundance of Red Snapper, catching our limit! We played tug-of-war with the dolphins for some of our catch, which added to the excitement. We also caught quite a few Triggerfish, my personal favorite.

Even though Red Snapper season is closed until next summer, don’t fret, because no matter what time of year you go fishing in Florida, there’s always something in season that not only tastes great, but is exciting to catch! Some of the fish without a regulated season are Amberjack, Black and White Snapper, Trigger, Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, and Wahoo.

Whether you’re fishing for sport or for dinner, you’ll never be disappointed with your catch from the alluring Gulf of Mexico. Book a charter on one of the many vessels in the Destin area, or just grab a pole and head down to a fishing pier. Cook up your fresh catch in your ResortQuest vacation rental, and you’ll dine like a king!

Emerald Coast Winter Activities, Part II – Pensacola & Perdido Key Area

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

In my last installment of cold weather activities along the Emerald Coast, I talked about the Destin area. This week we’ll be traveling west to Pensacola, which is within easy reach of both our Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach vacation rentals.

A night out at the movies is always good fun, but this year, bring your family to a different kind of theater. Pensacola has two wonderful live theatres to choose from:

· Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32502, (850) 595-3880 – The Saenger is offering some amazing performances during this winter season, including two concerts by the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, a musical based on The Color Purple, and an operatic adaptation of Little Women.

· Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502, (850) 432-2042 – This “Little” theater is featuring two plays, The Lamentable and True Tragedie of M. Arden, and Clarence Darrow. The musical review, Side by Side by Sondheim, will be presented in late January and early February.

Pensacola was the site of one of the first European-inhabited settlements in what would later become the United States of America, so naturally the area is rich in history. As a result, there are many intriguing museums providing fascinating experiences:

· Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Boulevard, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL 32508, (850) 452-3604 – This museum is located within the Naval Air Station Pensacola and has a multitude of aircraft on display, many military exhibits, and an IMAX theater with various movies available. Admission to the museum is FREE.

· T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, 330 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502, (850) 595-5990 – The museum is part of Historic Pensacola Village which brings to life the historic homes and buildings within downtown Pensacola, featuring guided tours and a hands-on children’s exhibit.

· Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 South Jefferson Street, Pensacola, FL 32502, (850) 432-6247 – Enjoy fine art as you browse the museum’s collections and exhibits including artists such as Alex Katz, Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso, and many, many more.

In addition to live theatre and museums, there are many other activities in Perdido Key and Pensacola to keep one entertained during the winter months. Come visit and experience the “cool” side of Northwest Florida!

Destin 50 Beach Ultra Marathon Scheduled for February 19th

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

For all of you runners out there, I have just learned about one of the most exciting races in Northwest Florida – a 50 mile race that takes place on our beautiful white sand beaches. That’s right, a race in the SAND. The Destin 50 Beach Ultra was scheduled on February 19th, 2011 over President’s Day weekend. Because the race takes places in the soft sand, this is the perfect opportunity for barefoot runners!

In addition to the 50 mile individual race, there is a 50 mile relay for teams of 2-4 people. The race will start at TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort, run east along the water to Seagrove Beach, turn around and head back through TOPS’L, run west to Destin Pass, and a final turn back to the finish line at TOPS’L. Start time for individuals is 5 am, relay teams start at 7 am, and the cut off time is 7 pm. Following the race, the Funky Blues Shack in Baytowne Wharf will host a celebratory after party featuring live entertainment, drink specials and hors d’oeuvres.

The Destin 50 Beach Ultra is donating ALL of the proceeds from this event to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The Foundation is a charity that pays for the full college expense of children of Special Operations members in all branches of military service who have lost their lives in combat. The charity also provides immediate financial assistance to special operations personnel severely wounded in the global war on terror. Once notified of a Special Operations soldier, airman, sailor or Marine hospitalized with a severe injury, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation immediately provides funds for family and loved ones to travel to his or her bedside. To date, the Foundation has provided over $1,000,000 to wounded Special Operations personnel. With such large military presence in the surrounding area, including Special Operations forces, I am very proud that the race is featuring such a heartwarming charity that hits so close to home.

TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort is offering special rates starting as low as $85 per night – call 800-380-4808 and mention Group Code #A1083. If you want to stay somewhere other than TOPS’L, no worries, because we have great rates at all of our Northwest Florida locations. Come run for a great cause, while enjoying a long weekend on the most beautiful beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Emerald Coast Winter Activities, Part I - Destin Area

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

Now that we’ve entered the winter months, splashing around in Gulf waters probably doesn’t sound too appealing – unless you need a quick pick-me-up!  Traveling to the Emerald Coast still has many advantages – the air is refreshing, prices are lower, beaches are uncrowded and perfect for a long relaxing walk, and there are plenty of activities that will keep you entertained during the cold weather.  This week in Part I of a 3-part series, you’ll discover some great things to do within the Destin area.

The Emerald Coast is a wonderful place to do your holiday shopping.  Just in Destin alone there are THREE great malls to choose from:

·  Destin Commons, 4300 Legendary Drive, (850) 337-8700 – Featuring a huge Bass Pro Shop, a children’s playground, and many restaurants, there’s something for everyone at this shopping center.  Some of the stores to choose from are Abercrombie & Fitch, Gymboree, Belk, Build-A-Bear, and many, many more!

·   Silver Sands Factory Stores, 10562 Emerald Coast Parkway, (850) 654-9771 – You’ll find amazing discounts at this outlet center, including name brands such as Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Aeropostale, Coach and Carter’s.

·   Grand Boulevard, 215 Grand Boulevard, (850) 654-5929 – This shopping center offers a varied selection of upscale shops and fine dining, featuring stores such as J. Crew-at-the-Beach, Brooks Brothers Country Club, and Billabong, and eateries such as P. F. Chang’s, Mitchell’s Fish Market and Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar.

With great new releases coming up, such as Megamind, Gulliver’s Travels, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, grab the whole family and head over to a movie theater and enjoy a new flick (and lots of popcorn):

·   Rave Motion Pictures - 4000 Legendary Drive, (850) 337-8777
·   Lively Cinema 10 - 759 Harbor Boulevard, (850) 654-2992

The BEST part of the winter season is being able to go ice-skating!  The Village of Baytowne Wharf (9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, (850) 267-8000) has opened Baytowne on Ice, an ice skating rink open Monday through Thursday 4-9pm, 4-10pm on Friday, Saturday 11am-10pm, and Sunday 12-6pm.  The skating rink is open from now until February 14th, so there’s plenty of time for your family to plan a visit to Destin and enjoy the attraction.  For only $10, you can skate for an hour and a half.  Skate rentals are $2.  Also, the first hour of each day is dedicated to “youth skate,” so the little ones can have the opportunity for an open skate.

So don’t let the winter weather stop you from enjoying a beach vacation!  ResortQuest not only offers prices that are half off summertime rates, but also free night promotions if you stay a little longer.  Call us at 866-478-3307 or click here for more information.

TOPS'L Tennis off to a QuickStart After USTA Florida 10-and-under Grant

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. -- Nov. 5, 2010 -- The TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort in Miramar Beach on the Florida Panhandle is the latest recipient of a "Share the Love" grant from USTA Florida for $1,000 of QuickStart Tennis equipment to teach the fun, engaging format to 10-and-under beginning players. The grant is through USTA Florida's "Share the Love" campaign, a $500,000 initiative on top of the organization's regular annual giving to promote 10-and-under tennis as well as a wide range of other community initiatives.
 
Director of Tennis Joe D'Aleo heads up the tennis program at the TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort, which annually receives recognition by the tennis industry as one of the top destinations in the U.S.
 
"We are a Top 50 Tennis Resort in the U.S. and also a local club, which gives us the great opportunity to grow the game not only locally but also with our tennis guests that visit us on vacation," D'Aleo said. "The QuickStart program has great potential in our area of the Panhandle to see growth in junior tennis that we have never seen before because most kids are not introduced to the game the proper way, and get discouraged that tennis is too hard."
 
QuickStart Tennis is designed for children age 10-and-under, older beginning players and senior tennis players, featuring smaller court sizes, racquet sizes, foam and decompressed balls, a simple scoring system, and net heights adjusted to ease kids into the sport. Similar mini-tennis formats have long been popular in Europe, where current stars such as Roger Federer, Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters first learned the game with age-adjusted racquets, balls and court sizes. To see a video of QuickStart Tennis in action go to: http://10andundertennis.usta.com <http://10andundertennis.usta.com/> .
 
D'Aleo is the District 1 President of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), and became a believer in the program for 10-and-under beginners when he attended a QuickStart Tennis Workshop for teaching pros at the USPTA Florida Convention earlier this year.
 
"I saw the QuickStart program first hand it does not take long to make someone a believer in how it works," D'Aleo said. "I immediately started using the QuickStart balls in private lessons and in some of our junior clinics and the kids have a blast, they immediately saw improvement and the best part is that they had fun, which is what tennis should be all about, especially at the young age groups. The best part is that the parents got to witness how much better there child played with the correct ball, and how they hit more balls in their strike zone and in the court."
 
While he now employs various attributes of QuickStart Tennis, D'Aleo says the Share the Love grant will kick-off a full-scale QuickStart program at the TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Club in 2011, where 10-and-under children can then develop onto USTA Jr. Team Tennis league players.
 
"TOPS'L will be starting the QuickStart program full speed with all the proper nets, balls and equipment," D'Aleo said. "Being the USPTA District 1 president for the Panhandle, I have been campaigning to get other tennis professionals to start the program so we can form a QuickStart/Jr. Team Tennis league in our area and make it a lot of fun for the kids. I want to thank [USTA Florida Executive Director] Doug Booth in helping me achieve this by being my guest speaker at a recent USPTA district meeting. He really shed some light on the QuickStart program and how it can work and will grow the game, sharing statistics on the state of the game that was truly an eye-opener for all the tennis professionals at the meeting. I truly believe that if all certified teaching professionals have an open mind on how the QuickStart program can create new income for themselves and their facilities, we could see the biggest growth in the game that has ever happened before."
 
USTA Florida annually directs 90% of member dollars back into the community to support tennis programs and projects throughout Florida. USTA Florida's 'Share the Love' grant program helps fund tennis programs and projects throughout Florida communities during challenging economic times. Funding priorities include QuickStart Tennis and Jr. Team Tennis (coordinator training, start-up, etc.), public facility funding (schools, parks, conversion to QuickStart courts, etc.), community tennis awareness (innovative pro-active start-ups, program expansion), school programs and senior tennis programs/projects.
 
"Together we can reach our mission, 'To promote and develop the game of tennis in Florida,'" said USTA Florida Associate Executive Director, Play Tennis Division, Andy McFarland. "It's with USTA membership dollars that we are able to offer program grants to communities like these."
 
Share the Love grant applications are still being accepted by USTA Florida at www.USTASharetheLove.com <http://www.ustasharethelove.com/> , or questions can be e-mailed to grants@florida.usta.com. For more information on QuickStart Tennis in Florida, go to www.ustaflorida.com <http://www.ustaflorida.com/.

Hurst Named Volunteer of the Year

ResortQuest employees volunteer their time every year to help coordinate the Destin St. Jude Celebrity Golf Tournament. We are pleased to announce, Andy Hurst was named the 2010 Destin St. Jude Golf Tournament Volunteer of the Year. This award was voted on by the tournament committee and was based on his dedication and commitment to the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The Destin St. Jude Celebrity Golf Tournament’s mission is to raise awareness and funds to support the life saving efforts being done at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the world's premiere research and treatment center for children with catastrophic illnesses. For more information on the Destin St. Jude Celebrity Golf Tournament, please click here.

What's New at ResortQuest Northwest Florida?

By Michelle Tommey, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

Check out our newest vacation rental, Seawatch “A”, recently added to our Gulf Coast rental inventory on Northwest Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast. 

Seawatch "A" is the perfect place for your next family gathering.  Situated in Gulf Trace Community, Grayton Beach, Seawatch "A" is a two-story duplex home that sleeps 16.  "A" is the west side of the home.  Each floor has its own living space so this gives you plenty of space to relax and create family memories.  Enjoy the fabulous views of the Gulf of Mexico from the second floor wrap around deck.  The first floor gives you access to the spacious patio and pool area , and public beach access is located just a short walk away.

Gulf Trace Community sits on the edge of the coast, surrounded by the natural world with the Gulf of Mexico to the south and Grayton Dunes State Park to the east, north, and west. Secluded amidst sand dunes, scrub oaks, and sea oats, Gulf Trace is the perfect vacation spot to relax and enjoy the quiet surroundings and beauty.  To book this home for your next vacation, please contact ResortQuest at 888-909-6807 or visit us online. 

Destin St. Jude Celebrity Golf TournamentOctober 22-24, 2010

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

ResortQuest loves to support great causes, and this weekend our focus is on the Destin St. Jude Celebrity Golf Tournament.  The event takes place at the Baytowne and Raven golf courses within Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.  ResortQuest employees volunteer their time to coordinate the event, help with volunteers, and gather items for the silent auction.  The outpouring of support from local companies and military is amazing, and itís wonderful to see everyone come together for such a great cause. 

The mission of the Destin St. Jude Celebrity Golf Tournament is to raise awareness and funds to support the life saving efforts of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the world's premiere research and treatment center for children with catastrophic illnesses.

           

Celebrities participating this year include Phil Niekro, Hall of Famer and winningest knuckleball pitcher of all time; Roger McDowell, pitching coach for the Atlanta Braves; Jeff Mathis, catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim; Ed ìToo Tallî Jones, former player for the Dallas Cowboys; Mark ìThe Lemmerî Lemke, and many, many more. 

Play begins today at 10am with half the teams playing one course and half on the other.  Tonight is the silent auction at the Hilton Sandestin which will include a presentation by St. Judes.  Tomorrow the teams will switch courses and the awards will be announced later in the afternoon.

Wyndham Exchange & Rentals Welcomes ResortQuest, Celebrates Formation of World's Largest Vacation Rentals Business

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (October 20, 2010) — Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, part of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE:WYN), welcomed ResortQuest to its family of brands following the previously announced acquisition, which was completed on September 30, 2010.

ResortQuest, a leading provider of full-service vacation rentals in the U.S. with a diverse collection of nearly 6,000 high-quality U.S. vacation rental properties, joins Wyndham Exchange & Rentals to form the largest full-service vacation rentals business in the world with a diverse portfolio of more than 85,000 vacation properties in over 100 countries.

“We couldn’t be more excited to combine the talents, leadership and outstanding vacation rental services of both teams to deliver a superior product to our customers,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, who visited ResortQuest’s Destin, Fla., headquarters October 19-20th to celebrate with employees. “Together with ResortQuest, we now offer the greatest and best selection of vacation rentals as well as the opportunity for second homeowners to rent their properties through a trusted, well-known brand.”  

Added Park Brady, CEO, ResortQuest: “This marks the beginning of a mutually rewarding relationship between two great businesses that will benefit consumers, homeowners and employees alike. Building off of ResortQuest’s presence in North America and Wyndham’s strong market leadership position in Europe, we’re excited to work together as one team to deliver a customer service experience that is unmatched by any other global organization in the vacation rental industry.” 

Photograph caption: Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, visits the ResortQuest headquarters in Destin, Fla., to celebrate with employees.

About Wyndham Exchange & Rentals

Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with access for specified periods to more than 80,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. The vacation exchange business includes RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers, and The Registry Collection ® program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program. The vacation rentals business includes Hoseasons, cottages4you, Novasol®, Cuendet®, Landal GreenParks®, Endless Vacation Rentals®, and other renowned vacation rental brands through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit our media center.

About ResortQuest

Headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., ResortQuest is a leading provider of full-service vacation condominiums and home rentals in the U.S., with a portfolio of approximately 6,000 U.S. vacation rental properties.

Media Contacts:

Wyndham Exchange & Rentals
Leah Latour
(973) 753-6560
leah.latour@rci.com

ResortQuest

Emily Pulis

(305) 942-1663

http://www.blogger.com/

2010 Florida State HOG RallyOctober 20-23, 2010 - Destin/Ft. Walton Beach

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

Hop on your Harley and get ready for the 2010 Florida State HOG Rally!  The rally begins Wednesday, October 20th and runs through Saturday, October 23rd at the Emerald Grande in Destin.  This is the host resort and location for all registration and on-site activities.  If you did not pre-register, the registration fee is $35 and must be completed at the Emerald Grande. ResortQuest is proud to be a sponsor of this revved-up event!

Bikers will enjoy eight self-guided rides and two guided rides during the rally.  Also, there will be not one, not two, but THREE Poker Runs!  The first two Poker Runs will be on Wednesday and Thursday, and will begin at Heritage Cycles Harley Davidson in Fort Walton Beach.  Ten members will each win $250, for a total payout of $2500!  The five stops are at McGuire’s Irish Pub, AJ’s, Hard Rock Café, Hog’s Breath, and the final stop at Helen Back Café.  On Friday there will be a walking Poker Run at the Destin Commons, also featuring a payout of $250 to ten winners.  The stops include Dave’s Dogs, Sunset Shoes, Bark Avenue, Bass Pro Shop and Belk.

Other events include the FREE pizza night at Helen Back Café on Thursday from 7-10 p.m.  There will be bike games on Friday, and Saturday will feature a bike show, more bike games, and the Parade of Flags.  Also down at the Emerald Grande, enjoy live music from Confederate Railroad on Friday night and The Guess Who on Saturday night, followed by a fireworks display at Harbor Walk Village to close the event. 

ResortQuest would like to welcome you to the beautiful Emerald Coast with a special H.O.G. Rally offer on stays of 2 nights or more between October 18 – October 25, 2010 at some of our most popular resorts near the main event site at Harborwalk Village. Visit http://www.resortquestnwfl.com/hog-rally/ for more details.