Get Ready for Gumbo and Mardi Gras at Sandestin

Gumbo has always beean an essential fuel that helps to keep Mardi Gras going. Add dogs to the mix and we'll all be howling at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort during the extended President’s Day weekend starting Friday, February 17, 2012.

Thousands of travelers and local residents are expected to join the festivities including the Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, Mardi Gras Dog Parade and so much more.

Sandestin has hosted the Gumbo Festival, one of the largest and most popular events along Florida’s Gulf Coast for more than two decades. This year is expected to be even better with additions of the Mardi Gras Dog Parade and the Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade all in one week.

With live Cajun music, delicious cooking seminars and home-made gumbo served by Gulf Coast restaurants and businesses, the 23rd Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, held on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 in The Village of Baytowne Wharf, is sure to spice up anyone’s weekend. Be sure to stop by the SoWal.com tent to register for prizes and giveaways.

“This festive event has evolved over the years to be one of the largest and most popular events and we are excited to ‘let the good times roll’ as they would say in New Orleans. You simply can’t beat fresh gumbo and new friends while visiting everyone’s favorite beach,” said Lanier Motes, special events manager for the Village of Baytowne Wharf. 

In addition to the Sandestin Gumbo Festival, The Mardi Gras Dog Parade, one of the premier canine events in the south will fill the Village streets with costumed dogs and their humans throwing a myriad of throws, beads, and parade favors. Themed convertibles, small floats, golf carts, bicycles, and decorated wagons will be everywhere and Mardi Gras music will fill the air.   For people who want to travel for this special event with their four legged friends, Sandestin offers pet friendly accommodations at the Bayside Inn. 

For travelers tempted to stay a little longer, Sandestin is also hosting the Annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade on Tuesday, Feb. 21 in The Village of Baytowne Wharf. This family friendly event invites people of all ages to “let their hair down” on what many consider the most festive day of the year. Complete with colorful floats, golf carts, street performers and marchers dressed up in their best Mardi Gras costumes, guests will leave with a barrage of beads moon pies and other trinkets.  

Special Rates and Packages
Sandestin is making it easy to get away with a variety of options and deals for individuals and families. Discounted gumbo packages are available with rates starting at $113 per night; includes two tickets to the Annual Gumbo Festival (Code: GUMBO). Other special rate options include: a FREE Night with the purchase of two. (Code: FREE3) and HOT Dates and Rates (Code: HOT) for guests that are flexible and want last minute deals, based on availability.

All of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s packages and accommodations come with a wide variety of recreational activities including bicycling, tennis court time, catch-release lake fishing, access to fitness center and so much more.

For people wanting to come for just the day, tickets will go on sale Jan. 1, 2012 and will be $15 in advance and $25 the day of the event.

For complete details on accommodations and events, visit www.sandestin.com or call 1-866-91-BEACH.