Summer Dream Porch Party & Decor

During our visit to Summer Dream, we added finishing touches to the decor of the main room.
A double-sleeper ottoman with tray tables, World Market table, candles, greenery . . .

Colorful and coastal serving pieces and glassware for the kitchen. The drink server was here -- we only needed to fill it with pink lemonade (and a splash of something bubbly as the night went on . . . )

The wall art in the main room includes photographic images taken during our first Christmas visit to WindMark and Summer Dream. My mother framed the hometown newspaper account of our win, which we placed in the entry to this room.

I love how the sepia beach prints (taken on WindMark's private beach) reflect the orange touches within the room. Guests to Summer Dream have filled this book basket with personal magazines and tour brochures enjoyed during their visit.

Also collected in the home by our guests: wine corks from numerous celebrations, sea shells from sunset beach searches, and dozens of beach stories in the Summer Dream guest journal.

I simply love the joy of sharing this home with others. What a blessing to know so many magical memories are created each week within this home, on its porches, and along the miles of BeachWalks and sandy shoreline of WindMark Beach. What a Summer Dream Come True!

We hope you'll visit us soon: Summer Dream Cottage

Winter at WindMark Beach -- Still A Summer Dream come true

White sands, crystal blue waters . . . this is a summer dream!

The scent of pine seasons the salty air . . . what a moment to savor!

Miles and miles of BeachWalk at WindMark -- a grand entrance to the beach at every turn!
Peaceful waters, plentiful shells . . . not a sunbather in sight. A beachcombers dream, and a family delight!

Shore birds are happy to share their space with you.

Winter morning on WindMark Beach . . . what a blessed way to greet the day.

Sunset offers a dreamy end.

Sunset memories for a family to share. . . . a Summer Dream come true.

Book your Summer Dream vacation today!

WindMark Beach Summer Dream Porch Party, May 9th -- Win a Free Stay!

We'd love for you to join us for a:

Summer Dream Porch Party & Open House

Saturday, May 9th, between 11am-5pm EST

While visiting WindMark and Port St. Joe for the Plein Air Paintout,

Stop by Summer Dream for snacks and lemonade.

Tour the MyHomeIdeas 2008 Idea House and

Enter for Your chance to WIN a two night stay at Summer Dream**.

We can't wait to see you at WindMark Beach!!

Click here for directions to WindMark Beach

** This Two-Night Stay has no cash value. Winner may NOT transfer prize to any other party. Two-night Stay Subject to Availability. A signed rental agreement through Southern Resorts will need to be obtained prior to stay. . . Taxes & Cleaning Fees will need to be paid in connection with stay. (Approximately $225). . . . Winner may apply two-night stay voucher to discount a longer visit to Summer Dream. . . Winner of two-night stay will be held responsible for any loss or damages at Summer Dream. . . Winner may trade Two Night Stay for $100 Cash Prize.

Where is the Forgotten Coast?

Florida's Forgotten Coast is the name commonly used to refer to a quiet section of coastline stretching from Mexico Beach to Carrabelle, Florida including the areas of Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, Apalachicola, St. George Island and Eastpoint.

This area of Florida is not thrill-a-minute theme parks and high-rise condos. No . . . this portion of Old Florida was indeed "forgotten" during the period when much of North Florida's coastline was discovered...and subsequently over-developed.

The Forgotten Coast is a special place today, more for what has been preserved than for what has been developed. Pristine bays, sugar white beaches, coastal marshlands, estuaries rich with sea life, and barrier islands with impressive dune formations...this is what the Forgotten Coast has to offer.
The WindMark Beach Village Center maintains the beauty of the Forgotten Coast with a design that complements rather than competes with the Old Florida landscape. St. Joe Company believes that Mother Nature is the best placemaker of all time. With this vision in mind, the Beach Village of WindMark preserves this stretch of Old Florida's Great NorthWest coastline for a new generation to enjoy.

Kids Win Fishing Tournament in Port St. Joe

The Kid's Win Fishing Tournament has become one of Port St. Joe's most anticipated events. Kids from all around come for a day of fun on the water and in the sun. The event exposes youngsters to the excitement of fishing in a fun and safe environment.The event is open to children ages 3 through 16, with the registrants receiving a new rod & reel, tackle box, t-shirt, and goodie bag, so kids win just by entering.

The 2009 tournament will be held Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th. Early registrations will be offered through Seahorse Water Safaris at the Port St. Joe Marina starting April 15th. The entry fee is $12/kid (cash or check only please). Call Seahorse Water Safaris (850)227-1099 for information.

Visit: KidsWinFishing.Com for more information, and to see past tournament photos!

Plein Air Paintout AND Summer Dream Porch Picnic!!

Join us at Summer Dream for an artful celebration you'll not soon forget! (Scroll down to learn how you may WIN a two-night stay at Summer Dream!!)

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS CREATE LASTING MEMORIES OF FORGOTTEN COAST IN GREAT PAINT-OUT MAY 7-17, 2009

“Plein Air” Defined: According to the website, PleinAirFl.com
“Plein Air” , a French word, simply translated means ”open air”. The roots of plein air painting are found in 19th-century Europe. An Englishman, John Constable, believed that artists should forget” formulas” and trust their own vision in finding truth in nature.

About the same time in France, in a small village called Barbizon, a group of artists focused their attention on a subject matter that had never been done before, everyday life and the natural world surrounding it. These realists laid the ground work for the next development: Impressionism. Plein air forever changed how artists see the world.

A true plein air painting is done on location, capturing the atmosphere of the moment. The majority of the painting must be completed on site with little to no work to be done in the studio. Most artists agree this is the true test of skill as it requires complete confidence in placement of color and brushwork in a short amount of time. For example, a sunset may only last 30-40 minutes. That would be all the time the artist has to capture the scene.

Nationally recognized plein air artists have been selected to capture the allure of the Florida's Forgotten Coast with paint and canvas. Artists will be painting on the beach, across the marsh, beside the lakes and throughout the streets of waterfront towns from Mexico Beach, Windmark, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, Eastpoint, St. George Island, Carrabelle, and inland at Wewahitchka. You are cordially invited to join us at this premier art exhibition and sale featuring on-location artists. Experience beauty through the eyes of America's finest plein air artists!Plein air is all about capturing the light and the nuance of life in a natural outdoor setting.

Schedule of Events
May 8-17 Watch Art Happen, artists paint between Mexico Beach and Alligator Point

May 10-16 WindMark Village Center Town Hall: Available Works, art viewing & sales
Daily 11-5pm EST

May 11-15 Plein Air Classics, an exhibit of private collection paintings, Gulf County TDC Welcome Center, Daily 9-5pm EST

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

May 9

SUMMER DREAM Porch Picnic, Home Tour, and Free Stay Giveaway!! Enter to win a two-night stay in Summer Dream! Visit us in WindMark Beach between 1-5pm EST before attending WindMark Beach's opening reception at 6pm. All visitors to SUMMER DREAM Porch Picnic and Open House may enter our drawing to win a two-night stay.

May 8

Dual Opening Receptions, meet the artists, event organizers and patrons: In the
West at the WindMark Village Center, In the East at SummerCamp, both 6-8 pm EST

May 9

Reid Avenue Quickdraw, artists from the region capture Port St. Joe in the Plein
Air tradition, children's art project and music, 10-4pm EST. More information and
application.

May 12

Student Art Day, Maddox Park, lunch follows at the Gulf County TDC Welcome
Center, Port St. Joe, 10-1pm EST

May 13

Art Tete-e-tete & Wine Tasting, artist reception, Prickly Pears, Mexico
Beach, 5-7pm CST

May 15

Plein Air TGIF, relax with artists overlooking St. Joe Bay, Gulf County TDC WelcomeCenter, Port St. joe, ticket required, 5:30-8:30pm EST

This is only a PARTIAL event listing for activities taking place in Port St. Joe and WindMark Beach. For a comprehensive listing of Plein Air Paintout events along the Forgotten Coast, visit PleinAirFl.com .

Wine over Water at WindMark Beach!

Oh, how I wish I could join in the fun!!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, MARCH 20

7pm EST, Dine by Design: Private Dinner by Chef Kim with only room for 25
guests. Enjoyed in our beachfront Southern Accents Show Home with wine
pairings by John Mazzanovich of Opici Wine Company, $100 per ticket.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

ALL DAY ENJOY: Local artists displaying their work along the BeachWalk and live
music on the WindMark Village Green.
8am - 10am EST, Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Launch: Get close, meet the pilots, bring your camera! Watch as these big, beautiful aircraft fire up and quietly rise above our shores. FREE! (weather permitting)Breakfast on the Beach: $10 per ticket. 11 am EST, Local Chef Cook-Off: Watch local chefs perform in a culinary exhibition in our outdoor kitchen set up on the lawn. FREE!
1- 5pm EST, Wine Tasting: Enjoy over 50 wines served on the WindMark Village Green. $40 per ticket.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

ALL DAY ENJOY: Local artists displaying their work along the BeachWalk and live
music on the WindMark Village Green.
10:30am - 1pm EST, Walkabout Brunch: Enjoy local fare on the lawn from favorite area restaurants paired with champagne and sparkling wines. $25 per ticket.

Visit Joe.com to participate in this fabulous event!

Walk through WindMark Beach - Video

This scenic video, posted on the Southern Resort's Gulf Coast Blog (and created by our very own angel and property manager, Patti Stroud) offers a glimpse of the treasures awaiting you at Windmark Beach.



I can't wait for you to experience this Summer Dream!