Give the Gift of Experience This Year: Forgotten Coast Memories

Christmas Presents…. We live in a country where most of us buy what we want.  The majority of us have everything we need and so much more.  This makes holiday shopping a hit or miss experience, with the “hit” happening less and less.

Then there is the timing, before Thanksgiving always seems too soon to Christmas Shop.  However, before you blink, it’s December 1^st, and you are in panic mode.  This is usually when bad gift decisions happen or the easy way out with a random gift card.

A perfect gift is something the recipient can really use and enjoy.  Time with family trumps any iPad or plastic toy almost every time.  If you are struggling to come up with gift ideas this year, why not consider giving the gift of an experience.  These five “experience gifts” will give family time, pleasure, fun, and memories.  And, what better place to experience all that but the Forgotten Coast.

1. Florida State Park Pass

Why not give the gift of the great outdoors?  A Florida State Park Pass, good for a year, will open the doors to any and all of the state parks in Florida.

Franklin County offers five state parks with something for beach lovers, history lovers, and nature lovers: Bald Point State Park on Alligator Point, Orman House Historic State Park in Apalachicola, Dr. Julian G Bruce St. George Island State Park on St. George Island, John Gorrie Museum State Park in Apalachicola, and Chapman Botanical Gardens in Apalachicola.

The Florida State Park Pass is $60 for an individual and $120 for families (up to eight people), and your gift recipients will have access to almost 200 state parks, trails, and historical sites throughout the state.

2. Charter Fishing Trip

Whether you have an experienced fisherman or fisherwoman or an eager new angler in your family, nothing says happy holidays like the gift of a Forgotten Coast charter trip.

The Forgotten Coast has over 60 charter fishermen living their passion for fishing and who are delighted to show you and yours how it’s done.

The beauty they will see, the fish they will catch will be an experience and memory they will never forget.

3. Lighthouse Membership

What better way to see the Forgotten Coast than from a bird’s eye view? Franklin County has two beautiful lighthouses that both offer stellar views.

There are museums and gift shops at each lighthouse, and both can occupy a happy family for at least half a day.  The Crooked River Lighthouse annual membership is $15/individual and $25/family.  The Cape St. George Lighthouse yearly membership is $25/individual and $50/family.

Whichever lighthouse you choose, you will also feel satisfaction in knowing that your gift membership assists with the support and preservation of Franklin County’s maritime beacons of beauty.

4. Family Vacation

Families typically spend around $1000 on Christmas presents that go under the tree.  Why not put that money towards a family event, a vacation on the pristine, unspoiled beaches of the Forgotten Coast?

The benefits of a family vacation in Franklin County are endless:  Quality time, lasting memories, new experiences, the joy of anticipation, and, hello, fun!

The Forgotten Coast offers a myriad of vacation rentals for every size family and every size budget.  Why not give a beach vacation for Christmas?

5. Paddling Adventure

Consider giving a paddle trip or lesson on the Forgotten Coast this year.

Franklin County offers Gulf waters for paddle boarding or bay waters for paddleboard yoga.  The possibilities are endless.  What a perfect holiday gift for that paddle lover on your list!

If you are dreading holiday shopping, mailing packages, etc., try something new this year.  Give a gift not sold in a store or delivered from a truck; give the gift of an experience on the Forgotten Coast.

Top Photo Credit: TallyPhoto.com