WALTON COUNTY, Fla. – Spring break means different things to different people.

Panhandle paradise. Image by Tom Adkinson.

For many East Tennessee families, it means the year’s first run to the beach in Alabama or Northwest Florida. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Destin and the communities along 30-A all have their own fan bases. Spring is a time for playing in the surf and sand during the day, enjoying fresh seafood, probably getting a bit sunburned and perhaps enjoying a colorful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico while singing a quiet serenade to someone you love.

Trip-planning resources: VisitSouthWalton.com and GulfShores.com