The seventh annual Beaches to Woodlands Tour of Santa Rosa County is now accepting applications from organizations, groups and businesses interested in becoming a part of the month-long October showcase of the diversity of Santa Rosa County.

Application forms are available online at www.thebeachestowoodlandstour.com. The Tour is sponsored by the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council.

"October is a great month when temperatures cool down and people are ready to get outside and explore the world around them," said Karen Harrell, tour coordinator. "There is a no better time to take a getaway or a day trip and you are sure to find an affordable option through this tour. Most of the events are free or charge a nominal fee."

Past tour events have included more than three dozen events and activities from learning about family farming at the Jay Peanut Festival and the Sweet Season Family Farm Corn Maze in northern Santa Rosa County to marine life at Coastal Encounters and the march of the Monarchs at the Butterfly Festival on the coast. Events are wide-ranging celebrating arts and history, festivals and fairs, sports, fitness and more.

"The Beaches to Woodlands Tour gives us a chance to not only talk about what a great place Santa Rosa County is to live, work and play but it gives people a change to experience it themselves first-hand," Harrell said.

Applications will be accepted through July 29. A full schedule of events will be released Aug. 1 and will be available online and through the Beaches to Woodlands page on Facebook. Discounted fall rates are available at area hotels, vacation rentals and RV parks. For more information, e-mail Harrell at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 850-291-1266.