Random Acts of Kindness

Tomorrow is National Random Acts of Kindness Day! Currently ongoing is Random Acts of Kindness Week which started February 13th and will end on February 19th. Both events are designed to help spread kindness and empathy in the world; the motto of these annual events is “making kindness the norm.” Random Acts of Kindness can be gifted to any person by any person, and includes a plethora of actions from holding a door open to making an anonymous donation and more. Looking for some inspiration to get you started? Consider one of the following acts:

  • Share words of kindness online
  • Take part in a community cleanup
  • Check-in with a friend/family member you haven’t talked with in awhile
  • Leave quarters at your local laundromat 
  • Donate items/money to an organization/individual in need
  • Plant a tree or native flowers
  • Leave an extra-generous tip for your next server

Visit the official Random Acts of Kindness website for more ideas, tips, and to learn more about the movement and the people involved. 

PCB Conservation Park Birding

Interested in birding, photography, or learning about the natural world? Consider taking part in one of the upcoming Birding Walks at the Panama City Beach Conservation Park. The walk will be held twice this month on February 12th and again on February 19th from 7:30-9:30 am. The early morning walk will be led by a member of Bay County’s Audubon Society. Participants are not required to have their own binoculars but are encouraged to bring water. For more information, please contact the PCB Parks Department at (850)233-5045. 

Dazzling Nights

Jacksonville’s Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is hosting Dazzling Nights until January 9th! Dazzling Nights is a special holiday lights event worth the travel time. It features almost a mile of Christmas-themed lighting through the beautiful botanical gardens. Some of the highlights include a 30ft Christmas tree, interactive ground lights, a winding path through a forest of multi-colored lights, snow, and a 65ft lighted tunnel. Additionally, there will be holiday music, food, and beverages. 

Please note that tickets MUST be purchased online; they are available for specific times and dates, and are not available at the door. Tickets are $22/person on weekdays and $25/person on weekends. Luckily, children 2 and under are free.

Visit the Dazzling Nights website for more information and to purchase tickets. 

Ice and Lights

Dothan Leisure Services is once again bringing Dothan and surrounding areas Ice & Lights (located at 171 N. Foster St.) this year! Ice skating is available for $10/person (includes the skate rental) all week long as listed: Tuesday – Thursday, 10 AM – 9 PM; Friday, 10 AM – 10 PM; Saturday, 9 AM – 10 PM; Sunday, 1 PM – 8 PM.

Additionally, there will be a themed special event tomorrow, December 21st. The hours are still 10 AM – 9 PM but there will be special events occurring in the evening. At 5 PM, Frozen characters will be onsite for photos and fun. Then, at 6 PM, Frozen the movie will play in Porter Park. 

Visit the Ice Skate in Dothan website for more information and to get discount tickets. 

Polar Bear Express

It is time for the annual Polar Bear Express held in Bristol. Hosted by the Veterans Memorial Railroad, tickets are only $10. Rides are available from 7-10 PM EST from December 16-20th. This event is perfect for kids of all ages. To learn more information or buy tickets in advance online, visit the Veterans Memorial Railroad website.

Lynn Haven House Light Show

David Price’s annual house light show is up and running! Located at 1306 Vermont Avenue in Lynn Haven, the light show is synced to the 104.9 FM radio station. The show will run nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. until early January.

This year’s theme is Disney, with Price reporting that he has added about 18,000 more lights, 12 new control panels, five spotlights, and increased one of the mega-trees by ten feet! The show is about 20mins long with a message that “Everybody can have a better life, you just have to put your heart into it. It’s okay to have friends help you along the way. It’s looking forward to a better future within yourself. set goals and achieve these goals,” as Price said.

For the second year in a row, Price is partnering with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office to collect unwrapped toys for Project 25. They’re also collecting non-perishable food items to benefit Angels Pantry. 100% of everything collected goes back into Bay County and it can be brought when you come to visit the show. 

Sykes Family Farm

The Sykes Family Farm Crop Maze in Elkton is hosting an a-MAZE-ing fall attraction this year. Every Friday-Sunday, visitors can enter the 9-acre corn maze for an age-appropriate experience. There are two phases designed for adults and two for children; you will be provided a map at the beginning of the maze to help guide you. After successfully completing the maze, there are hayrides, animal interactions, and more! Tickets are $15 per person for a farm-full of fun. Visit the Sykes Farm website for more information on times, location, and attractions. 

 

Amazing Grace Family Farm

The Amazing Grace Family Farm is hosting weekly fall fun this October! Every Friday and Saturday, head to Green Cove Springs to explore the Grace Farm’s amazing 2021 maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower field, petting zoo, and more! This year’s maze design was inspired by hometown Olympian, swimmer Caeleb Dressel.

Visit their website for more information on available attractions and to save on the ticket price; pay $18 at the farm or $14 online.

October Haunts: Restless Slumber Cemetery

Looking for a fun, safe Halloween event this October? Consider visiting the Restless Slumber Cemetery! They offer a 30-minute drive-through attraction where you can experience the horrors of a haunted graveyard through life-like scenes. The entry fee is $20+ tax per vehicle, so load up your friends and family this weekend for a spooktacular time!

Visit the official Restless Slumber Cemetery website for detailed dates, social media links, and more!

Flea Across Florida

Flea Across Florida is here! FAF is Florida’s longest open market going from Jacksonville to Pensacola and occurs annually in April and September. It is sponsored by Friends of Flea Across Florida. Today, September 11th is the last day to enjoy the fleeting journey of flea shopping until next year. Want to find participating locations near you? Visit the official 2021 map here! For more information or to stay up-to-date on next year’s events, visit the FAF Facebook page.