May 20, 2009

Beach bag give-away! BYOS...(sunscreen, silly!)



UPDATE: We have a winner! Congratulations to: Wendy; thedelightedlife.blogspot.com/; Thanks to all who entered!)

Okay gals, it's time for another give-away! This one is really easy. In celebration of summer, comment with your all-time favorite beach...whether you've been there or not. Be sure to leave your email address if you don't have a blog profile, so we can track you down if you win. One winner (announced one week from today) will receive a cute tote, compliments of author, Linda Anderson, a signed Priscilla Shirer book, one of my books (signed), and The Story, which is the Bible told in story format from beginning to end. All three books are great vacation Summer reads. Even if finances don't allow for a vacation this summer, take them to the neighborhood pool and pretend you're on vacation!



Given that this give-away has a beach theme, I thought it would be fun to post the above family beach photo from 2004 (Destin, Florida). This was before I had a digital camera and in an effort to get a decent family photo for our end-of-the-year Christmas card, we had a stranger snap the picture. It wasn't until I got home and had our vacation pictures developed that I discovered the sun-burnt Bubba in the background holding his beer koozie and giving our camera a howdy-doody wave. Go figure. He made me laugh, so I sent the picture out anyway, Bubba included.

For the record, if you happen to know this guy, you might want to suggest SPF 50 for his next beach trip. Oh, and be sure to send him this link and let him know that in the end, I got the last laugh. Approximately, 25,000 people will see his sun-burnt beer gut over the next 30 days alone! (Insert evil, maniacal laugh, here.)

344 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 344   Newer›   Newest»
Bridgett said...

1st to comment - YEA!

I've only ever been to one beach, Panama City.

But I've heard great things about Dolphin Island (?) and I would love to go there!

Anonymous said...

We love Harkers Island, NC. You can only get there by boat and it is the most incredible place we have been.

shelleymccarson@yahoo.com

Thanks for the chance to win!
Shelley M.
Pisgah Forest, NC

Danielle said...

My all-time favorite beach would have to be the beach in La Toc, St. Lucia where we went for our honeymoon! :)

Carina said...

Love the beach on Bora Bora,but now that I have 4 children, I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon! :)

Joyful in FL said...

We used to love Emerald Isle in NC when our children were small and we actually lived in NC. Last year, we discovered Ormond Beach, FL. It had the same relaxed, non-commercialized feel as NC. It is our new favorite beach since we actually live in FL now. :)

tmarkley88@gmail.com

Laurie said...

I love Destin, FL!

laurieboozer@comcast.net

gottliebgang said...

I love the beach at Point Reyes, CA . . . that was where my husband took me for our first date!

I also loved Cocoa Beach in FL!

Dayna said...

We had a memorable time at St. Pete's Beach near St. Petersburg, FL. Dolphins, sand, and seashells. Enough to keep all children happy and content!!

Christielulu said...

I love to read at the pool and Florida would be my first choice but budget wise the local pool will have to do this summer.

Nova's Mom said...

My all-time favorite was a little beach my husband and I found on the north shore of Kauai! Heaven! We also spent 2 days whale-watching at the lighthouse - we saw a bunch of spinner dolphin right off the shore - and 2 or 3 whales way out. AND - a rainbow on the water. BEAUTIFUL!!
Laura F.

Anonymous said...

I love Emerald Isle, NC. It is a small town, not commercialized. Very relaxing.

thefranciscos@aol.com

Susie said...

Love the Outer Banks, NC. But almost any beach will do.

Anonymous said...

Manhattan Beach, CA - where I grew up!
mweissinger@att.net

Anonymous said...

I have only visited beaces in Texas, my favorite being South Padre Is. I know it does not have the bluest water or the whitest beaches, but it does brings to mind sandy sandwiches, cool watermelon, a time when I was allowed to wear a swinsuit and way too much fun to fit in one post.

Thanks for reminding me of such times.

Anabel Lucio
anabel.lucio@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love Bubba in the background! Too funny. We won't be going to the beach, but we will be making a 14 hour road trip, one way to visit grandparents. (9 hours with 4 kids = 14 hours! It used to take 18, so we're making progress!)
Reading material would be wonderful!
Thanks for this fun giveaway!
Janey
janeygoude@sc.rr.com

Makila said...

One beach trip that we loved was to Hilton Head Island. Loved it.

:)

Anonymous said...

We love Hilton Head, SC. We vacationed there a 'few' years ago. Our daughter was 6 at the time-she marveled at finding sand dollars on the beach and searching for pretty shells. We came home with a ton of shells and sand! What a joy that trip was. Our daughter is now 18 and graduating from High school. God is Good!!
Rachel King
grace@crossbearer.com

Vern ~ Inspired said...

We have only traveled to the Texas beaches - but I would looove to go to Destin!

Ready for Summertime!!

Anonymous said...

We are trying to take my 6 yr old to the beach for her 7th b-day in june. We only have Texas beaches. Not the best, but it will make her day!!

Nadine
krazykorpkids@consolidated.net

Cindy said...

Topsail Island, N.C. is our all time favorite. We have been going for the past 16 years. Love it!

Anonymous said...

Sitting on the beach and reading a good book sound great right about now! Thanks for the chance to win.
Malinda Sorenson
malindasorenson@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I've been to Ocean City, NJ every summer of my 42-year life! This year each of our 3 kids are bringing a friend along - can't wait!

kseiger@ptd.net
Harrisburg, PA

Mary said...

I grew up in California, so trips to the beach were frequent. Now I'm on the opposite coast in Virginia, and again, trips to the beach are frequent!

My all-time favorite beaches, though, are on the Northern California coast. Nothing beats Route 1, the cliffs, the redwoods, the scenery...

I would have to say that the beach at Anchor Bay on the California Coast is my favorite, as that is where many of my best childhood memories were made. We would camp there twice a year with friends, eat fresh abalone almost 3 meals a days (that's when abalone was still abundant), and have loads of fun.

I've been looking for some good summer reading, so here's hoping! :)

Anabel Lucio said...

I have only had the joy of visiting Texas beaches and my fave would have to be S. Padre Is. I know the water isn't blue and the sand isn't white, but I do recall sandy sandwiches, cool watermelon and a time when I was allowed to wear a swimsuit. We had too much fun to fit into one post. :)

Anabel Lucio, Houston, TX
anabel.lucio@hotmail.com

Cheri-Beri said...

Even though the water is colder than heck, my favorite beach is Nehalem Bay Beach in Nehalem, Oregon. God bless the Pacific northwest!!!

Anonymous said...

Destin, Florida. Sand is white & smooth and lots to do.
Last trip we rented a beachfront home. This year beachfront Villa Coyaba condos. Can't wait!

Thanks for the chance to win!
P.S. ***LOVED your His Girl Bible study. Did it w/ "21" 7-8th girls this past Fall. Awesome spirtual food for those girls!!!!!!
debhilton@austin.rr.com

Anonymous said...

For family-friendly fun-Destin, FL; for peaceful, quiet,alone time-Okracoke Island, NC
brennemans@bellsouth.net

Anonymous said...

Without a doubt it has to be Longboat Key, Florida (near Sarasota). It is beautiful white sand....so peaceful....and not all commercialized!! My parents took our family there for vacations growing up, my husband and I went there on our honeymoon and now we are taking our kids. Every year I think about doing something different but I just cannot tear myself away from the week of relaxation. I always look forward to the smell of the salty air, the sound of the waves and laughter of my children. June 19th cannot get here soon enough!
Tracy_Wilkerson@kyfbins.com

Rachel said...

My favorite beaches are those by the lake, and up here in MN, we have PLENTY! ;D. But based on beauty alone, my favorite beaches would have to be those of Nassau, Bahamas :D

Stephenie said...

Destin, Florida would be my favorite. Thanks for doing a giveaway.

carlson2398@roadrunner.com

Kathi H. said...

My family and I will be visiting Panama City Beach, FL in June and I would certainly enjoy taking this collection along with me.

kathi@kzplay.com

Thanks,
Kathi H.
Murfreesboro, TN

Stephenie said...

Destin, Florida gets my vote. Thanks for doing a giveaway. I love books!

carlson2398@roadrunner.com

Shawn said...

I love the beaches along the Gulf. Beautiful white sandy beaches!

Deborah said...

I love "Bubba", that is just too funny.

Oh I wish I had the bag now. This weekend we are headed to Gulf Shores, AL for the week. We used to live in the Pensacola/Gulf Shores area, so they are my favorite beaches. All beaches should have white sand.

Anonymous said...

My all-time favorite beach is Naples, Florida. White sand and crystal blue water what more could you ask for?

berryszoo@comcast.net
Julie

Yvette said...

I've always loved Destin, Fl, but we go to several different beaches. I, also, like Satellite Beach, FL, where we watch the logger-head turtles lay eggs. I was amazed of how large the turtles were coming out of the ocean to lay her eggs. We are going again this year in 4 weeks and looking forward to it. Thanks Yvette My email yyancey@juno.com

Anonymous said...

I love the picture, what a hoot! My favorite beach is probably Destin, FL. Hawaii is my favorite vacation spot, but not for the beach. Destin is great, it is not too far from home and it is beautiful.
My email address is smcdeermond@bellsouth.net

Thank you,
Sandy

Anonymous said...

Our family loves the beach! Thank you for your ministry!!!

Heather McNatt
Odessa, TX
heather@turntotheone.net

JulieM said...

We love Gulf Shores, AL! My husband and I both grew up going every summer with our families and we enjoy taking our three kids every summer now.

What a fun post, Vicki!
Julie

Anonymous said...

Kaanapali Beach in Hawaii

M. Summersett
Austin, TX

Anonymous said...

Gulf Shores, Alabama
Thanks,
amysuttle@yahoo.com

Shawne said...

Destin's great but I grew up in Ormond so I'm kind of partial to the Atlantic coast. My new favorite beach is Vilano in N. FL

Shawne70@msn.com

Anonymous said...

Oooh I would love a tote for the beach. I'm from North Idaho and we don't have many beaches, just mountain lakes. But I would love to imagine myself at a beautiful beach in a warm, sunny climate! Sipping a fruity drink and reading some good books. Please add me to your list for your giveaway and have a good day!
Paula pdeevalerio@hotmail.com

Julie said...

Our family loves Sandestin Florida, the beaches are beautiful & the family atmosphere is great. The beaches of SanJuan Puerto Rico are also nice.

Anonymous said...

My family loves the beach! Bless you for your ministry!!!

Heather
Odessa, TX
heather@turntotheone.net

DebzFaith said...

I would love to walk the shores in Ireland with the rolling green hils behind me. The sound of the waves crashing over the rocks is such a powerful sound and image to me. The power of God and the grace of Christ to calm our fears as he calmed the seas.

Carrie Peterson said...

Our family loves Carolla Beach in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It's not super busy, but you aren't away from tons of fun! We have wonderful memories and photos of my son (age 11) and daughter (age6) enjoying the sand, surf, and sun!

carriepfortea@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

We are taking my youngest daughter for her 7th b-day in june to the beach. We only can go to Texas beaches.. but what fun it reminds us of. and she will have the time of her life.
thanks,
Nadine
Krazykorpkids@consolidated.net

Anonymous said...

Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where we vacationed when I was a child. I would love to go back someday.

pkchevier@yahoo.com

Lisa said...

Our annual family vacation (includinc extended family)is to St. Augustine Beach, FL. We love it there for many reasons! And by the way, your picture is flat-out hysterical. :) Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Lisa D. (lcdecarlo@gmail.com)

Anonymous said...

I love Garden City, SC - just below Myrtle Beach you are far enough away from the crowds to enjoy yourself but still close enough to hit the outlet malls, shows, restuarants if you want.

Wendy L.
Winston-Salem, NC
loganww@wfu.edu

Ann said...

Florida is awesome..

Anonymous said...

Vicki - we love hideaways beach (aka - pali ke kua) in Kauai, Hawaii. It is on the north shore of the island and an adventure to get to. It only takes about 5 or 10 minutes to reach the beach but is 120 foot hike down the cliff. My 13 year old daughter got to swim with a sea turtle there!

braingirl@charter.net

Tonya

Stephenie said...

Destin, Florida gets my vote.

Cortney said...

I've never been but I could handle any beach in the middle of the South Pacific with no one around! Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Planning a trip soon! Coastal North Carolina!

tcribbs05@embarqmail.com

Anonymous said...

I've only been to a few beaches & I'll have to say grand cayman - not for the sand, but for the amazing snorkeling off the beach.
bhiebert@pldi.net

Amy said...

I've never been to the beach, but it sounds wonderful. Thanks for your honesty and ministry (referring to previous post)! Landlocked girl here -
Amy Siegert
Potosi, WI

4HMom said...

LOVED the picture with Bubba in the background! Can't tell you how many pictures we have like that in our albums!

Forgiven said...

There is a small beach (ha!ha!) on Kentucky lake where our family goes. It is very relaxing and I love to have my quiet time there.

Lois Powers said...

I was born on a Pacific island, grew up in FL and my fave place on earth is Seagrove/Seaside FL where we go every year. No matter where we live or travel, that's my soul spot! My Dad, a retired minister, danced with my husband's 90 year old grandmother on her birthday there! He's been pretty sick ever since so its a treasured memory. Thanks!
Lois Powers, Crofton, MD
loisjpowers@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

Love the gulf coast---white sand and clear water!

jamieshell@qx.net

Anonymous said...

I love South Padre Island. We went there on Beach Retreat with the Junior High at our Church. It's wonderful to look miles down the beach and see students reading their bibles. They are all about 10 feet apart scattered down the beach. It was an awesome experience for me, as a leader, too.
ladaniel38@msn.com

Lesha D.
Katy, Texas

Dori said...

I'm sure there are some tropical locations that are much nicer, but I still love Destin, FL. I've been snorkeling and deep sea fishing there and the water is so beautiful and the sand is so white!!

Blessings,
Dori

Anonymous said...

We love Shilshole Beach in Washington State. Calm with a view of islands and mountains, it is gorgeous.

hometaught@comcast.net

Rhonda said...

We live 45 minutes from one of the best fresh water beaches. Sandbanks Provincial Park in Picton, Ontario. It's absolutely beautiful.

http://www.sandbanksbeachresort.com

Anonymous said...

My absolute favorite beach vacation was Boca Raton, FL. It is a private key off the gulf of FL. and the waters are "virtous"ly untouched! Beautiful white sand, huge shells, crystal clear waters...oh how i need a vacation :)

monicarogers@tracecreek.org

Melanie Shoemaker said...

DESTIN! Brings back memories of making everybody in the family, including the two friends who came along, wear matching Old Navy t-shirts. We paraded through the condo lobby and a restaurant. People were asking if we owned Old Navy...it was hilarious! We didn't do this only one summer, we did it twice! I thought the guys were gonna die from embarrassment but they were still good sports. So FUN!

Busy Momma said...

There is a beautiful beach on the back side of the island in Cozumel... BEAUTIFUL!

Bubba cracks me up!

jamie b said...

That picture makes me laugh! :)

Our favorite beach is St. George Island, Florida. My husbands family has gone there every summer for over 35 years. It's wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I need to find a good book to read on vacation and by the pool this summer. We are going to Chicago and Colorado.
mcmally@juno.com

Anonymous said...

I am originally from Orange County, CA and love the various tidepools along Laguna Beach. I have lived in Austin for 5 years and have yet to find the "beach." But I do love creeking and "toobing!" Thanks for another contest!
Carrie Cannon
ccannon@e-mds.com

Toknowhim said...

I do like Panama City Beach :)

Thanks for the chance to win an awesome package... Kim

Mary said...

DESTIN!!!!

Cattailmama said...

I'm a North Carolina girl....love any of our beaches! Emerald Isle and Sunset are my favorite.

kwgarner2003@yahoo.com

Sallie said...

The Best, most beautiful beaches in the world are along the Florida Gulf Coast. Pick one: Pensacola, Navarre, or Destin. Any of them. My favorite is Navarre. A quiet little secret!

sklawrence@gmail.com

Stone and Lily said...

For a NY gal, Kaanapali Beach in Maui was a 5th wedding anniversary present from my hubby ~ 22 years ago... and I hope to get back someday!

Blessings,
Betty

Jennifer said...

I love the beach on the Gulf...Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Watercolor. They are so white and so peaceful. But for sentimental reasons, I love Tybee Beach and St. Simons...memories of young adulthood.

ciarletta@comcast.net

Mrs said...

Grandview, San Diego County, CA.

Washed out in the storms of the early 80's, it was the best surfer beach in So. Cal!

I love the Pacific. I love San Diego and hope to go back next summer!

Anonymous said...

I've heard great things about Orange Beach in Alabama. I'd love to go someday.

cheim@moroch.com

Thanks
Casey

Anonymous said...

Having attended a "beach school" (East Carolina University), I am slightly biased to any beach on the NC coast.

Thanks for the opportunity to win (and get some good summer reads!!)-
Tracy A. (in WI)

momotn3@att.net

laura said...

I am biased and blessed because I live at my favorite beach in the states- Pawleys Island, SC.
Thanks for the fun give away!

Anonymous said...

We make a beach in the backyard - sand from the sand box and the wade pool. Nothing beats spending time with the kids in the sun!.

lisa.d.jackson@exxonmobil.com

joy said...

Love the bag!I also love your website; thank you for being so real and down to earth. I share your laugh over Bubba in the background of your picture. I am a preacher's kid and my dad was asked to say the closing prayer at my graduation. The funny thing is that his seat on the stage was right behind where they took our pictures as we received our diplomas. For me it was special to have my dad with his big smile in the background. I'm not so sure all my classmates were real happy and I curious to what face my dad had in everyone ele's pictures. If a few were of the guys I dated in high school, he may not look real happy. That was way back in 1989! Whew!

Donna C. Attaway said...

My favorite beach spot is St. Simons Island, Ga. It is great since travel time is short from my home. It is very small quiet town with great restaurants. A great getaway for couples.

Anonymous said...

On a college Spanish Club trip, we went to "Isla Mueyeres" off of Cancun-amazing. My honeymoon was on Grand Bahama Island with it's white beaches, see-thru blue-green waters and great steel drum music!
But nada compares to floating in the Dead Sea in Israel!!!!

Lynn Kaufman, Wooster OH
lynn-arniekaufman@juno.com

Anonymous said...

Isla Muyeres off oc Cancaun was amazing on a college trip. Grand Bahama Island's white beaches, see-thru blue-green waters and steel drum music stole my heart. But NADA compares to floating in the Dead Sea in Israel!!!

Lynn Kaufman, Wooster OH
lynn-arniekaufman@juno.com

lcbogey@epix.net said...

Nags Head NC is one of my favorites. But if you like to explore beaches in that are not maintained, go to Hampton beach in VA. We found all kinds of shells, sharks teeth and even a whole horseshoe crab shell. Great waves to body surf too.

Tomara said...

Best beach I've ever been (priveleged) to go to was at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. Hubby, oldest and I stopped in Hawaii on our way back from Korea. BEAUTIFUL is not an adequate word to describe the crystal clear water and awesome sandy beach! Ahhhh... I'm relaxed just thinking about it!

Pam said...

Wow! We were doing the "evil, maniacal" laugh here over your Bubba, too. Hee, Hee!!

My all-time favorite beach is Sanibel Island, FL. I love seashells, and it is known for an abundance of them.

Now, since I've never been to Sanibel, I guess my favorite that I've actually sunk my toes into would be Navarre Beach, which is right near Pensacola Beach, FL.

Thanks for the opportunity to win such a fun summer prize. I love summer reading!

N. said...

Love the beach outside Mezcalito's on the east side of Cozumel. Ah, the hammocks!

Sherri said...

My favorite beach is the shores on Lake Michigan!

Anonymous said...

I've only been to 1 beach in Galveston. Obviously I need to get out more! Hawaii is definitely a place I'd like to see some day.

tnichol30@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love the shores on Lake Michigan!

Mary Kaye Woods said...

Orange Beach, AL for the family
Sea Island, GA for luxury and for "couple-time"

simplepages@eplus.net

I'm reading 5 conversations right now and am LOVING your ideas and insight. No longer frightened of my girls' impending puberty!!!

Anonymous said...

Love the shores on Lake Michigan.

sgarnett@insightbb.com

JC Rock said...

Nothing beats living by the beaches of Pinellas County Florida. Honeymoon Island and Clearwater Beach are two of my favorite hang outs. Schools out and the beach is calling! I'm ready to go! Wonderful worshipping God through His creation!

Joni said...

My husband and I love the beach on Cooper Island in the British Virgin Islands. The water is amazing and there is great snorkeling/diving just offshore. We dream of returning, but adopted three teenagers a few years ago, so that dream is on hold for now!

joni@acfellowship.org

angie128 said...

Orange Beach, Alabama! Can't wait to get back there.

Anonymous said...

Oh, and Destin is part of the "redneck Riviera." Your picture explains that well.

Anonymous said...

Oh, and Destin is part of the "redneck Riviera." Your picture explains that well.

Anonymous said...

Hey, I would love to win! That would come it so handy when we go to Venture River Water Park or KY Lake. Thanks for the chance to win.
Laura Koon
dlmkoon@bellsouth.net

The Halbert Home said...

Charleston, SC

~*~ Allison ~*~ said...

My favorite beach has GOT to be Gay Head on Martha's Vineyard. We would vacation there when I was a child. Those are some of my best childhood memories with my family.

mom2chelnjustin@gmail.com

Michele said...

Westport WA. We have been going to the same beach house, along with another family, for 12 years. With these dear friends, we have watched our families grow and change but been amazed at the continuous, awesome, mightiness of God as we watch the waves, feel the sand in our toes, do a little chilly body surfing, and just play! Love this place! michele@therowleys.us

Sarah said...

Ocean City MD

tjbell@libertycg.com said...

Hello! This may not be the answer that you are looking for but it's what I'm most excited about for me and my family this summer! I live in the HOT, Phoenix area and the "beach" doesn't appeal to me during the Summer months anymore. Pacific Beach is my favorite off season! But this Summer I'm looking forward to the "Beach Canadian Style" at our local ice skating rink!! They have a "snow beach" for the kids to play in and of course open skating times. What else can you do to get out of the 100 degree heat?! Blessings to you!

Anonymous said...

We live less than 100 miles from Panama City so we go there often! My girls and I LOVE the beach. Headed there June 3 for some mother daughter time.

kelly_saun@live.com

Kim ~ Kay Kay said...

LoL...Vicki you're so funny! Love the picture!
When I was young we lived in Southern California, so my first memories of a fun beach were at Huntington Beach CA! Fun family memories...Aunts, Uncles, cousins, friends, fun times. Now that I live more North, our favorite beach is Pismo and Cambria CA. Now my husband and daughter make new sweet memories and traditions. Love the WATER!!
I love this give away! Fun stuff.
Thanks Vicki, have a great weekend!

Michelle said...

The only beaches I've been to have been Melbourne, FL Beach and Jacksonville beach, but let me say this, I am in LOVE with the beach! I cannot get enough of the sand, the ocean, I love it!

nmgills@yahoo.com

Gini said...

I was born at Eglin AFB Fl. Right near Destin Florida. I love it there but my best beach memories were in Niceville Fl.Just a hop, jump and skip away from Destin. You can see the Destin bridge from there.

Thanks for your great give-a-ways,
Gini W.
Sanford NC
ginimomof4@windstream.net

Anonymous said...

Dunn's River beach in Jamaica! Haven't been there but would love to go!

cyndi.frunk@gmail.com

gingergigi said...

We love the beaches on Maui, where we went for our honeymoon. Our goal is to take our 2 daughters there for our 15th anniversary!!

Love ya ;)

Julie said...

Duck, NC on the Outer Banks is beautiful, but Shackleford Banks here in Beaufort, NC is always fun. If you sneak across the middle of the island to catch a look at the wild ponies, you can cross over to the ocean side and it takes your breath away.

vbuffington@ec.rr.com

Rachel in Sampa said...

my favorite beach ever is the beach in Guaruja, Sao Paulo Brasil.
My family and I are missionaries in Brasil and have been there a few times... awesome place just to lay out, drink a nice coconut, listen to some Brasilian music, and eat some yummy crab!
My grandma and cousin are visiting for the summer so it would be awesome to relax with them and my mom while they are here with these books! :]]

Lauren said...

I love the beach, especially the one in Destin--the water is SO clear!

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity--we appreciate all you do for the Kingdom!

beyond this moment said...

I have two favorites and they aren't your typical beaches. These beaches aren't for sitting in the sun surrounded by multitudes of Bubbas and Bubbettes. These beaches are for long walks and amazing discoveries. Rockaway, OR for wider stretches of sand and Strawberry Hill State Park (also on the OR coast) for tidepools, seals and just all-around gorgeous coastline. Oh, and don't forget the many bays for crabbing!

Shealy said...

Growing up, our family always went to Port St. Joe in Florida. But I have to say that my absolutely favorite beach spot is Destin. And if I had enough money...I'd go back to the beach I went to on my honeymoon...St. Lucia. Thanks for your blog and your ministry.

shealy.mckinnon@gmail.com
auburn, al

ruina said...

Lanikai, Oahu, HI

SO RELAXING, SO PRETTY, SO WHAT I NEED RIGHT NOW! =)

kathrynn23@gmail.com
Ruina O.
San Diego, CA

Anonymous said...

I love the beaches Playa del Carmen Mexico...just south of Cancun! Beautiful water and sand!
Carol
MD
poole_ta@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

We love Edisto Island Beach, SC. It is peaceful there without all the tourist stuff, yet only 45 minutes to beautiful Charleston. If you go at the right time you can watch the Loggerhead Sea Turtles!
Thanks for the opportunity!
soccermom7975@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

My favorite beach is anywhere in Maui, but more that that I think it would still have be anywhere my family is.

T_sbardon@msn.com

Thanks for the chance to win.
Tana bardon

Margaret said...

Without a doubt, Edisto Beach in South Carolina! Very small, not at all commercial---lots of great family time!

Thanks!
mpennebaker@truvista.net

~Margaret

BlessedHon said...

CocoCay Beach, Bahamas. It is simply stunning.

Kelly S.
kellysauser@yahoo.com

Michele Miller said...

My husband and I spent our honeymoon on the beach in Destin almost 18 years ago! Loved it!

redheadmomof3@suddenlink.net

Michele Miller

CYeazel said...

My vote goes to Kapalua Bay in Maui Hawaii because I got married there on the beach. Now blessed with 3 children, I don't know that we will be going back anytime soon.
Thanks for the opportunity!
cyeazel1@cinci.rr.com

Anonymous said...

I love that photo! I know I have some like that too!

http://www.georgiareiniches.blogspot.com

Debbie said...

I love the Outer Banks and the South Carolina beaches.

eibbed119@gmail.com

Love and Blessings, Debbie in Tennessee

Tammy said...

I love the beaches in Jamaica! They are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

We love Ocean Isle Beach in NC. Not too much commercialism, and lovely beaches. Close to Myrtle Beach if you want go carts, restaurants, etc.

pam.nance@mssfulfillment.com

Here's hoping for a win!
Pam Nance :-)
Evington, VA

Beautiful Daughters said...

My family's all time favorite beach is the beaches in Hawaii!! There is something about the beauty of the beach and a GREAT book there!

What great family memories we have had over the years there! I am now in the mood for a great kona coffee!

Ok so if my friend since jr high sees this I would also have to say any beach that she lives near too! They are military and always seem to leave near a beach. Hey who does not like some free room and board? It's great when your kids can play together on the beach then you can stay up all night laughing together about the silly things we did as teen girls!!

Another would be a time I took my grandmother to the beach with us.
It will be a treasured memory forever for all of us!

This buckeye girl is ready to hit the beach!! I will remember to grab my SPF 50 since I am a little pasty. Thanks for the giveaway!

Rachel T

Patty said...

I'm a Great Lakes girl--no salt or sea critters! We'll be headed to both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan this summer--can't wait!

pattyhipsley@fuse.net

Cherish said...

Shell Beach in California! Beautiful and COLD :)

cherishburnside@yahoo.com

Heidi in austin- now round rock said...

Playa Azul in Cozumel- less tourists and more local- it also helps if you're on you're honeymoon!

Beautiful and good food too!

heidiandgreg2005@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

My favorite beach in the whole world is Bethany Beach, Michigan. I've spent every summer there since I was ten years old. Bethany Beach is a Christian resort started over 100 years by some Swedish Christian men from Chicago who wanted to get their wives and children out of the heat of Chicago for the summer. All three of my children have spent all of their summers growing up with godly youth leaders, visiting preachers each Sunday and a gorgeous beach on Lake Michigan. Bethany (in the Bible)was a very special place to Jesus (Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived there and Jesus ascended from Bethany) and our Bethany is a special place too. We have the most beautiful sunsets every night and the water is crystal clear. I can't wait to get there next month so I can sit on the beach and read lots of good Christian books!
I don't want to post my email, so I'll just say Vicki, that this is Michele -Ashley, Kirsten and Tyler's mom

Sugar Momma said...

Our favorite beach is either Destin or Panama City Beach in Florida!! Only an hour from each other we usually enjoy both during vacation...August can't come too soon :)

We have a Bubba in our 5 year anniversary trip to Jamaica - kills me everytime I see it!! Hilarious!

Pat S. said...

I love any beach, but the last one I walked was Cocoa Beach in Florida (went for a shuttle launch - it was scrubbed so we walked the beach instead) it was very nice.

Pat Schaerdel

Jessica Geib said...

Since I live in Tallahassee, I'd have to agree with any beach on the panhandle! Destin is stunning!

thegeibs2008@yahoo.com

jami said...

Can't wait to get to the beach this summer..there is nothing more peaceful than listening to waves and feeling the wind! I too have a picture at the beaches in Destin. It is beautiful there and good times we have had with our family.

jdudley4@austin.rr.com

Sheri said...

Ode to the Beach:

Here's a memory to keep
Kids playing, seagulls screech
Ocean waves lull to sleep
Drowsy Mama on the beach

Waking later, she tries to stand
But she's been buried in the sand
So tired, she forgot sunblock
So she is fried and smokin' hot!

Back to the hotel she must go
So many things she has to do,
Dry the clothes and clean and pack,
So glad I had time to RELAX!! :)

We love Daytona Beach, FL because you can drive on the beach! But, we just got back from Nassau where my kids had the best time snorkeling in the clear blue water. I'd have to say my favorite beach is wherever my family is together and making memories! Thanks for the chance to win!
Sheri W.
sweaver8@aol.com

DebB said...

My favorite beach is Panama City Beach, FL! Beautiful white sand - and gorgeous gulf sunsets. I feel so close to God at the beach.

My favorite pastime at the beach is reading, so bring on the books! Thanks for this give-away.

dbraswell@mpfbc.org

BlessedHon said...

CocoCay Beech, Bahamas is simply stunning!

What's next said...

Destin is my favorite beach within the states!!!

Jen said...

Pensacola Beach, FL is my favorite beach spot. I love the white sandy beaches!!!

Anonymous said...

i love any beach!

thanks for all you do!!!

kristeneasler@yahoo.com

Brandi said...

Well since I am really not a beach person and have only been to a few in my life, I would have to say the beaches around Corpus Christi. This was the first beach we took our granddaughter to just last year. She loved it!

This year she wants to go to the beach so we are headed to Galveston. Hope she likes it as much as she did last year!

Brandi

Kerri said...

I like Sand key beach in FL because it reminds me of my and my hubby's dating years.

And I love me some books!

CountryKat said...

We have some great beaches in the Tampa area. Our current favorite is Ft. De Soto.

I am from Fort Walton Beach area and Destin has some of the worlds most beautiful beaches! Anything in the FL panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico.

On a side note... I had to make your picture big because I thought for a moment that was my Dad in the background. It wasn't LOL!

Cara
aunalisa@yahoo.com

Amber said...

Annually, I have to say Emerald Isle- family paradise for us :)

For special trips- Playa del Carmen. The Xcaret park is a magical place to be. Can't wait to go back!

Susan said...

We head to the Outer Banks in North Carolina every summer. Can't wait!!!!

Anonymous said...

Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica. My husband and I went there in May 2000 and it was wonderful. Wish we could go back again!

emott@austin.rr.com
Erika in Leander, TX

Jenny Lynn said...

What a great giveaway!!!

I'm excited :) :) :)

Anonymous said...

Blue Mountain Beach, FL (near Destin and Grayton Beach, FL) is our favorite beach! It's beautiful with the whitest sands - peaceful and wonderful!

dawnrshaw@yahoo.com

totaljesusgirl said...

I am a West Coast Girl just Virginia by God...but my fondest memories is Mother's Bay in Long Beach California. It is a cool little bay that has no waves, a playground and a dolphin that spouts water the kids just love.Parking is very close and it is a perfect spot for a mom with 5 amazing kids and one who is severly handicap to go and get away from it all :)

NelliFamily said...

Long Beach
Oak Island, North Carolina

The Nelli family has been vacationing there for years.

Pick me!
Michelle Nelli
michelle_nelli@yahoo.com

carolyn said...

The best beach is the one I go to with my kids and dog all the time since it's just up river from me and it is "the spot" on a tiny river in Minnesota. We enjoy running in and splashing, playing tag and then laying back in our innertubes and floating downriver with the sun on our smiling faces.

Linda (Grandmom) said...

My favorite beach is Surfside at Freeport, TX. It's not the most beautiful beach, but it's my favorite because of the memories. My church youth group used to go there. That was many, many, many years ago, but I still have the memories.
Linda
ranch@hot.rr.com

"Rachel" said...

The beach on the north side of Grand Cayman. It was THE most beautiful beach I've ever been on!

Tami said...

My favorite beach is in Newport, Oregon...just below a small retreat center called SeaCrest. Great memories with family playing in the sand and exploring the tide pools.

tamibernard@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Any beach with sand and water works for me...I am easy :) The sound of the water is sooooo relaxing!

tracideboard@yahoo.com

Have a great summer!!!!!!

Crystal said...

I love the beaches in Cozumel, Mexico!

Anonymous said...

We like Destin. My husband and I went there for our honeymoon back when it was just a quiet little beach town. The kids enjoy it. Hope to win the bag and books cause we are stuck at home this summer! Thanks for doing this and for your wonderful blog. And I'm not just saying that. LOL!!
-Cindy
cindypdavis@comcast.net

MickiB71 said...

Growing up in El Paso, TX about the only beach I ever saw was the desert (beach without water) or the Gulf Coast. When I finally ventured out to the Carribean I was shocked and awed to see how blue and clear the water and beaches are in Cancun.

Anonymous said...

We love to vacation at Orange Beach in southern Alabama. We've seen dolphins, manta rays, jellyfish, star fish, and crabs at different times we've been there!
Mrs. Schultz, aaanschultz@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I've only been to the beach in Cancun, 15 years ago on our honeymoon. Loved it!
thanks for your continual honesty with your readers!! you rock!:)
kkbpt@yahoo.com

Laurie M said...

We are headed that way in July. Can't wait!

Thanks for the fun opportunity,
Laurie

Erin said...

Loved the beaches in Jamaica, would love to take my family there one day!

tmarkes@beggstelco.net

Paula said...

Just one? I have two, on Cape Cod, MA: Skaket Beach in Orleans (beautiful sunsets) and the National Seashore, starting in Orleans and up through Wellfleet. All on beautiful Cape Cod, MA.

paula@drdoherty.com

Anonymous said...

Ogunquit Beach in Maine is beautiful but the water is cold even in the summer. Witnessing on Daytona Beach with Campus Crusade for Christ is something I'll never forget.... don't know if I'll see a beach this summer.
Thanks for all you do and being obedient.
Phyllis B.
purplephyl@sbcglobal.net

Annie said...

I love Destin, FL beach because I was able to go on my first big trip away from the parents in high school.

I love Cancun because that is where we went on our honeymoon.

I love Pensacola's beach because I got to visit that beach on the weekend we saw my brother off to Iraq.

Tabitha said...

I liked Sarasota when I went back in high school, but now Im not really a fan of oceanside beaches. However, I love living in the Land Between the Lakes and visiting our local lake beaches:)

Anonymous said...

Gotta love Bubba! Just when we think we have the "perfect plan", there he is to mix it up and help to not take ourselves too seriously.

My favorite is Rosemary Beach, FL. Great family spot and not super crowded.

Sharon
hillwoodlands@sbcglobal.net

Wendy said...

Ha ha! That picture is hilarious! It's times like that that make me grateful for Photoshop. :)

My favorite beach is in Avalon on Catalina Island (off Southern California). It's not one of those tropical beaches, but the whole island has so much charm and I find it really relaxing and peaceful to be there.

Anonymous said...

Count me in!!!!! We're actually heading to the ocean this summer... but not in Florida! Bummer! ;-)
psalm25v4@msn.com

Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog said...

Bubba is Hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay now this is so hard because I love every beach I have visited but my favorite would have to be Myrtle Beach not nec because of the beach itself but because of the memories. :)

Blessings,
Angela

Just Mom said...

My favorite beach is whatever one I am sitting on! And the one I am most likely to be sitting on is - Hunting Island, SC.

Laura said...

My favorite beach of all time was one in Maui that one of the locals directed us too. Can't remember the name of it now but it was miles and miles of beach with not another soul on it. Ahhhhh.

Kelli said...

If I had all the money in the world it would be Hawaii, but Destin is so pretty that it might be my favorite!

momaof4 said...

My favorite beach is in Lincoln City, Oregon. We were ingaged there and we take the kids back to play!!

laundrylady said...

Any beach is great with me, but our most recent favorite was in Destin, FL. Hope to add to our list in the coming years. There are some great places to note in this post & comments.

The Barrios Family said...

My favorite so far is Captiva Island, FL. We went there when I was going up - the closest thing to Hawaii for a Tennessee girl.

Amanda
thebarrioshousehold@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

My favorite beach is Wrightsville, NC.
Surfy like California, but still a small town feel w/ the shops and hot dog stands.
Angela
Garner, NC

angela0612@nc.rr.com

Anonymous said...

Destin, Florida is my all time favorite.

And, I had to tell someone who would appreciate this, I bought the Shred today. My 30 days begins tomorrow.

Niki
nikihughes2002@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

OK, I grew up on the Alabama coast, so ONO Island/Orange Beach area is my fave.

My in-laws take us to Kiawah Island every year, and that is a great family-oriented area too. We do the "have a stranger take our family picture" thing too, but we do it so early that we've never had the drunk lobster problem.

My husband wants me to do more reading that isn't on a child's level, so these books would be great!
emilywedgewood@bellsouth.net

Kandy C said...

Ok, my favorite beach was in Barbados at the Hilton. Awesome!!
Can't wait to go again!

Anonymous said...

A note to Bridgett: Dauphin Island near Mobile...great fishing and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. We took the kids in March, and they loved it!

Joy said...

Atleast sunburned Bubba wasn't wearing a Speedo.

Beaches on the westcoast of FL are the best. I live in Texas now, but grew up near Bradenton Beach.
Beautiful.


Joy

Lisa said...

I live close to South Padre Island but that isn't my favorite ever beach. It's Marco Island Florida! I went there first when I was pregnant with my first son in 1988. It is so awesome because there is a barrier "island" that is very tapered with virtually no waves. You have to wade across a channel to get over there, and my Dad bought blow-up boat to ferry me over to the "island" so I could go shelling. I still have a box full of sand dollars from that beautiful beach!!And great family times!

Elllen A. said...

Toss up between Atlantic Beach, NC (growing up) and Fripp Island, SC (where the folks retired!) Thanks for your wonderful messages!
epadams@comcast.net
Marietta, GA

newmanfamily said...

Favorite beach - oooo - that could be any beach! All you need is water, sun, and sand! LOL!

In all seriousness, my favorite beach is a beach in Hawaii. My husband and I found a deserted beach on a Marine base and I don't even know the name of it. He is in the Army so we are able to have access to other military bases while on vacation.

Lori

Honeycutt Family said...

Being an east coast gal, my favorite beach has always been the Jersey shore (esp. Seaside Hts.)
Jen H.

Kara said...

O, I love Destin, Fl. Its a family favorite and a place we visit often.

Bubba in the background was so funny and your post was even funnier! :D

Tammie said...

Going to Florida in a few weeks! Can't wait. The beach bag and a few good books would be perfect to take along.

Gretchen said...

Our family loves to go to the beach at South Haven MI. We camp at a local state park and have a great time.

Gretchen N.
gretnel@hotmail.com

Mercy said...

Oh I would love to win this. I love books.

Amy said...

New Smyrna Beach in where else... New Smyrna, FL!!

leeamyc@comcast.net

Thanks!!!

Amy said...

New Smyrna Beach in where else... New Smyrna, FL!!

leeamyc@comcast.net

Thanks!!!

Jeni said...

We are blessed to live in Coastal Georgia so my favorite beach(es) are St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island! They are not the most beautiful beaches in the world but they are part of my most beautiful memories with my children and good friends!!

jo ann said...

Well, 2 coincidences....first, our FAVORITE beach is Destin, Florida (although I hear it's changed since we've been there--the first time 27 years ago on our honeymoon!); and second, I just opened an email from a friend telling me about a Priscilla Shirer women's Bible Study event at Great Hills in June!

Sandy Litton said...

I have 3 favorite beaches. First one is Port Aransas, TX beacause it is our yearly family vacation and I love seeing my daughter splash around in the ocean and play in the sand. Second one is Barking Sands Beach in Kauai, Hawaii because my husband and I went on vacation there and we found the beach were the locals go. This is the most beautiful beach I have every seen.
Third is Carmel, California because it is so beautiful and my husband and I went there for his
50 Birthday. Dogs get to run around off lease and I love dogs very much!

«Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 344   Newer› Newest»