Local area provides plethora of entertainment

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrew Caulk
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  (This is part 3 of a 3-part series that will highlight places newcomers can get information about some of the many activities to participate in around the Eglin area. From days at the beach to trips and tours, the local area offers something for everyone.)

When comparing assignments, Eglin tops many others for good reason. The local area provides any type of entertainment one could ask for. 

"Get up and go!" said Mary Lynda Hughes Director of the Information, Tickets, and Travel office, who provided information on nearly every activity a military or civilian member could want. 

"We want to enhance the lives of the military community through rest and relaxation programs," she said. 

The ITT office provides full-service travel agency assistance to military members of all services and civilians. 

"We can offer payment plans that cruise lines and travel agencies can't," said Ms. Hughes about the benefits of ITT. "We can also discount your price if it drops while you are paying for it. Travel agencies normally work on commission so they don't have the incentive to offer that to a customer like we do." 

ITT offers Disney packages, airline tickets to stateside and overseas locations, and tickets to events in the local area. 

"Our ticket people have to go through a Disney course to sell tickets to their resort. They want us to know what we are talking about," said Ms. Hughes. 

For those not looking to go on a trip to Disney or on a cruise, the local area offers plenty to keep anyone occupied. 

Seaside, where the 'Truman Show' was filmed, Eden State Park, and Florida Caverns State Park are great places in the local area to go see said Ms. Hughes about some of the nearby main attractions. ITT also offer bus tours to NASCAR events, Saints games, FSU games and New Orleans. 

"ITT offers discounts at many of the local hotel resorts such as the Hilton, Ramada and Chantwell hospitalities in the off season from September to February and as a government contractor there is no sales tax to the customer," said Ms. Hughes. The ITT director suggests these local resorts because she feels the experience is like being somewhere else entirely without the travel worries. 

In addition, they offer tickets to many of the local shows and events such as tickets to the local movie theatres.

Other than ITT trips and tours, the local area offers beaches, sailing, and dining for those willing to go and find it.  Contact the on-base or local yacht clubs for sailing information. If you want to learn about sailing, many boat owners request crew on forums at yacht clubs. Horse riding, wind and kite surfing, and parasailing are other activities for those interested in outdoor activities.

With all of the fun to experience, make sure to get out and enjoy the local area!