Hot ‘Lanta lures folks away from the beach

The lure of the big city recently has been luring some folks away from the beach.

Julie Root and Kay Phelan recently spent time in Atlanta.

Payson Howard spent Valentine's Day there. She was there for her 30-year high-school reunion.

Sally and David Smith headed to Newnan to celebrate grandson Hank's 4th birthday.

Brett Wheeler spent another week in Washington, D.C., and managed to find time to take his sweetie for a jaunt into the Big Apple for Valentine's Day.

Dave and Carol Rauschkolb spent their first married Valentine's Day in Park City, Utah, skiing. Dave said there was lots of snow.

Next week, Ed and Sharon Jenkins head to Park City for some skiing with their kids, Krista and Shawn.

Peggy Jones and Coop are in Tampa where Coop is having back surgery at the Laser Spine Institute. They will return home the 22nd.

Congratulations to Charlie Sutton who got a good report from his doctors.

Jane Bahr reports that Edd Fleckenstein's recent surgery went well.

Jane recently had the pleasure of working in Fairhope, Ala., and Mobile. She stayed at the Fairhope Inn and said it was beautiful with flowers everywhere.

Jane's hubby, Greg, took her to Café Thirty-A for her Friday the 13th birthday. They like to eat in the bar. Jane said Harriet takes great care of the locals with bar and special menus.

Saturday night, the Bahrs went to Ray and Vickie Dollar's for a pot-luck dinner with the Northcutts to celebrate Jane getting older and Valentine's Day.

Beverly McNeil Gallery in Destin hosted its annual "Chocolate and Champagne Celebration" on Feb. 12.

Ladie Bea and Wayne Carlisle enjoyed lunch outdoors at Bill and Heavenly Dawson's newly-opened restaurant last week in Seaside. It is located in the former Roly Poly location. The Shrimp Shack serves steamed seafood and lobster rolls like those from up Maine way.

I hear "Howl at the Moon" last Monday saw a large crowd and a beautiful evening with an outstanding moon.

Song-bird Gene Mitchell has another CD, "Island Swing," due out mid-March.

The spring edition of Travel & Leisure Family will include mention of Quincy in Seaside.

Word on the street is Heidi and Brian LoCicero of Frill Seekers Gifts at Baytowne plan to have a "howling" good time "paw-ticipating" in Baytowne Wharf's Krewe of Arfeous Pooch Parade Feb. 22. Their float entry will feature pooch Rex and New Orleans-style Mardi Gras throws and discount cards for Frill Seekers gifts.

Gulf Place's license-plate artist, Misti, is putting on a fundraiser Feb. 28 -- Help Stock the Shelter. She is doing a donation drop for the Opportunity House and will have live music, food and drink.

Throughout the month of March, the Artists at Gulf Place will be doing interactive art with kids. Wendy Prentice will do "happy sign" painting and "recycled art" from 2 - 5 p.m. every Wednesday.

April 1 - 14, body artist Rosemary Kimble will be at Artists at Gulf Place creating henna tattoo body works daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Carol Weinrick opened her lovely home for the monthly meeting of the Women's Art Network Feb. 9. Thirty-three ladies attended.

I hear it was a very crowded night at La Botana on Feb. 11 when Seaside Rep held its season preview.

If you should see Joy Fine, Michele Myers, Susan Tolbert or Garrett Horn tomorrow, wish them a happy birthday.

Monday is Balder Saunders' turn to celebrate.

Tuesday, say "happy birthday" to Sharon Hazelton and Julie Modica.

Friday, is Stacey Brady, Sharon Jenkins and Miles Neiman's turn to celebrate.

Deborah Wheeler is the arts and entertainment reporter for The Walton Sun. She may be reached at (850) 267-4555 or e-mail debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com. Party Line Talk appears weekly in The Sun. Contributions are encouraged.