Wii Bowling is Fun and Physical

SOME DEAR FRIENDS had a great idea recently about how to spend an afternoon! My wife and I were invited to join them for lunch - and then to go bowling. However, we did not make a trip to a commercial bowling establishment. We remained at the cafe following our meals for three games of Wii bowling. As it turned out, lunch was fine - but what followed was even better. The enjoyment of the physical activity was outstanding.

Wii bowling is done in front of a television screen by using a controller to mimic the actions of rolling a ball down an alley. It is extremely realistic. The hand-held controller becomes the ball. The arm swing is the same as one would use at a regular bowling center. The release of the ball can be made from a stationary position, or with up to a full 4-step approach toward the pins - all of which are in full view on the screen.

Bowlers can position themselves in any position they choose as they prepare to bowl the ball down the lane. After the release, they can then watch the ball's journey toward the pins and hope to see a perfect strike! The system automatically keeps the score for each bowler through all ten frames.

The bowling game is a part of a sports package made by Nintendo. The package also includes baseball, boxing, golf, and tennis. The Wii technology is geared for everyone, and is very easy to use. The gaming console makes possible the interactivity of the wireless remote controller. People of all ages - and all skill levels - can participate. Up to four players may play at one time.

A wide variety of gaming activities are produced by Nintendo. The sports package, and many others, are available online or at stores. Most are purchased for use at home; however, some are now showing-up at clubs, cafes, and other public places. Perhaps Wii games may soon rival karaoke!

Wii bowling is a unique social gaming experience. It is a wonderful activity for a friends or family get-together. And, from a personal point of view, the game is loads of fun. It also provides the opportunity for great fellowship and much needed physical exercise. To sum it up: it's a winner!

Rosemary Beach

NUMEROUS SMALL TOWNS and villages exist all along the Emerald Coast of northwest Florida's Panhandle. Some have been established only in the last few years. Included on this list of coastal communities is Rosemary Beach. Visitors by the thousands pass through Rosemary Beach every month throughout the year. Many choose to stop-over for day, a week-end, a week, or longer. Some decide to extend their stay for an entire winter. Others, buy real estate and either live there year-round or come and go whenever they please. In any case, Rosemary Beach is a great leisure destination - even if only for an hour or two.

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The small village of Rosemary Beach is located at the eastern end of Highway 30-A, a scenic route which hugs the coast of the Gulf of Mexico between Panama City and Destin. The highway is the main road through the village. In the heart of town, two blocks south of 30-A is the beach. From the village's eastern boundary, it is less than a mile to U.S. Highway 98 - the route to nearby Panama City Beach.

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Rosemary Beach's business district is on both sides of Highway 30-A. On the north side, several shops surround a large rectangular park-like open space. This area is used for fairs, festivals, and the like. Tents and booths are often set-up to accommodate these special events. An arts and crafts fair in late fall is a prime example of how the village provides both visitors and locals ample opportunity to spend leisure hours - and money!

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On the south side of 30-A, the village's Main Street leads to a public beach access. Along the way are several stores, specialty shops, and cafes. A "village green" beckons kids and adults alike to toss a football or a Frisbee - or to just sit and relax - on a beautiful grassy area. The beach access has restrooms and a thoughtfully constructed boardwalk and ramp which allows people of all ages - including the handicapped - to put their feet in the sugar-white sand.

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Rosemary Beach was established in 1995 and was built in a style of aesthetically-pleasing architecture. The town has a network of pathways, boardwalks, and pedestrian lanes. There are numerous dune walkovers to it's beautiful beach. And, every home is architecturally unique.

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Much of the town's recreation opportunities center around water: the beach, the ocean, the pools, swimming, and fishing. However - in addition - biking, hiking, tennis, golf, and activities just for kids are available. The town has a fitness center, a fitness path, a racquet club, a day spa, and a butterfly park. Of course, shopping, dining, and sightseeing are always popular. Town officials also boast about professional services, as well as community services, being available.

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People often look for a special location to spend some of their leisure. Many are looking for a place to unwind, to get away from stress, or to be in a beautiful environment. The good news is that there is such a place to do it all: Rosemary Beach!

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-- In the photo above, the eye of the camera looks toward Main Street from the main beach access in Rosemary Beach, Florida.