Some of my fondest childhood memories are of the days I spent at the beach with family and friends. The excitement of driving out to the beach was almost too much to bear. Would the water be calm and clear for snorkeling? Or would I be body surfing and playing in the waves?

The sensory cues from childhood days at the beach still remain strong decades later: the smell of salt air, suntan lotion and hot dogs cooking on the grill; the sounds of laughing gulls and children playing; the gentle surge of the waves, and the taste of salt water, fresh watermelon, and if I was lucky, a banana popsicle from the beach concession. I wouldn't trade those memories for anything.

Our cousins from the center of the state didn't get to go to the beach as often as we did, but just about every summer they'd come and spend a week on the beach on Anna Maria Island. We'd always meet them out at the beach for a day in the sun and surf.

There's just something about being out on the beach that clears the mind and rejuvenates the spirit of adults and children. It's exciting and restful at the same time.

If you've got children and grandchildren that love the beach, invite them to come down this summer for a Florida beach getaway. You know they'll love it! And you'll love seeing them having such a great time. You'll create memories that will last a lifetime.

VISITFLORIDA.com makes it really easy to get the ball rolling with a special video invitation. Just visit www.sharealittlesunshine.org and send your family one of the three fun videos with a personalized message. Who could resist an invitation like that?

Bonus: The more invitations you send, the better chance you have of winning a fabulous Florida getaway in a drawing held weekly for 12 weeks.