SoWal Stories

Moving & Shaking in Seaside Town Center

One constant in SoWal is that things are always changing in Seaside. The constant evolution of the town keeps things interesting and vibrant. Loyal visitors who come back year after year appreciate that some things never change - the generous and friendly beach attitude, great shopping and dining - and the BEACH! Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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SoWal Women with Soul: Margie and Kristen of Beau Interiors

Mother - daughter duo Margie Perry and Kristen Foley are happy and busy running their family business Beau Interiors in Grayton Beach. As they approach their 8th year in business, I sat down with them for a soul sesh and learned the truth about why the store exists, what it takes to be an entrepreneur, how they inspire one another, and the one secret about obstacles that everyone should know. (Spoiler alert: they’re all in your head.) Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Walton County Florida Real Estate Report for January 2019

The most recent SoWal Real Estate Report covers all of Walton County including South Walton real estate activity for January 2019, with statistics for single family homes, townhomes, and condos in Walton County, Florida. Single family homes closed sales were up 16.5% for January 2019 compared to the same month last year. The number of pending sales for Walton County was down 11%. Inventory was up 2.6%. Median sales price was up 0.6%. Dollar volume decreased 9.3% over last year at $104.7 Million. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Tacos from Every Corner of SoWal

Everybody loves tacos at the beach! Maybe the sunshine, surf, and sand are setting off a whole vibe…or maybe it’s simply because tacos are good af. One thing’s for sure, South Walton restaurants have caught on. Our latest SoWal List brings you all things tacos, from the totally obvious Mexican restaurant, to the pleasantly surprising seafood joint. Hit up these six SoWal taco spots to get your fix. FOOW Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Crêpes du Soleil Shines in a Shiny Airstream in Seaside

Driving through Seaside on Scenic 30A, SoWal newbies are often surprised and delighted when they first spot Seaside’s gleaming Airstream Row. The newest sleek silver kitchen is on the east end of the row - Crêpes du Soleil. It's owned and operated by wife and husband Liz & Jay Eichelberger, and “Chef Rob” Masone, formerly a caterer in Charlotte, NC. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Jennifer Steele Stars in "Bad Dates" at Emerald Coast Theatre Company March 7-10

Jennifer Steele is a busy woman. Her role as the Executive Director of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County keeps her busy enough. On top of that, she’s a mother, a partner, and the lead in the upcoming one-woman play “Bad Dates” presented by the Emerald Coast Theatre Company. After a ten-year hiatus from the stage she’s back. Granted she has been doing other things, like producing the massively successful 30A Songwriter’s Festival and deploying the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Changes & Additions at Grand Boulevard Includes Williams Sonoma

One of the biggest specialty retailers in the world, Williams Sonoma, is set to open in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin this spring. The company is known for their kitchenware including professional quality cookware, small kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, decor and gourmet foods. The announcement comes on the heels of a banner year for the town center, which opened seven new retail stores and restaurants in 2018. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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12th Annual 30A St. Patrick's Parade March 16

The 12th Annual 30A St. Patrick's Parade is set for 3pm on March 16th, 2019. The free-to-enter parade anticipates a record number of floats and parade entries, in all shapes and sizes. The parade begins on Florida Scenic Highway 30A near "The Preserve" just west of Grayton Beach and heads 4 miles west, ending at Gulf Place. A map of the parade route is available at www.30aparade.com. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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12 Designs Unveiled for Second UMA Installation

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) are proud to reveal the twelve sculpture designs selected by jury for permanent exhibition in the second installation of the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA). Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Visit South Walton 2018 Economic Impact Study

Stats, stats, and more stats - excellent information compiled for South Walton tourism for 2018. The projected total dollar impact of tourism for Walton County is nearly $5 billion from more than 4 million visitors, providing more than 29,000 jobs with over $650 million in wages. Click to open PDF > The economic impact of tourism on Walton County is based on data collected from 3,208 visitors to Walton County during 2018. Interviews were conducted throughout South Walton. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Hard Hats & High Heels at Red Fish Taco March 8

LADIES! This Friday is our 3rd Annual Women's Empowerment Luncheon Hard Hats & High Heels, brought to you by The Rosemary Beach Merchants Assocation. Hard Hats & High Heels bringing together a cross-section of the Emerald Coast's professional, social, and philanthropic leaders. This signature Habitat event welcomes community-minded women to enjoy uplifting energy, heartwarming stories, and unifying support to positively impact lives and advance Habitat's mission! Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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OceanFilm Tour at WaterSound Origins Apr 5 & 6

Adventure. Action. Ocean Life. The International Ocean Film Tour kicks off its American tour in the Watersound Origins community. Similar to MountainFilm on Tour at WaterColor Inn & Resort, the event will feature films with inspiring protagonists, powerful stories, and stunning visuals all into one film program. Due to demand, the event will take place over 2 nights – the same films will be shown each night, allowing twice as many people to enjoy the event! Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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SoWal Mardi Gras Parades, Parties, Pooches

Mardi Gras festivities kick off this weekend in South Walton and along the Emerald Coast of Florida with parades, live music and parties in some of our beach towns, restaurants and bars. From Stinky's Fish Camp's Mardi Gras Headquarters, Baytowne's Mardi Gras Dog Parade and Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash, to Mardi Gras Masquerade & Fireworks Festival at Destin Commons and outdoor concerts and rooftop parties. Grab your beads and head out to celebrate Mardi Gras at the beach from now til Fat Tuesday. Laissez bon temps rouler! Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Volunteer Beach Ambassadors Hit the Sand to Educate and Inform

When Laurie Reichenbach walks the Beaches of South Walton, she does so with the confidence of a seasoned Volunteer Beach Ambassador (VBA). Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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SoWal Lunchtime at Grayton Beer Brewpub

On Valentine’s Day the SoWal Staff lunched at Grayton Beer Brewpub for some local love. We beat the dinner crowd and opted for lunchtime bites. (Or so we thought…they were actually pretty busy!) Healthy salads, handhelds, and hearty apps found their way to the table as we chatted over the devastating Red Bar fire, and where we couldn’t wait to dine next. (Basmati’s, we’re coming for ya!) Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival April 25-28

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival presents great wines, fine foods, world-class tasting seminars, live music from national artists, culinary celebrities and more. It’s a weekend at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin to escape to a lifestyle where you can be yourself, dress up or come as you are, be seen or simply lay low. The only requirement is that you have great time enjoying a convivial gathering at your pace and lose yourself for the weekend. Buy Tickets > Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show March 15-17

The Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show features boat displays from major manufacturers and dealers representing the latest and greatest in boats, high-tech engines, electronics and marine accessories. Boats ranging from entry-level bow riders and center consoles, to the next generation 42' center consoles with quad outboards that have become so popular. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Cozy Spots for Date Nite

For you food lovers and romance seekers, here is our latest SoWal List, encompassing special candlelit tables at cozy dining spots in South Walton. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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New Eateries Coming to Destin Commons

Foodies Rejoice! New restaurants and food centric events abound making 2019 the most "craveable" year yet for Destin's award-winning lifestyle center, Destin Commons. Restaurants opening in 2019 include: Gulf Coast Burger Co., Another Broken Egg Cafe, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, and Destination Little Donuts & Cups and Cones. Other recent additions to the center include energizing new events like: the Mac & Cheese Festival benefiting the Boys and Girls Club and Parrot Head Chili Cook Off benefiting The Arc of the Emerald Coast. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Seagar's Prime Steaks & Seafood at Hilton Sandestin a Cut Above the Rest

Northwest Florida’s longest standing AAA Four-Diamond Restaurant, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, has been deemed by critics as one of the finest dining spots in our region. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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30A Wine Festival at Alys Beach Feb 20-24

The eighth annual 30A Wine Festival returns to the beautiful community of Alys Beach Wednesday, February 20 through Sunday, February 24, 2019. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park Feb 16

The Friends of Eden Gardens invite the community to the annual Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park on Saturday, Feb. 16 from 10:00am til 2:00pm. Floral demonstrations and presentations will be held throughout the day. Visitors are invited to stroll through beautiful camellias in full bloom in gardens throughout the park. Watch for actors in period dress in the park, enjoy live music and have a picnic. Food and drink vendors will be available. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Walton County Florida Real Estate Report for December 2018

The most recent SoWal Real Estate Report covers all of Walton County including South Walton real estate activity for December 2018, with statistics for single family homes, townhomes, and condos in Walton County, Florida. Single family closed sales were down 4.8% for December compared to the same month last year. The number of pending sales for Walton County was up 19.7%. Inventory was down 2.3%. Median sales price was down 9.2%. Dollar volume decreased 13.6% over last year at $117.7 Million. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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30th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival Feb 15-16

Known as one of the largest and most popular winter food events along Florida’s Emerald Coast, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival is just three weeks away! This popular event takes place at the Village of Baytowne Wharf on February 15-16 and is celebrating it's 30th year! Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Annual Fundraiser Crescendo! Feb 15 - 17

Sinfonia Gulf Coast, our region’s only fully professional symphony orchestra, is pleased to announce the full line up for its annual fundraiser Crescendo! A cultural and culinary extravaganza, slated for February 15-17, 2019. On Friday, Feb. 15 at 6:00 p.m. Crescendo! will begin with a series of carefully curated vintner dinners hosted in elegant homes and venues throughout the Emerald Coast, which pair the talents of local and regional celebrity chefs with some of the country’s most acclaimed vineyards for a delicious evening of food and wine. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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