SoWal Stories

Fish Out Of Water Happy Hour On The Gulf

Four diamonds. Panoramic Gulf views. Casual vibes. Tranquil blues. Fish Out Of Water (FOOW) plays it cool among the happiest of Happy Hour spots in South Walton. All views lead to the ocean in FOOW’s updated dining room. Cozy cushions, hardwood floors, an open kitchen (with a tandoor oven!) and the indoor/outdoor FOOWbar leads you to the wide patio with Gulf views. Blue as the eye can see. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Plan your Fall SoWal Escape with Sunburst Beach Vacations

Sunburst Beach Vacations offers a wide selection of rental properties perfect for your next beach escape. And did you know the boutique vacation rental company is exclusive to Scenic 30A? The staff are experts at all things SoWal, including matching travelers to the perfect beach cottage in the perfect town. Many homeowners and guests have remained loyal to Sunburst for years because the staff is pleasant to work with and the homes are well appointed. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Mahi Madness in South Walton

The big fish news the past 10 days has been the Mahi! While Panama city had a touch of Red Tide that seemed to make national news, we have had the prettiest water of the year off Grayton. Clear deep blue "offshore " water within 5 miles of the beach some days. Patchy grass lines that move in and out, no big islands of grass or thick lines but a distinct tide line that has had a lot of Mahi scattered along it. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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The CVHN Big Give: Caftans & Cocktails at Bud & Alley's Sep 28

The CVHN Big GIve: 2018 Caftans & Cocktails will take place Friday, September 28 from 6:00pm til 10:00pm at Bud & Alley's Restaurant in Seaside with all proceeds benefiting Children's Volunteer Health Network (CVHN). Formerly known as the Hurricane Party, this event is in its fourteenth year, and in 2017, it raised over 62,000 dollars to put towards CVHN’s mission. Tickets available online! Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Treat Your Taste Buds to Roux 30A (& Nanbu Noodle Bar Coming Soon)

As Roux 30A Executive Chef/Owner Nikhil Abuvala likes to put it, “I want our customers to put their trust in us.” He has held on to this concept from the very beginning (they opened their doors in 2013), offering his Chef’s Table model to enthusiastic diners. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Serenity by the sea Spa Will Take You On A Fall Wellness Journey

Treat yourself to a spa day at Serenity by the sea at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. From now until Halloween, Serenity is offering their Fall Wellness Journey packed with a day of indulgent services. Begin your journey with a morning yoga session followed by a relaxing 60-minute HydraFacial that will leave your skin glowing. Then, indulge in an 80-minute Moroccan Body Melt to restore optimal hydration to your skin and hair. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood Announces Fall Menu

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa has announced a new fall menu at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood. The menu highlights favorite dishes of newly-appointed Executive Chef Lee Guidry. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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30A Blue Crab Festival Celebration at Trebeaché Oct 5-7

Fueled by more than 4,000 blue crabs from our local harvesters and craft beer, spirits and wine from across the globe, it's going to be one heck of a good time. 30A Blue Crab Fest will feature fresh local seafood like you've never seen before. We'll also have an incredible live music line up, a full day of awesome regional Chef demonstrations and family friendly attractions. What more could you want from a beautiful weekend at the beach? Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Crackings in Uptown Grayton Serving Scrumptious Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch

This past March a new sign appeared outside a familiar Uptown Grayton eatery. “Crackings” is the new name - superior breakfast, brunch, and lunch is their game. When they sold most Another Broken Egg Café’ locations, Clayton Green and his family decided to go in another direction, re-naming the Grayton Beach and Destin locations “Crackings.” Clayton and wife Kristy Green are “all in” with their “new” restaurant which took over where Another Broken Egg Café’ left off. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Gather at Gulf Place for Food, Fashion and Fun

Gulf Place is a vibrant neighborhood on the west end of Scenic Highway 30A just steps from the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors and locals love Gulf Place for local art, down to earth shopkeepers, a bustling dining scene, and community events. The town center is across Scenic 30A from Ed Waline Beach Access, one of the most popular beaches in SoWal. Here’s your local’s guide on where to eat, stay, shop and play in Gulf Place. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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National Drive Electric Event at Destin Commons Sep 15

For the third year, National Drive Electric Week is celebrated at Destin Commons with a one day event presented by Nissan LEAF, the exclusive automotive sponsor of National Drive Electric Week. The National Drive Electric event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 10AM to 7PM and is expected to be larger than previous years. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents A Stellar Line-up of Artists And Concerts for 2018-2019 Season

Keeping the tempo at the forefront of the Emerald Coast’s cultural scene since its founding in 2005, Sinfonia Gulf Coast maintains the tradition of “symphony redefined” as it enters its 13th season. Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award-Winner Jane Lynch Headlines Sinfonia’s Gala Event on Dec. 18. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Pitch In for International Coastal Cleanup Day Sep 15

The Annual International Coastal Cleanup is a day SoWal Beach lovers converge on the beach with a purpose! Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Eggs on the Beach Competition in Miramar Beach Sep 29

Eggs on the Beach Cooking Competition, taking place at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach on Sept. 29, has partnered with the World Food Championships. The Judge's First Place Winner will receive a golden ticket to compete in the World Barbecue Championship with a waived entry fee and a chance to win $10,000. The BBQ category winner will then face the other nine category winners at the Final Table for the grand prize of $100,000 in cash and prizes. In addition, the first and second place People's Choice Winners will be invited to compete this year in the World Barbecue Championship. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Changing Time Zones and Fishing Venues

Been awhile since I wrote but I just got back from Indian Pass this week to a "real" computer. As always we had a big time over there but the Tarpons were scarce until right when we left. Naturally, they showed up thick after my last charter... We caught plenty of fish though. Quite a few Tripletails, I tagged 40 in my first 7 trips and we kept quite a few for dinners too. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Underwater Museum Of Art in SoWal Named to Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2018

TIME Magazine has revealed its inaugural list of the World’s Greatest Places, and SoWal is part of history! The prestigious list highlights 100 destinations that are breaking new ground, leading industry trends and offering visitors an extraordinary experience. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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6th Annual Fore Her Golf Outing Sep 28

Get teed up and ready for a day of golf at the 6th Annual FORE HER Golf Outing on Friday, September 28, 2018 at Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. The money raised from this event will go directly to local individuals battling breast cancer, who are able to use the money to pay for their mortgage, car, utilities, medical expenses, a well deserved vacation after recovering from treatments or a last vacation with their families. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Old Florida Fish House to Honor Late Fish House Band Member Sep 8

Join the SoWal community for a tribute dinner and fundraiser to honor the life of Mike Mosley, the late lead singer and drummer for the Fish House Band, with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to Mosley’s family. There will be a buffet featuring herb crusted prime rib, shrimp, fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes, a garden bar, and dessert table. There will be an open bar for guests to enjoy of select liquors while supplies last. Live music will be performed throughout the evening in honor of Mosley. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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SoWal Style: Waterfront Florida Cottage in Point Washington

Just around the corner from Eden Gardens State Park in Point Washington is a bayou beauty built for fun on the water. The covered porches face the gorgeous setting Florida sun and the expansive views of Tucker Bayou. Motor out from your dock with boat lift into the bay and on to the Gulf in Destin, or zip down the Intracoastal Waterway to Panama City Beach. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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SoWal Style - Classic Florida Cottage Near the Beach and Bay

Just north of Grayton Beach is a serene neighborhood by the bay consisting of new and classic Florida Cottages. Grayton Bayou borders the Choctawhatchee Bay and McQuage Bayou. The quiet calm of Point Washingon State Forest pervades the community of Point Washington, just a few minutes from the world's mos beautiful beaches. Convenience, beauty, and excellent design are the hallmarks of the location and dwellings of Grayton Bayou. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Seaside Post Office Moving to Back of Seaside Square

Seaside is excited to announce the beginning of a new Post Office Plaza. It is part of the vision of Seaside founders, Robert and Daryl Davis. “The plaza is the first project leading to the future construction of the Krier Tower,” said George Calvi, Seaside Director of Development, “and should take about six months to complete.” Located at the southern end of Seaside Avenue, the plaza will house the Seaside Post Office as well as seven new public restrooms and additional bike parking. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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30A Oyster is a Great Shucking Time

Watching Oyster Rick work will flat wear you out as your hunger builds! Rick McCurley is a virtual blur making sure no one in sight lacks fresh-shucked raw oysters, boiled shrimp, or oysters off his grill. Although he’s only been in business here in SoWal for about three years now, he’s made a huge impression on folks with his “oyster bar on wheels.” When he says he’ll “bring the Oyster Bar to you,” he’s not just whistling Dixie! Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Chef Jim Shirley at Forefront of SoWal Culinary Style

SoWal Chef Jim Shirley has imprinted his cooking style across the South Walton landscape with tasty offerings ranging from to-die-for grilled cheese creations to people-pleasing Paella. The mild-mannered cookmeister sat down with me at his waterfront restaurant, The Bay, on a rain-drenched afternoon to share a little insight about his rise to culinary prominence. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Fourth Annual Bloody Mary Festival Oct 6 at The Market Shops

On Saturday, October 6, The Market Shops will host its 4th Annual Bloody Mary Festival benefiting Habitat for Humanity - Walton County. The annual event will feature unlimited tastes of the Emerald Coast’s most creative and innovative bloody marys made with Cathead Vodka and served by the finest restaurants and bars on the Emerald Coast. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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Red Fish Taco has Happy Hour Every Hour

Red Fish Taco is where the tequila flows like water and the Tecate comes in a frosty can. Continue reading... What do you think? We all need community feedback, ideas, suggestions ... please share!

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