Seaside Merchants

Acclaimed world-wide as one of the iconic examples of New Urbanism, Seaside offers a thriving town center with shopping and dining, all within walkable distance to homes, cottages and offices. Seaside is a shopper’s paradise with an eclectic collection of boutiques, galleries and markets. The town’s restaurants cook up exceptional cuisine, whether your ordering from Airstream Row or a deck with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Shop

Strolling the streets of Seaside can be quite the shopping adventure. Find clothing and shoes for ladies and their men at Mercantile. And stop in next door at Duckie’s Shop of Fun for toys, kids’ clothes, candy and smiles. The Fitness Fetish is an upbeat little beach store known for its great selection of coastal lifestyle clothing and gear for men, women and kids. Pick up useful housewares with quirky charm at The Art of Simple, and bibliophiles rejoice in the aisles at Sundog Books.

Be sure to stop in La Vie Est Belle, where artist and philanthropist Wendy Mignot showcases her leather and pearls that have draped the necks of loyal locals and celebrities alike, including Stephen Tyler, Pierce Brosnan and Orlando Bloom, to name a few.

Dine

Dining well is a Seaside tradition, and there’s no shortage of inspiring cuisine. Bud & Alley’s is Seaside’s original restaurant named for a dog and a cat and still serving some of the finest food on the coast. Owner Dave Rauschkolb modeled two sister restaurants, Bud and Alley’s Taco Bar and Bud and Alley’s Pizza Bar, after taquerias along the Mexican border and Italian pizzerias, respectively.

Great Southern Café has two of the best things in life: fried chicken and a great porch. 45 Central features 45 wines by the glass and small plates, along with an artist of the month residency. Modica Market has everything you need for a picnic at the beach, including a great selection of wines.

Airstream Row in Seaside is proof that even though your food came from a truck, it doesn’t have to taste like it. Meltdown on 30A has gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, Raw and Juicy serves organic smoothies, and you can even get hot dogs and barbecue...all from the window of a classic Airstream trailer. Grab a seat in the shade and enjoy.

Play

The REP is Northwest Florida’s premier professional theatre company. The REP’s host of talented theatre professionals and group of dedicated volunteers work together to entertain over 25,000 people each year. Having established an indoor home on the stage of the 75-seat Meeting Hall Theatre in Seaside, The REP has never stopped broadening its horizons, adding new programming and new venues in South Walton to better reach its expanding audience base. Stay up to date with season performances on the main stage and outdoor stages throughout SoWal beach towns by visiting LoveTheRep.com

The Seaside Farmers Market gathers foodies and farmers every Saturday at the Amphitheater. Live music takes place in the middle of it all, and everyone enjoys strolling Central Square in the morning hours with a coffee or mimosa. The producer’s market is focused on food, produce, cooking demonstrations, specialty items, artisan cheeses and breads, novice and professional gardeners, seed exchanges, education related to growing and preparing food, and the celebration of eating and sharing great ingredients.

Throughout the year, Seaside hosts many events, such as Seeing Red Wine Festival, family movie nights under the stars, the Nutcracker, Independence Day activities, and more. Stay tuned to the SoWal events calendar for all the happenings.

Seaside is located on Scenic Highway 30A, between Panama City Beach and Destin. The idyllic community was the main shooting location for the classic film The Truman Show. For more information about Seaside’s shops, restaurants and events, please visit www.seasidefl.com and Facebook.