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Secret to Grocery Shopping in SoWal

Smiling JOe avatar
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert
5,508 views
It is easy to get into the habit of shopping at the mega stores like Publix, and while Publix does a good job of running a store, there is one little place in SoWal which continues to out-shine even Publix. They really invest much time and effort, researching the products which they carry, and they offer a really good selection of organic and locally/regionally grown foods. If you don't know where it comes from, just ask (how many people in the mega-stores can tell you where the tomatoes were grown, and a little bit about the farmer who grew them?) You can find many types of foods and products, ranging from full line of groceries, natural health products, tee-shirts, books, fresh produce, hand-made soaps from the Soap Pedaler (I always mess up that spelling), juices, sodas, pet food, etc, and they have a community message board to fill you in on the happenings. You can even get an incredible massage and a Smoothie. The people at this little slice of heaven give you an escape from the masses, remind you that are in a sleepy little beach village, all while giving good energy and making you feel part of the community -- For the Health of It. I don't mind shopping at Publix, but I LOVE walking in the door at For the Health of it. If you haven't been, at least stop in for a smoothie or massage, and a warm welcome. You can click on the link above for a little more info, but there is nothing like walking in the door to see for yourself.

The massage therapists they have on staff are some of the best, and will help you to relax even more. Last time I checked, they had the best prices in town, and the treatment rooms are really cool and calming. Ed and Rachael have one of my favorite stores in town (I don't say this lightly)! Every time I go in there, even to just get a juice, I end up staying to talk for while. The people make you slow down your mind, gain perspective on life, while making you feel welcome.

So before stressing out for the rest of the summer when you think about getting groceries, remember that there is one place where you actually leave the store feeling better than when you entered.

For the Health of it is located on the south side of Scenic 30A in Blue Mtn Beach, next to Big Daddy's Bike Shop, and across the street from Blue Orleans, just a hop, skip and a jump, west of 30A/283 intersection.

For The Health Of It
locally owned and operated by Ed Berry & Rachel Morgan
2217 Scenic Highway 30A
Blue Mountain Beach, FL 32459
850.267.0558 | fax 850-267-1901 | e-mail


Now I've made myself want to go grocery shopping. :bang:

Replies

29
4dogs avatar
4dogsBeach Lover
#2
I agree they are the best!!!!
Kurt avatar
KurtAdmin
#3
They are one of the businesses that make SoWal the great place it is! Please everyone -support our LOCAL businesses. They have the best smoothies on the planet.
TooFarTampa avatar
TooFarTampaSoWal Insider
#4
Great massages too. :clap:
GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic
#5
Grayt massages, wonderful natural "stuff"...and the best people ever!:clap:
For The Health Of It avatar
For The Health Of ItBeach Fanatic
#6
Thanks for the kind words Smilin Joe. We certainly try to offer the community the best groceries for everyday life possible. I agree with Kurt, we all need to support the local business owners and establishments as much as possible. The local business owners tend to be the ones that donate to the local causes such as youth league sports, schools, events, ext.

Many good groceries can be found in our community whether it is in our For The Health Of It, or Modica Market, Toni's in Grayton, Seagrove Village Market or Wild Olives in Rosemary. Lets all support each other.

Ed
For The Health Of It
2217 West Scenic 30A
Santa Rosa Beach, Fl. 32459
850.267.0558
Bobby J avatar
Bobby JBeach Fanatic
#7
SJ,
You are right on. The place is amazing. I have always said FTHOI is the finest run business on 30A! Another cool thing is Ed and Rachael both go out of their way to shop locally. If you have not been in do yourself a favor. It could be life changing.;-)
TNJed avatar
TNJedBeach Fanatic
#8
Add me to the list of FTHOI lovers. Wonderful people who are always quick with a smile and helpful when it comes to organic meal suggestions. Plus, they are the only ones who carry the ginger beer I love. Never had ginger beer? It's a non-alcoholic soda with a spicy aftertaste. Have one the next time you grill anything. c'est magnific!

I believe they are having a wine tasting Friday (5/30) afternoon.
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#11
The REAL secret to grocery shopping in Sowal is to go to Publix at 8:30 on a Saturday morning - it's like shopping on a weeknight in the offseason.

Plenty of parking, full or being stocked shelves, lots of staff preparing for the 10 am deluge! The only drawback is that the seafood counter isn't open then.
Smiling JOe avatar
Smiling JOeSoWal ExpertAuthor
#12
That's okay, Scooterbug, you don't need the frozen Indonesian shrimp anyway. lol
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
#13
The REAL secret to grocery shopping in Sowal is to go to Publix at 8:30 on a Saturday morning - it's like shopping on a weeknight in the offseason.

Plenty of parking, full or being stocked shelves, lots of staff preparing for the 10 am deluge! The only drawback is that the seafood counter isn't open then.

Well, FTHOI never has long lines (even if they do you can chat with fellow sowallers), 14 tourists to a shopping cart, or screaming running children (organic kids just behave better).
seagrovegirl avatar
seagrovegirlBeach Fanatic
#14
Went there this afternoon...it wasn't too back and well stocked. Didn't have to wait in line for a cashier. Was there last Thursday and it was a zoo and I asked about what was going on and told that it starts to get busy now, on Thurs afternoons. So get your shopping done TODAY or in the morning.
Smiling JOe avatar
Smiling JOeSoWal ExpertAuthor
#15
... or, avoid the lines at Publix and shop at a locally owned market like For the Health of It.
Romeosmydog avatar
RomeosmydogBeach Fanatic
#16
Besides, Ed and Rach are eye-candy!:wub:
butterbeanBeach Fanatic
#17
Ed and Rachel are the bomb and they are truly concerned about all their friends and customers who shop there. That Petey is eye candy too, but I'm a beter fisherman than he is!
seagrovegirl avatar
seagrovegirlBeach Fanatic
#19
Wow...that was nice.........hey Ed...is that organic tongue?????
JUL avatar
JULBeach Fanatic
#20
I will be sure to check it out next time I am in town

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