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[quote="AAbsolute, post: 545678"]I think something is different this year.  There is more seasonal traffic on 30A then the last two years.  I sense a collective optimism.[/quote]i sure hope so for all the folks in walton county....we need everyone to talk about the opportunities that lie ahead

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="AAbsolute">I think something is different this year. There is more seasonal traffic on 30A then the last two years. I sense a collective optimism.</blockquote>i sure hope so for all the folks in walton county....we need everyone to talk about the opportunities that lie ahead

gmarc

Beach Fanatic

I agree. done there the first week in march the traffice on 30a was very thick and crowds on 30-a were big

Franny

I totally agree. Appears to be a lot more college kids than the norm.

Miss Critter

I'd be interested in hearing from businesses as to tourist spending so far.

I&#039;d be interested in hearing from businesses as to tourist spending so far.

TooFarTampa

[quote="MissCritter, post: 545752"]I'd be interested in hearing from businesses as to tourist spending so far.[/quote]

Me too. It is interesting to me to see all the creative thinking going on. ie how can I serve the customer and still profit? What is this year's customer looking for?

It's my belief that any retail or restaurant business that survives this recession is going to be very formidable on the other end of it. The simple reason is that the times demand that people be very good at what they do, and be truly in touch with what the customer wants. Sadly even some of the good ones won't make it.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="MissCritter">I&#039;d be interested in hearing from businesses as to tourist spending so far.</blockquote> 
Me too. It is interesting to me to see all the creative thinking going on. ie how can I serve the customer and still profit? What is this year&#039;s customer looking for? 
 
It&#039;s my belief that any retail or restaurant business that survives this recession is going to be very formidable on the other end of it. The simple reason is that the times demand that people be very good at what they do, and be truly in touch with what the customer wants. Sadly even some of the good ones won&#039;t make it.

rehunter

Beach Comber

Yes, tourist spending would be interesting.  An uptick possibily from families foregoing the ski vacate or air travel vacate during these times.  30A has historically served the SE and 2 tanks of gas for a family of 5 is much cheaper than 5 plane tickets.  Are they going to spend anything after getting there.... I imagine that the area publix down there will have record seasons with more people opting to dine in than out, and more opting to RR on the free beach vs. being entertained by the various pay activities.  Hey "hope SPRINGS eternal" right

Yes, tourist spending would be interesting.  An uptick possibily from families foregoing the ski vacate or air travel vacate during these times.  30A has historically served the SE and 2 tanks of gas for a family of 5 is much cheaper than 5 plane tickets.  Are they going to spend anything after getting there.... I imagine that the area publix down there will have record seasons with more people opting to dine in than out, and more opting to RR on the free beach vs. being entertained by the various pay activities.  Hey &quot;hope SPRINGS eternal&quot; right

Rather B Paddlin

Beach Lover

Amazingly, bookings for spring break and the summer  have been steady and brisk. This year should end up being the same as the last several years.
Go figure:confused:

Amazingly, bookings for spring break and the summer have been steady and brisk. This year should end up being the same as the last several years. 
Go figure:confused:

30A Skunkape

Skunky

Basmati's was more crowded last night than I have ever seen it!
Patrons were parking on 30-A as the parking lot was full.  We were lucky to snare a small table on the porch.  Reservations are now a given when we go out.  I also noticed JC's was packed.
I am so happy for our restauranteurs:clap:

Basmati&#039;s was more crowded last night than I have ever seen it! 
Patrons were parking on 30-A as the parking lot was full. We were lucky to snare a small table on the porch. Reservations are now a given when we go out. I also noticed JC&#039;s was packed. 
I am so happy for our restauranteurs:clap:

Very Cool, ratherbepaddlin... You must be one of the "good ones" toofartampa speaks of.

Very Cool, ratherbepaddlin... You must be one of the &quot;good ones&quot; toofartampa speaks of.

AAbsolute

Banned

I'm hearing Watercolor and WaterSound will be 100% booked for Easter, but I was more surprised about what Seaside has been looking like.

I&#039;m hearing Watercolor and WaterSound will be 100% booked for Easter, but I was more surprised about what Seaside has been looking like.

Dominoes

Not necessarily true for Phase 2 and 3 in Watercolor OR Watersound. I know folks who have unoccupied places in both listed for rental.

But bookings have been comparable to last year, just occurring at the last minute (people looking for deals, but not getting them).

DuneLaker

Traffic is very heavy on 30A. Traveling by all the restaurants look like they have full parking lots. We ate at Fish Out of Water this week at WaterColor and it was full. Interesting, lots of kids eating first class meals.  George's at Alys Beach for lunch today was also totally packed.

Traffic is very heavy on 30A. Traveling by all the restaurants look like they have full parking lots. We ate at Fish Out of Water this week at WaterColor and it was full. Interesting, lots of kids eating first class meals.  George&#039;s at Alys Beach for lunch today was also totally packed.

[quote="Dominoes, post: 545937"]Not necessarily true for Phase 2 and 3 in Watercolor OR Watersound. I know folks who have unoccupied places in both listed for rental.[/quote]
 
Do you know if your friends' places are on the JOE in house rental program?

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Dominoes">Not necessarily true for Phase 2 and 3 in Watercolor OR Watersound. I know folks who have unoccupied places in both listed for rental.</blockquote> 
Do you know if your friends&#039; places are on the JOE in house rental program?

[quote="rehunter, post: 545802"]Yes, tourist spending would be interesting. An uptick possibily from families foregoing the ski vacate or air travel vacate during these times. 30A has historically served the SE and 2 tanks of gas for a family of 5 is much cheaper than 5 plane tickets. Are they going to spend anything after getting there.... I imagine that the area publix down there will have record seasons with more people opting to dine in than out, and more opting to RR on the free beach vs. being entertained by the various pay activities. Hey "hope SPRINGS eternal" right[/quote]
 
I understand that 395's Publix is already the most profitable Publix in the State.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="rehunter">Yes, tourist spending would be interesting. An uptick possibily from families foregoing the ski vacate or air travel vacate during these times. 30A has historically served the SE and 2 tanks of gas for a family of 5 is much cheaper than 5 plane tickets. Are they going to spend anything after getting there.... I imagine that the area publix down there will have record seasons with more people opting to dine in than out, and more opting to RR on the free beach vs. being entertained by the various pay activities. Hey &quot;hope SPRINGS eternal&quot; right</blockquote> 
I understand that 395&#039;s Publix is already the most profitable Publix in the State.

Beach Runner

beats on hood

[quote="Dominoes, post: 545938"]But bookings have been comparable to last year, just occurring at the last minute (people looking for deals, but not getting them).[/quote]
That's what I have discovered as well regarding spring.
 
I have people begging for OUR time in June. I sowwy.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Dominoes">But bookings have been comparable to last year, just occurring at the last minute (people looking for deals, but not getting them).</blockquote>That&#039;s what I have discovered as well regarding spring. 
 
I have people begging for OUR time in June. I sowwy.

Bobby J

[quote="AAbsolute, post: 545678"]I think something is different this year. There is more seasonal traffic on 30A than the last two years. I sense a collective optimism.[/quote]
 
Don't let the media know about this....

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="AAbsolute">I think something is different this year. There is more seasonal traffic on 30A than the last two years. I sense a collective optimism.</blockquote> 
Don&#039;t let the media know about this....

beachmouse

Sister's theory is that a number of the kids and families who would usually go to Cancun or other parts of Mexico for vacation have decided to stay in the US because of the reports of increased crime in the country.

Sister&#039;s theory is that a number of the kids and families who would usually go to Cancun or other parts of Mexico for vacation have decided to stay in the US because of the reports of increased crime in the country.

Suma

That's what I hear, Beachmouse.  I certainly wouldn't let my college-aged children go to Mexico for spring break, although my son did a few years ago.

That&#039;s what I hear, Beachmouse.  I certainly wouldn&#039;t let my college-aged children go to Mexico for spring break, although my son did a few years ago.

I think something is different this year. There is more seasonal traffic on 30A than the last two years. I sense a collective optimism.

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Cars of 30A At Alys Beach: Event Highlights & Photo Gallery

Sixth annual Run Watersound At Watersound Town Center October 24, 2026

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