Inspired Food Shopping at the Beach in SoWal

We enjoy discovering the freshest and most interesting foods whether its produce, cheese, wines, olive oils, seafood, baked goods or specialty foods. SoWal food shopping options are expanding in ways that make us thrilled to be able to shop local. Tasty, healthful and fresh foods can now be found at a number of locally owned markets, health foods stores, and gourmet/specialty shops.

Here is our latest SoWal List of unique shops for the next time you're ready to stock the fridge. Go on a quest for great food and find inspiration on these shelves for your next home-cooked meal. Whether you sustain an organic lifestyle or just like to have fun, these food markets and shops are worth a visit.

Modica Market
Exploring each aisle and shelf inside Modica Market is a foodie’s dream. Everywhere you look there are kitchen staples and ingredients to inspire a variety of cuisines. The gourmet grocery, opened by the Modica family in 1988, carries an extensive inventory of specialty groceries, craft beer, wine and imported cheeses. You'll find a variety of pastas and other Italian grocery items. The market will hand cut your choice of steak on the spot. Grab a coffee and a slice of cake or select from many foods and pastries to go that are always delicious. Modica Market is on the square in Seaside and open daily from 7am til 8pm. wwww.modicamarket.com. Seaside. 

For The Health Of It
For The Health Of It is SoWal's longtime natural foods store located on the hill in Blue Mountain Beach. This outstanding grocery stocks an extensive variety of organic produce, meats, dairy items, grains, natural foods, body care and supplements. For the Health of It has been serving the area for over twenty years and they pride themselves on excellent customer service and local loyalty. If you don't see it in stock, they will gladly special order it! The store is dedicated organic, green, natural and sustainability and offers the very best in food and health products. Stop by for a refreshing, organic smoothie from their juice bar, pick up beautiful prepared meals by Chef Rich, or schedule a massage while you're there. www.shopforthehealthofit.com. Blue Mountain Beach

Seaside Farmers Market
The Seaside Farmers Market consists of local growers and craftspeople who offer food and other products that are healthy and environmentally conscious at the year-round market located in Seaside's Central Square. The market focuses on food, produce, specialty items, artisan cheeses and breads, gardeners, seed exchanges, and the celebration of eating and sharing great ingredients. You'll find some of the most delicious prepared foods to pick up and take home for the weekend. We're thankful to have such a thriving farmers market year round in SoWal!

Goatfeathers Seafood Markets
A trip to the fresh seafood counter at one of the Goatfeathers locations (east or west) has become a SoWal vacation tradition. Heaping mounds of fresh shrimp right out of the gulf, giant grouper filets, beautiful snapper and mahi are proudly displayed on top of the ice. In the refrigerated cases are containers of smoked mullet dip, cocktail sauce, gumbo, and more delectable goodies. In addition to all the fixins and preparations, seasonings, and veggies - you can even get a great t-shirt souvenir. goatfeathersseafood.com. Santa Rosa Beach, Seagrove Beach
 

Cypress Cattle & Produce
This produce market is located on Hwy 331 in Freeport. The market carries produce from their own north Walton County family-run farm including ranch-raised beef. You'll find produce, goods, meats and seafoods from their farm as well as from regional farms and sources, including Apalachicola oysters and stone crab claws. Just a quick trip over the 331 bridge takes you to their farm stand and some wonderful homegrown tomatoes, fresh peas and veggies. Pick up sacks of crawfish and boxes of oysters when in season. cypresscattle.com. Freeport

Whole Foods Destin
The opening of Whole Foods in Destin is much anticipated by people across the Emerald Coast. Opening April 20, 2016 is the largest organic grocery chain in the country. This will be the first Whole Foods to open in Northwest Florida. The store is located at Destin Commons and will feature sections such as bakery, craft beer and organic wine, cheeses, coffee/tea, floral, meat/poultry, prepared foods, produce, seafood, body care, pets and bulk grocery products. Look for the craft beer bar with wine and good eats. destincommons.com. Destin
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We're thankful for Publix with several locations in our area. Winn Dixie is also available in Miramar Beach and just east of Inlet Beach. Two excellent Fresh Markets located in Destin as well as Panama City Beach. Weekly farmers markets can be found in Seaside, Rosemary Beach and Grand Boulevard. Check the SoWal Events Calendar for market dates and times.

Let us know your favorite food shopping experience in South Walton and along the coast. You can read about more local shops in the SoWal Shopping Guide, and find out where to dine out in the SoWal Dining Guide.