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It's been one of the busiest summers in South Walton history. The cars full of visitors have come in waves just like the surf in the gulf, but there's no lull in the visitor waves until school starts back in Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans Houston...

Meawhile the crowds clamor for the food and fun times at the Red Bar in Grayton Beach. Can you call it a hidden gem? Almost anyone who has heard of SoWal has heard of the Red Bar. But if you get a puzzled look from someone when you mention Grayton Beach in Chicago then you better believe the Red Bar is a hidden gem to them.

Are you ready for fantastic food and wine in October at Rosemary Beach? How about free tickets?

Guests of the Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company (CRC) who make a two-night reservation at the newly renovated Pensione Inn, or a three-night reservation in any carriage house, loft or flat will receive two free tickets to SoWal.com-sponsored Rosemary Beach Uncorked on October 20, 2012, a $150 value. 

It’s been an exciting and rewarding first month for tours at the 2012 Coastal Living Dream House! To that end, the numbers beginning with tours on June 29, 2012 through July 29, 2012 show over 4,000 guests have toured the home.

Through this period donations of over $30,000 have been collected. These funds are directly impacting our community! Local foundations and charities that will benefit include the Rosemary Beach Foundation and its related South Walton organization volunteer staffing partners.

Gina Shiflett made the transition from Atlanta to SoWal and has been providing clients with a cutting-edge experience at Salon Twist for the last eight years. Commitment to service and talent in a serene setting is her winning formula.

Shannon Davis at Great Southern is one of my favorite bartenders on Scenic 30a.  I’ve never seen her without a smile and a great story to tell. 

One of the great cocktails that Shannon serves up is her signature drink, the S.O.S. It’s made with Stoli Limon Vodka, Peach Schnapps, freshly squeezed orange and a splash of Red Bull.  It is so refreshing on a hot day!

Speaking of peach, it seems to be on trend with Shannon and the other bartenders at Great Southern. You have the Peach Bellini (with whipped cream) and the Peach Mojito just to name a couple. 

Dr. Walt Foegelleʼs pursuit of art, music, and photography began in childhood. They became his full-time passions after retirement from university teaching and administration.

He works in numerous media including acrylics, watercolors, colored pencils, pen and ink, wood sculpture, and photographic art. His artistic influences include Willie Nelson for his creative endurance and longevity, and Emily Carr for her ability to create drama through tonality. He is largely self taught and defines himself as an explorer - always experimenting and learning.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has something for everyone and has hosted families from all over the globe in recent decades. Many people who stay in Sandestin never leave the boundaries of the resort, and feel no need, with awesome beach fun, every cuisine imaginable, award-winning golf, and accommodations ranging the spectrum.

Here are a few insider tips from the SoWal Staff, we'd love to hear your tips for Sandestin!
 

Jolie Island between Baytowne Wharf and Baytowne Marina is a great place to explore for kids of all ages.

The South Walton TDC is now taking applications for 2013 Artist of the Year. This will mark the eleventh year of this outstanding community program showcasing a collection of local artists offering a wide range of media. Through this program, the TDC promotes the destination’s thriving arts community while placing the spotlight on one talented artist. To learn more about the Artist of the Year program, go to http://www.visitsouthwalton.org/awards-programs.

Come on out on Wednesday night to the Alys Beach Amphitheater from 7 to 9PM to jam with two of our favorite local musicians - Kelsey Anna and Chris Alvarado - together for one night only and it's FREE! Be sure to wear your bathing suit to romp in the new dancing fountains. Part of the Summer Concert Series every Wednesday night at Alys Beach.

Whether seaweed is present on the beach or not is on one of the most frequently asked questions on the SoWal Forum for folks coming to visit. Here's a little info about seaweed from our partner, the South Walton TDC.
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Seaweed can be an issue along our beaches during certain times of the year. Though June is historically the month of greatest seaweed deposits, there is no way to predict when it will wash ashore in larger quantities or how long it will last.