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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.

Wild Olives in Rosemary Beach opened in May of 2006 as a convenient local market, deli, and bakery providing the perfect place for guests to enjoy breakfast and lunch.

As the town grew and more visitors discovered the eatery, Owner Chris Trovas expanded with longer hours to include dinner and indoor dining. When others businesses began baking breakfast items, Trovas cut back on those, but his popular scones, muffins and biscuits are still available. The latest evolution is a revamped menu and a redesigned dining room.

Rosemary Beach is bringing back one of our favorite events, the third annual “Rosemary Beach Uncorked,” a culinary and wine pairing event on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  It's likely to sell out early so get your tickets now.

Net proceeds from the event will benefit Caring and Sharing of South Walton, a volunteer group which provides food and assistance to locals in need, and Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.

Here's some insider info from our friend Tom Dodson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Alys Beach.

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The summer season continues to reflect a welcomed response from customers seeing valued opportunities in the real estate market along 30A. Many of the buyers are engaging in the 30A market to secure a property for their families to enjoy for a lifetime.

Sales through second quarter 2012 along 30A delivered a 28% increase in homesite sales and a 17% increase in home sales compared to respective sales through second quarter in 2011.

The east end of South Walton has some of the best local secrets. Some people never venture  beyond the stunning new urban town of Rosemary Beach on Scenic 30A. They don't know what they're missing. Here are a few Insider tips from the staff.

Combine coastal chic with the latest in modern technolgy and you have the ultimate beach house. Coastal Living magazine, Rosemary Beach Realty and Visit South Walton are pleased to announce that tours of the 15th Anniversary Ultimate Beach House are underway!

This year's Rags To Riches Regatta takes place on Grayton Beach on Sunday, July 1, with registration at 8AM. It's a colorful and action-packed SoWalcom-sponsored tradition residents and visitors love to take part in and make memories.

“Everyone in Grayton Beach thought of themselves as poor,” Charlie Thornton recalls, “and they went by ‘rags.’  The folks in Seagrove were all better off, so they went by ‘riches.’  So that year we called it the Rags to Riches Regatta.  The next year we sailed from Seagrove to Grayton, and would call it Riches to Rags."

There's nothing better on the 4th of July than to head down to the beach. You can usually see fireworks up and down the coast. It's quite a sight to behold. The following fireworks displays are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. 

Hilton Sandestin Beach -9pm
The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa presents a fireworks Show begins at 9pm, with beach chair rentals available for a fee. Seating for the show begins at 7:30pm. More info at www.sandestinbeachhilton.com.

The South Walton Community Council (SWCC) and South Walton’s Tourist Development Council (TDC) invite locals and visitors to participate in SWCC’s annual July 5th beach cleanup in South Walton. Locations included are Blue Mountain, Van Ness Butler Beach Access between Seaside and Watercolor, Dune Allen, Ed Walline, Grayton Beach, Inlet Beach, Miramar Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Seagrove Beach.