Business

Gulf Place is a happening place! What with all the cool restaurants, artists, shops and events, but perhaps the coolest of all is the Third Thursday Wine Walkabout from 5-7 p.m.

The SoWal crew went to lunch at Basmati's Asian Cuisine Tuesday and it was as good as ever.

We're there so often we can all order for each other.  Lisa usually orders the Thai Chicken Salad wrap which is filled with fresh chicken salad, Thai dressing and avacado flanked by fresh watermelon and a side of Asian slaw. They seem to have the inside hook up on fresh watermelon year round.

AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar is a one-of-a-kind destination that draws in both locals and visitors. Spend a little time there and taste a little food and it’s easy to see why.

Located in the funky fresh, laid-back town of Grayton Beach, AJ’s is a hotspot for food and entertainment in South Walton. The diverse menu and upbeat environment featuring live music and exciting events throughout the year combine to make AJ’s Grayton a one-stop shop for families and fun seekers.

Right next to Gulf Place on the beach is a gleaming white building comprised of luxury condominiums know as Costa Blanca. We love getting to see new construction and the latest trends in beach design. Unit 200 is for rent through Resortquest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals. Call (877) 640-0052 to reserve.

One constant in SoWal is that things are always changing in Seaside.

The constant evolution of the town keeps things interesting and vibrant. Loyal visitors who come back year after year appreciate that some things never change - the generous and friendly beach attitude, great shopping and dining - and the BEACH!

Mother - daughter duo Margie Perry and Kristen Foley are happy and busy running their family business Beau Interiors in Grayton Beach.

As they approach their 8th year in business, I sat down with them for a soul sesh and learned the truth about why the store exists, what it takes to be an entrepreneur, how they inspire one another, and the one secret about obstacles that everyone should know. (Spoiler alert: they’re all in your head.)

The most recent SoWal Real Estate Report covers all of Walton County including South Walton real estate activity for January 2019, with statistics for single family homes, townhomes, and condos in Walton County, Florida.

Single family homes closed sales were up 16.5% for January 2019 compared to the same month last year. The number of pending sales for Walton County was down 11%. Inventory was up 2.6%. Median sales price was up 0.6%. Dollar volume decreased 9.3% over last year at $104.7 Million.

The new fitness center at Alys Beach is nearing completion and it is a wonder to behold. The plans are coming to fruition and everyone is invited to join during the exclusive initial membership drive.

Driving through Seaside on Scenic 30A, SoWal newbies are often surprised and delighted when they first spot Seaside’s gleaming Airstream Row.

The newest sleek silver kitchen is on the east end of the row - Crêpes du Soleil. It's owned and operated by wife and husband Liz & Jay Eichelberger, and “Chef Rob” Masone, formerly a caterer in Charlotte, NC.

One of the biggest specialty retailers in the world, Williams Sonoma, is set to open in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin this spring. The company is known for their kitchenware including professional quality cookware, small kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, decor and gourmet foods. The announcement comes on the heels of a banner year for the town center, which opened seven new retail stores and restaurants in 2018.