The latest real estate report for October 2013 in Walton County shows some interesting statistics compared to the same month last year - cash sales are up and so is inventory. It's been awhile since we've seen inventory rise compared to the same month compared to the previous year. Not really surprising given the number of sellers who see a hot market and are looking to cash in, also the high amount of building and spec homes under construction.
Bud and Alley’s Pizza Bar offers a casual dining experience that’s big on local flavor. Located next to Bud and Alley’s Restaurant on Scenic 30A in Seaside, the restaurant houses four distinct dining areas: seats by the oven to enjoy dough tossing, an intimate indoor space with full bar, an open-air courtyard with candlelit tables, and a shady terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Nick’s Seafood Restaurant is famous for having the freshest seafood around. They get all of their mullet, crab, shrimp, and flounder right out of the Choctawhatchee Bay. The Gulf provides an endless supply of fish right off the boat. The Nick family takes pride in serving real seafood - not worried about how pretty they can put crab on top of grouper - but ensuring that it’s the freshest and tastiest grouper you'll ever have.
Bud & Alley's of Seaside is an icon of the community. Rather than creating an ambiance, they have simply allowed the lifestyle of SoWal to dictate the atmosphere of all they do. This natural course has carried over to the Taco Bar. This festive little dive has all the colors and deliciousness of Mexico. Don't walk in expecting a generic taco experience. Taco Bar creates a fresh, authentic experience with a full bar offering tasty tequila and specialty drinks.
Members of the Freeport High School Key Club rolled up their sleeves and built one of the Cottages for Kids on display in Rosemary Beach. This is the 3rd cottage the club has built and this year's cottage is titled “The Pirate Ship HHK” (healthy, happy kids).
When Frasier Hansen and Shawn Sherman met a few years ago, opening a craft brewery in South Walton was just a seed of a dream. A lot of planning, anxiety, sweat, and financing has passed since, and Idyll Hounds Brewing Company is about to blossom. The duo beam like proud poppas when speaking of the first batch of ale soon to be to be brewed in their brand-new facility in the South Walton Commerce Park, off Hwy 98 between Point Washington and Rosemary Beach.
Brett Martin, woodcrafter and owner of Made on 30A, grew up tinkering and building stuff in Georgia. He’s still building stuff, but on a much grander scale. The smell of fresh-cut wood permeates the air as Martin surveys his current workshop located on Hwy. 393 South. He speaks enthusiastically about his work and how he came to be here.
Having worked in the screen printing and embroidery business in Georgia for 20 years, he sold that business to move here with his family in 2007. The change in scenery necessitated a change in jobs.
Bow Wow Meow Pet Company is now selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a brand new, locally designed and constructed doghouse. Raffle tickets are $10 for one or $15 for two. The raffle winner will be chosen on December 28, 2013 with all profits going to benefit Seaside Animal Rescue. Make sure to stop by Bow Wow Meow Pet Company in Seagrove Beach, any day of the week, to see this adorable house and to purchase your raffle tickets.
Russell & Russell, the only full-service hospitality consulting firm based in Northwest Florida, has formed Russell Vacation Rentals, which began operating Nov. 1, 2013.
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse returned to South Walton recently for the taping of the second season of “Emeril’s Florida.” Emeril made visits to many South Walton favorites to enjoy the food, the people and to experience what makes SoWal so special.
