Business

The holiday season is here and it's time to give and time to shop! You have questions and we have answers. What shall I buy? Where should I shop? Who has unique gifts?

We know locals and visitors also want to help our local businesses - our friends and neighbors who are the backbone of our community. So in the spirit of shopping local, here's a super selection of great shops in SoWal where you can find something for everyone on your list. Say "bah humbug" to the giant stores and shop local!
 

Local Catch Bar & Grill has been going strong and gaining popularity since opening nine months ago and there are no signs of slowing down. The restaurant's coastal cuisine with a southern twist was an instant hit here in SoWal and they continue to gather faithful followers even over the off season. Known for using quality, fresh ingredients in all of their unique dishes, it's easy to see why Local Catch has already become a must-eat destination.

 
Are you a fan of fine jewelry and $1000 shopping sprees? Well then, you are in luck. McCaskill and Company is feeling generous this holiday season and have decided to reward one lucky customer. The best part is that there is no purchase necessary to enter!   

As a young boy, Bill Campbell was thrilled to visit his grandmother's house when she would bring out all of the jewels collected from her father’s and his great-grandfather’s travels. When Bill graduated college, he went to work as a manager for his family’s hardware and supply businesses. After twenty years of working with his family, the two businesses were sold and Bill was finally able to follow his dream of owning his own fine jewelry store.

Getting hitched like a local is effortless in the Backyard of Love, behind Hibiscus Coffee and Guest House. Located in the heart of Grayton Beach, this whimsical little gem embodies the very spirit of the area. There are many places in SoWal to tie the knot, but if you want a more intimate setting, look no further than the Backyard of Love. With seating for 80 people, this is the perfect place to host your wedding events.

We admit it - we are also obsessed with Pinterest! But we can stop any time we want - right? We're all about sharing here at SoWal.com - especially beach stuff! We'd love to see your board and please let us know what boards or images you'd like to see us add...

https://www.pinterest.com/sowalbeaches/

The Souh Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC) has named MC and Stella Davis as its 2012 Van Ness Butler Hospitality Award recipients. This award was first presented to Van Ness Butler Jr. in honor of his visionary leadership and the continuation of his family's legacy in making South Walton a premier tourist destination.

Gulf Place, at the corner of Scenic 30A and Scenic 393, has been added to the list of beach neighborhoods by the South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC). The Walton County Board of County Commissioners approved the move at a recent meeting.

Adding Gulf Place to signs and other marketing materials will cost an estimated $250,000. 

The report below is by Dotty Nist for SoWal.com Partner, The Beach Breeze:

Local artist Andy Saczynski is far from an overnight success, but he's garnered much attention lately. His career just got a huge boost when he was revealed as the 2013 "South Walton Artist of the Year", at the South Walton TDC's annual meeting at the Sandestin Hilton.

The "Artist of the Year" program is in its eleventh year. The South Walton TDC selects a new artist in residence each fall. Artists are chosen based on their medium and how well they capture the nature, heritage and beauty of this coastal community.  

Bruno’s Pizza in Seagrove Beach is a prime example of “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” For more than 20 years Bruno’s has been satisfying locals and visitors with their quality pizza and superb customer service. It’s a place where folks go to enjoy great food in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.