In days gone by, outdoor produce markets like the venerable “Cotton’s” dotted the landscape along the major highways of Walton County. Today they're gone, but at the Cypress Cattle and Produce Market on US 331 North you can buy fresh produce and participate in the latest trend to “buy local” by perusing a variety of vegetables that have been raised on the Langford farm right here in Walton County.
SoWal’s own Stephanie Nichols is making fashion waves from sea to shining sea. No matter how smug us locals might be about our little corner of paradise, every now and then it’s great to get validation from “out-of-towners.” Granted, we know with certainty our beaches and architecture are the best. But it’s nice when first-time visitors confirm other SoWal offerings rank up there too.
John Scanlan picked 1/11/11 to open his new venture, Bow Wow Meow Pet Company, hoping the unique date would be good for business. Now in his second year, he notes he’s had at least one sale every day. For someone open seven days a week and closed only for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New year's Day, that’s quite an accomplishment.
I started vending at the Seaside market in December of last year when I decided I needed some different ways to spread my name and to sell my products while doing that. The reason I wanted to sell pastries is because of my knowledge in the area.
Get ready for takeoff! Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) just north of Panama City Beach, has unveiled a new website that will make traveling even more convenient for flyers. The new website features an updated design, social media integration and streamlined information for travelers, including a new real-time flight tracking feature.
Handling in excess of 100 weddings a year, the team at SunQuest Cruises runs a tight ship. They take care of the bride-to- be’s wedding needs down to the last detail, from planning through implementation on the big day. The two full-time event planners on staff work directly with the bride, or with her wedding coordinator.
Our friends at Amavida Coffee have created an international project to change lives and communities - one cup of coffee at a time. “Cup By Cup” is a coffee brand created to finance the project. Beach-based charity Global Effect buys the coffee beans from growers in the southern Dominican Republic; Amavida imports, roasts and packages the coffee at its beach warehouse. The product is marketed to churches in the United States, and proceeds are invested in poor communities in northern Dominican Republic to create businesses and provide for families and children.
Nestled at the north end of the commercial district on Barrett’s Square in Rosemary Beach is The Hidden Lantern Bookstore and Gallery. It is a booklover’s treasure where story times and book signings co-exist with art exhibitions and hands-on art workshops.
When people first heard a bookstore was coming to Rosemary Beach, there was some surprise at such a venture with big chains close by and another independent bookseller on 30-A, but the Carvalho family believed it was the right thing to do.
The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County has officially opened its doors to what is sure to be one of Walton County’s most special and prized places of interest. Nestled in the scrub oak and palmetto, the building isn’t even visible from the road, but is just off CR 393N by Cessna Park, the new sign leads you to Walton County’s newest genesis for art and culture.
Sitting at the water’s edge a wooden ramp or stairs leads visitors to the wrap-around porch of the rustic Florida shotgun-style building that now serves at the Cultural Arts Alliance’s official residence.
Celeste and Ted Cobena represent what is best about South Walton. Long-time transplants from Louisiana, they built their home some 20 years ago. Both saw South Walton for the paradise it is. Because they saw that, Celeste has worked hard to preserve it.
For a number of years she fought to preserve the ecological integrity of South Walton. She looked around and saw things, “that just weren’t right.” A geologist herself, Celeste was able to connect the dots as it were, and see what a particular project would impact.
