Locals usually know where to find the best live music in South Walton. A few SoWal locals may not yet know about the Williams Backyard Boogie, although word is spreading fast about the newest hot spot for live music. It's one of the most unique and enjoyable.
Check out this neat article in USA Today Travel featuring Seaside, in the heart of SoWal. It's entitled: Idyllic Seaside is still in the pink as it turns 30
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in honor of the international health campaign, Caliza in Alys Beach will present a special five course dinner by Chef Kevin Korman. A cocktail hour with signature pink libations will precede the meal. Dinner will be complimented by wine pairings and thoughtfully prepared with the ultimate in cancer-fighting ingredients.
The guest speaker will be Lisa Burwell, co-owner of VIE Magazine, and a breast cancer survivor herself.
Just west of Grayton Beach State Park, nestled behind the trees, you'll find Borago Restaurant. With tourists flowing in and out during the summer and locals returning in the fall, Borago is always the happening place.
I bet Mark Anton and Michael Dragon would never have guessed they would be here when they first met. Each moved around quite a bit, but they didn't lose touch. Mark is from Charleston, SC and Michael is from upstate New York. They originally met in Charleston in 1992.
I have found my new favorite cocktail. Okay, maybe I found more than one. My recent visit to Fish Out of Water was truly an eye-opening and tasty experience.
As I walked up the stairs I felt like I had stepped into a sophisticated, uber-metropolitan venue. I found a seat and was greeted by beverage manager John Ryckert. He suggested the Something Good and Strawberry Lemonade - both from the signature cocktail list. Each turned out to be delicious and refreshing.
Planning is underway for Taste of the Beach 2012 kick off event, "Vine to Wine - A Wine Preview" on Aug. 24th, 2012. This year the event is being held in the former Victoria's Secret space at Grand Boulevard. Right now, it's just an empty building, but with help of Monark Events, it will transform into a super chic event space!
Friday, August 24th | 6pm ~ 8pm
Twenty-one years after opening Shades in Seaside, Billy McConnell is back where he began his South Walton adventure, in the same building which now houses the Great Southern Café.
Shades was the hub of the busy Central Square in Seaside for many years until it moved to Inlet Beach in 2006.
“Everyone says I’ve come full circle,” Billy says.
It's been one of the busiest summers in South Walton history. The cars full of visitors have come in waves just like the surf in the gulf, but there's no lull in the visitor waves until school starts back in Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans Houston...
Meawhile the crowds clamor for the food and fun times at the Red Bar in Grayton Beach. Can you call it a hidden gem? Almost anyone who has heard of SoWal has heard of the Red Bar. But if you get a puzzled look from someone when you mention Grayton Beach in Chicago then you better believe the Red Bar is a hidden gem to them.
Are you ready for fantastic food and wine in October at Rosemary Beach? How about free tickets?
Guests of the Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company (CRC) who make a two-night reservation at the newly renovated Pensione Inn, or a three-night reservation in any carriage house, loft or flat will receive two free tickets to SoWal.com-sponsored Rosemary Beach Uncorked on October 20, 2012, a $150 value.
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.
