Shopping

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.

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.)

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.

Foodies Rejoice! New restaurants and food centric events  abound making 2019 the most "craveable" year yet for Destin's award-winning lifestyle center, Destin Commons.

Restaurants opening in 2019 include: Gulf Coast Burger Co., Another Broken Egg Cafe, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, and Destination Little Donuts & Cups and Cones. 

Other recent additions to the center include energizing new events like: the Mac & Cheese Festival benefiting the Boys and Girls Club and Parrot Head Chili Cook Off benefiting The Arc of the Emerald Coast.

Grayton Beer Company is hosting the 3rd Annual Grayt Holiday Market on Saturday, December 1 from 10AM to 4PM.

SoWal Gear and Moon Creek Studios will have a double booth with special Holiday pricing on Framed SoWal Photos, Tee Shirts, Hats, Gifts and special merchandise!

Gulf Place is a vibrant neighborhood on the west end of Scenic Highway 30A just steps from the Gulf of Mexico.

Visitors and locals love Gulf Place for local art, down to earth shopkeepers, a bustling dining scene, and community events. The town center is across Scenic 30A from Ed Waline Beach Access, one of the most popular beaches in SoWal. Here’s your local’s guide on where to eat, stay, shop and play in Gulf Place.

YOLO Board co-founder Tom Losee has been coaxing, cheering, and leading lucky folks onto the water for over a decade. Tom and his SUP tribe want you!

Fashionably Late’s fun apparel is versatile enough to take you from a wine festival to a wedding…and all of life’s moments in between.

Splashes of color adorn fixtures in the contemporary women’s boutique that has found a home in a light-filled space at Uptown Grayton. Owner Amy Huff just celebrated the three-year mark this past Spring. Yet from day one, her happy task has remained the same.

These guys. They’re chomping at the bit to hit the trail….and here I am holding up the show to take a picture of the gang.

We're gathered at Big Daddy’s Bike Shop to head out on the weekly mountain bike ride through nearby Point Washington State Forest.  I'm along for the ride and looking forward to the venture.