GulfLink South Walton Blog

Songwriters of the World Unite on 30A

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Back by popular demand is the 30A Songwriters Festival. It’s a three-day music festival featuring over 250 performances by more than 125 songwriters from all over the country. Venues vary from intimate settings to open air amphitheaters, all taking place along the beautiful beaches of South Walton’s Scenic Highway 30A in Northwest Florida.

Beginning January 13th – 15th, the 30A 2012 Songwriters Festival provides non-stop entertainment at unique beach resort venues in South Walton. Performances will span along 30A from Santa Rosa Beach’s Gulf Place Amphitheatre and Naked Grape to The Boathouse in WaterColor and Caliza in Alys Beach. Including some favorite hangouts like First Note Music Hall in Blue Mountain Beach and Bud & Alley’s in Seaside.

Voted #1 Hottest Annual Event in 2011, 30A Songwriters Festival is ready to turn up the heat in 2012. Music styles range from folk, country, rock, and alternative. The 2012 featured line-up includes The Bangles, Rodney Crowell, Shawn Mullins, Matthew Sweet, Indigo Girls, Joan Osborne, and so many more. For a complete list of performances you can visit http://www.30asongwritersfestival.com Tickets are on sale now and you can purchase them online for a discounted price while available.

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Visit South Walton produce and present this world class event of talented songwriters coming together to perform in one of the most beautiful spots in the Country. 30A Songwriters Festival is truly a music lovers must!

Hear it First in South Walton

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

South Walton Beach has a brand new hot spot for your next Friday and Saturday night out, First Note! True to its name, First Note is a trendy little music hall that provides a stage to up and coming artists looking to showcase their talent. These artists can practice their performance to a smaller crowd and we can enjoy the show!

What a great concept! In the next year or so you may have to travel and pay a small fortune to see these artists. Right now, however, you can take in their talent from your own backyard for a $15 cover charge.

First Note is located on 30A in Redfish Village and is owned/operated by Tommy Jackson also owner of First Note Entertainment, a musical publishing and artists development company. Shows are every Friday and Saturday night with an average of six acts all singing 4 songs.

First Note serves beer, wine, and appetizers which your $15 cover charge goes toward when ordering. What better way to spend a Friday or Saturday night? Enjoy a drink with friends while listening to live entertainment from what could be the “next big name” in music.

Next time you’re in South Walton, reserve a spot at the First Note Music Hall! You can reserve a seat by calling (850) 622-0221. You can also follow them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Note-Music-Hall/158685240867153?sk=info

Yolo Board Seaside Celebration September 10th, 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Devote one day to the hottest craze to hit the water, Stand-Up Paddle Boards. This special event will be hosted by Seaside, one of North West Florida’s favorite little beach towns. Everyone is welcome to 2011’s Yolo Board, Seaside Celebration!

Racers and spectators alike are encouraged to make their way to Seaside, Florida on September 10th to join in the festivities. Along with two Paddle Board races there will be a live concert, silent auction, equipment demos, and much more.

Start training now for a 3 mile recreation course with prizes or enter to win the 7 mile Elite course with $5000 in prize money. Whatever adventure you choose you are sure to make a splash at this exciting event. Fun for the entire family with a pre-race clinic, kids’ clinic, and even a Stand-Up Paddle Boot Camp brought to you by celebrity SUP guests.

The Cottage Rental Agency is offering special rates to all attendees and participants. Stay in beautiful Seaside, Florida during the dates of the race and enjoy the convenience of being close to the event as well as the beach at a discounted rate.

Mark your calendars for September 10th, 2011. Head to Seaside and spend the last few days of summer in the ocean on a Yolo Board!

Sunday Brunch on 30A

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Last Sunday I found myself driving down 30A with friends looking for a breakfast spot. We are all locals and looking for a change from the standard breakfast places we always seem to end up at. We stumbled across Stinky’s Fish Camp and decided to give it a try.

  I had never been there and must admit the name had me a bit hesitant. The friends I was with had tried it for dinner and assured me that the restaurant did not live up to its name. I was pleased to find they were right! As soon as I walked in the door the delicious aromas of seafood got my attention. As well as the very cheerful hostess and staff. The décor was unique, a posh fish camp if you can imagine that! Wood floors, tables, chairs, and a bar with champagne bottle light fixtures and beautiful outdoor views.

The Menu was equally impressive and unique. No average Brunch here! From French toast with warm maple syrup and fresh berries to three egg omelets filled with crab and smoked cheese. I ordered the shrimp and grits which included Andouille sausage, corn, and tomatoes. It was amazing and equally as tasty as my husbands’ Rock Star crawfish pie with two sheared eggs. We couldn’t decide which was best so we shared them both. Of course nothing says brunch like a Bloody Mary and crawfish hushpuppy appetizers.

Stinky’s has definitely hit number 1 on the Sunday brunch top 10 list. Their motto has proven to be true, “With a name like Stinky’s we have to be good”.

The Sounds of Spring in Seaside, Florida

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After another unusually cold winter, this Florida girl is ready for spring! It is the best time of year for this area. Everything around is green and ready to bloom, including the entertainment. Outdoor concerts on every corner, my favorite being the Seaside Spring Concert Series.

Every year Seaside puts on an outdoor Spring Concert. It is free and everyone is invited. Bring a chair or blanket and relax on their lush green lawn enjoying sounds from the area’s most talented musicians. Beginning March 16th and running through April 13th, every Wednesday night at 6:00pm, watch the sunset to live music from the amphitheatre. It’s a perfect way to end a day at the beach or get a little fresh air after a long day at work.

This season’s line up of musicians is top notch, including one of my favorite local bands, Heritage! Each venue is so distinct in sound, offering a little something for everyone. The Seaside Spring Concert Series keeps getting better year after year. Named the hottest spot for outdoor concerts along 30-A in 2010, I can’t wait to see what Seaside has in store for 2011!

Get Your Creativity Fired Up

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Fired Up is a fun and unique shop where you paint your own pottery. Located in the quaint little town of Seaside, Fired Up was voted #1 Hot Spot by 30A.com. If you are looking for that special vacation souvenir than you have to check this place out!

Fired Up has over 500 pieces of pottery to choose from. You can pick from a variety of plates, platters, coffee cups, and ornaments, just to name a few. With a supply of idea books, stencils, stamps, and clip art it won’t be hard to let your creative juices flow. Personalize your piece with an array of colors and pottery glazes. Then grab a paint brush and put on the finishing touches.

With prices starting at $14, you can bring the whole family. It’s a perfect way to spend time with the kids, creating vacation memories in a fun, stress-free atmosphere. Fired Up is also an excellent place for a first date or girl’s night out! If you’re ever in Seaside, looking to unleash your inner artist, Fired Up is the place to be!

A Curious Little Restaurant in Alys Beach

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

George's is a trendy, frog-themed restaurant set on 30-A in Alys Beach. Casual dining inside this quaint cottage-style restaurant or outside on the patio where there is a cool ocean breeze. Judging by the crowd on and off season, George’s is the place to eat in South Walton.

The lunch menu is broken up into two categories so you can be good and order off the “BEHAVE” side of the menu where you’ll try dishes such as: Curry Chicken Salad, Veggie Frittata’s, or my husband’s favorite George’s Grilled Gyro Wrap. The only time he truly behaves. You also have the option of ordering off the “MISBAVING” side with menu items such as: Fried Seafood Baskets, George’s Famous Fried Grouper Sandwich, and my very favorite, Fish Tacos. Of course you can order the grilled Fish Tacos off the “Behaving Side” but how much fun is that?

Lunch is reasonably priced with entrees ranging from $8 to $15 an entrée. You can choose your behavior for dinner as well with an equally tantalizing menu. Prices for dinner are a good bit higher but still comparable to other restaurants in the area, ranging from $20 to $33 an entrée.

With great service and amazing food, George’s is hands down the best place to eat in Alys Beach!

A Beaches of South Walton Vacation

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This summer put your cares aside and vacation in a place that promotes peace and tranquility, a place that encourages rest and relaxation, a place where every path leads to the sea, the Beaches of South Walton.

Escape to the beauty of the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and powder white sand that runs alongside it. The Beaches of South Walton is home to over 10 amazing beach communities, each one offering a little something for everyone.

Grayton Beach was the first community established in Beaches of South Walton and a perfect vacation spot for the nature lover. Providing nature trails that circle sand dunes and skirt the coastal dune lake, as well as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Famous for the incomparable beauty of the Grayton Beach State Park, inviting all to experience the exciting adventure of camping! Explore the small cozy town of Grayton Beach.

Seaside is a picturesque town built alongside the beautiful emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Famous for its “walk-to-anywhere” design, Seaside offers a gourmet food market, multiple art galleries, small boutiques, and unique eateries all centered around a town square with an outdoor amphitheater. Live music fills Central Square during Seaside’s Spring Concert Series every Tuesday evening. Every first Friday of the month Seaside presents their famous Artwalk with live music and beautiful works of art on display. Saturday mornings Seaside brings the Farmers Market to Central Square. Get your pick of fresh produce, baked goods, and other unique offerings. Spring and Summer months bring outdoor excitement to Seaside.

Alys Beach is a charming community where you can reach every restaurant, shop, art gallery, and more by foot or bicycle. Extraordinary architecture inspired from both Bermuda and the family courtyard homes of Antigua, Guatemala create a pure and tranquil domain. Artistic affairs such as “Off The Wall Solo Graffiti”, art work set to music and projected on a wall at Alys Beach, along with other creative events make Alys Beach an anomalous destination.

Rosemary Beach is the newest addition to the Beaches of South Walton, offering beautiful beaches and unique architecture sure to capture your spirits. Named after the rosemary that grows along the sand dunes, this community provides the perfect get-away for families to relax and unwind. Calm Gulf waters and silky sand beaches offer an array of activities such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just soaking in the sun. Enjoy shopping and waterfront dining as well as long leisure strolls down the beautiful beaches of Rosemary.

The Beaches of South Walton invites all to experience the beauty and inspiration of these exceptional beach communities. This summer unwind in the warmth of the Beaches of South Walton.

Take a Tour Along 30-A

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Separating powder-white sands and emerald-green waters from award winning dining and diverse shopping, Highway 30- A is a road leading to all that is good. So take a road trip... or bike ride... and discover the amazing beach communities that surround this South Walton Beach Highway.

First stop, Santa Rosa Beach’s Gulf Place! An artist community filled with shops, boutiques, and unique eateries. Stop in for some coffee and conversation at Miss Lucille’s Gossip Parlor. Walk around this unique European- style complex and enjoy local art and outdoor concerts on a lush green lawn.

Bordering Santa Rosa Beach is Blue Mountain Beach. Here’s where we park the car and pay a visit to Big Daddy’s Bikes & Beach Sports Bike Rentals. We can now take advantage of one of the most breathtaking bike paths in the world! Ride alongside white sand beaches and sea oat- covered dunes, past freshwater coastal lakes and saltwater inlets.

Which brings us to our next stop. Welcome to Grayton Beach! Bordering one of the largest and most scenic of the 11 rare coastal dune lakes, the 220-acre Western Lake. Grayton Beach is home to sea turtles and shore birds as well as award winning restaurants. Number one on our list - Picolo’s Restaurant and the (world-famous) Red Bar! A long-time favorite of locals and visitors. Get ready for great food in generous portions and an atmosphere that is laid- back and uniquely Grayton Beach. You must visit this early evening and late night hot spot!

Pedaling through Water Sound brings us to Seaside, the cultural and commercial center of 30-A. Famous for is debut in the film The Truman Show, Seaside is as picturesque and successful as the story portrayed. With a shelf full of prestigious architectural awards and a full calendar of cultural events, it’s no wonder visitors flock to its shores in droves.

Cruising on to Old Seagrove and Seagrove Beach where you can slow down the pace and enjoy the sights. Seagrove is home to the Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trail where you’ll find wildlife in its natural habitat. Then stop for a bite at Café Thirty A, one of the best restaurants on the Highway. Casual, fine dining featuring a delectable menu of seafood and organic meats. Not to mention impressive desserts and creative martinis. Then continue on through Water Sound and onto Camp Creek Lake and St. Joe’s 18-hole Camp Creek Golf Club.

Winding down to the end of the Highway we hit Rosemary Beach. A Quaint beach community reminiscent of the Southwest – white stucco, bell towers, beautiful beaches, up-scale shopping, and restaurants. Head to Main Street for Artisan Cheeses and a wide variety of up-scale wines. Courtyard Wine and Cheese is an eclectic wine and cheese bar featuring over 50 wines by the glass. Enjoy a glass of wine and breathtaking views in their unique open- air courtyard.

Spend the day where nature and beauty abounds and food and fun surrounds an 18- mile highway. Visit the Beaches of South Walton, Highway 30-A.

Second Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Local celebrities can be found “Somewhere in Time” at the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce and Coastal Area Council’s Second Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner, August 14, 2008, at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.

“Celebrities” throughout Greater Walton Area and the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast will serve up delectable fare while dressed in attire reflecting this year’s theme, “Somewhere in Time…A Night at the Movies”. Representing movies, actors and actresses, from a variety of eras and decades, the celebrity waiters will bring their guests with them dressed in character.

The Master of Ceremonies, celeb reality star, Lisa Hinds, of the Amazing Race: Season 9, will announce the array of festivities throughout the evening, including a silent auction which includes items such as accommodation getaways, fine art from local artists, a dinner cruise aboard the Solaris, massage packages and much more. Entertainment for the evening will also be provided by local musical celebrities.

From developers and bank executives to elected officials and executive directors, prominent area professionals will be serving the local community. A favorite conductor or president/CEO may be seen working their tables for a good cause. Tips for their hard work will support the Walton Area Chamber Foundation (WACF).

“We are very excited about this event and most appreciative to the Chamber’s Area Council for their hard work,” said Lori Kelley, WACF chair. “Most importantly the Foundation will be able to continue its efforts, as a leader, by providing programs that strengthen our community.”

The WACF was formed to support the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce strategic direction through educational and charitable programs that strengthen the business climate for the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast and the Greater Walton Region. The Foundation is responsible for such programs as Leadership Walton, Youth Leadership and ATHENA International. The organization strives to continue and enhance these quality programs, as well as bring other innovative opportunities into the area. The Celebrity Waiter Dinner will assist in the success of these endeavors.

The Second Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner will be held August 14, 2008 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, 6-8:30 pm. Tickets are available for $55 per person or a corporate table may be purchased for $1000. This is sure to be a “sell out” event, so call the Chamber at 267-0683 or 893-3191 and purchase your tickets today!

For more information, you may also contact Valencia Williamson, Walton Area Chamber Manager of Membership Development, at (850) 892-3191 or via email at