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What's New in South Walton for Spring 2019

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WALTON COUNTY, Fla.—April 8, 2019— As the seasons change and we’re greeted with new spring-time sights and sounds, we’re also greeted with new businesses, menus, renovations and events ready to greet visitors and locals alike in South Walton.

 

New Restaurant Openings and Renovations:

Corchis Hospitality Group will soon add another restaurant to its South Walton portfolio. The group behind Amici 30A Italian Kitchen has announced plans to open Amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen in the 30Avenue shops in Inlet Beach. The new Amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen is set to open this summer.

  • Website: www.amici30a.com
  • Phone: (850)-909-0555
  • Address: 12805 US-98 R101, Inlet Beach

 

The Hub 30A is thrilled to announce two new additions this Spring: Macho Taco and Jack & Diane’s New Orleans Style Snowballs. Macho Taco was created by Stephen Bucalo and David Huckeba in 2018. They have created a menu that blends Chef Stephen’s classical French training with his 20-plus years of culinary experience to deliver a cool local taco spot on 30A. The result is what Bucalo describes as “Mexican inspired soul food.” Jack & Diane’s New Orleans Style Snowballs brings original snowball flavors to the Gulf Coast straight from the source! The owners were both born and raised in the greater New Orleans area.

 

Last Call Restaurant Group is excited to announce new additions to their lineup of South Walton restaurants. Shaka Sushi and Noodle bar in Inlet Beach is set to open on April 8, and Fluke Oyster Bar is coming to Inlet Beach in 2020. Shaka's culinary team has created a menu that boasts classic rolls, more adventurous rolls, sashimi and nigiri, small plates and entrees, and of course saké, wine and beer. Shaka will be open for dinner starting April 8 inside the Shoppes @ Inlet Beach and will eventually open for lunch as well.  Last Call Restaurant Group currently operates Shades Bar & Grill, Southside Slice and Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar. Last Call is also excited to announce e-bike pizza delivery for Southside Slice within Rosemary Beach.

  • Website: www.shades30a.com
  • Phone: (850)-231-9410
  • Address: 10952 E County Highway 30A, Inlet Beach

 

Bud and Alley’s continues their facelift as part of an enhancement project to the longtime Seaside restaurant. As part of the project, a tower entrance is being added to the roof deck that will include an elevator and stairs and brand-new bathrooms will be installed on the western edge of Bud & Alley’s including two upstairs bathrooms for the roof deck. Bud & Alleys will operate continuously, independent of the construction happening along the roadside and will be unaffected operationally by the enhancement project. The construction of the enhancement project is expected to take nine months.

 

Blue Mabel Smokehouse & Provisions is the newest food choice now open in Blue Mountain Beach. With an official open date of Feb 27, Blue Mabel is your local smokehouse stocked with thoughtfully sourced provisions. From smoked meats, to house made sauces, everything Blue Mabel does is with a from scratch mentality. Hours are 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Come in for Happy Hour from 3-5 p.m.

  • Website: www.bluemabel.com
  • Phone: (850)-744-0040
  • Address: 2260 W. County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

 

Aegean Restaurant in Miramar Beach invites you to come experience their newly remodeled dining room and newly updated menu. The Aegean Restaurant is a family owned, friendly neighborhood Greek restaurant located by the shore in Miramar Beach.

 

The Perfect Pig is now open in WaterColor. The new location at WaterColor Crossings is open 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily. Breakfast from 7:30-11 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., bar menu from 3-5 p.m., dinner service from 5-9:30 p.m. The Perfect Pig will also have half priced dinner entrees at WaterColor Monday thru Thursday from 5-6 p.m. Sunday brunch is from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Reservations are welcomed for all day parts.

 

Amavida Coffee & Tea has completed the move to their new Seaside location. Formerly located on the South side of 30A next to Pickles in Seaside, Amavida relocated to 25 Central Square. The move was part of the original plan for Seaside. The hours of the Seaside location are 6:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.

 

Edward’s in Rosemary Beach is excited to announce their reopening after a complete renovation. Over the last few months, Edward’s has replaced the floors, ceiling, and bar, added beautiful custom banquettes, updated the bathrooms, painted the interior and expanded the kitchen to better assist their culinary staff and serve guests more efficiently. Enjoy live music in the courtyard nightly.

 

La Playa Coastal Cantina in Gulf Place is under new ownership. Longtime South Walton restaurant manager Mario McNally took over ownership and operations of the Gulf Place restaurant on March 1. La Playa is now open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner with new and updated menu items.

  • Website: www.laplaya30a.com
  • Phone: (850)-660-1617
  • Address: 37 Town Center Loop C8, Santa Rosa Beach

 

Backdoor Eatz is a new restaurant now open behind Blue Mountain Beach Creamery in Blue Mountain Beach. The sister-business to Blue Mountain Beach Creamery serves Charlie’s Donuts for breakfast along with Lucky Goat coffees and nitro cold brew. For lunch, menu items include sub sandwiches, salads and house-made dressings. The new Backdoor Eatz is a collaborative effort between Ice Cream Jed of BMB Creamery and Jordan Seeling. Hours are 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.

 

  • Instagram: @Backdooreatz
  • Phone: (850)-585-5214
  • Address: 2129 S Co. Hwy 83, Blue Mountain Beach

 

Cannery Lane Cantina Coastal Grill is now open in The Village of Baytowne Wharf. The restaurant offers Mexican and Caribbean inspired tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas and even fresh Avocado Fries. Open 7 days a week 11 a.m. -  9 p.m.

 

“North Beach Tortilla Co.”, Chef Jim Shirley’s newest restaurant will be opening this Spring. Located at the foot of the 331 Bridge in South Walton across from The Bay, North Beach Tortilla Co. will boast 100 tequilas behind the 100-foot beach bar overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay and 331 Bridge. Look for South by Southwestern flavors layered on farm and gulf-to-table goods. It's a North Florida Taco & Tequila joint - a hangout where you want to go every chance you get to enjoy tequila and great food.

 

 

New Shopping Additions and Renovations:

Adaro Art has been extremely busy over the winter with Francisco Adaro creating 20 brand new artworks to showcase for the Spring and Summer season. Adaro Art is also proud to announce 13 new contemporary artists added in ceramics, fine art, jewelry, sculpture and design. Come check out all the new artists and new art at Adaro Art.

 

A. Wickey Gallery invites you to check out their newly remodeled gallery. While still offering original work by Allison Wickey, A. Wickey Gallery now offers limited high-quality frame prints of some of her most iconic signature pieces.

 

The Shard Shop Art Gallery & Studio has opened a brand-new summer location in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The new location is open 7 days a week 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. through Labor Day, 2019. Located right next door to Chico’s across from Tommy Bahamas. Offering daily ShardWorx classes for ages 6-96.

  • Website: www.shardshop.com
  • Phone: (850)-830-3885
  • Address:  Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Miramar Beach

 

Rock Paper Scissors 30A is now open in Grayton Beach. The new and fun studio space and art supply store next to Hurricane Oyster Bar offers art classes and workshops for adults and kids. Whether it’s oil painting and wine with the adults or abstract cutout art for the kids, all forms of expression are welcome at Rock Paper Scissors. Book your class or event now.

 

Clint Eager Design is celebrating the opening of their new gallery location, within the same Uptown Grayton Circle complex. Clint Eagar Design will relocate from 57B to #36, just across from BadAss Coffee. Clint Eager Design plans to be in the new location by April 15th with an entire new look and logo, and will be promoting and hosting several non profit fundraisers, ‘Theo' of South Walton, the turtle conservation and educational awareness event, and the ‘Foye Belle’, breast cancer fundraiser. These dates will be announced, very soon, and most likely in May, as part of their Grand opening. Many new works from Clint Eagar will be featured, including works from his recent Safari to Africa, based upon Clint’s photography of over 3000 images. 

  • Website: www.ClintEagerDesign.com 
  • Phone: (850)-213-2008
  • Address: 36 Uptown Grayton Cir., Santa Rosa Beach

 

New Accommodation Updates and Renovations:

Sandestin celebrated the ground-breaking of Osprey Pointe in January and construction continues to be on schedule for an early 2020 opening. The new 77-unit condominium complex will offer 2, 3 and 4-bedroom vacation rental properties with stunning views of nature preserve and Choctawhatchee Bay along with exclusive pool and clubhouse amenities. Meanwhile, Sandestin has completed the installation of a new traffic circle at Heron Walk and Baytowne Avenue to improve traffic flow to the Village of Baytowne Wharf and within the resort.

 

The St. Joe Company and HomeCorp recently announced the formation of a joint venture to develop, manage and lease apartments in Watersound. The proposed 217-unit multi-family apartment home community would be located on land owned by St. Joe near the entrance to Watersound Origins community. Site development and construction are expected to begin later this year with apartment homes being available for lease in 2020.

 

 

Events, Happenings and Deals:

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and South Walton Artificial Reef Association are excited to announce 12 designs selected for the second Underwater Museum of Art Installation. With support from the Alys Foundation, Visit South Walton, Visit Florida, and the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, UMA will be deployed with SWARA’s existing USACOA and FDEP permitted artificial reef project that includes nine nearshore reefs located within one nautical mile of the shore. Deployment of the 2019 UMA installation is slated for Summer.

 

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County is excited to announce the dates for the 2019 ArtsQuest: A Festival of Fine Art & Fine Craft. Celebrating its 31st year, ArtsQuest will take place on May 11-12 in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 150 artists from around the country while also experiencing live musical entertainment, student exhibits and great food and beverage.

 

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County is happy to share that Art Week is becoming Art Month this year! Throughout the entire month of May, activate your imagination at Art Month South Walton, an initiative of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Join us for a collaboration of visual, performing and literary arts events presented in diverse formats and various venues throughout South Walton. Art Month South Walton includes Under the Sea Fundraiser, ArtsQuest, Digital Graffiti Festival, Longleaf Writers Conference, Rosemary Beach Sculpture Exhibition, Northwest Florida Theatre Festival, and more.

 

Under The Sea Fundraiser for the Underwater Museum of Art is happening on Thursday, May 9 from 7-10 p.m. in Grand Park. Join the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County for an evening of fun. A VIP pre-party will be held from 6-7 p.m.

  • Website: www.umafl.org
  • Phone: (850) 622-5970
  • Address: 495 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach

 

The 33rd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival is happening April 11-14, at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin. Uncork some fun in the sun at one of the top wine festivals in the country. Enjoy the four-day event, complete with wine dinners by regional celebrity chefs, grand wine tastings, delicious food pairings, live music and a special Sunday brunch.

 

Bella Flora floral and design is pleased to begin offering a Flower Happy Hour ever Friday from 2-4 pm. Come into Bella Flora during Flower Happy Hour to purchase flower stems at Happy Hour Prices.

 

The South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival returns to South Walton with a dazzling roster of dozens of celebrity winemakers, distillers, chefs, brew masters and entertainers as they converge in South Walton to wine, dine, educate and entertain guests as part of the four-day celebration of wine. Throughout the Town Center of Grand Boulevard, attendees enjoy such attractions as Spirits Row, Rose All Day Garden, Savor South Walton Culinary Village, Nosh Pavilions, Tasting Seminars, Craft Beer & Spirits Jam, live entertainment and more than 800 wines poured by knowledgeable wine industry insiders.

 

SunQuest Cruises will be offering several special cruises this Spring. A featured event of the 33rd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, SunQuest Cruises presents a Champagne & Seafood Voyage aboard the Solaris Yacht. The 2.5 hour lunch cruise features four fine dining courses all expertly paired with champagne and sparkling wines. If you’re looking for a special way to upgrade your Easter lunch in South Walton, SunQuest Cruises will offer an Easter Lunch Cruise on Sunday, April 21.

 

Beach Sand Sculptures is gearing up for the busy season by making SandCastle lessons available three times per day Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m., and 4-6 p.m. Book your SandCastle Lesson online at www.beachsandsculptures.com  

 

The new Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard announce they will be featuring live music in the Coffee to Cocktails Bar every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5-7 p.m. At their Coffee to Cocktails Bar, you can wind down with a craft cocktail of your choice and dig into freshly prepared bar bites and shareables, featuring premium ingredients.

  • Website: www.hyattplacesandestingrandblvd.com
  • Phone: (850)-650-7611
  • Address: 325 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach

 

Florida Boy Adventures announces the Florida Boy Adventure Camp for children ages 9-15. Camp begins June 3 and runs weekly through July 30, from 1-6 p.m. on Mondays & Tuesdays. Camp participants will learn knot tying, casting, lure presentation, live bait, fish care, local waters education, ethics, laws & fun. Camp boats launch from Pilcher Park.

 

Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House at Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin announces a new Spring menu and the addition of Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily. Slick Lip’s sister restaurant Sunset Bay Café, also located in Sandestin, also has a new menu rolling out for Spring 2019. Sunset Bay Café’s bayside tiki bar is also now open for the season.

  • Address: Sandestin

 

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood located inside the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa launched their new Spring menu last month. The new seasonal menu features fresh creations from Executive Chef Lee Guidry, emphasizing fresh Gulf seafood and local ingredients.

  • Address: 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd, Sandestin

 

Other Updates and Additions:

Visit South Walton recently broke ground on the new Dune Allen Regional Beach Access. The new access will include restroom facilities, parking, and a lifeguard station. The 1.51-acre of beachfront property located at 5999 W. County Highway 30A has 220-feet of beachfront and was purchased for a price of $7.4 million in 2015. The project is estimated to take 4-6 months to complete.

 

Kombi Keg 30A is a new business in South Walton. Kombi Keg 30A’s vintage VW van is a fun and interactive mobile bar delivered to your event. Featuring a self-serve or staffed bar with six beer taps capable of connecting to multiple keg sizes, a roof-top TV and professional service, the Kombi Keg is the perfect addition to your next event.

 

Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club plans to break ground on a new Short Game Area as part of their Golf Club that is anticipated to open later this Summer. Short game facilities are one of the fastest growing trends at successful golf clubs around the country, known to improve scoring and playing abilities for golfers of all skill levels. The area will include a 6,200-sq. ft. green complex, and two bunkers.   

 

  • Website: www.santarosaclub.com  
  • Phone: (850)-267-2229
  • Address:  334 Golf Club Drive, Santa Rosa Beach

 

 

Baytowne Adventure Zone in Baytowne Wharf has exciting additions for the summer season, including the new Stairway to Heaven attraction. Located just in front of the Zipline, the Stairway to Heaven is a spiral of ascending columns that guests must climb and balance their way to the top. Also new this year is the remodeled and relocated Skytykes Rope course. Now known as the Coconut Climb – the ropes course for smaller adventurers (kids under 4 ft. tall) allows kids to climb, play, and build confidence.

 

Destin/FWB Airport welcomes seven new flights to the airport, making it easier for travelers to get to South Walton. The new flights from Allegiant Airlines include nonstop routes from Des Moines, IA, Huntington, WV, Little Rock, AR, Rockford/Chicago, IL, Shreveport, LA, Toledo, OH/Destroit, MI, Wichita, KS. 

 

  • Website: www.flyvps.com 
  • Phone: (850)-651-7160
  • Address: 1701 Florida 85, Eglin AFB

 

Perdue Photography LLC is new to South Walton, offering a number of photography services including sunset beach portraits. Perdue Photography invites families to participate in portraits set on the beautiful beaches of South Walton. Locations can be customized to fit the individual needs of each client.