“If I get the chance, I’ll probably marry that girl.” It could be a line from one of Brian Kelley’s songs, but it’s not. It’s part of his and his wife Brittney’s real-life love story and journey to making a home together in Grayton Beach, along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A. They met in 2010 at a family Thanksgiving gathering, but the romance came later. Brian thought about Brittney over the next couple of years, wondering if they would ever find themselves single at the same time because he knew he would marry her. “She’s incredible,” said Brian. “She’s creative, she loves the outdoors, loves people, loves animals, and loves God.” Fate intervened in the summer of 2013. Both single, they took their first trip to 30A together to get away from life’s busyness and have some alone time. “That was my first time in Grayton Beach, my first time dropping the paddleboard in Western Lake,” said Brian. “We fell in love with each other, fell in love with the area, and it’s become a fixture in our life.” Brittney grew up coming to Grayton. Raised by her grandmother who loves to surf fish, she cast lines up and down 30A during her childhood. Brian, a born-and-bred Florida boy from Ormond Beach, spent family vacations on Panama City Beach. The Panhandle held magic for both of them, and whenever they had a moment, they escaped to their oasis in Grayton Beach. “The state park hugging that area is so special,” said... Read More

Inspired by her family’s rodeo lifestyle, country music singer/songwriter Casey Kearney announced the February 9 release of her new single “Born to Rodeo.” The original song is an upbeat tribute to her three children and the rodeo life they adore. Her two worlds – musician and rodeo mom – collide in the single, a song honoring her family’s love of the sport and the commitment it takes to live the Western lifestyle. Her family is immersed in the rodeo world, so this song is a natural product of her life as a cowboy mom. The general idea for the song was in the works, but the true spark for “Born to Rodeo” came from a conversation with her 17-year-old son, who will be competing in Oklahoma this March for the 2024 Jr. Ironman Championship. A life-lesson conversation about getting enough sleep ended with her son saying, “Mama, I’m just living on Red Bull and a dream.” After warning him the line might end up in a song, Kearney knew she had all the pieces she needed to create this anthem to her family’s great love – the rodeo. “After he said this, I just immediately laughed and said, ‘Lord knows you were born to do this,’” said Kearney. “With the concept alive, the rest of the song fell into place. We performed it with my band the very next night after I wrote it. My goal was to capture the spirit of what rodeo life is all about.” “Born to... Read More

Get ready to make your picks in the 2024 30A Hot Spot Awards! Show some love for the restaurants, shops, and local experiences that turn 30A into your personal paradise. Remember, only one vote per email address is permitted, and you’ve got until March 15, 2024, to cast it. We’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 nominees in each category based on the most nominations received back in December and January. Please note that you can vote for anyone in any category. Nominees are listed randomly to keep things fair, and you’ll be done with the survey in under 5 minutes. If you spot any mistakes or have any suggestions, drop us a line at feedback@30A.com. So take a moment, ponder your choices, and enjoy! It’s time to spotlight the best of 30A according to YOU! Vote NOW and make our favorites win! (function(t,e,s,n){var o,a,c;t.SMCX=t.SMCX||[],e.getElementById(n)||(o=e.getElementsByTagName(s),a=o[o.length-1],c=e.createElement(s),c.type=”text/javascript”,c.async=!0,c.id=n,c.src=”https://widget.surveymonkey.com/collect/website/js/tRaiETqnLgj758hTBazgd0zO8UO_2FEJ7AOu7T0CjpbqBVPHmff7MMWuV25TM_2B3m3V.js”,a.parentNode.insertBefore(c,a))})(window,document,”script”,”smcx-sdk”); Create your own user feedback survey  https://30a.com/hot-spot-poll/ Read More

Hey there, beach lovers! Ready to jump into the waves and bask in the sunshine? Picking the beach is a genius idea – it’s more than just a spot; it’s where fun, relaxation, and unforgettable memories live. But before we get carried away, let’s chat about packing. It’s easy to forget the little things that can make or break your beach day. This guide is all about ensuring your beach time is as fabulous as you imagine. We’re going deep into the essentials and some cool extras that might not have crossed your mind. Whether you’re a seasoned beach enthusiast or just getting your toes sandy for the first time, these tips will make your beach day safe, comfortable, and amazing. #1 Sunscreen: Your Beach Day Hero Alright, let’s break down sunscreen. It’s not just another thing to toss in your bag – it’s your beach day hero. Ever got that red, stingy sunburn? Ouch. We want none of that. Experts like dermatologists are always hammering on about using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and they’re onto something. It shields you from those sneaky UVA and UVB rays. Rub it everywhere – and everywhere means EVERYWHERE – those spots like your feet, ears, and neck can get burned too. Make sure to slap on that sunscreen before you even hit the beach, and keep reapplying, especially if you’re splashing around or working up a sweat with some beach volleyball. Bonus: Many sunscreens now have skin-friendly ingredients like moisturizers and... Read More

Discover luxury at its finest in the sought-after Palms of Dune Allen at 4961 West County Highway 30A, #201. This corner unit, rarely available in the market, boasts breathtaking gulf views and has been exquisitely renovated. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, it comes with modern stainless appliances, quartz countertops, and elegant furnishings in a calming color scheme. Enjoy the convenience of being steps away from Gulf Place and various dining options. The gated community offers a heated pool beside the beach and private, wide beach access. The wraparound balcony is perfect for wildlife viewing. Unique to this community, residents can enjoy private beach bonfires, making this home a true gem on 30A. Experience this unparalleled offering in person! For more info, visit 4961 West County Highway 30A, #201. Browse similar properties on 30Arealestate.com.  https://30a.com/4961-w-30a-highway/ Read More

Dive into diverse experiences on 30A this week including National Fish Taco Day celebrations, creative writing gatherings, jazz concerts, an ultramarathon, and a meaningful Pink Walk and 5K. Plus, unwind with Sunday brunch featuring Tanner Gray & Co. Keep up with all these exciting events and more at 30A.com/events. 1. Engaging Minds: Winter Community Programs at Walton County Library. Starting January 10th, the Walton County Coastal Branch Library has been hosting “Winter Community Programs” every Wednesday at 10:00 am until March 6th, 2024, offering free educational and entertaining sessions for adults and families, with limited seating. On January 24th, Sara Hodgen from OLLI at FSU will present their program for mature adults that focuses on stress-free learning and enrichment through various clubs, field trips, and cultural events. Winter Community Programs: Sara Hodgen with OLLI at FSU / Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 10 a.m. onwards @ Coastal Branch Library 2. Riedel Seminar by DCWAF: A Wine Education Experience. The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is excited to host the Riedel Seminar on January 24th at Camp Creek Inn and January 25th at Pensacola’s Wine World. This exclusive event, showcasing the impact of glass shape on wine perception, offers tickets for $150, including a Riedel tasting set. Proceeds support DCWAF’s partner charities aiding children in Northwest Florida. Rieder Seminar / Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 4:30 p.m. @ Camp Creek Inn 3. Celebrate National Fish Taco Day at Red Fish Taco!  National Fish Taco Day is January 25th and Red Fish Taco... Read More

Sailors and pilots can become uneasy at the idea of traveling through the Bermuda Triangle, and no one can blame them for their hesitancy. The Bermuda Triangle has become legendary for the hundreds of ships and aircraft that have crashed there over the past couple of centuries. It is said that over 1,000 lives have been lost there. This area of water in the Atlantic Ocean, between Bermuda, San Juan, and Miami, has become a graveyard for many people and vessels, and the fascination with it has only grown with each ensuing decade. Here are some of the most popular theories regarding the mystery there. Methane Gas Some people believe methane gas is responsible for bringing ships and planes to their watery graves in the Triangle. It has been proven that sizeable amounts of methane gas exist in some spots in the ocean floor. If that gas were released into the water, some experts believe it could sink ships and even cause planes to crash. And it could potentially happen rapidly, in just mere seconds, which wouldn’t allow those onboard time to radio for help or abandon ship. Wormhole For science fiction enthusiasts, the wormhole theory holds a lot of appeal. A wormhole is essentially a space-time shortcut that could, in theory, even potentially allow time travel. Although wormholes haven’t been proven to exist yet, it hasn’t stopped them from being thrown about as a Bermuda Triangle theory. Some people point to the wormhole explanation as a reason why many... Read More