the bay

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And the Winners Are … 30A Hot Spots Poll Results Released

You nominated them. You voted for them. And now, it’s time to reveal the winners of this year’s 30A Hot Spots Awards! Almost 1,750 of you cast 52,000 votes across 31 categories, and we are pleased to present a list of your choices for the hottest spots in South Walton. With hundreds of amazing local businesses in […] Read More

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Mardi Gras Party at The Bay 331

Mardi Gras Party at The Bay The Bay Welcomes Krewes from All Over to Party on the Beach Celebrate Mardi Gras without leaving South Walton at The Bay Jamboree! The Bay is throwing a HUGE party on the beach on Feb 25, 2017 from noon-5:00PM. Come out […] Read More

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30A Radio: Top 5 Reasons the 30A Music Scene Rocks

By Cory Davis We are so fortunate here in South Walton to have such a diverse music scene, driven locally by bands like Dread Clampitt, The Owsley Brothers, Heritage and The Forrest Williams Band. Add in big-city bands that frequent here from New Orleans, Mobile, Birmingham, Atlanta and Nashville, and you get a mix of music you really can’t find anywhere (except of course every day on 30A Radio). Here are five reasons the 30A music scene rocks: 1. Our venues are awesome. You can see bands up close and intimate or with a big crowd. Live music spots include small funky places like the Red Bar and La Playa, open-air waterfront stages like at The Bay and big, outdoor amphitheaters like the one in Seaside. And if you haven’t checked out one of the newest venues, The Hub 30A, it boasts a 25-foot LED Jumbotron and can host up to 700 people. 2. Free Music. Almost every venue offers free music with no cover charges and it’s all year round. Seaside, Alys Beach, Gulf Place and Sandestin all have weekly free concert series throughout the year and feature local or out-of-town bands. The concerts are always family friendly and located in some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the area. 3. 30A Songwriter Festival. How lucky are we to have this festival each year in South Walton? Really lucky. Every January, you can catch hundreds of songwriters in venues from Rosemary to Grand Boulevard. Drew Holcomb, Bob Schneider, Grace Potter, wow. Some of the most fun venues are right in Seaside like Central Square Records, The Rep and Bud and Alley’s. Note: Tickets always sell out fast. Grab yours today! 4. Celebrity Sightings. Have you ever bumped into Luke Bryan, Sam Bush, Sara Evans or Zac Brown? Well you may if you hang out on 30A. Many songwriters love this area for vacation — and inspiration. Sometimes they even sit in with a local band or two. 5. Collaborations. How cool is it to see two local bands merge for fun? It’s a special treat to see Dread Clampitt and Forrest Williams come together as Dreaded Forrest or Cadillac Willy merge with other local rock stars for The Cadillac Specials with an evening of music by the Grateful Dead. 30A Radio gets the opportunity to record a lot of the music listed above. Check out our live music playlist on soundcloud at soundcloud.com/30aradio. We also insert songs from these shows into our daily streaming playlists on 30A Radio. You can listen to 30A Radio inside the free 30A.com App for iPhone, iPad and Android, on Apple TV, or simply on any browser at 30Aradio.com. Cory Davis is the general manager of 30A Radio, a free online radio station that streams live from the beach 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This article originally appeared in the November-December 2016 issue of The Seaside Times. Read More

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THIS WEEKEND: 30A Craft Beer & Spirits Fest at Gulf Place

Beer here! Thanks to a collaborative partnership between Wine World, The Craft Bar and ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, this Oktoberfest season, suds lovers can fill the last weekend of September — and a stein or two — with craft beer, along with spirits, cocktails, wine, flavorful local food and toe-tapping live music. 30A Craft Beer & Spirits Festival will be held Friday, September 30, and Saturday, October 1, at Gulf Place. If you’re in the mood for wine, we’ll be pouring our new 30A Chardonnay and 30A Red Blend as part of the festival. Stop by and see us at the 30A Radio Airstream on the southwest side of the Gulf Place green. “We are thrilled to host this collaborative event for the first time at Gulf Place in the heart of 30A,” said Wine World and Craft Bar founder Chan Cox. “There is a real excitement around the craft beer and fine spirits movement and this event really embraces all of it. We hope everyone turns out to taste and learn about some of the most exciting brands being tapped and poured anywhere.” Proceeds from the event benefit the Seaside School Foundation. The two-day event kicks off Friday, September 30, with the Destin’s own Heritage Band performing an energized show of reggae, surf and rock-infused music from 6 – 9 p.m. The party continues on Saturday, October 1, with old-school funk rhythms and classic rock riffs from Charleston, S.C.’s hottest band, Dead 27s, who will be performing cuts from their newly released album, “The Ghosts are Calling Out.” General admission is from 2 to 5 p.m. VIP package passes are available and provide early entry beginning at 1 p.m. Festival goers can stroll through the culinary village, enjoy the live entertainment, browse the merchandise booth, or hang out at the VIP tent featuring speciality brews and cocktails by some of the biggest names in the industry. Nearly 20 local, regional and national brewers and master distillers will be pouring and sampling some of their finest craft beers and spirits. Many of the finest area restaurants and catering companies are being showcased as well including Aegean Restaurant, Bijoux, Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant, The Bay, The Craft Bar, Emerald Coast Catering, Inc., Great Southern Café, Trebeaché, Wine World, Signature Catering of 30-A and Sweet Henrietta’s. Advance purchase prices are $45 per person for Friday or Saturday and $80 per person for a two-day pass. The day of the event, admission to Friday or Saturday will be $55, and two-day general admission will be $100. VIP packages provide early entry on Saturday (only) and exclusive access to the VIP Tent. VIP admission is $65 per person on Saturday and a two-day VIP package pass is $100. Tickets are limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Click here to book your tickets. For visitors traveling to the area for a fun fall weekend or for locals looking for an end-of-season “staycation,” ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is offering special event packages that bundle Festival admission and accommodations. Festivalgoers can save 10 percent off three or more nights. The more bedrooms you reserve, the more tickets you receive. Tickets booked through this promotion can be picked up on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the ResortQuest office in Gulf Place. To reserve a package, call 844-872-2484 or book online using Promo Code ‘BEERFEST’ to take advantage of this deal. The Seaside School Foundation will benefit from 100 percent of the net proceeds from this event. The Seaside School Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2008 to benefit and support The Seaside School, Inc., a public charter school located in Seaside, Florida. The school receives some state funding to cover basic operational costs, however, it depends on outside financial contributions to finance capital building and renovation initiatives; to fund robotics, art, music, gardening, and technology and other elective programs; to purchase library books and technology equipment; and to maintain smaller class sizes in math. It is governed by a board of directors comprised of community and business members along with educators. One hundred percent of all donations directly benefit The Seaside School, Inc. “We are honored to be the beneficiary of this exciting first ever event on 30A,” said Alicia Butler, executive director of The Seaside School Foundation. “We owe a toast of gratitude to everyone who plays a part in this event, which will help our school continue its mission to provide students in Walton County with individualized and innovative instruction, delivered by quality teachers in a community-based, community-school setting.” Tickets are limited and the event is expected to sell out. For a schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit www.xorbia.com/events/wineworld/30ACraftBeerFest. Tickets are also available for purchase at all Wine World locations. For more info, follow the event page on Facebook or call 850-269-2909. Read More

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Bay Restaurant Kicks off Sunday Pickin’

The Bay Restaurant Kicks off Sunday Pickin’ at The Bay in September The Bay Welcomes Local Musicians to Join Mike Whitty Every Sunday in the Garden The Bay is excited to announce Sunday Pickin’ at The Bay. Every Sunday (as long as the weather is nice), starting […] Read More

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Grab Your Boards, It’s Time For YOLO’s Relay Series

Each year, YOLO Board hosts one of the most fun outdoor activities you can find in South Walton — the YOLO Board Relay Series. The three-part, family-friendly event is open and encouraging to paddle boarders of all skill types. (Believe me, I should know, I raced last year and it was my first time on a board!) It’s carefree and friendly competition, offering an opportunity for people of all skills to get involved, spectators to cheer on their favorite teams and for everyone to learn more about the increasingly popular water sport of stand-up paddling. This year, the ninth installment of the series, is presented by Garden of Life and again held at The Bay restaurant on the beautiful shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay.  All races start at 4:30 p.m. The final race will be held July 21 at 4:30 p.m. Check out this video from the 30A Team at last year’s race: The 2015 men’s race: This year’s edition will feature team relay-style competition in three recreational divisions: men’s, women’s and coed along with the return of a division dedicated to Special Olympics Florida-Walton County and Special Olympics Florida-Okaloosa County athletes. The event also includes giveaways, live music, refreshments and kids’ activities. “Each year we are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and participation of the local SUP community for the race series,” said Jeff Archer, founder of YOLO Board. “When the series began, we had no idea that it would still be a highlight of our season nine years later. Adding the Special Olympics athletes has been such a rewarding experience for all involved. “I love how this sport brings joy and empowerment to everyone who tries it!” For more information regarding sponsorship or team registration, please visit www.YOLORace.com, call 850.424.6852 or email info@YOLOBoard.com. Receive race updates by joining the Facebook event at www.facebook.com/events/ 945811502161318. Find more info and how to register here. Check out these awesome photos by Shane Sauer from last year’s races: Read More

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11 Best Places to Grab a Drink with a View

By Caroline Giddis With so many gorgeous views and an impressive selection of delicious beers, cocktails and wines, it’s hard not to say “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” here in South Walton. Whether you’re looking for a view of the gulf, rolling dunes or a beautiful lake, there are so many places in the area that allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy a cold one. It’s even a cultural norm here to find a spot each night where you can see the sunset. Here are 11 places that are perfect for getting your drink-in-a-beautiful-place fix. Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge at The Pearl Hotel Located in Rosemary Beach, the Havana Beach Bar & Grill Rooftop Lounge provides visitors with an eclectic, relaxing feeling. Although the lounge overlooks the stunning European-style hotel pool, it has a breath-taking view of the gulf as well. The drink menu offers everything from Ernest Hemingway-inspired classics to Cuba Libres and Mojitos. The lounge has a variety of seating options from comfy couches and hammocks to high-top tables. Happy hour lasts from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunset Bay Cafe The gulf isn’t the only thing you can see from bars and restaurants. Located on the glittering Choctawhatchee Bay, Sunset Bay Cafe shows it’s appreciation for the Floridian lifestyle with a full bar, Tiki bar and outside dining. From the cafe, the view of the bay spans for miles. With a name like Sunset Bay Cafe, it’s obviously the perfect place to say “cheers!” and watch the sun go down. I’ll have one piña colada please! Bud & Alley’s When many people think beach bar, they think Bud & Alley’s … and they’re right. Nestled between the dunes and overlooking the gulf in Seaside, Bud & Alley’s is where families and friends go to experience what Kenny Chesney sings all about: beautiful views, great beer and no worries. A 30A go-to for over 30 years, Bud & Alley’s is a wonderful place to enjoy for a few minutes or a few hours. The best view for grabbing a drink is from the roof deck bar. Say hi to Mo the bartender who has been slinging refreshing beach cocktails for almost as long as the bar has been open. Try the Seaside punch, a mouth-watering blend of Stoli vodka, apple, peach and black raspberry puree, pineapple juice and house-made sour mix — a perfect beach-side thirst-quencher. If you’re there at sunset, join in the longstanding tradition of ringing the sunset bell and cheering as the sun sets into that beautiful gulf. It can’t be beat. The Porch at Old Florida Fish House For a more “hidden” hangout, check out The Porch at Old Florida Fish House in Seagrove Beach. Overlooking Eastern Lake, The Porch is the ideal place to just chill. A number of big-screen TVs make it a great place to bring your friends when there’s a big game on. However, when you want to escape, you can just look out into the uncharted wilderness that surrounds the beautiful coastal dune lake. It’s the perfect hideaway. The Beach House Appetizers, moonshine and a gorgeous view …  what sounds better than that? Enjoy all three at The Beach House in Sandestin, which sits right on the beach and allows you to soak up some sun and soak in an incredible view of the Gulf. Enjoy a drink in their double insulated solo cups and listen to live music on Tuesdays during their open mic nights. You can find a wide variety of wines on their drink menu, including our 30A Chardonnay and 30A Red Blend, which both go really well with their shareable appetizers – YUM. The Bay Whether you get there by car, boat or paddle board, The Bay is a waterfront-lovers dream. Grab a seat inside, on the covered outdoor lounge,  or at a picnic table with your toes in the sand. A beer haven, The Bay has 12 different beers on tap, many brewed locally. Their Sunday Bayside Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is an especially great time to enjoy the scenery of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Marina Bar & Grill at Sandestin For a unique right-on-the-dock experience, try Marina Bar & Grill. Sitting directly on the Baytowne Marina in Sandestin, the restaurant invites shoe and flip-flop wearers alike to join the party. Marina Bar & Grill celebrates sunset every day as if it were a special occaision, shooting off a cannon and ringing a bell as the sun goes down. Order a brew and watch the boats pull into the Marina with their fresh catches. What could be better than that? Growler Garage In a growing craft beer community, it’s important for there to be a place that focuses on the same passion — a good, cold beer. Hoppy, pale, blonde, however you like your beer, Growler Garage has it. Their focus is beer brewed locally or in different Florida micro breweries. With a constantly changing draft menu and a great view of the gulf from their patio out front, Growler Garage is beer heaven. Wanting to sip that beer a little closer to the waves? Fill up one of their signature growlers and stroll across the street to the beach. Plastic and stainless steel are available of course. Remember, no glass on the beach! Chiringo Here’s a little secret: Chiringo is the only place in Grayton Beach where you can drink a beer with a gulf view. With great open-air spaces, Chiringo aims to present its visitors with vibes of a Spanish beach restaurant. The building and furniture are covered in bright, inviting colors, which show off Chiringo’s desire for beachgoers to come on in and grab a drink. They have a variety of beers on tap and a even a fresh juice bar. Get yours virgin or spiked for the ultimate refreshing cocktail. Watermelon and vodka makes a great combo! Vue on 30A Like it says on their website, “as if the view was not enough,” Vue on 30A also offers a great cocktail or dining experience. Dolphins frequent the shore near the restaurant and the location is great for watching for boats on the horizon. Seasonal, import and domestic beers are all options to enjoy while watching the gulf. Or try a refreshing Emerald Coast Martini, a tricolor treat that mimics a gulf view with Malibu rum, Midori, Blue Curacao, house sour mix and a splash of Sprite. (Learn about more thirst-queching cocktails on 30A.) Brunch on Sunday runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which is a definite chance to have a wonderful Sunday Funday. 723 Whiskey Bravo Another amazing rooftop bar, 723 Whiskey Bravo, looks over Seagrove Beach and celebrates a clean, modern atmosphere. Their Happy Hour lasts from 5 to 6 p.m. daily and is a great way to start off a night. Umbrellas are set up on the rooftop to block out any unwanted sun during the day, and the comfy lounge chairs help set the mood for relaxation station. Bravo! Caroline Giddis is a summer intern at The 30A Company. For more on this topic check out: Secret Bars of South Walton 15 Thirst-Queching Cocktails on 30A Read More