In the far west corner of Walton County is the tranquil resort of Seascape. Tucked away from the busyness of the small beach towns to the East are the towering Seascape penthouse condos that stand tall and proud just minutes from 30A. Spanning over 300 acres, Seascape Resort is a verdant oasis, boasting tranquil lakes and lush landscapes. This all-encompassing resort elevates your vacation experience with an array of leisure, relaxation, and recreational activities suitable for every age. Nestled along Highway 98 in Northwest Florida, the gated community of Seascape opens up to a world of exclusive streets and scenic pathways, ideal for serene walks, energizing jogs, and delightful bike rides. Wandering through the extensive grounds, visitors are treated to a picturesque array of over a dozen man-made lakes, distinct in their beauty and not to be mistaken for the unique dune lakes found in other parts of the Florida panhandle. Soak in the Sun Seascape’s brag-worthy penthouse views are only bested by its 2,000 feet of shimmering white sand shoreline. There’s plenty of space to lounge along the private beaches of Seascape. The resort offers daily beach service and has a private beach parking lot reserved exclusively for guests. For active beachgoers, there are endless opportunities for fun in the sun. Guests can spike a ball on one of the beach volleyball courts or toss beanbags in friendly cornhole competitions in the sand. Out on the water, there are seasonal water sports activities, including parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and chartered... Read More

Florida’s new Scenic Walton / 30A Charity License Plates have already raised over $84,000 for Scenic Walton, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that promotes projects designed to improve the quality of life in Walton County. “All of the money goes to promote beautification and safety projects throughout Walton County, not just along the beach,” said Leigh Moore, Executive Director of Scenic Walton. Scenic Walton’s mission is to improve the landscaping in roadway medians, reduce litter, promote underground utilities, expand infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, and other projects. Click here to order your 30A Charity License Plate now! Walton County locals rallied to support the cause with over 3,000 registrants signing up to get the tag. Like all Florida specialty license plates, the 30A charity tags cost $33 per year. The State of Florida keeps $8, and the other $25 goes directly to Scenic Walton. “So many people helped make these charity tags a reality, especially an extremely generous grant from the J.W. Couch Foundation,” said Moore. “Everyone at the county and state level has been so supportive, as have local media partners and influencers. The whole community really pulled together to make this happen.” Moore said that the 30A / Scenic Walton tags are the only specialty plates that generate revenue exclusively for community projects in Walton County. “It’s such an easy and affordable way to help keep Walton County safe and scenic.” Designed by Gulf Coast native Jake Meyer, the license plate depicts the famous blue “30A” logo against a silhouette... Read More

This week on 30A unfolds a rich tapestry of events – from creative portrait painting and spirited National Margarita Day celebrations at various local eateries, to an exclusive wine dinner and the fun-filled Gumbo and Bloody Mary festival, there’s something for everyone. End your week with relaxing live music, ensuring a memorable experience every day along 30A. Paint Your Pair: A Unique Portrait Class at Allison Wickey Studio Join an exclusive painting class at Allison Wickey Studio on February 21st, where pairs – be it friends, couples, or family members – can create personalized 16×20 portraits of each other. With all materials provided and the freedom to bring your snacks, this intimate event, limited to 7 pairs, promises a night of creativity and bonding. Don’t forget to send your photos in advance! Pairs Portrait Class / Wednesday, February 21, 2025, from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. @ Allison Wickey Studio 2. Celebrate National Margarita Day: A Day of Indulgence at The Pearl Hotel Join Havana Beach Bar in celebrating National Margarita Day with an array of unique margaritas available throughout the day at The Pearl Hotel. Whether you like them on the rocks, blended, with or without salt, it’s the ideal occasion to savor this classic cocktail in style. National Margarita Day Celebration / Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. @ Havana Beach Bar & Grill 3. Be a Part of National Margarita Day Bash at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge Experience a vibrant celebration of... Read More

 Nestled within the illustrious WaterSound Beach community, this exclusive Gulf-front sanctuary is the embodiment of coastal sophistication. This unique property boasts a magnificent four-bedroom main residence and a charming two-bedroom guest house, sprawling across an expansive 6,200 square feet of elegantly crafted interiors. The outdoor oasis is equally impressive, featuring a private pool, spa, and a cozy lounge area complete with a fire pit, all enveloped in the serene embrace of pristine coastal shores. As you step into this haven, the attention to detail and the caliber of craftsmanship captivate you. The luxurious finishes include Venetian plaster walls, exquisite pecky cypress woodwork, artisanal millwork, beamed ceilings, and brick accent walls. The custom-tiled bathrooms and ingeniously concealed closets add to the home’s allure, showcasing unparalleled sophistication. The ground level is an entertainer’s dream, featuring a secondary living room with ample seating, a striking pecky cypress bar equipped with top-tier appliances, a guest suite with an ensuite bathroom, and a whimsically designed bunk room. The outdoor porches, both open and screened, offer additional tranquil retreats. Elevate your experience to the second level, accessible by a bespoke staircase or elevator. This floor is the heart of the home, featuring a gourmet kitchen, an elegant wine room, and the primary living spaces, including a dining room and a living room, all leading to a covered porch with a summer kitchen and fireplace. The kitchen is a culinary masterpiece, adorned with marble countertops and high-end appliances, while the wine room is a connoisseur’s paradise. The... Read More

If you’ve delved into sustainable seafood on the Gulf Coast, Chef Irv Miller is a familiar name. He’s the founding chef of Jackson’s Steak House that opened in 1999, in Historic Downtown Pensacola. He has cooked for the James Beard Foundation six times, cooked alongside culinary icon Edna Lewis numerous times, and served as a guest judge on Bravo’s Top Chef. Cooking in and running kitchens by the age of 25 to pay the rent, Miller enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) to further his dream. “In those early years, there were no cell phones and limited internet,” said Miller. “I was inspired by nationally recognized chefs, focused on chef-authored cookbooks, and when possible, I traveled within the states and abroad to acquire insights into worldwide regional foods.” After two cookbooks, multiple TV spots, and bootstrapping the move towards eradicating lionfish on the Gulf Coast, Miller still champions the small producers and farmers near his hometown. In fact, in 2018, he was dubbed an “oyster change agent” for the region. The craft oyster movement had started to take hold, but the fledgling industry still experienced backlash from fishermen and traditional oystermen afraid for their livelihoods. Miller, a known advocate for local sustainable ingredients supplied by farmers, dug in. “After writing my first cookbook in 2015, Panhandle to Pan, I wanted to understand the status of the wild oyster on the Gulf Coast. I wanted to understand their struggles,” said Miller. The craft oyster industry values informing consumers exactly... Read More

This week on 30A, step into a world brimming with unique experiences and heartfelt celebrations. From uncovering the intriguing past at the Winter Community Programs to serenading your loved one with romantic melodies, and from Galentine’s indulgences to a superhero-themed marathon, each event is tailored to create unforgettable memories. Join us in embracing history, love, creativity, and community spirit in the scenic embrace of 30A. 1. Discover Coastal Secrets: History and Wildlife at the Winter Community Programs Dive into a unique blend of local history and wildlife at the Walton County Coastal Branch Library’s “Winter Community Programs.” Featuring Susan Paladini on February 14, this series explores the intriguing past of the Four Mile Museum and Coffeen Nature Preserve, including WWII relics and a rich tapestry of local fauna. Winter Community Programs: Susan Paladini / Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. @ Coastal Branch Library 2. Romantic Serenades at ECTC: A Musical Valentine’s Delight Celebrate love with an enchanting evening of classic love songs at ECTC, featuring top vocalists and live musicians. Enhance the experience with a bottle of wine and a curated charcuterie box, offering a perfect alternative to crowded Valentine’s Day dining, all set for a memorable time with your special someone or friends. I Only Have Eyes For You: Valentine’s Day Musical Revue / Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from 2:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. @ Emerald Coast Theatre Company 3. Galentine’s Indulgence: Martini & Dessert Specials at Watersound Village Market Celebrate Galentine’s week from February 12-17 at... Read More

The Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K, presented by SEASIDE®, is back, launching its 22nd year of racing. Registration, presented by Visit South Walton, is now open for Race Weekend from February 16th through 18th, 2024, further establishing this event as a signature running event and paramount fundraiser in Northwest Florida. Every year, athletes from around the world converge in Seaside, Florida, assisting in funding The Seaside School, Inc., a pioneering and enduring public charter school in Walton County, Florida. “We’ve witnessed tremendous growth and transformation over the years, not just in numbers, but in the quality of the educational experience we provide,” commented Teresa Horton, Executive Director of the Seaside School Foundation. “Each year, Race Weekend is a true testament to the collective passion and commitment of our community. 2024 promises an exhilarating experience for everyone!” This year’s race will embrace a dynamic superhero theme. Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to immerse themselves in the spirit of the event, donning attire inspired by their favorite superheroes, and celebrating the strength and resilience that defines the Seaside community. There will also be first-time exclusive VIP experiences for racers and spectators.  Click HERE to register for the race today! “Each registration for the Race Weekend directly fuels our mission-based programming at The Seaside School, Inc. Whether it is enhancing educational experiences for our students through new technology, exploratory programming or gaining access to higher levels of our collegiate curriculum, every race participant plays a pivotal role in our students’ success,”... Read More

Nestled in the exclusive community of Estates at Indian Pointe, this custom-built, one-owner sanctuary offers a rare blend of luxury and serenity on a sprawling one-acre waterfront estate. With 115 feet of pristine Choctawhatchee Bay frontage, the property promises breathtaking panoramas and some of Destin’s most stunning sunsets. Step inside this five-bedroom masterpiece to discover an open-plan design that captures the essence of bayfront living. The expansive living room, adorned with a coffered ceiling and floor-to-ceiling wood-burning fireplace, features wide glass sliding doors framing the mesmerizing water views. The chef’s kitchen, a culinary haven, is equipped with Electrolux Icon appliances, including a gas cooktop, wall oven, and convection oven/microwave. An oversized island, dual pantries, and a chic wet bar/coffee bar make this space an entertainer’s delight. The waterfront master suite on the ground floor is a retreat within itself, boasting dual closets, a luxurious bathroom with a large shower and soaking tub, and a 12-foot tray ceiling, all set against the backdrop of the bay’s tranquil waters. The main level also includes an office, formal dining room, an additional eat-in area, three guest rooms, and two full baths. The upper level hosts another guest bedroom, full bath, and a versatile room complete with another wet bar, all overlooking the bay and leading out to a slate balcony that oversees the saltwater pool below. This estate is replete with high-end finishes: hardwood floors, high ceilings, impact-resistant glass, a Renai water heater, and three climate-controlled zones. The three-car garage is climate-controlled, complemented... Read More

Alex Coleman, Neat Bottleshop and Tasting Room’s General Manager, collects stories. He warmly welcomes each guest who approaches the door, remembering their names, their history, and what bottle they love. “I love that I get to know the guests here. Right now we’re in the offseason and the last five Tuesdays we’ve had the same people join us for Wine & Song. I see them come through the door and it feels almost like family. We ask each other how the week’s been and we all know each other’s name,” Coleman said. That intimacy with guests carries over into all aspects at Neat. The bottle shop is lined with selections from small spirits, wine, and beer producers, most of whom have been a part of one of Alys Beach’s events like 30A Wine Fest and Crafted. According to Austin Doiron, Beverage Manager for all Alys Beach concepts, if you see a bottle in the shop, likely the maker has visited and there is a personal connection to their story.  That storytelling extends to everyday operations at this cozy gathering spot. When Dioron knows certain homeowners are looking for one specific bottle and he gets it in, he texts them to let them know he will hold it for them. Bartenders Emily and Chris are longtime fixtures behind the stick and everyone knows if you want a tiki drink see Emily, for a robust espresso martini, Chris has the recipe.  Check out Neat’s Instagram feed for information about popups, musical acts,... Read More

Deep in 2023, it’s hard to recall a world without influencers or entire broadcast channels dedicated to home renovation and interior design. But 13 years ago, when Californian Ashley Lastovica started her Instagram account (@thefancyashley), people were unsure what a blogger — or a vlogger — even was. Now, with global followers measured in six figures, her websites and social media feeds showcase her style and design tips for home décor, entertaining, fashion, and DIY renovation to her faithful followers. “I have always been interested in fashion and design,” said Ashley. “When I discovered Instagram 13 years ago, it was an opportunity to do what I love, my way.” A graduate with a degree in television production and broadcast journalism, Ashley worked in various media roles before settling in Texas with her husband and two kids. “When we moved to Houston, our new house was a semi-custom construction, so I had a lot of fun being involved in the design process, picking out the finishes, and creating a personalized feel for our house,” Ashley recalled. “I thought, ‘This is what I want to do.’ So I started documenting the process, though I wish I’d captured more of it and posted more updates online.” Ashley’s early blog posts reflected her passion for fashion and design, featuring her personal style choices, home decor, and family events. However, it was with the advent of Instagram Stories and their short video format that truly enhanced her storytelling capabilities, fostering a deeper connection with her... Read More