Features

30a.news

Everything You Need to Know About Dogs in South Walton

By Caroline Giddis The people of South Walton share many passions. The vibrancy of each neighborhood is characterized by a love of culture and art, and of course it’s hard to live down here if you’re not a beach fanatic. There’s one other thing that many people here can’t live without — their dogs. >Check […] Read More

30a.news

Stand-Up Paddleboarding in South Walton

By Lindsey Rogers White sand and crystal-clear water aren’t all South Walton has to offer. In fact, all the other activities — fishing, horseback riding, hiking, bike riding — are what make this area so special and attractive to people of all kinds. One of the most popular activities among visitors and locals alike is stand-up paddle boarding, a relatively new activity involving what looks like an elongated surf board that users stand on and use a paddle to move across the water’s surface. Rent a board or book a paddle board tour! South Walton is an especially perfect place for the budding sport, which is something Jeff Archer stumbled on when he founded his company YOLO Board here in 2007. Archer said South Walton is one the best places to stand-up paddle because of the variety of beginner friendly water and the huge diversity of paddling experiences. With the Gulf of Mexico, the Choctawhatchee Bay, coastal dune lakes and rivers, you’ll never get bored of the scenery. Plus, South Walton’s climate allows for year-round paddling. “Stand up paddle boarding to Walton County is like snow skiing to Aspen or Breckenridge,” Archer said. Paddling in the gulf offers a paddler beauty in every direction and the opportunity to have a close-up encounter with species such as dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Archer suggests you paddle the gulf in the morning when it is flat because as the south winds arise it is more difficult to paddle. If you’re new to paddle boarding, the coastal dune lakes are for you.These lakes are mostly protected from the winds, which results in flat, smooth waters perfect for those first timers. You get the best of both worlds paddling in a coastal dune lake because the outfall will take you directly to the gulf when you’re ready to hit the beach. The Choctawatchee Bay, fresh water rivers and natural springs are other flat venues for paddling. The bay is located just north of U.S. Highway 98 while the springs are a little further drive. Morrison Springs in Ponce De Leon is Archer’s favorite spring to paddle. Paddling affects both the physical and mental well-being of the paddler, Archer said. Physically, it improves core strength and balance.  It also leads to better overall cardiovascular health. Plus, being out on the water can act as a mental release, providing exhilaration and time to get in touch with nature. Although it can be nice to spend some time alone, paddling is also a great activity to enjoy with friends and family. Archer likes distance paddles with his dog, Flea, paddle adventures with his friends and surfing expeditions with his son and brother. “It has allowed me to mix work and play in a seamless way that fits my lifestyle,” he said. This is a 360º video! Use your mobile device to pan around and see all angles of Camp Creek Lake! You may have to open it on the YouTube app for the full 360º effect. Rent a board or book a paddle board tour at 30atours.com. Lindsey Rogers is a summer intern with The 30A Company.  Read More

30a.news

30A Bottle Caps Find Their Way Into Philadelphia Student Art Piece

By Caroline Giddis  We’ve all seen the iconic, round 30A stickers displayed on car bumpers and water bottles around the country, but 13-year-old Henri Waché prefers to show off his love of 30A by collecting a different trinket — bottle caps. “I first got a 30A bottle cap when I was in Grayton Beach a few years ago,” said Henri, who lives in Haverford, Pennsylvania. “They’re a reminder of our times at Grayton Beach and the community down there. My mom grew up in Fort Walton beach because my grandpa was an airforce pilot, so we come down every year.” The bottle caps look like miniature 30A stickers and bring a little bit of small-town beach life to Henri’s collection. Henri has been collecting bottle caps for three years — and he’s dedicated to the task. He doesn’t hesitate to dig through dirt and concrete to score a colorful cap. He loves the aesthetic differences between the logos and designs on each one and the memories that come along with it. “To me it’s not just a collection. I can really relate to every moment where I found one,” Henri said. “If anyone enjoys collecting something, I say go for it. I really think that collecting helps you to remember special moments.” Instead of letting his collection of hundreds of caps sit in a drawer or a jar, Henri wanted to make something with them. One summer, he created a colorful, spiral design and mounted it to a framed corkboard. “I wanted to display my collection in a different way so I thought making it into some sort of collage would be a good way to show all of them,” Henri said. “I enjoyed having my mind expand and really seeing what I could make with them.” Henri attends The Haverford School, a private school for boys, where his artwork was recently displayed during an alumni reception in the upper school, an opportunity he is very proud of. “My art teacher requested if anyone had done any artwork outside of school, and at first I hesitated, but they really embraced it and the upper schoolers loved it,” Henri said. Henri’s mother, Robin Waché, is a native to the South Walton area and very proud that her son used 30A caps in his artwork. “Every summer since my three children were born, we have managed to spend time in Grayton Beach,” Waché said. “Slowly but surely the word is spreading that the most incredible beaches on earth are situated along 30-A. Shhh….don’t tell too many more people,” Robin said. “We hope to savor our little paradise forever.” Read More

30a.news

30A For Adrenaline Junkies

For those who prefer a little more action in their daily diet (instead of just beach bummin’ it all day), South Walton offers plenty of activities that will get the adrenaline pumping. Here’s our list of the Top 5 activities for all of you thrill-seekers along 30A. Kiteboarding Kiteboarding combines aspects of wake boarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding and gymnastics into one extreme sport that is not for the faint of heart. The kiteboarder straps their feet into a board and uses their arms to control cables attached to a large kite, allowing them to catch wind and make incredibly jumps high into the air. “I think one of the most compelling aspects of kiteboarding is your ability to be completely in tune with your environment,” said local Ed Rolen of Rolen Studio. “Engaging in the surf conditions, being pulled around under your own volition and being immersed in the amazing beach environment we have along 30A makes this sport something I try to do as much as possible.” Where to find it: You can often find Ed sailing through the surf and sky along Grayton Beach. Cave Diving Around 30A, freshwater springs have formed some deep-water caves that are perfect for the thrill-seeking cave diver. To access most of these caves, divers need the use of scuba gear, so certification and experience are absolutely necessary to ensure safety. For those with the proper credentials, these caves are filled with crystal-clear water and a view of nature that only the daring get to behold. For those without certification, area springs offer guided courses and lessons. Where to find it: Morrison Springs, a free public park, boasts three underwater caverns, including one about 300 feet deep. Definitely hire a guide or instructor to accompany you. Vortex Springs, a private park, also offers equipment rental and scuba lessons on site. Parasailing Parasailing involves a parachute towed behind a boat, sending the rider about 500 feet into the air. Feel the rush of the wind and enjoy the quiet peacefulness of the sky as you sail over the emerald waters around 30A. No experience necessary for this adrenaline rush. Want to see our beaches in a way you’ve never seen them before? Fly through the sky and catch a glimpse of South Walton from a pelican’s-eye view on a Parasailing adventure! Hop on an inflatable banana boat to hitch a ride out to the parasailing boat and enjoy your time in the air. Off-Roading Throw together a rainy day and the vast amount of nature trails and back roads in the area and you have perfect conditions for off-roading! The 15,400-acre Point Washington State Forest is criss-crossed with dirt-and sand trails, popular with both off-roading motorists and bicyclists. “After a really heavy rain, splashing through the muddy trails of Point Washington Forest is simultaneous relaxing and exhilarating.” -Mike Ragsdale, The 30A Company Where to find it? Find more information and maps of the Point Washington State Forest trails here. The Longleaf Pine Trail system, which has 3.5-, 8-, and 10-mile loops, is great for off-road mountain biking as well. Surfing Although 30A’s Gulf waters are often as smooth as glass, on many days of the year, the waves are ideal for surfing (particularly when there’s a tropical storm brewing somewhere down in the tropics). Professionals and amateur surfers alike patiently bide their time, waiting for red flag beach conditions or a tropical surge that might create the perfect moment. Everyone starts off as a beginner, but kids visiting the beach this summer have a really cool opportunity to get some surf experience at 30A Surf and Stand-up Paddleboard camp! “Surfing is very different from all other board sports due to the fact that everything around you is moving and the ocean can be very unpredictable,” said Chef Phil McDonald of Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar. “The feeling you get from catching a really great wave is something I can’t quite describe. You are so focused on that exact moment and nothing else matters. I guess the best description of feeling while surfing would be freedom.” Where to find it: Anywhere along the Gulf is a good place to start. If you haven’t been on a board and want to learn, 30A Surf Camp‘s experienced instructors can get anyone riding the waves in just a few hours on the water. Book a day for you and the kids with 30A Surf and SUP Camp now! Author Jordyn Knott (who reportedly had the “best summer ever” interning at The 30A Company) contributed to this article. Knott lives in West Lafayette, Indiana, until she can get back to the beach. Check out her blog at happilychic.com. Read More

30a.news

We Asked the Experts: What Are the Best Local Fish to Eat?

By Caroline Giddis Salty, meaty, flaky, mild. These are some of the characteristics of the favorite fish of executive chefs, seafood market managers and fishing captains in South Walton. Whether they come from the bay or the gulf, our local fish are some of the best in the world, and highly sought after by fish […] Read More

30a.news

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