The Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up Tour, the first-ever traveling luxury retail event, will be making its next stop in South Walton at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin for eight weeks from Friday, May 24-July 19, 2024. This will be the third time that the Bal Harbour-based luxury shopping location, a favorite celebrity-loved destination in the most northern tip of Miami Beach, has chosen to take its extremely coveted luxury experience on the road with previous stops in Raleigh, North Carolina and Sarasota, Florida. For the first four weeks of the Pop-Up, esteemed brands such as Assouline, Balmain, Cremieux, Dolce and Gabbana, Etro, Golden Goose, Santa Maria Novella, Silvia Tcherassi, Tiffany & Co., Veronica Beard, and Vilebrequin will be available to shop, while the last four weeks will feature brands including Addict, Balmain, Bonpoint, Eleventy, Golden Goose, Lanvin, Marie France Van Damme, Orlebar Brown, Scanlan Theodore, and Tiffany & Co. “We’re thrilled to bring the tropical luxury shopping and dining experience of Bal Harbour to Grand Boulevard in South Walton for the first time,” said Matthew Whitman Lazenby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Whitman Family Development, who also has a second home in South Walton. “With this roving Pop-up, we introduce a new and innovative solution at the crossroads of high-touch personal service and high-tech logistics to deliver on our mission and impact and impress our guests with our distinctive level of excellence.” The Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-up features a fully designed and custom-built installation by LOT-EK spanning 17,000... Read More

Lauren Lane and her husband, acclaimed country musician Chris Lane, are starting to feel the fog of early parenthood lift. With two boys under three, they’ve been in the thick of it. “It felt like the first year of our second son’s life was spent just surviving in the trenches,” said Lauren. Her advice for parents in the same boat? Hold on. “At least for us, it was a short time,” she said. “And now I can see, yes, it does get easier.” At 34 years old, Lauren, who works full-time as an influencer, shares publicly the joys and challenges of marriage and raising young children. (Lauren and I – working moms who also stay at home with our kids – laughed when we realized we were both parked in our cars in our respective driveways to ensure we could focus on our phone interview with each other.) While it takes work and dedication, Lauren said building a family is the most important project of her life. From Idyllic Childhood to Reality TV Fame Lauren’s commitment to building a stable family began in childhood. She grew up in Portland, Oregon, the oldest of four kids in a close-knit family. Her mom cooked family dinner every night. The family genuinely enjoyed spending time together, playing cards and board games. She was close with her grandparents, who lived nearby. “We had a happy childhood that was really focused on family,” she said. They took one vacation a year, usually in June, often... Read More

Longleaf Educational Services (501-3c)  recently announced the 11th annual Longleaf Writers Conference scheduled to take place May 11-18, 2024, in Seaside, Florida, as part of Art Week South Walton. The Longleaf Writers Conference includes a full week of intensive writing workshops, one-day seminars, agent consultations, school outreach programs and social events. The conference, which takes place at the Seaside Institute and other local venues in Seaside, Florida, provides an opportunity for beginning, intermediate, and advanced writers to celebrate writing, network, and hone their craft. Visiting authors Adam Johnson (The Orphan Master’s Son – Pulitzer Prize Winner, Fortune Smiles – National Book Award Winner) and poet Maggie Smith (Good Bones, Keep Moving, You Could Make This Place Beautiful) will each lead a seminar and a public reading while guest literary agents Anjali Singh (Ayeshe Pande Literary), Martha Wydysh (Trident Media Group), and two other agents to be named later, will offer seminars and one-on-one consultations with attendees. “We are fortunate to continue to attract high-caliber writers such as Adam Johnson and Maggie Smith,” said LWC co-founder and Creative Director Matt Bondurant (The Wettest County In The World, made into the film Lawless; The Night Swimmer; Oleander City). “And there is no other writers conference that allows you to step out of intimate workshops with national award-winning authors and agents directly onto the white sand of the Gulf of Mexico. Our writers love that, and they also appreciate the people and culture of the community.” Bondurant and conference co-founder and poet Seth... Read More

This week on 30A, don’t miss the soulful tunes of Blues on the Beach, the sophisticated sips at the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, and the musical journey with Lauren Daigle at Kaleidoscope Beach Weekend. Plus, indulge in gourmet delights at the Low Country Boil and enjoy live music with Rafael Suárez. Join us for these unforgettable events along Scenic Highway 30A! 1. Blues on the Beach: A Sunset Serenade on 30A Experience an enchanting evening of live blues music at Red Fish Taco in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, April 24, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Enjoy soulful melodies by the sea as the sun sets on scenic Highway 30A. Blues on 30A / Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 6 p..m – 9 p.m. @ Red Fish Taco 2. Vintner’s Paradise: South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival 2024 Immerse yourself in the exquisite world of wines and spirits at the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, taking place from April 25 to April 28, 2024, at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin. With over 600 high-quality wines, craft spirits, and celebrated wine celebrities, this award-winning charity event offers an unparalleled tasting experience in Northwest Florida. Join in for a weekend of gourmet pairings, expert-led seminars, and exclusive tastings. Learn more HERE. 2024 South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival / Thursday, April 25, to Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 4 p.m. @ Grand Boulevard 3. Kaleidoscope Beach Weekend: Three Nights with Lauren Daigle Dive into... Read More

Growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana, singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle’s music has deep spiritual roots. Louisiana, known as the cradle of jazz, is also a fertile ground for gospel, rock and roll, country, and a myriad of genres that resonate with the state’s pioneering spirit. The Bayou State has given rise to a host of diverse and famed musicians, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Lil Wayne, Tim McGraw, The Revivalists, Jon Batiste, Britney Spears, Trombone Shorty, and Lucinda Williams. Daigle has been captivating audiences worldwide since her debut album How Can It Be in 2015, winning Grammys and hearts with her fervent songs and infectious zeal. This passion is evident in her latest, self-titled album, which made an impressive debut at No. 21 on the US Billboard 200 last year. One of the most uplifting tracks from that album, “These Are the Days,” is a spiritual rallying cry. No matter what your denomination may be, Daigle encourages the listener right away: People out there, people out there Let go of your cares Turn your cries into loud hallelujahs This is what we came for, oh yeah Leave all your worries behind We know the future’s burnin’ bright This is the great jubilation This is what He came for, what He came for Daigle’s musical palette, as colorful and varied as her home state, will be showcased at the Kaleidoscope Beach Weekend at Miramar Beach, Florida. This three-night event from April 25 to 27 features an impressive lineup, including Grammy winner Jon Batiste and... Read More

In her latest musical venture, Taylor Swift embarks on a soul-stirring journey through the sunny shores of Florida. From the upcoming album The Tortured Poets Department, Swift’s latest release, “Florida!!!,” not only captures the essence of the Sunshine State but also makes a pit-stop along Scenic Highway 30A’s immediate neighbor to the west, Destin, Florida: Little did you know your home’s really only A town you’re just a guest in So you work your life away just to pay For a time-share down in Destin This snippet captures the beauty and popularity of Destin, echoing the sentiments of many drawn to its shores. Over the weekend, Taylor Swift delighted her fans with additional insights into her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department. Sharing a video on Sunday via Twitter, Swift revealed to a crowd of 96,000 in Melbourne, Australia, why this new album holds such profound significance for her. Tortured Poets is an album — I think more than any of my albums that I’ve ever made — I needed to make it. It was really a lifeline for me,” she shared. “Florida!!!” itself serves as a vibrant exploration of escapism, self-discovery, and the darker undercurrents of hedonism, all tinged with the distinct influence of Florence + the Machine. Swift’s sharp lyricism vividly articulates the dichotomy of Florida as both paradise and pandemonium, where one can lose themselves or find themselves amidst its tempestuous nature. The collaboration with Florence + the Machine adds an extra layer of intensity, diving even... Read More

A rare gem awaits in the highly coveted Prominence on 30A community with this 4BR/4.5BA Laguna Plan tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac with community preservation land directly across the street. Upon entry, you will be greeted by the essence of quality and spaciousness, accentuated by beamed 14-foot ceilings adorned with shiplap detailing. The open living and dining areas offer natural toned hardwood floors, abundant windows, and beautiful millwork. Preparing meals for the day is seamless in the fully equipped kitchen with large center island, quartz countertops, ample custom storage, and professional-grade stainless steel appliances. Each bedroom boasts its own porch plus a coastal inspired tiled ensuite. The primary suite is located on the first level and three additional suites on the second. The second-floor living space provides additional space for family and friends to relax. Shiplap accent walls and a calming coastal color palette are found throughout the design of this immaculate retreat. With a convenient location on 30A’s popular east end, Prominence has become a bustling beach community with both single family homes & townhomes. Amenities include two large resort-style community swimming pools, a fitness center, and The Big Chill town center with dining, shopping, and entertainment. In addition to on-site amenities, the beach is just minutes away! To learn more, visit 9 Siasconset Lane or follow 30A Real Estate to browse more coastal properties.   https://30a.com/9-siasconset-lane/ Read More

Get the Korean Rice Bowl, she said. You’ll love it, she said. The fried egg oozing over the sticky rice and fresh kimchi is amazing, she said.  That she was Madison Shirley, Vice President of Jim Shirley Enterprises, and she was absolutely correct. Farm & Fire (part of Jim Shirley Enterprises) overlooks the Choctawhatchee Bay and they just added brunch to their menu. On Saturdays and Sundays, strains of jazz music can be heard throughout the window-laden space. Steampunk-style accents, copper piping, deep red curtains add to the ambiance, and a bar occupying the entire middle of the upper deck overflows with lively conversation and loaded bloody marys. Glancing out the windows on the sandy beach area below, children build blue foam castles, throw footballs, and play cornhole while parents enjoy a drink by the water. Once known for their coal-fired pizzas, Farm & Fire went through some changes and now offers a more eclectic menu suited to espoused customers’ desires. Pizza remains an option, but more shareables, like Madison’s favorite salmon sushi, joined the mix. “My dad and I thought about what we like when we go to a bar, whether that’s an izakaya in Japan, a tapas place in Spain, a pub in Ireland, or a dive bar here. What is it that we want to eat and share with the people sitting next to us? Thinking of all those places we created this eclectic menu. We kept some favorites from the original and added more global bar... Read More

This week on 30A promises an creatove lineup of events, from art workshops to lively music vacations and exclusive wine tastings. Whether you’re looking to unleash your inner artist, enjoy classic tunes, or indulge in fine wines, there’s something special waiting for everyone. 1. Coastal Canvas: Paint & Plaster Workshop Wednesday, April 17th 6-8:30 at the Allison Wickey Studio on South 393. $125 per person. Each person can bring a landscape photo of their choice or can learn to paint the iconic Western Lake Treeline on a 12×16 canvas. We will also paint an expressionistic beach scene using acrylic and Venetian plaster on a 12×12. Bring your own drinks/snacks. For ticket reservation, visit here. Landscape Class / Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. @ Allison Wickey Studio 2. Baytowne’s Classic Tribute: April Concert Series Every Wednesday from April 3rd to April 24th, 7-9 pm, the Wednesday Night Concert Series lights up Baytowne with a Tribute to the Classics Series, featuring a lineup of bands celebrating timeless hits on the Events Plaza Stage. Settle in for evenings of live music under the stars in a celebration of spring’s refreshing ambiance. Wednesday Night Concert Series – Tributes / Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. @ Baytowne Wharf Events Plaza 3. Vintner’s Select: A Wine-Tasting Journey at Fish Out of Water Join Fish Out of Water for “Experience the Experts,” an exclusive series of wine tastings held every third Thursday from March 21 to June 20.... Read More

30A’s 9th annual Locals Last Stand party will be held Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Watersound Town Center Pavilion. The event is your one last chance to enjoy some community fun before the mad dash of the summer season kicks off. This year’s muisc line-up includes MECO, Sons of Saints, and Casey Kearney Band. The concert is FREE and open to the public, and locals and visitors are invited to grab a lawn chair or blanket and come celebrate this rain-or-shine event. Local food trucks,  Taco30A and Soo Trucking Delicious, and vendors will be on-site to provide refreshments. The Live music schedule is as follows: 3 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. – Casey Kearney Band 4:10 p.m. – 5:20 p.m. – Sons of Saints 5:40 p.m. – 7 p.m. – MECO Check out some stand-out moments from the 2023 event: “The original idea behind Locals Last Stand was simply to throw a free, no-pressure party for locals to enjoy,” said The 30A Company’s Mike Ragsdale. “It’s just fun no-frills afternoon to hang out with family and friends before the madness of Memorial Day weekend.” The inaugural Locals Last Stand was held in 2013 and featured Dread Clampitt, The Forrest Williams Band and Cadillac Willy. In 2014, the party featured music by The Scott Rockwood Trio, Boukou Groove and The Wildlife Specials. 2015 featured Geoff McBride, The Owsley Brothers and Zack Rosicka, while 2016 event hosted Shatzi + The String Boffin, The Rips, and Hubba Hubba... Read More