There’s a lot to do on 30A and around the Emerald Coast for adults in the Spring! Plenty of opportunities to sip wine and give back to good causes are on tap. Foster Gallery Fête April 4 Come out for the Foster Gallery Fête on Thursday, April 4 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus, home to The Foster Gallery and J. Leon Studio. Meet the featured artists as you enjoy light bites while strolling the gallery to view incredible works on display and available for purchase. Learn more and get the latest CAA news: culturalartsalliance.com. 2024 Emerald Ball April 6! Tickets are now on sale for the Sacred Heart Foundation’s 2024 Emerald Ball benefiting Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, April 6 at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort Golf and Spa. Presented by Howard Group, Grand Boulevard and Silver Sands Premium Outlets, proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. With more than 1,200 babies born prematurely in Walton and Okaloosa counties in the past three years, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast is adding five new neonatal specialists to provide 24/7 coverage for sick and well newborns. Guests will enjoy live musical entertainment and are encouraged to wear emerald shades. Tickets are $150 which includes reserved seating, a curated dinner and two drink tickets. For more information, tickets or sponsorship, contact Lisa Wainwright at lisa.wainwright@ascension.org or call (850) 278-3702. Visit sacredheartemeraldball.com.  Sandestin Wine Festival... Read More

SeaLight Festival The SeaLight Festival has made its debut at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach and runs through March 31, 2024, Thursday thru Sunday from 5pm – 10pm. The whimsical outdoor walk-through experience showcases over a thousand intricately designed Chinese lanterns and invites visitors of all ages to explore a luminous landscape inspired by Chinese mythology, astrology, and folklore. Attendees will be amazed as they traverse dazzling displays of colorful, festive lights and lanterns, including an animal kingdom, a sea world, and assorted family activities. Tickets are now available for purchase: sealightfestival.com. SeaLight Festival is a rain or shine event. Adventures in Alys March 4-April 1 Proudly presented by the Alys Foundation, Adventures in Alys, a completely original storytelling experience for children of all ages takes place Monday & Thursday at 10 a.m., March 4 – April 1, in the Amphitheatre. Watch as The REP Theatre actors perform a masterfully improvised story based on audience suggestions. The Repertory Theatre is Northwest Florida’s premier professional theatre company. Visit LoveTheRep.com for main stage performances and concerts throughout the year for music and theater lovers. Rapunzel at Alys Beach Amphitheatre March 5 – April 2 Join The REP as they perform Rapunzel on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. This twist on the beloved storybook runs from. A complimentary event proudly presented by the Alys Foundation. Get ready to untangle your imagination with this hair-raising rendition of Rapunzel that’s full of fun and adventure for the whole family. Join... Read More

30A and Walton County are areas where, during Spring Break, there can be as many as 300,000 visitors on any given week through Labor Day, said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson last year. In 2022, Walton County made more than 1,100 Spring Break arrests. Chief of Operations Audie Rowell, Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), recently updated the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) regarding this year’s spring break activities. He opened his remarks with a quote from former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, who said ‘The most effective weapon against crime is cooperation.’ “I want to say thank you,” said Chief Rowell, “thank you to the Commission, thank you to the BCC staff and the citizens of Walton County for your support and understanding – not just for law enforcement, but for public safety. Law enforcement, fire, our EMS folks – I truly believe this is why we are safe, is because we cooperate.” Chief Rowell said he believes Walton County is one of the safest counties in the nation. “Spring Break is coming up, March 1 through about April 14,” said Chief Rowell. He said the WCSO has been diligently preparing for this through the development of an operation plan to mitigate possible issues and problems. One of the important components in their preparations is increased staffing. “Literally, about 110% from our normal staffing every day,” he said. During what is commonly called ‘Houston Week’ and the ‘Atlanta Week’ when visitor numbers are heaviest, Chief Rowell said their plan... Read More

The Best Golfing Resorts of The Emerald Coast and Scenic Highway 30A Beaches: A Golf Travel Planning Guide Discover the golfing pinnacle where luxury collides with leisure—30A on The Emerald Coast, your ultimate golfing resort destination. In this golfing enclave, each round played is a tribute to the game, accented by the harmonious Gulf breezes.  The Best Private Golf Courses in Florida you can play on vacation!  Exclusive beach access and play on a championship course with world-class staff to help you relax and enjoy your stay on 30A.  Here are some of the best golf travel ideas out there. Where are The Best Golf Courses on 30A? Our ultimate guide, steeped in the splendor of The Emerald Coast, reveals the luxurious Golf Resorts where fairways and beach vacation dreams coalesce. South Walton Beaches offers golf travel vacation ideas that surpass all expectations, from striking drives on waterfront greens to unwinding on sun-drenched shores. Embrace the allure; your quest for perfect putts and coastal retreats starts here, along the scenic stretches of South Walton’s legendary landscape, a Golf Travelers Paradise like few others. Golf enthusiasts will find their haven at The Emerald Coast’s Premier Golfing Resorts in South Walton’s beach neighborhoods & just beyond! You work hard, so when coming to the beach, Enjoy our beaches and relax, wine and dine, and explore all that The Emerald Coast has to offer. Let us be your guide. The Best 30A Golfing Resorts for a Golf Vacation Listed This is where scenic... Read More

By Susan Benton, 30AEats.com New Orleans, a.k.a. the Crescent City, is a fascinating place known for diversity, culture, and its rich heritage. Put it all in a bowl to eat and enjoy, and you would have what is known as gumbo. Gumbo originated in Louisiana in the 18th century, but there is no evidence to pinpoint the exact origin of the food. Many believe as do I, that the name “gumbo” is derived from the word kingombo, which is Bantu for okra, a popular ingredient in West African cooking. The Choctaw Indians were found to have developed the spicy file’ powder, a key additive made from sassafras leaves; but the French lay claim to the thickening agent known as the roux. Gumbo is a full meal, a melting pot of rich flavors steeped in tradition, a comforting stew-like dish. Though I learned to make gumbo in high school, most locals to the state learn at the hands of their mothers and grandmothers at a young age. Gumbo can’t be rushed. So, if you don’t have the time or quality ingredients, don’t bother. It is crucial to use the freshest and best seasonal ingredients when cooking gumbo. So, selecting meat and/or shellfish, and vegetables, including the thickener (usually in the form of okra or file powder) must be done carefully. There are many variations of gumbo, and everyone thinks theirs is the best. But, I tend to stick to Chicken & Sausage or Seafood Gumbo, but I do use turkey after... Read More

February and March are full of fun events around South Walton! The SeaLight Festival Debuts at Seascape Resort A dazzling world of light featuring more than 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns comes to the Panhandle following roaring success in New York City, Atlanta and Washington D.C. The SeaLight Festival is making its Florida debut following three consecutive years of sell-out runs in New York City, Atlanta and Washington D.C., where it welcomed more than 500,000 guests. On Thursdays – Sundays from 5-9 p.m., Feb. 1 to March 31, 2024, Seascape Resort will undergo a breathtaking transformation into an extraordinary world of illumination. This captivating spectacle will feature over 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns and lights, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience. Tickets, all ages, start from $17.99 children and $25.99 adults. Purchase at sealightfestival.com. Grand Canine Carnaval Feb. 8! A Brazilian Carnaval Doggie Social, Dog Harmony’s inaugural Grand Canine Carnaval, will be held Feb. 8, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and will feature a carnaval-themed doggie dance party and contest, photos of your pups, music, treats for both dogs and owners and a chance to win fabulous prizes. For information, contact fundraising@dog-harmony.org.   Camellia Festival Feb. 10 The majestic grounds of Eden Gardens State Park in Point Washington have more than 370 camellias and many will be in bloom for the annual Camellia Festival on Feb 10, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Every February, The Friends of Eden Gardens State Park and guests pay tribute to the Camellias, provide an array of educational... Read More