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

By Marta Rose-Thorpe I’ve been hearing great things about Mimmo’s 30A, and my husband Jimy and I were fortunate to dine there recently for our first time, although the establishment has been open just over a year. Nestled on 30A in Blue Mountain Beach, Mimmo’s was alive with vitality and people – yet felt somehow relaxed and laid back at the same time. Mimmo’s wife, Meghan Hall, is the décor guru behind this warm and beautiful “Old World” yet modern establishment. Next Level Cocktails General Manager Deni brought over aperitifs to get us started, and it was immediately apparent that Mimmo’s cocktails are Next-Level! An Espresso Martini arrived for me, chilled and frothy, made with St. Augustine Vodka, Borghetti Caffe Espresso Liqueur, and espresso. Smooth, sweet, and strong! Jimy ordered the Costa Nostra made with Mimmo’s Knob Creek, bitters, orange zest and smoked oak. Bursting with orange essence, a large, square ice cube filled the glass; a slice of orange rind was fastened to its side with a miniature clothespin. Two other Mimmo’s cocktail favorites are Death Rides a Horse (30A Reposado Agave, lime, squid ink agave, blood orange, and Calabrian Sea salt) and the Barberini (Malfy ‘Con Limone’ Gin, lavender, Old-Florida honey, and lemon). Mimmo’s has an extensive cocktail, wine and beer menu. We loved our server Dayna… so friendly, so sweet, and so knowledgeable. She brought fresh bread with dipping oil infused with basil, chives, spicy red peppers, and parmesan, and we could’ve made it an entire meal,... Read More

Feb. 16th – 18th, Benefiting The Seaside School, Inc. Public Charter School 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 February 16-18, 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, assisting in funding The Seaside School, Inc. “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. “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,” said Dr. Tom Miller, the new Executive Director of The Seaside School, Inc.... Read More

Marcus Pointe Golf Club, another jewel in the crown of Florida’s Emerald Coast, offers exciting challenges with its undulating landscapes and tricky angles. The course’s favorable green fee is bound to charm the most passionate golf enthusiasts. Location: A Slice of Golfing Heaven in Pensacola Marcus Pointe Golf Club is situated in Pensacola, Florida, nestled amidst the idyllic surroundings of Northwest Florida. Its serene location offers a fantastic golf experience and satiates the senses with beautiful scenic views and year-round play. Visit Marcus Pointe Golf Club Located at:  2500 Oak Pointe Dr, Pensacola, FL 32505 Why Golfers Love Marcus Pointe: A Blend of Challenge and Beauty Golfers love Marcus Pointe for its spectacularly designed course, maintaining a perfect balance of being challenging yet fun. The Club offers dramatic elevation changes not usual for this area of Florida. A golfing experience within its serene surroundings, catering to players of all skill levels. I love everything about this course! The views and scenery are perfect! This course has extremely friendly staff, refreshing cooled water containers along the way. Quite inexpensive for the experience! –CHRIS, G. GOOGLE REVIEWS. Marcus Pointe Course Ratings: An Acknowledged Gem Marcus Pointe has continually garnered praise from golfers and esteemed golf publications. It remains a beloved golfing destination with a community rating of 4.1/5 and keeps getting better and glowing reviews praising its well-kept greens and customer service.  And on GolfPass, over the last six months over 90% Recommend golfing here. Course Designer: The Genius of Earl Stone... Read More

January 10, 2024 Alys Beach Job Fair Alys Beach, an entity of EBSCO Industries, is expanding its team and will hold Job Fairs on January 10, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. at 84 Elbow Beach Road, Building 1. Alys Beach offers its employees competitive wages and superior benefits package. Multiple positions are available in the following departments: Guest Services, Security, Food & Beverage, Construction and Commercial Construction. $1,500 SIGN-ON BONUS for anyone hired by attending the job fair. If you have any questions, call 850-213-5500. Apply online beforehand at alysbeach.com/careers. However, computers will be available for your use. Nestled on 158 pristine acres along the Gulf of Mexico, Alys Beach is a unique urban project that blends new city planning with old-world charm. Its striking architecture, elegant settings and natural landscapes make it tempting to stop and explore on your way down the east end of Scenic 30A. Alysbeach.com. Friday, January 12, 2024 Nick’s on the Bay Annual Bonfire Come out to Nick’s on the Bay on Friday, January 12th at 5 p.m. for the Annual Bonfire. Enjoy food, drinks and sunset from one of the best views on the bay. DJ Viper will be kicking off the entertainment followed by The Velcro Pygmies.  Don’t miss the local’s favorite outdoor gathering of the year!  NO cover charge. All ages and pets welcome. Come out for some good ol’ fashioned fun with friends. There will be food service inside of the restaurant, an ATM, and a cash bar located on premises. Additional parking... Read More