SoWal is full of special things to do and places to see, here are a few of our staff's favorites. You'll also find countless traditions from locals and visitors on the SoWal Forum. We'd like to hear from you as well so be sure to leave a comment with your favorite traditions.
Seaside is the picture-perfect little SoWal beach town where you can reach every shop and restaurant by foot or bike.
Modica Market, which opened March 17, 1989 by Charles Modica Sr. and his wife, Sarah, began with a simple deal-sealing handshake between Modica and Seaside founder Robert Davis, and has since flourished into one of the most recognizable businesses along Highway 30A. As the market celebrates three decades in business, the next generation of Modicas — Charles Modica Jr. and Carmel Modica — run the store together.
The 31st annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, a Mother’s Day weekend tradition, takes place May 11-12 at Grand Boulevard in South Walton, Florida. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 200 artists from around the country while also experiencing live musical entertainment, ImagiNation (where kids rule), student exhibits and great food & beverage options in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.
Destin Ice Market 30A owner Pamela Wellborn was not the least bit hesitant to open her Market in Inlet Beach….opened in 2016 at The Crosssings at Inlet Beach, the shop has quickly become a favorite of “east end” SoWal residents and visitors.
Gulf Place is a happening place! What with all the cool restaurants, artists, shops and events, but perhaps the coolest of all is the Third Thursday Wine Walkabout from 5-7 p.m.
One constant in SoWal is that things are always changing in Seaside.
The constant evolution of the town keeps things interesting and vibrant. Loyal visitors who come back year after year appreciate that some things never change - the generous and friendly beach attitude, great shopping and dining - and the BEACH!
Mother - daughter duo Margie Perry and Kristen Foley are happy and busy running their family business Beau Interiors in Grayton Beach.
As they approach their 8th year in business, I sat down with them for a soul sesh and learned the truth about why the store exists, what it takes to be an entrepreneur, how they inspire one another, and the one secret about obstacles that everyone should know. (Spoiler alert: they’re all in your head.)
One of the biggest specialty retailers in the world, Williams Sonoma, is set to open in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin this spring. The company is known for their kitchenware including professional quality cookware, small kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, decor and gourmet foods. The announcement comes on the heels of a banner year for the town center, which opened seven new retail stores and restaurants in 2018.
Foodies Rejoice! New restaurants and food centric events abound making 2019 the most "craveable" year yet for Destin's award-winning lifestyle center, Destin Commons.
Restaurants opening in 2019 include: Gulf Coast Burger Co., Another Broken Egg Cafe, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, and Destination Little Donuts & Cups and Cones.
Other recent additions to the center include energizing new events like: the Mac & Cheese Festival benefiting the Boys and Girls Club and Parrot Head Chili Cook Off benefiting The Arc of the Emerald Coast.
