The Beach Vacation Blog » 30-A

Garrett Realty Services, Seagrove Plaza, 30A & The Beaches of South Walton!!

Garrett Realty Services — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:56:15 +0000

The Beaches of South Walton are Open for Business

Garrett Realty Services — Fri, 14 May 2010 20:17:20 +0000

Beaches of South Walton Coastline Unaffected and Ready for Summer Travel!

From: Nashville Lifestyles

Visitors continue to enjoy great weather and events along Beaches of South Walton’s 26 miles of unaffected coastline, as the destination prepares for a new international airport and an influx of summer travelers.

“The daily headlines might be full of doom and gloom, but what our visitors are seeing are emerald waters and white sand beaches,” said Tracy Louthain, director of communications for the Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC). “Our community is prepared for any potential impacts, but our primary message is that our destination is open for enjoyment.”

Visitors flocked to the destination for Mother’s Day weekend to enjoy a multitude of events, sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80s. The region is now gearing up for a busy summer travel season, marked by all-new air service from major cities around the country.

New air service by Southwest Airlines to Northwest Florida is on schedule to begin May 23 to the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Nonstop service will be available from markets including Orlando, Nashville, Baltimore and Houston via Southwest and from Atlanta via Delta.

Lodging partners are preparing for the summer season with a host of travel packages and events, including sand sculpture demonstrations along Rosemary Beach, Le Grande Cirque performances in Sandestin, movie nights in WaterColor, the Digital Graffiti festival in Alys Beach, and many more.

Oil Status

According to the latest projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the oil slick in the Gulf is more than 150 miles from Beaches of South Walton and winds continue to move oil away from Florida waters. The TDC and lodging partners are monitoring conditions closely, and partners are developing generous travel policies should any of the beaches be impacted. Visitors are encouraged to contact their lodging provider directly to discuss specific policies and programs. To keep visitors informed about beach conditions and the county’s preparedness the TDC is continuing to post daily updates and images on www.BSWupdate.com, including information on a fully funded action plan to protect the destination in the event of oil reaching the shore. For more information about Beaches of South Walton, please visit www.beachesofsouthwalton.com or contact the Visitor’s Center at (800) 822-6877. To access a 24-hour information line devoted to information regarding the drilling incident, contact the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 267-2000.

About Beaches of South Walton

Beaches of South Walton is a destination located along a 26-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast and comprised of 15 picturesque beach communities, and white sand beaches and emerald green waters for which the region is renowned. Named as one of the Top 12 travel destinations for 2010 by Frommer’s, visitors to the destination enjoy a relaxing escape: an upscale, yet casual, place to unwind and rejuvenate.

Le Grand Cirque is coming to our Area, Summer 2010!

Garrett Realty Services — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 16:58:28 +0000

Le Grand Cirque, one of the most successful family shows of all time, adds to destination allure!!

Beaches of South Walton, Fla., (March 29, 2010) –

Visitors and residents of Northwest Florida will now be able to enjoy an international entertainment attraction unlike any other offered in the region. The positive economic news for the area continues to grow with the news that “Le Grand Cirque,” a highly popular live entertainment attraction, is premiering in Grand Boulevard and will play throughout the summer and possibly beyond.

“The introduction of the world class production ‘Le Grand Cirque’ to our region will take our area to another level by providing a much needed quality entertainment attraction that will complement the most beautiful beaches in the world. It will provide another reason to visit, live, work and play in Walton County,” said John Heiser, executive vice president for Howard Group.

Seen by millions of people around the world, this Cirque extravaganza has broken box office records all over the globe, including becoming the biggest ever selling show in the history of the Sydney Opera House, attended by 50,000 people in two and a half weeks.

This multi-million dollar production is two years in the making, including acts from around the world and the debut of new acts specifically tailored for this market. Howard Group and Grand Boulevard teams worked for months behind the scenes to secure this high-profile addition to the Sandestin area and worked closely with major area business sectors to secure the project for this market. The production is expected to employ at least 30 local staff in positions such as marketing communications, ushers and ticketing personnel.

“We chose Grand Boulevard as our new home because it is perfectly centered in between the markets that we want to attract customers from along the Emerald Coast. Additionally, it is a beautiful upscale site that fits the look and feel of the show beautifully. Patrons will be able to eat, drink and relax before and after the show in the Town Center,” said Simon Painter, producer of Le Grand Cirque.

“Le Grand Cirque” is a visual feast of breathtaking group acrobatics and white-knuckle stunts and has been described as “The next generation of Cirque Du Soleil.”

Featuring more than 40 champion acrobats and performers from Brazil, Canada, Russia, Mongolia, Europe and China, the performers have been hand-picked from around the world for their amazing abilities and precision skill. The result is a fast-paced, heart-pounding spectacle that will astound and keep the audience at the edge of their seats.

This spectacular production features contortionists, tumblers and incredible aerial acts as well as the breathtaking Wheel of Death – one of the most dangerous acts ever attempted in a live show.

The show is a two-hour extravaganza for the entire family and is ideal for all generations. The show is very family friendly and is designed to entertain families with children and also adults who enjoy sophisticated entertainment.

Starting in late May, “Le Grand Cirque” will perform in Grand Boulevard for the entire summer in the Grand Arena, one of three, cream-colored Italian-style, air-conditioned fabric structures which comprise the venue. The Grand Arena, located adjacent to Grand Park in Grand Boulevard Town Center, will hold just under 1,100 people and is within short walking distance to seven signature restaurants and casual eateries.

From May 25th, 2010 thru August 15th, 2010, there will be evening and matinee shows throughout the week. Evening shows are at 8 p.m. Tues– Saturday. Matinees are slated for 2 p.m. Visit the Web site or call the box office for matinee days, times and ticket prices. Best seats do sell out fast so be sure to book your tickets now at www.cirquedestin.com or by calling the box office at (866) 973-9610. For best savings, book online.

“Le Grand Cirque” provides a spectacular experience to enhance the perfect vacation and is the new must-see attraction for visitors and locals alike in this region.

Walton County Celebrates Scenic 30-A Highway Day

Garrett Realty Services — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:59:17 +0000

Walton County to celebrate Scenic Highway Day

March 19, 2010 9:36 AM

By Matt Algarin

Walton Sun

The Friends of Scenic 30A invite families and friends to celebrate a day of fun and education on March 26 and 27 for Scenic Highway Day.

Bill Freeze, chairman of the Friends of Scenic 30A, said 30A is the only county road in the state to receive this designation.

“This is a pretty prominent designation,” he said. “The people here are privileged to have such a beautiful, natural area to live in.”

County Road 30A first earned its designation as a Florida scenic highway in May of 2008, since then the friends have been working to maintain and improve the overall traveling experience along the corridor. In celebration of its designation, the friends will be hosting an opening ceremony for the celebration March 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the Walton County District 5 office on Logan Lane.

“We want to make it a fun and educational day and celebrate being part of the state scenic highway system,” said Vivian Shamel, citizen planner for Walton County.

The opening ceremony will include a short documentary on coastal dune lakes, followed by a brief presentation about the Florida Scenic Highway program.

The following day visitors can ride on a free trolley that will take them to 26 various spots along the scenic corridor, making stops from Topsail Hill State Park to Rosemary Beach.

In addition to the trolley ride, local businesses will be offering specials and discounts to Scenic Highway Day participants.

Freeze said the friends plan to make Scenic Highway Day a yearly event.

“The event is free of charge,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for the family to come out and enjoy themselves.”

_________________________________________________________

Come visit our area and take a day to explore Scenic-30A.

Garrett Realty Services, Inc. has a vacation rental waiting for you to Rent & Relax!!!

With a little luck, local residents can spot bald eagles

Garrett Realty Services — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:33:47 +0000

MATT ALAGARIN

Florida Freedom Newspapers

Sunday January 3, 2010

SEAGROVE BEACH — Avid photographer and bird lover Jamie Conley ran out of her office recently to try to photograph two bald eagles in Western Lake.

Conley, business manager and marketing representative for Davis Properties, had purchased a new camera and was in her office when “one of the sales guys came into the office and said he’d just seen two bald eagles over Western Lake.”

“He wondered if I was interested in trying to get some photos,” Conley said. “I told him ‘you bet’ and ran out the door with my brand new camera in tow.”

Conley drove down County Road 30A to Grayton Beach and pulled to the side of the road.

“It was about 3:30 or 4ish,” Conley said. “It was a beautiful, blue-sky afternoon, just a wonderful day after so many days of recent rain and overcast skies.”

“This is the first time that I’d photographed a bald eagle,” she said. “So I guess I just got lucky.”

The bald eagle population in Florida has increased over the past few decades, and the birds now breed in 62 of the state’s 67 counties, according to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“Bald eagles are not uncommon in Walton County,” said Janell Brush, an avian research scientist at the FWC’s Gainesville office. “There are actually four known nesting territories in the county.”

“If you are in this area, you would definitely have a good chance of seeing a few bald eagles,” added Brush, who helps put together the state’s bald eagle management plan.

Brush said there are about 9,000 bald eagles in Florida.

Bald eagles were removed from the federal threatened and endangered species list in August 2007. They are still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald Eagle Protection Act.

But as far as Conley is concerned, “I was just in the right place at the right time.”

Indigo Girls to headline 30A Songwriters Festival

Garrett Realty Services — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 23:01:52 +0000

January 07, 2010 8:19 AM

SHOWCASE – Cover Story

Special to the Northwest Florida Daily News

SOUTH WALTON — Grammy award-winning Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers are set to co-headline the first 30A Songwriters Festival Jan. 15-17.

More than 50 singer-songwriters from across the country are confirmed to perform in seven venues.

Weekend passes may be purchased online at 30ASongwritersFestival.com for $40, and $20 day passes are also available. Tickets may be purchased at Central Square Records in Seaside and in Blue Mountain Beach at the Cultural Arts Association, which is producing the festival.

Susanna Hoffs from the Bangles, Matthew Sweet, Rodney Crowell (produced “Seven Year Ache” for Rosanne Cash), Jeffrey Steele (“When the Lights Go Down” for Faith Hill, “The Cowboy on Me” for Tim McGraw, “What Hurts the Most” for Rascal Flatts), Gary Louris of the Jayhawks (“Save It for a Rainy Day,” “Blue,” “Everybody Knows” for the Dixie Chicks), Shawn Mullins (“Lullaby Rockabye”), Sam Bush (“Circles Around Me,” New Grass Revival founder), John Oates (“Sara Smile,” “Everytime You Go Away”), Chely Wright (“Single White Female,” Shut Up and Drive”) and many more will perform.

BMI will sponsor a kick-off party at Bud & Alley’s bar with a special performance by Sid ’n’ Susie, the ’60s/’70s covers recording project by Sweet and Hoffs. Fans will hear classic covers of bands including the Beatles, Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt, Yes, the Beach Boys and Derek & the Dominos.

The 30A Songwriters Festival is three days of non-stop, intimate concerts including solo performances and multi-artist “in the round” singing and storytelling sessions.

Additional confirmed artists include: Greg Barnhill, Tim Nichols, Joe Leathers, Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall, Suzi Ragsdale, Jeff Black, Michelle Malone, Evan McHugh, Bryan and Gordon Kennedy, Dread Clampitt, Sonia Leigh, Gary Hannan, Donnie Sundal, LoCash Cowboys, Nicole Witt, Fred Wilhelm, Jeffrey Cain, Ben Glover, Brian Davis, Michael and Ruth Unger Merenda, Billy Montana, Pearl Heart, Pete Sallis, Kyle Jacobs, Troy Jones and many more.

A ticket/wrist band will allow concert attendees to travel up and down the Beaches of South Walton to access all shows in venues in Alys Beach (Caliza Pool), Rosemary Beach (Town Hall), Seaside (Meeting Hall Theatre), Miramar Beach (Bluz Bar), WaterColor (the Boathouse), Grayton Beach (Shorty’s Surfside) and Santa Rosa Beach (Stinky’s).

Fans of great music, miles of white beaches, world class restaurants and the ultimate beach bars are invited to enjoy all of this over the three-day holiday weekend.

Don’t miss this weekend event!! Call GRS Beach Rentals @ 1-800-537-5387 to reserve your accommodations today or book online @ www.garrettrealty.com

Beaches of South Walton Celebrates New Direct Service on Southwest

Garrett Realty Services — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:02:21 +0000

Millions of families and business travelers on Wednesday got closer to the sugar white sand beaches of Northwest Florida when Southwest Airlines Vice President of Properties, Bob Montgomery, announced this low cost carrier’s fares and destinations for the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, opening in May 2010.

Beginning May 23, 2010, Southwest will offer non-stop service to Panama City Beach, Fl from Baltimore, Md. (BWI), Nashville, Tenn. (BNA), Houston, Tx (HOU) and Orlando, Fl (MCO).

In addition to the eight daily nonstop flights, Southwest Airlines will offer direct or connecting service to more than 58 destinations from Panama City Beach, including Dallas and Chicago. Southwest Airlines will operate from Gate 3 at the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport with approximately 30-35 Employees who will call the region home.

This is exciting news for the region as a whole. The exposure to the Beaches of Northwest Florida will enhance our economy in so many ways from lodging, retail, dining and to our real estate sales market.

So, come indulge in our paradise, reserve your vacation with Garrett Realty Services and book your flight with Southwest, today!!

Frommer’s listed the “Florida Panhandle Beaches” in Top 10.

Garrett Realty Services — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:55:37 +0000

Just wanted to share the following good news with you…

Frommer Travel Recognizes the Lifestyle and Natural Beauty of the Florida Panhandle beaches as a “top 10 destination” for 2010

The “Florida Panhandle Beaches” is the only continental U.S. destination included in Frommer’s list of Top Destinations 2010! (Other places on the list include Melbourne, Australia; Tunisia; Hanoi, Vietnam; Kerala, India; and Mexico City).

Florida Panhandle Beaches, United States

Like the Rodney Dangerfield of the American Southeast, Florida’s panhandle never gets the respect it deserves. Dubbed the “Redneck Riviera” by dismissive northerners, northwest Florida, in fact, contains some of the most diverse recreation choices along Florida’s drastically under-appreciated Gulf coast, and some of the best options for visitors seeking an affordable family vacation.

From Destin to the west, where you can hire a fishing or sailing charter, to the smattering of National Seashores as you move east, there’s really something for everyone. Seaside’s planned community is so “perfect” it was the setting for the The Truman Show, yet you’ll also find old-school Florida towns with funky shops, tiny hotels, pristine beaches, and the perfect cottage to rent.

“Stunning beaches, nature trails … great restaurants, and a cozy, yet quirky, sense of community.” — Lesley Abravanel, author Frommer’s Florida

Read full article here

Southwest Airlines heads to Northwest, FL

Garrett Realty Services — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:44:51 +0000

Southwest leads the way to economic growth

By SCARLET SIMS | News Herald Writer Florida Freedom Newspapers

2009-10-29 21:56:15

SANDESTIN — Capturing Southwest Airlines as the low-cost carrier at the new international airport is just the beginning of boosting Northwest Florida’s economy, local leaders said Thursday.

“The next decade is going to be our decade,” said Janet Watermeier, Bay County Economic Development Alliance executive director. “Never have the global opportunities for Northwest Florida been greater.”

During the second annual Fall Leadership Summit, a daylong conference in Sandestin, hundreds of businesspeople and local leaders talked about working together to grow the economy.

Southwest Airlines announced earlier this month its plans to begin serving the new Northwest Florida-Panama City International Airport in May. The decision remains the talk among leaders.

Southwest hopes to expand the Panhandle’s tourism industry exponentially by convincing people who might drive to Northwest Florida to fly instead, said keynote speaker Bob Montgomery, Southwest’s vice president of properties.

Southwest is known for its low airfare. Northwest Florida has some of the highest fares in the region, but those are expected to drop when Southwest begins selling tickets in December. Low prices create a demand and that means more people will come to Northwest Florida, Montgomery said.

Other carriers will consider the new airport, said Cynthia Kennedy, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce member.

Airport Executive Director Randy Curtis said plans for the airport include construction to accommodate cargo planes. The airport also hopes to draw international travelers, Curtis said.

“It will take the entire region to make it work,” said Jerry Ray, a St. Joe Co. vice president. “What Southwest does for us is provide a global network.”

St. Joe is the major property holder in Northwest Florida and a major partner with Southwest. The company agreed to repay Southwest should the airline lose money during the first three years of operation at the new airport.

Southwest looked at serving the entire region when the company chose Bay County’s new airport, Montgomery said. Talks with the other regional airports, such as the one in Pensacola, will continue, but Southwest plans to focus on Bay County, he said.

Keynote speaker Brian Wilson said the airport and Southwest offer a golden opportunity to the region. Wilson is a veteran reporter for Fox News and part-time area resident.

“I believe that this particular part of the Florida Panhandle is poised for great things in the not-so-distant future,” Wilson said. “This is the right place, and the right time is just around the corner. The world is about to beat a path to your door.”

__________________________________________________________________

Garrett Realty Services main office and all of our Vacation Beach Rentals are only 30 minutes from the new airport. Southwest Airlines tickets to & from the new airport will go on sale early December, 09. For more information about booking a vacation with us, call 1-800-537-5387 or visit us on-line @ www.garrettrealty.com.

Red Bar

Garrett Realty Services — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:53:59 +0000

A funny thing I heard on my way to The Red Bar,

“What do you call a lawyer who hangs out in restaurants?

An ambiance chaser” ; }

Which nicely seques into our comments on one of our favorite local restaurants:

Garrett Realty Services Invites You to Experience:

Good Friends Good Food and Good Times at The Red Bar

My BFF since I was twelve years old is visiting from Germany and wanted authentic local atmosphere not to mention, food. I immediately thought of The Red Bar.

The first impression one has is that the vine covered restaurant has been there for a long time and deeply ensconced in the historical little town of Grayton Beach. The Red Bar’s eclectic Bohemian decor is artsy and creative and BOY are they ready for the Holidays. There is something interesting to look at in every square inch down to the international posters on the ceiling which patrons have contributed.

Needless to say, we LOVED the food. There were five of us so we ordered several different dishes for sampling. The Red Bar is famous for their Chicken Panne and Gulf-fresh seafood (especially the crab cakes). There is quite a selection of side orders: ranging from sweet potatoes, delightfully varied salads and freshly battered onion rings… YUM. The specials change daily and are quaintly hand-written on a large chalk board presented by the waitress.

My friends, Laura and and hubby Jerry, said their Shrimp PoBoywas the best they have had (and they are seasoned travelers). Laura also added that the bread was as good as she gets in Europe. That is quite the compliment.

The two important things Laura and I have in common are our tastes in food and laughing (We haggled over a few beaus but that is fodder for another blog!).

We had so much fun (of course we always do… that is why we are still friends after —?! zillion years) reminiscing about slumber parties and debating the best techniques for tormenting our little brothers. Some stories never get old…

A little Red Bar History 101:

The Red Bar is venerable. Belgian brothers, Olly and Phillipe Petit, have built The Red Bar from a former Grayton Grocery into one of the area’s most famous eateries. The restaurant is actually called Picolo’s, but the whole place is best known by the bar’s name, The Red Bar.

The Red Bar Jazz Band plays almost nightly and is the best in NW Florida featuring the great Jabbo Starke, formerly James Brown’s drummer who played in Sex Machine and Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag. When Starke is not at The Red Bar, he still performs all over the world.

The Red Bar has always been known for featuring the best in South Walton County music, first and foremost with the Great Red Bar Jazz Band but also with regular appearances from area favorites like Dread Clampitt, The Waco Ramblers and Hubba Hubba.

Don’t be surprised to spot celebrities here late at night. “…But please, everybody just wants to chill at The Red Bar.”

Located in the old part of Downtown Grayton Beach, Florida on Scenic 30-A, (Just down the road and west of Garrett Realty Services) The Red Bar is also a short drive from Destin & Panama City Beach.

Phone: 850-231-1008

Check out their website: http://www.theredbar.com/ for more information.