The Beach Vacation Blog » fl vacation rentals

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

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!!!

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.

Rent a Blockbuster Movie Tonight!

Garrett Realty Services — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:11:05 +0000

Seagrove Beach, FL September 23, 2009

THE VIDEO CORNER Special: Rent 2 New Releases for $8.00 plus tax!

Did you know that Seagrove Beach has its very own video store? The Video Corner is located in Seagrove Plaza on Scenic 30-A and has been open since March of 2008.

NEW RELEASES every Tuesday!

The Video Corner is the ONLY video store in the area and YES! We are open to the public and have the latest greatest video releases for everyone as well as our customers!

Don’t forget that the memorable film The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey was filmed just down the road at Seaside! We always keep plenty in stock for rent (Buy it for just $9.99!). Take the Truman Show home for a souvenir of your vacation on beautiful Scenic 30-A.

Fall Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Times of operation are seasonal so please call for current hours) Located inside Garrett Realty Services and is OPEN to the Public.

Hot Fun in the Summertime!!!

Garrett Realty Services — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:36:37 +0000

What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Seaside 4th of July Parade starts at Seagrove Plaza!

Garrett Realty Services — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:42:16 +0000

Home to Garrett Realty Services

There will be lots of Independence day activities all over South Walton County. Parades, Fireworks, Barbecues, Music and much much more…. something for everyone!

South Walton

Baytowne Wharf
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
10:00 a.m. � 10:00 p.m. � Conquer the Roaring River Slide
6:00 -10:00 p.m. � Kids activities including crafts, face-painting, a visit from Betsy Ross and writing letters to soldiers. Saturday at 9:15pm, the Village of Baytowne Wharf will present a magical fireworks extravaganza, illuminating the skies to celebrate our country�s Independence Day.

Gulf Place
Corner of Scenic 30A and CR 393
4:00 � 9:00 p.m. � Water slide
4:00 p.m. � Pony Rides available for a small fee
7:00 -9:00 p.m. � Even Money plays on the green

Grayton Beach
8:30 a.m. � Grayton Beach neighborhood parade. Decorate you car, bike, golf cart and yourself and line up at The Red Bar.

Seaside:
8:00 a.m. � South Walton 4th of July Parade
30A & Seaside Amphitheater
Join us as we kick off our Independence Day festivities with the annual �South Walton 4th of July Parade!� The parade begins in front of Seagrove Plaza and continues west along Scenic Highway 30-A to the Seaside Amphitheater at 8:00 a.m. Afterwards, join us for the awards presentation, face painting, music by 30A Radio and other goodies.

7:00 p.m. � Stars and Stripes - Seaside Amphitheater
Celebrate our nation�s Independence Day with a performance by �Rollin� in the Hay.� This Birmingham, Alabama band offers high-octane groove grass with a touch of down home foot stompin� Renegade Bluegrass. Long considered to be one of the forerunners of the �Newgrass� revolution in America, these savvy veterans have been thrilling fans coast to coast for years!

9:00 p.m. � Fireworks Spectacular -Seaside Amphitheater & Beach
End the holiday with one of the largest fireworks displays along the Emerald Coast. Make sure to tune your radios to 30A Radio (107.1FM) to hear the simulcast soundtrack as you watch the magnificent show from Seaside or anywhere along the beach!

Rosemary Beach
7:30 am, � Bike Decorating Breakfast & Bike Parade � North Barrett Square
Bring your bike, or rent one from Bamboo Bicycle, and join us for a FREE bike decorating breakfast party! Create a star-spangled masterpiece with red, white and blue decorations, enjoy doughnuts & juice and get ready to ride along at 8:45 am in the annual bike parade through town! Prizes awarded for Most Original Use of Decorations, Most Patriotic Theme, Best 6 and Under Decorated Bike, Best Family Entry and Best Overall Decorated Bike!

8:00 am � 12:00 p.m. � Sand Sculpture Demonstrations
Professional sand sculpture demonstrations by Sand Odyssey

9:00 � 11:00 a.m. Family Field Day � Western Green
Bring the kids and enjoy a morning of fun! We�ll have sack races, three-legged races, hula-hoop contests and a water balloon toss�.plus music, face painting, �go fish�, balloons and moonwalks!

5:00 � 7:00 p.m. Barbecue � Eastern Green
Celebrate the 4th with an old-fashiioned barbecue! Enjoy pork, chicken and brisket plus potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, cobbler and iced tea. Tickets available for purchase at event.

6:30 � 8:30 p.m. Concert On The Green � Western Green
Bring a blanket and enjoy an evening of music under the stars!

8:45 p.m. � Fireworks
Watch the exciting display light up the night! Viewing from Western Green, Eastern Green or get a front-row seat on the beach.

ArtsQuest 2009

ambermayer — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:54:25 +0000

ArtsQuest in the Beaches of South Walton

The Beaches of South Walton are rich in heritage and culture. One of the many popular events that are showcased in the area is the 10 Day ArtsQuest festival. A perfect time of year to bring the entire family and always falling right around Mother’s Day – ArtsQuest attracts artists of all mediums to the area and provides our community and visitors with an original art display at some of the world’s most beautiful beaches! Fun for the entire family, even children have a special experience!

Starting with the Arts Showcase in Sandestin - the entire experience can be found throughout the Beaches of South Walton with different events in Grayton Beach, Miramar Beach, Rosemary Beach and Seaside.

Staying in Seagrove Beach with Garrett Realty provides you with a pefect central location to immerse yourself in this American Cultural delight!

Quaint eateries are availabile along highway 30A so that you and your family can stop and refresh yourself and then dive right back into all of the creativity. Ticket sales are donated to local charities.