Santa Rosa Beach: America’s Best Little Beach Towns
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates, Blog
Media always says that any news…even bad news is good news. The only good news about the immense coverage we have had with the BP oil spill is that is has spotlighted our beautiful beaches into world wide media frenzy. Once the media actually took their cameras off the doom and gloom of the oil, they quickly saw how amazingly spectacular our beaches are. So spectacular that the recent media frenzy has garnered our area some great coverage.
One of the most recent is Santa Rosa Beach being named one of America's Best Little Beach Towns by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Another great featured article by Houston Style Magazine called Beaches of South Walton Offers Top 30 Reasons to Go Anyway with ‘Beyond the Beach’ Activities for Visitors.
Although I agree with most of the top 30 list…they did miss a few of our favorites:
1. Scalloping in St. Joe is a yearly MUST do favorite trip
2. Cycling, running, swimming and triathlons along the Emerald Coast attracts athletes from all over the world to compete in Ironman Florida Panama City Beach, Seaside Half Marathon, San Destin Triathlon and the Gulf Coast Triathlon. Our amazing weather offers some of the best landscapes for a competitive endurance athlete. There are events year round for every athlete.
3. Wild Blueberry picking at Daulphin Farm in Callaway. If you like blueberries, these are the BEST blueberries you can find. They are huge and as sweet as can can be.
Come on out and see what the fuss is about…one trip to Northwest Florida is all it took to get us out here permanently!
Here is the story below…
As the Gulf oil situation passes its 90th day, Beaches of South Walton, known for its emerald waters and white sand beaches, announces Top 30 Reasons to Go Anyway with unique ‘Beyond the Beach’ experiences for visitors regardless of beach conditions.
“Luckily, the impacts we have seen from the oil spill have been minor, and our 26-mile coastline has remained open for enjoyment from day one,” said Dawn Moliterno, executive director of Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council. “There are many reasons that our destination keeps visitors coming back every year and now is a great time to check out all those beyond the beach activities that make a vacation here such an unforgettable experience.”
Top 30 Reasons to Go Anyway
In Beaches of South Walton visitors can:
1. Rent a YOLO board , kayak or canoe to explore the bays and rare coastal dune lakes of Beaches of South Walton’s beautiful interior waterways. Beaches of South Walton is home to the world’s largest concentration of coastal dune lakes.
2. Take in a performance of the breathtaking Le Grande Cirque at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, where champion international performers astound audiences with a fast-paced, heart-pounding spectacle suitable for the entire family.
3. Experience the many natural wonders of the area with a Certified Nature Based Outfitter who leads participants through the area’s nature lands showcases wildlife, ecosystems and historical elements of the Beaches of South Walton environment.
4. Rent bikes and tour Scenic Highway 30A—take in the beauty of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes, explore some of the area’s 15 communities, and stop in restaurants, shops and galleries.
5. Embark on a culinary experience unlike any other by attending a Culinary Gallery cooking class, or have an exquisite meal created in your kitchen by talented chef Philip McDonald from Table 5 .
6. Tour the towns of Rosemary Beach , WaterSound , Alys Beach , Seaside and others to see the breathtaking architecture inspired by the distinctive architectural styles of destinations such as the Caribbean, Antigua, Bermuda, old Florida and Cape Cod.
7. Zipline across the Village of Baytowne Wharf or try out the ropes course and tug boats in the Village’s “Adventure Zone” at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort , where you can also enjoy the many shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities the Village offers.
8. Visit the Seaside Farmer’s Market on Saturdays to choose from local produce, dairy, baked goods and other local specialties of the Beaches of South Walton.
9. See a show by the talented performers of the Seaside Repertory Theater for the theater’s10th anniversary season, with summer performances of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” “Charlotte’s Web,” “The Fisherman and His Wife,” “The Tempest,” “The Flaws” and more.
10. Be mesmerized by azaleas, camellias and moss-covered live oaks by spending the day at Eden State Gardens , which features the magnificent turn-of-the-century Wesley Mansion.
11. Hang out with a park ranger on Saturday morning for breakfast or explore the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park’s 1,600 acres of majestic pine forests, nature trails that cross over 25-foot-tall sand dunes and coastal dune lakes teeming with freshwater fish there for the taking.
12. Visit Grayton Beach State Park , which offers its visitors a host of activities beyond the beach including birding, wildlife watching, and hiking and biking along its four-mile nature trail.
13. Explore the more than 15,000 acres of Point Washington State Forest on horseback, foot or bike and see its many rare wildlife species among the sandhills, swamps, wet prairies and flatwoods.
14. Dive into the Beaches of South Walton’s rich art world by taking an art class taught by one of the area’s many talented artists or touring one of the galleries filled with work by local artists.
15. Take the kids to Jolee Island, located at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort , where they can play on the pirate ship-themed playground, parents can relax on porch swings and everyone can enjoy the nature trails overlooking spectacular views of Choctawhatchee Bay.
16. Grab binoculars and try to spot all the unique animals that call Beaches of South Walton home. With more than 40 percent of the area preserved as state parks and forests, bird and other wildlife watching is a favorite past-time.
17. Whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner or somewhere in between, curb any craving at one of the countless restaurants unique to Beaches of South Walton, including the award-winning Bud & Alley’s , the iconic Red Bar , and the Old Florida Fish House .
18. Pick up a souvenir and admire the extensive collection of hand-blown glass jewelry, lighting and art from more than 200 artists at Fusion Art Glass , located in Sandestin and Seaside.
19. Shop at the nation’s largest designer outlet center, Silver Sands Factory Stores in Sandestin, and get great deals on clothing, accessories, home goods, shoes, electronics and more.
20. Be pampered at Serenity by the Sea day spa, or one of the many other spas in Beaches of South Walton, with a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure.
21. Attend one of the many free concerts and performances held all summer long at the Seaside Amphitheater.
22. Relax and recharge by taking a yoga class at Balance Health Studio , Grayton Beach Fitness , Rosemary Beach Fitness Center or one of the many other yoga and fitness centers around Beaches of South Walton.
23. Play a round – or two – of golf on one of the many golf courses found throughout the 15 communities of Beaches of South Walton.
24. Play tennis at one of the many resorts and racquet clubs scattered around Beaches of South Walton’s 15 communities, including TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort , rated a “Top U.S. Tennis Resort” by Tennis magazine.
25. Explore the rich history of Walton County in the town of DeFuniak Springs, founded in the early 1880s. Built around Lake DeFuniak, one of only two naturally occurring perfectly round lakes in the country, visitors explore historic buildings like Walton-DeFuniak Library, Hotel DeFuniak, Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, Chautauqua Winter and the Chautauqua Theatre.
26. Take a relaxing guided horseback ride at Seaside Stables in Santa Rosa Beach where they offer beginner and advance riding sessions, and expert riders give riding lessons.
27. Be inspired in a class at Studio b with a creative course, where they offer a variety of creative courses on topics including cooking, drawing, photography, sculpting, painting, wine tasting, fashion design, digital art and much more.
28. Embark on a dinner cruise aboard the Solaris yacht from SunQuest Cruises , which features artfully prepared gourmet food and a full-service bar.
29. Take a short drive north to Morrison Springs, a popular diving area in Walton County, where you can enjoy a spring pool that produces 48 million gallons of crystal clear water daily. The recently redesigned park, now offers boardwalks overlooking the springs, boat ramp, picnic tables, and a diving dock.
30. Visit Perspicasity , the beachside clothing bazaar in Seaside, to shop the open-air cottages filled with clothes perfect for achieving the beach lifestyle.
In addition to the many beyond the beach activities, there are several events for visitors taking place in the coming weeks, including the following:
Late Summer and Early Fall Events
Sandestin Music Festival
Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14, 2010
Join us for a “little bit of country, a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll and a whole lotta sunshine” the weekend of August 13-14 during the inaugural Sandestin Music Festival. Featuring performances by some of the biggest names in the country and rock music industry and FREE for guests with a printed ticket from the website. http://www.sandestinmusicfestival.com/
Stories by the Sea
4 p.m., Monday-Friday until August 13, 2010
Treat your kids to a daily dose of storytelling in Seaside, as Seaside Repertory actors interpret classic fairy tales with their own improvisational twist.
www.seasiderep.org
Le Grand Cirque Performances
All Summer until Sunday, August 15, 2010
Enjoy the breathtaking Le Grand Cirque performances at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, where champion international performers astound audiences with a fast-paced, heart-pounding spectacle suitable for the entire family, running through August 15. www.cirquedestin.com
24th Annual Sandestin Triathlon
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Put your fitness to the test against a beautiful beachside backdrop in the 24th annual Sandestin Triathlon on Saturday, August 21. http://www.sandestin.com/ExploreSandestin/SpecialEvents/Triathlon.aspx
Santa Rosa Beach 100th Birthday Party
Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12, 2010
Celebrate with Santa Rosa Beach as we honor its centennial anniversary throughout the month of September.
www.srb100.com
To keep visitors informed about beach conditions, Beaches of South Walton continues to post twice daily updates and images of the status of its coastline on www.BSWUpdate.com .
For more information about Beaches of South Walton, please visit www.BeachesofSouthWalton.com or contact the Visitor’s Center at (800) 822-6877.
Walton County is Where America’s Money is Moving
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates, Blog
I was very surprised to read that Walton County home of Seaside, Rosemary Beach, WaterColor and Alys Beach made the Forbes top list list of where the rich are moving to. Walton County was number 5…and I am really not that surprised. It is a pretty simple formula:
Sunshine + warm weather + world's most beautiful beaches + incredible real estate buys + low taxes = Walton County
We recently got hooked on House Hunters International on HGTV. We continually are amazed at how little value you get with top dollar prices on homes across the globe. Each episode I find myself repeating, "Wow, they need to come to Scenic 30-A…do you know what you can buy for $1.2mil along the Emerald Coast."
Fortunately, we are not the only one that thinks Walton County is a top place to relocate as they rank 5th among Forbes list.
Top 5 Places Where America's Money Is Moving
No. 1: Collier County, Fla.
Arriving average income per capita: $76,161
Departing average income per capita: $26,128
Stationary household average income per capita: $49,959
Total arriving people: 15,150
Total departing people: 16,802
Top origin: Lee County, Fla. (2,987 people)
No. 2: Greene County, Ga.
Arriving average income per capita: $56,414
Departing average income per capita: $25,432
Stationary household average income per capita: $30,875
Total arriving people: 788
Total departing people: 778
Top origin: Putnam County, Ga. (76 people)
No. 3: Nassau County, Fla.
Arriving average income per capita: $51,833
Departing average income per capita: $29,312
Stationary household average income per capita: $32,306
Total arriving people: 4,785
Total departing people: 3,690
Top origin: Duval County, Fla. (1,721 people)
No. 4: Llano County, Texas
Arriving average income per capita: $44,324
Departing average income per capita: $22,541
Stationary household average income per capita: $26,201
Total arriving people: 1,192
Total departing people: 1,018
Top origin: Burnet County, Texas (312 people)
No. 5: Walton County, Fla.
Arriving average income per capita: $45,591
Departing average income per capita: $28,360
Stationary household average income per capita: $30,553
Total arriving people: 3,939
Total departing people: 3,230
Top origin: Okaloosa County, Fla. (1,148 people)
Click here to see the full list of Where America's Money Is Moving
Cottages for Kids 2010 Creates a Town for a Child’s Imagination
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates, Blog
Cottages for Kids is one of my favorite events and charities that Team Baranowski participates in that benefits the Children's Volunteer Health Network. For the past 3 years Team Baranowski has built a cottage for the event. First it was a giant pineapple house themed after Sponge Bob Square pants, then it was a giant submarine getting eaten by a massive octopus.
This year Team Baranowski partnered with Braulio Casa Architects, Arkon Group, Poor Truman and Little Red to build Il Teatrino.
Cottages for Kids cottages are showcased on Rosemary Beach's Eastern Long Green from May 7th to May 30th.
About Il Teatrino
In great towns around the world, the theatre plays a crucial role in the making of place. Il Teatrino, seeks to become part of a small town, the town in a child's imagination. The stage will be multi-functional, and able to evolve as the child's imagination expands evermore into the world of the thespian. Along with the other cottages, this Teatrino is meant to become part of the context that will be created by the ensemble of cottages on the Rosemary Green. As a more public building, the Teatrino can serve as the focal point or the terminus of an important vista. With the unwavering support of each of our team members, the Teatrino will be outfitted with all the things a child would want of their very own theatre, costumes, dressing areas, stage and its own box office. The possibilities are limitless for cultural creativity.
What is Cottages for Kids?
CVHN Cottages for Kids is a unique fundraising event that benefits Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc., a faith based, 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that seeks to enhance the lives of uninsured and underinsured children by facilitating free immediate access to medical, dental and mental health care.
With tremendous imagination and craftsmanship, builder’s and architects come together to create, construct and decorate whimsical cottages that look like they have popped out from the pages of a fairytale to modern creations brimming with creativity.
When is Cottages for Kids?
CVHN Cottages for Kids takes place in May of 2010 on the East Long Green in Rosemary Beach, Florida. The cottages are in a fenced area on the green and available for viewing anytime.
The tour dates and times are as follows :
May 8 (Media Day & Grand Opening) & 9 (10-4pm)
May 15 & 16 (10-4pm)
May 22 & 23 (10-4pm)
May 29 (10-4pm)
May 30 (10-2pm)
Auction Party May 30 (6-9pm) BBQ. Bluegrass and Auction
Most Expensive Homes Sold in South Walton Beach in 2009
What were the 3 most expensive Luxury Homes sold in 2009 in South Walton Beach? Well it would be fair to assume that all 3 are gulf front homes and amazingly all 3 are in very different locations.
Most Expensive Homes in South Walton
#1 Most Expensive Home Sold in South Walton Beach - 879 Blue Mountain Beach in Blue Mountain Beach
This home was the most expensive home offered in 2008 and 2009 with an original list price of $17,250,000! This 8,354sf home was on a private gulf front sanctuary in Blue Mountain Beach resting high on a bluff with 487 feet of beach front and 688 feet of water front on Big Redfish Lake. This home was purchased by Jim Barksdale of Netscape. This amazing home sold for $7 million in May of 2009 for more than $10 million off the original offer price.
#2 Most Expensive Home Sold in South Walton Beach – 191 Beach Drive in Four Mile Village
At 4,647sf, this large, modern home tops our list at number 2. It has an amazing gulf facing heated pool and offers wave-runner access to the gorgeous emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Nestled in the private community of Four Mile Village near Tops,l State Park, it is one of only 37 homes inside a 350-acre nature preserve. To the East is a 1,600-acre State preserve, with 3 miles of secluded beaches and 2 pristine lakes. Originally offered at $6.9 million and sold for $3,240,000 as a distressed sale in May of 2009.
#3 Most Expensive Home Sold in South Walton Beach – 1992 E. County Road 30-A in Seaside
See Forever in Seaside finished out our list at number 3. You can definitely see the emerald green Gulf and white sandy beaches from almost every angle in this spectacular 2,350sf beachfront home. It is located right on the beach adjacent to the Natchez pavilion on the western edge of Seaside. It has unobstructed western views affording unparalleled sunsets over the Gulf. It has been featured in Southern Accents, Second Home and Colorado Homes Magazines. It was also featured on the Discovery Travel Channel's series, Great Vacation Homes, and HGTV series Homes Across America. This masterpiece sold for $3.2 million April 2009.
Cameron Hughes with Chancey Design Partnership as South Walton Luxury Home’s Spotlight on Luxury Architects
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates, Blog
South Walton and specifically Scenic Highway 30A is known through out the world for its stunning and world class architecture. We have luxury homes that inspire even the most demanding customer. Architects bring essential inspiration and creativity to our beautiful beach communities of Seaside, WaterColor, WaterSound, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and many others. Without the talent and vision of architects we would have bland, un-inspired dwellings along our beautiful beaches.
This week we are delighted to feature our very good friend, Cameron Hughes with Chancey Design Partnership. Cameron is joining me on Friday’s Real Estate Round Up on November 13th, 2009 to discuss the latest building codes as they relate to hurricane standards and how do they affect communities such as WaterSound and WaterColor. I have had the pleasure to work with Cameron and his team on a number of projects in WaterColor, WaterSound, Forest Lakes and others. Cameron was the architect for our personal home and we won the prestigious Aurora Award for its design in 2007. Chancey Design Partnership is headquartered in Tampa Florida, however, they have a local office on Scenic 30A in Seagrove Beach. Cameron is the Design Review Lead for WaterColor and WaterSound communities and has extensive knowledge of these luxury communities.
In 1989, Chancey Design Partnership began building a reputation based on the concept of service and design excellence. It was a formula that resulted in tremendous client satisfaction and it helped them become one of the most respected architecture, land planning, and interior design firms in the Southeast.
They have projects in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, Washington DC, Ohio, Colorado, Idaho, the Bahamas and Grand Cayman.
Chancey Design Partnership, specializes in residential architecture from custom single family homes to multi-story condominiums but our project portfolio also offers health care, resort planning, senior housing and a great many mixed-use projects that include restaurants, offices, banks and retail space.
Chancey Design Partnership’s four core values that define their company culture are: Creativity, Dedication, Passion and Fun.
Chancey Design Partnership, helps their clients think more deeply about the personal architecture they are planning to bring into the world. They help them envision that architecture, and then help them realize their dream.
For more information about Chancey Design Partnership please call Cameron Hughes @ 850-231-2057 or email at info@chanceydesign.com.
Europeans Dominate at Ford Ironman Florida
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates
Today was an awesome day. The weather for the Ford Ironman Florida 2009 edition was spectacular. We had clear blue skies, minimal humidity and a comfortable 78 degrees. This year’s edition was won by two first-time Ironman Champions: Kirill Kotshegarov of Estonia as the men’s winner and Sophie Goos of Belguim claiming the women’s title.
It was a very exciting day and it was wonderful seeing so many athletes enjoying Panama City Beach and our beautiful weather and beaches. Athletes from all over the world descended upon our crystal clear waters to begin one of the most epic races of their lifetime!
Top Five Men
1. Kirill Kotshegarov, EST 8:25:29
2. Maxime Kriat, UKR 8:26:51
3. Massimo Cigana, ITA 8:28:04
4. Nick Saunders, GBR 8:31:44
5. Christophe Bastie, FRA 8:35:29
Goos was in third going on the run with five-time Ironman Florida winner Bella Bayliss right behind. During the first portion of the run Bayliss was making up ground on the field but was eventually passed by Goos and the second place finisher Tamara Kozulina of the Ukraine.
Top Five Women
1. Sophie Goss, BEL 9:08:38
2. Tamara Kozulina, UKR 9:12:47
3. Bella Bayliss, GBR 9:13:52
4. Joan Blafoss, DNK 9:21:11
5. Heather Gollnick, FL, USA 9:22:13
The day began under clear skies with 2,421 athletes entering the Gulf of Mexico to start their Ironman journey comprised of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile marathon.
Chris and Amy Stoyles with Archiscapes as South Walton Luxury Home’s Spotlight on Luxury Architects
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates, Blog
South Walton and specifically Scenic Highway 30A is known through out the world for its stunning and world class architecture. We have luxury homes that inspire even the most demanding customer. Architects bring essential inspiration and creativity to our beautiful beach communities of Seaside, WaterColor, WaterSound, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and many others. Without the talent and vision of architects we would have bland, un-inspired dwellings along our beautiful beaches.
This week we are delighted to feature two of our good friends, Chris and Amy Stoyles with Archiscapes, and have them join us on Friday’s Real Estate Round Up to discuss Architecture in today’s economy. We have had the pleasure to work with Chris and his team on a few projects…some really fun and creative projects.
Archiscapes Inspiring Designs – WaterColor & WaterSound
Archiscapes, LLC is a local South Walton architecture firm specializing in residential and commercial design services. The firm provides master planning services for large-scale residential and commercial developers. A popular line of “ready to build” home plans for residential customers have been built through out the South East including the South Walton Communities of Forest Lakes and Grand Point.
Archiscapes has a four-person team tackles projects of all sizes and styles. From Watercolor coastal cottages to Seaside Victorians to Gulf-front modern homes, they love the challenge of using new materials and researching different cultures. These days, energy efficiency and green building are a big part of nearly all their projects. Identifying how clients can get the best “Bang for their buck” is something everyone appreciates no matter what type or size of home or office they are building. Above all, Archiscapes loves to have fun with their clients. Anyone who has ever met this team can certainly attest to their delight in pushing the design envelope when it comes to adding fun features to a building, whether that be a secret room in a home or restored antique stained glass in an office. This group likes nothing better than to share with their clients the enjoyment and adventure of designing and building a new home or office.
For more information about Archiscapes please call 850-835-0404 or email at architect@archiscapes.com.
Haunted Asylum Haunted Trail in Santa Rosa Beach
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates
Scary Fun For All – Haunted Asylum Haunted Trail
October 30th and 31st
WHEN: Friday Oct 30th 7pm until ???
Saturday Oct 31st 6:30pm until ???
WHERE: 101 Eden Garden Road off 395 N. @ South Walton Montessori Academy
HOSTED BY: South Walton Professional Fire Fighters Association & South Walton Montessori Academy
SCARY RATING: Age appropriate scare factor for little ones! If little ones are in your group we will tone down the scariness.
Parking at the Point Washington Methodist Church – Then follow the Zombies to your dead end…
This will be the largest and scariest Haunted Trail in South Walton. The South Walton Professional Fire Fighters have hosted this popular event for 4 years and are moving it to the South Walton Montessori Academy for its NEW Location. This is a MUST SEE scary event for 2009!
$5.00 per person
Food and Drinks will be available for purchase
Proceeds to Benefit South Walton Professional Fire Fighters Association and South Walton Montessori Academy.
No alcoholic beverages permitted.
FOR MORE INFO: Contact James Dillon @ 850.830.4932
Tracy Baranowski 850.259.4270
Combined Residential Sales up 34% for Emerald Coast and Scenic 30A is even better!
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates
Everywhere you read there are articles stating that the recession is over and the economy is recovering. Although I think it is a little early to get out the party hats and champaign…I do think the sales numbers that we have been closely tracking all year are VERY promising. It atleast showes that sales transactions are up and inventory is going down.
Let’s look at September 2009 Emerald Coast MLS numbers for combined residential:
- We are up from 389 transactions to 523 transactions (143 more transactions) in 2008 for the same period for combined residential
- Inventory is the lowest it has been since 2005!
- Scenic 30A area up 78% for September 2009 combined residential transactions compared to September 2008
- Scenic 30A Inventory is at 24months down from 72 months at the high!!
This is all very positive news. We are all watching very closely to see what the winters months bring in terms of the projected un-employment rate hitting an all time high and a potential slow down in Real Estate Transactions.
If you have any questions about these numbers, please send us an email or call us @ 850-259-1788.
Panama City Beach Seafood Wine & Music Festival this Weekend
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates
There are a lot of activities happening this weekend. One of the must see events is the Panama City Beach Seafood Wine & Music Festival.
Friday October 9 – 4pm-11pm
Saturday October 10 – 11a-11pm
Sunday October 11 – 11am-11pm
*TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
FAMILY FUN DAYS 11A-3PM SAT & SUN
including: GYMNASTICS SHOWS, FAMILY YOGA, HANDS ON
ART, FREE BOUNCER VILLAGE by Beach Bouncers, BALLOON ART,
FAMILY ACTIVITIES, CLOWNS, STILT WALKERS & MORE
GRAND WINE TASTINGS EACH DAY
WINE & BEER AVAILABLE ALL DAY & NIGHT
CELEBRITY CHEF EXHIBITIONS 3P-6P SAT & SUN
WATCH LOCAL CHEFS PREPARE THEIR SIGNATURE DISHES IN
THE EXHIBITION KITCHEN BUILT ON-SITE – FREE RECIPE CARDS
EVEN MORE ART, CRAFT & ANTIQUE VENDORS in 2009
EXPLORE THE MANY WONDERFUL ITEMS FOR SALE AND MAYBE
EVEN GET SOME OF YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING DONE EARLY!
EMERALD COAST CRUIZIN CAR SHOW
DON’T MISS THESE BEAUTIFUL CARS
AREA’S BEST RESTAURANTS
featuring seafood & other festival favorites
NON-STOP LIVE MUSIC FROM OPEN-CLOSE
INCLUDING: JAZZ, ROCK, COUNTRY, REGGAE & MORE
The idea is simple – a celebration of the wonderful array of local area seafood prepared by local chefs merged with local and area wines, entertainment and vendors with a special focus on families. The Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival is designed to reflect a true taste of the coast, a true toast to the coast and some of the world’s best entertainment.
SEAFOOD, CELEBRITY CHEF EXHIBITIONS & more:
Local and area celebrity chef’s from some of the legendary Panama City Beach restaurants including Breakers, Saltwater Grill, Firefly, Hammerhead Fred’s, Boatyard, and more will perform special exhibitions over the 3 day event.
GRAND WINE TASTINGS Daily:
The festival offers three full-bodied days of wining, dining and socializing amid several local, domestic and international wines. We are proud to announce Florida’s own Republic National as our exclusive wine partner. They will host rare wine auctions, present celebrity winemakers, top vineyards, wine tastings each day and more. Beginners will have an opportunity to sample the wines, learning about the make-up and the regions they come from while wine experts will have an opportunity to sample some of the rarer wines they might not otherwise get a chance to try. Wine Tastings are Included with General Admission & VIP tickets, for adults 21+. Beer and wine will be available for sale from gates open to gates close.
MUSIC & other Entertainment:
From the beginning of the festival on Friday to the very end on Sunday, the music and entertainment will never end. 2009’s festival headliner entertainment is bigger and better than ever: Young & Classic Country Friday Oct 9th with Florida’s own country legend JOHN ANDERSON with special guest ACM New Country Artist of the Year JULIANNE HOUGH in support of her self-titled country album, see one of the top rock bands of all time STYX will perform Saturday Oct 10th, and Celebrating 40 Years of Rock Sunday Oct 11th with GRAND FUNK RAILROAD The American Band! Other performers for the 2009 festival will be announced soon. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR ADVANCE DISCOUNT TICKETS NOW!
FAMILY FUN DAYS:
Saturday and Sunday there will be a special focus on family activities and events from 11am-3pm both days – 2008’s festival included a “KIDS LUNCH WITH SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS” & special KIDS CONCERT’S, Gallagher’s Gymnastics Team, Creole For Kids with Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Steve’s Kazoo Crew Band, A Bouncer Village will feature over a dozen giant bouncy experiences, there will also be face painting, special appearances by your favorite cartoon characters, plus other activities designed especially for the family and children. 2008 was the first year for the special family budget friendly daytime only ticket – and it is available again for the 2009 festival.
EMERALD COAST CRUIZIN “SNEAK PEAK” CAR SHOW:
Saturday and Sunday there will be a special “Emerald Coast Cruizin Sneak Peak Car Show” included with your general admission & VIP ticket
ARTS, CRAFTS, ANTIQUES & MORE: Even more shopping choices in 2009
The Panama City Beach Seafood & Wine Festival will feature select arts & crafts vendors, retail vendors, antique dealers, and various community/charity vendors. Specialty jewelry, wood crafts, wine racks, pottery sales & demonstrations, glass art & demonstrations, stained glass, ceramics, quilts, folk art, and more.
Luxury Homes Going Green in South Walton
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates
South Walton is known as the Emerald Coast for its sugar white sand that descends into crystal clear waters. This stretch of Gulf Coast is unmatched in beauty and is certified as a Blue Wave Beach by the country’s only environmental certification program for beaches. Our pristine beaches set the tone and inspiration for green luxury homes in South Walton. Many towns are founded upon the principles of New Urbanism, a movement that emphasizes community and whose hallmark is the placement of amenities in and around home to promote walking, talking, and a sense of connectedness. Communities such as Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and Seaside are the benchmarks for New Urbanism across the world. To compliment New Urbanism many communities are setting standards for green luxury homes.
Luxury homes in South Walton tend to be much larger than the average vacation home and therefore, consume more resources, so using green elements to these houses is ideal. It seems rather common that a luxury home these days, when built from the ground up or completely remodeled should be green.
Luxury homes are built for the luxurious at heart and owners want the cream of the crop, or in this case, a super green home. Built correctly a South Walton luxury home can enhance its relationship with the environment with every new feature they install.
Green features of luxury homes include:
Many luxury homes such as those in Alys Beach seek to conserve resources, energy and water while offering aesthetic functionality and preserving the spirit of a luxury home.
There’s little, if any doubt, that green living is better for you and the planet. Green trends with luxury homes should be here to stay and will be a welcomed added value to South Walton Luxury Homes.
Real Estate Round Up On-line Survey Results for South Walton Area
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates
This is the follow up survey to the survey we completed during the Seaside 4th of July parade. We polled on-line visitors to Sowal.com, 30A.com, our websites southwaltonluxuryhomes.com, distressedpropertyexpert.com and Facebook fans of the 30A area.
Here are the survey results!
8% of the people interviewed are Real Estate Round Up listeners. Over 50% that said they have not listened intend on listening to the show.
28% Were FULL TIME Residents, 28% visit 3-6 times per year. All but one visited more than once a year.
47% Are looking to buy 86% of which is a home, 38% Land, 15.4% Condo
- Majority were greater than 12 months time frame.
46% Are looking to SELL 60% Land, 40% Home, 40% Condo [many interviewed are looking to buy and sell multiple properties]
- Majority were 6-12 months
Areas – Seagrove #1, Seacrest, Rosemary, Alys Beach, WaterSound and Blue Mountain and one in Miramar Beach
36% Think the market has hit bottom in South Walton Beach. 4th of July survey results were 37.5%
64% This we still have not hit bottom in South Walton Beach. 4th of July survey results were 62.5%
- 40% believe it will be in another 6 months
- 40% believe it will be in the next 1-2 years
- 20% greater than 2 years
62.5% Believe the stimulus package, TARP funds and new buyer tax credit are helping the housing recovery
37.5% believe that it is not helping
Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey!!
Prominence back to prominence?
Filed under 30A Area Luxury Home News and Updates
Everyday hundreds of people drive by the Town of Prominence and wonder what is the future of the town. For the last twelve months there has been little to no progress made to the development with 9 beautiful luxury residential units completed and sitting vacant. Living so close to Prominence along the beautiful stretch of Scenic Highway 30A, I wondered when this much anticipated town would become a reality.
Last week new signs were posted prominently on Prominence’s north and south properties bordering Highway 30A[no pun intended]. There was a new buzz about the development as motorists, cyclists and joggers passed by two large signs by New Orchard Group. I decided to call my friend Steve Bradley who is one of the partners at New Orchard Group to discuss the latest changes at Prominence.
Steve was very excited to talk about Prominence and the involvement of New Orchard to help reignite and rekindle the town. According to Steve, the first immediate actions are to clean up the existing site and refresh the landscaping, which is currently in progress. Prominence is an extraordinary site that will rival the size of Rosemary Beach and Seaside. There are critical elements of the project that will bring significant value to 30A and enhance the luxury and coastal living style of its bordering neighbor WaterSound Beach. Prominence has entitlements for 650 residential units, 200,000 square feet of commercial, a 120 room luxury hotel, a 5,000 square foot spa and a 13,000 square foot civic / public space. The market has changed dramatically since the development was first approved, but the owners believe the time is right to take steps to move forward. The owners Tom Henry and Colonial Properties realize that there will be a long and exciting process to bring the vision to reality. I am personally very excited to see this project back on its feet and look forward to a very successful future.
Team Baranowski will be meeting with Steve and team at New Orchard Group to walk the Prominence project and further discuss the town in greater detail. We also plan on having Steve on our weekly Real Estate Round Up radio show to discuss the project with our listeners so stay tuned!
In the meantime, if you have any questions about the project please feel free to contact Craig at 850-259-1788 or Tracy at 850-259-4270. Or visit the Town of Prominence website.
Team Baranowski – The strength of teamwork…the reputation for results!
Luxury Homes on 30A
Filed under Luxury Homes on 30A
30A Area is a 20 mile scenic highway tucked quietly between Destin and Panama City Beach. Scenic Highway 30A has rare coastal lakes and over 25,000 acres of protected habitat. 30A is the birthplace of New Urbanism and is also home to the most beautiful beaches in the world. Luxury homes are abundant along 30A and include the premier luxury homes in Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Inlet Beach, Seagrove Beach, Grayton Beach, WaterSound, WaterColor, Seaside, The Retreat, Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, and Dune Allen. If you are looking for a luxury home in South Walton, Scenic 30A should be your first place to look with many of the most exclusive homes featured in South Walton Luxury Homes.
