Beach Life Magazine 2023

There has been – and always will be – nostalgia for days gone by.

For those simpler times when neighbors swapped stories over the fence, shopkeepers knew each customer by name, and families gathered on the porch to tell stories as the twilight faded into night.

In one little corner of the world, there is still such a place.

In this place, the moments that are cherished are not grand, but small and rich with meaning. The joy of simply spending time together.

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Say Yes To...

SPENDING TIME WITH LOVED ONES. VACATIONING IN LUXURY. RELAXING BY THE COAST.

Unforgettable memories are made when we feel at home—and with the finest collection of luxury vacation rentals on the Emerald Coast, 360 Blue wants you to say ‘yes’ to sunny coastal cottages and stunning Gulf-front properties. From 30A and Miramar Beach to Destin and Cape San Blas, allow our concierge team to personalize your stay with remarkable experiences along the world’s most beautiful beaches.

MEMORIES HAPPEN HERE.

BROWSE AWAY: 360BLUE.COM | CALL: 877-892-8671

In the face of all the challenges of recent years, this difficult time has had its upsides. For many of us, it has been epiphany-rich—especially in terms of what makes us happy. Here are two takeaways I’d like to share and, if possible, connect. Both are conclusions of recent studies on happiness.

The findings of the first are from of the landmark 2017 Harvard Study of Adult Development which reveals that, above all else, happiness is related to the number and depth of our relationships. The more people we have in our lives who care deeply for us, the happier we are. Also true: The more people we deeply care for, the happier we are. And this dynamic is only enhanced as we grow older.

The findings of the second study, published in 2021 by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, are actually based on several separate consumer surveys. The results mark a 76% increase over the course of a decade in Americans who say experience-related purchases are more valuable than material purchases.

Both insights, I would suggest, support the recent surge in travel among Americans. We want to share the experience of travel with those we deeply care for because this is what makes us happy. We know this in our bones.

Happiness, of course, is defined as a sensation—and it’s fleeting. But it’s surely more than that. It’s central to who we are as human beings, and especially as Americans. The pursuit of it, we believe, is an inalienable right, just as fundamental as life and liberty.

And at its core, the pursuit of happiness is what BeachLife is all about.

We begin this issue with the dream of owning a vacation home rental. What does it take to make the dream a reality? From here, we head off with Captain Andy Coleman of Backwater Tours to explore the Choctawhatchee River—an untouched realm few ever see. We then head east for the charming bay town of Port St. Joe. Next, Sandcastle Coach Rick Mungeam shares his expert tips for creating your own work of art. Then we’re off to Choctawhatchee Bay, where we investigate its mysterious pilings and their little-known Cold War history.

Next, we’re on a mission of discovery, in search of our favorite local restaurants with water views Our water-themed journey continues with an introduction to the local bottlenose dolphin population, as well as Florida’s largest reptile, the alligator. From here, we learn all about sun safety with the nonprofit Helm’s Hope. Of course, a vacation on the Emerald Coast wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Bud and Alley’s rooftop bar, where we’re introduced to everyone’s favorite bartender, Mo Mosley. Finally, we take a moment to learn more about Sandcastle Kids and its healing mission.

With that, I’ll sign off with a toast to our everlasting commitment to love, happiness—and, of course, vacation. So cheers! Travel inspired. Travel well. Travel on.

Credits: A 360 Blue, LLC Publication

Editor-In-Chief + Vice President of Marketing: NATHAN HENRIS

Creative Director: JORDYN McLEOD

Editorial Director: DWIGHT WILLIAMS

Associate Editor: SUSAN VALLEE

Designers: MARY MOORE

CHRISTINE TAYLOR

ASHLEIGH MILLER

KATIE MORLEY

AUSTIN DAVIS

Contributing Writers: DWIGHT WILLIAMS

SUSAN VALLEE

SAMANTHA FELIX

SARAH MURPHY ROBERTSON

Photographer: GEOFFREY LAMAZE

Editor: DEBBY DUNN

From Beach Home to VACATION RENTAL

what it takes to make it happen

The first three years of the 2020s have been like no other time for the travel industry— especially within the sphere of lodging. Within this space, the vacation home rental has proven, by far, to be the most surprising. A couple of things have happened. First, millions of Americans were introduced to the vacation home rental concept. And they fell in love with the experience.

Something else has happened within this space— something equally profound. The experience introduced vacation rental guests to the dream of becoming vacation rental owners.

What exactly is the dream?

To own a vacation home in your favorite destination and rent it out while you’re away. Two good things happen in every version of the dream: The home is looked after by a trusted property management company, and it generates considerable revenue through bookings.

But is it really that easy? And what do prospective vacation rental owners need to consider before making the move? Are there costs involved in onboarding a vacation home rental? What kind of revenue can an owner reasonably expect? How many weeks of the year will the vacation rental likely be booked?

If you’ve ever been curious, read on.

A Few Words About My Team

In the interest of full disclosure, I am Alex Curry, the Director of Business Development for 360 Blue. Every day my team and I work with prospective vacation rental homeowners who want to know what they can expect in terms of home care and, of course, the anticipated occupancy and Gross Annual Revenue (GAR).

We happen to know the local and regional markets here on the Florida Panhandle better than anyone. How can I say this? We have access to real-time booking data— not only for our company but for the market in Destin, Miramar Beach, along 30A, Panama City Beach, and Cape San Blas markets. In short, we have an incredibly accurate picture of where the market currently is, and a fairly solid idea of where it’s heading. Naturally, the further out we look, the cloudier the picture becomes.

We also know what guests want in a vacation home rental—from location to design to amenities. Our people talk to guests all the time, literally every day. This constant contact gives us incredible insight into what they’re looking for. And we pass this information along to our clients.

One of the most important tools we offer prospective owners is a rental revenue projection for their particular home. Finally, we know the benefits to vacation rental ownership. And we know the drawbacks. And I’m going to share much of it with you here.

Overlooked Benefits

One of the most overlooked perks of vacation rental ownership is the fact that your home isn’t sitting empty for months on end. Periodic use of a home makes it less vulnerable to the elements—especially here in our salty, maritime environment.

It may sound a little counter-intuitive, but if a home is occupied, its longevity as an asset actually increases. Housekeepers, the property manager, and maintenance people check on the home after each departure.

Does it need a pressure wash? Does a door gasket need replacing? Do the HVAC filters need to be swapped out? These issues are consistently addressed. A home can quickly become a liability as its integrity fades when allowed to sit empty.

Another largely overlooked benefit: If you’re trying to sell your property and it has existing future reservations on the books, it will likely be more attractive to potential buyers. Existing bookings place your home in the special category of “an income-earning asset”—something prospective buyers love.

There’s a difference between existing bookings and projected rental revenue. While my team is remarkably accurate with our rental projections—and has a proven track record that sets us apart—there’s no substitute for existing bookings in the eyes of potential buyers.

Finally, our company has built relationships with the most trusted maintenance professionals in the area over the years. Once on our program, our homeowners gain access to them.

What are the drawbacks of owning a vacation rental?

You have to divorce yourself from the notion of it being your personal home year-round. Once the home is booked by a guest, it is dedicated to their use for that period of time. They have paid to have exclusive use, and we are committed to providing them with a luxury experience.

On a related note: If you are looking to maximize returns on your property, there will be long stretches of time when the home is unavailable to you—especially during high season. On the Emerald Coast and Forgotten Coast, high season is June, July, and much of August. Spring Break is also incredibly busy. If you want use of the home during this time period, it’s best to block it off well in advance. By doing so, however, you’ll forfeit that potential income.

You must also reinvest in this income-earning asset. Why? To avoid diminishing future returns. Improvements need to be made to keep up with trends and the ever-shifting tastes of the traveling public.

What does it take to get a vacation home on a rental program?

You need to find the management company that’s right for you and your home. Vacation rental companies tend to specialize in a specific caliber of property, and you want to find a company that’s all about yours. We have three brands: Callista, which focuses on mid-size luxury homes and condos; 360 Blue, which is for larger luxury homes; and our Alaya Collection, which is made up of the finest luxury homes on the entire Emerald Coast.

Once you’ve found the right company, you need to keep in mind that there are start-up costs for things like a KABA lock for access control, new linens, and housewares. You will also need property photos for marketing purposes. Typically, these costs can be a negotiating point when considering which company to go with.

What portion of the year will a vacation home rental be booked?

Most owners can expect their home to book anywhere from 24 to 30 weeks per year—or right around half. This of course is dependent on the home’s pricing and its amenities. Does it have a private pool? What’s its proximity to the beach?

What about décor?

Bear in mind that you are looking to appeal to an audience whose preferences and tastes you may not share. When it comes to décor, you may need to strike a balance between what potential guests want and what you want in a vacation home.

It’s also important to stay current with the latest design trends. Coastal contemporary is the prevailing aesthetic here on the Emerald Coast, but like all trends, it continually evolves.

What’s the one investment I can make to maximize my return?

This one is easy: A private pool. They are expensive, but guests love them.

How often can owners use their own rental property?

There really are no homeowner restrictions on homeowner use. That said, there are high-demand periods during which you will be leaving significant revenue on the table if you choose to use it at these times.

The effect of the national economy on the local market

The state of the local market and the national economy will also play a huge role in the GAR a vacation home can generate. So let’s take a quick contemporaneous look—but with the understanding that this information will feel a bit stale as time goes by.

Over the past few months, there has been steady talk of a looming recession. Current predictions run the entire spectrum—from a deep and prolonged recession to a short and shallow slowdown to no recession at all.

So far, this ongoing speculation, as diverse as it is, has had a minimal effect on the Emerald Coast and Forgotten Coast markets.

Current numbers with regard to Occupancy for Summer 2023 are slightly behind those for Summer 2022. The GAR for our homes is expected to come in slightly lower as well. Last year we noted an increase in last-minute bookings and saw smaller booking windows. We expect the same for this year.

Bookings for 2023 are pacing nicely throughout our brands, and we are seeing an increase in reservations for early 2023 in particular. The takeaway: Based on our overall pacing data for the Emerald Coast market at this point in time, we anticipate rates and occupancy for 2023 to be remarkably similar to last year.

Have Questions?

If you’re looking to invest in a vacation home rental here on the Emerald Coast or Cape San Blas, drop us a line. We can put together a rental revenue projection and offer insight that may help you along in the process. It’s an extraordinary time to be in the vacation rental space. And the feeling among many in the industry is that this is only the beginning.

Welcome to Port St. Joe

a small town with a big heart

Nestled along the western shore of St. Joseph Bay on Florida’s Forgotten Coast lies the small but vibrant town of Port St. Joe. What makes it so vibrant? Foremost, its people—but also its history.

This deep-water port town has a history stretching back some 180-plus years. Most recently, in October of 2018, it was hit by Hurricane Michael. The community, however, has come back stronger than ever, with a Songwriters Festival, incredible restaurants, outfitters, and locals who are the most welcoming you’ll ever find. Simply put, Port St. Joe is a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered.

Today, this town of 3,700 souls is a vacation destination unto itself. For guests staying on Cape San Blas, it’s the perfect day excursion. Just 12 miles or so from the Cape, it’s a scenic drive along the southern arm of the St. Joe Peninsula and the western shores of the Bay, making it an excellent getaway..

W hat to see and do

St. Joseph’s Bay ranks as one of the best snorkeling venues on the Gulf Coast. What makes it so great? The shallow, clear, and protected waters of the Bay—along with the fantastic and abundant beds of scallops that populate the seafloor. The shallow waters allow you to anchor your vessel as you and your party don your snorkeling gear and indulge in some scalloping—which is similar to an underwater Easter egg hunt for adults. Of course, the kids will love it too.

Don’t forget to look out for all the sea turtles and octopuses that call the Bay home. You’ll encounter a wide variety of sea life— everything from dolphins to seahorses. On calm days, the cloudless waters make for some luminous underwater photography.

Back on land and just to the west of downtown, you’ll find the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center (FCSTC). This remarkable local organization promotes educational and conservational efforts to benefit the regional sea turtle population, highlighting the importance of the beach habitat

they require. The uninhabited portion of St. Joe Peninsula, with its long arm of pristine white sand, serves as a home to thousands of amazing seafaring creatures and their nests.

If you haven’t quite gotten your sea legs yet, you may want to drop in for Blast on the Bay Songwriters Festival, a must-see event for all music lovers. This intimate event attracts some of the biggest names in the Nashville music industry for live music and storytelling. In the past, the festival has headlined Grammy-nominated Clint Daniels, Earl Bud, and many more.

With its continued growth, the festival now features over 30 iconic artists performing at multiple venues. The event is deliberately kept small to showcase the local charm and hospitality of the community. Proceeds benefit several nonprofits, civic groups, and local grade schoolers who can take advantage of the musical workshops throughout the year.

R estau R ants

One of the most memorable seafood restaurants is the Krazy Fish Grille in downtown Port St. Joe. Stepping into the Krazy Fish is an unforgettable experience in and of itself, with its weathered interior and tropical fishing village vibe.

This colorful local restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients, including fresh snapper, shrimp, and oysters. They have a sushi bar and a full-service wet bar, serving up the classics, including Blue Hawaiians, Key West Mojitos, and Bahama Mamas. Seafood isn’t your thing? The Grille also serves up some of the finest tacos on the Forgotten Coast.

Looking for pizza? Joe Mama’s Wood Fired Kitchen offers the best Tuscaninspired pie in the area. From sandwiches, to fresh salads, to delicious pasta dishes, Joe Mama’s is your go-to establishment. Looking for a breakfast spot? Just down

the street is the Sand Dollar Café, where you’ll find the finest breakfast and lunch Southern fare.

a histo Ry that is alive today

Founded in 1835, Port St. Joe (originally known as St. Joseph) quickly emerged as the largest city in Florida, with a flourishing population of 11,000. In time, it would play host to 56 delegates at a convention to draft Florida’s first constitution.

But old St. Joseph’s brief period of prosperity would be followed by a series of devastating natural disasters. And they ran the gamut: from the yellow fever pandemic to a great fire to a catastrophic hurricane. The yellow fever outbreak alone reduced the city’s population to fewer than 500. It was effectively abandoned after a fire, followed by a hurricane, destroyed much of the infrastructure. At one point, only 19 people called Port St. Joe home.

But with every challenge—especially the recent landfall of Hurricane Michael—the town has come back ever stronger. Perhaps the best example of this is the shipyard operated by the Eastern Shipbuilding Group.

The facility is situated on the Gulf County Canal and is one of only three along the Gulf Coast. Here they build military and commercial vessels, including ferries, tugboats, fireboats, and Coast Guard cutters. The shipyard is outfitted with a marine railway and a 57,000-foot fabrication building, and is one of the largest employers in the area.

Over time, this boundless resilience has become central to Port St. Joe’s identity. And the locals are as warm as they are proud of it—which makes Port St. Joe such an inspirational destination to visit.

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DOLPHINS FROM THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO

The Life + Times of Our Favorite Sea Mammal

They roam every ocean of the world, from the high latitudes of the Arctic and Southern Ocean to the warmest equatorial waters. Eversocial, they live and travel in pods and hunt in teams. As cetaceans, they are related to the most ethereal and majestic creatures of the sea—the orca, the baleen, and toothed whales. All breathe through blowholes. All are related to terrestrial mammals that have adapted to life in the ocean over the vast sweep of time, sharing an ancestry with deer and cattle.

Dolphins have fascinated humans for millennia. Ancient mariners interpreted their presence during extended voyages as a sign of a safe passage to come. Upon the final approach to a distant harbor, their accompanying presence was interpreted as a sign of welcome. In other words, dolphins provided a false sense of security for these sailors throughout their voyage, from beginning to end.

For centuries dolphins have played in the bow wakes of ocean-going vessels. They swam alongside the

fleets of Magellan, Cook, and the ancient Polynesian seafarers throughout the Pacific—just as they do today with twenty-first-century container ships transiting the Pacific Ocean from Shanghai to the Panama Canal.

Even the simplest facts about dolphins are extraordinary. Consider that they sleep by resting one hemisphere of their brains at a time, floating nearly motionless at the surface, never fully losing consciousness. Some have been known to dive as deep as 1,000 feet, where they feed on squid in the utter darkness of the abyss.

There are countless verified accounts of dolphins seeking out the assistance of humans—often after having become entangled in fishing lines or nets. They seem to grasp that the source of their life-threatening problem is also the key to its solution: human beings. They seek us out for assistance, coming alongside boats or approaching SCUBA divers for relief, to be cut free. These incidents are so numerous that many have been captured on video.

The extraordinary social nature of dolphins makes their behavior all the more seemingly comprehensible and relatable to humans. There is growing evidence that they, along with whales, communicate in a language of “song,” complete with their own dialects. They even can be said to have their own routines and culture unique to the larger family.

And then there’s the dolphin “smile.”

Perma-smiles present these enigmatic creatures as friends to humans, which is not necessarily the case. That said, there are countless unverified stories of dolphins “saving” human swimmers from sharks. Whether or not these stories are authentic— whether or not there is any truth to them at all—humans seek out opportunities to bring themselves within close proximity to them.

Many expectant human moms who have swam with dolphins claim the creatures transmit a vibe of compassion, love, and well-being that’s more felt than understood in any conventional sense. The experience has been described as somehow mystical, beyond what can be explained away by mere science or the clumsiness of language.

And so, through this metaphysical connection, the dolphin’s fame and allure among humans has gone extra-dimensional.

It is thought that dolphins may be able to “perceive” or at least sense the fetus when swimming with a pregnant human. The idea may sound wildly far-fetched. But consider that dolphins possess a sense called echolocation—a kind of sonar that allows them to fix the location of objects and creatures in their immediate vicinity,

even in the murkiest of waters. And it is this remarkable faculty that may also serve as something not unlike an ultrasound in an obstetrician’s practice as the senor passes over the belly of the mother.

So you might think that we could answer the simplest of questions about dolphins. For instance: Is it “safe” to swim with them? The answer: Always respect these extraordinary wayward creatures by giving them their space.

Visitors to the Emerald Coast are not only drawn to the sugar-white sand and turquoise Gulf waters. They are drawn to the sea life—and none command their attention more than the dolphin. A remote encounter is a moment to be cherished. Whether the circumstance is little more than a glimpse from shore of one breaching the surface, or an experience at close range while paddleboarding—the moment is unforgettable. Afterward, you want only to learn more about them.

This is all to say that dolphins have a friend in humans. Or so we would like to believe. However, nothing about our relationship with them is straightforward. We think we understand them. We think we get their intelligence, their sense of fun, their playfulness, even their smile. We are their greatest fans and yet we are also their greatest threat—all at the same time.

Want to learn more? Keep reading for a deeper dive. We’ll introduce you to the best resource on the bottlenose dolphins you’re most likely to see here on the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico—the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

A Deep Dive with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Marine scientists reveal the secret lives of dolphins of the Northern Gulf Coast

The story begins in 1971 when seven Alabama universities and colleges came together to develop a marine science lab for students on Dauphin Island on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The overarching idea was to consolidate the disparate marine research and educational resources and channel them into a single world-class entity.

Today, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) is the centerpiece of marine research in Alabama, serving as a resource for 22 public and private universities. In 2022, the lab welcomed a record 110,000 visitors.

To get a fuller picture of the lives of the dolphin population here in the Northern Gulf, we reached out to DISL marine scientist Dr. Ruth Carmichael and research technician, MacKenzie Russell.

Are bottlenose dolphins of the Northern Gulf of Mexico migratory? Or do they live out their lives within the local waters?

Bottlenose dolphins primarily can be divided into two groups: coastal and offshore. Coastal bottlenose dolphins are often bay, sound and estuary residents who live close to shore and have small home ranges. On the other hand, offshore bottlenose dolphins, or “transients,” may travel along the coast, with some in the Atlantic known to seasonally migrate.

However, the animals in our area are not yet known to be migratory in this way (best documented for higherlatitude beasts). Our work in the Northern Gulf is

trying to answer these types of question about local populations, including the extent to which they may be resident or transient, their home ranges, and their movements in Alabama and adjacent waters.

What is the greatest threat to the dolphin population in the Northern Gulf?

Our research here in Alabama has found about half of dolphin deaths in our area are linked to human interactions. In fact, this is the most common single known cause of death in the stranded dolphins we recover. Typical human interactions that may cause death include vessel trauma, drowning due to entanglement, and sharp or blunt force trauma.

Another common threat to dolphins in the northern Gulf of Mexico is low salinity due to freshwater discharge. When dolphins experience prolonged freshwater exposure it can cause skin lesions, physiological imbalances, and ultimately death either directly or via secondary illnesses.

Can you characterize the intelligence of dolphins? Is it similar to that of any other species in the animal kingdom?

This is a difficult question because measuring intelligence is inherently biased (the testing is done by

humans on a human scale of judgment). Dolphins are known to have complex communication. They are also able to teach and learn skills, such as surgically depredating fish from lines, and to use of ‘tools’ to forage for food. They’ve been documented using sponges as face protection while foraging among corals in Australia.

Can you characterize the dolphin’s faculty of echolocation?

In short, dolphins echolocate by producing short clicks using two air pockets located near their blowhole that are tuned and directed through their bulbous forehead, which is really a large fat deposit called a melon. When the click bounces off something and comes back to the dolphin, it is received into another fat pad in the lower jaw next to the ear where it then travels to and is interpreted by the brain.

What is a little-known but extraordinary fact about dolphins?

We’ll give you three!

1. Dolphins can be aged using their teeth. They have only one set of teeth throughout their lives (unlike humans who have two), and deposit new layers of dentin annually. When an animal dies and strands, we can save some teeth, slice them in half and count the internal growth layer groups—just like counting the rings of a tree.

These layers of organic and inorganic material also record information about the external environment so that we know the conditions in which the animal was living. The really cool aspect of this research—which our lab carries out—is that it allows us to relate the environmental data to specific years of the animal’s life. Also, when we know the time of death, we can relate the layers to specific years in time. This approach allows us to do things like trace exposure to freshwater that might periodically cause stress throughout the animal’s life.

2. All of a dolphin’s skin sloughs every 2 hours—12 times a day!

3. Dolphins have special adaptations to live in saltwater. Their kidneys are “reniculated,” which means that they have many small kidneys clustered together to form one large kidney like a bunch of grapes. This allows them to be extremely efficient in recovering freshwater from their food. Because of this adaptation, dolphins do not need to directly drink freshwater.

Extra bone fact! Dolphins have ossified sternal ribs. In humans, we have cartilage that connects the tips of our ribs to our sternum. In dolphins, these connections are ossified with bone and provide additional hinges in the dolphin ribcage to allow contracting for deep diving.

A note on reporting marine mammals in distress:

For marine mammals in the Southeastern United States: Please report manatees, whales, and dolphins in distress or stranded at 1-877-WHALE-help (1-877-942-5343). Callers can select the specific state for their report. Specifically for manatees: In Florida, please report to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-3922. In Mississippi and Alabama: Please report to Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Manatee Sighting Network at 1-866-493-5803.

For more information on the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, visit: DISL.edu.

Everything you love all in one place!

Where To Shop + Dine On The Emerald & Forgotten Coasts

So Much To See + Do

You’ve arrived at a one-of-a-kind destination with so much to see and do, and 360 Blue is here to show you the way. We’ve highlighted a number of amazing Experiences for you to take in, and a run-down of some of our favorite local shops and restaurants. From standup paddleboards to beach chairs to surfboards, we have the rental gear you’re looking for. Explore local trails on bike, order a custom charcuterie board with champagne, or host a s’mores beach party with loved ones. Have your own ideas for

and

IN-HOUSE CONCEIRGE

One of the great benefits of living and working on the Emerald Coast and Forgotten Coast is the opportunity it affords locals to come to know such a unique area so intimately—especially the can’t-miss places. Our in-house concierge team has taken advantage. A dedicated agent will help you build your itinerary, offering local knowledge and insight into all of the Experiences to be enjoyed throughout the seasons!

CUSTOM EXPERIENCES

We’re here to help plan every aspect of your 360 Blue Experience! Each excursion begins with a slate of options and ends with the adventure of a lifetime. Explore local communities by bicycle or take in a kayaking fishing charter. Later, unwind with a spa day getaway or an in-home massage. Remember: There’s nothing quite like an evening beach bonfire surrounded by friends and family.

EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Whether you’re planning a day at the beach or an all-new adventure on Choctawhatchee Bay, we’ve got you covered! Our kayak and standup paddleboard rentals are the perfect way to experience life on the water. Feel like exploring the area? Discover local beaches, shops and restaurants via our rental bikes and street-legal golf carts. We’ll help you find the gear you need and have it delivered right to your door!

ALYS BEACH

eat + drink

CALIZA 23 Nonesuch Way

850-213-5700

GEORGE’S 30 Castle Harbour Dr

850-641-0017

NEAT

11 North Castle Harbour Dr

850-213-5711

RAW & JUICY

147 West La Garza Ln

850-909-0230

play + shop

ALYS SHOPPE 30 Mark Twain Ln

850-213-5550

SUMMER STORY

Home by the Sea 69 N. Summerset St

850-909-0406

BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH

eat + drink

BLUE MABEL SMOKEHOUSE

2260 W Co Hwy 30A

850-744-0040

BLUE MOUNTAIN BAKERY

2217 W Co Hwy 30A

850-267-0400

CAFE TANGO 14 Vicki St

850-267-0054

DESTIN

eat + drink

BOSHAMPS

414 Harbor Blvd

850-424-7406

HARBOR DOCKS

538 Harbor Blvd

850-837-2506

LULU’S DESTIN

4607 Legendary Marina Dr

850-710-5858

FOR THE HEALTH OF IT

2217 W Co Hwy 30A

850-267-0558

MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB

2298 W Co Hwy 30A

850-267-0101

LOCAL CATCH

3711 W Co Hwy 30A

850-622-2022

play + shop

JUSTIN GAFFREY GALLERY 21 Blue Gulf Dr

850-267-2022

LOLA’S ON 30A

3788 W Co Hwy 30A

850-660-1662

STORE ALOHA

2282 W Co Hwy 30A

850-533-3133

LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE

775 Gulf Shore Dr

850-837-0881

THE BACK PORCH

1740 Scenic Hwy 98

850-837-2022

play + shop

DESTIN COMMONS

4100 Legendary Dr

850-337-8700

HARBORWALK VILLAGE 10 Harbor Blvd

850-424-0600

DUNE ALLEN

eat + drink

PECAN JACKS ICE CREAM

4368 W Co Hwy 30A

850-622-0011

PERFECT PIG

7 Town Center Loop #C11

850-660-1591

PIZZA BY THE SEA

95 Laura Hamilton Blvd

850-267-2202

GRAYTON BEACH

eat + drink

BLACK BEAR BAKERY

26 Logan Ln Unit #G

850-213-4528

CHANTICLEER EATERY

55 Clayton Ln

850-213-9065

CHIRINGO

63 Hotz Ave

850-534-4449

INLET BEACH

eat + drink

AMIGOS 30A MEXICAN KITCHEN

12805 US-98, Suite R101

850-909-0444

AMICI 30A ITALIAN KITCHEN

12805 U.S. 98, Suite R101

850-909-0555

BIG BAD BREAKFAST

10711 E Co Hwy 30A

850-532-6952

SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR

1875 S Co Hwy 393

850-622-2733

STINKY’S FISH CAMP

5960 W Co Hwy 30A

850-267-3053

SHELBY’S BEACH BAR & GRILL

37 Town Center Loop

No phone number

play + shop

YOLO BOARD + BIKE

95 Laura Hamilton Blvd Suite #C3

850-267-0602

SOHO BEACH

45 Town Center Loop #C6

850-267-0729

ARTIST AT GULF PLACE

7 Laura Hamilton Blvd

850-622-0400

BEACH CAMP BREWPUB

170 E Co Hwy 30A

850-213-4000

HURRICANE OYSTER BAR

37 Logan Ln #4

850-231-0787

THE RED BAR

70 Hotz Ave

850-231-1008

play + shop

THE ZOO GALLERY 89 Hotz Ave

850-231-0777

TRIBE KELLEY SURF POST 99 Hotz Ave 850-533-4019

CUVEE 12805 U.S. 98 D101

850-909-0111

DONUT HOLE

12983 U.S. 98 E 850-213-3127

SHADES BAR & GRILL

10952 E Co Hwy 30A

850-231-9410

play + shop

CAMP HELEN STATE PARK 23937 Panama City Beach Pkwy 850-233-5059

NOT TOO SHABBY 12805 U.S. 98 E 850-461-3432

WILLOW 12805 U.S. 98 E 850-909-0009

MIRAMAR BEACH

eat + drink

2 BIRDS COFFEE & CAFE

80 Seascape Dr

850-279-3375

ACME OYSTER HOUSE

90 Seascape Dr

850-460-7773

BIJOUX

9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy #22

850-622-0760

PANAMA CITY BEACH

eat + drink

DEE’S HANG OUT

529 N Richard Jackson Blvd

850-249-4264

HOOK’D PIER BAR & GRILL

16201 Front Beach Rd

850-233-8232

SALTWATER GRILL

11040 Hutchison Blvd

850-230-2739

ROSEMARY BEACH

eat + drink

EDWARDS

66 Main St

850-231-0550

HAVANA 63 Main St

850-588-2882

LA CREMA 38 Main St 850-534-3004

POMPANO JOE’S

2237 Scenic Gulf Dr

850-837-2224

TEQUILA’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL

11225 US-98 W

850-279-6402

WHALE’S TAIL BEACH BAR & GRILL

1373 Scenic Gulf Dr

850-650-4377

play + shop

SILVER SANDS PREMIUM OUTLETS

10562 Emerald Coast Pkwy W 850-654-9771

THE MARKET SHOPS

9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy

850-837-3077

THRILLS LASER TAG AND ARCADE 90 Seascape Dr #105

850-842-4747

SHARKY’S RESTAURANT

15201 Front Beach Rd

850-235-2420

SHRIMP BASKET

12390 Front Beach Rd

850-563-7836

TOOTSIE’S ORCHID LOUNGE

700 S Pier Park Dr 850-236-3459

GULF WORLD

15412 Front Beach Rd 850-234-5271

PIER PARK 600 Pier Park Dr 850-236-9979

PARADIS 82 S Barrett Sq 850-534-0400

PESCADO 74 Town Hall Rd Suite #4B 850-213-4600

SUMMER KITCHEN 78 Main St 850-213-0521

play + shop

GIGI’S 62 Main St 850-231-0110

ROSEMARY BEACH TRADING CO. 34 N Barrett Square #1C 850-231-2410

SEACREST BEACH

eat + drink

CRABBY STEVE’S 10254 E Co Hwy 30A

850-231-0999

LACO 10343 E Co Hwy 30A #119

850-231-4021

LOLA COASTAL ITALIAN 10343 E Co Hwy 30A

850-541-9440

SEAGROVE BEACH

eat + drink

ANGELINA’S PIZZERIA & PASTA

4005 E Co Hwy 30A

850-231-2500

CAFE THIRTY-A

3899 E Co Hwy 30A

850-231-2166

OLD FLORIDA FISH HOUSE

33 Heron’s Watch Wy

850-534-3045

SEASIDE

eat + drink

AMAVIDA COFFEE ROASTERS

25 Central Sq

850-213-1965

BAREFOOT BARBEQUE

2235 E Co Hwy 30A

850-534-0313

BUD & ALLEY’S

2236 E Co Hwy 30A

850-231-5900

PIZZA BY THE SEA 10343 E Co Hwy 30A #114

850-534-0044

SEACREST SUNDRIES 10343 E Co Hwy 30A #F108

850-588-4860

PEDDLERS 30A 10343 E Co Hwy 30A #115

850-213-0040

GOLDEN SEASHELL 10343 E County Hwy 30A #B124

850-231-1001

OPHELIA 10343 E County Hwy 30A #B120

850-231-0676

SEAGROVE VILLAGE MARKET

2976 S County Hwy 395 #6302

850-231-5736

SURFING DEER 2743 E Co Hwy 30A

850-213-4200

THE 30A STORE

3723 East County Highway 30A

No phone number

30A GENERAL STORE

43 Cassine Way #104

850-588-4536

GREAT SOUTHERN CAFE

83 Central Sq

850-231-7327

MODICA MARKET

109 Central Sq

850-231-1214

PICKLE’S BURGER & SHAKE

2236 E Co Hwy 30A #34

850-231-5686

SUNDOG BOOKS

89 Central Sq

850-231-5481

THE ART OF SIMPLE

25 Central Sq

850-231-6748

THE REPERTORY THEATRE

216 Quincy Cir

850-231-0733

WATERCOLOR

eat

FOOW

34 Goldenrod Cir 850-534-5050

PIZZA BY THE SEA

88 Watercolor Wy 850-231-3030

THE WINE BAR

1735 E Co Hwy 30A 850-231-1323

WATERCOLOR BEACH CLUB

34 Golden Rod Cir 850-534-5000

THE PERFECT PIG

28 Watercolor Wy 850-533-1522

BEACH HAPPY CAFE

4 Watercolor Blvd S #101C 850-399-4028

OLD FLORIDA OUTFITTERS

30 Watercolor Blvd N #101

850-534-4343

WATERCOLOR STORE

6 Watercolor Blvd S #102

850-534-5004

BRUNO’S PIZZA

6652 E Co Hwy 30A

850-231-1699

DUOS ALL-AMERICAN GRILL

24 Hub Ln 850-213-0782

LOCAL SMOKE

24 Hub Ln 850-213-0782

CAPE SAN BLAS eat + drink

THE SMOKEHOUSE

980 Cape San Blas Rd 850-331-1011

INDIAN PASS RAW BAR

8391 County Rd 30A

850-227-1670

ST. JOE SHRIMP CO.

5025 Cape San Blas Rd

850-229-6774

MACHO TACO

24 Hub Ln

850-399-4007

THE BIG CHILL

7000 E Co Hwy 30A

850-213-3884

the bigchill.com

• for more dining options

THE BIG CHILL 7000 E Co Hwy 30A

850-213-3884

thebigchill.com

• for a complete listing of shops

LONGBILL’S 7650 Cape San Blas Rd 850-250-4310

SCALLOP REPUBLIC

411 Cape San Blas Rd 850-227-9009

CAPE TRADING POST 4975 Cape San Blas Rd 850-229-8775

CAPE SAN BLAS LIGHTHOUSE 200 Miss Zola’s Dr 850-229-1151

SCALLOP COVE BAIT & TACKLE 4310 Cape San Blas Rd 850-227-7557

a nature lover’s delight, an angler’s dream

The River Reveals its Jewels

Kingfishers dive and swoop, skimming the surface of the water, encircling each other in a dance before alighting on a lowhanging branch. Osprey nests top bare, skinny trees, framing the horizon like a child’s drawing—the nests far too wide and heavy to rest safely among the treetops. Two bald eagles sound a cry above us, perhaps startled by the sound of the engine amid these tranquil backwaters of the Choctawhatchee Bay.

We’re entering the Choctawhatchee River on Backwater Tours’ small boat, weaving through a snake-shaped waterway bordered by high marsh grass. It’s a dizzying approach to a river that winds its way all the way up into Alabama. A river steeped in history, lore, and natural wonders.

After a thrilling toggle back and forth among the winding mouth of the river, we enter a wide, calm channel that feels a million miles away from the white-sand beach and emerald-green and azure waters of the Gulf.

The boat slows, and a wide, natural grin spreads across the face of Captain Andy Coleman, our guide for the day. The stiff formalities of earlier are gone, and as the boat rests in the river’s swift-moving waters, it’s easy to see why he’s passionate about sharing this still-relatively unknown place with people—he loves it. He loves every inch of it.

“We have a large time out here on the river,” he says as his boat begins to work its way upriver. He points out a sunning turtle, a bald eagle’s nest, and a heron taking flight ahead.

“There were no bald eagles here. Absolutely none. I started seeing them in the 1980s. Now, I know of 16 bald eagle nests. We have a much healthier ecosystem. The ospreys are plentiful, and we have otters now, which are a great indicator of clean water.”

Capt. Andy began giving these tours in 2014 and is now joined by alternate Capt. Jimmy Parris, which works well because Capt. Andy can now point out sights and curiosities while Capt. Jimmy navigates. Most tours wind their way up to a captivatingly quiet cut-through that runs deep into the swamp, past old cypress stands. Capt. Andy explains these perfectly straight waterways are remnants from the 1800s when men with oxen-pulled carts would travel deep into the swamp to cut cypress and timber, which would then be floated downriver.

Instead of the usual 3-hour tour, we’re in for something a bit more special—an all-day adventure that works its way up into Bay County and to a small spring that feels like a local secret.

Along the way, the river widens, and riverfront fish camps, bed and breakfasts, and ramshackle houseboats

dot the shoreline. A kingfisher swoops by a rope swing, and we strain our necks looking for giant sturgeons beneath the water.

“How do you like my river?” he yells over the roar of the motor. “Can you believe how few people are on it?”

As we get closer to the spring, the riverbank begins to change, and we notice pale pink and white wildflowers lining the ancient limestone shores. These shores give way to unbelievably wide cypress; we glide silently past one that is as wide as a refrigerator is tall. Within the new cypress growth and lumpy, bumpy landscape of the swamp, tiny white wildflowers bloom. It feels as though we’ve somehow slipped from an angler’s paradise into a quiet fairyland.

Capt. Jimmy skillfully guides our boat through a shallow, narrow waterway lined with these mammoth cypress that leads to the spring. Once at the spring, we dock on a small sand beach and stare, amazed, at the bubbling, crystal-clear water in front of us.

“We love to show off our favorite places,” Capt. Jimmy says as he hands out the paddles for the SUP boards. Capt. Andy never wastes an opportunity at the springs and gamely jumps into the 68-degree water.

“I like to stay in one spot with a mask,” he explains. “You’d be amazed at what goes by you!”

With the SUP boards unmoored from the top of the boat, it’s now time to experience the force of the spring for ourselves. The experience does not disappoint. The bubbling spring is forceful but gentle as it pushes our boards back and away. Beneath us, schools of fish dart and river grass sway.

Capt. Andy surfaces from watching the fish and points to the sand beach. “This is the best place in the whole world to eat a watermelon,” he says. “You sit in the shallow water there and eat it.”

Once we’ve grown tired of paddling the spring, it’s time to reboard and begin the long ride back to the dock at Point Washington. It’s a bit sad to say goodbye to these woods and this crystal-clear spring. It feels as though, just for a little while, we were granted special passage into a watery and forgotten world.

“We love to show off our favorite places.”

Captain Jimmy

building sandcastles building sandcastles

WITH THE SANDCASTLE COACH

Have you ever walked past an intricately carved sandcastle on the beach and thought, wish I could do that? Well, you’re not alone. Rick Mungeam was volunteering at Topsail State Park and building sandcastles on the beach for fun when people began to take notice of his creations. It turned out the retired architect had a knack for crafting buildings from sand.

“One of the rangers saw a few of my castles and asked if I’d teach a class on building sandcastles for the park,” he said.

The classes filled quickly, and one evening, during a particularly gorgeous sunset, he noticed a bride and groom posing for photographs next to one of his castles that featured a big heart.

“I realized I might have a business opportunity when I saw that,” he said.

Rick went from teaching families and groups how to make a sandcastle 3–4 days a week to training a seasonal staff of 20–25.

So Rick and his wife, Capri, thought up a business name (SandCastle Lessons), built a website, and with every booking, word spread. Rick went from teaching families and groups how to make a sandcastle 3–4 days a week to training a seasonal staff of 20–25 sand sculptors to meet the demand. And now, people from all around the world can learn from Rick, thanks to a recent licensing deal SandCastle Lessons made with Princess Cruise lines.

Always fill buckets halfway with water first! Add sand second. Top with additional water if needed.

His process is pretty straightforward and involves an assortment of tools.

“I always do a demo first for families, so people can see how each tool is used,” he explained. “Then they can create their masterpieces. Sometimes people will start carving, and all of a sudden, they’ll say their castle looks like a frog, and they’ll go with it. I think we’ve made everything by now. Toilets are a surprisingly common request. I suppose every castle needs a throne!”

Rick uses a straight-edge ruler to cut steps into his castle.

With the Spillman family watching, Rick built a delightful sandcastle. The essential ingredient for success other than sand? Water. Once he was done, the family grabbed buckets and tools and got busy creating castles of their own.

As he walked around, nodding his head and encouraging their progress, he offered this sage advice:

“When you think you have enough water, add more water.”

toolkit:

THE ESSENTIAL TOOLKIT CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING:

• FIVE-GALLON BUCKETS

• BOTTOMLESS BUCKETS

• ONE-GALLON BUCKETS

• PAINTBRUSH

• MELON BALLER

• PASTRY SPATULA

• SMALL SHOVELS

• PPD*

* A PORTABLE PNEUMATIC DEVICE (PPD) = STRAW.

tips & tricks:

ALWAYS FILL BUCKETS WITH WATER FIRST! THEN ADD SAND.

WATER IS YOUR FRIEND. USE LOTS OF WATER TO BUILD A SANDCASTLE.

A GOOD RULE OF THUMB IS A BUCKET FILLED HALFWAY WITH WATER.

BOTTOMLESS BUCKETS CREATE A CASTLE’S SHAPE EASILY.

EVERYONE CAN GET IN ON THE FUN!

THE PILINGS

The Secret History of Eastern Choctawhatchee Bay

There’s an odd cluster of pilings on the eastern edge of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Ever noticed them when driving north across the bridge? These aren’t the remains of an ill-fated attempt at a bridge, but are part of a system capable of detecting low-flying aircraft during the early years of the Cold War when computer technology was in its infancy.

Let’s back up a bit: After WWII, the United States learned that the Soviet Union had successfully developed a nuclear bomb and aircraft capable of carrying out a nuclear attack against the United States. A strong national air defense system did not exist—so the race to create one began.

A critical weakness in our air defense was the ability to detect low-flying aircraft in real time. And in 1950, a computer capable of interpreting data in real time did not exist—which is where the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) enters the conversation.

Professor Jay Forrester was already working with a group at MIT to develop the world’s first computer capable of interpreting data in real time. After a successful demonstration, Project Lincoln and the Lincoln Laboratory were created to study air defense systems for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. But since Forrester’s computer used storage tubes for internal memory, the data was unreliable. A better memory system was critical. So, Forrester and his team successfully developed the magnetic-core memory system—which spawned modern computing as we know it.

Now that computers could properly analyze and interpret this data , air-to-ground radar testing began. In 1959, Eglin Air Force installed 2,040 pilings topped with omnidirectional radar corner reflectors in the eastern corner of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Dubbed “Test Area D-55,” the Air Force would send and receive radar to these pilings (arranged in 25 different sections) to test the accuracy of the real time data analysis.

It Must Have Been An Odd Sight

Years passed, and the Air Force seemed to have abandoned the area. Locals began pilfering the aluminum “bowls” from atop the pilings to sell for scrap (or use as odd garden ornaments). Two Walton County locals, Andy Coleman and Freddy Bishop, even got in a bit of trouble over the reflectors.

“Now, I had called Eglin before to get permission to remove them,” Coleman explained. “I was never able to speak to anyone, so we just decided we’d go out there to get them. Turned out the Air Force didn’t like that.”

After being questioned by authorities, Coleman said he was released because he could prove he had contacted the Air Force in advance. His friend, however, was not as fortunate and faced charges.

In 1993, Eglin confirmed the site was inactive: “Most of the reflectors are reported missing, with the pilings remaining on-site. The pilings are clearly marked on navigation charts. The pilings have not been removed due to the potential environmental impact on water quality from the creosote.”

Nowadays, the only thing those skinny, creosotetreated pilings support is the occasional double-crested cormorant, pelican, or seagull in need of a perch.

As you drive across the 331 bridge, probably assisted by the GPS on your smartphone, take a moment to appreciate the technology race that led to those decaying old pilings, and let that echo of the past be an inspiration for what’s possible.

Dining With A Water View

Best Views from 30A to Destin

Boats sailing past, waves crashing against the shore, a brilliant orange and purple sunset reflecting in deep blue water—and delicious food. Almost nothing pairs better with a beach vacation than dinner with a view.

Of all the questions locals hear, “Where’s a good place to eat with a view of the water?” is the most common. So, we did our best to round up waterfront and water-view restaurants that are beloved from 30A to Destin.

30A WATER VIEWS

Pescado Rooftop Bar and Seafood Grill

With its cobblestone streets and gas streetlamps, Rosemary Beach offers romantic charm like no other 30A beach community. And now, you can add even more romance by dining at Pescado’s Rooftop Bar and Seafood Grill. Enjoy views of the Gulf and the roofscapes of this unforgettable New Urbanist community while enjoying fresh seafood and daily specials.

You must be 18 years or older to enter, but all ages are welcome for lunch and Sunday brunch.

Havana Beach Rooftop

Across the way from Pescado is The Pearl’s rooftop restaurant—Havana Beach Rooftop. Enjoy communal tables with a menu centered around shared-plate dining and stunning views of the Gulf. When the stars come out, two firepits help keep guests warm.

Crabby Steve’s Gulfside Bar & Grill

Shhh… Crabby Steves is a bit of a local secret for a good reason: you can only reach it on foot (unless you’re staying at High Pointe Resort). Located at the top of a dune walkover, it doesn’t get much more scenic than Crabby Steve’s Gulfside Grill. After walking along the beach to reach it, reward yourself with a cocktail, a delicious fish sandwich, and some spicy tuna dip.

Old Florida Fish House

What can you expect at Old Florida Fish House? How about oysters, fresh fish, a sushi bar, and gorgeous views across Eastern Lake to the Gulf? Head outside to toast the sunset from a deck overlooking the lake, enjoy live music, or relax with a cocktail in an Adirondack chair while the kids play along the lake’s shore.

The Shrimp Shack

It doesn’t get much “beachier” than feasting on a pound of steamed Gulf shrimp while staring at cresting waves with white sand between your toes. Order at The Shrimp Shack window and enjoy your food along the Seaside Boardwalk. See if you can spot a dolphin between bites!

Bud & Alley’s Rooftop Deck Bar

This Seaside classic is beloved by both locals and tourists. Founded by two surf buddies, Bud & Alley’s has incredible views of Seaside and the Gulf. Enjoy smoked tuna dip, a po’boy, or the grilled fish of the day, before celebrating sunset with the ringing of a vintage bell.

Fish Out of Water

This relaxed, family-style restaurant overlooks the Gulf from inside the award-winning WaterColor Inn. Flip flops and hair damp from the beach are welcome because FOOW focuses on the experience, not a dress code. Offering daily brunch and dinner, FOOW serves classic Gulf fare with an extensive and fun drink menu—like the mocktail “Georgia Peach at the Beach” or a fully-loaded “Swim to the Second Sandbar” cocktail. Dine inside or out, or order food to go!

Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar

What’s not to love about a bar with panoramic beach views, live music, and local seafood? Popular with tourists and locals, Shunk Gulley enjoys views of the Gulf and the beach access at Ed Walline Park from upstairs. And the best part? You can cross 30A after your meal to dip your toes in the Gulf.

Stinky’s Fish Camp

Don’t let the name fool you. There’s nothing stinky about this beautiful Dune Allen Beach restaurant! Stinky’s is serious about serving local Gulf seafood and is built along the shores of Lake Allen, one of the rare coastal dune lakes found along 30A. This family-friendly restaurant even sells turtle food so restless kids can head to the dock to feed the turtles while the grown-ups relax.

CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY VIEWS

The Bay Restaurant

Dine on the covered porch to best enjoy striking views of the Choctawhatchee Bay at the aptly named The Bay Restaurant. Known for its Southern coastal cuisine and sushi, The Bay is a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy live music while the kids play on the white sand beach.

North Beach Social/Farm & Fire

Across the road from The Bay Restaurant is a two-story building that houses two distinctly different restaurants. North Beach Social is located on the first floor, and Farm & Fire is on the second floor. North Beach Social embraces its Bay-front location as a mostly outdoor bar and restaurant. Tables and a large deck extend alongside a large sandy beach with a dedicated kids’ play area. The firepits blaze when the sun goes down, and local musicians take the stage.

Upstairs, at Farm & Fire, diners will enjoy bird’s eye views of the Bay and a varied menu that includes sushi, brick-oven pizzas, steak, and local seafood.

MIRAMAR BEACH & DESTIN WATER VIEWS

Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House

Waterfront dining on the Destin Harbor is an incomparable experience. There’s nothing like enjoying fresh, local seafood while the charter boats sail by. Dine on the back deck for the best water views, and enjoy a peek at Lucky Dog Seafood’s wholesale market upon entering the restaurant. Boshamps is dedicated to providing the freshest Gulf seafood—and Lucky Dog Seafood Company does that by sourcing, procuring, and providing fresh Gulf seafood exclusively to Boshamp diners.

Pompano Joe’s

Pompano Joe’s is a quirky, colorful restaurant located next to the Miramar Beach Regional Access, making it easy to get to and guaranteeing uninterrupted beach views. Indulge in a varied menu featuring Caribbean spices and flavors (they also offer a gluten-free menu) and discover why Pompano Joe’s is a destination unto itself.

Lulu’s

Lulu’s in Destin invites guests to arrive by car, boat, jet ski, or paddle boat! Lucy Buffett’s lively restaurant sits on the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay, near the base of the Mid-Bay Bridge. Kids will love the large outdoor play area and gift shop, and parents will appreciate the live music and varied food and drink menu. Lulu’s even offers a dedicated allergy-free menu for guests with different food allergies!

Crab Trap Destin

Built right on the beach in Miramar Beach, Crap Trap Destin serves delicious Gulf seafood in a classic Florida setting. Toast the day with a drink at the beachside bar, or let the kids play on the beach playground. Large open-air windows let in unforgettable beach views and warm, salt-air breezes.

EXPERIENCE

Upscale shopping, sophisticated dining options and South Walton’s premier events and entertainment await you Along the Boulevard.

DINE

Another Broken Egg Café

The Bistro

(Located in Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard)

Black Bear Bread Co. (Now Open)

Cantina Laredo Modern Mexican

The Craft Bar

Emeril’s Coastal everkrisp

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria

Kilwins

PF Chang’s China Bistro

Starbucks

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar

Vin’tij Food & Wine

The Wine Bar

SHOP

Altar’d State

Anthropologie

Arhaus (Now Open)

Arula

The Beaufort Bonnet Company

Billabong

Bluemercury

Hemline

J.Ji l l

J.McLaughlin

johnnie-O (Now Open)

The Jewel

Kendra Scott (Now Open)

KREWE

La Luna

Lilly Pulitzer

lululemon (Now Open)

Ophelia Swimwear

Orvis

Peter Millar

Pottery Barn

Pure Collective Salon (Now Open)

Rose & Co (Now Open )

Seabags (Now Open)

Southern Tide

Sunset Shoes & Lifestyles

Vineyard Vines

Williams Sonoma

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

AMC CLASSIC Boulevard 10 grandboulevard.com

#GrandBlvd

Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Grand Fitness

Emerald Coast Theatre Company

All About Alligators

8 Seemingly Unknown Facts About Florida’s Largest Reptile

American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are one of the most iconic animals in Florida. These massive reptiles can be found in all 67 counties of the state and are a common sight in many freshwater environments, including lakes, rivers, swamps, and brackish waters. While alligators may seem intimidating at first glance, these apex predators are actually quite shy and avoid humans if possible—we’re not their natural prey. And with that, here are eight facts about alligators that will surprise you!

1 Alligators Are Remarkable Survivors

Alligators are native to Florida. and fossil evidence shows that they have remained relatively unchanged for the past 8 million years and are closely related to dinosaurs.

2 Alligators Are Florida’s Official State Reptile

The American alligator was designated as Florida’s official state reptile in 1987 as a symbol of the state’s untamed wilderness.

3 The Alligator’s Courtship Is Sophisticated

During mating season, from late April to early June, the male’s infrasonic bellows cause the surface of the water around the male to ripple and dance, which attracts the female.

4 Alligators Have Super Senses

With an excellent sense of hearing and smell from extra sensory organs covering their face, alligators can hear hatchlings squeak from inside the eggs and smell a single drop of blood in 10 gallons of water.

5 Alligators Are Reptiles (Sort Of!)

Scientifically speaking, alligators are reptiles— but they’re also archosaurs, which includes alligators, crocodiles, AND birds. So technically speaking, birds are closer relatives to alligators than snakes or lizards.

6 Alligators Create Habitats For Smaller Animals

Gators make nests for themselves in soft mud that eventually fills with water. These “alligator puddles” protect and house all sorts of small reptiles and fish while also serving as a drinking hole.

7 An Alligator’s Gender Is Determined By Temperature

Laboratory studies have found that eggs exposed to temperatures above 93°F are likely to become males, while those at 86°F usually become females—and intermediate temperatures produce both sexes.

8 Alligator Attacks Are Extremely Rare

Despite their reputation as fearsome predators, you’re actually more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by an alligator!

As you can see, there’s much to learn about American alligators. Next time you’re in Florida, check out one of the many wildlife sanctuaries or nature parks to see them up close—just don’t feed them in the wild. Travel on.

Block the Sun, Not the Fun

360 Blue partners with Helms Hope for Sun Safety

Helms Hope and 360 Blue want guests to be sun-safe when soaking up that wonderful Florida sunshine. So we’ve partnered to provide complimentary sunscreen and sun-care products in all 360 Blue vacation rentals.

Helms Hope is a non-profit dedicated to advancing skin cancer prevention, awareness, and early detection. Inspired by the life and lasting legacy of 21-year-old Shawn Helms Jr, Helms Hope encourages everyone to:

Wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours or after going in the water.

Wear a hat to shield your face, neck, and ears. Avoid peak exposure. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 am–4 pm.

Wear sunglasses! They block harmful UVA and UVB rays.

“One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime,” Shawn Helms said. “Melanoma is one the deadliest cancers in the world. Seeing a dermatologist annually and checking your skin could absolutely save your life or the life of a loved one.”

Please enjoy the Helms Hope sunscreen, aloe, and sun-safe information provided in your vacation rental. For additional resources, or to learn more about the Helms Hope organization, go to helmshope.org.

“Seeing a dermatologist annually and checking your skin could absolutely save your life or the life of a loved one.”

- Shawn Helms, Founder of Helms Hope

BARTENDING IN SEASIDE FOR 23 YEARS AND COUNTING

Bud and Alley’s rooftop bar is a go-to spot for locals looking to unwind and tourists with unfilled time spooling out before them. And for more than 23 years, bartender Mo Mosely has been welcoming familiar faces and remembering favorite cocktails.

He scribbles names and times on a chalkboard as tables begin to fill in anticipation of sunset. These “best guesses” are a fun, daily tradition. When the sun dips into the watery horizon, Mo, or another bartender, rings a cast-iron bell from an 1888 steam train. Guess when the bell rings, win a free drink; guess wrong, and enjoy the spectacular sunset. There are no losers.

Back before Scenic 30A was the bustling, year-round destination that it is today, Bud and Alley’s was the only bar on 30A open late into the night. At midnight, tired staff from The Red Bar would climb the steps to the bar, unraveling the day’s craziness to anyone who dared listen. On those busy summer nights, hidden behind folks standing three deep in front of the bar was Mo—weaving and pouring, eyebrows raised, a slight nod to let you know he saw you, knows what you want, and it’s in his mental queue.

“Bartending feels like being on a stage,” he said. “Behind the bar, I’m extroverted, but in front of the bar, I’m quiet and will just sit there.” Around 2001, customers began calling his popular margaritas “Mo-garitas,” and the moniker stuck.

“Everyone thinks it’s special when I make it,” he said. “I don’t know why. It’s a really simple drink,” he said, shrugging his shoulders from behind the bar. “But people swear it tastes different when other bartenders make it.”

Nowadays, the Tarpon Club is larger, with new porches and expanded bar space. It looks fancier and feels less like a surf bar. But among the changes, a few things remain constant—Mo behind the bar, the sunset bell (although now with an electric ringer), attentive service, good food, gorgeous Gulf views, and cold drinks with a kick.

After 23 years and all those faces, you’d think it might be difficult for Mo to pick a favorite memory, but it’s not. His eyes light up as he recalls two of his favorite moments—and both involve sports greats.

“I got to watch the Braves win the World Series with Ron Grant! He was sitting at the bar, and we had it on the TV. That was pretty incredible. And Jerry Jones. I’m a big Cowboys fan, but I never try to engage him. I remember one time he was up here, and he got to talking to this guy about the guy’s son, who is autistic. They were talking about the type of physical therapy the son was getting. So Jerry goes and gets a piece of paper and writes out this full-page thing so the kid can go and use the Cowboy’s training facility for whatever he needs. I mean, it’s incredible to me that I get to see people do extraordinary things like that.”

When asked if he ever thinks about retiring, Mo frowned and shook his head. “Everyone always wants to know when I’m going to retire. I’m not! Why would I give this up?” he asked, gesturing out to the brilliant blue Gulf waters in front of him.

MO-GARITA

FOR MO’S FAMOUS MARGARITA:

1 1/4 oz. of Patron

1/2 oz. Grand Marnier

1/2 oz. Rose’s lime juice

2 oz. sour mix (or lemon/lime juice)

A splash of orange juice

And a little shaky, shaky Coarse salt, optional

Lime wedge, optional

DIRECTIONS:

If you prefer a margarita with salt, run the lime wedge around the rim of the glass and then dip it into coarse salt. Add ice to the glass.

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and give it a good shake (or add to a glass and stir). Pour over ice, garnish with the lime wedge, and imagine you’re in Seaside staring at the Gulf.

HIBISCUS MOJITO

FOR THE MOJITO:

5–10 mint leaves

1–2 tsp. agave syrup or natural sugar

2 tbsp. lime juice (about 1 small lime)

1 1/2–2 oz. hibiscus Simple Syrup

1–2 oz. rum (light or dark)

5–6 oz. club soda

Cubed or crushed ice

Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish

FOR THE HIBISCUS SYRUP:

1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers

1 quart Simple Syrup

DIRECTIONS:

Gently muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of a tall glass using a gentle, twisting motion.

Add agave syrup or sugar and continue to muddle. Next, add the lime juice, rum, and hibiscus syrup and stir to combine. Fill the glass with ice. Slowly pour in club soda to fill the glass. Give it a gentle stir to mix. Serve with a garnish of lime and mint, if desired.

To prepare the hibiscus syrup: Add the dried hibiscus flowers to a dry saucepan and stir until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Pour the simple syrup into the saucepan and allow the syrup to simmer for 20 minutes—the color should change to deep purplish pink. Remove the hibiscus syrup from the heat and allow it to rest for an hour. Strain the solids. The hibiscus syrup may be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

CUCUMBER TOM COLLINS MOCKTAIL

FOR THE MOCKTAIL:

1 cucumber

Juice of 1 lemon

Soda water

DIRECTIONS:

Peel and chop the cucumber. Add chopped pieces to a blender (for a lighter cucumber taste, add thinly sliced cucumber to the glass instead). Blend. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon. Add ice to a highball glass and pour the blended cucumber into the glass. Top with soda water. Garnish with a cucumber slice, and enjoy this refreshing, healthy drink.

HAWAIIAN BONFIRE TROPICAL WHISKEY

FOR THE WHISKY COCKTAIL:

1 1/2 oz. rye whiskey

1/2 oz. yellow Chartreuse

1/4 oz. Simple Syrup

3/4 oz. pineapple juice

1/4 oz. lime juice

Dash of cinnamon

2 dashes of bitters

Pineapple wedge for garnish, optional

DIRECTIONS:

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a wedge of grilled pineapple.

COCONUT MARGARITA

FOR THE MARGARITA:

2 oz. cream of coconut

2 oz. tequila

1 oz. pineapple juice

1 oz. freshly squeezed lime

Ice

TOASTED GARNISH FOR RIM:

Honey (optional)

Toasted coconut (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

For a garnished rim: Spread honey on a small plate and toasted coconut on a second small plate. Dip the serving glass in honey and swirl it in the toasted coconut to create the garnished rim. Set aside.

Pour the cream of coconut, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker. Add a handful of ice. Shake well and strain into the garnished glass.

Sandcastle Kids: Healing Hearts

One Vacation at a Time

Eve, a resilient little 4-year-old, endured hundreds of chemotherapy and steroid doses, invasive biopsies, multiple scans, and hospital stays during her 832 days of treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was a long and heart-wrenching journey for her parents, Meredith and Scott Gvozdas, to navigate and for her two sisters, Margaret and Mary Scott, to witness. And then came a ray of light—a pediatric oncology social worker told them they had been selected to receive a free vacation to South Walton, courtesy of Sandcastle Kids.

Sandcastle Kids, a South Walton 501c3 nonprofit, carries out its healing mission by providing all-expenses-paid vacations to families experiencing a diagnosis of childhood cancer. As you can imagine, these families undergo tremendous mental, emotional, and financial stress daily. Sandcastle Kids looks to ease that burden.

Eve was diagnosed in 2019, and her parents spent the next two and a half years managing her exhaustive healthcare needs while also loving and supporting their two other children. The global COVID epidemic complicated matters and required extra sacrifices.

“We had to say no a lot during that time,” Meredith said. “And now, all of a sudden, I was able to say yes to something!”

The Yes Week

“I called it the yes week,” she said.

Vacations can be costly for a family of six, but every treat and whim was possible thanks to this program. From providing gorgeous beach house accommodations to exciting day excursions like dolphin tours, Sandcastle Kids’ families are free to soak it all in and make magical memories. Sandcastle Kids also provides gift cards for expenses, restaurant vouchers, and photography sessions that local photographers donate.

Power of Community Sandcastle Kids is entirely volunteer-based. Because of generous homeowners, donors, and businesses, Sandcastle Kids’ families leave their worries at home for a week.

“My husband and I were floored by the level of generosity we encountered in South Walton,” she said.

Once all the families scheduled for 2022 complete their trips, Sandcastle Kids will have helped 110 families since its inception in 2015.

Believe in Eve

While the Gvozdases’ Fall 2021 trip was planned months in advance—it just so happened that Eve was able to take her last chemo pills while on her beach trip. It was a night the family will never forget.

The morning after Eve’s last treatment, Meredith went for a walk on the beach. The sky was gray and ominous, but she was determined to walk out all her complicated thoughts and feelings. Her phone battery died unexpectedly, so when a huge rainbow appeared, she was disheartened to realize she could not capture it.

Noticing her frustration, a stranger offered her his phone, saying, “I’ve taken some already. Please text them to yourself or take some of your own.”

Only later did the Gvozdases notice Meredith herself was in the stranger’s photos. There she was: the mom of a warrior, reflecting upon their storm, walking right beneath the promise of a Gulf Coast rainbow.

A year later, Eve is doing great. She is 5 now and loving life as a kindergartener. The Sandcastle Kids trip demarcated a new beginning for their entire family––a fresh start to believe in.

360 Blue is proud of our ongoing partnership with Sandcastle Kids. To learn how to help other families, please reach out to your 360 Blue Property Manager, or visit TheSandcastleKids.com.

“My husband and I were floored by the level of generosity we encountered in South Walton.”

- Meredith

One of the finest dining destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood features an award-winning 600-label wine list, hand selected prime steaks and Gulf-to-table seafood dishes. With fresh, seasonally inspired ingredients, Seagar’s prides itself on providing the most decadent and indulgent meals.

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