THE FAMILIES WHO BUILT THE EMERALD COAST
MEET THE MICHELIN GUIDE HONOREES
A TOUR GUIDE FOR WHIMSICAL PUBLIC ART
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NOV. 11-15 2026 SONGWRITER ROUND TABLE HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET FIRKIN FÊTE EXPERIENTIAL DINNERS SPIRITED SOIRÉE
A vibrant festival celebrating craft beer, spirited cocktails, fine food, and skilled makers & craftsmen. Alys Beach Crafted aims to tell the stories of crafted beverages, culinary experiences, artistry, and workmanship. Crafted will be a weekend of events, a gathering of masters of food and drink and renowned artisans sharing the process, the inspiration, and the product of their craft.
Scan for more information and to purchase tickets alysbeachcrafted.com
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Benefiting The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County
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Golf in the morning. Cocktails by the water. Dinner as the sun goes down. And a little more time together before heading home.
Stay. Play. Get away this fall. SANDESTIN.COM
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Upscale shopping, sophisticated dining options and South Walton’s premier events and entertainment await you along the Boulevard.
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DEMETRIUS FULLER, MUSIC & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
DEMETRIUS FULLER
Y E A R S MUSIC & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR YOUR SYMPHONY EXPERIENCE ... REDEFINED
CABARET AT SEAGAR’S An Evening with New York Voices OCTOBER 8 | 5:30 PM
THE WIZARD OF OZ IN CONCERT OCTOBER 17 | 7:30 PM
SEAGAR'S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD
MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION, DUGAS PAVILION
HOLIDAY POPS! feat. The Broadway Boys DECEMBER 10 | 7:30 PM
CLASSICAL CONNECTIONS feat. Coleman Itzkoff, cellist MARCH 13 | 7:30 PM
DESTIN-FWB CONVENTION CENTER
CLASSICAL CONNECTIONS feat. Howard Levy, Harmonica & Piano NOVEMBER 14 | 7:30 PM
DESTIN HIGH SCHOOL
DESTIN HIGH SCHOOL
CIRQUE CINEMA feat. Troupe Vertigo MAY 15 | 7:30 PM
DESTIN-FWB CONVENTION CENTER
TICKETS ON SALE NOW Box Office: SinfoniaGulfCoast.org 850.460.8800
Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida. PRESENTING SEASON SPONSOR:
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SEASON CO-PRESENTING & PRODUCTION SPONSOR:
PRESENTING CONCERTS SPONSOR:
PRESENTING MEDIA SPONSOR:
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PRESENTING CREATIVE SPONSOR:
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CUSTOM CONTENT
DESTIN PLASTIC SURGERY
A Destination forPlastic Surgery
F
or decades, Destin Plastic Surgery has been a trusted destination for aesthetic care. More than 50,000 patients have chosen the practice for plastic surgery with Dr. William Burden, injectables with BoTox Bill Edelman, and advanced skincare treatments from experienced estheticians Trish Sgobba, Melissa St. John, and Kylie Kinzer. Patients travel from across the United States and around the world for the practice’s expertise, innovation, and personalized care. Unlike a traditional med spa, Destin Plastic Surgery offers both surgical and nonsurgical treatments, helping patients choose the approach that best fits their goals while recognizing the physical, emotional, and financial investment involved. The practice is known for several signature procedures, including No Scar Breast Augmentation®, No Scar Brow Lift®, and Ponytail Lift® combined with a deep plane facelift safe brazilian butt lift, and internal breast lift.
by selecting the neuromodulator or dermal filler best suited to the individual, focusing on natural-looking results and recommending surgery when it will provide a better outcome.
AWARD-WINNING SKINCARE The award-winning Skin Care Clinic, led by master estheticians Trish Sgobba, Melissa St. John, and Kylie Kinzer, offers customized treatments to improve skin health and complement both surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Advanced technology includes the virtually painless Soprano Hair Removal Laser and Opus and Harmony lasers to reduce pigmentation, visible capillaries, tattoos, and scars.
INJECTABLE EXPERTISE BoTox Bill Edelman is one of Florida’s most experienced injectable providers and has earned Allergan Black Diamond Status, an honor awarded to the top 1 percent of providers nationwide. He customizes each treatment
DR. BURDEN’S BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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WELLNESS & RECOVERY The IV Lounge provides wellness services including vitamin infusions, NAD+ therapy, immune support, and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber with red light therapy. Experienced nurses oversee every treatment to provide a safe and comfortable experience. STATE-OF-THE-ART SURGERY CENTER After operating in more than 20 surgical facilities, Dr. Burden designed the Destin Plastic Surgery Center using the best features from leading surgery centers across the country. He credits the practice’s experienced operating room staff for delivering the highest standards of safety, excellence, and compassionate patient care.
SEE WHY PATIENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD CONTINUE TO CHOOSE DESTIN PLASTIC SURGERY, VISIT THEPLASTICDOC.COM
FOUNDATION FOR DRUG INTERDICTION Dr. William Burden and Pamela Burden are passionate about giving back to their community and support organizations including the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Emeril Lagasse Foundation, and Alaqua Animal Refuge. They established the Foundation for Drug Interdiction (FDI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to assisting local law enforcement. FDI has helped fund the purchase and training of K-9 deputies, including Deputy Atlas, who has assisted the Walton County Sheriff ’s Office in drug interdiction efforts and arrests. The Foundation has also funded Tasers for female deputies, providing a non-lethal option during encounters with aggressive suspects, particularly in domestic violence situations. Today, Dr. Burden’s children—Grant, Savannah, and Spencer Burden—lead the Foundation alongside Pamela Burden, with plans to continue expanding its impact throughout Okaloosa and Bay Counties. See page 144 to learn more about the Foundation’s fundraiser.
DESTIN PLASTIC SURGERY CALL (850) 654-1194 OR EMAIL INFO@THEPLASTICDOC.COM TO SCHEDULE A TREATMENT. 4485 FURLING LANE, DESTIN THEPLASTICDOC.COM
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Welcome HOME TO
Donalsonville’s newest neighborhood is redefining what new construction looks like in Southwest Georgia complete with designer finishes, thoughtful amenities, and prices that give you instant equity. There’s a new neighborhood in Donalsonville, and it’s unlike anything else in the region.
Built Different. Priced Better. Here’s what makes Westbrooke Place genuinely
Westbrooke Place, 3100 West 7th Street, is a planned
remarkable: every home is sold 85-87% of cost,
community of beautifully crafted homes with curated
$65,000 less that what it costs to build the home.
finishes, sidewalks, and streetlights that make coming
That’s not a gimmick. It’s the result of a state
home feel like arriving somewhere special. For buyers
infrastructure grant secured through Georgia’s Rural
who’ve been priced out of Dothan or Tallahassee, or
Revitalization Initiative, combined with private
who simply want more home for their money in a
foundation funding – both specifically directed toward
community they can feel good about, Westbrooke
bringing rural community revitalization.
Place is worth a very close look.
What that means for you as a buyer: you walk in with equity already on your side. Similar floor plans in Dothan, Thomasville, and Tallahassee are selling for $350,000–$400,000. At Westbrooke Place, comparable homes start at $257,500.
Four Floor Plans. Each One Is a Standout. Westbrooke Place offers four thoughtfully designed floor plans, each named for the native trees that make Southwest Georgia so distinctive. • The Loblolly from $257,500 1,683 sq. ft. | 3 bed | 2 bath | 2-car garage
Phase One’s 53 homes are selling now. And they won’t last long.
• The Magnolia from $271,000 1,810 sq. ft. | 3 bed | 2 bath | 2-car garage • The Willow from $286,500 1,996 sq. ft. | 3 bed | 2.5 bath | 2-car garage • The Dogwood from $290,000 2,198 sq. ft. | 4 bed | 2.5 bath | 2-car garage
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The Details Are Exceptional
A Neighborhood That Lives Well
These aren’t starter homes with builder-grade
Westbrooke Place was designed with community in mind.
finishes. • 10-foot ceilings: bright, airy spaces that feel larger than their square footage
• Pedestrian-friendly sidewalks throughout • Elegant streetlighting
• Crown molding throughout
• Landscaped green spaces
• Granite and quartz countertops depending on floor plan
• HOA to protect property values
• Premium windows and doors
• Phase Two: playground, walking track, mail center
Donalsonville: Closer Than You Think!
• Brick or Hardie Board (cement board) exteriors: built for durability and curb appeal
• Bainbridge, GA: 18 minutes
• Tray ceilings in master suites
• Marianna, FL: 25 minutes
• Designer curated palettes for interior and exterior finishes • Irrigation systems included • Two-car garages on every plan Every home is also certified by FEMA with a Certificate Category of “X,” meaning these homes are exempt from flood insurance requirements.
• Dothan, AL: 30 minutes • Tallahassee, FL: Under an hour • Panama City, FL: Under 2 hours
Home Mortgage Programs Westbrooke Place actively supports community heroes through the Georgia Dream Program and its associated loan options. Seminole County is a qualifying area for Georgia Dream and traditional financing options.
Schedule your onsite visit today! Call Mike Conder: 229-254-1820 | liveatwestbrooke.com
3100 West 7th Street, Donalsonville, GA 39845
Scan the QR Code to watch home tours. Equal Housing Opportunity. Prices subject to change. Financing subject to eligibility. Contact a participating lender for current rates and terms.
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40 years of Good Food. Good People. Good Times.
Waterfront Dining and Rooftop Bar Seaside, Florida 850.231.5900 BudandAlleys.com
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Contents
OCT/NOV 2026
→
Reanna McCormick is coowner of Mercy Tattoo Studio, the winner of our Best Specialty Tattoo/ Piercing Studio for 2026. She also co-illustrated our Best of the Emerald Coast feature.
FEATURE
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BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST
Once again, the voices of the region are heard in force, and the results from the annual Best of the Emerald Coast readers’ poll have arrived. From dental practices to desserts and back again, we are proud to present the businesses and individuals that excel in their craft. Read on for a comprehensive list of these stellar members of our community.
photography by SEAN MURPHY
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October–November 2026
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Contents
OCT/NOV 2026
63
131
93
112 PRETTY COOL SPONSORED
An autumn reset for your skin with Dermatology Specialists
138 ENCORE, ENCORE SPONSORED
35 LEGACY
Meet the founding families of the Emerald Coast
42 TRY THIS
Cozy and creepy fall activities for all
STYLE
47 TRENDS
Styling timeless menswear for women
DESTINATIONS 59 ROAD TRIP
Callaway Gardens is the full package
SAVOR
63 DINING OUT
Five Michelinrecognized spots for your to-eat list
66 TWO TO TRY
Treat yourself for National Cookie Month
ABODE
93 INTERIORS
IN EVERY ISSUE
The prism of color in Alys Beach
28 EDITOR’S
100 WORTH IT
COLUMN
Timeless wallpaper makes an impact
102 GREEN SCENE
120 SPORTS TOURISM
BALANCE
124 TIPS OF THE TRADE
Improve the health of your landscape
107 MENTAL HEALTH
Investing in youth sports echoes across communities Beer lover? Try Northwest Florida’s incredible Oktoberfests
How to listen to your body’s most important messages
EXPRESSION
850
115 FRINGE BUSINESS The industry of disc golf soars
52
THE LABEL
Merry Beth Myrick brings an airy touch to heavy metal
131 ART
Take a tour of public art exhibits
SPECIAL SECTIONS & PROMOTIONS 18 A FRESH LOOK
126 SOUNDBYTES 140 CALENDAR 146 DINING GUIDE 152 POSTSCRIPT
SPONSORED
Feel your very best with Destin Plastic Surgery
20 MOVING IN SPONSORED
A first look at Westbrooke Place in Donalsonville, Georgia
56 SERIOUS BEAUTY SPONSORED
Find your peace at JA 30A Salon
68 REELING IT IN SPONSORED
Fish Out of Water takes coastal dining to the next level
ON THE COVER
Our many winners of the Best of the Emerald Coast are making a splash. Our celebratory cover highlights a few of our signature coastal categories, brought to life by a talented Northwest Florida illustrator. ILLUSTRATION BY LINDSEY MASTERSON
PHOTOS BY SAVVIBELLE PHOTOGRAPHY (52), NATHAN SACZYNSKI / NASCO PHOTO (131), LAYNE LILLIE (93) AND COURTESY OF DAYTRADER TIKI BAR (63)
THE WAVE
The new season at Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra
24 October–November 2026 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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VENETIAN PRINCESS PIROUETTE
13390 Highway 98 W | Destin, FL 32550 (850) 650-2262
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EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE
VOL. 27, NO. 5
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2026
PUBLISHER MCKENZIE BURLEIGH
EDITORIAL
EDITOR Olivia Sokolowski BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL EDITOR David Ekrut, Ph.D. SENIOR STAFF EDITOR Rebecca Padgett Frett SENIOR COPY EDITOR Melinda Lanigan CUSTOM CONTENT EDITOR Zandra Wolfgram CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paige Aigret, Beth Anderson, Sebastian Clarke, Katherine van Dell, Rebecca Padgett Frett, Fabrizio Gowdy, Michelle M. Havich, Carrie Honaker, Dallas Jackson, Liesel Schmidt, Wanda Taylor, Zandra Wolfgram
CREATIVE
DESIGN DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut ART DIRECTOR Natalie Jump CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS 4in5 Creative Agency, Salar Abuaziz, Kolbi Amos, Boo Media, Hunter Burgtorf, Tommy Crow, Edward McGrath Photography, Elizabeth Sellers Photo, Epic Photo Co., Mike Fender, Daniel Fortune, Nikki Hedrick, Jamie Kamber, Aislinn Kate, Brenna Kneiss, Layne Lillie, Chris Luker, Erich Martin, Mike Schwarz Photography, Moon Creek Studios, Sean Murphy, Nathan Saczynski / NASCO Photo, Alicia Osborne, Phocus Photography, Savvibelle Photography, Kristen Stone, Emily Veal, Kiara Watson, Patrick Wilson, The Workmans, Nathan Zucker
SALES, MARKETING, AND EVENTS
SALES MANAGER Lori Magee Yeaton SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Julie Dorr ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Erica Wilson ACCOUNT MANAGER Renee Johnson MARKETING ART DIRECTOR Saige Roberts
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Selene Ceballo PRODUCTION MANAGER Chris Edmund DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Tyler Sansone ADVERTISING DESIGN COORDINATOR Michael Kramer PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Courtney Bryant, Ileana Caban
OPERATIONS
ACCOUNTING & HR SPECIALIST Jeanne Greenberg ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALISTS Ana Coronel, Avery Morales DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Judy Heflin LOGISTICS MANAGER Omar Morales CIRCULATION MANAGER Marjorie Leiva CIRCULATION ASSISTANT Britney Stinson CIRCULATION PROMOTIONS MANAGER David Supple IT MANAGER Omar Greene PUBLISHER EMERITUS Brian Rowland
TWO LOCATIONS Santa Rosa Beach
2312 Chat Holley Road (850) 660-6150
Destin/Miramar Beach
12432 Emerald Coast Parkway (850) 654-3124
GROUP PUBLISHER Terry Duffy CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Todd Schmidt EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Daphne Nikolopoulos HOUR MEDIA, LLC CEO Stefan Wanczyk PRESIDENT John Balardo PUBLISHERS OF: Palm Beach Illustrated • Naples Illustrated • Palm Beach Charity Register • Naples Charity Register Florida Design • Florida Design Naples • Florida Design Miami • Florida Design Sarasota • Florida Design Sourcebook Palm Beach Relocation Guide • Southwest Florida Relocation Guide • Fifth Avenue South • Naples 100 Art & Culture: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County • Pinnacle: Jupiter Medical Center Foundation Waypoints: Naples Yacht Club • Naples on the Gulf: Greater Naples Chamber • Jupiter • Stuart • Aventura Vero Beach Magazine • Community Report: Collier Community Foundation • Advances: Tampa General Hospital Naples Realtor: Naples Area Board of REALTORS • Annual Report: Woods Charitable Trust • 850 Business Magazine At the Beach • Emerald Coast Magazine • Footprints: Hilton Sandestin Beach • Northwest Florida Weddings Panama City Beach Visitors Guide • Sandestin Living: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort • Tallahassee Magazine Tallahassee Meeting Planner • Tallahassee Newcomer • Cultural Arts Alliance #ArtMatters Destin Charity Wine Auction Magazine • Tallahassee Physicians & Medical Resource Guide Visit Tallahassee: Leon County Division of Tourism • Watersound LifestyleSM Published by Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC, P.O. Box 3344, Palm Beach, FL 33480 (561) 659-0210 • Fax: (561) 659-1736 EDITORIAL OFFICE 118 N. Monroe St., Unit 402, Tallahassee, FL 32301. (850) 878-0554 SUBSCRIPTIONS One year (6 issues) is $35. Single copies are $5.95 and can be purchased through our website at emeraldcoastmagazine.com.
REGISTER ONLINE AT USGOLDGYMNASTICS.COM
CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUBMISSIONS Emerald Coast Magazine and Palm Beach Media Group are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned. Emerald Coast Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor. Copyright October 2026 Emerald Coast Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
26 October–November 2026 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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from the editor
THE INTELLIGENCE OF EXPERIENCE
The Best of Emerald Coast is our one-stop search engine Allow me to touch on a cliché subject here: AI. You may love or hate its array of possibilities. I lean toward the anti-AI camp but recognize one of its particularly useful (and less controversial) applications: our new, advanced search engines that have the power to remove indecision, insecurity, and frustration from some of our most important day-to-day quandaries. Where should I take my friends for a birthday dinner, considering the birthday girl loves a good martini? Who might give me a fair price and a gorgeous end result for new flooring in my townhouse? How about a new eye doctor, women’s health practice, or gym? AI search engines comb the web and package the chorus of online voices into a succinct and gently authoritative response. This is exactly what I love about the Best of the Emerald Coast issue. Our titular feature hears the voices of everyone who call the Emerald Coast home, hand-tallies the votes for each of our 178 categories, and compiles a comprehensive guide. These are the best businesses, meals, service providers, entertainers, and shopping destinations across our region, all found in one place. Using this roadmap to better living is even simpler than asking ChatGPT. No prompt required—just flip through to find the best of what you’re looking for. You might just need to open a note on your phone to keep track of all the places you’ll want to try. Of course, this issue has plenty more stories that demonstrate the best of the best in our region. Our senior editor Rebecca Frett lays the foundation by introducing us to the “founding families” who were instrumental in the growth of the Emerald Coast. This year’s five delectable Michelin nods in our region are mapped out by Kari Barlow—I certainly have a few more meals to look forward to trying this fall. While we don’t award Best Jewelry, I think Merry Beth Myrick Designs would be a top contender. Check out my Q&A with the artist on page 52.
OLIVIA SOKOLOWSKI, EDITOR
osokolowski@emeraldcoastmagazine.com
PHOTO BY NATHAN SACZYNSKI / NASCO PHOTO
With love,
28 October–November 2026 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT HILTON HEAD ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO LATITUDE HH, LLC. FILE NO. CP18-0021. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE WATERSOUND ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, LMWS, LLC. FILE NO. CP20-0062. Pennsylvania Registration Numbers OL001170 (Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head) and OL001182 (Latitude Margaritaville Watersound). Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound are registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2026. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. St. Joe and the St. Joe logo are trademarks of The St. Joe Company and are used under license. CGC 1519880/CGC 120919. 2026
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18 YEARS OF HOOKS, LINES & SINGERS 18 YEARS 18 YEARS OF HOOKS, OF HOOKS, LINES LINES & SINGERS & SINGERS
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32 October–November 2026 EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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Noah King draws upon more than a decade of experience the than Noah King draws uponin more financial services industry,inwith a decade of experience the emphasis retirement, estate financialon services industry, with emphasis on retirement, and tax planning as well asestate risk and tax planning as to well as risk management. Eager help the management. Eager to help the needs of individuals and needs owners of individuals business acrossand the business owners across thea Florida Panhandle, he takes Floridaapproach Panhandle,tohe takes a tailored developing tailored approach to developing comprehensive financial plans with comprehensive financial plans with achievable goals. Call Noah today achievable goals. Call Noah today to schedule your no-obligation to schedule your no-obligation financial plan review. financial plan review. Noah King Noah King Financial Advisor, LPL Financial Financial Advisor, LPL Financial noah.h.king@lpl.com noah.h.king@lpl.com 850.404.6066 850.404.6066
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A CONSCIOUS, COOL COMPENDIUM OF COASTAL STUFF
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Sara Becnel is currently president of Sandestin Investments, LLC, and a longtime champion for local causes.
THE FOUNDING FAMILIES LEGACY
Legacy makers along the Emerald Coast by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT
PHOTO BY SEAN MURPHY
→ EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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Last year, Sara Becnel hosted an exclusive patron dinner at Burnt Pine Country Club for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, raising $70,000 in support of the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation’s newborn intensive care unit.
W
hen you think of iconic and influential families, the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilts, the du Ponts, or the Kennedys likely come to mind. The Emerald Coast has its own roster of founding families—people whose love for the region transformed it into the thriving landscape we love. We provide a brief history of the region’s earliest impact makers and profile three second-generation businesspeople carrying on the legacies their families started.
Hospitality Heiress
SARA BECNEL
Sara Becnel is keen to what keeps people coming back to the Emerald Coast. In fact, she was one of those people who would frequent the region, eventually deciding to make it her home. Her father, Thomas Becnel, developed millions of square feet of properties spanning from Hawaii to Florida. Sara grew up with her mother in Mississippi, but on the weekends and summers, she would spend time with her
father in the Destin area—as he developed The Palms of Destin Resort & Conference Center and eventually purchased Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. “On the weekends, I would go to the office with my dad,” says Sara. “I would play and pretend I was his secretary. From a young age, I developed a sense of pride for him, for what he was doing by being there and observing him. I felt helpful and purposeful. I was learning through osmosis.” Her first job was as a hostess at 14, and by her senior year of high school, she had made the decision to move with her father to the Emerald Coast. She spent a brief time in Central Florida pursuing her bachelor’s degree in economics from Rollins College and working in retail in manager and owner positions. In 2012, she made it back to where she was meant to be when she was offered the desirable director of retail position at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. She continued on to become the executive director of Sandestin and leaned into real estate development, including designing and building Hotel Effie. She is currently the president of Sandestin Investments, LLC, overseeing all Sandestin and Hotel Effie operations and majority shareholder of Sandestin Real Estate. “The great quality of people who choose to work here [is not lost on me],” says Becnel, referencing the impact Sandestin has made on the region. “Fostering a company culture that makes the staff feel happy and taken care of is of the utmost importance.” While Sandestin regulars are often visitors, Becnel’s passion lies in supporting locals. She serves as the co-trustee of Sandestin Foundation for Kids, as well as on the boards of Sacred Heart Foundation and Alaqua Animal Refuge. Sara explains that giving back to the community is a cornerstone of the properties she oversees and a virtue she hopes to instill in her own daughter. Becnel shares that some of her favorite workdays are spent simply observing guests: families lounging at the pool, couples enjoying a meal together, or a business woman with a sunset rooftop drink. “My goal is to create places that make memories,” says Becnel.
PHOTO BY NATHAN SACZYNSKI / NASCO PHOTO
THE
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MALLORY STUDER
From health care and hospitality to education and baseball, the Studer name is often synonymous with Pensacola. In 1996, Mallory Studer and her four siblings were living in Wisconsin when her father Quint Studer accepted the position as hospital administrator for the Baptist Hospital in Pensacola. In the 30 years since, Quint and his wife Rishy founded the Studer Family Children’s Hospital, a full-service children’s hospital; the Studer Community Group, a nonprofit devoted to community culture, education, and economic quality of life in Pensacola; co-own the Blue Wahoos minor league baseball team; and own the Bodacious Shops. “Through all of my parents’ businesses, involvements, and philanthropic endeavors, I got to know Pensacola on a business and personal level,” says Mallory. “The vibrant energy of the people living here always pushed them to keep doing more. The people and that energy made me want to stay here to make my own impact.” Mallory received her BSBA and MBA in Business and Marketing from the University of West Florida, then went on to spend 12 years in health care consulting. In the early days of Bodacious Shops, Mallory was influential in the ideation and marketing for the shops now managed by her mother.
During that time, she purchased a bungalow which she rented through Airbnb. “I loved contributing to a visitor’s experience by sharing my insights on the area and making local recommendations,” says Studer. In 2020, she purchased a beautiful historic building on Pensacola Bay. A year later, she opened Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel, a space that merges the tranquility of the nearby waters with the pulse of downtown Pensacola. The luxury accommodations are inspired by the natural beauty of the coastline, and the local staff is happy to recommend local businesses, artisans, and events. Studer also owns and operates 511 Palafox, an event venue located on
bustling Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola. The historic building was restored to serve as a space for celebrations from corporate gatherings to weddings. Mallory is seeking to expand the offerings at her current businesses, driving economic growth to her beloved city. All the while, she’s keeping her eyes peeled for historic buildings whose history she can preserve and breathe new life into. “I now know what people mean when they say, ‘When you know, you know,’” says Studer. “I was meant for hospitality. All those years spent in patient service equipped me to always be thinking, ‘What can I do to help? How can I make an experience even better?’”
PHOTOS BY AISLINN KATE (PORTRAIT) AND COURTESY OF MALLORY STUDER (FAMILY)
Pensacola Promoter
Mallory Studer has multiple business interests across Pensacola. Below, she is pictured with her husband, Rick Appleyard, (far right) and parents Quint and Rishy Studer (left).
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THE ORIGINAL LEGENDARY FAMILIES THE DESTIN AND MARLER FAMILIES
Culinary Captain
THEO PATRONIS As someone who comes from a large, close-knit family, Theo Patronis, knows the importance of gathering around a meal. This knowledge is furthered by having an influential family in the restaurant industry. Theo’s father, Jimmy Patronis, served as a captain in the United States Air Force until he moved to Panama City Beach in 1953. He and his brother Johnny ventured into the restaurant industry first at the Seven Seas Restaurant and later purchasing Captain Anderson’s Restaurant in 1968. Throughout the years, Captain Anderson’s has thrived, serving over 250,000 guests each year. That popularity is also reflected through awards such as Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award (for 15 years) and an induction into the Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2005, the highest honor Florida Trend bestows upon a Florida restaurant. “We’ve always been very lucky to have a strong following and a lot support from the local community as well as guests to the region,” says Theo, who serves as the kitchen manager. “It’s rewarding to see families come here, and then that next generation brings their kids here. It’s a revolving door of support.”
From a young age, Theo and his three brothers worked in the family restaurant in varying capacities. At 18, when Theo graduated high school, he knew he wanted to follow in his uncle’s footsteps managing the kitchen. “To this day, no shortcuts are made,” says Theo. “Everything is made from scratch, and all of our seafood is fresh, most of it being from right here in our Gulf waters, the best seafood in the world.” Theo believes they sustain because the menu is reliably fresh, but also because in a world of fast-paced, cutting corners, they hold to the standard of honest, done-right work from their food presentation to service. These values have been instilled in the next generation, including his daughter Christina and two nieces who work in the front of house. “I’m starting to slow down as my daughter Christina is walking in my footsteps,” says Theo. “I know that our family’s next generation will hold true to what’s kept us successful and keep things going for many years to come.” As for Theo, he will forever be enjoying the gorgeous beaches and best fishing on the Gulf. In his words, “Of course I worked for the family business. Panama City Beach is a great town. Why would I ever leave?” EC
THE KELLY FAMILY
In 1935, Mattie Kelly and her husband Coleman Lee moved to Northwest Florida after purchasing expanses of land along Choctawhatchee Bay and Destin Harbor. They began as turpentine farmers who would pivot to become pioneers in the fishing industry. In 1991, their turpentine camp and additional lands became Kelly Plantation, a residential community and golf club. An additional 52 acres were dedicated to promote Mattie’s lifelong passion for the arts, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. THE MASSALINA FAMILY
In the nineteenth century, Jose Massalina, a maritime merchant and builder of boats, was the first Black man to settle in Panama City. With the help of his son, Narcisco, they established a community with other Black families, including homes, a school, and a church, called Redfish Point. Jose passed away at the age of 112, and Narcisco carried on the legacy of Redfish Point until the land was purchased in 1941 for the construction of Tyndall Air Force Base. Due to the contributions of the Massalina family, Massalina Bayou was officially named in the family’s honor in 1886.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THEO PATRONIS AND MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION (THE KELLY FAMILY)
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Theo Patronis stays close to the sea through his ownership of Captain Anderson’s and love of our iconic beaches.
In the 1840s, Captain Leonard Destin discovered the wealth of fish and seafood in our Emerald waters. Finding nirvana, Destin relocated from Connecticut to build his own fish camp at present-day Moreno Point. He established a highly profitable fishing company that attracted families to move to the village. One of them was Billy Marler, who would become Destin’s best friend and business partner. After Destin’s death in the 1870s, Marler continued helping the village flourish. When Marler decided to open a post office, the town needed a name. He went with “Destin” in honor of his friend. One of the most well-known Destins is Dewey Destin, who opened one of Destin’s first restaurants in the 1950s. Captain Leonard Destin was his greatgreat-grandfather. As an influential fisherman and the first postmaster of Destin, in 1999, the Destin Bridge was renamed the William T. Marler Bridge. The renaming of the bridge was brought about by Marler’s greatniece Susan Myers.
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THE AUTUMN ITINERARY Essential fall celebrations worth a day trip by FABRIZIO GOWDY
↑ PANAMA CITY BEACH OKTOBERFEST OCT. 16–18, AARON BESSANT PARK, 500 WEST PARK DRIVE, PANAMA CITY BEACH Panama City Beach Oktoberfest returns for three days of authentic German-inspired fun, great food, live music, and ice-cold beer. Enjoy traditional Oktoberfest brews, delicious German cuisine, stein hoisting competitions, games, and even more activities throughout the weekend. The bounce houses, face painting, and photo booths make the event great for all ages, and kids 12 and under get in free. Featuring live entertainment from both local and regional acts, the festival unites the community and visitors alike to celebrate one of Panama City Beach’s favorite annual traditions. Raise a stein with friends, enjoy the food, and dance to live music.
FALL FUN AT NIXON FARMS
← HOLLAND FARMS PUMPKIN
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, LATE SEPTEMBER THROUGH THE END OF OCTOBER 486 MARTIN MILL ROAD, BAKER
SEPT. 26 TO NOV. 1 2055 HOMER HOLLAND ROAD, MILTON
If you’re looking for an idyllic slice of fall, Nixon Farms—an hour northeast of Pensacola—has it all. Relax and stroll the corn maze, take your pick from the pumpkin patch, enjoy a hay ride, or stop by the petting zoo. You can even race down a 150-foot mega slide, bounce on the jumping pads, and test your sharpshooting skills with the corn cannons. Ziplines and pedal carts may make their debut this year. The farm is perfect for families with children of all ages and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PATCH AND FALL ACTIVITIES
Holland Farms is bringing back its popular pumpkin patch and fall festivities for another season. Activities include a corn maze, hay rides, gem mining, food vendors, and even a miniature train (which is actually not so mini). With its picturesque sunflower field, it’s no wonder Holland Farms served as an opportune backdrop for engagements last year. The farm will be open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $18, and kids 2 and under get in free.
PHOTOS BY MIKE FENDER COURTESY OF PCB OKTOBERFEST AND COURTESY OF HOLLAND FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH AND SUNFLOWER
Fall at the beach is an unsung hero. On the Emerald Coast, it’s a pretty great time of year—clear blue skies, mild temperatures and humidity, less bugs, and plenty of fun activities, events, and festivals for the whole family. Here’s our roundup of the best autumnal activities across the region. Whether you prefer the beach or the farm, looking for jump scares or baby animals to snuggle, there’s plenty to look forward to this season.
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Be there or be scared: For the past seven years, this highly rated haunted house has boasted the top spot among walkthrough haunted mazes in Pensacola. Visitors love the detailed and creative scenes, unpredictable jump scares, and friendly actors. The maze features a series of rooms inspired by popular characters and movie fran‑ chises like Five Nights at Freddy’s, as well as original spooky scenes straight from the creators’ nightmares. Whether you’re screaming or laughing, the atmosphere is thrilling and is best experienced with friends. The attraction is open from 8 p.m. to midnight every Friday and Saturday in October, including Halloween night. Admission is $20 per person and all ages are welcome, though children 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent.
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Festival of Fears is back with double the thrills. The Wentz Brothers will launch their main event at a new location in Holt, where visitors can explore multiple haunted attractions built for a full night of Halloween fun. The Holt site runs 7 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturdays from Oct. 2 through Nov. 13. A second experience—a haunted trail—will also operate in Mary Esther at Oak Tree Nature Park. That attraction is open Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 9 to 31, with the same 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday schedule. The scares are recommended for ages 13 and up, but younger children may attend with an adult. Three family nights at the Holt location on Oct. 11, 18, and 25 offer a gentler experience, with toned‑down sound effects and spooky, but not scary, actors from 6 to 9 p.m. More information, ticket details, and updates are available at wbfestivaloffears.com. EC
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FESTIVAL OF FEARS
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OCT/NOV 2026
REGARDING MATTERS OF ALL THINGS STYLISH
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A 1980s Gucci clutch matches up with vintage men’s Gucci suspenders, gray pleated trousers, and a timeless black bodysuit.
HIS turns HERS
TRENDS
A woman’s take on menswear by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT
THE LABEL Heavy Metal photography by ALICIA OSBORNE
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Dressy meets bossy with a 1990s Victoria’s Secret slip, vintage men’s Dior oversized blazer, and gold aviator sunglasses.
I
n 2026, a woman wearing pants is commonplace. Even sporting a tie barely bats an eye. This was not always the case, as women wearing menswear began as a revolutionary act. As early as the 1850s, feminists Susan B. Anthony, Sarah Bernhardt, Amelia Bloomer, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton wore bloomers, trousers, and pantsuits, a revolutionary act against the restrictiveness of women’s clothing at the time. In the 1920s, Coco Chanel became the true trailblazer for menswear in women’s fashion. The designer spotlighted suits, blazers, and trousers for an androgynous look that appeared on models and actresses, then the modern woman.
There remains a staying power to women donning menswear because of the juxtaposition. Boxy silhouettes against soft curves. A crisp buttondown with flowing tulle. Baggy trousers styled with a fitted top. We spoke with Lexi Angeles, owner of West Side Vintage in Pensacola, about the timelessness of menswear for women. “Menswear for women withstands the test of time because many of those pieces have classic silhouettes that can be reinvented over and over again,” says Angeles. “I love that menswear gives women the freedom to play with proportions, mix masculine and feminine elements, and create outfits that feel natural and authentic to who they are.”
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←↑ Cuffed sleeves and a tie turn a blazer flirty and effortless. ↗ Dress up an oversized men’s shirt with a belt.
PHOTOS BY ALICIA OSBORNE (GUCCI PURSE, SLIP WITH BLAZER, AND PINSTRIPE PENCIL SKIRT) AND UNSPLASH: ASHI SCB “ZZZPHO” (BLAZER AND TIE) AND LAURA CHOUETTE (PLAID BLAZER) AND DK HO/ISTOCK PHOTO (DRESS SHIRT AND BELT)
Sweetly Suited
Classic styling of menswear began with boxy blazers, tailored trousers, crisp shirts, and loafers. “An oversized blazer, men’s trousers, or even a classic button-down can instantly elevate a look when paired with something a little softer,” says Angeles. “Throwing a blazer over a dress, cuffing the sleeves, and adding chunky jewelry can make the outfit feel effortless while still adding your own personality. I also love styling vintage men’s trousers with a fitted top and loafers to bring the whole look together.” For an evening out, consider wearing an oversized button-down as a dress and pulling it together with either a chunky belt or men’s tie around the waist. Pair it with heels, and layer on the jewelry.
She Wears the Pants
The wearing of pants was how women first started to revolutionize their wardrobes. Trousers are wonderful for their versatility. Wear a well-tailored pair to the office with a puff-sleeve top, or for the
Pinstripe pencil skirt by Aknvas with a white oversized button-down and Hermes crossbody tote
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Sporty Spice
Since the ’80s, sportswear as everyday wear has been trending. Think stylish
sneakers, luxe tracksuits, cute baseball hats, hoodies, oversized sweatshirts, and jerseys. “I grew up with two older brothers, and most of my hand-me-downs included baseball jerseys and oversized graphic tees,” says Angeles. “A vintage graphic tee is one of those pieces that never stops being cool. It tells a story, adds personality to an outfit, and can be styled a hundred different ways.” For fall and winter, Angeles finds herself reaching for a cozy crewneck. Select a unique color like a deep plum, emerald, or burnt orange, and style it with jeans and loafers, or pull it over a dress with combat boots. With many sports gearing ← A white tee, baggy jeans, and up in the fall, heels can pivot consider a jerfrom coffee to sey paired with cocktails.
a patterned skirt, track pants with a cropped tank top, or vintage sneakers with a floaty peasant dress.
Finding Your Fit
As a vintage store, Angeles loves helping customers dig through the treasure trove of the store to find a timeless piece to add to their wardrobe that can be styled many ways. “For me, the best menswear pieces are the ones you actually want to wear over and over again,” says Angeles. “They’re comfortable, versatile, and become a part of your everyday style.” EC
PHOTOS BY UNSPLASH: CHRISTOPHE DUSABE (TRACKSUIT), ALIREZA MIRZABEGI (JERSEY), AND ERNEST TARASOV (JEANS)
weekend, try a pair a half-size bigger to hang off the hips with a tight white tee and eye-catching heels. Jeans reign supreme. From bootcut to baggy to knee-length jorts, men’s jeans work as well on women. “Baggy jeans let me breathe, and when you mix that relaxed fit with feminine pieces like kitten heels, a fitted blouse, or a fun top, it creates that effortless cool girl look,” says Angeles. “It’s that balance of feeling comfortable while still feeling dressed up that I love.” In warmer months, Angeles loves a pair of men’s denim cutoff shorts. She describes a cool vintage graphic tee with denim cutoffs and boots as her daily uniform.
Lightweight jerseys and track suits offer an effortless vibe for the transitional Florida weather.
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Truly hand-forged jewelry by Merry Beth Myrick Designs by OLIVIA SOKOLOWSKI
Q: Tell us about how your business came to be. A: I was working as a wardrobe
stylist in Nashville, and a lot of my clients were celebrities who wanted editorial-style jewelry. I wasn’t happy with what I was finding in stores, so I decided to design and make it myself. At 31 years old, I became the youngest member of the senior citizen center (because they were the only people around teaching [silversmithing]). That led to taking classes through Vanderbilt’s art center, and the more I learned, the more I loved it.
Q: Where do you see your pieces f itting into the local jewelry scene? A: Our community has plenty
of beautiful boutique jewelry, but there’s not much in the middle—wearable every day but still well-made. Hardwear
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Merry fills that gap: smallbatch, accessible but premium, with a little edge. Merry Beth Myrick Designs is the other half—hand-forged fine jewelry in silver, bronze, and gold-fill for people who want jewelry with more weight and story.
←↑ Merry Beth
Myrick, above and left, began her career as a wardrobe stylist in Nashville before learning the craft of silversmithing.
photography by SAVVIBELLE PHOTOGRAPHY
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D A I LY L U N C H & D I N N E R | W E E K E N D B R U N C H | H A P P Y H O U R 2 – 4 P M D I N E F I S H 3 0 A .C O M 3 4 G O L D E N R O D C I R C L E , S A N TA R O S A B E A C H , F L 3 24 5 9 Seasonal Hours Apply. © The St. Joe Company 2026. All Rights Reserved. “Fish Out Of Water®” is a service mark of The St. Joe Company.
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↑→ Above: Myrick polishes a peace
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sign pendant. Right: This tree-inspired ring is Myrick’s favorite piece to date.
Q: How would you describe your own personal style, and how does it show up in your designs? A: Timeless but a little rebellious. I’m drawn to
natural fibers and quality pieces that feel effortless. That’s exactly what I chase in my designs: higher-caliber pieces that feel easy to throw on but are never boring.
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roots. The band was created to look like the center part of a leaf, mimicking a feather. The top of the ring is the texture of tree bark with an intention in it that feels like you’re rubbing a worry stone. I was obsessed with a tree in the yard of my childhood home. I was always in that tree. My mom always stood in the kitchen, staring out the window watching me play and rubbing a worry stone. This ring encompasses my family, the safeYou can find Myrick’s designs at ness that I felt as a child, Indigo in Watercolor, The Zoo and serves as a reminder Gallery, Allison Wickey Gallery, EC of who I am and why. and online at wearmerry.com.
ADORN YOURSELF
PHOTO BY SAVVIBELLE PHOTOGRAPHY AND COURTESY OF MERRY BETH MYRICK (TREE-INSPIRED RING)
Q: What’s your favorite piece you’ve created so far? A: Probably a ring I designed to remind me of my
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The Longevity Effect Jennifer Albert connects elevated expertise, plant-based care, movement, mindfulness, and community— creating an ecosystem designed to support how we look, feel and live.
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or Jennifer Albert, founder of the JA Essence Beauty Collection, longevity is about caring for the life we have. “We have this body, this life and this experience,” Albert says. “Our choices create our habits, our habits influence our outcomes, and the environment we create around ourselves can support those habits and make them easier to sustain.” That philosophy—right mindset, right habits, right environment—has been shaped through more than 25 years of transforming and elevating clients, advanced education and certifications, and years within the metropolitan beauty industries of Chicago and New York. Today, on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Albert brings that experience into a broader vision of wellness, confidence and longevity.
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CUSTOM CONTENT
Known as “The Healer Behind the Chair,” Albert offers an elevated range of hair services and restorative treatments designed around the desired outcome: assisting people in feeling restored, confident, understood and cared for. That intention lives within the JA Essence Beauty Collection. Created as a plant-based extension of Albert’s philosophy, JA Essence Beauty supports the hair, skin, scalp and sensory experience of daily care. Through intentional hair and body care, aromatic rituals and products designed for both home and life on the go, the collection brings wellness into the natural rhythm of the day. The purpose reaches beyond what each product does. It is also about the experience the collection creates A morning ritual can awaken and prepare you for the day. Hair and scalp care can restore softness, shine and intentional attention to the foundation. Body care can nourish the skin while creating a moment of touch and presence. Aromatic rituals can travel throughout the day as sensory cues to pause, reconnect and continue. Evening rituals can soften the atmosphere and create a natural transition toward rest. For Albert, nervous-system awareness is an important part of that conversation. JA Essence Beauty uses aroma, touch, breath and repetition to create opportunities for presence, relaxation and reconnection. The philosophy mirrors Albert’s own practices of yoga, meditation and breathwork. “We practice when life is quiet so we have something to return to when life is full,” she says. Albert calls it a healthy ecosystem: mindset, habits, movement, rest, intentional products, supportive environments and community working together. Each element contributes to wellness, and the power grows through what we repeat. A salon can restore confidence. A yoga practice can create awareness. A spa can offer space to receive. JA Essence Beauty can continue care at home and on the go. Nature can reconnect us. Community can assist those practices in becoming sustainable parts of everyday life. Each plays a different role. Together, they create something larger. That is why Albert describes JA Essence Beauty as “created to walk through life with you.” A service can begin the care. JA Essence Beauty can continue it. A ritual can reinforce it. An environment can support it. Community can amplify it. That is the ripple effect.
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We have this body, this life and this experience. Our choices create our habits, our habits influence our outcomes, and the environment we create around ourselves can support those habits and make them easier to sustain.”
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destinations
OCT/NOV 2026
VISITING NOTEWORTHY PLACES NEAR AND FAR
ROAD TRIP
A WALK
in the Park Learning and loving at Callaway Gardens
PHOTO COURTESY OF CALLAWAY GARDENS
by OLIVIA SOKOLOWSKI
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Callaway is the ideal backdrop for reconnection with family.
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Dauset the broad-winged hawk with Meagan DuVall
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akeside and under the watchful eye of a broad-winged hawk named Dauset, I met someone at Callaway Gardens who had the exact same birthday as me. Same day, year, everything, born just 12 hours apart. We both turned 30 recently and talked about what we did for that milestone occasion. She took a group of friends to Las Vegas, and I took a group of friends to Epic Universe in Orlando. The goal was the same: to let the people we love run wild a little bit. Funny enough, I met quite a few people during my Callaway getaway that were theme park fans (I consider Las Vegas a mega-theme park, of course). We compared our favorite parks and rides. This was done while riding an open-top
pink Jeep through a luscious summer springscape, strolling through azalea gardens, and across lotus-topped ponds. It dawned on us naturally: At Callaway, we are in a different sort of theme park. So then, what is the theme of this special park? I’d posit three pillars: immersive natural education, conservation, and reconnection with the ones you love (including yourself). Now, back to Dauset the hawk, since you, too, might have a chance to meet him if you make the three-and-a-halfhour sojourn to Pine Mountain, Georgia, where Callaway is situated. Dauset is one among a host of raptors in Callaway’s Birds of Prey program, a sanctuary and education initiative led by highly trained falconers. Meagan DuVall, program manager, appears as a fount of knowledge before the enraptured (pun intended) crowd at the daily Birds of Prey wildlife experiences, free with park admission, where rehabilitated hawks, owls, and eagles from across the country coast mere inches over guests’ heads. Don’t hold your hands up too high, DuVall warns. You’ll find another dazzling wildlife experience (aside from the abundant organic encounters) at Callaway’s famous Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. This tropical greenhouse hosts over 1,000 butterflies of various species and a hatchery where visitors
↑ Above: Guests who stay at The Lodge at Callaway Gardens enjoy easy access to park activities; Below: Can’t-miss azalea season is one of the most popular times to visit the gardens.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CALLAWAY GARDENS
A pristine room with a view and The Lodge’s standout spa encourage a full recharge.
can see new winged friends break free from the chrysalis. Structured tours and short educational programs are available, but guests can also wander the greenhouse, which hosts fascinating and well-kept tropical plants, at their leisure. I loved this route— chasing butterflies and sniffing fragrant ylang ylang makes for a lovely afternoon. Flower lovers should make sure to plan their trip for peak azalea season, when the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl Garden is on fire with over 4,000 blooming bushes of 700plus varieties. The gardens received special conservation honors for its work in conserving the Prunifolia azalea, a native, later-blooming species. Peak season falls between early March and mid-April, when the Georgia spring weather is also at its temperate peak. When it’s time for an adventure break—or to break bread—Callaway has a plethora of dining options for all moods. At The Lodge, Cason’s Tap Room is the right choice for an afternoon bite and a brew (the Tequila Honeysuckle cocktail is a highlight) or dinner over live music, which visits the indoor-outdoor pub-style space regularly. For a more intimate setting, try the Piedmont Dining Room. The Bourbon Brined Cornish Hen and Olive Oil Cake are memorable dishes found for dinner at both sites. Executive chef Daniel Huertas assures guests that all dietary restrictions (or in the case of events, imaginative possibilities) can be accommodated.
If you’re a lover of a Southern breakfast, don’t overlook Country Kitchen, perched on a scenic vista and paired with a sweet gift shop. Biscuits and gravy and pancakes and skillets will be the hearty finale your trip deserves—it’s enough to keep you full until you get home—or the perfect start for an expeditious day in the gardens or historic Pine Mountain (where the antiquing is unmatched). Expeditions call for good company, and Callaway Gardens is a gracious host. Family reunions, bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthday getaways, weddings—any of life’s celebrations would benefit from Callaway’s lush and active backdrop. The gift of natural immersion is a lovely party favor. Seasonal events like the epic Christmas festival Fantasy in Lights or the aforementioned azalea explosion are worth planning
around. But memories can be made at any time of the year, just as any day is the right one to practice putting yourself first. When it’s time to return inward, reflect, and renew, The Spa at Callaway Gardens is close at hand for Lodge guests. The ideal itinerary? Treat yourself to a massage or body treatment, relax with the facial and body care bar in the locker room (also complete with sauna and steam room), and enjoy tea or a mimosa paired with soft solitude in the quiet room. The grand finale: a session in the salt room, which improves skin health, respiratory function, and stress levels. It’s simply self-love. After my time in the spa, I slept better than I had in a very long time. So well, actually, that I was late for breakfast the next day … and that’s fine, because Callaway is the kind of place where you can take a detour and stop to smell the roses. Enjoy a little time running wild. EC
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DINING, IMBIBING, AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST
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The Lobster Noodles from Daytrader Tiki Bar feature Hong Kong-style noodles tossed in XO sauce with lobster tail, red pepper broccolini, bok choy, and finished with furikake.
DINING OUT
A Guide to
THE GUIDE
Dining at Emerald Coast’s Michelin picks
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAYTRADER TIKI BAR
by CARRIE HONAKER
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Chicken Picatta and Crab Pappardelle (below right) are two dishes by Chef Chadwick Donelson at Bitterroot.
Tucked into an unassuming Destin shopping center, Bitterroot has been leading the Emerald Coast’s farm-totable charge since 2020. Chef Chadwick Donelson keeps the menu in constant motion, sourcing from local purveyors for Southern-leaning dishes like a charred, house-made biscuit smothered in bone marrow and black pepper gravy. Start with the smoked mullet dip, then move to the Redfish Aristocrat, a panseared Gulf redfish over blue crab risotto and smoked tomato gravy. Save room for banana pudding layered with mascarpone and banana rum caramel.
Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue | Miramar Beach Born from a celiac diagnosis and a Tucson backyard smoker, Evie Mae’s has built a reputation on great barbecue that just happens to be gluten-free. The West Texas transplant, operating in Wolfforth since 2015, brought its cut-to-order format to Miramar Beach, where the smell of slow-smoked meat greets diners at the door. Order the green chili cheese sausage— a peppery link studded with gooey cheese—alongside black pepper-rubbed smoked turkey breast. Round it out with the baked potato casserole and sautéed green beans with bacon.
PHOTOS BY PHOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY (A MANO PANINO), SALAR ABUAZIZ (DAYTRADER FOOD), THE WORKMANS (CHEF ABUVALA), AND COURTESY OF BITTERROOT, EVIE MAE’S PIT BARBECUE, ROUX 30A, DAYTRADER TIKI BAR
Bitterroot | Destin
The Michelin Guide made its statewide debut in Florida this year, and the Emerald Coast held its own against the state’s bigger food cities. Five local spots earned recognition, from a Destin farm-to-table favorite to a Pensacola sandwich counter turning out Tuscan-style paninis.
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Peach Panzanella
Charred Octopus
Chef Nikhil Abuvala
Roux 30A | Grayton Beach Since 2013, Roux 30A has gathered strangers around communal tables in Grayton Beach, an approach to hospitality that earned chef Nikhil Abuvala a 2025 James Beard semifinalist nod for Best Chef: South. The multicourse tasting menu shifts with the seasons and the Gulf Coast’s farmers, fishermen, and artisans, such as purple sweet potato pasta with beech mushrooms in a Parmesan-sage sauce topped with a seared U-10 scallop. Go for the open-kitchen counter seats to watch each course come together, and expect a different meal on every visit.
A Mano Panino Pensacola
Medical Mai Tai
Daytrader Tiki Bar Seaside Also from Chef Abuvala, Daytrader trades Roux 30A’s tasting menu for tiki-bar escapism, blending Polynesian and Hawaiian flavors with a playful, anti-corporate edge. The restaurant’s Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award makes sense the moment the Remedy lands: a riff on the Mai Tai served, tongue-in-cheek, in an IV bag. Order the Ahi Crispy Rice, crunchy discs topped with melt-in-your-mouth tuna and honey chili aioli, or the Korean Fried Chicken, a flavor bomb of stickiness served with classic mac salad and smoked kimchi that will become your go-to condiment. Don’t skip the Spam Musubi, either; the seaweed is fresh and pliant, the rice crisp and soft at once, with a furikake layer that tastes like the real thing.
Husband-and-wife team Alex and Ashley Lamonte bring a slice of Florence to Pensacola’s East Hill neighborhood, baking schiacciata, a thin, crunchy Tuscan bread, fresh each morning inside the historic Sacred Heart Hospital building. The Bib Gourmand winner keeps things simple: meats sliced to order, spreads made inhouse. Order the Lo Smorzando, layered with mortadella, fresh ricotta, arugula, and sunflower pesto, marinated zucchini, and spinach; one bite and you’re at a sidewalk café in Bologna. The La Cantabile, ahi tuna confit with caper mayonnaise and giardiniera, is worth a try too. Order to go or claim a patio seat, but be sure to save room for a scoop of their handmade gelato just across the parking lot at Lamonte Gelato. EC ↗ Gianduja (bottom) and Pistacchio (top) gelato in a housemade waffle cone EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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Two iconic Destin cookie stops by LIESEL SCHMIDT
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There’s an adage that life is short and dessert should be eaten first, and while some may disagree that the proverb is unwise, there are countless cafes, restaurants, and sweet shops around the world whose sweet treats can prove the prudence of putting that advice into practice. There are a few bakeries close at hand whose mastery of the simple cookie verify not only the validity of the saying, but also the necessity of following such wise counsel— especially during National Cookie Month, October.
Pink Coyote Dessert Co.
Technically billed as an ice cream shop, Pink Coyote Dessert Co. offers a fun selection of freshly baked cookies, making it a must-try for any cookie lover in Destin or Fort Walton. Try whatever variety is available the day you visit (Pink Coyote features a rotating menu) and order it heated with a scoop of their house-made ice cream. Loaded with everything from huge chocolate chunks and caramel swirls to Fruity Pebbles and peanut butter, each cookie is impressive in size and in flavor, making them great as a standalone treat or as the base for your all-in cheat day indulgence.
Fruity Pebbles Cookie
Chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal raisin, and the Trifecta
LADY RAY’S CULINARY DELIGHTS
Sweet-toothed Destin locals and visitors alike flock to Lady Ray’s Culinary Delights, where you’ll find an incredible savory menu to fill your belly and a selection of sweet treats that could tempt anyone to abandon their diet. And while the cakes may take center stage, Lady Ray’s cookies are everything you could dream of: dense, crunchy with just the right amount of chewiness, and full of flavor. Choose from her massive Dunkers in flavors including chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, sugar, and the Chef’s Special, or try the Trifecta—a huge cookie that packs white, dark, and milk chocolate into every bite. Snackers who want a smaller sugar hit will love the minis and the coconut macaroons. Plus, each cookie is scratch-made in-house each morning. Lady Ray’s Culinary Delights is located at 833 Harbor Boulevard, Unit 19 in Destin. For more information, call (850) 269-0763 or visit ladyrays.com.
PHOTOS BY JAMIE KAMBER (FRUITY PEBBLES COOKIE), KRISTEN STONE (3 COOKIES FROM PINK COYOTE DESSERT CO.) AND 4IN5 CREATIVE AGENCY (LADY RAY’S CULINARY DELIGHTS)
Pink Coyote Dessert Co. has locations at 30 Walter Martin Road in Fort Walton Beach and 9 Calhoun Avenue in Destin. For more information, visit pinkcoyotedessertco.com.
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Restaurant Spotlight
A Fresh Take on Coastal Dining at Fish Out of Water There’s always a good reason to return to a local favorite. At Fish Out of Water in WaterColor, a thoughtfully reimagined menu gives locals plenty to savor, from fresh Gulf seafood and Southern-inspired dishes to coastal flavors that feel right at home along 30A. Led by Director of Culinary Chef Louis Martorano, the menu is rooted in coastal traditions, quality ingredients, and seasonal storytelling. Distinct lunch and dinner offerings cater to different cravings while keeping seafood and coastal cuisine at the forefront. “Our menu was designed to celebrate what’s right outside our doors: the bounty of the Gulf and the diversity of coastal cuisine. With a variety of seafood preparations to choose from, guests can try the dish that best suits their mood or dig into something completely new,” says Chef Martorano. At lunch, expect lighter, more casual fare, including salads and elevated handhelds. Standouts include the 205° Pecan-Smoked Tuna Dip, featuring house-cured tuna slow-smoked at 205 degrees farenheight; Gulf Shrimp Tacos; seafood baskets; and Southern-inspired sides.
For dinner, the “Fish Market” section features fresh catch prepared fire-grilled, pan-seared or blackened. Other offerings include Beef Tenderloin and Roasted Portabella Steak. Two dishes especially embody Chef Martorano’s vision. The fire-grilled Tuna Steak, finished with bright ginger-lime ponzu, balances smoky char with fresh coastal flavor. The Pimento Cheese & Bacon appetizer layers smoky bacon with creamy, house-made pimento cheese for a comforting Southern-inspired starter. And for a longtime guest favorite, the Pan-Seared Blue Crab Cakes take, well, the cake. Gluten-free and made with no filler, they allow the blue crab’s decadent flavor to shine in every bite. “We want guests to recognize what they’re eating, to taste the freshness, and to feel transported to the Gulf with every bite,” says Chef Martorano. Save room for dessert and cocktails, too. Light, citrus-driven cocktails and curated wine pairings are designed to complement the menu’s fresh coastal flavors. As the menu continues to evolve with the seasons, the goal, Chef Martorano says, is to keep guests returning to
discover the flavors of 30A. Relaxed and welcoming yet refined, Fish Out of Water celebrates Gulf Coast cuisine with intention—making each visit a memorable experience for all the senses.
Chef Louis Martorano
Fish Out of Water is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (seasonal hours apply). In an effort to seat guests more efficiently, the restaurant does not accept reservations. FISH OUT OF WATER | WATERCOLOR INN 34 GOLDENROD CIRCLE, SANTA ROSA BEACH | (850) 534-5050 | DINEFISH30A.COM
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DESTIN 34745 Emerald Coast Pkwy | (850) 650-4688 TALLAHASSEE 1489 Maclay Commerce Drive | (850) 900-5149 • (850) 531-0222 PANAMA CITY BEACH 15533 Panama City Beach Parkway | (850) 588-8403 OSAKAHIBACHIANDSUSHI.COM
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incredible Emerald Coast, some businesses, service providers, and delicious indulgences edge out the venerable competition. Each year, we turn to our readers to name the leaders across our region who are truly masters of their craft. Read on for the full list of 178 WINNERS of this year’s Best of the Emerald Coast.
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ILLUSTRATIONS BY
LINDSEY MASTERSON AND REANNA MCCORMICK, MERCY TATTOO STUDIO
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Entertainment/ People BEST ARTIST
BRENDAN PARKER ART
MUSICIAN/ VOCALIST/BAND
BELOW ALABAMA Crank it up and boot scoot at your next event with this high-energy country band hailing from the Emerald Coast. Crestview (850) 902-9866 belowalabama.com NIGHTLIFE/ LIVE MUSIC VENUE
AJ’S SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR
ARTIST
BRENDAN PARKER ART Brendan Parker’s multimedia art blends coastal inspiration with exacting techniques, producing large-scale works that are worth designing living spaces around. Miramar Beach (850) 803-3677 brendanparkerart.com DJ
SHANE KELLER PRODUCTIONS Dance the night away to the beats that DJ Shane Keller bumps at your next celebration, wedding, or corporate event. Freeport (850) 582-9725 shanekeller productions.com
EVENT
EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC Each summer, top anglers, seasoned teams, and fishing enthusiasts from across the country descend on Baytowne Marina for a week of adrenaline-pumping competition. Sandestin (850) 428-1376 emeraldcoastblue marlinclassic.com GOLF COURSE
SANTA ROSA GOLF & BEACH CLUB Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club offers an 18-hole, par-72 championship course that seamlessly blends with the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-2229 santarosaclub.com
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar is the Emerald Coast’s go-to destination for unforgettable waterfront entertainment. Enjoy daily live music, stunning harbor views, and a laid-back atmosphere. Destin (850) 837-1913 ajsdestin.com PLACE FOR A DATE
where rescued animals create unforgettable experiences through birthday celebrations, education, wellness, and compassionate connections. Navarre (972) 877-9600 bunnychickhaven ofnavarre.com
PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS
GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK Gulfarium is dedicated to educating, entertaining, and inspiring guests to BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS
GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK
GRAND BOULEVARD Whether it’s your first date or fiftieth, there’s something for every couple at Grand Boulevard. Shop, dine, watch a movie, or attend a signature event. Miramar Beach (850) 837-3099 grandboulevard.com PLACE FOR A KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY
BUNNYCHICK HAVEN OF NAVARRE Bunnychick Haven of Navarre is a nonprofit small animal sanctuary
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BEST PLACE TO WATCH A SUNSET
PHOTOS BY SEAN MURPHY AND COURTESY OF VUE ON 30A AND GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK
VUE ON 30A
respect and preserve wildlife by providing unique and memorable experiences for all ages. Fort Walton Beach (850) 243-9046 gulfarium.com PLACE TO WATCH A SUNSET
VUE ON 30A
Established in 1971, Vue on 30a is an awardwinning Gulf Coast dining destination, offering elevated cuisine, exceptional service, curated wine pairings, and unforgettable waterfront views in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-2229 vueon30a.com RADIO/TV PERSONALITY
KEVIN MCKAY, 99 ROCK WKSM
Kevin McKay rocks as the favored on-air radio host of WKSM-FM 99ROCK in Fort Walton Beach and the Gulf Coast. Fort Walton Beach (850) 243-7676 wksm.com RESORT
SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT Sandestin Golf and
Beach Resort is the epitome of vacation. Once you arrive on property, you never have to leave, with access to the beach, golf, spas, dining, shopping, and luxurious accommodations. Miramar Beach (800) 622-1038 sandestin.com STAYCATION PROPERTY/RESORT
HENDERSON BEACH RESORT
Inspired by distinguished traditions from the past, Henderson’s luxury resort invites guests and locals
to indulge in a treasured collection of experiences, framed by the white sandy beaches of Destin. Destin (850) 424-4400 hendersonbeachresort.com TENNIS FACILITY
HIDDEN DUNES BEACH & TENNIS RESORT
Open to all ages and skill levels, Hidden Dunes offers players five clay tennis courts and five pickleball courts. Miramar Beach (800) 225-7652 hiddendunesdestin.com
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APPETIZER
COMMELFO RESTAURANT From calamari to crab cakes to truffled burrata caprese and more, Commelfo puts a unique, delicious spin on crowd-pleasing starters. Miramar Beach (850) 460-4541 commelfo.com ASIAN FUSION
TIE
AJA 30A
Aja 30A is not defined by a single cuisine. While their foundation is rooted in Japanese culinary traditions and exceptional sushi, their menu extends far beyond the expected. Inlet Beach (850) 641-0051 aja30a.com ASIAN FUSION
handcrafted cocktails, an award-winning wine list, and exceptional hospitality in an elegant atmosphere designed for unforgettable evenings and celebrations. Inlet Beach (850) 909-0100 ambrosia30a.com BAKERY
BLACK BEAR BREAD COMPANY, LLC Specializing in local ingredients and exceptional craftsmanship, Black Bear Bread Co. pours care into everything they create, believing the best experiences are meant to be shared. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 213-4528 blackbearbreadco.com
BAR/TAVERN
THE RED BAR The Red Bar is a local legend where neighbors and visitors alike gather to sip signature cocktails, groove to live music, and munch on craveworthy grub. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 231-1008 theredbar.com
THE CRAFT BAR Northwest Florida’s gastropub is known for craft beer, specialty cocktails, unique dishes from a scratch kitchen, and the Southern hospitality of an employee-owned team. Destin (850) 654-7466 thecraftbarfl.com BLOODY MARY
BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE AND STEAMER Brotula’s decked-out Bloody Mary Board upgrades brunch with a full carafe of a spicy classic Tito’s, Worcestershire, citrus, and Zing Zing base, plus a slew of toppings to customize your wake-up call.
PHOTOS BY BOO MEDIA AND COURTESY OF (AMBROSIA PRIME SEAFOOD AND STEAKS) AND COURTESY OF BISTROLOGY
Food & Beverage
BEER SELECTION/ CRAFT BEER
BARBECUE
3 SONS BAR-B-Q Established in 2013, 3 Sons Bar-B-Q is a family-owned local hotspot. Meats are smoked daily to perfection on their custom-made equipment. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 278-6082 3sonsbarbq.com
BEST ATMOSPHERE
AMBROSIA PRIME SEAFOOD & STEAKS
TIE
BASMATI’S ASIAN CUISINE Basmati’s Asian Cuisine fuses fresh local ingredients with Asian flavors in a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere that is always delicious and never stuffy. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-3028 basmatisthirtya.com ATMOSPHERE
AMBROSIA PRIME SEAFOOD & STEAKS Ambrosia delivers an elevated dining experience featuring premium steaks, pristine seafood,
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CAJUN/CREOLE
Destin (850) 460-8900 brotulas.com
CAJUN CORNER SPORTS BAR & GRILL Cajun Corner is a full-service restaurant and true sports bar offering all American food with a Cajun flare, and it’s the only restaurant in Walton County with a swimming pool! Santa Rosa Beach (850) 660-1500 cajuncornersrb.com
BREAKFAST
CRACKINGS. It’s all it’s cracked up to be and more, offering a bounty of all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch fare. Destin*, Santa Rosa Beach (850) 650-0499* crackingsfl.com BREWERY
3RD PLANET BREWING CO. The owners of 3rd Planet Brewing believe that beer brings people together. Their fun, funky flavors and inviting atmosphere prove that point. Niceville (850) 424-4257 3rdplanetbrewing.com
BEST BRUNCH
BISTROLOGY
BRUNCH
BISTROLOGY Gather your group and grub on all your favorite brunch fare, from the
CHEF
classics to inventive takes on breakfast offerings. Miramar Beach*, Pensacola (850) 757-7374* bistrologyrestaurant.com
CHEF FLEETWOOD COVINGTON, SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD Executive chef Fleetwood Covington brings global inspiration and Gulf Coast ingredients together at Seagar’s Prime Steaks
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Food & Beverage & Seafood, creating an elevated dining experience rooted in seasonality and craftsmanship. Miramar Beach (850) 622-1500 seagars.com
BEST COFFEE SHOP
EAST PASS COFFEE CO.
COCKTAIL
BIRDIE COCKTAILS From the golf course to the beach, these premium Florida-made canned cocktails are ideal for your next group outing. Available throughout the Emerald Coast birdiecocktails.com COFFEE SHOP
EAST PASS COFFEE CO.
Situated in the heart of old Destin, East Pass Coffee Co. is a locally owned watering hole serving craft coffee, breakfast, lunch, local beer, and wine. Congregate with friends from near and far. Destin (850) 353-2906 eastpasscoffeeco.com CRAB CAKES
REEL ‘EM IN FRESH SEAFOOD & GOURMET These crab cakes are the reel deal! This restaurant’s best seller is two jumbo lump crab cakes served with their homemade remoulade sauce. Seagrove Beach, Seacrest Beach* (850) 420-2240* reeleminfreshseafood.com CRAWFISH
KENNY D’S Owned by New Orleans natives, Kenny D’s has menu items that combine the right mixture of spices and zing, especially on their crawfish. Miramar Beach (850) 650-0755 kennyds.net
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DESSERT
SUNSET SLUSH EMERALD COAST LLC The ideal sunshine state treat is a fruity, refreshing Italian ice available in a variety of rotating flavors. Panama City (850) 615-9998 sunsetslushec.com DISTILLERY
DISTILLERY 98 This homegrown, sustainably operated micro-distillery, has been proudly serving up their own vodkas since 2019. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 919-2400 distillery98.com FINE DINING
BIJOUX
Bijoux is an upscale fine dining destination located in The Market Shops at Sandestin, named in Open Table’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America. Miramar Beach (850) 622-0760 bijouxdestin.com FOOD TRUCK
PHOTOS BY KOLBI AMOS (EAST PASS) AND COURTESY OF SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR
THE RICAN VEGAN The Panhandle’s only Latin and vegan food truck serves up bowls and tacos heaping with healthful, authentic, and flavorful toppings. Fort Walton Beach (414) 840-1220 plantbasedwellness consaborllc.com
FROZEN TREAT (ICE CREAM, YOGURT, GELATO, SNOW CONES)
PECAN JACKS ICE CREAM AND CANDY Founded on the Emerald Coast, Pecan Jacks creates fresh-made ice cream, brittles, pralines, and chocolates, found at locations in Seagrove Beach, Grayton Beach, and Lake Powell. Panama City Beach (850) 622-0011 pecanjacks.com GLUTEN FREE
BLUE MOUNTAIN BAKERY Located in Blue Mountain Beach, Blue Mountain Bakery loves serving the community with fresh gluten-free goodies. Look out for their upcoming expansion in Inlet Beach. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-0400 bluemountainbakery.com GOURMET/FOOD SHOP/ SPECIALTY FOOD STORE
THE SALTY BUTCHER The Salty Butcher is an independent butcher shop and deli bringing
thoughtfully sourced meats, artisan cheeses, specialty provisions, wines, and more to the 30A community. Santa Rosa Beach (448) 333-1050 thesaltybutcher30a.com GROUPER SANDWICH
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR
Named after the legendary fishing reef, Shunk Gulley offers classic coastal cuisine and genuine Southern hospitality. Daily live music can be found inside the panoramic bar area, featuring views of the sugarwhite sand beach. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-2733 shunkgulley.com GUMBO
POMPANO JOE’S SEAFOOD HOUSE Savor the flavor of the islands with a Gulf Coast twist. Be sure to try their seafood gumbo, a threetime winner of the Sandestin Gumbo Festival. Destin*, Panama City Beach (850) 837-2224* pompano-joes.com
HAMBURGER
MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB OF DESTIN McGuire’s Irish Pub opened in 1977 as a neighborhood pub before moving to Pensacola’s 1927-built Old Firehouse. Find McGuire’s iconic hamburgers inside this turn-of-the-century New York Irish-style saloon. Destin (850) 650-0000 mcguiresirishpub.com HAPPY HOUR
MARINA CAFE At one of Destin’s most awarded restaurants, enjoy a daily happy hour from 5-7 p.m., including half price wines, cocktails, beers, and specialty appetizers. Destin (850) 837-7960 marinacafe.com HARD SELTZER
PALM FOLLY
This Emerald Coast authentic seltzer was born and brewed here with cans containing real fruit, zero sugar, and nothing artificial. Available throughout the Emerald Coast (850) 420-9741 palmfolly.com
BEST GROUPER SANDWICH
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR
FRENCH
RENAISSANCE RESTAURANT 30A Located in the heart of Gulf Place, Santa Rosa Beach, Renaissance is a few steps away from the beach. This bistro-chic establishment, owned by Parisian couple Martin and Natasha Arnt, serves elevated traditional French cuisine and fine wines in a classic Haussmannian decor. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 830-7754 renaissancefrench.com
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Food & Beverage HIBACHI
OSAKA JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR Serving only Gulf-fresh seafood, high-quality meats, and locally sourced vegetables, Osaka’s hibachi is a feast to be had and a sight to behold. Destin (850) 650-4688 theosakasteakhouse.com ITALIAN
MIMMO’S Homemade dishes and hospitality are two pillars of Mimmo’s that have been passed down through the generations of this Sicilian family. Destin*, Santa Rosa Beach (850) 460-7353 mimmos.com JUICE/SMOOTHIE
RAW & JUICY
Fresh, fruity, flavorful, and fulfilling. Raw & Juicy offers a beverage bar of artisan smoothies, juices, juice shots, smoothie bowls, and more. Alys Beach*, Grayton Beach (850) 909-0230 rawandjuicylife.com MARGARITA
PEPITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT On top of spectacular handcrafted margaritas and a can’t-miss happy hour, you’ll find sizzling fajitas, tacos, seafood, and warm, familyfriendly hospitality at Pepito’s. Destin*, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville (850) 269-7788* mypepitos.com MARTINI
CAFE THIRTY-A Martinis at Cafe Thirty-A are served on the rocks or straight up with a variety
of garnishes. If you need a pick-me-up, don’t skip the espresso martini featuring chicory liqueur. Seagrove Beach (850) 231-2166 cafethirtya.com MEDITERRANEAN
AEGEAN GREEK RESTAURANT Serving delicious, classic Greek cuisine in Miramar Beach since 2007. Live longer and eat like the Greeks. Miramar Beach (850) 460-2728 aegeanfl.com MEXICAN/LATIN AMERICAN
ON-SITE CATERING
TOWNSEND CATERING
Townsend Catering takes pride in providing professional and outstanding service, meticulous menu planning, and most importantly, delectable cuisine. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-0663 townsendcatering.com OUTDOOR BAR
THE EDGE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & SKYBAR This Destin Harbor restaurant offers a rare over-the-water dining
experience with panoramic waterfront views, open-air seating, and a harborside rooftop bar. Destin (850) 659-3549 edgeseafood.com OUTDOOR DINING
MARINA BAR & GRILL Marina Bar & Grill boasts prime seating options that provide captivating vistas of the Choctawhatchee Bay. With waterfront views, fresh seafood, and cold drinks, there’s not a bad seat. Miramar Beach (850) 267-7778 sandestin.com
PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA Whether you’re in the mood for a fajita, a quesadilla, or a 2-for-1 margarita, Pepper’s is the place to experience authentic Mexican cuisine. 7 locations throughout the Emerald Coast (850) 353-2481 (Destin) peppersmexican cantina.com
BEST MARTINI
CAFE THIRTY-A
NACHOS
JACKACUDAS SEAFOOD & SUSHI These are not your average nachos. Jackacudas serves up a specialty of poke nachos adorned with marinated ahi tuna or fried chicken over wonton chips with sweet soyginger sauce, spicy mayo, nori, avocado, and more. Destin (850) 460-2909 jackacudas.com NEW RESTAURANT (6-12 MONTHS)
IRON & GRAPE ITALIAN KITCHEN Iron & Grape is a chef-driven restaurant led by chef Todd Misener, featuring scratchmade Italian cuisine, locally sourced ingredients, a curated wine program, and genuine hospitality in historic DeFuniak Springs. DeFuniak Springs (850) 951-2233 ironandgrape.com
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BEST RESTAURANT IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY TIE
PHOTOS BY HUNTER BURGTORF (CAFE THIRTY-A) AND EMILY VEAL COURTESY OF GEORGE BISTRO + BAR
GEORGE BISTRO + BAR
OYSTERS
HURRICANE OYSTER BAR
RESTAURANT IN BAY COUNTY
FIREFLY
A Grayton Beach favorite since 2007, Hurricane Oyster Bar serves a Gulf- and Carribbean-inspired menu and oysters in more than 20 different preparations. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 231-0787 hurricaneoyster.com
Whether for a romantic dinner or a celebration with friends, Firefly strives to set itself apart as an exemplary experience from first bite to last crumb. Panama City Beach (850) 249-3359 fireflypcb.com
PIZZA
MERLINS PIZZA
RESTAURANT IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY TIE
Merlins Pizza has been the locals’ choice for perfect pizza since 1999, serving homemade, handcrafted pies with only the best ingredients. Destin (850) 650-3000 merlinspizza.com
Cactus Flower is your go-to California-style Mexican restaurant in Pensacola, where every dish is made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients. No animal fats, no shortcuts, and always flavorful.
CACTUS FLOWER CAFE
Pensacola (850) 432-8100 cactusflowercafe.net RESTAURANT IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY TIE
GEORGE BISTRO + BAR
George Bistro + Bar believes that food is the language of the soul. It’s communicated through a masterfully crafted menu, exceptional service, and a modern space that exudes Southern charm. Pensacola (850) 912-4655 georgebistroandbar.com RESTAURANT IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY
TIE
UNION PUBLIC HOUSE This upscale-rustic
destination serves refined Southern favorites, inventive dishes, and an impressive cocktail menu. Pensacola (850) 607-6320 unionpensacola.com RESTAURANT IN OKALOOSA COUNTY
BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE
Dine on the Destin Harbor with freshest catches, stunning sunset views, attentive service, and plenty of spaces to relax. Destin (850) 424-7406 boshamps.com
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Food & Beverage RESTAURANT IN WALTON COUNTY
THE BAY
Chef Jim Shirley’s family-friendly waterfront restaurant features mouthwatering Southern Gulf Coast cuisine, sushi, a 12-draft beer system, excellent wine selections, and inventive bar-crafted cocktails. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-2291 baysouthwalton.com
ROMANTIC/SPECIAL OCCASION RESTAURANT
OVIDE
Ovide, located inside Hotel Effie, hosts an elegant culinary experience inspired by its Gulf Coast and Southern surroundings with a menu that reflects the chef’s passion for sustainability and seasonality. Miramar Beach (850) 351-3030 hoteleffie.com SEAFOOD MARKET
DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI For your next dinner, stop
into Destin Ice for fresh and prepared seafood, meat, and seafood accompaniments. Destin (850) 837-8333 destinice.com SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
STEWBY’S SEAFOOD SHANTY
A family-owned seafood spot where the welcome mat is always out, and the seafood is always fresh. Fort Walton Beach*, Crestview (850) 586-7001* stewbys.com
SEAFOOD STEAMER
COASTAL STEAMER & CAFE BY REEL 'EM IN FRESH SEAFOOD Fresh and flavorful steamed seafood and beachside bites in an approachable atmosphere. Seagrove Plaza*, Peddlers Pavilion (850) 420-2240 reeleminfreshseafood.com SHRIMP DISH
DOWN ISLAND GULF SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Down Island is a familyowned and operated restaurant featuring fresh Gulf seafood, from-scratch dishes and cocktails,
BEST ROMANTIC/ SPECIAL OCCASION RESTAURANT
OVIDE
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VEGAN
END OF THE LINE CAFE
BEST SUSHI TIE
HARBOR DOCKS
Healthy, organic, vegan food options made in-house daily from scrumptious sandwiches, on-tap kombucha, and vegan desserts. Pensacola (850) 429-0336 eotlcafe.com WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
THE BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT
Enjoy local seafood and ice-cold cocktails all with a 650-foot view of the Gulf of Mexico with a covered deck and outdoor bar open year-round. Miramar Beach (850) 608-6300 thebeachhousesd.com WEDDING CATERER
SUNQUEST CATERING
PHOTOS BY SEAN MURPHY (HARBOR DOCKS) AND PHOTOS BY NATHAN SACZYNSKI / NASCO PHOTO (OVIDE)
award-winning desserts, and thoughtful options for special diets and allergies. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 777-3385 downislandsrb.com SPORTS BAR
SHADES BAR & GRILL A home run of a place, Shades offers all your biggame favorite eats and the largest draft beer selection in the area in a sports themed atmosphere. Inlet Beach (850) 231-9410 shades30a.com STEAKHOUSE
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR
Slice your perfectly cooked steak and raise a glass to the Fleming’s experience. From business dinner to celebratory occasion, the evening will be memorable. Sandestin (850) 269-0830 flemingssteakhouse.com
SUSHI
TIE
HARBOR DOCKS
Harbor Docks seafood is harvested directly from the Gulf of Mexico, unloaded at their docks, cleaned in the market, and delivered upstairs to the restaurant. It doesn’t get much fresher. Destin (850) 837-2506 harbordocks.com SUSHI
TIE
UME SUSHI
The single inspiration that led to the establishment of Ume Sushi was nothing more than the desire to introduce unsurpassed sushi and sashimi to the Panhandle. Destin (850) 353-2370 umesushidestin.com TACOS
TACO 30A
Pull up to Taco 30A, a food truck offering classic street tacos, take-out, and catering prepared
with authentic Mexican techniques and flavors. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 420-5614 eattaco30A.com THAI
THAI DELIGHTS
Dine in or carry out all your favorite Thai dishes such as catfish Thai spice, fried shrimp rolls, cashew grilled salmon, yum woon sen, sweet custard, and mango with sweet sticky rice. Destin (850) 650-3945 Facebook @ thai delights restaurant TUNA DIP
BUD & ALLEY’S
Bud & Alley’s is an iconic waterfront restaurant in Seaside, serving fresh Gulf-to-table cuisine, craft cocktails, and unforgettable sunset views since 1986. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 231-5900 budandalleys.com
SunQuest Catering pairs chef-driven, exquisite menus with complete full-service production, offering expert event planning, premium rentals, bespoke floral design, and coordinated detail-driven service. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 830-2349 sunquestcatering.com WINE LIST/WINE BAR
THE WINE BAR
Viva il vino! Sip and savor The Wine Bar’s extensive, awardwinning wine list that can be paired with their lunch or dinner menu. Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Pensacola* (850) 332-5596* thewinebarfl.com WINGS
BUFFALO’S REEF
Traditional or boneless, Buffalo’s Reef famous wings will fulfill your craving in all the classic flavors. Rooted in Fort Walton Beach. Fort Walton Beach (850) 243-9464 buffalosreef.com
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ACCOUNTING FIRM
CARR, RIGGS & INGRAM
Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) is a top 25 nationally ranked accounting and advisory firm driven by relationships to cultivate growth. Miramar Beach (850) 837-3141 criadv.com ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
a single-office practice into one of the Southeast’s leading architectural firms, with six offices serving clients throughout the region. Destin (850) 837-8162 dagarchitects.com
specialized business and investment solutions. Panama City Beach (888) 671-0400 ccbg.com
AUDIO/VISUAL PROVIDER
Traditional values meet modern techniques at Clark’s in Fort Walton Beach and Destin. Men and women alike will find a luxe atmosphere in which to relax and embrace a brand new look. Destin*, Fort Walton Beach (850) 362-6888* clarksbarberlounge.com
INNOVATIVE SIGHT & SOUND
Where east meets west. Tortoise Clinic is a fully integrative health clinic offering advanced neurological acupuncture alongside other holistic health services. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-5611 tortoiseclinic.com
Innovative Sight & Sound designs and integrates smart home technology, home theaters, lighting, motorized shades, audio, security, and custom golf simulators, creating seamless spaces throughout 30A and the Southeast. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 200-5896 beinnovative.com
AESTHETICIAN FACILITY
AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP
TORTOISE CLINIC
GLOHAUS LUXURY AESTHETICS & WELLNESS
Glohaus is a full-service medical spa and wellness clinic with locations in Fort Walton Beach and Gulf Breeze, committed to helping you feel and look like your best self. Fort Walton Beach*, Gulf Breeze (850) 218-7616* glohausaestheticsfl.com ARCHITECTURE FIRM
DAG ARCHITECTS
Founded in 1981, DAG Architects has grown from
JOHN LEE NISSAN
John Lee Nissan is Panama City Beach’s home for affordable prices on used vehicles and outstanding deals on the latest Nissan models to roll off the floor. Panama City (850) 763-6575 johnleenissan.com BANK
CAPITAL CITY BANK Capital City Bank offers a wide range of financial services to meet diverse needs in Bay and Walton counties, from traditional banking to
BARBER SHOP
CLARK’S BARBER LOUNGE
BUILDER/CONTRACTOR COMMERCIAL TIE
BEAUCHAMP COMMERCIAL LLC.
Beauchamp Commercial is an award-winning commercial contractor providing design-build, construction management, and general contracting services with integrity, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional client service. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 685-0140 beauchampcommercial.com
BUILDER/CONTRACTOR RESIDENTIAL
LUKE & BLUE’S CUSTOM HOMES
Luke and Blue’s, the premier custom home builder in Santa Rosa Beach, believes a custom home is a physical reality of many years of dreaming and designing. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 246-2583 lukeandblues.com CABINETS AND COUNTERTOPS
KITCHEN TUNE-UP Kitchen Tune-Up delivers premium kitchen remodeling with options for new cabinets, cabinet refacing, countertops, and personalized design— creating beautiful, functional spaces where families gather and memories are made. Niceville (850) 678-9977 kitchentuneup.com CAR/LIMO/ SHUTTLE SERVICE
EMERALD COAST LUXURY TRANSPORTATION Emerald Coast Luxury Transportation, operating 24/7, specializes in airport transfers, weddings, nights out, corporate groups of any size, and outof-town excursions. Miramar Beach (850) 774-8345 emeraldcoastluxury transportation.com CARDIOLOGY PRACTICE
BUILDER/CONTRACTOR COMMERCIAL TIE
JOHN DUDLEY, MD, HCA FLORIDA FORT WALTON BEACH CARDIOLOGY
Carter Building Company is a premier firm specializing in the design-build process for custom homes, seamlessly
Dr. John Dudley is a dedicated cardiologist committed to delivering exceptional care to his patients and supporting the health of the Fort Walton
CARTER BUILDING COMPANY LLC
PHOTO BY PATRICK WILSON OF DESTIN FLORIDA
Service Providers
integrating architectural design and construction under one roof. Miramar Beach (850) 978-2106 carterfl.com
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BEST CHARTER BOAT SERVICE (FISHING,DIVING, ETC.)
BIG JOHN OF FLORIDA
Beach community at HCA Florida. Fort Walton Beach (448) 202-6100 hcafloridaphysicians.com CHARITY/NONPROFIT
CARING & SHARING OF SOUTH WALTON Caring & Sharing of South Walton, a nonprofit 32 years strong, provides crisis relief to our neighbors in need through financial assistance, food, counseling, and case management. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-2866 caringandsharingsowal.org
CHARTER BOAT SERVICE (FISHING, DIVING, ETC.)
BIG JOHN OF FLORIDA Enjoy your offshore fishing trips on Big John’s comfortable, affordable, and fully equipped fishing boats, providing memorable charters for any age or experience level. Destin (850) 585-4384 bigjohnfishing.com CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE
PAYNE CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER Rooted in Destin, Payne Chiropractic Wellness is a state-of-the-art healing facility specializing in
the Gonstead technique, advanced spinal diagnostics, and massage therapy to bring your body to its full potential. Destin (850) 654-8770 destin-chiropractor.com COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE GROUP
CORCORAN REVERIE This premier luxury real estate brokerage serving Florida’s Gulf Coast will help you find your dream home or sell your cherished property. Santa Rosa Beach, Panama City (850) 231-5030 corcoranreverie.com
COMPUTER SERVICES/ TECH SUPPORT
CRC DATA TECHNOLOGIES
Ensure your company’s data is secure with the CRC’s reliable, proactive, and responsive IT support services. Destin (850) 654-7262 crcdatatech.com COSMETIC SERVICES (EYELASH EXTENSIONS, NAILS, PERMANENT MAKEUP)
BEACHSIDE BEAUTY
Beachside Beauty believes every client deserves a
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Service Providers dedicated team of talented professionals to help you become the best version of yourself—here are the beauty experts that will transform the way you look and feel. Destin (850) 353-2804 bsbdestin.com
COSMETIC/PLASTIC SURGERY PRACTICE
DESTIN PLASTIC SURGERY
Discover your best you through the innovation, artistry, and experience this certified and compassionate plastic surgery team brings. Destin (850) 654-1194 theplasticdoc.com CREDIT UNION*
EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Chartered in 1954, Eglin
Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, memberowned financial institution offering membership to military, civil service, and U.S. Government affiliations on our region’s military bases. Fort Walton Beach (850) 862-0111 eglinfcu.org
Exchange (a subsidiary of McNeese Title, LLC) will be your trusted resource. Miramar Beach*, Seagrove Beach (850) 337-4242* mcneesetitle.com/destintitle-exchange-co
CUSTOMER SERVICE
U.S. GOLD GYMNASTICS ACADEMY
DESTIN TITLE EXCHANGE COMPANY For complex moments of transition, Destin Title
DANCING/ CHEERLEADING/ GYMNASTICS FACILITY
U.S. Gold’s two recreational facilities focus on the basics, while its private team training facility is dedicated to competitive gymnastics through Level 10. Co-ed Ninja classes are also available. Miramar Beach (850) 654-3124 usgoldgymnastics.com DENTAL PRACTICE
BEST ELECTRIC BIKE COMPANY
YOLO BOARD + BIKE
SMILEOLOGY
Smileology is the Emerald Coast’s premier destination for advanced implant, cosmetic, and comprehensive dentistry, combining world-class expertise, innovative technology, and highly personalized care to deliver exceptional, life-changing results. Niceville (850) 897-4488 smileology.com DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE
COASTAL SKIN SURGERY & DERMATOLOGY Discover the coastal difference. Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology specializes in medical, surgical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology performed by expert providers. Destin (850) 654-3376 coastalskinsurgery.com ELECTRIC BIKE COMPANY
YOLO BOARD + BIKE Cruising is cool—
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especially when seated on a Yolo electric bike. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 424-6852 yoloboard.com ELECTRIC CART/GOLF CART DEALERSHIP
COASTAL CARS & CARTS
Coastal Cars & Carts is a family-owned dealership specializing in sales, service, and all things golf carts, proudly serving Panama City Beach and beyond with expert care. Panama City Beach (850) 999-7733 coastalcc.net EVENT PLANNING FIRM
30A BOUJEE EVENTS & PLANNING 30A Boujee Events creates luxury beach experiences along the Emerald Coast, from signature beach bonfires to weddings, proposals, and private celebrations. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 901-0883 boujeebonfires.com EVENT VENUE
THE ALICE
The Alice is Destin’s premier waterfront venue, offering weddings, special events, marina access, and boutique accommodations. Every event blends coastal charm, personalized service, and unforgettable experiences overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay. Destin (850) 460-0425 the-alice.com PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH SELLERS PHOTO (FLORIST) AND COURTESY OF YOLO BOARD + BIKE
EYE DOCTOR PRACTICE
CLARKSON EYE CARE See the world in a new light or through new lens with services including glasses, contacts, LASIK, and the treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and more. Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach*, Navarre (850) 269-3937 clarksoneyecare.com
EYE SURGEON PRACTICE
EYE CENTER SOUTH This exceptional team of doctors brings over 45 years of experience as a regional leader in comprehensive surgical eye care. Destin (850) 650-6550 eyecentersouth.net
BEST FLORIST
FLOR ADORN
FAMILY PHYSICIAN/ PRACTICE
MAGNOLIA MEDICAL CLINIC
For every age and stage, these family medicine physicians are trained in all areas of medicine and know the most current treatments and technologies to provide superior health care. Fort Walton Beach (850) 243-7681 mmcfp.com FINANCIAL PLANNING/ INVESTMENT FIRM
ESTEEM WEALTH PARTNERS NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL PRIVATE CLIENT GROUP
Esteem Wealth Partners, backed by a team of experts, was built with the goal of helping you plan for the future and allowing you to live your best life today. Inlet Beach (513) 759-8810 esteemwealthpartners.com FLOORING
RENOVATION FLOORING Offering free estimates and competitive pricing, Restoration Flooring is your premier destination for residential and commercial flooring. Visit their private showroom to browse thousands of samples in a no-pressure environment. Miramar Beach (850) 460-7295 renovationflooring.com FLORIST
FLOR ADORN Serving 30A and beyond, Flor Adorn creates organic,
elevated floral designs for life’s most precious celebrations, everyday arrangements, and more. Freeport (850) 979-4413 floradorn.com FULL-SERVICE SPA
SERENITY BY THE SEA SPA
Escape to an award-winning 14,500-square-foot spa where coastal-inspired treatments, luxurious amenities, and a serene atmosphere create the ultimate relaxation experience. Miramar Beach (850) 622-9595 serenitybytheseaspa.com GYM/HEALTH CLUB/ FITNESS CENTER/STUDIO
COASTAL FITNESS TRAINING
Coastal Fitness Training is not just a gym; it’s where women find strength, build confidence, deepen faith, and create lifelong friendships that transform lives.
Gulf Breeze (850) 530-3668 coastalfitnesstraining.com HAIR SALON
Elevate Hair Studio specializes in custom color and luxury extensions, creating beautiful, healthy hair in a space where every guest feels seen, valued, and beautiful. Destin (850) 797-8938 instagram.com/ elevatehairstudio HAIR SALON
TIE
VANITY SALON + SPA Vanity Salon + Spa is a boutique salon offering personalized hair, color, extensions, and beauty services in a welcoming atmosphere focused on confidence, quality, and exceptional care. Fort Walton Beach (850) 496-4756 vanitysalonplusspa. glossgenius.com
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Service Providers HEATING AND AIR SERVICE
GREEN AIR
Family-operated Green Air proudly provides reliable heating, cooling, and plumbing services for homeowners, multifamily properties, and commercial clients. Freeport (850) 608-3065 greenairgroup.com HOTEL
HOTEL EFFIE SANDESTIN, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION The epitome of Southern hospitality and vacation destination luxury, Hotel Effie hosts guests with stunning views, relaxing rooms, and a wealth of amenities. Miramar Beach (850) 351-3000 hoteleffie.com HR FIRM
SIMPLEHR Delivering employee management solutions that empower businesses with clarity, compliance, and confidence for over 22 years. Destin*, Panama City, Pensacola (850) 650-9935* simplehr.com INSURANCE AGENCY
HARRIS INSURANCE SERVICES, INC. Harris is a local independent insurance agency serving the state of Florida since 1965. They specialize in all personal and commercial insurance lines. Fort Walton Beach (850) 244-2111 harrisInsurance.com INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM
KMCC DESIGN CO. KMCC Design Co. by
Kenzi McCullough creates intentional, elevated interiors for homes and businesses, blending thoughtful aesthetics, everyday functionality, and personalized design to create spaces distinctly tailored to each client. Pensacola (281) 217-4412 kmccdesignco.com INTERNET PROVIDER
LIVEOAK FIBER
BEST PHOTO BOOTH COMPANY
EPIC PHOTO BOOTH CO.
LiveOak Fiber delivers high-speed, reliable residential and business connectivity in Florida and Georgia, with local support, symmetrical speeds, and scalable network solutions. Niceville (888) 454-8362 liveoakfiber.com LAW FIRM
BOHLMAN LAW, PLLC Bringing big-law litigation power to the Emerald Coast, Bohlman Law offers premier boutique representation and strategic, relentless advocacy for individuals and businesses across the Emerald Coast. Miramar Beach (850) 396-1089 bohlmanlawfirm.com LIGHTING STORE
THE LIGHTING STUDIO OF 30A Illuminate your home and your life with The Lighting Studio’s trend-forward selection of statement light fixtures, lamps, outdoor lighting, and more. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 608-4500 thelightingstudio30a.com MARINE SALES AND SERVICE/ YACHT CHARTER SERVICE
LEGENDARY MARINE For decades, Legendary Marine has sold new and pre-owned premier boats that come with full-service expert care and customer support.
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Destin*, Panama City Beach (850) 203-4074* legendarymarine.com MARTIAL ARTS/KARATE
SOUTHERN SOUL JIU JITSU ACADEMY Southern Soul Academy is a family-focused Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy dedicated to building confidence, discipline, and resilience through expert instruction, genuine community, and a welcoming environment for all ages and skill levels. Mary Esther (850) 361-2060 southernsoulacademy.com MEDICAL CENTER/ HOSPITAL
ASCENSION SACRED HEART
Caring for Northwest Florida families for over 100 years, Ascension Sacred Heart offers emergency, primary, and advanced specialty care close to home. Pensacola (850) 416-7000 healthcare.ascension.org MEDICAL PRACTICE
SOWAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
SoWal Health & Wellness provides compassionate, personalized family health care focused on prevention, wellness, and lasting relationships, proudly serving patients of all ages. Miramar Beach (850) 353-2743 sowalhealthandwellness.com MEDICAL SPA
PHOTOS BY EPIC PHOTO CO.
GLOW MED SPA & WELLNESS Glow Med Spa & Wellness combines personalized aesthetics and wellness with compassionate, expert care to help you look your best, feel your best, and confidently embrace your natural beauty. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 764-2340 medicalspa30a.com
MORTGAGE LENDER
WATERSTONE MORTGAGE CORPORATION
From the home tour to handing over the keys, Waterstone Mortgage is present for every step to provide the knowledge to make the best mortgage decision for you. Fort Walton Beach*, Niceville (850) 344-1780 waterstonemortgage.com ORTHODONTIST PRACTICE
SANDY SMILES ORTHODONTICS Sandy Smiles Orthodontics creates beautiful, healthy smiles across the Emerald Coast through personalized, compassionate orthodontic care. They are proud to serve families in Fort Walton Beach and DeFuniak Springs, with a Crestview location opening soon. DeFuniak Springs, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview (850) 244-3880 sandysmilesfl.com ORTHOPEDIC SURGICAL PRACTICE
ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATES
Since 1988, Orthopaedic Associates has been a trusted leader in orthopedic care, providing expert, compassionate treatment for bone, joint, and muscle conditions across Northwest Florida. Fort Walton Beach (850) 863-2153 orthoassociates.net OUTDOOR SERVICE PROVIDER
BLUEGREEN LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT
Founded in 2009 in Santa Rosa Beach, family-owned BlueGreen Landscape grew a passion for the outdoors into a trusted landscaping service and nursery building spaces with care, creativity, and craftsmanship.
Santa Rosa Beach (850) 660-1934 bluegreenlandscape development.com PARTY DECOR SETUP & EVENTS
MINGLE LLC
Mingle delivers fun and fanciful decor for every type of milestone and celebration. Their modern and trendy balloon decor, event rentals, backdrop designs, and luxe statement pieces elevate every occasion. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 399-4040 mingle30a.com PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
COASTAL PEDIATRIC GROUP Dr. Buchholz and her team are dedicated to caring for the complete health of children from birth to age 18, through educated diagnosis and comforting care. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 659-6556 coastalpediatricgroup.com PHARMACY
EMERALD COAST COMPOUNDING PHARMACY This independently owned and operated, woman-owned pharmacy focuses on prescription compounding, veterinary compounding, bioidentical hormones, and more. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 622-5800 eccpharmacy.com PHOTO BOOTH COMPANY
EPIC PHOTO BOOTH CO.
Make your event epic by preserving the memories through photo booth services. Destin, Panama City Beach, Santa Rosa Beach (850) 496-0314 epicphoto.co
PHOTOGRAPHY
JACQUELINE LUCILLE With over 15 years of experience and based in Fort Walton Beach, Jacqueline Lucille specializes in luxury photography and content creation across the Emerald Coast, offering both studio and outdoor sessions. Fort Walton Beach (850) 586-1224 Instagram.com/ itsjacqlucille PLUMBING FIXTURES/SERVICE
WILLIAMS PLUMBING Local, family and female owned, Williams Plumbing has proudly served the Emerald Coast for nine years, providing honest, courteous, and experienced residential and commercial plumbing services and remodels. Miramar Beach (850) 974-4213 williamsplumbingfl.com PR/ADVERTISING AGENCY
TO DO IN DESTIN
To Do in Destin helps connect locals and visitors to what is happening in Destin and the surrounding area all year long. Fort Walton Beach (402) 613-8872 todoindestin.com PRINTING/ COPYING SERVICES
COPY SYSTEMS BUSINESS CENTER Get your prints, copies, and signage completed efficiently and flawlessly. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 267-4552 copysystems businesscenter.com PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GROUP
NEWMAN-DAILEY RESORT PROPERTIES Newman-Dailey Resort Properties specializes in property management, vacation rentals, and real estate sales. Since 1985,
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Service Providers the caring team has been providing warm welcomes and exceptional service to homeowners and clients. Miramar Beach (850) 837-1071 newmandailey.com RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE GROUP
BEST SPECIALTY TATTOO PARLOR SERVICE/ PIERCING PARLOR
MERCY TATTOO STUDIO
THE AGENCY NORTHWEST FLORIDA BEACHES
The Agency Northwest Florida Beaches is a boutique luxury real estate brokerage combining deep local expertise, personalized service, and the global reach of The Agency. Miramar Beach (850) 267-8100 theagencynwfl.com RESTORATION COMPANY
SAMUEL P. BEAR & CO. When considering building, renovating, or remodeling, reach out to Samuel P. Bear & Co.—licensed, commercial and residential general contractors in the state of Florida.
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Santa Rosa Beach, 30A (850) 347-BEAR lukeandblues.com/ samuel-p-bear-co ROOFING
ROTI PROJECT MANAGEMENT Roti Project Management is a premier roofing and restoration company specializing in all roof types and offering customized project evaluation with fivestar service. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 428-6657 rotiproject.com SPECIALTY FITNESS STUDIO
DESTIN HOT YOGA + PILATES As the hottest yoga studio on the coast since 2010, Destin Hot Yoga is the first local studio to introduce Inferno Hot Pilates. Miramar Beach (850) 389-8874 destinhotyoga.com SPECIALTY PET SERVICE/ DOG TRAINING
EAST BAY DOG SPOT
East Bay Dog Spot is a positive reinforcementbased training facility in Gulf Breeze that prioritizes owner education, effective communication, and building strong, lasting relationships between dogs and their people. Navarre (850) 992-2099 eastbaydogspot.com SPECIALTY TATTOO PARLOR SERVICE/ PIERCING PARLOR
PHOTOS BY SEAN MURPHY
MERCY TATTOO STUDIO
Mercy Tattoo Studio is an art-driven, gallery-inspired space creating custom tattoos for every body and every story, shattering tattoo stigmas through creativity and a welcoming experience. Miramar Beach (850) 419-6940 mercytattoostudio.com
STORAGE FACILITY
AVID STORAGE
Avid Storage has proudly upheld the highest standards of professionalism in the selfstorage industry for over 20 years. Their state-of-the-art facilities feature cutting-edge security systems, climate control, and easy accessibility. Multiple locations throughout the Emerald Coast (850) 344-9363 avidstorage.com TENT RENTAL COMPANY
TENTS OF N.W. FLORIDA, INC.
compassionate medicine to all pets. Pensacola (850) 477-2194 pinemeadowvetclinic.com
boards to handling every day-of detail and more. Miramar Beach (850) 376-8272 kissthebrideweddings.com
VIDEOGRAPHY
WEDDING/ RECEPTION VENUE
1SHOT CREATIONS Tell your business or brand’s story through the keen eye and creative minds behind 1Shot Creations. Fort Walton Beach (850) 240-0216 1shot-creations.com WEDDING HAIR SALON
PURE & COUTURE
Tent your event: This familyowned business delights in decking out your event with the proper tent and can also provide tables, chairs, dance floors, lighting, and more. Fort Walton Beach (850) 939-3813 tentsofnwflorida.com
The creative and talented team at Pure & Couture delight in providing you the perfect cut, color, style, or updo you desire for your dreamed-about day. Destin (850) 424-3935 pureandcouture.com
TITLE COMPANY
WEDDING MAKEUP ARTIST
MCNEESE TITLE, LLC The McNeese Title staff represents over 200 years of expertise in the fields of real estate closing, real estate law, course instruction, 1031 Exchange, and residential/commercial real estate transactions. Miramar Beach (850) 337-4242 mcneesetitle.com VACATION RENTAL COMPANY/SERVICE
DESTIN MOBILE MAKEUP BOX Destin Mobile Makeup Box offers on-site hair and makeup services for weddings and special occasions, serving the entire Panhandle and rooted in the Destin area. Miramar Beach (850) 865-9698 destinmobilemakeupbox.com
REALJOY VACATIONS
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
RealJoy is a full-service vacation rental management company committed to exceptional owner results, unforgettable guest experiences, and stewarding every property with integrity and excellence. Destin (850) 974-0974 realjoy.com
DEAR WESLEYANN Wesleyann is an awardwinning luxury wedding photographer with nearly two decades of experience, passionately capturing timeless stories through light-filled, vibrant imagery. Panama City Beach (850) 771-6071 wesleyann.com
VETERINARY PRACTICE
WEDDING PLANNER COMPANY
PINE MEADOW VETERINARY CLINIC
Your furry friend and family member will have the best care provided by a team that provides quality patient care by offering modern and
KISS THE BRIDE WEDDINGS
Owner Kristi Purvis cares about all the smallest details on your biggest day, from vendor connections to vision
HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is the Emerald Coast’s largest full-service beachfront resort, featuring 590 accommodations, seven dining venues, an award-winning spa, championship golf, and endless on-site amenities. Miramar Beach (850) 267-9500 hiltonsandestinbeach.com WEIGHT LOSS FACILITY
AESTHETIC ARTISTRY MEDICAL SPA Be your best, bold, beautiful self at this aesthetic artistry med spa specializing in weight loss, anti-aging, and overall wellness. Pensacola (850) 543-1317 aestheticartistrymedspa.com WOMEN’S HEALTH FACILITY
THE MOM NP
The Mom NP is a women-focused primary care practice offering membership-based health care, preventive medicine, hormone optimization, weight management, and personalized wellness designed to support every stage of adulthood. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 990-0636 npformoms.com YOGA STUDIO
ROAST’D YOGA BAR Whether it’s your first time on the mat or you’re a seasoned yogi, all are welcome for both heated and traditional yoga classes taught by experienced teachers. Destin (850) 687-2413 roastdyoga.com
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Shopping ANTIQUES SHOP
SMITH’S ANTIQUES & INTERIORS MALL
Smith’s is an expansive antique mall with over 100 different vendors offering a wide variety of antiques, vintage finds, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, furniture, and home decor. Miramar Beach (850) 654-1484 Facebook @ Smith’s Antiques & Interiors Mall ART GALLERY/STORE
CURATE 30A
Curate 30A is a place where exuberance for fine art is contagious, offering an approachable environment and regular art shows where the artist and collector can form a meaningful connection. Rosemary Beach (850) 231-1808 curate30a.com
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING RETAILER
LA LUNA CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE
Owned by a mother of three, La Luna clothing and toys are all organic and non-toxic, assuring peace of mind to parents. Miramar Beach (850) 368-5654 laluna4kids.com CONSIGNMENT/ RETAIL SHOP
RESORT RESALE
Resort Resale is the Emerald Coast’s premier upscale furniture and home décor consignment store, offering carefully curated quality furnishings while making buying and selling beautiful home goods simple and sustainable. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 419-0433 resortresalefl.com
COSMETIC PROVIDER/VENDOR
PROPER HAUS
Proper Haus is a beauty boutique in Gulf Breeze offering clean skin care, makeup, sunless tanning, beauty services, fragrances, accessories, and thoughtfully curated gifts—making beauty feel approachable and elevated. Gulf Breeze (850) 910-1811 properhaus.co FURNITURE RETAILER
209 MAIN LLC, A DESIGN COLLECTIVE
209 Main is a family-owned boutique in the heart of Destin, specializing in furniture and decor with real character. Every item is hand-picked to add soul to your home.
Destin (850) 270-5150 209main.com JEWELRY STORE
MCCASKILL & COMPANY
McCaskill & Company is one of America’s finest jewelers, offering curated collections of the world’s finest diamonds, bespoke jewelry, and legendary Swiss timepieces. Destin (850) 650-2262 mccaskillandcompany.com LOCALLY OWNED RETAILER
PERSONALIZATION MARKET Personalization Market offers unique personalized jewelry, kitchenware, bamboo sleepwear, wedding gifts, baby items, and custom art to make every occasion unforgettable. Laser engraving, embroidery, and vinyl services are specialties. Shalimar (850) 865-9404 personalizationmarket.com MEN’S APPAREL/ SHOES/ACCESSORIES
BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE TIE
MIGNOT & CO
Stallworth deals in luxury men’s and women’s apparel, fine jewelry, and sophisticated coastal accessories. Men’s collections feature premium brands including Bugatchi, Mizzen+Main, Red Vanly, and Holderness & Bourne. Miramar Beach (850) 389-5038 shopstallworth.com OUTDOOR FURNITURE RETAILER
BAY BREEZE PATIO Bay Breeze Patio is the trusted source for longlasting outdoor furniture, premium grills, outdoor kitchens, weather resistant fabrics, cushions, and umbrellas. The caring team provides expert advice,
PHOTOS BY SAVVIBELLE PHOTOGRAPHY (MIGNOT & CO) AND COURTESY OF 209 MAIN LLC, A DESIGN COLLECTIVE
STALLWORTH
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BEST FURNITURE RETAILER
209 MAIN LLC, A DESIGN COLLECTIVE
a curated selection of designer wedding dresses, mother-of-theoccasion gowns, bridal accessories, and expert one-on-one styling for a memorable dress shopping experience. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 641-0266 margaretellenbridal.com WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES
30A HAT BAR 30A Hat Bar is a one-ofa-kind mobile boutique offering custom hat experiences, handcrafted jewelry, stylish purses, and curated accessories that celebrate personal style. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 641-8233 30ahatbar.com WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE
TIE
MIGNOT & CO Mignot & Co is a familyowned business where every piece of pearl and leather jewelry is handmade by the family themselves. Santa Rosa Beach (850) 231-3388 mignotandco.com WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE
TIE
TEENA HAVEN Elevate your life through your wardrobe with the wearable art that Teena Haven displays on their racks. Destin (850) 269-0781 Instagram.com/ teena.haven assembly, delivery, and warranty support. Miramar Beach (850) 269-4666 baybreezepatio.com
Fort Walton Beach (850) 225-7370 Facebook.com/ GlossBoss850LLC
SPECIALTY RETAILER
SPORTING GEAR/ PADDLEBOARD RETAILER
Treat your car to some TLC, from a paint correction to a full ceramic coating.
White sand beaches and world-class fishing draw millions to Destin, and Bote is in the heart of it all.
GLOSS BOSS 850
BOTE
WOMEN’S SHOES Featuring a full product lineup, Destin’s flagship store provides the original Bote experience. Destin*, Grayton Beach (850) 460-2250* boteboard.com WEDDING SHOP
MARGARET ELLEN BRIDAL Margaret Ellen Bridal offers
SUNSET SHOES & LIFESTYLES Shoes, apparel, and gifts for the whole family: Sunset Shoes features popular brands like On and Hoka running shoes, or Birkenstock, Olukai, and Sam Edelman sandals. Miramar Beach (850) 837-5466 sunsetshoes.com
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Your first choice for plumbing on the Emerald Coast
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INTERIORS
RAINBOW The chromatic accents of Alys Beach by MICHELLE M. HAVICH
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Orange
Orange is a joyful color that encourages socializing and creativity, so it’s perfect for gathering spaces like the courtyards and public areas around town. And the orange being the state fruit of Florida might have something to do with how it is incorporated into interior designs as well. Mixed with a bit of red for depth, a warm orange can mimic a Florida sunrise. A juicier, bright shade adds a pop of color in a neutral room.
↑ Red
Red draws attention like no other color. Its many shades can be passionate and loud but also intimate and warm. Red inspires appetite and hunger, making bright tomato, apple, and cherry shades perfect for a kitchen. A warmer tone brings the drama to a dining room, as seen in the Red Loggia in the poolside Caliza Restaurant, where the Moorish design elements are accented with punches of red. On the lighter side of red, shades of pink pop up around town almost like bursts of tropical flowers.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALYS BEACH: BOO MEDIA (RED DINING), KURT LISCHKA / MOON CREEK STUDIOS
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he architecture of Alys Beach evokes a collection of magical sandcastles. Inspired by exotic locations, including Bermuda, Antigua, Guatemala, and North Africa, the community has a design language all its own. The white exteriors are simple and clean, providing a visual cohesion that creates a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere for Gulf Coast living. They also serve as the perfect canvas for the rainbow of colors incorporated into the trim, finishes, pergolas, doors, and shutters of every home and building. And when it comes to interiors, anything goes.
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Custom Draperies Roman and Natural Woven Shades Plantation Shutters & Blinds Outdoor Draperies Solar Shades Motorized Treatments Custom Bedding and Pillows Designer Wall Coverings
LOCATED AT THE CROSSINGS IN INLET BEACH • 13123 US HIGHWAY 98 E, SUITE A • INLET BEACH • (850) 502-5401
Destin • (850) 543-4424 • BeachBlindsDraperies.com Silhouette Power View
Veteran owned and operated
“Designer Styles at Affordable Prices”
Fine Furniture & Home Decor Consignment Shop in Santa Rosa Beach
Scan our QR code to see what’s new! Our inventory changes daily! 3834 HWY. 98 WEST • SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL 32459
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Green
Alys Beach is a walkable community filled with paths, parks, and greenspace, as well as a 20-acre nature preserve, so it’s only natural that the color green is a popular design choice. Ranging from light seafoam to bright limes to deep forest shades, green is the color of harmony and health. Outside, green shutters evoke climbing ivy, while courtyard ceilings feel like sitting under a canopy of trees. A light, soft green inside makes a space feel airy. Fabrics and wallpaper with leaf patterns are a way of bringing a bit of the outside in.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALYS BEACH: KURT LISCHKA / MOON CREEK STUDIO AND LAYNE LILLIE (YELLOW TABLE AND GREEN - POOL)
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Yellow
Florida is, of course, the Sunshine State, so it’s not surprising that shades of sunny yellow can be seen all around Alys Beach. Lemoncolored shutters stand out among the shades of blue and green. The color of happiness, yellow brings the sunshine in, making a darker hallway or smaller room seem brighter as it reflects the light. It makes an excellent accent color to bring some cheer to any room, like drops of joy throughout the house.
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↑ Blue
Violet
Making a stunning accent color, violet evokes luxury and elegance. Villa Violetta, designed by architect Bobby McAlpine with interiors by Susan Ferrier, features shades of lavender and mauve. Inspired by “the violet hour,” the colors call to mind the muted sunset or the inside of an oyster shell. Deeper, softer purple tones are used as accents throughout, as pillows or decorative elements, creating a soothing escape overlooking the Gulf. EC
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALYS BEACH: KURT LISCHKA/ MOON CREEK STUDIOS (BLUE), CHRIS LUKER (VIOLET), AND TOMMY CROW (BLUE SHUTTERS)
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From green-tinged turquoise to deeper navy hues, blue is a popular color both inside and out, evoking both the Gulf waters and the clear blue sky. The bright, public art sculpture, Recline in Blue by Dhruva Mistry, lies in the grass of the town center. Throughout Alys Beach, the blues are well represented in accents, shutters, and exterior trims, inviting a feel of the Mediterranean. Inside, blue brings tranquility and peace to just about any room in the house, again reflecting the outdoor surroundings and grounding the design focus to the elements of water and sand.
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abode WORTH IT
FINISHING
Touch by SEBASTIAN CLARKE and KATHERINE VAN DELL
I
n the Western world, the earliest iterations of wallpaper date back to sixteenthcentury England and France. At the time, it was considered an affordable alternative to tapestries and other expensive wall hangings. The medium reached a peak in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, coinciding with a focus on design and aesthetics. Today, wallpaper is an integral component of any thoughtfully composed space. For bespoke and boutique producers, methods have barely changed over the last 300 years, and hand-blocked paper remains the gold standard. This technique involves carving a design into wooden blocks—one for each color—and hand-pressing each block onto paper, sometimes repeating a single design or layering colors to create an image. It’s a process that often requires hundreds of blocks and weeks of labor. In terms of historic examples, antique French papers from manufacturers like Zuber & Cie and Dufour are among the most valuable. Founded in 1797, Zuber still uses its original wood blocks (classified as French National Treasures) to create panoramic scenes. Incredibly popular in grand American
↑ Clockwise from above: Zuber & Cie’s Decor Chinois wallpaper in Rose, circa 1832; Aqualille’s Dynasty wallpaper in Peacock; cover of Zuber: Two Centuries of Panoramic Wallpaper, which chronicles the wallpaper company’s history and fans, from King Louis Philippe to Jackie Kennedy
homes, these “scenic” wallpapers often depicted lush capriccio landscapes, pastoral scenes, or battles. They can be highly sought-after at auction, provided the scenes are complete, well-preserved, and with their original linen backing. You will often find individual wallpaper panels repurposed into decorative screens; these still retain value. An aesthetic with staying power is chinoiserie. Historically, these were produced in China for the European market, featuring delicate flora, exotic birds, and sweeping garden scenes on silk or fine paper. Today, firms like Florida’s own Aqualille and the London firm of de Gournay carry on this tradition, creating bespoke, handpainted panels that are essentially commissioned works of fine art. For those looking to view historic examples, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York holds one of the world’s most significant wallpaper archives. There are also superb coffee-table books on the subject, including Zuber: Two Centuries of Panoramic Wallpaper (Simon & Schuster, $75).
Wallpaper is the “icing” of interior design, but it can be a fickle medium. For a room to feel cohesive, every pattern return must align perfectly to complete the visual narrative. This need for precision makes acquiring paper on the secondary market a gamble. Sourcing from the primary market, via a manufacturer or designer, is the surest way to guarantee a flawless result. EC
PHOTOS BY DANIEL FORTUNE (PORTRAIT) AND COURTESY OF AQUALILLE AND ZUBER & CIE
Whether historic or modern, wallpaper can make or break a space
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A R C H I T E CT : E R I C WAT S O N B U I L D E R : M C I N TO S H M Y E R S C O N S T R U CT I O N P H OTO : JAC K GA R D N E R
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THE SCIENCE OF GROWING Maximize your landscape with the ideal regional species
W
hen replacing ornamental plants and trees on the Emerald Coast, recognizing and adapting to two factors will improve the chances for successful establishment: The soil pH must be amenable to the plants’ needs, and they should have some salt tolerance given the proximity of coastal waters. Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity. One of the basic needs of a plant species is to be situated in soil with the correct pH range. The soil pH effects a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients, either naturally occurring or applied. If the pH is wrong, the plant will be unable to utilize these nutrients—and some levels can be toxic. A pH number of 7 indicates neutral soil, with below 7 being
acidic and above 7 alkaline. Coastal soils (or sand) tend to be alkaline, but many of the popular shrubs need soil in the acidic range. Soil pH can be accurately determined through a soil test. These tests are inexpensive and may save you some resources given the time and expenses incurred when replacing plants or trees. Soils can be amended to adjust the pH, but the process can take time and is a continuing cost. It is far simpler to use plants— usually native plants—that flourish in the existing pH range. A plant or tree’s salt tolerance is another important consideration. Landscapes less than a quarter mile from the coast should expect regular exposure to salt spray. Catastrophic events, such as tropical storms and hurricanes, will introduce
ACIDIC
NEUTRAL
ALKALINE
pH scale ↑ The pH of the soil measures its acidity or alkalinity, which in turn
affects the plant’s ability to absorb and utilize vital nutrients. Placing a plant in a soil with the wrong pH might starve it of resources, or even prove fatal. Coastal soils naturally tend to be alkaline.
PHOTOS BY ISTOCK PHOTO: JASON FINN (NEIGHBORHOOD), HAPPYNAT (SOIL), AND SAUTHSTICKS (PH SCALE)
by GEORGE “LES” HARRISON
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plants and trees further inland to greater salinity. This sporadic exposure may be enough to damage the plants for an extended period. The only practical way to counter the effects of salt exposure is to utilize salt-tolerant species in the landscape. Fortunately, there are many attractive plants and trees that flourish in the local ecosystem. Sea Oats Live oaks and southern red cedar both can handle coastal conditions. All palms are salttolerant to some degree, with native cabbage palms and palmettos being highly tolerant. Sea oats, muhly grass, and Fakahatchee grass are among the ornamental grasses that will grow in coastal regions. Even common petunia varieties can tolerate the Emerald Coast environment. Local nurseries and landscape companies can advise Palmetto homeowners on ideal selections. For more information, check out the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension’s Coastal Landscapes publication. EC
PHOTOS BY ISTOCK PHOTO: DLEWIS33 (HOUSE), TRACEY PATTERSON (SEA OATS), AND SUE TOWNSEND (PALMETTO)
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Become a Member Today Be A Champion of the Arts
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balance
OCT/NOV 2026
WHOLE-BODY HEALTH FOR YOUR BEST SELF
MENTAL HEALTH
Follow the
BREADCRUMBS Your body, dreams, and deepest longings have been leaving you a trail
PHOTO BY YSBRANDCOSIJN / ISTOCK PHOTO
by WANDA TAYLOR, NBC-HWC
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balance
↘
A
Following the breadcrumbs means pausing to ask your body What have you been trying to show me?
woman I’ll call Diane sat across from me one afternoon and mentioned, almost in passing, that she’d been waking at 4 a.m. for the better part of a year. Same hour, every time. She’d tried magnesium, blackout curtains, a later glass of wine, then an earlier one. What she hadn’t tried was asking the question that finally cracked it open: What keeps waking me up? We’re taught to treat the body’s interruptions—the 4 a.m. waking, the dream that keeps coming back—as malfunctions to be silenced. But after 40 years of sitting with people as they find their way home, I’ve come to read these moments differently. They aren’t malfunctions. They’re messages: breadcrumbs, dropped by a part of you that already knows something the rest of you hasn’t admitted yet.
Your body registers the truth before your mind has finished arguing with it. You feel it most clearly when something is off—the jaw that won’t unclench, the breath that stays high and shallow, the tension that rises before a phone call you’ve been avoiding. Your body keeps the score of not just the hurts but the joys, the times you said yes when you meant no, and the stress you never set down—until one night at 4 a.m., it decides you’ve waited long enough. Begin here. The headache that arrives every Sunday night. The shoulders that live up around your ears. The fatigue no amount of sleep ever touches. We’re trained to manage these symptoms, medicate them, stretch them out, and push through, but the signal doesn’t disappear. Quiet it in one place, and it surfaces in another until, like Diane, you finally stop and ask: What keeps waking me up?
Notice the dreams that won’t leave
We tend to wave dreams away by breakfast. But the dreaming mind spends the night sorting and filing what the waking day sets aside, and some dreams refuse to be filed. They come back. The same house, the same lost thing, the same person you haven’t spoken to in years. You don’t need to decode them, only notice which ones return. It isn’t only the dreams of sleep. There’s the daydream that interrupts you mid-task
with another life, the work you’d do if no one were watching. It keeps tapping you on the shoulder. What returns is rarely random. It’s a letter delivered again because the first few went unopened.
Listen to the longing
Beneath the wanting for things and achievements sits a quieter layer of longings that no promotion or purchase has ever satisfied. Researchers draw a clear line
PHOTO BY YSBRANDCOSIJN / ISTOCK PHOTO
Start with the body
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balance between goals we borrow from the world and those that rise from within: belonging, growth, meaning, the freedom to be fully ourselves. The second kind is where aliveness lives. Watch what you find yourself wanting when you see it in someone else’s life. It’s one of the most honest signals you have. The pull isn’t a character flaw or pettiness; it’s a pointer aimed straight at something you want and haven’t yet given yourself permission to pursue. Ask the question Diane finally asked herself: What do I long for that I keep talking myself out of?
↘ Achievements may satisfy our ego but leave something deeper unresolved. Reflect on what lifestyle changes might nurture your truest self.
What was waking Diane?
A FIVE-MINUTE SIGNAL CHECK BEFORE THE GOAL SETTING BEGINS, SIT SOMEWHERE QUIET AND ANSWER THESE—FAST AND HONEST:
BODY
Where am I holding tension right now, and what was happening when it started?
ENERGY
What lights me up lately? What drains me, even when I think I “should” enjoy it?
DREAMS
What image or dream keeps repeating? What’s the feeling underneath it?
THE PULL
Whose life stirs something in me, and what, exactly, am I longing for?
LONGING
What do I ache for that no achievement has ever satisfied?
PHOTO BY OLEH_SLOBODENIUK / ISTOCK PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATIONS AI GENERATED / CHATGPT
The answer came quickly once she sat with the question that had been waiting to be asked. Three years earlier, she’d said yes to a role she never wanted because it was sensible, because a yes was easier than explaining her no. Her days were filled with a life that looked right on paper but wasn’t hers. Four a.m. was the only hour quiet enough for the truth to get a word in. Her changes weren’t dramatic. She handed off the committee she’d chaired out of obligation, said one long-overdue no, and returned to the watercolors she’d set aside years before. Within weeks, the waking eased. Her body had nothing left to flag. She was finally listening in daylight. EC
DON’T ANALYZE THE ANSWERS YET. JUST LET THEM POINT. THE TRAIL TAKES SHAPE FROM THERE.
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CUSTOM CONTENT
Fall Is the Season to Reset Your Skin, Emerald Coast Providers Say
Local dermatology providers say cooler months are the ideal time for chemical peels, restorative lasers, and a post-summer skin check
A
s summer gives way to fall along the Emerald Coast, skin care experts are encouraging residents across the Emerald Coast to shift their skin care focus from sun protection to repair, addressing the sun damage that builds up over months of beach days, boating, and time outdoors. Dermatology Specialists of Florida & Aqua Medical Spa are highlighting two treatment categories this season: chemical peels and restorative laser treatments. Both tend to be especially effective in the cooler months, when reduced sun exposure lowers the risk of complications, such as new discoloration, that can occur when skin is treated during peak summer sun. “Fall is really the ideal season to treat sun damage,” says Kristi Wells, PA-C, of Dermatology Specialists of
Florida’s Santa Rosa Beach office. “Because patients aren’t spending as much time in direct sunlight, their skin can heal properly without the same risk of new pigment issues. It’s the perfect window to start reversing some of what summer left behind.” Chemical peels work by removing damaged outer layers of skin, encouraging cell turnover and revealing smoother, more even-toned skin underneath. They can help address concerns such as sunspots, uneven texture, and fine lines that often become more noticeable after a summer spent outdoors. Restorative laser treatments target deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, improving tone and texture over time. “These treatments really complement each other,” Wells says. “A peel can refresh the surface, while a laser
treatment works on what’s happening underneath. Fall gives patients enough time to do both before the holidays, when everyone wants their skin looking its best.” Their providers also point to fall as an important time to schedule an annual skin cancer screening. After months of increased sun exposure, early fall is an especially good window to check for new or changing spots, moles, or lesions. “After a summer outdoors, we always encourage patients to come in for a full skin check,” Wells says. “Early detection makes such a difference, and it’s an easy appointment to pair with any other fall skin care plans.” Dermatology Specialists of Florida has 15 locations across Northwest Florida, six of which include an Aqua Medical Spa, offering both medical and cosmetic dermatology services to the region. Those interested in learning more about laser treatments, chemical peels, or other post-sun treatments are encouraged to schedule a consultation and ask about current fall specials.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Ariel Perry, PA-C and Kristi Wells, PA-C
DERMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA & AQUA MEDICAL SPA TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, GIVE THE OFFICE A CALL. (850) 588-3900, PANAMA CITY BEACH, SPA | AQUAMEDICALSPA.COM | MYDERMSPECIALISTS.COM | (850) 233-3376
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Take your event to the next level! Flying With Ease Entertainment transforms events with aerialists, stilt walkers, LED performers, and immersive acts, delivering unforgettable experiences across the Gulf Coast and beyond for festivals, corporate gatherings, and celebrations.
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PANAMA CITY
World-Class Nursing Comes to Your Coast The Florida State University College of Nursing is bringing world-class nursing education and health innovation to Panama City — investing in the community and future of Northwest Florida.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM EXPANSION Bachelor of Science in Nursing
HEALTH INNOVATION INITIATIVE Smart Health Home™ Initiative
The FSU College of Nursing BSN program is expanding to the FSU Panama City campus. Students will train locally in Panama City, building careers and healthier communities right here on the Emerald Coast.
In collaboration with Samsung, The St. Joe Company, and many industry partners, the FSU College of Nursing is creating a first-of-itskind smart home health ecosystem that integrates AI and technology to support active adult wellness and independence in Bay County.
Classes start fall 2027.
Opening spring 2027.
Be Part of What’s Coming to the Emerald Coast. Learn more and get updates at nursing.fsu.edu/panamacityfl.
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SPORTS TOURISM || TIPS OF THE TRADE || SOUNDBYTES
850
OCT/NOV 2026
KEEPING A FINGER ON THE PULSE OF BUSINESS ACROSS THE 850
→
Augie Lightfoot goes for a putt.
FRINGE BUSINESS
THE BUSINESS OF
DISC GOLF
This niche frisbee game is driving sports tourism to the Capital City by PAIGE AIGRET
↓
photography by ERICH MARTIN
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Marshall Griffiss helps grow Tallahassee’s disc golf community by organizing 15 pro and amateur tournaments each year with Southeast Disc Golf Events.
↑ Cohen appeals to customers by providing ease of access both in location and selection. The key to giving people what they want, he says, lies beyond just inventory. It’s organization.
maybe six or eight at a time, and it took me a year to sell them.” When Tom Brown Park opened its disc golf course in 2002, Cohen added a larger selection. “I ended up at that point keeping about 300 discs stocked,” Cohen says, “which was a lot for the time. It became pretty large. There was a little drop in the market, and it all picked up about just before the pandemic.” Public lockdowns piqued interest in the game of disc golf, which could be played out in the open air, allowing players to social distance with ease. Cohen noticed the demand for discs increase, driving him to up his inventory to 3,000, which he maintains today. “Globally and nationally, disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports,” notes Taylor Wheaton, a spokesperson from Visit Tallahassee. “Post 2020, it rapidly evolved from a niche hobby into a highly structured, professionalized industry featuring corporate sponsorships, dedicated media broadcast networks, and touring professionals.” Tallahassee’s 24-hole Tom Brown course ranked No. 1 in the state in 2024 in a list of the top disc golf courses based on course ratings from disc golfers on the app UDisc. The park has since ranked No. 2 in the state in 2025 and 2026 and is listed among the top 100 in the U.S. “A major reason for our elite status is that Tom Brown Park was completely redesigned in 2017 by local legend Dave Muntean,” says Wheaton. “His deliberate layout balances nine tightly wooded, highly technical holes
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with sweeping open fairways that test the best players in the world.” Jack McLean Park offers another 24-hole course for local and transient players, and last year, Paradise Park opened, offering an 18-hole disc golf-only park that has already gained traction for casual and tournament play. “We have people that travel from Jacksonville, from Pensacola, from South Florida, North Georgia,” says local tournament organizer Marshall Griffiss, adding that the pros tend to draw larger crowds when they compete in town. Attendance differs year to year, but Griffiss says the amateur and pro tournaments average about 270 players and around 500 to 1,000 spectators throughout a weekend-long tournament. Griffiss is part of the Southeast Disc Golf Events club, which runs 15 professional and amateur tournaments in the Tallahassee area each year. He works closely with the Tallahassee Disc Golf Association, which manages local club events like league play. Tournaments are classified in tiers that reflect difficulty and scale. A- and B-tier tournaments require PDGA membership to compete and have higher difficulties, respectively. C-tier events are more casual and include amateur players. The Open at Tallahassee, an A-Tier event, is the largest-scale tournament seen so far in the Capital City and is hosted in partnership with Visit Tallahassee. Larger tournaments like The Open take place at Tom Brown
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOFTY PURSUITS (STORE INTERIOR)
T
he game of disc golf came about in the ’60s, played casually and unofficially using object courses made up of trees, water fountains, and light posts as targets. An official Disc Pole Hole was invented by Ed Headrick in 1976, and the game began gaining traction nationally. Still, disc golf courses were scarce, and many communities continued to play object courses, including Tallahassee. Lofty Pursuits business owner Greg Cohen recalls those days fondly. “It was sort of the prehistory of disc golf—we were using lampposts with electrical tape on it,” Cohen recalls. “Back when I opened my storefront in 1993, I carried the first of the golf discs,
photography by ERICH MARTIN
9/9/26 9:16 AM
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↙ James Coste
demonstrates his technique during the Eagles Wings Disc Golf Unchained Conference as Augie Lightfoot and Marshall Griffiss look on.
of Visit Tallahassee. “They aren’t confined to a stadium; they fill up at local gas stations, eat at local restaurants, and explore our community.” “The tourism community, when the tournaments happen a couple of times a year, makes for great weekends,” says Cohen of Lofty Pursuits. “Every time there’s a tournament, everybody who’s in the tournament knows about my shop and shows up.” Cohen says he also sees non-tournament transient business becoming more common. “We have people who are traveling around the state, doing their tourism in Florida, and they’re stopping in every city, looking for the best courses. And of course, since our course was rated No. 1 in Florida, this is a Mecca. And when they get off the interstate to go to the course, they discover they’re right near my store, and they come in.” According to Wheaton, successful local tournaments thus far have created a resume worth touting to the Professional Disc Golf Association. “With our established infrastructure and a highly successful track record of hosting elite A-Tier events, Tallahassee is incredibly well-positioned to scale up and bid on a permanent stop on the Disc Golf Pro Tour or a PDGA Major Championship,” she says. EC
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Park, but some C-Tier tournaments take place at other local parks, like Jack McClean and Paradise Park. “An elite event like The Open at Tallahassee (a premier PDGA Pro A-Tier event) draws hundreds of out-of-town players, caddies, and families who stay in our hotels for three to five consecutive days,” Wheaton says. “Unlike traditional sports stadiums that require tens of millions of municipal dollars in climatecontrolled infrastructure and maintenance, disc golf utilizes existing public green space. The return on investment for tax dollars spent to attract a disc golf tournament is incredibly favorable.” Griffiss says the amateur tournaments still bring in more out-of-town participation rather than locals, estimating 70% of players traveling in from outside of Tallahassee to compete. With weekend-long tournaments, participants and spectators are often staying for three to five days for amateur events and five to seven days for pro events. All this contributes to a growing influx in sports tourism, creating business revenue locally for everything from local hotels and rentals to dining and shopping. “Disc golfers are active consumers who disperse heavily into the local economy between tournament rounds,” says Wheaton
THROWING DISCS ACROSS THE PANHANDLE
With online communities and apps like UDisc, disc golfers are throwing their reach far and wide. There are 263 courses throughout Florida. From Pensacola to Tallahassee, there are more than 50 courses of varying length and terrain. Ease of travel across the Panhandle makes disc golfing day trips fun and accessible. Here are a few highlights to plan for on your Northwest Florida tour: UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA COURSE Pensacola | 21 holes GATOR LINKS COURSE Milton | 18 holes PAT LUNSFORD BLACKWATER COURSE Milton | 18 holes FERRY PARK COURSE Fort Walton Beach | 18 holes THE VIEW COURSE Crestview | 18 holes CHAIN DRAGONS COURSE Freeport | 19 holes
photography by ERICH MARTIN
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NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL PRIVATE CLIENT GROUP
BUILD CONFIDENCE IN YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING. • TAX-SMART STRATEGIES • ADVANCED PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT • ESTATE PLANNING • RETIREMENT • INSURANCE
scan to connect with me
Brent Shaw, CFP®, RICP®, WMCP® Co-Founder and Private Wealth Advisor
It’s time for a second opinion; let’s build on what you’ve accomplished and have a meaningful conversation. ESTEEM WEALTH PARTNERS 26 Origins Main Street, Suite 209, Rosemary Beach, FL | 3805 Edwards Road, Suite 200 Cincinnati, OH (513) 759-8810 | brent.shaw@nm.com | EsteemWealthPartners.com Brent Shaw uses Esteem Wealth Partners as a marketing name for doing business as a representative of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group is a select group of Northwestern Mutual advisors and representatives. Esteem Wealth Partners and Northwestern Mutual Private are not a registered investment adviser, broker dealer, insurance agency, federal savings bank, or other legal entity. “2026 Best of The Emerald Coast” ranking provided by Emerald Coast Magazine’s readers. steem Wealth Partners was recognized on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list for 2026. Ranking published 1/8/26. Data as of 3/31/25. Brent Shaw was recognized on the Forbes Financial Security Professional list for 2026. Ranking published 8/10/26. Data as of 12/31/25. No compensation provided for ranking. Licensing fees apply to use Forbes logo. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.
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SPORTS TOURISM
FIELDS
OF RETURN
How youth sports investment is creating college pathways in Northwest Florida by DALLAS JACKSON
Y
outh sports have become one of Northwest Florida’s quietest economic development engines. Investments in athletic facilities, sports tourism, and community partnerships are generating far more than weekend visitor spending. They are creating pathways to higher education by giving student-athletes greater exposure, stronger competition, and increased access to college scholarships. From Pensacola to South Walton and Tallahassee, communities are strengthening athletic pipelines in sports that often receive less attention than football and basketball. Baseball, volleyball, track and field, golf, and others benefit from improved facilities, private sponsorships, travel organizations, and regional tournaments that give athletes greater exposure.
The economic impact is easy to measure by hotel rooms at capacity, restaurants filled, and tournament weekends generating revenue. The longer-term return is harder to quantify but often more significant, seen through college commitments, scholarship offers, and families who increasingly see athletics as a pathway to higher education. South Walton High School offers one example of how quickly investment can reshape expectations. Since opening in 2002, the school has added a $4 million baseball complex in 2021 and an $18 million football and track facility in 2025, with additional projects planned. The investments have expanded hosting opportunities while increasing visibility for student-athletes. The baseball program became the clearest early return. South Walton finished as the Class 3A state runner-up in 2024 and 2025 before winning the school’s, and Walton County’s, first baseball state championship in 2026 with a 30-4 record. The Hawks travel baseball organization, founded by head coach Nick Borthwick, also became part of the local development pipeline, helping prepare athletes before they reach high school. The same model is now emerging in track and field. Track coach Dalton Cooper arrived in South Walton after coaching in Okaloosa County, including powerhouse Niceville High School, where he worked under mentor Todd Brigman.
“I learned that the entire sport could be changed just based on how the coaching staff decides to run their team,” Cooper says. South Walton’s new eight-lane facility allowed that vision to take shape. With Niceville replacing its track during the 2026 season, South Walton also became an attractive site for regional meets. “To have that facility and bring teams from as far away as Tallahassee and Jacksonville ... that’s absolutely the best thing that we can do,” Cooper says. The results came quickly. In 2026, South Walton’s boys and girls teams swept district championships for the first time since 2021. “We absolutely blew it out of the water,” Cooper says. “My staff was able to really put South Walton back on the map.” The momentum has translated into college opportunities as well. Pole vaulters Beck and Pierce Williams, brothers who helped give the Seahawks a stronger field-event profile, both signed with the University of South Alabama. In Pensacola, the connection between athletics and economic development has existed for decades. Pensacola Sports, founded in 1955, is one of the nation’s oldest sports tourism organizations. What began with golf has evolved into a strategy that benefits both the visitor economy and local student-athletes. President and CEO Ray Palmer points to the organization’s High School All-Star Series, created after Hurricane Ivan disrupted fall sports in 2004. What started as a football game has expanded to eight all-star contests across five sports. “We make sure that every school has representation,” Palmer says. “You get the small rural high school kids playing against the large schools.” The same philosophy drives the Senior Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet, which recognizes students for athletics, academics, and community service while connecting many with scholarship opportunities. “Most of them are golfers, tennis players, volleyball players,” Palmer explains. “It is
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH WALTON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
Nick Borthwick, head coach for the South Walton Seahawk’s baseball program, celebrates a district sweep (boys and girls) for 2026.
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2026-2027 Concert Season For Tickets call 850-445-1616 or visit www.theartistseries.org All concerts in Tallahassee, FL September 20, 2026, 4 PM The Dolphins, string quartet First Presbyterian Church, 110 N. Adams St. November 15, 2026, 4 PM Duo Mahidhara-Fort, violin & piano Christ Presbyterian Church, 2317 Bannerman Rd. January 31, 2027, 4 PM Galvin Cello Quartet St. Paul’s UMC, 1700 N. Meridian Rd. March 14, 2027, 4 PM Roman Rabinovich, piano Christ Presbyterian Church, 2317 Bannerman Rd. April 18, 2027, 2:30 PM Marcy Stonikas, soprano & Timothy Hoekman, piano St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, 4784 Thomasville Rd. May 23, 2027, 4 PM Oboe Fusion, oboe, English horn, piano Christ Presbyterian Church, 2317 Bannerman Rd.
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850 Hosting tournaments benefits everyone, she adds. “It brings attention and revenue to the city as well as players to our campus,” Wolter says. “So, it’s a win-win.” Local partnerships also help talented athletes remain close to home. “What they do,” Wolter says, “is provide an opportunity to stay local and go to UWF and potentially earn a scholarship.” For many families, even partial scholarships can make college significantly more affordable. Division II schools often combine athletic awards with academic aid, increasing the total financial package. “When you offer a student-athlete a scholarship,” Wolter says, “students and parents are overjoyed,” often shedding tears. “Every little bit counts. It’s not the size of the scholarship. It’s the principle of it.” For families, that can mean less debt and more opportunity. For communities, the cycle continues with improvements. Better facilities attract events, events generate revenue, revenue strengthens programs, and stronger programs create more college opportunities. For Northwest Florida, the return on investment is no longer theoretical. It is visible in scholarship offers, college commitments, and young athletes discovering that opportunity is not simply found. It is built. EC
↓→ Since opening in 2002, South Walton High has added a $4 million baseball complex in 2021 and an $18 million football and track facility in 2025.
↑ Pole vaulter Beck Williams signed with the University of South Alabama for the upcoming year.
→ INSIDE
SOUTH WALTON’S BASEBALL PIPELINE
South Walton baseball’s rise illustrates how modern athletic investment extends beyond wins and losses. Facilities, competitive scheduling, and high-level talent have combined to create a program that consistently attracts college recruiters. In 2026, Hudson Quinn, now committed to Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama, lays down the suicide squeeze bunt that secures the Seahawks’ first state baseball championship. While the play draws national attention, Quinn says it reflects the team’s culture more than any individual moment. “It was awesome,” Quinn says. “We had a really high standard with all that talent. Everybody was trying to pull their weight equally, and I feel like we all did.” That talent attracts recruiters. South Walton’s roster features players committed or signed to Auburn, Mississippi State, Virginia, Florida State, Georgia Tech, South Alabama, Georgia Southern, and Troy, creating an environment where scouts regularly evaluate multiple prospects in a single game. The school’s upgraded baseball complex also makes it possible to launch the South Walton Showdown, an invitation-only tournament featuring championship-caliber programs from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. The event becomes another way the school draws outside teams, college recruiters, and regional attention to Walton County. “I really didn’t think about the scouts,” Quinn says. “They were going to be there regardless. The whole team was getting scouted by different levels.” For Quinn, the greatest impact of the investment will be felt by future players. “Coach being able to work with administration and get the new field helped a lot,” he says. “It brought in so many people. It’s going to create more growth for everyone that comes after us.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH WALTON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS AND H2 ENGINEERING (BASEBALL FIELD AND TRACK)
... possibly the most moving and impressive thing we do.” Private businesses also play an important role. Circle K has expanded its partnership with Pensacola Sports, including sponsorship of the Double Bridge Run. Field marketing manager Nick Humphrey says the company values organizations that strengthen local communities, explaining, “We’re very community minded. We really love community partnerships and giving back.” A former Gulf Breeze High School athlete, Humphrey has gained a new appreciation for the network supporting youth athletics. “It’s not just booster clubs,” he explains. “It’s really a lot of people in local businesses that are helping you get to that point.” For college coaches, stronger local infrastructure creates a stronger recruiting base. Melissa Wolter, head volleyball coach at the University of West Florida, has built one of Division II’s most successful programs by recruiting heavily throughout the Gulf Coast. She said today’s recruiting depends on competitive club programs, quality tournaments, and repeated exposure against strong opponents. “I just think the volleyball in the area is getting better all the time. There’s a real push for growth,” Wolter says. “That makes it easier for us to tap into local talent.”
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LOVE TIPS OF THE TRADE
AND BEER A beer-lover’s guide to Oktoberfest across NWFL by DAVID EKRUT, PH.D.
As Oktoberfest expanded throughout the nineteenth century, food vendors, beer stands, and carnival attractions became permanent fixtures. By the end of the century, the smaller booths had largely given way to the large brewery tents that define Oktoberfest today. Only six Munich breweries are now permitted to serve beer at the official festival: Augustiner Bräu, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. Essentially, Oktoberfest becomes a temporary city that operates for roughly two weeks, generating €1 billion ($1.14 billion), attracting 12,000 to 13,000 seasonal jobs in Munich. The party has grown so large, it is now celebrated in microbreweries, bars, and pubs across the world.
Northwest Florida is no stranger to Oktoberfest. Perhaps the largest beneficiary of the Munich-based fair is the microbrew industry. Peak tourism in Northwest Florida happens during the summer months. Off-season attractions, like brews centered around Oktoberfest, help generate income during the slower months. According to model-based estimates, Oktoberfest-related festivals and events across Panama City Beach, Panama City, Pensacola, and Tallahassee generate roughly $3.2 million to $6.1 million in regional economic activity each fall. The figure includes not only ticket, food, and beverage sales but also lodging, restaurant, retail, and visitor spending associated with the events. EC
PHOTO AI GENERATED / ADOBE STOCK
O
ktoberfest was born from a confluence of love, sports, and saving all the beer. On October 12, 1810, the citizens of Munich were invited to a wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese von SachsenHildburghausen. The grand festival featured horse races on the fields outside Munich, called Theresienwiese, meaning Therese’s Meadow, to honor the bride. The festivities were so momentous, newspapers called the wedding celebration “Octoberfest,” and the party continued the following year; however, the events were still centered around horse racing and agricultural exhibitions, rather than beer. Understanding the marriage of beer to October requires a brief look at history. In 1553, Duke Albrecht V outlawed brewing over the hot summer months to prevent wild yeast, bacteria, and molds from spoiling the fresh brews. Though they did not yet understand the science behind microbial life, accelerated oxidation, and staling, they noticed a connection between July brews and bad beer, hence, the law banning beer production from April 24 to September 28 every year. The law reduced the risk of fires during the warm summer months while also helping prevent beer spoilage.
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LOCAL & FAMILY OWNED
→ Oktoberfest near you
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October 16-18, 2026 ➺ Panama City Beach’s Oktoberfest has grown into one
of Northwest Florida’s premier fall tourism events, helping extend the region’s visitor season beyond the busy summer months. Held at Aaron Bessant Park adjacent to Pier Park, the three-day festival features an authentic Munich-style beer tent, German cuisine, live entertainment, and family activities that attract both residents and visitors from across the Southeast. While organizers do not release official economic figures, available tourism data, vendor participation, and lodging activity suggest the festival likely generates between $2 million and $3.5 million in regional economic activity, making it the largest Oktoberfest-related economic driver in Northwest Florida.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PANAMA CITY OKTOBERFEST
➺ Celebrating more than three decades of tradition,
Historic Downtown Panama City’s Oktoberfest transforms Harrison Avenue into a lively pedestrian festival featuring German food, local breweries, live music, and community events such as the annual Volksmarch. Unlike its beach counterpart, the festival’s economic impact is concentrated within the historic downtown district, providing an important boost to locally owned restaurants, retailers, and hospitality businesses during the fall shoulder season. Based on comparable downtown festivals and visitor spending patterns, the event likely contributes between $300,000 and $700,000 in economic activity over its festival weekend.
PENSACOLA OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATIONS ➺ Rather than hosting a single flagship Oktoberfest,
the Pensacola area celebrates the season through numerous brewery events, neighborhood festivals, church celebrations, and German-themed gatherings spread throughout the metropolitan area. This decentralized approach distributes visitor spending across multiple communities while supporting local breweries, restaurants, hotels, and specialty retailers. Collectively, these Oktoberfest-related events are estimated to generate between $700,000 and $1.4 million in regional economic activity, reflecting Pensacola’s larger population base and growing craft beverage industry.
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TALLAHASSEE OKTOBERFEST EVENTS
➺ Tallahassee’s Oktoberfest celebrations emphasize
community engagement, with local breweries, nonprofit organizations, and civic groups hosting German-inspired festivals throughout the fall. While these events attract fewer overnight visitors than those along the coast, they provide a meaningful economic boost through food and beverage sales, local entertainment, and fundraising efforts that benefit area organizations. Based on attendance patterns and comparable community festivals, Tallahassee’s Oktoberfest-related events likely generate between $200,000 and $500,000 in local economic activity each year.
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soundbytes compiled by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT
» Pensacola Humane Society announced it reached no-kill status in 2025, according to Best Friends Animal Society’s annual data report. To reach this milestone, a shelter must save 90 percent or more of the dogs and cats that entered its care. Last year, Pensacola Humane Society achieved a 98.7 percent save rate, far surpassing the benchmark required to receive no-kill recognition from Best Friends Animal Society. The designation
reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to lifesaving animal welfare efforts across the Gulf Coast community.
» The Gulf Winds Foundation is proud to announce that it recently awarded up to $45,000 in scholarships to five outstanding student members: Myiah Alverson, Ellie Nissim, Sarah Schultz, Colton Rollin, and Emma Grayce Fuqua. Each recipient will receive a renewable scholarship, including four awards of up to $10,000 and one award of up to $5,000, to support their educational pursuits and aspirations. This year, Gulf Winds received 62 completed applications for the program from a diverse group of students. Open to members of Gulf Winds Credit Union, recipients were selected through a competitive process that evaluated each application on academic accomplishments, community involvement showcasing a desire to make an impact, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and financial need. » The Mark Lee Team of Levin Rinke Realty has been ranked No. 37 among Florida’s medium-sized real estate teams by RealTrends Verified, based on verified 2025 sales data. The team closed $88.14 million in sales, earning national volume rank No. 382 and Florida rank No. 37. With an average home price of $847,853, the team operates at the top tier of the luxury and waterfront market
↑ Demetrius Fuller at The Cliburn Annual Gala Event, standing, far right Sinfonia Gulf Coast announces Founder/Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller’s appointment to the board of Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, a global launchpad for exceptional pianists. Since 1962, the Fort Worth Cliburn has shaped classical music through competition, education, and global tours, celebrating excellence and creating careers. Fuller’s appointment reflects his commitment to emerging artists, creating pathways through Sinfonia and industry work for musicians to perform, connect, and build careers. His Cliburn relationship includes attending as an invited guest, engaging medalists, and presenting them in Sinfonia performances. This mirrors Sinfonia’s annual Young Concert Artists prizewinner presentation. In his twentieth season at Sinfonia, Fuller has transformed Northwest Florida through programming and engagement. A conductor and clarinetist, he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Cincinnati College– Conservatory of Music, performed worldwide, collaborated with Roberta Flack, Patti LaBelle, Bernadette Peters, Kristin Chenoweth, Vanessa Williams, and Pink Martini, with commissions/premieres by Tan Dun, Chris Brubeck, and Nico Muhly. Fuller serves on Young Concert Artists’ board, led Musicians for Harmony, and supports the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Cultural Arts Alliance, and Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. This strengthens Sinfonia’s national presence and commitment to emerging musicians on the Emerald Coast and beyond.
serving greater Pensacola Beach. The recognition comes as Pensacola emerges as a leading Florida luxury destination. Its sugar-white beaches and emerald Gulf waters combine with a thriving downtown, restaurants, galleries, live music, and cultural energy that has drawn national attention, including from The Wall Street Journal. The mix of natural beauty and urban sophistication attracts relocating professionals, second-home buyers, and luxury investors seeking a lifestyle rivaling betterknown Florida markets at compelling value. The Mark Lee Team has helped lead this growth, guiding
clients through the Gulf Coast’s dynamic, fastevolving luxury market.
» Will Condon has been named chief executive officer of Ascension Sacred Heart Health System, a five-hospital ministry serving Northwest Florida, effective July 1. He recently served as interim market lead following three years as Pensacola market president. Born and raised in Pensacola, his family has depended on Ascension Sacred Heart for generations. He understands firsthand how much the health system means to Northwest Florida and considers it an honor to serve the community that shaped him. That
grounding in community history is essential in a region where trust is built over time. During his tenure as hospital president, he led Sacred Heart Pensacola to become Northwest Florida’s only Level I Trauma Center and achieve Level IV Maternal Levels of Care designation. The Pensacola campus has earned a Leapfrog Health Grade
Will Condon
PHOTOS COURTESY OF INDIVIDUALS
» Gulf Winds Credit Union is pleased to announce that Pete Lauter has joined the leadership team as vice president of Wealth Management. In this strategic role, Lauter will act as program manager for the Raymond James Financial Services advisors located at Gulf Winds and will oversee all wealth management services, expand the market presence, and develop a high-performing team of financial advisors dedicated to delivering exceptional results for members. Lauter brings extensive experience in financial planning, wealth management, and building teams. He’s known for driving growth, turning strategy into results, and putting clients first every step of the way. Lauter has served on several boards, including Peoples Home Health, First Tee Gulf Coast, the Kugelman Foundation, Baptist Health Care Foundation, and the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation. He was named EntreCon Servant Leader of the Year in 2025.
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LOCAL HAPPENINGS
» As Walton County grows, Freeport resident Sarah Davis is bringing more than 15 years of national leadership development experience to organizations facing a pressing workforce challenge: finding and retaining great talent. Davis is a community volunteer and co-founder of Lead Aligned, helping organizations reduce avoidable turnover and retain employees. She has helped leaders, teams, and organizations navigate change, maximize talent, and improve performance through strengths-based leadership development and resilience programs. Her experience spans Tier 1 Special Operations communities, health care systems, corporations, and mission-driven nonprofits, with much
Sarah Davis
of her career supporting military service members, veterans, and their families—an especially meaningful connection in Walton County and surrounding communities. Davis translates complex leadership challenges into practical, sustainable solutions, addressing underperformance, disengagement, and turnover by developing stronger leaders, healthier cultures, and workplaces where people choose to stay. Her work is particularly relevant as employers navigate a rapidly changing workforce landscape.
Left to right: Bill Bulla, Will Bulla, Steve Bulla, and Kevin Bulla
KMS Communications, a leading communications company providing stateof-the-art telephone and communications systems, network and data services, security camera systems, and Managed IT Services, is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in business. KMS is a full-service communications company, serving the needs of Gulf Coast businesses and beyond. Located at 3010 East Cervantes Street in Pensacola, KMS is a family-owned business with three generations of the Bulla family working within the company. Founded in 1976 by Bill Bulla, the company began as a provider of Dictaphone services and over five decades has expanded to include state-of-the-art telephone and communications systems, security cameras, access control, and managed IT network services. With clients across a wide range of industries, KMS Communications serves the needs of businesses both along the Gulf Coast and beyond.
NEW & NOTABLE
» Florida State University’s InSPIRE, the Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education, added two week-long robotics trainings in July. ROBO 101: Introduction to Robotics in the Classroom is free to Bay County educators July 6-12 and Okaloosa County educators July 13-17, bringing the total to nine free summer professional development workshops across Northwest Florida. This is InSPIRE’s third summer offering free professional learning for K-12 teachers and second year holding courses in local school districts and partner state colleges. ROBO 101 participants work with FSU faculty and industry partners to integrate robotics, AI, and engineering design into instruction while building durable skills, robotics and pre-engineering knowledge, computational thinking, and block-based coding across subjects. Brigitte Gudz joins as an InSPIRE STEM Specialist after facilitating the 2025 ROBO101 course. With 35-plus years in mathematics, STEM, CTE, applied learning, curriculum, robotics, and
mentoring, she brings workforce-focused expertise supporting emerging aerospace, advanced manufacturing, robotics, energy, and technology opportunities. Julie Perry, EdD, joins as an InSPIRE STEM specialist with more than a decade in K-12 education, computer science, robotics, STEM curriculum, teacher learning, and statewide standards. A recent FSU doctorate recipient, her research focused on educator perceptions of elementary computer science education. She began teaching ESE students in Wakulla County and later taught at Florida State University Schools and Tallahassee Collegiate
Academy in STEAM, coding, digital information technology, AP computer science, physical science, forensics, and robotics. Gudz has deep Northwest Florida roots, including family ties to Franklin County and connections to Bay County schools through her children’s work as educators. Perry developed a foundation in differentiated instruction and hands-on STEM education before expanding into STEM and technical subjects.
» ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares (NYSE), announced the opening of its new Panama City office at 2402 State Avenue, Suite 101. The full-service
office opened May 15, strengthening the bank’s presence and long-term investment in Northwest Florida. The 5,000-squarefoot facility, financed by ServisFirst Bank, includes two drive-thru lanes, a drive-thru ATM, mortgage loan assistance, and treasury management services for businesses and individuals. Gulf Coast Plaza developed the building under Dr. Daniel “Skip” Daube of Gulf Coast Facial Plastics and ENT Center. Seven associates currently staff the Panama City office, delivering personalized banking solutions and client service. ServisFirst has served the area for more than three years and continues to experience strong market growth. The office was designed to meet the growing needs of clients throughout the Panama City area and provide comprehensive banking solutions under one roof.
» The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach announced the opening of Sea Oats Kitchen & Bar, a reimagined dining destination replacing Coastal Kitchen. Rooted in Gulf Coast rhythms, the concept combines fresh-caught local seafood, chef-driven specialties, and Southern classics in a warm, distinctly coastal setting. Sea Oats serves breakfast and dinner daily, with additional food service in the lounge. Designed as a gathering place open to resort guests, families, and neighbors, the restaurant’s seasonal seafood program is sourced through a partnership with Destin Ice Seafood Market in downtown Destin, as well as local fishermen and day boats when available. The concept is intended to feel warm, welcoming, and unmistakably coastal while offering a fresh interpretation of the resort’s dining experience. EC
PHOTOS COURTESY OF INDIVIDUALS
“A” for five consecutive years and ranked among the top 50 cardiovascular providers in the country for nine consecutive years by Fortune and Premier, Inc. Beyond the hospital, Condon serves on the boards of Gulf Coast Kids House and the Health and Hope Clinic. Ascension Sacred Heart Health System includes Sacred Heart Pensacola, Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf, and 108 Ascension Sacred Heart Medical Group locations from Perdido to Apalachicola.
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The underpass mural titled Day in the Life by artist Andy Saczynski is an expressive representation of life in South Walton.
ART
A GUIDED TOUR Discover an open-air gallery across the Emerald Coast by ZANDRA WOLFGRAM
photography by NATHAN SACZYNSKI / NASCO PHOT0
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PHOTOS BY NATHAN SACZYNSKI / NASCO PHOT0 (MURALS) AND KURT LISCHKA COURTESY OF THE ST. JOE COMPANY ® (MONARCH ART TRAIL)
eyond the dunes, along harbor boardwalks, tucked beside cafés and courthouse squares, you will find plenty more than sugar-white sand shimmering in the Florida sun. Public art is everywhere—perhaps even in a downtown you’ve seen a thousand times. Our stretch of Northwest Florida has quietly curated an outdoor museum of murals, sculpture trails, and sea-inspired installations that celebrate local wildlife, maritime heritage, and coastal culture. From monarch butterflies and majestic herons to painted anchors and pelicans in paradise, the Emerald Coast doubles as an open-air gallery. Follow this playful, coastal-themed art trail from DeFuniak Springs to Pensacola—no tickets required.
photography by NATHAN SACZYNSKI / NASCO PHOT0
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Inlet Beach
Murals That Tell a Story Thanks to inspired local artists and the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), a 135foot stretch of highway in Walton County is anything but ordinary. The county’s first underpass at U.S. Highway 98 in Inlet Beach has been transformed with 10 distinct murals, each created by a local artist and designed to read like oversized, colorful postcards. This community-driven project celebrates coastal wildlife, marine conservation, and nods to Old Florida heritage. You might spot a sea turtle gliding across a stucco wall or imagery honoring our region’s rich fishing legacy. Together, the murals turn an everyday passageway into a vibrant canvas, bringing unexpected bursts of creativity to a well-traveled corridor. The mural medium is one of the purest junctures between art and community—ready to brighten even a simple Sunday drive.
South Walton
Monarchs on the Move ←↑ Above: mural artists Wes Hinds, Katherine Boggs, Sarah Page; Below opposite: Passersby gaze at Summer Dream by Francisco Adaro.
Next, head south toward 30A and keep an eye out for butterflies. The CAA Monarch Art Trail features eight larger-than-life monarch butterfly sculptures designed for installation
Monarch Art Trail features Kaleidoscope by Jonathan Burger
Panama City Beach
Teeming with SeeLife Panama City Beach joins the creative current with SeeLife, a project overseen by the Sunshine Art Club, designed to celebrate the community and share art for all. Bright palettes and marine motifs reinforce how deeply the Gulf influences the area’s identity. From Fire Station 31 and Frank Brown Park to Russell-Fields Pier and the Panama City Beach Library, nearly two dozen playful sea turtles, porpoises, and seahorses can be spotted throughout the area. It is a reminder that even in a busy beach destination, art can anchor a sense of place.
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expression Cherish Our Tails, Fins, Flippers, and Feathers by Dori Lewman, one of the Emerald Coast Herons
along South Watersound Parkway’s milelong walking and biking path that connects Highway 98 and 30A. Each sculpture is uniquely designed by a local artist, often reflecting themes of
conservation, native flora, or Gulf Coast color palettes. The trail celebrates the annual monarch migration through the area while inviting passersby to explore beach neighborhoods in a new way. Finding the butterflies becomes a joyful treasure hunt for both solo travelers and families. One may perch near a town green, another outside a gallery or shopping district. Collect photos at each stop, and you have created your own “butterfly field guide.”
Freeport
Anchored in Art
↑ Dancing Monarchs by Peter Hazel, located on the Monarch Art Trail
In Freeport, a new wave of creativity is anchored in both history and imagination. The Anchored in Art in Public Spaces Project brought together the city and the CAA to transform five oversized 4.5-foot anchors into vibrant works of art, each uniquely painted by eight different local artists. Though Walton County is miles from the Gulf shoreline, the anchors pay homage to the area’s seafaring history.
Displayed throughout town in parks, along paths, and at community hubs, these anchors are bold, whimsical, and unmistakably nautical. One may shimmer in turquoise and coral, while another celebrates marine life or historic motifs.
Destin & Fort Walton Beach
Herons Migrate to the EC
Elegance takes flight: The Emerald Coast Herons project, presented through Okaloosa Public Arts, features 20 hand-painted heron sculptures placed throughout Okaloosa County. Each 5-foot heron soars with its own personality—some shimmering in ocean blues, others adorned with mosaic patterns or painterly coastal scenes. Together, they form a public art flock celebrating the graceful wading bird so often seen along Choctawhatchee Bay. As you wander the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, pop into the library and city hall, and explore local parks (or even the Fort Walton Beach police department), spotting
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE (ANCHORS, BUTTERFLYS) AND DESTIN COMMONS (HERON)
A contribution to the Anchored in Art in Public Spaces Project painted by Francisco Adaro
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expression MAP IT OUT:
Your Self-Guided Art Route Turn your public art hunt into a scenic road trip with the family. Drive time without stops is about two hours, but plan to linger, explore, and take photos along the way. PANAMA CITY BEACH — SEELIFE
Start in Panama City Beach, where the SeeLife project brings whimsical sea turtles, seahorses, and marine-inspired sculptures to spots like Frank Brown Park, Russell-Fields Pier, and the public library.
INLET BEACH — HIGHWAY 98 MURALS
Head west on U.S. Highway 98 toward Inlet Beach. Beneath the underpass, 10 vibrant murals transform a 135-foot stretch into a colorful tribute to coastal wildlife and Old Florida heritage.
SOUTH WALTON — MONARCH ART TRAIL
Continue west on Highway 98, then turn south onto South Watersound Parkway toward Scenic Highway 30A. Here, the Monarch Art Trail unfolds along a mile-long path with larger-thanlife butterfly sculptures.
artsy herons with monikers like “Lucky,” “Starry Eye,” and “Jailbird” adds a new layer of fun to your everyday explorations.
FREEPORT — ANCHORED IN ART
Pelicans in Paradise End your tour west in Pensacola, where pelicans rule the roost. The Pelicans in Paradise sculpture project scattered artist-designed pelican statues across downtown, North Pensacola, and Pensacola Beach. Each pelican boasts its own personality—whimsical, elegant, or vibrantly abstract. Like the herons and monarchs farther east, these coastal birds become ambassadors of place, inviting visitors to explore neighborhoods while celebrating local artistry.
The Bigger Picture What ties these projects together is more than fiberglass and paint: It’s the
↑ Located at the Pensacola Museum of History (above left), artist Dave Kessler’s In Tribute to Our First Nations honors the area’s native peoples.
coastal narrative we all share. From butterflies symbolizing migration and environmental stewardship to herons and pelicans representing shoreline serenity, these works reflect the Emerald Coast’s deep relationship with land and sea, narrated by local artists. Next time you map out a beach day or otherwise ordinary errand run, add a creative detour. Wander a little. Look up. Look around. EC
From 30A or U.S. 98, head north on State Road 331 (the Clyde B. Wells Bridge) to Freeport. Discover oversized, artist-painted anchors displayed in parks, along pathways, and throughout the historic downtown area.
DESTIN — EMERALD COAST HERONS
Return south via Highway 331 to Highway 98, then continue west into Destin. Explore the Harbor Boardwalk, parks, and civic spaces to spot hand-painted heron sculptures scattered across the city.
PENSACOLA — PELICANS IN PARADISE
Stay on U.S. Highway 98 West as it becomes Highway 98/FL-30, then connect to Highway 98 West (via Fort Walton Beach and Navarre) into Pensacola. Downtown streets and waterfront parks are home to a flock of artist-designed pelican sculptures.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE (PELICANS)
Pensacola
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Todd Craven Unveils Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 2026-27 Anniversary Season The orchestra’s 40th season pairs bold programming with major milestone celebrations at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center
K
nown for his imaginative programming, energetic podium presence, and collaborative leadership, Todd Craven has served as artistic director and conductor of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra since 2021 and is entering his sixth season at the helm. He also serves as music director of the Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra, now in his tenth season. Since arriving in Northwest Florida, Craven has helped expand the orchestra’s artistic profile through ambitious programming, community partnerships, educational initiatives, and performances featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists. Under his leadership, the NFSO continues to grow its impact as the region’s premier professional orchestra and resident ensemble of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center.
A prize-winning conductor and former professional trumpet player, Craven has appeared with orchestras throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Russia, and Brazil. His career includes leadership positions with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Florida Grand Opera as well as collaborations with artists including Lawrence Brownlee, Rachel Barton Pine, Anne-Marie McDermott, and Jamie Bernstein. The 2026–27 season marks both the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s fortieth anniversary season, “Fate & Freedom,” and the thirtieth anniversary season of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Highlights include a celebration of America 250, guest pianist Stewart Goodyear, Disney’s The Lion King in concert, and Puccini’s La Bohème in concert.
Todd Craven
FULL SEASON DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT MATTIEKELLYARTSCENTER.ORG.
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calendar
OCT/NOV 2026 For more events in the EC, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com and 850tix.com. compiled by OLIVIA SOKOLOWSKI
BALLET PENSACOLA: FRANKENSTEIN OCT. 2-4 Timely with the release of Del Toro’s Frankenstein, Ballet Pensacola presents a chilling classic to delight all ages. You’ll be glued to your seat as one of history’s most legendary monsters lives a new life through the majesty of classical ballet. pensacolasaenger.com
↙ PIRATES OF THE HIGH SEAS AND RENAISSANCE FEST OCT. 9-11
Moon Crush: Odies Beach Vacation Old Dominion leads the way in curating good vibes at this iconic three-night eventpacked festival in Miramar Beach. Supporting acts include Darius Rucker, Flo Rida, Uncle Kracker, and more. For more information, visit odiesbeach.com
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Times and dates for events are subject to change. Check websites to see if the listed events will occur as scheduled.
visitpanamacitybeach.com
WALTON COUNTY FAIR OCT. 12-17 Over 100 years of tradition coalesce in DeFuniak Springs at the Walton County Fair. Come out for a family-friendly evening of classic carnival games, rides, live performances, livestock shows, exhibits,
HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE US TO CONSIDER? Send an email
to osokolowski@emeraldcoastmagazine.com or promote an event at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/things-to-do at no cost.
PHOTOS BY BOO MEDIA (BLOODY MARY FESTIVAL, 30A BBQ FESTIVAL AND PIRATES OF THE HIGH SEAS AND RENAISSANCE FEST), MIKE SCHWARZ PHOTOGRAPHY (TALLAHASSEE SYMPHONY) AND COURTESY OF FOO FOO FEST AND AND WEAREOLDDOMINION.COM (MOON CRUSH)
OCT. 1-3 | MIRAMAR BEACH
Ahoy, mateys! In celebration of the marauders who once sailed the Gulf, pirates will invade Panama City Beach for a weekend of fun— including a massive parade, kids’ parade, treasure hunt, costume contest, live music, food vendors, fireworks, and more.
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PROMOTION
OCT. 10
THE MARKET SHOPS’ ELEVENTH ANNUAL
BLOODY MARY FESTIVAL → The Market Shops’ eleventh annual Bloody Mary Festival returns Saturday, October 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Market Shops in Miramar Beach. Guests can enjoy unlimited Bloody Marys, local fare, craft brews, SEC football, a cigar bar, champagne, live music, and more, while supporting Habitat for Humanity— Walton County. Visit themarketshops.com to purchase tickets.
REGIONAL
OCT. 16
ZUKERMAN PLAYS ELGAR → Pinchas Zukerman, a living legend of the violin, dazzles audiences worldwide with his virtuosity, passion, and unmistakable musical voice. Hear him perform Elgar’s Violin Concerto live at this thrilling concert conducted by Maestro Yaniv Dinur. Date & Time: Friday, October 16, 7:30 p.m., Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. For tickets and more information, visit tallahasseesymphony.org
NOV. 6
30A BBQ FESTIVAL
→ Experience big art, live music, and surprising performances at Foo Foo Fest in Pensacola. It’s Foo for the Soul.
→ 30A BBQ Festival brings an evening of barbecue, live music, and community to Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach on Friday, November 6, from 5:30–8 p.m. Presented by 360 Blue, the event features unlimited tastings from local pitmasters, beverages, a silent auction, and more, benefiting The Sonder Project.
For more information, visit foofoofest.com and on social media @foofoofest
Visit thesonderproject.org/bbqfest to purchase tickets.
OCT. 29-NOV. 9
FOO FOO FEST
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OCT/NOV 2026
HARVEST WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL OCT. 15-18
The newly renamed Northwest Florida Children’s Foundation presents epicurean excellence and the delights of fine wine. The weekend features wine dinners, vendor tents, a cocktail brunch, a silent auction, and a grand tasting with over 400 wines from around the world. dcwaf.org/harvest-festival
waltoncountyfair.com
EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS: THE 39 STEPS OCT. 15-25 Adapted from Hitchcock’s 1935 thriller of the same name, this whirlwind dramedy takes patrons on a race across Britain with the wrongly accused protagonist, Richard Hannay. emeraldcoasttheatre.org
PANAMA CITY BEACH OKTOBERFEST OCT. 16-18
BAYTOWNE WHARF BEER FESTIVAL
THUNDER BEACH FALL MOTORCYCLE RALLY
OCT. 16-17
OCT. 21-25
As the weather gets crisp, it’s time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds and ales. The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin presents the eighteenth annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest, showcasing specialty beers from around the nation.
Motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country will converge on Panama City Beach for a rally that features demos, vendors, custom bike shows, rides, workshops, and a free concert to kick off the event. thunderbeachproductions.com
baytownebeerfestival.com
DESTIN SONGWRITER FESTIVAL OCT. 24-25
Enjoy three days of German and locally brewed beer, traditional brats and mettwurst, live music, and activities at tents and beer gardens across Aaron Bessant Park, designed for adults and kids alike.
The second Destin Songwriter Festival will feature two days of live performances and a new Main Stage location across from SkyBar at The Edge. Lyrics come to life from intimate sets to beachfront showstoppers.
pcboktoberfest.com
destinsongwriterfestival.com
craft beer and cocktails, a kids creation station, street performers, a raffle, plus free admission, parking, and shuttle service all weekend long. mkaf.org
BARKTOBERFEST OCT. 30 Join Grand Boulevard’s spooky-costume doggie social for a costume contest, music, beer, and light bites from 4:306:30 p.m., all benefiting Dog-Harmony. grandboulevard.com
↑ MATTIE KELLY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS OCT. 24-25 At the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, first enjoy the Arty Kick-Off Party on Saturday, then browse original pieces by 100-plus artists and enjoy demos, live music, food truck fare,
HALLOWEEN ON THE BOOLEVARD OCT. 31
SEEING RED WINE FESTIVAL NOV. 5-8 Savor sips by the seashore at Seaside’s thirty-fourth annual Seeing Red Wine Festival. Wineries of the highest caliber (and not just in shades of red) and culinary offerings to match will take over one of 30A’s most iconic downtowns. seasideseeingred.com
PANAMA CITY SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL NOV. 6-7
From 4 to 6 p.m., bring your little ghouls, goblins, and ghosts to trick-ortreat throughout Grand Boulevard’s iconic open-air Town Center. The event is open to the public and free of charge.
Historic downtown Panama City transforms into a bustling venue for the eighth annual Songwriters Festival, featuring heartfelt music by local, regional, and national acts.
grandboulevard.com
pcsongwriters.com
PHOTO BY KIARA WATSON (HARVEST FESTIVAL), BRENNA KNEISS (ALYS BEACH CRAFTED), EDWARD MCGRATH PHOTOGRAPHY (THE NUTCRACKER), NIKKI HEDRICK (MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS), AND COURTESY OF THE ARTIST SERIES OF TALLAHASSEE
showcases, irresistible fair food, and more.
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PROMOTION
NOV. 11–15
REGIONAL
NOV. 15
ALYS BEACH CRAFTED
DUO MAHIDHARA-FORT
→ Alys Beach Crafted offers a multi-day journey through culinary expression, spirited tastings, and hands-on creative discovery. From elegant soirees to inspired makers markets, each event celebrates the creativity of chefs, distillers, designers, and craftspeople from across the country. Whether savoring a firkin-poured ale or discovering handmade wares, every moment is designed to delight.
→ The Artist Series of Tallahassee proudly presents the second concert of the 2026–27 concert season. Duo Mahidhara-Fort, violin/ viola and piano duo, performs on Sunday, November 15, 4 p.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church, 2317 Bannerman Road. John von Rhein from the Chicago Tribune praised the duo for their “flamboyant vitality ... expert performances.”
PRESENTED BY THE ARTIST SERIES OF TALLAHASSEE
Visit alysbeachcrafted.com to purchase tickets.
For tickets and season passports, go to theartistseries.org or Old Dominion call (850) 445-1616. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the concert.
DEC. 3–20 NOV. 20-22
THE NUTCRACKER
PRESENTED BY NORTHWEST FLORIDA BALLET
→ Celebrate the holiday season with Northwest Florida Ballet’s fortyseventh annual production of The Nutcracker November 20–22 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. This cherished classic features more than 140 performers, including internationally acclaimed guest artists and over 100 local children, with live accompaniment by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, led by David Ott. Showtimes include: November 20–21, 7:30 p.m.; November 22, 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact nfballet.org/the-nutcracker or call (850) 729-6000.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS PRESENTED BY EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY → Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins return to the ECTC stage for an unforgettable holiday jam session filled with favorites like Jingle Bell Rock, Great Balls of Fire, Blue Christmas, and more. Showtimes include: Thursday–Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m., Wednesdays at 1 p.m.; Saturday, December 12 & 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursday, December 17 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. For more information, call (850) 684-0323 or to purchase tickets, email boxoffice@emeraldcoasttheatre.org. EMERALDCOASTMAGA ZINE.COM
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OCT. 31
Foundation for Drug Interdiction Halloween Soiree Support the Foundation for Drug Interdiction at its annual Halloween Soiree, benefiting local law enforcement initiatives throughout Okaloosa and Bay counties. Guests will enjoy an evening of community, entertainment, and philanthropy while helping fund critical resources for local law enforcement. Saturday, October 31 at Drive the Coast. VIP and general admission tickets are available. Visit thefdi.org for event details and ticket information.
PHOTO BY KURT LISCHKA COURTESY OF THE ST. JOE COMPANY® (MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR) AND COURTESY OF DESTIN PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER (FOUNDATION FOR DRUG INTERDICTION HALLOWEEN SOIREE)
PROMOTION
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FLUTTERBY ARTS FESTIVAL NOV. 8 Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, this event celebrates the annual migration of the monarch butterfly through the Emerald Coast with a gathering of family fun. Bring the little ones for a butterfly parade, live performances, lawn games, a market, and more. culturalartsalliance.com/ flutterby-arts-festival
EMERALD COAST CRUIZIN’ NOV. 12-14 Feast your eyes on
thousands of hot rods, muscle cars, trucks, and bona-fide classics at Panama City Beach’s most high-impact car show. Events include cruise-ins, car vendors, concerts, parades, and food to top off the tank. emeraldcoastcruizin.com
HOLLY FAIR NOV. 12-15 Deck your halls with plenty more than boughs of holly, thanks to Holly Fair, presented by the Junior League of Panama City Beach. Vendors at the Edgewater Beach Resort will offer holiday decor, jewelry, crafts, and more, and proceeds
from this holiday tradition help fund the Junior League’s many philanthropic projects. panamacity.jl.org/holly-fair
SANDESTIN WINE FESTIVAL’S SPARKLING WINE & HOLIDAY LIGHTS TBD This sparkling event will feature more than 30 bubbly wines and delicious appetizers at featured Village of Baytowne Wharf restaurants. Carolers supply sounds of the season, and the event offers a sneak peek of the Village’s highly anticipated tree lighting. baytownesparklingwinefest.com
MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR NOV. 6-7 | SANTA ROSA BEACH Mountainfilm on Tour returns to WaterColor Marina Park Amphitheater for a two-night outdoor film festival featuring selections from the Telluride Film Festival. As always, the goal is education, inspiration, and motivation. watercolorresort.com/mountainfilm-on-tour
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dining guide
Enjoy a fusion of ambiance, food, and live music aboard the Solaris yacht, which offers three decks of indoor and outdoor spaces. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-2519, sunquestcruises.com $$$ D
VUE ON 30A ★
Fine New American dining in a modern, neutral-hued waterfront spot with bar, lounge, and views. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-2305, vueon30a.net $$ L D
THE WINE BAR ★
AMERICAN
LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★
A taste of New Orleans hits the coast through Louisiana-style favorites like shrimp and grits and Cajun seafood gumbo. Destin, (850) 837-0881, thelouisianalagniappe.com $$ D
BEACHSIDE BURGER CO. ★
Casual food shack serving smash burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and chicken tenders. Inlet Beach, (850) 974-1572 $ L D
LULU’S
Lucy Buffett’s funky hangout features cocktails, burgers, and seafood, plus allergyfriendly menus. Destin, (850) 710-5858, lulusfunfoodmusic.com $$ L D
BUFFALO JACK’S LEGENDARY WINGS & PIZZA
Catch the game and enjoy legendary wings, pizza, burgers, and Italian dishes with a New Orleans flair. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-6288, buffalojackslegendarywings.com $$ L D
MAGNOLIA GRILL
Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads, and desserts. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 302-0266, themagnoliagrillfwb.com $$ L D
BUFFALO’S REEF ★
Beer and wings from mild to super-hot in an unfussy setting. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 243-9464, buffalosreef.com $$ L D
MARINA BAR & GRILL
Seafood, po’ boys, burgers, and salads. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-7778, sandestin.com/ dine/marina-bar-grill $ B L D
CAFE 30A ★
Innovative American menu in a coastal-classy environment. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 231-2166, cafethirtya.com $$$ L D
MARINA CAFE ★
CHIRINGO ★
NICK’S BOATHOUSE
Tacos, sandwiches, and sharables served in a colorful, laid-back setting with signature cocktails and water views. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 399-1604, chiringograyton.com $$ L D
Gourmet pizzas, Creole, and American cuisine. Destin, (850) 837-7960, marinacafe.com $$$ D Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks, and flatbreads by the waterfront. Pensacola, (850) 912-8775, nicksboathouse.com $$ L D
THE CRAFT BAR ★
Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, Miramar Beach, Niceville, Panama City Beach, (850) 460-7907*, thecraftbarfl.com $$ L D
EAGLE’S NEST AT BLACKWATER
NORTH BEACH SOCIAL
Favorites include chef Jim Shirley’s famous Grits a Ya Ya, the NB Social Burger, fresh raw oysters, and tuna poke bowls. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-8110, northbeach.social $$ L D
OVIDE
Casual dining featuring American fare, live music, game-day showings, and themed events. Crestview, (850) 331-3594, eaglesnestatblackwater.com $$ L D
Located inside the new Hotel Effie, acclaimed chef Hugh Acheson brings together classic Gulf Coast flavors and impeccable classic French technique. Miramar Beach, (850) 351-3030, hoteleffie.com/dining/ovide $$$ D
FIREFLY
THE RED BAR ★
FUDPUCKER’S BEACHSIDE BAR & GRILL ★
RESTAURANT IRON
Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, sushi, and signature cocktails. Panama City Beach, (850) 249-3359, fireflypcb.com $$$ D
Locally renowned landmark location serving classic meals in a casual, eclectic environment. Grayton Beach, (850) 231-1008, theredbar.com $$ L D
Seafood dishes and American fare in a fun, casual atmosphere with entertainment, including a live gator attraction and deck games. Destin, (850) 654-4200, fudpucker.com $$ L D
Buzzy, stylish locale serving gourmet, reimagined takes on Southern cuisine, plus clever cocktails. Pensacola, (850) 912-4655, restaurantiron.com $$ D
GALLION’S
RESTAURANT PARADIS
Elevated small plates, chef-inspired dishes, and specialty craft cocktails in a sophisticated, relaxed setting. Rosemary Beach, (850) 399-4909, gallions30a.com $$$ L D
Restaurant and lounge offers rich coastal flavors in its innovative dishes. Rosemary Beach, (850) 534-0400, restaurantparadis.com $$$ D
GEORGE BISTRO + BAR
A 30A mainstay for over 20 years, Shades features 17 high-def TVs plus a menu of salsas, steaks, sandwiches, and fish tacos. Inlet Beach, (850) 231-9410, shades30a.com $$ L D
SHADES BAR & GRILL ★
Husband and wife owners are driven by a passion to create exceptionally crafted, ingredient-driven food, coffees, and cocktails while treating guests like family. Pensacola, (850) 912-4655, georgebistroandbar.com $$$ L D
SUNQUEST CRUISES SOLARIS YACHT ★
A gathering spot for lunch or dinner, plus daily happy hour specials. Destin* and Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 269-2902*, thewinebarfl.com $$ L D
ASIAN BASMATI’S ASIAN CUISINE ★
Sushi and Pan-Asian eats in a mellow atmosphere. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-3028, basmatisthirtya.com $$ L D
DOMO CAFÉ
This Asian kitchen offers dozens of sushi options, including vegetarian, signature, fried, and baked rolls. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 226-6412, Facebook: Domo Cafe $$ L D
LIN’S ASIAN CUISINE
Authentic Asian cuisine at a convenient and casual location offering dine-in or takeout. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-5888, linsasianfl.com $L D
OSAKA JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR ★
Known for its sushi, Osaka also serves a variety of veggie, chicken, steak, and seafood dishes. Destin, (850) 650-4688, theosakasteakhouse.com $$ L D
P.F. CHANG’S
A Chinese restaurant serving Mongolian, Thai, Korean, and other Pan-Asian dishes. Miramar Beach, (850) 269-1806, pfchangs.com $$ L D
THAI CHIANG RAI RESTAURANT ★
Classic Thai cuisine featuring curries, fried rice, and noodles. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 213-3972, Facebook: Thai Chiang Rai Restaurant $$ L D
THAI DELIGHTS RESTAURANT
Thai soups, curries, and rice and noodle dishes in a variety of meat, seafood, and veggie options for dine in or takeout. Destin, (850) 650-3945, Facebook: Thai Delights Restaurant $ L D
BARBECUE 3 SONS BAR-B-Q
Barbecue classics smoked on-site daily alongside Southern sides and desserts. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 278-6082, 3sonsbarbq.com $ L D
98 BAR-B-QUE ★
Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches, and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take-out, and catering. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-0679, 98bbq.com $ L D
BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY BISTROLOGY
THE KEY ★ Best of the
Emerald Coast 2025 Winner
The restaurants that appear in this guide are included as a service to readers and not as recommendations of the Emerald Coast Magazine editorial department, except where noted. B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner
Outdoor Dining Live Music $ Inexpensive
$$ Moderately
Expensive $$$ Expensive
Fully loaded brunch spot featuring oversized omelets, French toast with sweet toppings, stuffed croissants, specialty coffee and beverages, and more. Miramar Beach*, Pensacola, (850) 757-7374*, bistrology.restaurant $$ B L D
BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ★
Contemporary cafe for craft coffee, house-baked breads, pastries, sandwiches
and all-day breakfast. Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach*, Seaside, (850) 213-4528*, blackbearbreadco.com $ B L
BLUE MOUNTAIN BAKERY ★
Organic baked goods, wraps, sandwiches, and bowls. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-0400, bluemountainbakery.com $$ B L
THE BODACIOUS BREW
This coffee house and eatery specializes in handcrafted espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos. For breakfast, try their omelets and acai bowls; for lunch, salads, wraps, and flatbread pizzas are on the menu. Pensacola, (850) 434-6300, bodaciousshops.com/cafe $ B L
CRACKINGS. ★
Omelets, scrambles, pancakes, French toast, waffles, mimosas, bloody marys, sandwiches, and more. Destin, (850) 650-0499, crackingsfl.com $$ B L
MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST
A range of European-inspired breakfast dishes, cappuccinos, and pastries. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-3157, Facebook: Mama Clemenzas $$ B
RUBY SLIPPER CAFE
A New Orleans-inspired brunch spot offering classic takes, signature Southern specialties, and eye-opening cocktails. Pensacola, Destin*, Miramar Beach, (850) 660-7100*, rubybrunch.com $$ B L
DESSERT 30A COOKIES & CREAM
Treats from Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery make for an irresistible combination. Seagrove*, Inlet Beach, (850) 231-2552*, 30acookiesandicecream.com $
BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY
Homemade ice cream, yogurt, and sorbet at The Creamery and milkshakes, coffee, and donuts at the Shake Shop. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 278-6849, bluemountainbeachcreamery.com $
BEACHSIDE BUBBLE WAFFLE ★
Serving bubble waffles filled with ice cream, tasty toppings, and sauces. Navarre, Instagram: Beachside Bubble Waffle $
FRENCH BAY CAFE FRENCH RESTAURANT
Step out on the bay for authentic European cuisine, featuring fresh local seafood, and decadent cream sauces. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 244-3550, Instagram: Bay Cafe French Restaurant $$ L D
DAT CAJUN PLACE ★
Easygoing hangout featuring Cajun eats and regular live music. Panama City, (850) 588-5314, datcajunplace.com $$ L D
KENNY D’S ★
Cajun beach bar and eatery in a casual, comfortable atmosphere with a New Orleans vibe. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-0755, kennyds.net $$ L D
RENAISSANCE FRENCH RESTAURANT ★
Elevated French fare in a cozy bistro setting. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 830-7754, renaissancefrench.com $$ D
GREEK AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★
Authentic Greek restaurant serving salads, wraps, pastas, and more. Mary Esther, Shalimar, Miramar Beach*, (850) 460-2728*, aegeanfl.com $$ B L D
IRISH JOHNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB
Easygoing pub providing Irish and American
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eats, a game room for kids, and deck seating. Blue Mountain Beach, (850) 267-0101, johnnymctighes.com $$ L D
MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB
Burgers, pub grub, and their 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. Pensacola, Destin*, Panama City Beach, (850) 650-0000*, mcguiresirishpub.com $$ L D
ITALIAN/PIZZA AMICI 30A ITALIAN KITCHEN
Offering authentic Italian cuisine with a flair for celebration. Inlet Beach, (850) 909-0555, amici30a.com $$$ L D
ANGELENA’S ITALIANO
In the heart of downtown, nationally renowned Chef James Briscione’s menu serves up rustic yet elegant plates with an Italian, coastal vibe. Pensacola, (850) 542-8398, angelenaspensacola.com $$ D
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Classic Italian dishes including pastas, wood-fired pizza, salads, and desserts. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 243-0707, clemenzasatuptownstation.com $$ L D
FARM & FIRE SOUTHERN PIZZERIA
Featuring a clean-burning coal oven to impart a unique, full flavor to their pizzas, whole fish, steaks, and roasted chicken. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-3871, farmandfiresouthwalton.com $$ D
FAT CLEMENZA’S
Brick oven pizzeria serving wood-fired pies, specialty desserts, and more. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-5980, fatclemenzas.com $$ L D
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PEPITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT ★
Serving award-winning authentic Mexican food with the finest ingredients available since 2000. Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, (850) 650-7734*, mypepitos.com $$ L D
PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA Casual eatery with familiar Mexican dishes, including seafood and vegetarian options, plus a full bar. Crestview, Destin, Niceville, Shalimar*, Panama City, Panama City Beach, (850) 613-6970*, peppersmexicancantina.com $ L D
RED FISH TACO
Featuring fresh takes on classic fare, such as street tacos, burritos, taco salads, and quesadillas. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 994-7443, redfishtaco.com $$ L D
TACO 30A
Food truck and catering service dishing up authentic street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Weekly rotating location schedule, eattaco30a.com $ L D
THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S
Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos, and top-shelf margaritas. Seaside, (850) 231-4781, budandalleys.com/taco-bar $$ L D
SEAFOOD AJ’S SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR ★
Known for waterfront views, raw oysters, and live music, AJ’s serves up fresh local seafood, cold beverages, and good times. Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Destin*, Grayton Beach, (850) 837-1913*, ajsdestin.com $$ L D
MERLINS PIZZA ★
THE BAY SOUTH WALTON
Locally owned pizzeria serving specialty and customized pies made with fresh ingredients. Destin, (850) 650-3000, merlinspizza.com $ L D
MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO ★ Authentic Italian dishes bursting with flavor and color. Destin*, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 460-7353*, mimmos.com $$ L D
PAZZO ITALIANO
Waterfront restaurant overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, offering Gulf Coast cuisine, sushi, a 12-draft beer system, plus wine and crafted cocktails. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2291, baysouthwalton.com $$ L D
BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE ★
Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine with harbor views. Destin, (850) 424-7406, boshamps.com $$$ L D
Destin’s newest Italian restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine such as woodfired pizzas, pasta, calzones, salads, chef specialties, and nightly specials. Destin, (850) 974-5484, pazzodestin.com $$ L D
BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER
THE PIZZA BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S
BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
Enjoy classic Italian cuisine and favorites like pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. Grayton Beach, (850) 231-9167, Facebook: Borago Restaurant $$ D
merlinspizza.com
A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites. Miramar Beach, (850) 654-5649, cantinalaredo. com/location/sandestin-florida $$ L D
Pizzas and calzones baked to perfection in their signature coal-burning oven, delivering an experience not possible from conventional ovens. Miramar Beach, (850) 837-3095, grimaldispizzeria.com/ location/grand-boulevard $$ L D
TRATTORIA BORAGO
(850) 650-3000
CANTINA LAREDO ★
GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA
Artisan cheese, fresh salads, antipasto dishes, homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, hearty pastas, and homemade wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Seaside, (850) 231-3113, budandalleys.com/pizza-bar $$ L D
Merlin’s Pizza 1251 Airport Rd., Destin
burritos, quesadillas, and more. Fort Walton Beach*, Destin, (850) 226-8016*, burritodelsol.com $ L D
MEXICAN BURRITO DEL SOL
This Mexican restaurant serves fresh Baja-style Mexican food, including tacos,
Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Destin, brotulas.com (850) 460-8900. $$ L D
Sea-to-table dining, serving fresh seafood, steak, and vegetarian dishes. Seaside, (850) 231-5900, budandalleys.com $$$
CAPT. ANDERSON’S RESTAURANT ★ Since 1967, offering traditional seafood items, flavorful salads, and soups with a view of the marina. Panama City Beach, (850) 234-2225, captandersons.com $$$ D
THE CRAB TRAP
Beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and fresh local seafood processed in the restaurant’s own facility. Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, (850) 654-2722*, crabtrapflorida.com $$
DEWEY DESTIN’S
Award-winning seafood in a quaint house. Destin at Crab Island, Destin Harbor*, Navarre, (850) 837-7525*, destinseafood.com $$ L D
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DOWN ISLAND GULF SEAFOOD RESTAURANT ★
Modern eatery serving elevated Southern and Gulf favorites in a casual setting. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 777-3385, downislandsrb.com $$ L D
FOOW RESTAURANT
Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian flair at the picturesque WaterColor Inn. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 534-5050, dinefish30a.com $$ L D
BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST multiple award winner
THE GRAND MARLIN ★
Elegant waterfront dining featuring fresh seafood and made-from-scratch dishes. Pensacola*, Panama City Beach, (850) 677-9153*, thegrandmarlin.com $$$ L D
GRAYTON SEAFOOD COMPANY
A casual, beach-neighborhood gathering spot and seafood restaurant on Scenic 30A. Grayton Beach, (850) 714-2155, graytonseafood.com $$ D
HARBOR DOCKS ★
A surf-and-turf restaurant also offering high-quality sushi. Destin, (850) 837-2506, harbordocks.com $$ L D
JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI
The original, award-winning, wood-fired pizza and classical Italian cuisine Lunch M–F 11–2 · Dinner M–Sat 5–9 · 850.650.5980 12273 US Hwy 98, Miramar Beach · fatclemenzas.com
Fresh, to go. Thank you for voting us Best Seafood Market!
Buckhead Beef Fresh deli salads and entrees Mrs. Dean cakes Assortment of breads & wines
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Asian and Southern-inspired dishes including seafood, sushi, salad, and sandwiches. Destin, (850) 460-2909, jackacudas.com $$ L D
OLD BAY STEAMER
Fresh-caught seafood and steamers served in a casual and eclectic atmosphere. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 664-2795, oldbaysteamerfwb.com $$$ D
O’QUIGLEY’S SEAFOOD STEAMER AND OYSTER SPORTS BAR ★
Seafood steamer and sports bar serving local oysters, shrimp, fish, and signature gumbo. Destin, (850) 837-1015, oquigleysseafoodsteamer.com $$ L D
PESCADO SEAFOOD GRILL & ROOFTOP BAR
AMBROSIA 30A PRIME SEAFOOD & STEAKS ★
Offering an upscale dining experience and a romantic setting, Ambrosia 30A features seafood specialties, steaks, desserts, and more. 75 Origins Main St., Watersound. (850) 909-0100, ambrosia30a.com $$$ D
AUSTONS ON 98 OYSTER BAR AND GRILL
Home of the 102-foot bar, specialties include littleneck clams, raw oysters, clam chowder, and jumbo shrimp cocktail. Miramar Beach, (850) 842-3200, austonson98.com $$ L D
BEACH WALK CAFE
Located at the Henderson Park Inn, this award-winning establishment features grouper Vince, pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna, and seafood pasta Rockefeller. Destin, (850) 650-7100, hendersonparkinn.com/dine/ beachwalk-cafe $$$ D
BIJOUX
Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Gulf seafood, prime steaks. Miramar Beach, (850) 622-0760, bijouxdestin.com $$$ D
CAPTAIN DAVE’S ON THE GULF
Inspired by traditional waterfront dining, Captain Dave’s features American seafood cuisine infused with a contemporary Gulf Coast twist. Destin, (850) 837-2627, captdavesonthegulf.com $$$ D
THE EDGE SEAFOOD & SKYBAR ★
Located at the Destin Harbor, fresh catches soon land on plates at The Edge. Head up to the adults-only Skybar for great views and live music. Destin, (850) 659-3549, edgeseafood.com $$ L D
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR
Enjoy fine dining with family and friends, offering prime steak, lobster, wine, and more. Miramar Beach, (850) 269-0830, flemingssteakhouse. com/Locations/FL/Sandestin $$$ D
THE GULF ON OKALOOSA ISLAND
Dining room, inside bar, and outside rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico; extraordinary service and cuisine by Chef Daniel Sanchez. Rosemary Beach, (850) 2134600, rooftop30a.com $$$ L D
Locally inspired food and beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting, alongside a curated vinyl record collection. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 387-1300, thegulf.com/locations/fortwalton-beach $ L D
RUNAWAY ISLAND
THE OCEAN CLUB
Crab, oysters, and grouper sandwiches in a casual, beach-bar setting, just steps away from the sand. Panama City Beach, (850) 634-4884, runawayislandpcb.com $$ L D
Storied restaurant serves fresh Gulf seafood and the finest steaks. Enjoy live music, great service, and a full bar. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-3666, theoceanclubdestin.com $$$ D
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR ★
Nestled beside Eastern Lake, find your retreat for oysters, fresh seafood fare, sushi, and other classics. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 534-3045, oldfloridafishhouse.com $$$ L D
This seafood and casual fare restaurant features classic coastal cuisine and genuine Southern hospitality plus live music daily inside the panoramic bar. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2733, shunkgulley.com $$ L D
SLICK LIPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE
Destin Ice Seafood Market & Deli 663 Harbor Blvd • Destin, FL (850) 837-8333 • destinice.com
STEAK & SEAFOOD
OLD FLORIDA FISH HOUSE
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
Classic steak and seafood dinners, New Orleansinspired. Destin, (850) 337-5108, ruthschris.com/ locations/fl/destin/destin/7396 $$$ D
SALTWATER GRILL
Family-friendly seafood and oyster bar featuring locally caught fare and nestled in picturesque Baytowne Wharf. Miramar Beach, (850) 347-5060, slicklipsseafood.com $$ L D
Fresh Gulf seafood, choice steaks, and craft martinis are anchored by this dining room’s 25,000-gallon saltwater aquarium centerpiece. Panama City Beach, (850) 230-2739,saltwatergrillpcb.com $$$ D
STINKY’S FISH CAMP
SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD ★
This seafood and wine mainstay promises Gulffresh fare. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-3053, stinkysfishcamp.com $$ L D
Premium steak, fresh seafood, and caviar. Miramar Beach, (850) 622-1500, seagars.com $$$ D
Visit our comprehensive, searchable dining guide online at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/Restaurants.
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Thank you to our amazing community for your constant support and making us a part of your day! OPen 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and beverages eastpasscoffeeco.com
121 Benning Dr., Destin
Best Sushi on the Emerald Coast! THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING US FOR,
538 HARBOR BLVD. • DESTIN • WWW.HARBORDOCKS.COM
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postscript
ETIQUETTE
HOST WITH THE MOST
Creating a sanctuary for guests by BETH SHANKLE ANDERSON
➺ TAKE STOCK Copious bath towels and blankets in guest spaces are always appreciated, and providing a choice of pillows goes a long way to helping picky sleepers feel at home. Magazines and books can keep guests occupied at night and during downtime. Chilled water with glasses is always a nice touch to make your guests feel special. You could even infuse a pitcher with citrus, cucumber, or another fruity concoction. ➺ THE GENERAL STORE Provide a stylish basket in your guest’s room with often-overlooked essentials. Include items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hand and body lotions, disposable razors, a USB-C phone charger, over-the-counter medications, and other items guests may have forgotten.
➺ FACILITATE A CONNECTION Share your Wi-Fi details with a text, notecard, or QR code upon your guest’s arrival. Guests will appreciate not having to ask for this information, and it gives them one less thing to worry about when they arrive. ➺ DAILY SPECIALS Place some local brochures or magazines in the living area or guest rooms to allow guests some choice of their activities during their stay. Also, you might place menus from your favorite restaurants to entice your guests with some local cuisine. Sharing your favorite restaurants, bars, and cafés with your guests will ensure that their experiences are fulfilling and unique.
➺ TAKE THE TEMPERATURE The house temperature that your guests prefer may conflict with your household’s. Make certain that you inform your guests of the temperature so that, if necessary, you can accommodate their rooms with fans or space heaters to make them more comfortable. EC
PHOTOS BY ISTOCK PHOTO: PROSTOCK-STUDIO (WELCOME PHOTO) AND BRIZMAKER (CLOSET); ADOBE STOCK: IFTIKHAR ALAM (BASKET ON BED)
Becoming a great host takes practice, but with these suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to becoming just that—a host who facilitates a stay to remember.
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