Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve Along the Emerald Coast

Explore the many ways to celebrate the close of 2018 and welcome the new beginnings of 2019...


HarborWalk Village New Year's Eve Street Party
When: Monday, December 31st | 7:00pm - 12:00am

Where: HarborWalk Village

Event Times: 7:00pm Flash Flood Band | 8:00pm Fireworks | 9:30pm Departure- A Journey Tribute Band | 12:00am Ball Drop & Fireworks

Ring in 2019 at HarborWalk Village’s New Year’s Eve Street Party featuring two live bands, two fireworks shows, and a ball drop over the Destin Harbor! 

HarborWalk Village is giving back this holiday season by collecting supplies and donations for those impacted by Hurricane Michael. Visit our Hurricane Relief tent and join us in recovery efforts! Donations will be given to panhandlerelief.org and Volunteer Florida. Supplies needed include: blankets, cleaning supplies, sleeping bags, tents, work gloves, winter jackets and clothes for kids, hygiene products and towels.  Outdoor events are free to attend. On-Site parking is $10.00.

Baytowne Countdown | NYE

When: Monday, December 31st | 6:00pm - 1:00am

Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Enjoy our family friendly evening from 6-8pm with face painting, kids activities, and live music on the Baytowne stage, finishing off with a fireworks display at 8pm. Ring in the New Year with an evening to remember, with two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8pm and midnight. Dance the night away to live music until 1am, featured on the Events Plaza Stage. You don’t want to miss The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s end-of-the-year celebration!  

After the kid friendly evening and 8pm fireworks show, take the kids over to Magnolia Ball Room at the Grand Conference Center for a fun place to let your kids hang out! 

From 6:30pm -1:00am kids will enjoy a pizza party with juice boxes, a bounce house, movies on the projector screen, Xbox one games, crafts, scooters, and more! 

Kids must be 4-12 years of age to attend Kids Night Out.

$70 per child for the entire night or $20 per child per hour.  

For more information or to make a reservation please call 850.267.7000 or email taylorpowell@sandestin.com.

SunQuest Cruises New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise 

When: Monday, December 31st | 8:00pm - 12:30am

Where: Baytowne Marina | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Ring in the New Year in true Emerald Coast style! Celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard SunQuest Cruises’ SOLARIS yacht with a dine, dance, cruise and fireworks experience like no other. The SOLARIS New Year’s Eve Destin Fireworks, Dancing and Dinner Cruise is an all-inclusive event for $150 per person, including a 4½ hour cruise, five-course meal, live entertainment, fireworks, party favors and champagne toast. 
Reservations for Destin New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise required online or calling 850.650.2519.

Countdown Seaside | NYE Celebration

When: Monday, December 31st | 7:00pm - 12:30am

Where: Seaside Amphitheater | 30A

Ring in the New Year in Seaside! The annual Countdown Seaside event features live music, children's activities including face painting and crafts, and of course fireworks at midnight! 
Music starts at 8pm and 2019 will be welcomed with a fireworks spectacular over the Gulf of Mexico. Make sure you arrive early to set out your blankets and chairs for the perfect spot!


Adios 2018 - New Year's Even Dinner
When: Monday, December 31st | 5:00pm - 11:00pm

Where: Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl | Rosemary Beach | 30A

The Pearl Hotel’s signature restaurant will ring in the new year with a special five-course Gulf Coast American cuisine menu from Executive Chef James Neale, celebratory champagne service, and ambient live entertainment. Guests can dine in the lively, yet intimate dining room amplified by the hand-carved mahogany bar or on the outdoor veranda, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise waters and Main Street. 
$95++ per adult | $60++ per child (12 and under); Reservations are required. 

After tasting and toasting to 2019, guests can continue their celebrations at the stylish Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge, cozied up together on a cabana or near a fire pit under Florida’s starry skies. For more info, visit the website.

NYE Beach Ball Drop @ Pier Park

When: Monday, December 31st | 5:30pm - 12:00am

Where: Pier Park in Panama City Beach

The holiday season may be coming to a close, but there’s still time for one last bash. Come to Pier Park for the annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop. Celebrate New Year’s Eve by the beach as we commemorate the 11th anniversary of this exciting tradition. Admission is free to this thrilling event and you can enjoy live music, two breathtaking fireworks displays and 10,000 beach balls dropped into the crowd on Pier Park Drive. Bring the family and your closest friends to ring in the New Year at Pier Park!

NYE Fireworks at The Boardwalk

When: Monday, December 31st | 8:00pm - 8:15pm

Where: The Boardwalk | Okaloosa Island

The perfect way to celebrate the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 with family, friends, and the little ones, featuring a bedtime-friendly 8pm fireworks show! While you're there head over to the Crab Trap deck for the kid's play zone. They'll have games, 2019 resolution worksheets, party hats, and noisemakers galore!

Lulu's Noon Years Eve

When: Monday, December 31st | 10:00am - 3:00pm

Where: Lulu's | Destin

Mark your calendars for LuLu’s Annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration just for kids! It will be non-stop kid-friendly fun for the whole family, with excitement around every corner as LuLu’s celebrates and rings in the New Year. There will be a sandcastle building contest, arts & crafts, inflatables, face painting, live music, and more on the sandy beach. So the kiddies can have their fun, countdown to Noon with kid-safe “fireworks” and a huge Beach Ball Drop. 

LuLu’s is located in Destin at the foot of the Mid Bay Bridge, next to Legendary Marina. For more on the Noon Year’s Eve celebration, call (850) 710-5858. 

Planning to be in town? 

Let's chat!

Local Life: Farmers Markets

We love to support local business in any way we can. So what better way than by heading to the local farmers markets where you can find delicious fresh foods and homemade goods. Buying local foods is a simple way to improve your health, your community, and the environment, all at the same time. Local food doesn't suffer the "jet lag" of produce trucked across the country. It puts more money back into the local economy and saves a whole lot of gas. Who knew by buying an ear of corn or a fresh tomato you could do all that? 

Coming to the farmers market makes shopping a pleasure rather than a chore. The farmers market is a community hub - a place to meet up with your friends, bring your children, and visit with the friendly farmers, makers and bakers. A regular trip to a farmers market is one of the best ways to connect with where your food comes from. Meeting and talking to farmers and food artisans is a great opportunity to learn more about how and where food is produced, and creates a greater sense of appreciation for the hard work put into growing and harvesting the freshest of foods. 

There is quite the variety found at our local farmers markets. Take a stroll through the beautiful park like settings, trailing along the lines of stalls to find fresh from the farm produce including dairy, honey, eggs, grass-fed beef, beef, chicken, and pork. You can even find fresh local seafood, crab cakes, tuna and shrimp dips. There is homemade hummus, veggie dips, hot sauces, salsa's, guacamole and homemade tortilla chips. Jams, preserves, pickled veggies, BBQ sauces, marinades, mustards, flavored and smoked salts, cheeses, homemade pastas and sauces, artisan breads and desserts (some organic,gluten free, and Non-GMO) from around the world. Cold pressed organic juices, handmade crepes, and prepared ready-to-eat foods. Don't forget to treat yourself to some homemade soaps and lotions. There are even pet treats for your furry friends too! 

Though we live in a relatively small area we are fortunate to have quite a few farmers markets in our area. Just another reason to love the areas of 30A and Destin! Make your way to one (or all) of these local farmers markets: 

The 30A Farmers Market is an International Farmers Market Event, featuring foods from around the world, as well as wth delicious food from the South. 30A Farmers Market has weekly markets in three locations in South Walton:

30A Farmers Market at Rosemary Beach | Sundays 9am-1pm 

30A Farmers Market at 30Avenue | Thursdays 9am-1pm 

Grand Boulevard Farmers Market | Saturdays 9am-1pm

The Seaside Farmers Market is comprised of local growers and craftspeople who offer food and other products that are healthy and environmentally conscious. They have a weekly year-round schedule:

Seaside Amphitheater | Seasonal Hours: 

Spring and Summer | Saturdays/Tuesdays 8am-12pm 

Fall and Winter | Saturdays 9am-1pm

Just Sold | Lot | 77 Pelayo Street | 30A East

Lot Dimensions: 50x135  |  Acreage: 0.15  |  Selling Price: $275,000

We're happy to have assisted our buyers in the purchase of this lot located in Gulf Shore Manor – just to the east of Highway 395.

Convenience and location are key in this fantastic 30a luxury neighborhood. Our buyers are sure to enjoy the short distance to popular spots like Seaside and Watercolor. Just a short walk to the beach where the beauty of the white sandy beaches and clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico never get old. This location makes for an excellent vacation rental property or second home. One of the very nice features is having a low density neighborhood that is so close to the big attractions like Watercolor (just 1 mile to the west) and beach at the end of the street. Santa Clara Regional Beach Access is just steps away from the neighborhood. At this beach you’ll find lifeguards, handicapped access, restrooms, showers and pure relaxation. Paradise!

Click here to see more land for sale in Gulf Shore Manor!

Click here to see homes for sale in Gulf Shore Manor!

Compact. Connected. Convenient.

These adjectives are the core of the current American lifestyle, and we have discovered that these are prominent buyer's hot buttons. Buyers are looking for communities that ameliorate the strains of a demanding and often hurried life. 

Current buyers don't want to drive long distances to work and then drive more to shop, eat, or play. Many second-home buyers and investors are also looking for these master-planned communities. They want to walk, ride a bike or take a quick trip on a golf cart to a location within their communities or to a venue close by. Entertainment, shopping, and recreation are dominant features of these communities. 

Master-planned communities have been around for decades, but in the last few years, the demand has increased dramatically. Buyers of all ages are looking for micro-communities that offer beautifully landscaped environs and mixed-used properties. 

Locally, communities like Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, and Sandestin are experiencing growth much like we saw at the peak. The newest developments at the beach incorporate these buyer demands. Sales are soaring in these type of communities. 

Jay and I purchased a vacation home at Prominence on the eastern side of Scenic Highway 30A. We love the lifestyle, and everything on 30A is just a golf cart ride away. The convenience of the location, with the HUB at the center, and the appreciation potential were our biggest hot buttons. 

What do you think? Have any questions? Need more info? Let us know!

July 4th Fireworks Along the Emerald Coast

On July 4th, fireworks celebrations will take place all along the Emerald Coast. Some of the celebrations take place before the 4th of July, so you can catch multiple fireworks shows. Check out the list below for many places along the Emerald Coast where you can celebrate! 

Destin 

Smoke on the Coast – July 3, 2017 – 9:00 pm – Start your Independence Day early at Destin Commons with great BBQ, live music, street performers, and kids activities. This 6th annual event benefits local charities. There will be 16 area restaurants and BBQ teams competing in the BBQ competition fighting for the People’s choice award of best BBQ on the Emerald Coast. BBQ tastings and live music starts at 5:00 pm and samples are $1 each. Fireworks are at 9:00 pm.

Red, White, and Baytowne – July 4, 2017 – 9:15 pm – The fireworks show at Baytowne Wharf starts at 9:15 pm, but the fun and celebration begins at 6:00 pm with kids activities, live music, and more!

4th of July Fireworks over the Harbor – July 4, 2017 – 9:00 PM – Enjoy a patriotic fireworks display at HarborWalk Village on Independence Day. Enjoy live music starting at 7PM. 

Seaside

Seaside 4th of July Celebration – July 4, 2017 – 8:30 PM – The annual Seaside Independence Day parade starts at 8:00 AM and goes from Seagrove to the Seaside Amphitheater. Kick back and enjoy live music by the Victory Belles at 7PM, followed by the fireworks show at 8:30 PM.

Alys Beach

4th of July Concert & Fireworks – July 4, 2017 – 9:00 PM – Starting at 6:00 PM, there will be live music by The Bucktown All-Stars with the fireworks show around 9PM. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 

Rosemary Beach

Fourth of July Celebration – Start bright and early with our Bike Decorating Contest & Breakfast. (7:30 AM) followed by the Bike Parade throughout the Town Center (8:30 AM). Enjoy an old-fashioned family field day on Western Green with sack races, water balloon toss, games prizes and more (9:00 AM). Rock to the sounds of the different decades with our band the “Like Totally” Hep Cats on Western Green (6:00 PM). Enjoy a star spangled fireworks display from the beach courtesy of the Rosemary Beach Property Owners Association (8:45 PM). Blankets and Lawn Chairs are welcome.

Fort Walton Beach

4th of July at the Fort Walton Beach Landing – July 4, 2017 – 8:45 – Beginning at 4pm, there will be live music, entertainment, food, merchandise vendors, kids activities, and more. Fireworks launch at 8:15PM, followed by live music by Continuum!

Navarre Beach

4th of July Fireworks on Navarre Beach – July 4, 2017 – 9:00 PM (or dark) – Fireworks will launch from Navarre Beach Marine Park and will be visible from both the beach and the sound side east and west of the Navarre Beach Causeway bridge.

Niceville – Valparaiso

Twin Cities Fireworks Show over Boggy Bayou – July 4, 2017 – DUSK – The fireworks will be launched over Boggy Bayou at Dusk. There will be plenty of kids activities such a train ride, bounce house, and a water slide. Bring the whole family and spend the day celebrating Independence Day! The most popular places for public viewing of the annual fireworks show are Lincoln Park, Lions Park, and the Turkey Creek area in Niceville. Parking is limited.

Can’t Make July 4th Fireworks?

July 5 – Fireworks From Okaloosa Fishing Pier – Fort Walton Beach, FL

May Sales Market Highlights

May was quite the busy month.. with the end of Spring and leading into the Summer season it's no surprise! 

We had an active May ourselves. We sold our listing at 313 Sand Myrtle Trail, worked with buyers in the sale of 71 Nelly Street, and got 8 new listings on the market . We've also been working closely with our buyers and sellers in preparation for the busy summer market. We're loving the activity this year and can't wait to hustle our way right into summer! This is a great time to perform some due diligence regarding purchasing property. We are getting a new influx of inventory daily. Some great opportunities are out there right now. The daily hot sheet has new listings hitting the market every day. Let us know if you would like to receive updates on the market! 

Check out the area sales highlights for the month of May:

The highest priced condo sold within the areas of Okaloosa Island, Destin, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, and 30A was: 

Sanctuary By the Sea • Unit 1128

30A West

$2,250,000

4 Bed/4.5 Bath 

4,003 Square Feet 




The highest priced home sold within the areas of Okaloosa Island, Destin, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, and 30A was: 

87 Green Street 

30A East

$6,300,000 

7 Bed/8 Bath/2 Half Bath

5,700 Square Feet

Beach Access – Somewhere For Everyone

Undoubtedly the best part of where we live is the beach. We are "The Emerald Coast". Widely known around the world for our miles and miles of sugar white sand and gorgeous emerald waters. Our sand is so fine and clean that it squeaks underfoot. Home to 15 coastal dune lakes, a geographical feature so rare that it only exists in a handful of places on Earth. But perhaps one of the most amazing things about our beaches is that the very best belong to you, the beach-loving public. 

Many of the condos built on the Gulf have deeded beach front, and while there is a benefit to owning within these communities, that doesn't mean they're the only place worth owning. There are a number of public beach accesses in Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay counties making sure that no matter where you live or own the beach is always easily accessible. 

Finding your perfect beach is easy when you have so many choices. South Walton alone has over 50 beach and bay access locations along its 26 miles of shoreline. Types of access vary, so be sure to check before you go. 

Regional Beach Access – Includes parking, restrooms, and several are ADA accessible. Each regional beach access point also has a flag indicating current surf conditions. Lifeguards are on duty at several of the regional beaches between the months of March and September. 

Neighborhood Beach Access – Neighborhood beach access is primarily for walk-­up traffic. Many of these also have flags indicating current surf conditions. 

Click here for a full list and map of the beach and bay accesses in South Walton!  

Click here for a list of the beach accesses in Destin!

When we list your property one of the features we highlight is the closest beach access available. When you are looking to buy, we will be sure to show you where you can find your favorite beach. After all, we sell paradise!

The Benefits of Owning A Second Home

If you already own a house, you probably have a pretty good idea about the rights, responsibilities, and financial obligations of homeownership. And if your experience as a homeowner has been a generally positive one, you might have toyed with the idea of buying a second piece of property. 

Why should you consider buying a second home? 

Four reasons spring to mind: Finances, Fun, Family & Future. 

Finances. In addition to the tax benefits of owning a second home, a rental property can boost your finances, giving you cash flow each month. And while all assets fluctuate in value in the short term, vacation properties are more likely to retain their value and appreciate simply because they are located in popular areas with a geographically limited supply. There is a finite shoreline on which houses and condos can be built, and only 18 holes on a golf course. 

Fun. A vacation home can be loads of fun, serving as a place to stir memories, relationships, and good times. With the endless activities to do in our area - most of which are outdoors - it not only serves as a ton of fun, but helps keep you active and healthy. 

Family. Our area is known for drawing families together and serving as a place where they can get away from it all and create a rich heritage of wonderful memories and tradition. There is something about the salty sea breeze, warm beach days, and sunset beach walks that are forever cherished by those who experience them. The intangible benefit of owning and passing property from generation to generation – especially a home that has been and will continue to be the site of many happy gatherings – is incalculable. 

Future. Lastly, you can buy a second home for your golden years, locking in your future retirement home at today's prices. 

Are you thinking about investing in a second home now or in the future? Feel free to let me know and I'll be happy to walk you through the process and help you find the perfect property.

March Sales Market Highlights

March was quite the busy month.. with the start of Spring and the busy season it's no surprise! 

We had an active March ourselves. We sold a total of 7 properties in March - 4 of which were our listings. We're loving this busy season and can't wait to hustle our way through spring! This is a great time to perform some due diligence regarding purchasing property. We are getting a new influx of inventory daily. Some great opportunities are out there right now. The daily hot sheet has new listings hitting the market every day. Let us know if you would like to receive updates on the market! 

Check out the area sales highlights for the month of March:

The highest priced condo sold within the areas of Okaloosa Island, Destin, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, and 30A was: 

Seaside • 45 Central Square • Unit B2 

30A East

$2,000,000

4 Bed/3.5 Bath 

2,805 Square Feet 




The highest priced home sold within the areas of Okaloosa Island, Destin, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, and 30A was: 

3225 Bay Estates Drive 

Sandestin

$7,350,000 

5 Bed/5.5 Bath 

8,020 Square Feet

Anticipating Spring

The year has started off great for the Sold in Paradise Team! We have had lots of calls and emails from buyers interested in checking out the market and from sellers considering listing this spring. Thinking about buying real estate in 2017? If so, we know how important it is to listen to your requirements and customize a search specific to those needs. Some buyers are looking for savvy real estate investments that will cash flow; some are hoping to find the perfect second home for the family. Some are looking for a full-time family residence.

Downsizing, upsizing, or investing-our knowledge of the market and the art of the deal will net you the best deal possible.

We know the nature of the market and will provide comparable sales, interpretation, and expertise to the process. We have years of market and transaction experience. By working with us you will have an advisor representing your best interest, and the seller pays our commission.

This is a great time to perform some due diligence regarding purchasing property. We are getting a new influx of inventory daily. Some great opportunities are out there right now. The daily hot sheet has new listings hitting the market every day. Let us know if you would like to receive updates on communities of interest.

The Sold in Paradise Team will continue to monitor the market and help our clients find the best deals. Have questions? Need advice? Need real estate? Call, text, or email today!

The History of SEASIDE

" When I closed my eyes and let my mind wander, I could almost feel the sea breezes evaporating the moisture on my skin. I could recall the special pleasure of relaxing on a porch rocker after a shower at the end of the day on the beach. "

Robert Davis reminiscing on his summer family vacations on the Gulf Coast. 

You know Seaside now. The pastel houses. The picket fences. The families riding to the ice cream shop, bike following bike following bike. It seems impossible to imagine, but long before what you see today, Seaside was just a dream. A dream that started with one man. 

J.S. Smolian had always had an intense connection to this part of the Gulf Coast. The sugar white sand. The turquoise blue water. He loved the way this place pulled his family together. The magical way it synced them. He loved watching his grandchildren become brilliant beach castle architects. He loved watching his children become themselves again. 

The well-deep connection was so strong that in 1946, he bought 80 of its acres. Undeveloped land dense with live oaks and scrubby brush, barely navigable but for a couple of dirt paths. J.S. had a vision for the acres. A dream, really. He had peered into that untamed territory and recognized a certain grace. An elegance. His plan was a summer camp. A destination he could share. The plan never materialized, however. The land rested. 

Until 1978, when J.S. deeded the 80 acres to his grandson, Robert Davis. Robert knew the connection. He had felt the same magic J.S had. His memories of gulf beach summer nights spent here on wide porches were as indelible as the sound of the waves or the sea breezes drying his arms after a swim. They were idyllic. Simple. Robert shared his grandfather's dream. This could only be a place to share. He made his own plan. A town seamlessly tied by a common sense of community. 

In 1981, Seaside was born. Over 30 years after J.S. first acted on his dream, Robert realized his own. It was the dream we all have for life itself. Simple. Beautiful. Graceful. Elegant. 

35 years later, we celebrate as the Seaside dream continues. 

Source: www.seasidefl.com