Emerald Coast Events | April 2019

With spring in full swing, there's so much to do! April is full of fun events and good causes. From music, to movies, to wine and food, to charity events – there's a lot to be a part of. We've listed a few of our favorite happenings below. Plan a weekend to visit, or if you're lucky enough to be local, enjoy it all!  

FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:

Sandestin Wine Festival
When: April 11th-14th

Where: Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Description: The 33rd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival will take place April 11-14, 2019. The Sandestin Wine Festival has been named the “Best Annual Event” by Destin Magazine and is known as the Best event in the Visit South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival area. The Sandestin Wine Festival at Baytowne Wharf brings an opportunity for discovery. Four days of unique events open up a wide range of experiences from attending wine dinners with celebrity chefs, participating in preview events throughout the year, and taking part in wine tastings that showcase hundreds of wines. Wine novices are able to learn more about wines and sample from a comprehensive selection in all varieties, styles, and price ranges. Wine aficionados enjoy meeting winemakers, asking detailed questions, and acquiring hard to get selections. An added bonus is the opportunity to immediately purchase your favorite selections at the ABC Fine Wine and Spirits Retail Tent at a discounted rate. Everyone gets to enjoy the live music, interactive experiences at the Culinary tents, and shops and dining of the Village of Baytowne Wharf. THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE! Purchase tickets here!

30A Sand Rover Rally

When: April 12th-13th

Where: The Gulley Amphitheater @ Gulf Place

Description: Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor adventure along with live music by many of 30A's finest. Every year, over 100 Land Rovers and assorted beach cruiser enthusiasts participate in this family-friendly event that includes thrilling trail rides, live music, vendors and more! Following last year’s schedule, the pre-party will take place 6-9 p.m. Friday, April 12, at Grayton Beer Company where participants can meet and buddy-up with trail partners. This event is free, kid-friendly and dog-friendly The rally will get going on Saturday morning at The Gulley Amphitheater in Gulf Place where you can enjoy vendors, vehicles on display, special awards, and music by 30A Radio. Attendees can also explore our local trails all day long. At the end of a long day of trail rides, head over to Shunk Gulley for food, drinks, music, and fun! For more details visit their Facebook page!

One Night, One Hope Benefit Concert
When: Saturday April 20th | 6:00-9:00pm

Where: Linkside Exhibit Hall | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Description: Enjoy a spectacular musical experience at the beautiful Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and help break the cycle of poverty. Pianist and vocalist David Seering featuring the Bobby van Deusen Trio presents "One Night, One Hope" a unique evening of an eclectic mix of tunes and re-imagined arrangements of everything from Big Band to Broadway, and beyond! Join David Seering and friends at the Linkside Exhibit Hall in Sandestin on Saturday, April 20th in the most exciting setting of a live band for a sensational musical journey through the timeless tradition of Big Band and Broadway favorites to benefit Global Effect. Purchase tickets here!

Seabreeze Jazz Festival

When: April 24-28th

Where: Aaron Bessant Park (Next to Pier Park) | Panama City Beach

Description: Named a "Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA" by JazzIZ Magazine and recently nominated as "Best Jazz Festival" at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach combines the top national smooth jazz artists with a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches, and good times - all on the west end of Panama City Beach. The event now attracts over 20,000 fans from the USA, Canada, and Europe for the ultimate performance-packed weekend of jazz. Purchase tickets here!

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

When: April 25-28th

Where: Grand Boulevard | Sandestin

Description: South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival presents great wines, fine foods, world-class tasting seminars, live music from national artists, culinary celebrities and more. It’s a weekend to escape into a lifestyle where you can be yourself, dress up or come as you are, be seen or simply lay low. Our only requirement is that you have a great time enjoying a convivial gathering at your pace and lose yourself for the weekend. Please join us! Purchase tickets here!

SandJam Fest

When: April 26-28th

Where: M.B. Miller Pier | Panama City Beach

Description: The second annual adult-alternative rock music festival will set their stages on the beautiful sugar white sands of Panama City Beach, providing the most beautiful backdrop for this spring's biggest festival. Come for the music, stay for the beaches and make long-lasting memories at SandJam presented by Pepsi. This year's headliners are Kings of Leon, Third Eye Blind and Young the Giant, with accompanying acts including Cold War Kids, Dirty Heads, the Revivalist, Anderson East, Matt and Kim, Blackberry Smoke, We The Kings and more! Purchase tickets here!

EARTH DAY EVENTS: 

Earth Day Beach Cleanup

When: Saturday, April 13th | 8:00-10:00am

Where: The Boardwalk | Okaloosa Island

Description: The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island will host a beach cleanup on Saturday, April 13th from 8 to 10 am. This free family-friendly event will feature prizes for the most cigarette butts collected, a tag an eco-buddy photo contest, and information sessions provided by the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance all in a safe and fun beach-front environment.

Beach Cleanup @ Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

When: Saturday, April 20th | 9:15am-11:30am

Where: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Description: Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for a Beach Cleanup on April 20, 2019 from 9:15a.m. - 11:30a.m. Help keep the beach safe for the threatened and endangered species that call the beach home by minimizing the impact of marine debris on the beach and in the Gulf. To register as a beach cleanup volunteer please call 850-267-8330 and provide your name, email address, phone number and number of people coming.

Destin & CBA Earth Day Cleanup

When: Saturday, April 27th | 8:00am-10:00am

Where: Norriego Point | Destin

Description: Help keep our beach beautiful! Join in a coastal cleanup on April 27th at Norriego Point in Destin for an Earth Day celebration with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and the City of Destin Government. Volunteers of all ages are invited to come together to help clean up the ecosystem by walking the beach shoreline and removing debris/trash from the beach. This event will provide an opportunity for volunteers to do something meaningful for the planet by giving back to the community and keeping our beaches clean. Click here for more info!

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Farmer's Markets

Every Saturday @ Seaside & Grand Boulevard

Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach

Seaside Central Square Cinema

When: Every Friday @ 7:30pm

Where: Seaside Amphitheater

Description: Grab a blanket and come out to the Seaside Amphitheater on Friday night for a family movie on the lawn. Free and open to the public. Check the movie schedule here! 

Kids Movie Night @ The Hub

When: Every Sunday | 7:00pm

Where: The Hub | 30A

Description: Grab a blanket and come out to The Hub on Sunday night for a family movie. Free and open to the public. Check the movie schedule here!

If you're looking for some indoor activities to do check out our additional blog post: 10 Things to Do Indoors In Destin. 

Planning to be in town? 

Let's Chat!

Emerald Coast Weekend Events | April 26th-29th

OUTDOOR ACTIVITES:

EVERY 1ST & 3RD FRIDAY

Gulf Therapy – A Community Paddle Out
When: Every 1st & 3rd Friday @ 7:00 am 
Where: Grayton Beach Florida's Scenic Hwy 30A  
Description: Join the local surf and paddle board community for a morning dose of “Gulf Therapy.” Tackle mental health issues with a simple recipe – saltwater, sun, and sand. Paddle out with the community and start the weekend off right. Salt water is always healing, therapeutic, and the perfect solution for a balanced life. This paddle out will start at the Western Lake boat launch in Grayton Beach, then head over to the Gulf where the beach connects. This way you can get comfortable paddling in the Gulf with support, or choose a mellow paddle in the lake. Adventure 30A will have paddle board rentals available for $10. If there are waves bring a surfboard!

EVERY SATURDAY 
Paddle South Walton – Weekly Paddle Excursion @ South Walton
When: Saturdays @ 8:00 am - 10:30 am 
Where: South Walton (Location changes) 
Description: This is a weekly paddle expedition open to anyone who would like to attend. Location changes every Saturday, and participants must bring their own paddle board and gear. Meet is at 8 o’clock sharp on Saturdays, and paddle departs location at 8:30 am returning to the starting location at 10:30 am. Follow the Paddle South Walton Facebook page for details about locations and dates and other special announcements. 

30A YOLO Bike Club – Excursion Ride
When: Every Saturday @ 9:00am 
Where: YOLO Board + Bike | Gulf Place Town Center | 30A 
Description: Now in its third year, the 30A YOLO Bike & Beach Club brings together locals and visitors of all skill levels for a fun and laid-back exploration of South Walton’s natural habitats. Group bike rides are free and take place every Saturday. Participants meet at the YOLO Bike + Beach Store in Gulf Place at 8:45 a.m, depart at 9:00am, then ride through the trails of Point Washington State Forest. All skill levels and bike brands are welcome – “ride what ya got!”. Bikes are available for rent. 

Happy Hour Paddle 
When: Every Saturday 3:30pm - 7:00pm
Where: Tom's Landing 
Description: Join us for a Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure offering one of the only SUP Sunset trips in the area! The trip starts at our Paddle Hut Hideawa, located just 5 minutes north of Grayton Beach. Learn the basics in our calm secluded lagoon, then paddle down the canal and out into the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay and paddle to The Bay Restaurant for Happy Hour. Arrive at the area’s hottest new hang out via paddleboard and enjoy a cold beverage & appetizer and then paddle back enjoying the sunset and looking for dolphins dancing in the Bay. Approximately a 45 minute paddle to the restaurant, we hang out there for about an hour, and paddle another 45 minutes back. All gear, professional instruction, photography, and tour guide are provided for this 3 hour adventure. Food and beverages are optional and not included in price. Please call directly to book for children age 8-12. 

FESTIVALS & EVENTS:

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival 
When: April 26th-29th

Where: Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin

Description: A dazzling roster of dozens of celebrity winemakers, distillers, chefs, brew masters and entertainers converge in South Walton, Florida to wine, dine, educate and entertain guests as part of the four-day celebration of wine. Throughout the Town Center of Grand Boulevard, attendees enjoy such attractions as Spirits Row, Rosé All Day Garden, Savor South Walton Culinary Village, Nosh Pavilions, Tasting Seminars, Craft Beer & Spirits Jam, live entertainment and more than 800 wines poured by knowledgeable wine industry insiders. This event is a major fundraiser for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more info go to: http://www.SoWalWine.com

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Fest : Craft & Spirits Jam 

When: April 27th @ 6:00pm-9:00pm

Where: Grand Boulevard

Description: As part of the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, the Craft Beer & Spirits Jam will welcome some of the most recognized master distillers in the nation and celebrate the region’s diverse offering of craft beer. On Friday, April 27, Grand Boulevard’s Town Center will be transformed into a festival and live music venue with samples of the most coveted spirits and brews. Attendees who enjoy craft beer will delight in sampling some of the signature brews as well as seasonal and specialty beers. Along EATS Street, guests will be able to nibble on a smorgasbord of savory small plate menu items prepared by a range of award-winning restaurants, eateries and food trucks. All the delicious samples will be complemented by a live performance from Gurufish. This wildly popular band is renowned for their funk/pop explosion with an extra touch of glam. Combining unforgettable melodies fused with galvanizing grooves, Gurufish creates songs that make audiences want to groove.  

Earth Day Festival
When: April 28th @ 10:00am-2:00pm

Where: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Description: Celebrate the Earth and Earth Day with the park and environmental organizations and agencies. There will be nature activities, games, animals, face painting and booths as well as music and fun. An exciting part of the event is the participation in the #Trees4Earth campaign. With the 50th anniversary of Earth Day fast approaching in 2020, Trees for the Earth campaign was launched in 2016, with a goal to plant 7.8 billion trees worldwide by 2020—one for every person projected to be on Earth. The park and event attendees will be planting trees on park property as part of this campaign. There will be tram rides to the beach and bikes, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards will also be available for rent. Park admission is free during the event.

13th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction

When: April 28th @ 1:00pm-5:00pm

Where: Grand Boulevard

Description: The 13th annual auction weekend kicks off on Friday, April 28 with 12 patron dinners, hosted in some of the most stunning homes and restaurants along the Emerald Coast, and is followed by a reserve wine tasting and live auction on Saturday afternoon. Patrons who attend the auction weekend will also be granted access to Sunday’s South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival also hosted throughout Grand Boulevard. Currently ranked #3 on the list of "Top Ten Wine Auctions in the U.S." by Wine Spectator Magazine, the Destin Charity Wine Auction connects wine enthusiasts with preeminent winemakers and chefs to help children in need in Northwest Florida. Patron packages for the 13th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction are on sale now at www.dcwaf.org.

30Avenue Concert Series

When: Every Thursday & Friday @ 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Where: 30Avenue – On the Greens
Description: Enjoy great music with friends and family on the green at 30Avenue. There will be LIVE bands 6-9 pm every Thursday and Friday night!

FARMERS MARKETS:

Every Saturday @ Seaside & Grand Boulevard

Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach

Planning to be in town? 

Let's Chat!

Just Sold | Villiage at Blue Moutain Beach | Unit 513 | 30A

2 Bedroom  |  2 Bath  |  1,022 Square Feet  | Selling Price: $224,000 

The perfect getaway...
Our wonderful client works hard on her 60 acre ranch in Alabama. In need of the perfect place to kick off her boots and get her feet in the sand, she decided on this adorable unit in The Village at Blue Mountain Beach.      

Light and bright – this charming unit in The Village at Blue Mountain Beach is just darling! A great first floor location, with easy access to parking, the pool, and of course – the beach! Complete with two bedrooms, two baths, and fully furnished... this unit makes the perfect primary residence, rental unit, or second home. Step outside to the covered patio area, perfect for entertaining or just relaxing after a long day at the beach! 

The amenities at The Village are amazing including a 5-star community pool, beautiful fitness center, shuffle board, buggy charging station, grilling area, bike racks and all of the great things that 30A locations are known for. Paradise!

          Looking to find your paradise? Give us a call!

Just Sold | Gulf Place Town Center East | Unit 220 | 30A

1 Bed  |  1 bath  |  570 Square Feet  |  Selling Price: $220,000

Another listing sold along 30A! This sweet little condo with a beach view was a pleasure to list and sell for yet another one of our wonderful clients!

Check out the details of the sale: 

Located in Gulf Place along desirable 30A and mere steps from its white, sugar-sand beaches this 2nd floor unit is fabulous! This charming one bedroom unit features high ceilings, a full kitchen, tile flooring throughout, and a spacious bathroom with garden tub. The large kitchen, dining, and living areas all flow together to create an open and airy feel. French doors lead to the cozy balcony where you can take in the Gulf views and salty sea breeze. This unit is projected to gross $24k+ in rentals.

Owners and renters at Gulf Place have access to three pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, as well as unique shopping boutiques, restaurants, concerts, and farmers markets. With everything within walking distance, they say Gulf Place is the place where distance is measured in footsteps. Paradise! 

As mentioned in our previous blog, professional photography matters! And this case was no exception. Check out the various marketing methods that we used to create a cohesive brand for this great unit. 

Email flyer sent to our database of investors, as well as an agent version for maximum exposure. 

Facebook post featuring a video tour of the property. We also post to YouTube, Google+, and Pinterest. In addition, we create a blog for your property.  

We also featured Gulf Place amenities and the surrounding lifestyle.

Interested in selling your property? 

Give us a call!

Local Events | October 2017

69th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo | October 1 - 31 | Destin Harbor

This 69-year old signature-fishing tournament highlights the diversity of fishing in the Emerald Coast’s target rich emerald green waters. It is “must-fish” tournament for locals and visitors alike in “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. Daily competition and weigh-ins keep the action going all month long. Come one – come all!



39th Annual Destin Seafood Festival | October 5 - 7 | Destin Harbor

This is so much more than a festival. It is a tribute to the rich history of the Destin Harbor. Activities taking place at the festival include fireworks, arts, crafts, fresh local food, kids' activities and live music. Approximately 70,000 locals and visitors are expected to attend this FREE festival!


The Walton County Fair | October 9-14 | Fair Grounds in DeFuniak Springs

Lots of family fun for the week! The Fair provides an opportunity for youth and adults alike to showcase their talents for artwork, handicrafts, growing crops, rearing livestock, and more! This is an excellent forum to bring the community together for great food, fun, and entertainment.

10th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival | October 13-14, 2017 | Baytowne Wharf

The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Bring together the #1 Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast, beautiful October weather and a festive beer tasting and you have a winning combination for fun in the sun at the Baytowne Beer Festival this October. Known as the “Best Beer Fest on the Emerald Coast,” this popular event features more than 40 on-site craft brewers, nearly 200 domestic and international craft beers, seminars, samplings and live music. Beer novices to beer lovers will be able to sample delicious options, including specialty, seasonal and not-yet-released beers. 

22nd Annual Festival of the Arts | Oct 28 - Oct 29 | MKAF Cultural Arts Village 

A celebration of art, music, food and family fun, the Festival will showcase the original artwork of more than 100 artists and a live music lineup, a food bistro, wine & beer garden, art activities for kids, souvenir posters and t-shirts, art raffle drawing and more!


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

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 | 48 E Milestone Drive C | 30A East

2 Bedroom  |  2 Bath  |  1,182 Square Feet  | Selling Price: $384,105

We might be a little biased, but we love that our buyers chose to purchase within Prominence along 30A! Speaking from personal experience, it really is a wonderful place to own.

Prominence is ideally situated on Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton, nestled between Seagrove Beach and Alys Beach, near Watersound developments. Residents will enjoy easy access to beautiful resort style pools, fitness center and private shuttle service to the beaches of 30A. Ride bikes to neighboring communities to dine, shop, and explore the area's natural beauty. Nearby nature preserves and miles of bike paths offer recreational opportunities to take in the area's natural beauty and experience outdoor adventures such as kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, hiking and more.

No doubt a unique perk of living at Prominence is The Hub: a local event pavilion, music venue and unique restaurant complex which doubles as the town center at Prominence. The perfect place to gather as family and friends along with it's laid back atmosphere causes this to be a perfect place to spend post-beach day afternoons or relaxed evenings, all just a few steps from home.

Click here to see more properties for sale in Prominence!

The “Aruba'' floor plan is uniquely designed to feature 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms all on one level, in addition to the garage below. This townhome has a large porch with french doors extending from the living room to the bedroom. This lovely home features touches such as: ten foot ceilings, hardwood floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. 

Photos are of comparable unit.