SoWal Scene - South Walton County, Florida Blog

Adieu - Ball's Out Sports Bar on Hwy 331 S

Alas, the rumor is true - Ball's Out Sports Bar - which recently moved to a new location on Hwy 331 S in the old Seabar location at the foot of the bridge - has officially shut their doors.  Why?  I do not know but if their customer service skills were as poor as they were when I called earlier to find out more details about the closing and was hung up on - this is one of my biggest pet peeves - I could see how they may have had an issue.  But hey, I guess I would be pissy, too, if I had to shut down so I won't hold it against them.

Ball's Out was previously located at 4942 US Highway 98 W in the strip mall that also houses Chopstix and Don Pedros.  They always had a big crowd in that location - and I had heard they were successful - so many wondered why they would decide to move when they were doing so well.  Why did they move?  Did the business not follow them to their new location on Hwy 331 S?  Was there legal issues that forced them to close?  Are they opening again in another location?  We are all left to wonder.

Adieu, Balls Out.

News and Gossip from Around South Walton

The SoWal Scene's Best of South Walton window decals are in! (see one here)  The winners of the popular polls - voted #1 by SoWal Scene readers - will receive one to put front and center on their store front so the world knows we think they rock!  Look for them over the next few weeks.

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Celebrity Sighting!  Olivier and I caught a glimpse of Laurie Hickson-Smith of Discovery Channel's Trading Spaces in the Publix at WaterColor Crossings recently.  She noticed us staring at her and gave us a little smile - I was embarrassed for gawking.  Sorry Laurie!  She was doing some grocery shopping with her kiddos.  Welcome to the beach!

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I bumped into Dave Rauschkolb, owner of that South Walton institution known as Bud and Alley's and The Taco Bar at Seaside, at the Fonville Press at Alys Beach this morning.  He told me he is opening a pizza place in the vacant location where Café Spiaggia used to be in Seaside this October!  He just returned from a research trip in Naples, Italy and plans on offering authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan 'za - YUM!  Right now, the name of the place is "The Pizza Bar" but he is open to possibly naming it something else.  Keep us updated, Dave!

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Speaking of new restaurants, Olivier spoke with fellow chef, Shayne Vaughan - formerly of Criollas Restaurant - and it appears Shayne is opening his place this fall in the space where Fabrice used to be on Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach.  Shayne, a native of Australia, is naming the restaurant "A Taste of Oz" in a nod to his heritage.  I wonder if  he will be serving Vegemite and kangaroo steaks?  Just kidding.  Whatever Shayne does serve I'm sure will be outstanding as he is incredibly talented behind the stove.  Keep us posted, Shayne!

Related Posts:

• News from around South Walton - July 24
• Et Cetera - July 14
• Et Cetera - June 30

News from Around South Walton

Attention Restaurateurs - Amoré - a pizzeria in Gulf Place is for sale! Proprietors and local South Walton residents Amory and Lauren Basford are moving north (to Georgia), giving someone with a love for pizza and the restaurant business a wonderful opportunity to own this quaint spot.  For more information, call Amory at 850.267.2202.

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Free Bubbly on your Birthday!  Swede over at La Botana in Seagrove Beach (4281 E. Scenic 30A | 850.231.0716) told me they have a new promo going on for customers - head on over to their fab-u-lishous Mexican tapas restaurant any night during the week of your birthday, Monday through Sunday, and enjoy a complimentary bottle of Champagne with your dinner!  I love how Swede put it, "No cheesy birthday song with a candled cupcakes here, we at La Botana are treating you and yours right, with a bottle of Veuve de Vernay, lets get bubbly all night!"

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ZOË Magazine now on stands!  I heard from Owner/Publisher Mary Ann Rundo -  ZOË Magazine, a free lifestyle magazine for women, hit newsstands July 1 and can be found all around South Walton county.  The mission of ZOË is to offer unique insight, advice and authentic stories meant to inspire and motivate women in their quest for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.  Look for regular features such as What's Cooking - tasty recipes and ideas for busy women; Pish Posh -fashion; An Apple a Day - articles on health and fitness; All About Me - making time for yourself; Off the Beaten Path - featuring local businesses and hidden gems of the Emerald Coast; and The Arts - an inside look at local artists, songwriters, and theaters on the Emerald Coast.  Congrats, Mary Ann!

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New Art Gallery Opening in Seaside August 1 Inspired….art for the soul, a new gallery in Seaside’s Ruskin place is celebrating its grand opening on August 1st with an international event! Featuring designer, E. Aminata Brown, and two Ghanaian women from the African collective Aminata founded in 2000, Inspired invites everyone to get global by enjoying authentic live African music performed by Ogya Band from Chattanooga, TN, tasting unique African cuisine and viewing wonderful textile art.  Inspired…art for the soul. 201 E. Ruskin Place. Seaside. 850-231-0553.

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Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Inc, publisher of VIE magazine, has been experimenting with a four-day work week this summer in the interest of reducing its carbon footprint, spending less on fuel and offering refreshing three-day weekends for its staff. The new schedule has proved to be beneficial and will be in place until further notice.

Additionally, the growing Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Inc. recently expanded its team.

• Hui-Ting Tang, Graphic/Web Designer.
• Jim Ryan, Account Executive VIE people+places magazine.

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Meet the Artists this Saturday!  Meet Famed Artists Hunt Slonem and Richard Sexton at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art @ WaterColor Saturday, July 26, from 5-7pm.  The first Artists’ Reception of it's kind, painter Hunt Slonem and photographer Richard Sexton will be on hand to talk about their exhibitions at the new satellite branch of New Orleans’ Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

Related Posts:

• Et Cetera - July 14
• Et Cetera - June 30
• Et Cetera - June 24

A unique & beautiful venue for your wedding - Weatherall Fine Art Weddings in Santa Rosa Beach

Curtis Weatherall of Weatherall Fine Art and his wife, Heather, have a neat venue and service for brides and grooms as well as lovebirds who want to celebrate their anniversary with family and friends at their gallery on Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach - Weatherall Fine Art Weddings.

The gallery provides the perfect setting for an upscale wedding and celebration, accommodating up to 100 guests inside and out under a tent, creating an exquisite atmosphere for your event. They offer complete wedding ceremony and reception packages for the destination bride or they can tailor their services to meet your needs.  Have your wedding ceremony here or at the beach, a short stroll away, then celebrate with family and friends in this sophisticated venue.

I caught up with Heather recently to ask more about Weatherall Fine Art Weddings.

Do you help brides to be with all the details of their reception?

Yes, I am personally involved with all the details of each wedding and reception at Weatherall Fine Art. Many of our brides are either very busy or from out-of-town so they want me to coordinate the wedding day for them. I offer complete packages for the wedding ceremony and reception but the bride and groom may be involved as much as they like. I really try to get an idea of their style and dream for their wedding day because expectations are unique to each couple. I want their wedding to be special to them and their family. I really enjoy making their wedding day everything that they have dreamed of! It is definitely a passion of mine.

Can people hold their wedding there as well?

Yes, most couples choose to get married on the beach at sunset, which is within walking distance to the gallery, and then celebrate with the reception at the gallery. But some couples prefer to have both the wedding ceremony and reception at the gallery. The gallery is always a backup to the beach for the ceremony in event of rain. Our packages include the ceremony at either location.

How many people does the space accommodate?

Weatherall Fine Art can accommodate up to 100 guests. The gallery has both indoor and outdoor space that can be utilized for the event. The outdoor space can accommodate a 40x40 tent set up if the couple prefers. There is also a two bedroom honeymoon suite located above the gallery that can serve as a lovely honeymoon for the couple.

What about other events - bridesmaid luncheons, anniversary parties, etc??

We have hosted anniversary parties, bridesmaid luncheons and rehearsal dinners in addition to weddings at Weatherall Fine Art. The gallery is a wonderful venue for just about any upscale event.

Weatherall Fine Art Weddings is located at 3730 Scenic 30-A West, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.  Their phone is 850-419-3962.  Their website is www.weatherallfineartweddings.com.

Related Information:

• Weddings in South Walton
  

Business in South Walton - Starbucks closing in Rosemary Beach & WaterColor - Say it ain't so!

A few weeks ago, Olivier mentioned he had been hearing rumors that the Starbucks at Rosemary Beach AND WaterColor were slated to close as part of a major downsizing the company was undertaking in response to the sluggish U.S. economy.  Alas, the rumors were laid to rest a few days ago.  Starbucks released a list of 616 company-owned U.S. stores to be closed and - gulp - Rosemary Beach and WaterColor are on the list.

When Olivier first told me the rumor, my initial response at the time was something like...

"Aaaahhh...well, that is the stupidest rumor I've heard in a long time, my love!  Geesh."

My denial had kicked in - I'm an unashamed brand snob and Starbucks is right up there for me - their Café Americano is my absolute favorite coffee drink in the world - and Starbucks at WaterColor as it is an adorable location and really convenient for me as they have lots of parking and outdoor seating, making it a practical place to meet friends or clients.  My denial skewed my rationale on this matter, looking something like this: 

• Rationale: Every time I stopped in at either location, there were customers, sometimes in a line that went out the door! 
  Truth: OK OK - that was usually only up until around noon but when they were busy, they were busy!
  
• Rationale: Both stores are in some of the best "prime" South Walton commercial locations on Scenic 30A!  Most businesses would love to be in those spots! 
  Truth:  30A commercial lease prices are unjustifiably as high as some major metropolitan areas around the country, thanks to the run up in real estate pricing a few years ago which is still adjusting itself.
  
• Rationale: I'm sure they had put a chunk of change into renovations and space costs.  Why would they close down and lose their past, and future, investment?
  Truth: It's either close 616 company-owned stores now or die.  Plus, they can always re-enter the market in the future (which they will).

So, what does this tell us about the state of the economy - not only in South Walton - but the country at large?

“George’s at Alys Beach” to Open on July 18

[ **See Review of George's at Alys Beach HERE ]

Alys Beach, Florida – (July 10, 2008) – In March, a building formerly known to locals as Sandor’s Restaurant was lifted from its foundation in Seagrove and then transported down Scenic 30A to a brand new home in Seagrove Village Market Café. “Part of 30A’s soul is in that building.”

Located directly on 30A, George’s menu features both "be-have" and "mis-be-have" options. Those feeling like "misbehaving" can enjoy selections such as fried or wood-grilled seafood baskets, Po-boys, George's Famous Grouper Sandwich, Senora Anna's Fish Tacos and an item called "The Best Burger on 30A.” Those preferring to "behave" will enjoy fresh Tuna Salad Niçoise, Coconut Shrimp salad, wood-grilled tofu on a bed of veggie soba noodles, rilled veggie plates and a variety of healthy wraps.

“We just love living in Alys Beach, and it's so exciting to be the first merchants here in what will ultimately become the new Town Center,” said Ann Hartley.

The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor dining, and will be open for lunch from 11am until 3pm and for dinner from 5pm until 9pm, every day except Sunday.

For more information, please call 866-481-8387.

Related Post:

• Beach Eats Beat - George's at Alys Beach (with lunch menu)
• Sandor's Building Moving to Alys Beach
• Beach Eats Beat: Seagrove Village Market

Business in South Walton - The As Seen On TV Phenomenon

I took one of my boys to Pier Park a few weekends ago to grab some dinner and spend some time together.  If you haven't been to Pier Park yet (in Panama City Beach on Hwy 98/Front Beach Road), you should.  It's HUGE - and growing still.  Lots to see and do. 

Anyhow, after dinner we walked around and did some shopping.  One store we went into was the "As Seen On TV" store - you know, all of those you-didn't-know-you-needed-it gadgets they hawk on those late night infomercials?  Well, this is a the brick and mortar store that sells all of that crapola. 

For an entrepreneur with a passion for marketing, I quickly realized I had totally underestimated the brand power of  "As Seen On TV".  As I walked the aisles, I wasn't drawn to the seemingly thousands of flimsy, cheap tools, products and fitness equipment I had seen on TV.  I was drawn to the social psychology taking place around me.  Everyone I passed was smiling or saying "aaahhh" as they handled the merchandise or were excitingly talking - and some even attaching a story to the products  - a marketers absolute dream!  "Oooh...my...GOD!  I remember exactly the first time I saw the Hairagami on TV!!  I was in 5th grade and....." - "Oh yes, Bev, the Aqua Globe saved my plants when I had to leave to my great uncle's funeral last year.  It really works."  The store was abuzz with conversation and activity - excited energy.  Home run for As Seen On TV!

Anyone who invents something - opens a business - creates something prays to the heavens above that their baby will elicit this kind of response in their customers.  And usually - but not always as the As Seen On TV store experience reminded me - it is pretty apparent who "gets it" and who doesn't; whose business will succeed and whose won't; whose invention will make them filthy rich and whose won't.  Be it aesthetics and ambiance, a superior end product, incredible customer service or, in the case of As Seen On TV, great promotion, it's still attention to the details that separate good from great in the end.  The superstars are masters of details - of reading between the lines - and exploiting that.

So, who are the businesses in South Walton that get me "oohing" and "aahing"?  Here are some that I label "Masters of the Details".  Frequent their businesses and you will, I'm sure, see why.  Enjoy.

Adieu - Locanda Italiana Ristorante in Santa Rosa Beach

Gosh - I just HATE to see that - the ominous "For Lease" sign in a restaurant that had excellent food but just couldn't survive.  I drove by Locanda Italiana (4942 Hwy 98W in the strip mall with Don Pedros and Chopstix) yesterday and noticed the sign on both the restaurant and the attached Coliseum Bar. 

Opened in 2007 by three Italian men - Lorenzo Pacifico, Vittorio Gianni and master chef Alfonso Di Bonito - the menu was authentic southern Italian cuisine with a special emphasis on seafood.  OK...so I cannot tell a lie - I had never been there - but I had only heard rave reviews about it which is why it is heart-breaking to think maybe they didn't survive.  My hope is that they moved to a new location - I shouldn't start rumors that they are totally kaput as I don't know this - but when I called their number it said the number is no longer in service and didn't give a forwarding number.  Not a good sign.

You know, it is perplexing why some businesses work and others don't.  Some times there definitely are obvious reasons - bad location, lack of marketing or lack of quality marketing, sucky food, bad atmosphere - but more times than not, there are no real reasons, or at least not enough logical ones to fully answer "why".  Hmmmm......

The Battle of the Bikini Line at The Aesthetic Clinique

Hangups - we all have 'em.  And if you say you don't?  Sorry - you are either a narcissist or you are lying.  Hangups are just part of the human condition - nothing to be ashamed of here.  If it's not your cottage cheese legs, it's your bald spot, your crooked teeth, your hairy back, your bulbous nose, your junk-in-the-trunk butt, your frizzy hair, your third chin, your stumpy toes ... and on and on.  If it's a body part, someone out there has a hang up about it.

I have to admit one of my biggies has always been my - ahem - outta control bikini line.  Unless you suffer from this condition, I can't explain how embarrassing this is, not to mention the painful lengths one must go to in order to manage and hide the overgrowth if a trip to the beach in a suit is going to be a possibility.  Tweezing, Epilady (that little torture device that rotates like 35 tweezers and pulls the hair out at the root), frequent waxing - all of it hurts like a MF but are the only things that actually work.  No pain, no gain as they say.  And forget shaving - the in-grown hairs and razor bumps are not only terribly unsightly, they have a host of their own issues like infection (I know, it's horrid).

Needless to say, when I heard The Aesthetic Clinique (850.622.1214) - a boutique medi-spa with two locations, one at Redfish Village and the other at Rosemary Beach - had moved to South Walton and offered Laser Hair Removal, I was absolutely overjoyed!   I had always considered electrolysis but laser is so much quicker!  And I thought if I could use the Epilady on my bikini line without screaming or crying, a few quick laser treatments would be a piece of cake.  I saved up for 4 treatments (note 6 is recommended) and made my appointment. 

So, what was my experience like?

Now Open in Seaside :: Raw and Juicy - Juice for a Personal Revolution

Open for Business in South Walton county

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone - it signals the beginning of our peak tourist season in South Walton - and I was thrilled to see so many part-timers and visitors enjoying our beaches, eating in local restaurants, shopping, hanging out, relaxing...

Locals were out in droves as well - the weather was gorgeous.  It seemed as if collectively we took a break from the grind, shelving the stress of trying to navigate through this painful economic downtown for a few short days. There was a great vibe all around town, giving our area a much needed shot of optimism and hope about our impending season.

More significant in this picture, though, is the fact that there are a flurry of new businesses that have opened in the past month, many of which started their advertising campaigns this weekend.  Historically, this has been the preferred time to launch a new venture in South Walton but I personally wasn't sure if we would see much happening on this front in 2008 with the national economy where it is and where it seems to be headed in the short term.  How relieved I was to see the annual cycle continue and not break down this year!  I believe it shows our local economy is healthy - entrepreneurs want to continue to invest in our area - and reconfirmed to me that we are going to be OK.

So I welcome our newest business members into our fine community.  Let's all support them as much as we possibly can!  Welcome to South Walton!

• Raw and Juicy - Seaside Town Center (in the AirStream on 30A).  Organic juices and smoothies.
• The Love Shack - 306 Bald Eagle Drive in Santa Rosa Beach, 850.267.0399.  Restaurant.
• Blu Wave Hair Color Company - 8955 US Hwy 98 W at Tops'l in Santa Rosa Beach, 850.654.0000.  Hair Salon.
• Destin Chops 30A - Village of South Walton next to Rosemary Beach, 850.837.7690.  Restaurant.
• Johnny Rockets - Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 850.650.3406.  Restaurant.
• Sunglass Hut - Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 850.269.7700. Sunglasses.
• Piper's - Alys Beach on 30A, 850.213.5500.  Mobile hot dog, hamburger, ice cream cart.
• The Village Boutique - Redfish Village, 850.622.5705.  Clothing boutique.
• Valet Mobile Oil & Lube, LLC - Mobile oil changing business - 850.622.1326.
• La Botana Fine Latin Vintages and Small Plates - Grand Isles Shops at 4281 E. Scenic Hwy 30A in Seagrove Beach, 850.231.0716.  Tapas restaurant and wine bar.
• 30A Resorts - 170 E. Scenic Hwy 30A (attached to Criollas Restaurant) in Grayton Beach, 850.231.2880.  Real estate, vacation rental, concierge service.
• JamBone - 3906 US Hwy 98 West in Santa Rosa Beach (near the Post office), phone??.  BBQ restaurant.
• Seagrove General Store - 4935 E. Scenic Hwy 30A in the Seagrove Center (next to Yianni's Seagrove Grille).  Convenience store.
• Unique Vacation Rentals - 888-WeLuvFL. Vacation Rental Management Company.
• Bronze Tanning -27 Uptown Grayton in Grayton Beach, 850.231.0192.  Upscale Tanning Salon.
  

"Short and Sweet" Sessions by Marla Carter

What can I say?  I think local children's photographer Marla Carter of Marla and Shane Photographers has an incredible eye for detail and a hip, fun sense of style - she has that coveted "cool" factor.  Visit her store in Redfish Village to look at her work and the merchandise they have for sale and you will know immediately what I mean.  So it was no surprise to me when I was perusing her blog recently that I came across her innovative, new idea to offer "Short and Sweet" portrait sessions.  What a great idea!

"At only $95, the Short and Sweet session is perfect for those who want to commemorate a special occasion or mark a milestone, but do not need a full signature session. Short and sweet sessions are for one child, 30 minutes long, and take place weekday mornings in South Walton. 10-15 images will be shown in an online gallery.

Short session, sweet price!

Call 850.217.9377 or Email Marla to schedule!"

Johnny Earles does it again - 30A Resorts

A few months ago, a rumor began circulating around South Walton that changes were coming to Criolla's in Grayton Beach, one of Scenic 30As longest standing and most acclaimed restaurants owned by chef/owner Johnny Earles.  I even blogged about it (read that post here). 

Alas, all rumors were put to rest last Thursday evening when Mr. Earles and his business partners hosted an absolutely fabulous event to announce their new venture - 30A Resorts.  What a soiree it was - Criolla's talented and jovial Executive Chef, Shayne Vaughan, and his crew served up all kinds of tapas and wines from Napa Valley flowed freely. 

The movers and shakers of South Walton were in attendance - Lisa Marie and Jerry Burwell (owners of Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising), Lisa Comeau (Vice President of Account Services, Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising), Bob Brown (Executive Vice President of Creative Services, Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising), Jennifer Steele- (Seaside Rep/CAA) and Balder Saunders (Dread Clampitt), Mike and Angela Ragsdale (Alys Beach/30a.com), Ceri Givens (Regal Properties of NW Florida) and Craige Hoover (Seaside Rep), Ed Berry and Rachel Morgan (For The Health Of It), Karen Terrell (Alys Beach), Karen Otten (Alys Beach), Tom Rymer (H20 Properties), Tommy Crow (Tommy Crow Photography), Stuart Slicis (H20 Properties) Garner Chandler (Beach Properties of Florida), and Buz and Susan Livingston (Livingston Financial Planning/Walton Sun columnist), just to name a few. 

From a press release posted on the 30A Resorts website,

Dune Allen Realty :: On Scenic 30A

Business in South Walton - Details...they really DO count

On my way home from taking Valerie, my unusually spry 11 year old Bassett hound, to the beauty parlor this morning, I stopped at Regions to make a deposit.  The teller obviously knew Valerie was in the car with me because, with the return of my deposit slip, she had also given me two dog treats.  I thought to myself, "Wow, what I nice touch!".   

As I was driving away, I noticed that the teller had also stamped "You are special" on my deposit slip in bright red ink. OK - I know some of you may be thinking this is kinda hokey - too kumbaya and feel goody.  But it actually put a smile on my face and I could appreciate that it was an extra step someone had taken to tell me they valued my business.  I just dig that!  I am special!

It got me thinking about how powerful these simple, small gestures - these details - are in business and how few business owners realize this and capitalize on it.  Folks, you want your customers to be your Evangelists - show them that you appreciate and respect them in small ways - and they will sing you praises to everyone they know!  It's so SIMPLE.

Here are some other local businesses that have shown me they care about my business and who I will continue to spend my hard earned dollar with and spread the word about: