Future Activities in Alys Beach, Villages of SoWal, Etc.

[Paula]

I've been wondering if the new communities going up (Alys Beach, Villages of South Walton/Seacrest Beach, Prominence, etc.) will be having concerts/movies on the green, restaurants, shops, etc., at some point, I think we're looking at several years before the construction is completed enough to have enough tenants to support activities like this. Does anyone know what the plans are for these communities? They are down our end of 30A and I'm wondering what the future will bring.

[Amp22]

Seacrest has a nice little green behind their pool but places like it without commrcial businesses won't care about attracting outsiders. Look for any laces that have shops or restaurants like Alys Beach, Prominence, etc. to have activities.

[Paula]

I believe Villages of South Walton had at least one activity on the green where the shops are over Christmas/New Years which made me think that they made be planning more. Our favorite ice cream place is there -- the Carvel Shop. Great desserts, too. And plenty of seating indoors and out. I haven't stopped by any of the other shops yet, though.

[Amp22]

I believe Villages of South Walton had at least one activity on the green where the shops are over Christmas/New Years which made me think that they made be planning more. Our favorite ice cream place is there -- the Carvel Shop. Great desserts, too. And plenty of seating indoors and out. I haven't stopped by any of the other shops yet, though.

The green at The Village of Souh Walton has been replaced by a ginormous vegas-style fountain.

A gigantic fountain is being installed at The Village Of South Walton in Seacrest Beach near Rosemary Beach on 30-A. It will have many water jets in two rows spaced four feet apart. They will be synchronized, with lights - Las Vegas style.

http://www.sowal.com/photos-011806.html

[Paula]

I heard that one of the fountains at the Villages of South Walton is supposed to be an "interactive fountain", though I don't know what that means. Could be fun for kids especially. Do you know when it will be finished?

I have very mixed feelings about the "upscale" things going on this end of 30A (I heard that Alys Beach has put up a row of large palm trees) -- well, my feelings aren't mixed and I liked the native vegetation more. But, not much I can do about the changes -- and no doubt the community we're in was one of the "changes" in the area as well (though our community -- which appeals to me -- would be considered charming rather than upscale). So, I'm trying to figure out what the changes will bring in terms of activities that we and others can enjoy. So far, I'm really enjoying (I've said this many times already on this board) Fonville Press and Carvel Ice Cream most of all.

[John R]

rosemary shows their movies on thursday nights, and two summers ago, watercolor gave it go with movies on staurday nights(but haven't since). gulfplace has concerts on sundays, and seaside on saturdays.

if everybody continues to play nice, alys could have their pick of midweek, and there'd be something to do for almost every night

jr

[Amp22]

I heard that one of the fountains at the Villages of South Walton is supposed to be an "interactive fountain", though I don't know what that means. Could be fun for kids especially. Do you know when it will be finished?

I have very mixed feelings about the "upscale" things going on this end of 30A (I heard that Alys Beach has put up a row of large palm trees) -- well, my feelings aren't mixed and I liked the native vegetation more. But, not much I can do about the changes -- and no doubt the community we're in was one of the "changes" in the area as well (though our community -- which appeals to me -- would be considered charming rather than upscale). So, I'm trying to figure out what the changes will bring in terms of activities that we and others can enjoy. So far, I'm really enjoying (I've said this many times already on this board) Fonville Press and Carvel Ice Cream most of all.

Alys has installed 22 Date Palms on each side of 30-A for a total of 44.

[Rita]

I heard that one of the fountains at the Villages of South Walton is supposed to be an "interactive fountain", though I don't know what that means. Could be fun for kids especially. Do you know when it will be finished?

Could be Disney World-ish or not.......

[Smiling JOe]

Could be Disney World-ish or not.......

If it were a fountain like that, it could become a funn and much safer place for kids to play when the flags are flying yellow, red, or purple. I have my doubts on it being like that. I wonder if it is too late for them to change it.

[Rita]

If it were a fountain like that, it could become a funn and much safer place for kids to play when the flags are flying yellow, red, or purple. I have my doubts on it being like that. I wonder if it is too late for them to change it.

Any kids (small and large) would love that fountain! That was in Palm Beach.

[Chickpea]

I've been wondering if the new communities going up (Alys Beach, Villages of South Walton/Seacrest Beach, Prominence, etc.) will be having concerts/movies on the green, restaurants, shops, etc., at some point, I think we're looking at several years before the construction is completed enough to have enough tenants to support activities like this. Does anyone know what the plans are for these communities? They are down our end of 30A and I'm wondering what the future will bring.

The intention at Alys Beach is certainly to have all the amenities you mention (restaurants, shops, etc..) as well as concerts, outdoor movies, etc... as the community grows. The developer is committed to this and there are a number of ideas brewing on the town center.

[Paula]

Thanks, Chickpea. That's what I heard. My guess is that there will be a lot going on on the east end of 30A in about 5 years if not sooner -- movies, outdoor concerts, more shops and restaurants. Much of it will be within walking distance or a very short bike ride from us (which is good because the traffic is going to become much denser once all these new developments from Rosemary Beach to Prominence are finished).

As for the fountain, there's a fun interactive fountain at Rosemary Beach but i can't tell you exactly where it is. When we leave Carvel at the Villages of South Walton, the kids usually bring our unsuspecting guest to the fountain which looks like a regular park with a bench and then surprise them by turning the fountain on... (we usually bring towels for our guest and to protect the car because we know this is going to happen).

[Camp Creek Kid]

The fountain at the Village of SoWal will be an interactive fountain designed for kids.

The "event" that was held there over Christmas is a long story--it was done by the bronze statue vendor without permission from the Village management. Be assured that nothing like that will happen again. There are many people around who would like to see the tacky bronze statues go, especially the anotomically correct male giraffe.

I really like the palm tree at Alys Beach. Not natural vegetation, but they look beautiful.

[Paula]

Hi CCK:

Thanks for the update on the fountain. Maybe I'll see you next week -- we'll be there late Feb 25 - early March 2. It would be good to sit on the porch and catch up. It has been a while! We're hoping for good weather, but it will definitely be better than the cold up here.

[Chickpea]

Thanks, Chickpea. That's what I heard. My guess is that there will be a lot going on on the east end of 30A in about 5 years if not sooner -- movies, outdoor concerts, more shops and restaurants. Much of it will be within walking distance or a very short bike ride from us (which is good because the traffic is going to become much denser once all these new developments from Rosemary Beach to Prominence are finished).

As for the fountain, there's a fun interactive fountain at Rosemary Beach but i can't tell you exactly where it is. When we leave Carvel at the Villages of South Walton, the kids usually bring our unsuspecting guest to the fountain which looks like a regular park with a bench and then surprise them by turning the fountain on... (we usually bring towels for our guest and to protect the car because we know this is going to happen).

At Alys Beach most of the town center will be more or less smack in the middle (just east to where you now see the finished houses along 30A), not so much on east end although there certainly are some amenities planned at east end, immediately north of 30A.

[CampCreekLou]

Paula,

Feel free to use my porch. Apparently everyone else does!

[Cork On the Ocean]

They're calling the fountain at the Village a "music" fountain and I think it is going to be pretty cool. Something like the one at Destin commons. I'm a little concerned about it being so close to the road, though.

Also, rumor is that the pizza shop is beginning to start their build out at the Village so looking forward to that. And the antique/arts mall in phase IV has just moved the little kiosks back there. Hope they're gonna paint them. Will have to ask John.

Now I'm gonna have to walk over and go check out that Giraffe!

[Miss Kitty]

They're calling the fountain at the Village a "music" fountain and I think it is going to be pretty cool. Something like the one at Destin commons. I'm a little concerned about it being so close to the road, though.

Also, rumor is that the pizza shop is beginning to start their build out at the Village so looking forward to that. And the antique/arts mall in phase IV has just moved the little kiosks back there. Hope they're gonna paint them. Will have to ask John.

Now I'm gonna have to walk over and go check out that Giraffe!

We want pics of that giraffe in all it's glory!!!

[sweet]

Does anyone know when the foutains are going to be completed

[Amp22]

Does anyone know when the foutains are going to be completed

March 15.

[Cork On the Ocean]

We want pics of that giraffe in all it's glory!!!

Too late miss kitty. I already bought it and you're gonna have to pay for photos of my new boyfriend

[Miss Kitty]

Too late miss kitty. I already bought it and you're gonna have to pay for photos of my new boyfriend

Is this blackmail? Are we in the lounge? If we are, I ask this....

We would like to Gawk at your Giraffe's Gon**s!!!!

[NewUrbanGirl]

As for the fountain, there's a fun interactive fountain at Rosemary Beach but i can't tell you exactly where it is. When we leave Carvel at the Villages of South Walton, the kids usually bring our unsuspecting guest to the fountain which looks like a regular park with a bench and then surprise them by turning the fountain on... (we usually bring towels for our guest and to protect the car because we know this is going to happen).

We love that fountain too. Here's a pic of the one at Rosemary, appropriately on Water Street! Can't wait to see the new one next door when we come up in a coupla weeks!

[Paula]

Yesterday, the kids and I brought my sister to the Rosemary Beach "park" for her surprise trip to the fountain (though we gave her lots of hints ahead of time so she was able to avoid getting wet). And we went out of our way to look for the giraffe and found it. The kids were impressed and now understand why I spent a lot of time on this message board -- there are so many important things to learn that one wouldn't know unless they were on this board! We're back in Michigan now (light snow) and we miss the 70+ weather and sunshine...

[Cork On the Ocean]

Is this blackmail? Are we in the lounge? If we are, I ask this....

We would like to Gawk at your Giraffe's Gon**s!!!!

We'll be having a coming out party next week.


BTW, got the word yesterday that the fountain at the village is gonna be a week late, so about 23rd of March now.

[Miss Kitty]

We'll be having a coming out party next week.


BTW, got the word yesterday that the fountain at the village is gonna be a week late, so about 23rd of March now.

I don't like it, I love it! Could it come out again in April???

[Cork On the Ocean]

I don't like it, I love it! Could it come out again in April???

I'll let you know when we reproduce and you can get one of your own

[katie blue]

I have to admit. On my bike ride wednesday I also made a point to ride over to see the new palms at Alys (spectacular), the fountain (cool, I hope there'll be colored lights!), and the giraffe (feh, much ado about nuthin' )

Beyond all that, what blew my mind even more that day was the COLOR of the water...i have never seen the gulf more iridescent blue green than on that day. I rode over to the walkover at Rosemary and sat under the umbrella for so long. What a day.

Im actually going to move my next trip down back by one week so I can see the fountain in action...thanks for the heads up.

[shakennotstirred]

I have to admit. On my bike ride wednesday I also made a point to ride over to see the new palms at Alys (spectacular), the fountain (cool, I hope there'll be colored lights!), and the giraffe (feh, much ado about nuthin' )

Beyond all that, what blew my mind even more that day was the COLOR of the water...i have never seen the gulf more iridescent blue green than on that day. I rode over to the walkover at Rosemary and sat under the umbrella for so long. What a day.

Im actually going to move my next trip down back by one week so I can see the fountain in action...thanks for the heads up.

Sounds like a nice visit! Did you happen to take any photos of that "iridescent blue green" water?

[katie blue]

Sadly, all I had was my lousy cell phone, which takes awful images. This is all I got and it doesn't show the color whatsoever. Anyone else get it on a real camera? I saw Kurtie-boy packing up at Alys on my way back, maybe he got one....

[shakennotstirred]

Thanks KB! That is definitely a better image than the flurries that I am seeing up here in PA. Maybe Kurtie-boy will post some of his later.

[kurt]

Check the gallery for rightnow photos.

[Beachlover2]

That is breathtaking!!!!!

[Chickpea]

Sadly, all I had was my lousy cell phone, which takes awful images. This is all I got and it doesn't show the color whatsoever. Anyone else get it on a real camera? I saw Kurtie-boy packing up at Alys on my way back, maybe he got one....

KT - AGREED - I started my day with my sister, a couple of lattes and a bagel at the beach staring at the water. Was also mesmorized by the kaleidoscope of blues of the Gulf - between this and the gorgoeus sunset yesterday I am in heaven!

[Sheila]

That is breathtaking!!!!!

Is it ever!

[shakennotstirred]

Kurt - Thank you, thank you, thank you! Excellent photos (as always). I have missed seeing that beautiful water. Looks like a great beach day.

[kathydwells]

WOW!!!!! Awsome picture kurt. Thank you for posting it.!!!!!