Shopping

Risa’s Interiors has been creating dream homes on the Emerald Coast for more than 30 years. This past June, owner Risa Priestly decided to move her shop from a 3,000 sq. ft. cottage to a 12,000 sq. ft. Mediterranean-inspired showplace. The move created a huge demand for Risa’s remodeling and design services. We managed to catch up with one of the hardest working women in business, and she filled us in on how far she’s come, what keeps her grounded, and what she’s looking forward to next.

30Avenue kicks off the season with an exciting live music series to take place on Thursday evenings under the palms. Make plans to visit South Walton's newest shop + dine destination at Inlet Beach, take it easy while enjoying the music of the area's top artists, and catch a complimentary horse and carriage ride.

On a rainy Thursday morning I was dripping as I dashed inside 30A Songwriter Radio, SoWal's newest coffee shop. Owners Shannon Ireland and Josette Rhodes dreamed up their music cafe and piece by piece it came together. It’s no surprise that since opening this month, local musicians have flocked to the new stomping ground next to South Walton Publix on Hwy 98.

30Avenue in Inlet Beach continues to add quality dining and shopping with several local businesses opening new locations or moving existing operations to the upscale destination. Shimmering Seas Jewlery and Gifts is the most recent SoWal retailer to take up residence at 30Avenue, located on US Hwy 98 just north of Rosemary Beach, at the eastern end of Scenic 30A.

In our area, we are fortunate to have two premier beach destinations that merge almost seamlessly together. While they are neighbors, each offers a unique experience. The remarkable communities of which we speak are, of course, South Walton and Destin. 
 
South Walton is comprised of a varied collection of “towns” that nestle predominantly along Scenic Highway 30A. Each offers their own interpretation of a life well lived by the beach. 

When you walk into NEAT Bottle Shop in Alys Beach, you are struck by orderly arrangement, the crispness, and the upscale nature of the place. But it is the comfort of the space that makes it special. Right away you feel at home.

Momentum is building for the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park on Thursday, December 31 in Panama City Beach, Fla. Pier Park welcomes residents and visitors to one of the Southeast’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring a giant glowing beach ball and dramatic fireworks over the Gulf of Mexico.

Just in time for the Holiday gift giving season, Destin Commons has three new stores for loved ones on your list. The locally owned retail stores provide a welcome mix to the lifestyle center's well known brands and include Mojo Sportswear, All Dressed-Up Boutique & Gifts, and Shark Shop.
 

It's a festive time of year in SoWal! Grand Boulevard’s sixth annual Festival of Trees will showcase 12 uniquely decorated Christmas trees from area non-profit organizations, Nov. 24 – Dec. 25 in Grand Park. Everyone's invited to join the fun and vote for their favorite tree! The winning charity will take home $2500 in prize money to help fulfill their mission.            

SoWal locals either have the T-shirt or have seen it . "I Bought My Pot From Dwight" it says on the front, along with an image of the man himself making a pot. South Walton artist Dwight Ward makes and sells ceramics. And a few knickknacks. And T-shirts.

And that is all! He wants everyone to know.