Business

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.

Local dentists Dr. Olivier Broutin, Dr. Amber Wiebe, and Dr. Lauren Crawford are out to change lives by offering free smiles to anyone who needs dental work, as they host Dentistry from the Heart again this year. The Smileology dental office in Miramar Beach will provide free services for patients in need of dental care on Friday, March 25.
 

The latest real estate report for January 2016 includes statistics for single family homes in Walton County, Florida. Closed sales were down 4% for January compared to the same month last year. Cash sales were up 11%. Inventory was down 8%. Median days on the market was up 16%.

What does a novelist born in the 19th century and a beloved seafood joint have in common? The answer is a funny word: Goatfeathers! Author Ellis Parker Butler said, "Goatfeathers are the distractions, side lines, and deflections that take a man's attention from his own business and keep him from getting ahead.”

Jeremy Price was having such a hard time finding a decent Philly Cheesesteak at the beach that he decided he must open his own restaurant. Now, two years later, SoWal locals are still flocking to South of Philly (SOP) for their Cheesesteak fix, and a whole lot more. This little eatery, located just north of Gulf Place along Hwy 393 South, is a real SoWal gem.

Hurricane Oyster Bar and Grill is a true local hangout in SoWal, and a convenient spot to relax for a bite and a drink. Signed dollar bills cover the walls, turtles swim by, and reggae sets a beachy vibe, but what really sets Hurricane’s apart is the oysters - any way you like them.

The name says it all. Great Southern Café is consistently a SoWal dining favorite for good reason. Chef Jim Shirley opened the restaurant in 2006 in a perfect spot on the square in Seaside, where he brings his life experiences to the table with great southern food. We recommend beginning your day here for grits and more whenever possible.

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.