Business

Michelle Sexton started Paradise Properties in 2009 as a real estate sales and vacation rental company with the purpose of making life easier for homeowners. Easy to say, but not so easy to do. However Michelle has a record of success in South Walton. She's been a real estate broker for 10 years and has lived in the area for 18 years. Her small team at Paradise Properties is focused on personal customer service, building relationships with clients, and offering top-notch services at a competitive rate.
 

Gulf Place was recently added as an official beach neighborhood by the South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC),  but many locals and visitors know Gulf Place well already. Gulf Place is the site of many events, retail shops, great restaurants, and of course, The Artists at Gulf Place.

Zach Billingsley, executive director at Children's Volunteer Health Network was chosen as the Young Alumni Achievement Award winner by the Huntingdon College National Alumni Association. This award honors the early successes and distinguished achievements of a nominated alumni who is 35 years of age or younger.

Almost eight years ago, the first annual Hurricane Party was held to kick start Children's Volunteer Health Network (CVHN). Founder Tricia Carlisle-Northcutt's intention was to provide a way for all children to be healthy and happy, but she knew she needed the help and commitment of our entire community.

Since then, CVHN has provided thousands of our children with medical, dental, vision and mental health care. Who could have imagined the enormity of the need right here in South Walton?

Kitchenique, a premier cooking school and gourmet pantry located at City Market in Destin, is closing its doors after 28 years in business. Owned and operated by local South Walton resident Vicki McCain, Kitchenique is a local treasure which will be missed by many residents, visitors and  friends.

The holiday season is here and it's time to give and time to shop! You have questions and we have answers. What shall I buy? Where should I shop? Who has unique gifts?

We know locals and visitors also want to help our local businesses - our friends and neighbors who are the backbone of our community. So in the spirit of shopping local, here's a super selection of great shops in SoWal where you can find something for everyone on your list. Say "bah humbug" to the giant stores and shop local!
 

Local Catch Bar & Grill has been going strong and gaining popularity since opening nine months ago and there are no signs of slowing down. The restaurant's coastal cuisine with a southern twist was an instant hit here in SoWal and they continue to gather faithful followers even over the off season. Known for using quality, fresh ingredients in all of their unique dishes, it's easy to see why Local Catch has already become a must-eat destination.

 
Are you a fan of fine jewelry and $1000 shopping sprees? Well then, you are in luck. McCaskill and Company is feeling generous this holiday season and have decided to reward one lucky customer. The best part is that there is no purchase necessary to enter!   

As a young boy, Bill Campbell was thrilled to visit his grandmother's house when she would bring out all of the jewels collected from her father’s and his great-grandfather’s travels. When Bill graduated college, he went to work as a manager for his family’s hardware and supply businesses. After twenty years of working with his family, the two businesses were sold and Bill was finally able to follow his dream of owning his own fine jewelry store.

Getting hitched like a local is effortless in the Backyard of Love, behind Hibiscus Coffee and Guest House. Located in the heart of Grayton Beach, this whimsical little gem embodies the very spirit of the area. There are many places in SoWal to tie the knot, but if you want a more intimate setting, look no further than the Backyard of Love. With seating for 80 people, this is the perfect place to host your wedding events.