Food

As the sun touched the horizon on the Gulf of Mexico on a recent evening in Seaside, a familiar sound echoed from the rooftop deck—but this time, the bell wasn't just signaling the sunset. It was a toast to 40 years of "Good Food, Good People, and Good Times."

To celebrate four decades as the heart of Scenic Highway 30A, the entire staff of Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant gathered on the rooftop for a celebratory toast, honoring a legacy that began with two friends and a dream.

The air in the Village of Baytowne Wharf changes every February. It isn’t just the crisp winter breeze coming off the bay, it’s the heavy, savory scent of dark roux and slow-simmered spices drifting through the streets.

If you follow your nose toward the center of the Village, you’ll find the 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival in full swing.

February at the Village of Baytowne Wharf is a whirlwind of celebration, from the final glides on the ice to the spicy kick of a Gulf Coast winter tradition. Whether you’re looking to "let the good times roll" for Mardi Gras or sample the best roux in the South, the village calendar is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy the crisp coastal air.

Mardi Gras Magic

An extraordinary evening of compassion and community is coming to the Emerald Coast. On Saturday, Jan. 24, at 6:00 p.m., the 2nd Annual Anniversary Jubilee at The Point Washington Medical Clinic (PWMC) will bring together supporters for what has become the most anticipated culinary celebration of the year.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast, the vanguard of Northwest Florida’s performing arts scene, announces an extraordinary highlight for its annual fundraiser, Crescendo! 2026: A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza — an unforgettable live performance by internationally celebrated Pink Martini, accompanied by the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra.

Mark your calendars for Crescendo! 2026 set for January 23, February 27 and March 1, 2026.

It's another exciting lineup and fantastic weekend of music and reverie at Stinky's Bait Shack and Stinky's Fish Camp in Santa Rosa Beach!

If your four-legged best friend resolved to spend more time outdoors this year, we have the perfect way to help them keep it.

On Sunday, January 18, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Dog-Harmony hosts its Sixth Annual Hops for Hounds. It’s a chance to grab the leash, get some fresh air, and support a cause that keeps our local pet community thriving.

The familiar sound of sneakers hitting the pavement and the collective energy of thousands of runners will soon return to the sugar-white sands of South Walton.

From February 12–15, 2026, the community gathers for the 24th annual Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K, an event that has evolved far beyond a simple race into a four-day celebration of education and coastal life.

Step into the kitchen with Chef Jim Shirley, founder of many South Walton favorites such as Great Southern Café, Farm & Fire, The Bay, North Beach Social and The Meltdown on 30A! Shirley’s unique take on modern Southern cuisine was inspired by learning international cooking from his two classic Southern grandmothers. Watch and learn more about how his vision for his restaurants is to create a shared experience that aligns with the overall sense of interconnectedness in these local beach neighborhoods.