Long walks on the beach. Sunset strolls with a cool breeze. People-watching on 30A. Cruising the scenic highway with the windows down. Lapping it up in some of South Walton’s most iconic neighborhoods and establishments. These favorite pastimes are just as likely to be enjoyed by the four-legged locals as they are by the humans at the other end of the leash. And that’s the beauty of our little beach town with its fresh air, laid-back vibe and outdoor lifestyle. Join us as we tag along to find out what these stylish locals enjoy most about living in a dog lover’s paradise.
All images by Jacqueline Ward Images
WHO // WHAT // WEAR – KELLY
The Girl: Kelly Gilbertson, mama-to-be
The Dogs: Lily (top), a Yorkie mix adopted from Alaqua Animal Refuge and Royal (bottom), a Havanese
Photographed: The Artists at Gulf Place
What do you love most about your dogs? The unconditional love my dogs show me is my favorite thing about them. It doesn’t matter what type of mood I’m in, they love you with all of their heart every single day.
What do you most appreciate about 30A’s dog-loving attitude? I think it describes the laid-back culture of 30A and encompasses the warm and welcoming personality of the people of 30A. I also love that there are several establishments on 30A that collect donations for a local animal shelter, Alaqua Animal Refuge, which is where I adopted Lily. It shows another way that 30A supports local businesses and the animal community.
Favorite Place to take your dog for play? Seaside
Favorite dog-friendly establishment? Outside at Great Southern Café
Wearing: Pinkblush Maternity skirt (similar) // H&M shirt and scarf (similar) // Michael Kors watch
WHO // WHAT // WEAR – AMY
The Girl: Amy Wright, Owner/Apiarist at The Honey Hutch
The Dog: Blue, a Labrador Retriever
Photographed: Stallworth Beach
What do you love most about your dog? I love everything about him, he’s my baby!
What do you most appreciate about 30A’s dog-loving attitude? It brings so many smiles to peoples faces! You don’t have to worry about leaving your dog at home, just bring him along for the ride.
Favorite place to take your dog for play? It’s a hidden beach access, near Stallworth. The beach is the best place for Blue to swim, run, and play frisbee.
Favorite dog-friendly establishment? The Zoo Gallery! He loves playing with Moe. 🙂
Wearing? MinkPinkDress, Necklace and Circus Sandals from SoHo beach // Native Sunglasses from The Ships Chandler // (On Blue) Target collar from and PetSmart leash
WHO // WHAT // WEAR – ANGELA
The Girl: Angela Ragsdale of 30A.com
The Dogs: Cosmo and Dudley, both Maltese
Photographed: Eden Gardens
What do you love most about your dog? I love their sweet nature and companionship…it’s like having a household of kids again, everyday they do funny, silly things that make us laugh.
What do you most appreciate about 30A’s dog-loving attitude? The fact that dogs are welcome almost anywhere!
Favorite place to take your dog for play? We take them for walks all around 30A, when we can, but we mostly just play and snuggle at home.
Favorite dog-friendly establishment? We don’t always take them to eat with us, but I like the Yappy Hour at Great Southern Café and they love to go shopping at Furry Fanatics
Wearing? Free People top from The Fuss // Lucky Brand jeans // Cleobella for Lucky belt // Very Volatile boots from DejaVu // (On Cosmo and Dudley) 30A Gear dog collars
WHO // WHAT // WEAR – ASHLEY
The Girl: Ashley Singleton, Owner at Pure Barre Santa Rosa Beach and Pure Barre Destin
The Dog: Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles
Photographed: Western Lake Bridge, Watercolor
What do you love most about your dog? She cries when I come home at the end of the day because she’s so excited to see me!
Favorite place to take your dog for play? She loves to play on the green in Watercolor.
Favorite dog-friendly establishment? Chan’s Wine World in Watercolor
Wearing? Top, jeans and booties from Willow
WHO // WHAT // WEAR – JESSICA
The Girl: Jessica Proffitt Bracken, Owner at Proffitt PR
The Dog:Champ, a Goldendoodle
Photographed: La Playa, Gulf Place
What do you love most about your dog? That he is literally the happiest dog you’ll ever meet! He’s always smiling, loving on any person or puppy he comes across and tends to be the life of the party!
What do you most appreciate about 30A’s dog-loving attitude? 30A understands that our dogs are part of the family!
Favorite place to take your dog for play? We always walk Champ down to Gulf Place then down to Ed Walline beach to watch the sun go down. Then we’ll typically end up at La Playa listening to music and sipping champagne. Champ loves live music! Alaqua Unleashed is another place he loves to go play, too!
Favorite dog-friendly establishment? Gulf Place, La Playa, Perfect Pig, Chan’s in Watercolor, Pandora’s Grayton Beach, Red Bar, all over Seaside and basically anywhere we go! Champ is always by my hubby’s and my side!
Wearing? Karlie Jeans from Island Clothiers Sandestin // tank from Ishi? // Ivanka Trump blazer from Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue at Silver Sands Premium Outlets // Diane Von Furstenburg wedges // necklace from Soho Beach //David Yurman earrings, bracelet and rings from McCaskill & Company.
WHO // WHAT // WEAR – CINDY
The Girl: Cindy Garrard, Residential Banker at Hancock Bank in Santa Rosa Beach
The Dog:Bella Bear Garrard, Shih Tzu
What do you love most about your dog? Bella is very friendly and kind. She has never met a stranger. Loves to be a companion.
What do you most appreciate about 30A’s dog-loving attitude? I appreciate that people are encouraged to bring their dogs to work with them. It’s so nice to enter a business and be greeted by the family pet.
Favorite place to take your dog for play? Gulf Place lawn. Even when they have events, pets are encouraged.
Wearing? Diane Von Furstenberg dress // Kate Spade shoes from Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue at Silver Sands Premium Outlets
WHO // WHAT // WEAR – MADRA
The Girl: Madra McDonald, Owner at M Public Relations
The Dog: Seamus (pronounced “shay-mus”), an American Pit Bull Terrier
Photographed: Ruskin Place, Seaside
What do you love most about your dog?
His mad love for humans and his seemingly bottomless enthusiasm—even 12 years later!—for walks, car rides, chasing the nearest squirrel, and Milk-Bones.
What do you most appreciate about 30A’s dog-loving attitude?
That there are numerous dog-friendly areas for play, including the beach (with a registered permit, of course), dedicated non-profits like Alaqua Animal Refuge and Dog Harmony doing wonderful things for rescue pups, and an everyday laid-back vibe that benefits humans and canines as a whole.
Favorite place to take your dog for play?
His maternal grandma’s backyard in Destin. She has a huge fenced-in yard with nice grass, and I can always sense his anticipation once we get to her street. I think he recognizes the smell!
Favorite dog-friendly establishment?
Hands down Furry Fanatics. They’re the best!
Wearing?
The Wilder Maxi Dress by Stillwater from Ophelia Swimwear // Joey B necklace and Jenny Bird bracelet (left) from Ophelia Swimwear //Rebel Designs cuff (right) // Prada wedges // (On Seamus) Hounds Abound “The Reynolds” bow tie collar and Mendota rope leash from Furry Fanatics
WHO // WHAT // WEAR – RACHEL
The Girl:Rachel Anderson
The Dog: with Cheech (@cheechatthebeach_30a), a Red FoxGolden English Lab
Photographed? Grayton Beach
What do you love most about your dog? His personality! He has such a sweet, fun loving soul and always has a big smile on his face 🙂 He’s always ready for our next 30A adventure and brings the sunshine wherever he goes!
What do you most appreciate about 30A’s dog-loving attitude? We love that the locals, tourists, and establishments are always so loving and friendly towards Cheech and all of his furry friends on 30A. Cheechs nickname “Cheech at the beach” was actually given to him from a few locals and it caught on:) When we are out and about on an adventure wither it be at Grayton, Seaside, Blue Mountain, Dune Allen etc. someone will typically always recognize “Cheech at the beach” 🙂
Favorite place to play? Grayton Beach! He loves swimming in the lake and gulf, chasing blue crabs, playing with the fish, playing with his furry friends and watching the sunset. He’s a beach bum at heart 🙂
Favorite dog-friendly establishment? Furry Fanatics in Gulf Place
Wearing? DejaVu dress, fringe jacket and earrings // Made In The Deep South Chanel cuff // Jackie and Janice necklace (designed by Stephanie Carter Campbell) // Ray Ban sunglasses // Jessica Simpson shoes (similar) // (on Cheech) collar from Furry Fanatics
WHO // WHAT // WEAR – MEREDITH
The Girl: Meredith Sullivan
The Dog: Bella, an Australian Shepherd
What do you love most about your dog? She is sweet and loves her paws rubbed anytime.
What do you most appreciate about 30A’s dog-loving attitude? Anywhere you take them on 30A they are always welcome.
Favorite place to take your dog for play? She loves to play at the green at Camp Watercolor.
Favorite dog-friendly establishment? Of course, my mom’s store, The Village Boutique in Seaside.
Wearing? A linen short and matching vest from the The Village Boutique, located at the shops of Ruskin Place in Seaside. (Meredith’s hair and makeup by Rolland’s Salon in Seaside.)