There are so many cool spots in South Walton that are well known to families from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas and beyond (hello, Red Bar!). These places have become a visitor and local staple. You only have to drive through Seaside’s section of 30A to see sidewalks lined with the picturesque Seaside Post Office, the vintage cool Airstream Row and sunset favorite Bud & Alley’s. The amphitheater and main circle there are almost always packed. The sweet little spot not everyone has discovered is just beyond the main circle, behind Great Southern Cafe and Heavenly Desserts; it’s the shady side of Seaside, the Shops of Ruskin Place. These Shops are the epitome of New Urbanism’s live-work philosophy with artsy shops along the tree-lined park and lovely eclectic apartments upstairs. On each month’s first Friday, the businesses all stay open after-hours to share their wares with light hors d’oeuvres and live music drifting through the small park. It’s such a leisurely, relaxing atmosphere. On this Friday, my new friend Shantell Martin was exhibiting her Message in a Bottle art through the Art of Simple Gallery and stores like An Apartment in Paris, Albert F’s and Focus Gallery all had their doors wide open. Check it out:
What a hit this photo booth outside Focus Gallery was! So colorful and fun.
Dietrich’s Fine Food Truck. This deserves a post in itself. Just enjoy this lone snapshot for now.
Preferred mode of transportation in Seaside and 30A.
Albert F’s
Magpie’s
the Art of Simple
Shantell’s Message in a Bottle show included more than 100 bottles she recycled and painted while in South Walton.
She even paints shoes…
…and faces!
Such a cool afternoon hanging in the shady side of Seaside. 🙂