South Walton county, Florida & Scenic Hwy 30A - SouthWaltonScene.com™

Mark Your Calendar! 20th Annual Flutterby Festival coming November 13 & 14, 2010 to Rosemary Beach!

details:
Cultural Art's Association Flutterby Arts Festival
November 13 & 14, 2010, 10AM - 4PM
Rosemary Beach, Florida

about:
Make plans to attend the Cultural Arts Association of Walton County's 20th annual Flutterby Children's Arts Festival taking place in Rosemary Beach this November 13 & 14.  This fall family tradition is a perfect chance for residents and visitors to enjoy a culturally-filled, fun weekend outdoors in the Beaches of South Walton.  The Flutterby Festival is sponsored by the Merchants of Rosemary Beach and will take place from 10:00am until 4:00pm both days.

......................................................................................................................................................................

[ call for artists through october 29 ]

The Cultural Arts Association of Walton County is calling artists who specialize in original work for or by children to participate in the 2010 Flutterby Children's Arts Festival. Visit CulturalArtsAssociation.com to download an application.  Applications will be accepted through October 29, and artists will be notified of acceptance before November 1. There are a limited number of spaces available. So apply today!

......................................................................................................................................................................

The 2010 Flutterby Festival, which was named to celebrate the annual migration of the Monarch butterfly through the area, will be a place for kids to flitter, offering an exciting and diverse array of activities along Rosemary Beach's Main Street and Western Green. Puppet shows will be performed throughout the weekend.  Actors from the Seaside Repertory Theatre will take children and their parents on imaginary adventures through storytelling.

Kids can make their own butterfly puppets and other crafts, paint butterfly murals, have their faces painted and create their own butterfly wing masterpieces that can be worn for the butterfly costume parade that will take place each afternoon. There will be butterfly garden tours, music throughout the weekend, a Walton County student butterfly exhibit, bounce houses and street games.  Flutterby attendees can also enjoy delicious food and sweet treats plus tour all the great shops and galleries that Rosemary Beach has to offer.

Admission to the Flutterby Festival is free, although some activities may require a small fee.  For more information, please visit CulturalArtsAssociation.com or call 850-622-5970.

Tickets now on sale for the production of "Always ... Patsy Cline" showing October 9 to Rosemary Beach, FL

click to enlarge

What: Seaside Rep presents a one night production of Always ... Patsy Cline

Where: Rosemary Beach [MAP]

Tickets: $35; visit Amavida Coffee in Rosemary Beach or Seaside, or call the Rep box office at 850-231-0733.

About: Featuring the Rep’s original cast members Jennifer Steele Saunders as Patsy and Teance Blackburn as Louise, and the talented musicians of The Bodacious Bobcats; Billy Garrett, Jim Garrett, Dick Reinlie and Lisa Steeno. This very special performance is part of Rosemary Beach’s Weekend of Giving and all proceeds benefit the Rosemary Beach Foundation and its charitable endeavors, including the Rep. 

Mark your calendar - Cottages For Kids 2010 is coming May 9 - 30

CVHN Cottages for Kids is a unique fundraising event that benefits Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc., a faith based, 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that seeks to enhance the lives of uninsured and underinsured children by facilitating free immediate access to medical, dental and mental health care.

"Cottages for Kids is moving from November to May this year to give our early summer travelers and their kids a chance to experience these one-of-a-kind kiddie dream-homes," stated Kelli Arnold, chairperson of Cottages for Kids 2010.

Arnold, a long-time board member for Children's Volunteer Health Network, is hoping that this year's fundraiser will be the best yet.  As with most charitable fundraisers, it is the people that make Cottages for Kids so successful.

"The manpower that it takes to mount an event this size is pretty impressive.  We need all hands on deck and it all starts with the architects and builders," stated Arnold. 

Come May, tiny and not-so-tiny children's playhouses will dot the landscape of Rosemary Beach, located at the east end of Hwy 30A.  These carefully crafted houses may be purchased by the public on the spot or at the annual Auction event, with all proceeds benefiting Children's Volunteer Health Network.  The houses are designed and built by local and regional architects and contractors, and are donated to CVHN for resale.

The 2010 Schedule of Events:

CVHN Cottages for Kids takes place on the East Long Green in Rosemary Beach, Florida [MAP].  The playhouses will be available for viewing on:

• May 9 (10-4pm)
• May 15 & 16 (10-4pm)
• May 22 & 23 (10-4pm)
• May 29 (10-4pm)
• May 30 (10-2pm)
• Auction Party  May 30 (6-9pm) BBQ. Bluegrass and Auction

Organizers are looking for volunteers and have many positions to fill. For more information please email our volunteer coordinator at  marilyndawn@gmail.com

Check out playhouses from previous Cottages For Kids Events.  Questions? 850-622-3200

Today! 9th Annual Route 30A Antique & Vintage Car Show

Antique & vintage car enthusiasts unite!  Head to Rosemary Beach on the east end of Scenic Hwy 30A [MAP] today from 10AM - 3PM for the 9th Annual Route 30A Antique & Vintage Car Show sponsored by Hilltop Productions, Inc. 

Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, special demonstrations and, of course, time spent leisurely looking at gorgeous autos collected and restored back to their original luster and beauty.  Grab some fuel and drink at the several eateries and restaurants in Rosemary Beach.  And don't forget cast your vote in the People's Choice award for your favorite classic ride! 

Question? 850-951-2148.

South Walton on the 'Net

● Alys Beach on CasaSugar.com: Coveted Crib: Alys Beach Homes "I just came across Alys Beach, a community of resort homes on the Florida Panhandle, and I am completely infatuated with the place. With beautiful white stucco walls and white-ridged roofs, it's a cross between English and Spanish architecture with classic, old-world charm. " Read More >>

● Rosemary Beach on Green Infrastructure Digest Blog: Sustainable Site Strategies: Rosemary Beach, Florida "I recently returned from a relaxing week long family vacation in Rosemary Beach, Florida, located on the panhandle just west of Panama City Beach. For those of you not familiar, this is a traditional neighborhood development established in 1995 complete with a Town Center that includes a post office, retail and restaurant space, a hotel, neighborhood parks and more. Many people choose to spend their vacation here for obvious reasons: sun, sand, surf and swimming pools but let’s review what visitors may not notice during their stay." Read More >>

● Seaside, Florida on Turn-of-the-Centuries Blog: Seaside, Florida: The Original New Urbanist Community "I would be remiss, as an architect and urban designer, to not see Seaside, Florida. I appreciate the traditional architecture with a postmodern edge and the many ways to walk in Seaside - by street, lane, path, through small public greens. They've got some pretty good food, too. A row of airstream trailers were lined up on the edge of this large public green, along Hwy. 30A, each offering a different delicacy." Read More >>

● Alys Beach on La Vie En Rose Blog: The Architecture of Alys Beach "I've promised lots of inspiring pictures of my trip to the beach, and I haven't provided. Sadly, I've been under the weather this past week with one of the horrible flu viruses that has been going around Nashville. It has been tough to sit on the couch and rest (I mean, I love Regis and Kelly and Oprah, but how many shows in a week can you take?). So, despite a fever and clammy hands, I'm blogging on my beach trip inspiration. I'm in love with the architecture of Alys Beach, and here's why: " Read More >>

● Alys Beach on CasaSugar.com: Coveted Crib: Alys Beach Homes "I just came across Alys Beach, a community of resort homes on the Florida Panhandle, and I am completely infatuated with the place. With beautiful white stucco walls and white-ridged roofs, it's a cross between English and Spanish architecture with classic, old-world charm. " Read More >>

● Rosemary Beach on Green Infrastructure Digest Blog: Sustainable Site Strategies: Rosemary Beach, Florida "I recently returned from a relaxing week long family vacation in Rosemary Beach, Florida, located on the panhandle just west of Panama City Beach. For those of you not familiar, this is a traditional neighborhood development established in 1995 complete with a Town Center that includes a post office, retail and restaurant space, a hotel, neighborhood parks and more. Many people choose to spend their vacation here for obvious reasons: sun, sand, surf and swimming pools but let’s review what visitors may not notice during their stay." Read More >>

● Seaside, Florida on Turn-of-the-Centuries Blog: Seaside, Florida: The Original New Urbanist Community "I would be remiss, as an architect and urban designer, to not see Seaside, Florida. I appreciate the traditional architecture with a postmodern edge and the many ways to walk in Seaside - by street, lane, path, through small public greens. They've got some pretty good food, too. A row of airstream trailers were lined up on the edge of this large public green, along Hwy. 30A, each offering a different delicacy." Read More >>

● Alys Beach on La Vie En Rose Blog: The Architecture of Alys Beach "I've promised lots of inspiring pictures of my trip to the beach, and I haven't provided. Sadly, I've been under the weather this past week with one of the horrible flu viruses that has been going around Nashville. It has been tough to sit on the couch and rest (I mean, I love Regis and Kelly and Oprah, but how many shows in a week can you take?). So, despite a fever and clammy hands, I'm blogging on my beach trip inspiration. I'm in love with the architecture of Alys Beach, and here's why: " Read More >>

South Walton on the 'Net - South Walton, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach

Studio B & Alys Beach on KimSunee.com Blog "Photographer Colleen Duffley has a plan b. After lots of hard work and many 2-a.m. emails, she has created Studio b, a playground for the imagination. Studio b is now and up and running. Seminars, classes and workshops with artists and designers and chefs, including India Hicks, Donna Hay, Jonathan Adler, Emeril Lagasse, Tyson Cole, Estes Tarver, Sara Foster, Bradley Ogden, and so many more. Check out the “b” list." Continue Reading>

South Walton on the Beach Vacation Blog "Although vacations are meant to be relaxing, no one said it has to be inactive.  Some of the most relaxing activities on the coast including family oriented recreational sports that are different from the day to day workouts at the gym.  The Beaches of South Walton have a plethora of outdoor activities, but there are a few sports that have really grown in popularity over the last year or two including Kayaking and YOLO boarding." Continue Reading>

■ ■ ■
advertisement

■ ■ ■

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach on DigitalCity.com "As the days get sunnier and warmer, chances are you are probably beginning to remember what it is like to enjoy spending time outdoors. There are picnics, parks, concerts, and vacations to look forward to. But, while you are at it, maybe you will be inclined to support contemporary artists. On Saturday, June 6, 2009 in Alys Beach, Florida, fans of digital photography, experimental film and modern graffiti will gather to take part in the second annual "Digital Graffiti" festival." Continue Reading>

Rosemary Beach on The OPMOM Blog: "To me traditions are moments in time that are preserved and passed down.  I know plenty of families that have travel traditions with camping under the stars, skiing, going up to Cape Cod or visiting a national park. Over time our tradition became Rosemary Beach, Florida. I love the fact that the children will grow up coming here and we all look forward to it every year. ." Continue Reading>

30A Icons Available For Purchase on Me The Other Twin Blog "Here are my series of 30A icons. (What the hell are 30A icons, you may ask?) Well, I live in a wonderful beach resort area situated on the Gulf Coast in the Florida Panhandle. The area is strung together with small seaside communities- Blue Mountain, Grayton Beach, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach just to name a few. Santa Rosa Beach is where I'm at. The most famous community is Seaside which was featured in the Jim Carrey movie, 'The Truman Show'. The scenic highway running through it all is County Road 30A." Continue Reading>

Rosemary Beach (with Pictures) on the danielle aquiline photography Blog: "Tomorrow is our last day at Rosemary Beach and I couldn't be more sad about it. If it weren't for all of our furries waiting on us, I'd be plain 'ole depressed to be heading back to "real life." Today was stormy and lazy. Then, all of the sudden, the skies cleared long enough for us to walk around, stick our toes in the sand and take some photographs. You see, I've been holding off on "real" photos all week. In fact, this is the longest I've ever gone on a vacation without breaking out the big guy--my 5d." Continue Reading>

Studio B & Alys Beach on KimSunee.com Blog "Photographer Colleen Duffley has a plan b. After lots of hard work and many 2-a.m. emails, she has created Studio b, a playground for the imagination. Studio b is now and up and running. Seminars, classes and workshops with artists and designers and chefs, including India Hicks, Donna Hay, Jonathan Adler, Emeril Lagasse, Tyson Cole, Estes Tarver, Sara Foster, Bradley Ogden, and so many more. Check out the “b” list." Continue Reading>

South Walton on the Beach Vacation Blog "Although vacations are meant to be relaxing, no one said it has to be inactive.  Some of the most relaxing activities on the coast including family oriented recreational sports that are different from the day to day workouts at the gym.  The Beaches of South Walton have a plethora of outdoor activities, but there are a few sports that have really grown in popularity over the last year or two including Kayaking and YOLO boarding." Continue Reading>

■ ■ ■
advertisement

■ ■ ■

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach on DigitalCity.com "As the days get sunnier and warmer, chances are you are probably beginning to remember what it is like to enjoy spending time outdoors. There are picnics, parks, concerts, and vacations to look forward to. But, while you are at it, maybe you will be inclined to support contemporary artists. On Saturday, June 6, 2009 in Alys Beach, Florida, fans of digital photography, experimental film and modern graffiti will gather to take part in the second annual "Digital Graffiti" festival." Continue Reading>

Rosemary Beach on The OPMOM Blog: "To me traditions are moments in time that are preserved and passed down.  I know plenty of families that have travel traditions with camping under the stars, skiing, going up to Cape Cod or visiting a national park. Over time our tradition became Rosemary Beach, Florida. I love the fact that the children will grow up coming here and we all look forward to it every year. ." Continue Reading>

30A Icons Available For Purchase on Me The Other Twin Blog "Here are my series of 30A icons. (What the hell are 30A icons, you may ask?) Well, I live in a wonderful beach resort area situated on the Gulf Coast in the Florida Panhandle. The area is strung together with small seaside communities- Blue Mountain, Grayton Beach, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach just to name a few. Santa Rosa Beach is where I'm at. The most famous community is Seaside which was featured in the Jim Carrey movie, 'The Truman Show'. The scenic highway running through it all is County Road 30A." Continue Reading>

Rosemary Beach (with Pictures) on the danielle aquiline photography Blog: "Tomorrow is our last day at Rosemary Beach and I couldn't be more sad about it. If it weren't for all of our furries waiting on us, I'd be plain 'ole depressed to be heading back to "real life." Today was stormy and lazy. Then, all of the sudden, the skies cleared long enough for us to walk around, stick our toes in the sand and take some photographs. You see, I've been holding off on "real" photos all week. In fact, this is the longest I've ever gone on a vacation without breaking out the big guy--my 5d." Continue Reading>

30A Communities To Celebrate International Peace Project The Art Miles Mural Project - February 28 through March 10

The Art Miles Mural Project Story.
As Joanne Tawfilis stood watching orphans in Bosnia squabble, laugh and cry while painting their visions of “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” onto a bullet-ridden bed sheet, the idea for the Art Miles Mural Project began to form in her mind.

“It was the process (of painting) that was so unbelievable and moving and made me see how if children suffering from such trauma and huge losses could work together, then certainly adults could learn from this,” Tawfilis said.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization agreed with her vision and made the Art Miles Mural Project an official project of the UNESCO Decade of the Culture of Peace.  Tawfilis and her husband, Fouad, created 12 mural themes (each theme equals one mile of murals) and designated the year 2010 for the unveiling at the site of the Great Pyramids in Egypt.  All murals that have been painted around the world will be shipped and pieced together to form an amazing kaleidoscope of children’s visions for a better world.

The Art Miles Mural Project Comes To South Walton County.
To spur excitement for the 2010 event, the SEASIDE Institute and the 30A Creative Alliance are celebrating the Art Miles Mural Project from Feb. 28 through March 10. The beach communities of Seaside, WaterColor, WaterSound West Beach, Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach will host mural exhibits, community mural paintings, concerts, film screenings, yoga classes, and presentations by Tawfilis and Peace Paint Ambassadors.

Chloe Fugate, a Peace Paint Ambassador and Santa Rosa Beach resident, said she is proud to share her passion for the Art Miles project with her local community.

“It is bringing the community together,” she said. “It’s bringing the rest of the world to our part of the world.”
“Seeing a grassroots project with no funding and an all-volunteer staff facilitate more than 4,000 murals completed and more than 500,000 people painting is an indication that what we do has a true meaning,” Tawfilis added. “It reinforces our original belief in humanity - that the good in each of us is the common thread that will ensure we as a species will survive.”

“I just hope people realize the scope of work and look at each mural as a story and a moment in time,” Robi Fugate, peace paint coordinator for the Art Miles project, said.

Event Line Up in South Walton County.

• To kick off the 30A Creative Alliance event, the Seaside Neighborhood School is sponsoring a Mural Marathon on February 28 where all 2,800 participants of the Seaside Half Marathon and 5K will be invited to paint a Sports-themed mural. This mural, along with murals painted by students at Butler Elementary School and the Seaside Neighborhood School, will be displayed along Scenic Highway 30-A on  March 1.  Approximately 20 murals will be on display during the event. 

SoWalScene.com - 2008 A Year In Review: Part One.

Happy New Year!!  I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family a healthy, happy, safe and prosperous 2009! 

I also want to thank you for your continued support and readership in SoWalScene.com's first full year on the 'net.  Actually, today is the one year anniversary of SoWalScene.com and I must admit, I am humbled by the journey this blog has taken me on in the past year and am incredibly excited about the upcoming year and beyond.  What started as a fairly straight-forward blog has morphed into a multi-page, multi-dynamic website with a sister site - SoWalDining.com and more exciting additions in the pipeline.  And a partner and I are in the process of launching another site that we think will be incredibly useful for the community so please stay-tuned! 

2008 has not been an easy one for many, both in South Walton and throughout the world.  It's been heart-breaking to see families forced to move to seek work elsewhere, see businesses that have had a presence in South Walton for years close, and hear the stories of people who have lost everything because of bad choices made during the real estate run up we witnessed back in '03-'05. 

No one can predict the future but collectively we are hoping for a better 2009 - and are bracing ourselves for the real possibility it will be as, if not more, difficult as 2008.  One thing is for sure - those that are still able to call this home are more grateful than ever for the charmed life we lead here. And, on other thing is for sure - the economy will turn around at some point.

In honor of the transition of years, I have complied Part One of a Year in Review below - view Part Two here  - and have listed some of my favorite posts from each month the year.  Enjoy - here's to 2009!

January 2008 in South Walton: Seagrove Villas and Motel put on the market - 30A big blue sign (new wayfinding signage) controversy erupts -  Kris Titus of the Walton county TDC steps down - four laning of Hwy 331 begins - Frill Seekers wins the 19th Annual Great Southern Cookoff at Sandestin.

February 2008 in South Walton: Walton TDC halts installation of big blue wayfinding signage on 30A - South Walton High students perform Blithe Spirit at the Seaside Rep. after it had been banned last minute from production at the high school because of a public complaint stating it was morally inappropriate - County Road 30A designated a "Scenic" highway - Coastal Vision 3000's "THE Beach" campaign unveiled - the community of NatureWalk on County Road 395, north of WaterColor, put up for sale - we observed a Leap Day on the 29th.

March 2008 in South Walton: Seaside Half Marathon draws record entrants - tourist season 2008 begins during Spring Break - Walton county TDC implements the "Leave No Trace" program on area beaches - celebrities Sheryl Crow and Emeril Lagasse were spotted around town - local artist Billie Gaffrey chosen as ArtsQuest 20th Anniversary poster winner - Easter comes early in March - former South Walton High School coach Mark Cozzie was found not guilty of lewd and lascivious behavior against a minor - the old Sandor's building that used to sit at the corner of Hwy 395 and Scenic 30A is moved down 30A to Alys Beach where it becomes George's at Alys Beach - 1st Annual 30A St. Patrick's Parade is held.

April 2008 in South Walton: The Seaside Rep's Annual Benefit, this year themed, "The Prom", raises over $56K - Walton county TDC decides to remove big blue wayfinding signage (the "announcing signs") on Scenic 30A - Seabreeze 106.3FM Jazz Fest holds last event in South Walton (it will be held at Pier Park in Panama City Beach starting in 2009)  - 22nd Sandestin Wine Festival held - Earth Day 2008 was on the 22nd.

May 2008 in South Walton: Yellow fly season begins - more than 60 swimmers pulled from dangerous rip currents in Bay, Walton and Okaloosa counties during Memorial Day weekend and one drowing was reported - 1st Annual Seaside Jazz Fest held - lifetime resident Doodle Harris passes away - Sonny Mares appointed Executive Director of Walton county TDC - VIE-people+places magazine launches - 20th Anniversary of ArtsQuest held.

June 2008 in South Walton: New Junior lifeguard program started on area beaches - Salty Dog Saloon, formerly Snapperheads, opens on Scenic 30A - new Blue Mountain Beach beach access opens - gas prices over $4.00/gallon - Parade of Homes 2008 begins - sea turtle nesting season begins on area beaches - hurricane season 2008 begins - rare Humpback whale sighting off Crystal Beach.

Some of my favorite posts over the past year:

• Signs Signs Everywhere (Jan)
• You Know You Are A South Waltoner When... (Feb)
• The Grouper Sandwich and Seagrove Village Market (Mar)
• Finding Opportunity in a Beach Resort Town (Apr)
• Seaside Jazz Festival - Weekend One. Marketing Snafu or First Year Growing Pains? (May)
• Welcome to the Beaches of South Walton, Dear Tourists (Jun)

Related Posts:

SoWalScene.com - 2008 A Year In Review: Part Two

30A, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, WaterColor Inn, Bud and Alleys and more

30A on Memphis Online "Delights await along Hwy. 30A  Just got back from a trip to the Florida beach towns along Walton County's famed 30A, and there have been a lot of changes in just a year's time.  Alys Beach, the last and undoubtedly most luxurious of all the beach developments, is open for rental business; about eight of the 30 or so luxury homes are available as rental properties. The Mediterranean-style town's Caliza pool just opened for owners and guests -- the public is welcome to dine at the upscale pool grill on weekend nights."  MORE

Rosemary Beach on Nashua Telegraph.com "Panhandle town is luxurious yet quaint  Imagine being able to vacation in Florida and have all the personal touches of a small New England community, along with a great beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. We had that opportunity during a recent stay in Rosemary Beach.  Situated on Florida's Panhandle, between Panama City and Destin, this new town combines community, neighborhood and convenience inspired by beach towns in New England with the shapes and silhouettes of New Orleans and the West Indies. It is a great place to unwind without the hustle and bustle of a large resort." MORE

advertisement

30A and South Walton county on Southern Byways "Tales from the Road: Back 30-A, Exploring the Beaches of South Walton By now you probably know that it’s physically impossible to keep me away from the beach.  This past weekend, I was back down heading back down south to my favorite place, the Florida Panhandle. This time I was going to be exploring the Beaches of South Walton, located along 30-A.  On this particular journey, my stop would be at Redfish Village, located in Blue Mountain Beach.  However, since I was back at the beach (can’t say that enough), I wanted to take my time and enjoy every minute. So, I decided I would stop places that caught my attention." MORE

South Walton county on Southern Byways "Going Green in the South: Beaches of South Walton, Florida  Here’s a bit of trivia for you. What state, in 2008, has 37 beaches that have received Blue Wave certification by the Clean Beaches Council (CBC)? Obviously, if you’re reading this blog, it must be a southern state, so that should narrow it down for you. Still unsure?  Well, the answer is Florida. Emerald green waters in Beaches of South Walton And did you know that nearly half of those 37 beaches happen to be in the Beaches of South Walton."  MORE

Cottages for Kids on Is It 5 o'clock yet Blog "We never had tree houses like when i was a kid
every year we go to rosemary beach and look at the "tree houses" that have been crafted by local builders to auction off for charity. this year has not been disappointing. tommy always gives the kids the "don't ask me to get you one" speech, but it never works. the worst of the kids? ME! these kids playhouses go from $3000-$15,000. and then you still have to figure out how to get it to your house." MORE

Bud & Alley's at Seaside on Devon Gray Blog  "Anyone who has spent time in Seaside, Florida has no doubt visited Bud & Alley's. It is owned by Dave Rauschkolb, and comprises Bud & Alley's restaurant, The Tarpon Club bar, The Taco Bar, and a new pizza place which will be opening in the near future. Its roof top, gulf view bar, The Tarpon Club, holds the number six position on Coastal Living Magazine's Top Ten List of roof top bars. If you have visited, it is difficult to believe it is not further up the list! When I was working on the premise of "Playing for Keeps", I knew I needed my hero to have a job at a local establishment to keep him in close contact with the heroine." MORE

WaterColor on Fort Mills Times "Fla. House speaker shares grim financial outlook (Seagrove Beach, FL)  Newly elected Florida legislators face one of the toughest challenges in the state's history amid national economic turmoil and steadily declining state revenues, House Speaker Ray Sansom told fellow Republicans Wednesday.  Sansom, R-Destin, addressed Republican House members on the first day of a three-day educational retreat at the exclusive WaterColor Resort east of Destin and about two hours from Tallahassee." MORE

On The Scene: Cottages for Kids Kickoff Celebration & Seaside Seeing Red Wine Festival 2008

It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend in the Beaches of South Walton and SoWalScene.com was on the scene at many of the events!

Cottages For Kids 2008 Kick Off Celebration at Rosemary Beach on the East Long Green on Scenic Hwy 30A  If you have little ones, you must make it over to Rosemary Beach this month to check out the "green" playhouses local builders and architects have created for this year's Cottages For Kids event - they are really amazing.  The cottages are open to the public from 9am - 4pm daily until November 28 and can be explored and enjoyed by children and parents.

Cottages For Kids is an annual fundraiser which gives local builders, architects and designers the opportunity to support Children's Volunteer Health Network - a faith based, 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that facilitates free, immediate access to medical, dental and mental health care - by using their vision and passion to create fantasy inspiring cottage playhouses.  The playhouses can be purchased "on the spot" or at the Auction and Raffle Event on November 29, 2008, starting at 10:30am.  The "Crooked House" was purchased on the spot this past Saturday for a smooth $15,000!

Be sure to purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of the cottages which will given away on the 29th!  This year Cottages for Kids challenged the building teams to be Earth Friendly.  For more information, call 850.622.3200.

advertisement

Seaside's 18th Annual Seeing Red Wine Festival Over 1100 wine enthusiasts converged on Seaside Saturday from 1-5pm for an intimate afternoon of wine, food and music. Hundreds of wines of all varietals were being poured and sampled from every region of the world.  I enjoyed several unoaked Chardonnays and the Pinot Noirs were tasting great that day! 

Telluride MountainFilm Festival on Tour at WaterColor I capped off my Saturday at one of my favorite events of the year - the MountainFilm Festival on Tour at WaterColor - and this year was as wonderful as the previous six I have attended (this was MountainFilm on Tour's 8th year at WaterColor).

We ate chili and chowder, sipped some nice wines and watched three hours of independent short films focusing on the environment under the stars.  My camera battery had died by the time the festival started but you can view some photo's from the Festival on SoWal.com.