February Art in Public Places: The Walton County TDC and Friends of Coastal Branch Library present the February 2011 Art in Public Places exhibit, featuring artist Peggy Jones.  Each month, this partnership brings new, distinct exhibits to the public through displays at the Coastal Branch Library.

Peggy creates paintings and collages in impressionist and abstract styles, mixing abstract and realism as much as possible.  She uses acrylic paint and mixed media such as found objects, papers, gels and paints to produce pieces that range from surreal and whimsical to composite and somber.   Peggy describes her work as being “all over the color wheel,” and acknowledges that her work varies with her moods.

Painting from her little studio on Eastern Lake, she credits travel, family, friends, teachers, music, museums, literature, nature and religion for helping her find inspiration. Peggy’s work will be on display at the Coastal Branch Library in Santa Rosa Beach [MAP] through Feb 28.

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New South Walton Exhibition Venue – A+Art – Announced for Local Artists

The Cultural Arts Association (CAA) is proud to announce a new venue for exhibiting art works by local artists.  Beginning this month and continuing through the year, the walls of the new South Walton Center of Northwest Florida State College [MAP] off of Hwy 331 in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida will be filled with landscapes, photography, fiber art, and figurative art presented in four distinct exhibits in addition to a juried art show:

• “Landscape from Four Perspectives”-Opens January 5th, 2011
• “Top of the Class”-Juried Art Show- March 2011
• “Shutter Works”-Summer 2011
• “Contemporary Fiber Art”-Fall 2011
• “Approaching the Figure”-Winter 2011

The first exhibit in the series, now open, features four landscape artists who view nature through very different eyes:  Allison Wickey, Carol Ann Cain, Dorothy Starbuck and Melody Bogle.  “Landscape from Four Perspectives”  promises to be a superb visual experiencewith vibrant realistic images, impressionistic imagery on venetian plaster, luminous pastels, and vivid acrylic nature scenes.

As part of this art series, appropriately named A+Art, the CAA is sponsoring a juried art show in March 2011. It will be an opportunity for artists and art lovers alike to share the excellence that CAA artist members have to offer. A call to artists for the juried show will go out in January.

For more information about this exciting partnership with Northwest Florida State College, please contact Susan Lucas, Chair of the A+ Art Committee, at 267-3083 or at suziartz@mac.com

Hidden Dunes Director of Tennis Celebrates 26 Years with the Resort Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc., the rental management company for Hidden Dunes Beach and Tennis Resort of Miramar Beach, Florida, announces that the director of tennis, Myke Loomis, is celebrating her 26th anniversary with the resort.

Currently a member of the USPTA, Loomis played on the 2007 and 2008 USA Margaret Court Cup (Women’s 45) teams. In addition to winning a number of Florida championships and being inducted into the Arkansas Tennis Hall of Fame, she won the 2008 World Doubles Championships in Antalya, Turkey, and was a finalist in the 2009 World Doubles Championships in Mallorca, Spain. 

For more information about tennis at Hidden Dunes, call 850.269.2590 or visit their website.

Where does web publisher and professional foodie Jill Gaupin go for Sunday Brunch in South Walton?

Fire (Restaurant) in Grayton Beach
[info, map & directions]
Fire in Grayton is a local’s favorite Sunday Brunch spot.  If you are looking for something more upscale, Fire satisfies with their “Napa Valley country-style” cuisine.  A bonus?  Bottomless champagne with purchase of an entree.
Hint: Make a reservation and ask about the special.
Favorite Menu Item(s): Truffled Mushroom-St. Andre Cheese Omelet

Hibiscus Vegetarian Cafe in Grayton Beach
[info, map & directions]
Hibiscus by far offers the best laid back Sunday Brunch experience in South Walton and is a favorite locals gathering spot.  The matriarch of Grayton Beach and Hibiscus, Ms. Cheri, greets with a hug and a smile.   Every Sunday, from 10AM – 2PM, brunch-goers can cozy up to an outside table, listen to live music in the “Backyard of Love” from local musicians, drink mimosas for donation which benefit local charities and dine on vegetarian, locally sourced dishes.
Hint: Hef, the adorable Hibiscus kitty cat, is a wild fella and doesn’t really like to be bothered. 
Favorite menu item(s): Wonderful Waffle, Old-Fashioned Oatmeal.

Another Broken Egg Cafe in Grayton Beach and Sandestin
[info, map & directions]
Another Broken Egg Cafe is a regional chain known for their extensive breakfast and lunch menu (over 130 items!), use of quality ingredients, and reasonable prices.  They have three locations in South Walton alone and pack the house most days, especially on Sundays.  They don’t accept reservations but don’t be discouraged if you have to wait.  It’s worth it.
Hint: Bring your appetite – the portions here are huge! 
Favorite menu item(s): The Floridian Omelet, Bananas Foster French Toast

Wine World at WaterColor
[info, map & directions]
Don’t let this popular wine bar fool you – yes, they offer some excellent wines to sip but they also have a delicious lunch, small plates/tapas, dinner and Sunday brunch menu to boot as well as a fabulous cheese selection.
Hint: They keep seasonal hours and Sunday brunch is offered during the season.  Call before you go.
Favorite menu item(s): Shrimp and Grits, Grand Marnier Waffles.

The Great Southern Cafe in Seaside
[info, map & directions]
Beignets, Grits and Grillades, Fried Green Tomato Benedict … if you are looking for an authentic Southern brunch menu, The Great Southern Cafe is your spot.  Take advantage of the covered porch in the spring and fall.  If the weather is nice, walk off your brunch on the beach across the street.
Hint: Make a reservation during the season.
Favorite menu item(s): Beignets, Eggs Sardou, Grits a Ya Ya

Salon Twist in Seagrove Beach is pleased to welcome their newest stylist – Ivan Rajos. Ivan comes to our beautiful beaches from the ATL and has over 25 years experience! Welcome to South Walton, Ivan! To book an appointment with Ivan or any of Salon Twists amazing stylists, call 850-231-7853.

New business opens at Grand Boulevard; There’s an app for that, too! Sinfonia Gulf Coast and more. Check it out –> GO.

The 2011 Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K is now SOLD OUT! –> GO.

‎”Vue” restaurant coming to Dune Allen Beach on 30A in March! –> GO.

Pizza by the Sea in WaterColor Crossing is now packaging their to go pizza in groovy eco-friendly boxes.  Check it out –> GO.

Need a King Cake? Restaurant Fire in Grayton Beach is selling them – $15 for a small, $35 for a large. (850) 231-9020

Save the date! Seaside Repertory Theatre is having an Oscar Party on Sunday, February 27. They’ll be rolling out the red carpet and popping champagne corks. Come prepare to champion your favorites for Oscar gold as well as prizes for our own local “celebrities.”

Coming to Seaside this spring – Meltdown on 30A! Brie and Bacon? Check them out on Facebook –> GO.

Santa Rosa Beach Club, founded in 1969, is changing.  This March, the Beach Club restaurant will reopen with a whole new look and name.

“The golf and beach club is adapting to the economic climate. We have the best view of the Gulf of Mexico, and our facilities need to match that. says Jim Shepherd, acting General Manager. Most people in the area don’t know the club is open to the public. Our new plan aims to change that.”

Work begins on a kitchen and dining area makeover, with a re-open slated for early March 2011. The club has also hired Executive Chef Sandor Zombori. Sandor’s fine dining restaurant was a staple in Seagrove for 10 years and was ranked by Florida Trend magazine as one of the best restaurants in Florida. He is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Paris.

The restaurant will also see a name change to “The Vue on 30a”. Look for new signs and logos along 30a soon. The golf course name will remain unchanged, and will also undergo some upgrades later in the year.

“A lot of thought and planning has gone into these changes, said Shepherd. We are excited about opening a new restaurant on 30-A lead by Chef Sandor.

[what] Sinfonia Gulf Coast Gala Concert Event & ArtStrings Auction

[when] Friday, February 4, 2011

[where] Emerald Coast Convention Center, Okaloosa Island [MAP]

[details] Reception begins at 5:30PM.  Heavy and passed hors d’ oeuvres & cash bar.  ArtStrings: A Painted Violin Exhibition Auction until 7:15PM. Tickets $52.50 (Gala table seating). 

Additional tickets: $37.50 (for performance at 7:30PM – see info below)

Performance featuring the orchestra with special guests from the Northwest Florida Ballet,  Nick Kendall & Chris Brubeck begins at 7:30PM.

More information –> HERE.

[foodie event] Travel The World at Wine World at WaterColor‘s World Dining Series Lead your taste buds on a journey every Tuesday evening  and experience the exquisite foods and drink abroad as Wine World leads you on a culinary voyage around the globe at their World Dining Series.  What are the next stops on the itinerary?

• OCT 26 Argentina – Carbonada Criolla
• NOV 2 New Zealand – Lamb Osso Bucco
• NOV 9 USA  Napa Valley – Napa Chicken Roast

Cost starts at $29.99. Reservations are encouraged.  Chose from three seatings: 5PM, 6:30PM and 8PM. (850) 231-1323.

[foodie event] Willamette Valley Vineyards Wine Dinner at Vintij Wine Boutique in Miramar Beach tomorrow, October 21 Don’t miss the Willamette Valley Vineyards Wine Dinner at Vin’ tij tomorrow at 7PM.  Click here for full information.  Now taking reservations:  (850) 650-9820.  They will be hosting a Revana Family Wine Dinner as well on November 3.  Call for more information.

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Advertise here!

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[foodie event] Rosemary Beach Uncorked this weekend!  The chic coastal town of Rosemary Beach, FL, located along Scenic Hwy. 30-A, is the setting for “Rosemary Beach Uncorked,” a culinary and wine pairing event taking place on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Net Proceeds from the event will benefit Caring and Sharing of South Walton County, a volunteer group which provides food and assistance to locals in need. >> Full Info.

[foodie news] Gobble Gobble! Let’s Talk Turkey’s. For the 15th year, For the Health of It on Scenic Hwy 30A in Blue Mountain Beach is selling organic, free range birds for your holiday feast.  This year they are featuring Mary’s Turkeys. The free range, natural atural birds are $2.49/LB or choose an organic Turkeys which $3.39/LB.  All are raised without hormones, antibiotics or other harmful ingredients. Place your order today, supplies are limited.  Call (850) 267-0558.

[foodie event] Enjoy a night dining out and help Alaqua Animal Refuge, a no kill shelter, save lives in their new “Dine For The Dogs” program.  Head to Smiling Fish Cafe’ in Gulf Place/Santa Rosa Beach on Tuesday, October 26 between 5:30-9PM and they will donate a % of their proceeds to Alaqua.  Feel free to bring your pooch!  Questions? 850-622-3071.

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What: 3rd Annual Bayshore Manor Haunted House

When: Friday – Sunday, October 29 – 31, 2010

Where: 195 North Holiday Road, Miramar Beach, FL [MAP]

Cost: $10.00

Details:  Not recommended for children under 12.  To benefit SHOC – Students Helping Our Community of Walton county.  For more information, visit their Facebook page HERE.

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CHECK out all the spooky celebrations and trick or treat events going on in South Walton >> GO.