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Investing in Vacation Rental Properties Along Scenic 30A: A Guide

October 21, 2024 by

Scenic 30A, a stretch of coastal highway in the Florida Panhandle, has become a highly sought-after destination for tourists and second-home buyers alike. Its pristine beaches, charming towns, and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal location for vacation rental properties. If you’re considering investing in a vacation rental along Scenic 30A, here are some valuable tips and insights to help you get started:

1. Location is Key

Choosing the right location is crucial for maximizing your rental income. Consider factors such as:

  • Proximity to the beach: Properties closer to the beach typically command higher rental rates.
  • Nearby amenities: Look for properties near popular attractions, restaurants, and shopping centers.
  • Neighborhood character: Research the local community to ensure it aligns with your investment goals and target market.

2. Property Type and Size

The type and size of property you choose will depend on your budget and target market. Popular options include:

  • Condo or townhouse: These can be a good entry point for investors, as they often require less maintenance and management.
  • Single-family home: Larger homes can accommodate more guests and potentially generate higher rental income.
  • Cottage or cabin: These properties can offer a unique and charming experience for guests.

3. Financing and Budgeting

Securing financing for a vacation rental property can be more challenging than for a primary residence. Be prepared to provide documentation of your rental income potential and consider options such as:

  • Traditional mortgage: Work with a lender who specializes in vacation rental properties.
  • Short-term rental financing: Some lenders offer specialized financing for properties that will be used for short-term rentals.
  • Cash purchase: If you have the financial resources, purchasing with cash can simplify the process.

4. Property Management

Consider hiring a professional property management company to handle day-to-day tasks such as:

  • Marketing and bookings
  • Guest communication
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Cleaning and housekeeping

A good property manager can help you maximize your rental income and minimize your stress.

5. Maximizing Rental Income

To maximize your rental income, focus on:

  • Pricing strategy: Research market rates and adjust your pricing accordingly to attract guests.
  • Amenities and features: Offer amenities that appeal to your target market, such as a pool, hot tub, or outdoor living space.
  • Online presence: Maintain a strong online presence on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.
  • Guest experience: Provide exceptional guest experiences to encourage positive reviews and repeat business.

By following these tips and insights, you can increase your chances of success in investing in a vacation rental property along Scenic 30A. Remember to do your research, plan carefully, and consult with professionals who specialize in vacation rental investments.

Filed Under: Area News, Real Estate News

Thanksgiving Dining 2024 From Destin To Panama City Beach

October 18, 2024 by

As always, with this information, we recommend calling ahead to verify availability and make reservations as needed. This list has been updated for Thanksgiving 2024.

Destin & Fort Walton Beach
  • Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer: Brotula’s will host its annual Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adults can dine for $49.95; children 3-11, $25.95. Reservations are highly recommended by calling 850.460.8900. Visit brotulas.com for more information or view their menu here.
  • Jackakuda’s: Jackakuda’s will serve a full Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., including traditional favorites and a limited menu. Reservations are highly recommended by calling (850) 460-2909.  View their Thanksgiving menu here.
  • Marina Cafe: In previous years, Marina Cafe has hosted an annual Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $65 for adults and $30 for children 12 and younger. Reservations are required as this is the restaurant’s biggest event of the year. View the menu here.
Miramar Beach
  • Commelfó: Enjoy a traditional five-course Thanksgiving meal with some European touches on Thanksgiving from 5 to 9 p.m. Live music will also be offered. Make a reservation by calling 850.353.2991.
    Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue: This new entry to the list offers whole, chilled meats, including beef brisket and smoked prime rib, as well as a selection of desserts. Orders may be placed here, with pick-up November 23, 24 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prices are displayed on the website.
  • Fleming’s Fine Steakhouse and Wine Bar: Partake in three exceptional courses featuring turkey, filet mignon or bone-in ribeye on Thanksgiving Day beginning at 11 a.m. This option is $62 and includes a starter, all the fixings and dessert. A children’s three-course menu is available for $31, and the full dinner menu will also be available all day. A Thanksgiving catering menu is also an option. More details can be accessed on their website here.
  • Solaris: Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner on the water aboard the 125-ft. Solaris yacht. In addition to a decadent Thanksgiving buffet, you can sit back and relax as the yacht cruises through Choctawhatchee Bay. The SOLARIS will cruise twice on Thanksgiving Day, with lunch and dinner options. Cost is $87 for adults; $52 for children three to 10; and, $30 for infants two and younger (no meal served). This one frequently sells out so make your reservations now at sunquestcruises.com or by calling 850.650.2519. You can view the menu here.
  • Vin’tij Food & Wine: A traditional Thanksgiving feast, accompanied by seafood and vegan and gluten-free options, will be served on Thanksgiving Day for both indoor and outdoor seating. Cost is $100 for the four-course meal. Reservations are highly encouraged by calling 850.650.9820. Visit vintij.com for hours and more details, or view the menu here.
30A/Santa Rosa Beach
  • Ambrosia Prime Seafood & Steaks: Ambrosia will host Thanksgiving at its WaterSound Town Center locale, starting with butternut squash soup or a harvest salad and continuing with pumpkin or pecan pie. View their complete menu here. Cost is $125 for adults and $45 for children 12 and younger. Book your table at ambrosia30a.com or call 850.909.0100. The full menu can be viewed here.
  • Blue Mountain Bakery: Offering a fully-cooked pick-up menu with reheat instructions, the family feast package is designed to feed five to six people and has specially marked gluten-free options. All orders must be placed online at bluemountainbakery.com with pickup from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. More information is available here. Orders must be placed online, but sell out quickly. Last year, ordering closed November 1; this year, a limited menu will be available until November 17.
  • Café Thirty-A: Dine in or take a piece of Cafe Thirty-A home with you in the form of a Thanksgiving to-go meal. Visit cafethirtya.com or call 850.231.2166 for more details. View their holiday dine-in menu or their take-out menu. A six-person take-out option is $375 plus tax and must be picked up between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. For dine-in, reservations can be made online for parties of less than four; for parties of four or more please call 850.231.2166.
  • Chanticleer Eatery: Chanticleer will be offering family-style Thanksgiving catering for pickup the day before Thanksgiving from 2 to 5 p.m. Deadline for ordering is November 19, with more information is available on their website here. Orders can be placed by calling the restaurant at 850.213.9065. You can view additional details here.
  • Cuvee 30A:  Enjoy Chef Tim Creehan’s scrumptious Louisiana fried turkey and an assortment of traditional trimmings, side dishes and desserts. Visit https://cuvee30a.com/thanksgiving for menu and reservation opportunities, which are required. Cost is $89.99 for adults and $49.99 for children younger than 10.
  • Fish Out Of Water (FOOW): FOOW will have a Thanksgiving plate and a la carte items available until 2 p.m. FOOW does not require reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit their website for more details.
  • Fonville Press: Fonville Press in Alys Beach is currently taking orders for its Thanksgiving menu offerings. Orders must be placed by November 25, with order pickup on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 850.641.0043 to order. View the various menu options here: Savory, Savory II, Sweets, Dinner, Market.
  • Gallion’s: In Rosemary Beach, order a heat and serve dinner package for up to six guests including turkey, sides and desserts. Pickup must be made between 2 and 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Package price is $365. For more details, visit their ordering site.
  • Havana Beach Bar and Grill: Enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations are required by calling 850.588.2882. For more details, visit this link.
  • LaCo: Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving buffet with soup and salad options, sides and seasonal desserts from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $59.50 for adults and $29.50 for children four to 12. Reservations are encouraged by calling 850.231.4021.
  • Modica Market: Reserve your organic, free-range Thanksgiving turkey ready to cook at home, along with side dishes ranging from corn souffle to sweet potato pie. Call 850.231.1214 for more details.
  • Old Florida Fish House:  Old Florida Fish House is offering a traditional Thanksgiving buffet for $69 for adults and $29 for children 10 and younger. Call 850.534.3045 for reservations (recommended) or click here to view the menu.
  • The Perfect Pig: At both the WaterColor and Gulf Place locations, a Thanksgiving buffet will be on the menu with two seatings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Additionally, the Seagrove location will be open for breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. The Seagrove location also offers “Everything But The Turkey” packages for pick up on Wednesday. View the WaterColor and Gulf Place menus at their respective links.
  • Red Fish Taco: Join in on the annual Turkey Dance from 5 to 9 p.m. For more details, call 850.994.7443 or visit https://redfishtaco.com/.
  • Stinky’s Fish Camp: Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Thanksgiving dinner as well as a regular dinner menu for those who don’t like turkey. It’s the only day of the year that Stinky’s accepts reservations, but walk-ins are also welcome. Reach them at 850.267.3053 or visit stinkysfishcamp.com. View their Thanksgiving menu here.
Panama City Beach
  • Compass Kitchen + Bar: Located inside Springhill Suites by Marriott, this Thanksgiving dinner buffet is available from 4 to 8 p.m., at $20 per guest ($20 for children eight and younger). View the menu here.
  • Destin Ice Market: Menu details are still in the works, but online ordering will be open through November 17, with meal pick-up on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Inlet Beach location only. Call 850.502.4100 or visit this page for more details.
  • The Grand Marlin: Make your Thanksgiving “grand” with a dine-feature from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. that includes a soup or salad appetizer, roasted turkey entree and pumpkin pie or pecan pie for dessert. Reservations for in-house dining are recommended by calling 850.249.1500. View more details here or access the menu here.
  • Runaway Island: Thanksgiving at the Island will take over this beachside restaurant from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Buffet pricing is $34.95 for adults and $20 for children 12 and younger. More details are available here and reservations are recommended for best dining times.
  • Shades 30A: Shades is offering fried turkey pick-up with giblet gravy that feeds four to six people. Deadline for placing your order November 24 (or while supplies last), with pick-up on November 26 and 27. Call 850.231.9410 or stop by to place an order. Visit this link for more restaurant info.
Filed Under: Area News, Real Estate News

The Best Beachfront Communities Along 30A: A Guide

October 16, 2024 by

30A is a stunning stretch of coastline in Northwest Florida, renowned for its pristine beaches, charming towns, and laid-back atmosphere. If you’re dreaming of a beachfront lifestyle, this guide will help you discover the best communities along 30A.

1. Rosemary Beach

  • Amenities: Rosemary Beach offers a luxurious experience with its elegant town square, bike paths, and beautiful parks.
  • Real Estate: Homes and condos in Rosemary Beach are highly sought-after, with a variety of architectural styles and price points.
  • Proximity to the Gulf: Enjoy direct beach access from many properties in Rosemary Beach.

2. Alys Beach

  • Amenities: Known for its modern architecture and emphasis on art, Alys Beach features a vibrant community and stunning beach views.
  • Real Estate: High-end homes and condos dominate the Alys Beach market, catering to those seeking a sophisticated lifestyle.
  • Proximity to the Gulf: Alys Beach offers easy access to the Gulf Coast, with many properties boasting beachfront views.

3. Seascape

  • Amenities: Seascape provides a family-friendly atmosphere with its golf course, tennis courts, and swimming pools.
  • Real Estate: A variety of housing options are available in Seascape, including single-family homes, condos, and townhouses.
  • Proximity to the Gulf: While not directly beachfront, Seascape is located just a short walk or bike ride from the Gulf.

4. WaterSound Beach

  • Amenities: WaterSound Beach offers a resort-like experience with its beautiful lakes, walking trails, and community center.
  • Real Estate: A mix of custom homes and cottages are available in WaterSound Beach, providing a range of options for buyers.
  • Proximity to the Gulf: Many properties in WaterSound Beach enjoy direct beach access, with stunning views of the Gulf.

5. Grayton Beach

  • Amenities: Grayton Beach is a charming coastal village with a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of shops and restaurants.
  • Real Estate: Real estate options in Grayton Beach range from cottages to larger homes, with a focus on preserving the area’s natural beauty.
  • Proximity to the Gulf: Grayton Beach offers easy access to the Gulf Coast, with many properties located directly on the beach.

Choosing the right beachfront community along 30A depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Consider factors such as amenities, real estate options, and proximity to the Gulf when making your decision. With its stunning beaches, charming towns, and friendly atmosphere, 30A offers a truly special coastal experience.

Would you like to know more about a specific community or have other questions about 30A?

For more information, call Christina Meinen at 850.974.9704 or Andy Meinen at 850.419.4777.  Andy and Christina are Realtors who specialize in listing and selling real estate along 30A, Destin and Sandestin, as well as Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound.

Filed Under: Area News

Scenic 30A: Florida’s Hidden Real Estate Gem

October 13, 2024 by

Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Scenic 30A is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, charming communities, and a relaxed lifestyle. This picturesque stretch of coastline, stretching from Seaside to Grayton Beach, has become a highly sought-after destination for both homebuyers and investors.

Pristine Beaches and Natural Beauty

One of the most captivating features of Scenic 30A is its pristine beaches. The sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters create a perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports. The area is also home to numerous state parks and nature preserves, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the diverse ecosystems of the region.

Unique Communities and Vibrant Culture

Scenic 30A is comprised of several charming communities, each with its own distinct personality. Seaside, known for its colorful architecture and family-friendly atmosphere, is a popular destination for visitors and residents alike. Alys Beach offers a more sophisticated vibe with its modern design and upscale amenities. Grayton Beach, one of the oldest communities on 30A, boasts a laid-back atmosphere and a thriving arts scene.

A Relaxed and Inviting Lifestyle

Scenic 30A offers a relaxed and inviting lifestyle that is perfect for those seeking a slower pace of life. The area’s focus on sustainability and environmental preservation ensures a pristine natural environment for residents and visitors to enjoy. The local culinary scene is thriving, with a variety of restaurants offering fresh seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and international flavors.

Real Estate Opportunities

The real estate market in Scenic 30A has experienced significant growth in recent years, making it a highly desirable location for homebuyers and investors. The area’s natural beauty, unique communities, and strong rental market make it an attractive option for those looking to purchase a primary residence, a vacation home, or an investment property.

Whether you’re seeking a beachfront home, a charming cottage, or a luxury condo, Scenic 30A offers a diverse range of real estate opportunities to suit your needs and preferences. With its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and relaxed lifestyle, this hidden gem is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in Florida.

Filed Under: Area News

The Best Places to Watch the Sunset Along Scenic 30A

October 10, 2024 by

Scenic 30A is famous for its stunning Gulf Coast sunsets, where vibrant colors light up the sky and reflect off the water, creating a picture-perfect end to any day. For homeowners and visitors alike, finding the best spots to take in these breathtaking views is a must. Whether you’re looking to invest in a beachfront property or simply enjoy a peaceful evening on the sand, here are the top places to catch the sunset along 30A.

1. Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach offers a mix of natural beauty and laid-back charm, making it one of the best spots for sunset lovers. The wide-open stretch of sand and lack of high-rises provide unobstructed views, while the nearby dune lakes add a unique element to the scenery. Homes in Grayton Beach often feature spacious balconies and outdoor living spaces, perfect for evening cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon.

2. WaterColor
WaterColor’s beautifully designed homes are often equipped with outdoor terraces that offer panoramic views of both the Gulf and the serene waters of Western Lake. This community’s seamless blend of nature and luxury makes it an ideal spot for homeowners who want to soak in the sunset while relaxing in style. The WaterColor Beach Club offers beachfront dining, where you can enjoy a sunset dinner by the sea.

3. Seaside
Seaside’s charming, iconic beach pavilions are some of the most photographed spots along 30A, and for good reason. These structures frame the sunset beautifully, whether you’re watching from the beach or from a nearby porch. Homes in Seaside are known for their classic, colorful exteriors, with many offering rooftop decks that provide unbeatable sunset views.

4. Alys Beach
For those looking for a luxurious experience, Alys Beach provides one of the most sophisticated settings to enjoy the sunset. The white, Mediterranean-inspired architecture contrasts beautifully with the warm colors of the evening sky. Many homes here are designed with privacy in mind, boasting rooftop terraces and courtyards where you can watch the sun set in peace.

5. Blue Mountain Beach
If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, Blue Mountain Beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. The elevated sand dunes provide a unique vantage point, making it easy to enjoy sweeping views of the Gulf. Homes here often come with large decks that overlook the water, giving you a front-row seat to 30A’s stunning sunsets.

 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re on the hunt for your dream home or just visiting for a beach getaway, these locations along Scenic 30A offer some of the most beautiful sunset views in Florida. With a variety of home styles and settings, there’s something for everyone who wants to experience the magic of 30A’s evening sky.

 

Filed Under: Area News

South Walton Farmer’s Markets are a Great Place to get Local Delights

August 13, 2024 by

 

Two of the best local farmer’s markets in South Walton and along 30A, are the Grand Boulevard and Rosemary Beach markets.

The local market at Grand Boulevard is every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.

And the market at Rosemary Beach is every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm.

One of the best vendors at both markets is Vanilla Beach Baking. Mallory Meinen, the barker extraordinaire behind Vanilla Bean, whips up homemade cookies, schones, and much more every week. Two of her baked goodies that are favorites for locals and visitors are her Oatmeal Molasses cookie sandwiches stuffed with decadent homemade frosting. These tasty treats are not for the faint of heart. They are dense and delicious, and they are sure to fill you up.  Her Great Noni’s Cinnamon Rolls are a family recipe passed down over the generations, and they are covered with iced frosting and take two hands to eat. You’ll likely need a nap after devouring one.

 

Filed Under: Area News Tagged With: , ,

16th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival

July 29, 2024 by

 

It’s time to break out the barrels and try new suds and beers! The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin will host the 16th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest on October 11th and 12th, 2024. American specialty beers from across the country will be available for participants to sample and enjoy.

The main event on Saturday, October 12th will showcase over 200 domestic and international craft beers for sampling. Brewery representatives will be present at the event, allowing attendees to learn about the various styles of lagers and ales. Live music will also be presented at the festival.

Buy tickets here!

For more information on real estate, call Christina Meinen at 850.974.9704 or Andy Meinen at 850.419.4777.  Andy and Christina are Realtors, who specialize in listing and selling real estate along 30A, Destin and Sandestin, as well as Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound.

Filed Under: Area News

New Release in Alys Beach coming May 16

May 16, 2024 by

I N T R O D U C I N G  T H E  AUGUST CONDOMINIUMS

But for those who will live here, there are other reasons this building is singular and attractive. The building is on a small block and surrounded on all sides by streets. There are no common property lines between The August and adjacent buildings, and so there are no buildings close by to diminish views or privacy. Owing to the shape of the building, most every residence is a corner unit with two street exposures and an extraordinary amount of exterior walls, bringing in lots of daylight. It is hard to take the measure of this buildings because everything is a little over scaled. Windows that don’t seem that tall from the street turn out to be nearly floor to ceiling and in many rooms, almost fill an outside wall. And once you are inside, there will be little sense of adjacent residences, but there will be every sense of the bigger setting.

Scott Merrill

Founder Merrill Pastor and Colgan Architects

Before this building was known as the August, it was known informally as the Flatiron, a reference to it’s unusual but memorable shape defined by its placement between converging streets. Many cities have sites between converging streets like Alys Beach’s South Somerset Street and Castle Harbor, or Castle Harbor and Sea Garden, and many have buildings known as Flatirons for their similar shapes. The most famous Flatiron building is the one in New York, between Fifth Avenue and Broadway, at Madison Park—similar in length to The August, though narrower. These buildings are almost always thought of fondly or proudly. Like those, The August may be first known and recognized for it’s shape. The August is located in a little precinct near the Beach Club and the Gulf front plaza. There is no other modern neighborhood like this in Florida: an urban setting near an extraordinary beach further distinguished by the unusual views where streets come to the Gulf from the back of the town. The building’s most memorable aspects may be its narrow ends with large round porches, but the convex Juan Bermudez Crescent that faces the rest of the town produces aspects just as nice and just as memorable. Somerset Street, starting on the north side of Alys Beach near the pine woods, is or will be one of the most beautiful streets in Florida. South Somerset descends from 30A and then rises again at the plaza to provide a great path to the water.

Filed Under: Area News, Real Estate News

Harvest Wine & Food Festival

September 21, 2023 by

Harvest Wine & Food Festival is hosted in WaterColor each October with four days of epicurean excellence that is sure to delight both wine and culinary enthusiasts alike.

The 2023 event will be hosted October 19-22 and feature wine dinners, our famous Grand Tasting, a cocktail brunch, and much more. Rated as one of the premier wine and food festivals in the Southeast, Harvest provides patrons the opportunity to sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections.

Tickets to the 7th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival are on sale now HERE.

 

For more information on real estate, call Christina Meinen at 850.974.9704 or Andy Meinen at 850.419.4777.  Andy and Christina are Realtors, who specialize in listing and selling real estate along 30A, Destin and Sandestin, as well as Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound.

Filed Under: Area News

New Customary Use Rules Approved in Walton County

July 29, 2023 by

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — Changes are coming to Walton County beaches.  A settlement has been reached between the county and private beach owners regarding customary use.

The end result is keeping a majority of the beach private.

“We’ve settled some. We are still under litigation with a few and other than that we really don’t have any comment,” said Danny Glidewell, Walton County Board chairman.

Walton County has 26 miles of beachfront property and only 8 miles of that is owned by the county or the state for the general public. Now in the settlement posted below, a transitory lane the public can use on private property.

The transitory zone is 20 feet from the wet sand towards the homes.  The zone can be used for walking, jogging or running, swimming and surfing, or sunbathing, as long as you don’t use umbrellas or tents.

Private property owners have permission to kick people out of the transitory zone if there is more than one person every 5 feet of beach, as well as if they are disturbing any beachgoers at their discretion.

Many residents at the July 27 meeting spoke out on the county reaching a settlement.

“It’s sad, it’s just sad to see what you have allowed to happen to our county,” said Shari Clark, Seagrove resident.

“Did we give up too soon? Have we arrived at this settlement without doing everything we possibly can?” asked Jenny Dargavell, Walton County resident.

Chairman Glidewell said the public will see updates regarding the new customary use rules from the tourism development council.

“The TDC is going to be putting out a public information packet soon and they’re the ones who will be coordinating the response,” said Glidewell.

 

 

 

For more information, call Christina Meinen at 850.974.9704 or Andy Meinen at 850.419.4777.  Andy and Christina are Realtors, who specialize in listing and selling real estate along 30A, Destin and Sandestin, as well as Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound.

Filed Under: Area News
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