Emerald Coast Magazine

DIY SOME HOLIDAY CHEER THIS YEAR

FEATURE

HANDCRAFTED HOLIDAYS

More than a cost-eﬀective way to decorate the house and tree, holiday crafting is an activity that elicits a happy nostalgia for celebrations past. In memories of Christmas craft nights, many might recall holiday-themed CDs on repeat as moms brought out trays of cookies, treats, and hot chocolate. This year, try recreating those happy memories with your own children, or start new traditions. Invite a group over and make it a crafting party set to the tune of a wintry playlist or a holiday movie marathon. Cozy up with a Christmasy cocktail and a craft that will bring a merry and bright spirit to your heart and home.

by SARA SANTORA

THE WAVE

17 CELEBRATIONS

The historic small town of DeFuniak Springs does Christmas in spectacular fashion with a 10 million-light display at the town center’s perfectly circular and picturesque lake.

22 TRADITIONS Storied holiday histories pass on traditions that border superstition. Symbolic foods and themed rituals promise good fortune this holiday season and into the new year.

PANACHE

27 CITIZEN OF STYLE Craftswoman Jeni Bailey runs En Lieu Design Co., a custom line of leather clothing and accessories that oﬀer quality in lieu of the typical fastfashion ﬁnd.

32 FASHION Tartan is known as a timeless style. But the winter season proves the most wonderful time of the year to dress pretty in plaid.

36 WHAT’S

IN STORE

Warm up this winter with a little shopping. Emerald Coast shops have in stock cozy clothing, stylish hats, gift-worthy jewelry, holiday decor, and more.

GASTRO & GUSTO

47 BAKED GOODS A move from Texas to 30A inspired mother and son Julie and Ryan Robinson to ﬁnd their passion. It wasn’t long before the duo landed on pie.

54 LIBATIONS Cozy up this holiday season with a warm cup of holiday cheer. Festive coﬀee ﬂavors, like peppermint,

pumpkin, gingerbread, and cinnamon, make spirits bright.

EXPRESSION

67 ART Sculpture artist Elise Gilbert left Arkansas for the Emerald Coast after several serendipitous relationships led her to 30A. Here, she’s found success at 60-foot underwater depths.

DINING IN

72 POETRY Emerald Coast Storytellers co-founder Kristy Holditch shares her perspective on identity and motherhood.

ABODES

77 INTERIORS

Houseplants are a great way to liven any space. But pet parents beware— some pose a serious risk. Veterinarian Dr. Lauren Combs helps diﬀerentiate.

82 EXTERIORS Fire pits enhance outdoor aesthetics and foster a cozy environment for social gatherings. For longevity, homeowners might consider an upgrade from rusty metal pits to permanent ﬁre features.

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 EDITOR’S LETTER 12 FROM THE PUBLISHER 88 SOCIAL STUDIES 94 DINING GUIDE 96 POSTSCRIPT

ON THE COVER:

As Julie Robinson says, “Pie makes people happy.”

Try your hand at traditional Hanukkah recipes ranging from homemade latkes to sufganiyot jelly doughnuts and more.

After retiring from Lockheed Martin and moving from their Texas ranch, the Robinson family sought a change that would bring only happiness. What better answer than pie? In 2024, Julie and her son Ryan launched a new bakery concept that delivers baked goods directly to your doorstep. On the cover is a Pies & Provisions original recipe, spiced pear, apple, and cranberry pie. PHOTO BY

JUAN C. ZARATE, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist

ANTHONY S. AL-DEHNEH, DO, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist

GEORGE A. YOUSSEF, MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist

SHADY HENIEN, MD, MBA, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist

JOHN B. DUDLEY, MD, MPH, Interventional Cardiologist

ANGEL D. MORROBEL, MD, FACC Invasive Cardiologist

FARHAT MEHMOOD, MD, FACC, FHRS

PROVIDING EXPERTISE AND PATIENT TAILORED THERAPY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

Diagnostic coronary angiogram | Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) with coronary stents

High risk PCI with Impella and intravascular lithotripsy balloon | Stress tests | Nuclear cardiology

STRUCTURAL

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement | Tranacatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (i.e. MitraClip)

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) | Watchman for stroke reduction risk

Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure | Patent forman ovale (PFO) closure

PERIPHERAL & ENDOVASCULAR

Carotid angiogram and stents | Peripheral stents in leg vasculature Aneurysm repair | Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm

Best Cardiologist

↑ SUPERIOR SIPS The South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival levels up for its April 2025 annual event. More than 600 wine labels await attendees at a series of seminars, the signature Grand Tasting event, and more.

24 NEW-WAVE EDUCATION The Barrett School is a place where all children can thrive. The new education center brings a focus on STEAM with an approach catered to individual learning styles.

38 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

25 ↑ REMEMBERING LIZA JACKSON An early pioneer of Fort Walton Beach, Liza Jackson’s legacy of philanthropy and community lives on in the organizations and parks she helped found and establish.

40 ↓ DAZZLE AND DELIGHT

From luxury timepieces to diamond and gemstone pendants, ﬁne jewelry selections from McCaskill & Company oﬀer timeless gifts for

This roundup of festive goods will ensure there’s something under the tree for everyone on your nice list. friends, family, and loved ones.

Meet the women making moves among the community as we proﬁle female leaders and entrepreneurs of the Emerald Coast region.

42 → BODACIOUS SHOPS

From gift sets and goodies to dinner party trimmings, The Bodacious Shops of downtown Pensacola has everything you need to make this holiday bright.

44 GLOWING SKIN Don’t let the winter weather bring dryskin drama. Dermatology Specialists & Aqua Medical Spa has treatments to maintain a dewy summer glow year-round.

HOLIDAY AT THE SINFONIA

Add some sparkle to your winter calendar with Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s festive lineup of events including The Grinch in Concert, a Crescendo! kick-oﬀ, and more.

75 WHAT IF? Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s upcoming season 12 brings a lineup of performances based on connection and hope where anything could happen.

84 CALENDAR The winter season oﬀers a full lineup of holiday performances, celebrations, festivals, and more.

92 ← THE FLORIDA YOU REMEMBER Franklin County’s Forgotten Coast is home to a string of Gulfside communities that represent the last vestige of Old Florida. There, wildlife oases abound.

The best kind of facial recognition is face-to-face.

A smiling face helps open your phone and, at Capital City Bank, it helps open lasting relationships. We’re proud of our online banking and app, yet face-to-face is how we get to know you personally and match your financial needs with the best banking solutions. ccbg.com.

Scott Gerber, Client Experience Manager

PUBLISHER MCKENZIE BURLEIGH

EDITORIAL

EDITOR, EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE Paige Aigret

EDITOR, NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS MAGAZINE Rebecca Padgett Frett

CUSTOM CONTENT EDITOR Brian Burnsed

SENIOR COPY EDITOR Melinda Lanigan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jules Aron, Kristy Holditch, Carrie Honaker, Laurie Einstein Koszuta, Sara Santora, Laci Swann, Kim Harris Thacker, Emma Witmer, Joseph Zeballos-Roig

CREATIVE

PRODUCTION MANAGER Daniel Vitter

DESIGN DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR, TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE Saige Roberts

ART DIRECTOR, EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE Sarah Burger

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS Boo Media, Danny Bristoll Photo, Chris Caravello, Lynn Crow Photography, Jen Deeb, Epic Photo Co., Mike Fender, Jack Gardner, Wes Gernstetter, Lindsey Masterson, Modernmade Photography, Sean Murphy, Gyorgy Papp, Travis L. Patterson / TLP Media, Savvibelle Photography, Spring Run Media, Shelly Swanger Photography, Josh Thurber - Love Is Wild Photography, Chanel van Reenen, VIP Photographics, Kiara Watson

SALES, MARKETING, AND EVENTS

SALES MANAGER Lori Magee Yeaton

DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Tracy Mulligan

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rayna Bishop, Julie Dorr

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Darla Harrison, Erica Wilson

ACCOUNT MANAGER Renee Johnson

MARKETING & EVENTS SPECIALIST Alix Black

OPERATIONS

CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan

OFFICE MANAGER Amber Ridgeway

PUBLISHER EMERITUS Brian Rowland

GROUP PUBLISHER Terry Duﬀy

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Todd Schmidt

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Daphne Nikolopoulos

HOUR MEDIA, LLC

CEO Stefan Wanczyk PRESIDENT John Balardo

PUBLISHERS OF:

PRESSURE-COOKED CHRISTMAS NO MORE

Stave oﬀ holiday fatigue and burnout with boundaries and a list more essential than your grocery or gift tally

“Oh, by golly what a holly, jolly Christmas this” ... September?

Did y’all notice it came earlier this year? The ever-early holiday push that rolls out across the U.S. before the fall equinox has even had its moment.

Retailers revamp their featured seasonal displays at the front of the store to showcase singing Santas, stockings, arti cial garland, and pine trees, ornaments, snow globes, candy canes—you name it!

Many of us eagerly embrace early holiday celebrations and decorations, dashing to the nearest shop to stock up on this year’s latest trends with a pumpkin spice latte in hand.

But, by the time Thanksgiving is said and done, many seem already burnt out on holiday radio replays and red, white, and green decor displays. It’s an unfortunate side e ect, this early onset holiday fatigue, one I experience myself. And still, we have the entire month of December left to face.

A 2023 report from the American Psychology Association showed that 9 in 10 U.S. adults cited concerns such as nances, missing loved ones, and anticipated family con ict as holiday stressors. The same report stated that 43 percent experience a lack of holiday joy due to those stressors, and 36 percent said the holidays feel like a competition.

And the stressors aren’t exclusive to those who celebrate Christmas.

The American Psychology Association study also found that 1 in 5 U.S. adults who celebrate traditionally Jewish or other non-Christian

holidays experience stress due to a lack of representation and inclusion in the American holiday-season culture.

The month of December should be a joyous, festive time. So, what’s driving us to the point of exhaustion?

I say it’s the pressure.

We feel pressured to decorate from oor to ceiling, lawn to rooftop. We feel pressured to nd the perfect presents for all. We feel pressured to attend events and gatherings while dressed to the nines. We feel pressured to assimilate to American holiday norms.

But this pressure is hardly one derived from our peers. No, the bright and cheery Cindy Lou Whos of our lives certainly aren’t to blame for our Christmas fatigue.

I see the pressure dating back to September, stemming from the very commercial concept of Christmas we’re presented with before we’ve even felt a chill in the air or gone trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, commercial Christmas is unavoidable and not likely to dissipate in the years to come.

Still, there are a few ways we can maintain both our sanity and our holiday cheer through the new year. The American Psychiatric Association o ers tips to help stave o holiday fatigue, including mindful meditation, saying no to plans that exceed your bandwidth, making time for breaks, and avoiding overspending.

What it really comes down to is setting boundaries, both with yourself and with friends and family. You don’t have to have the best decorated house on the block. You don’t have to procure

the most expensive gift. And you don’t have to attend every holiday event hosted in and around your community. This year, in the wake of my early onset holiday fatigue, I’m making a list of priorities as I begin to plan my month of festivities. Even if you’re not yet on the brink of burnout, I suggest you try the same. It could make a world of di erence in your ability to enjoy the season and the new year. List out everything you anticipate for the month ahead. Take a moment to do the math for time and expenses. Assess your schedule and nances to ensure your list is achievable. Highlight a few list items as high priority and a few you can potentially drop in case of fatigue or changes in budget.

With a few boundaries and planning, we’re all sure to have a holly, jolly holiday season this year.

Be merry,

PAIGE AIGRET, EDITOR paigret@emeraldcoastmagazine.com

from the publisher

WHAT IF EVERYTHING ENDS UP GREAT?

Reﬂecting on legacy and transition with gratitude and optimism

As Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant in life is change.” But if change is constant, why is it so often met with resistance as an instinctual human reaction?

In the last few months, my colleagues and I have experienced a lot of change. The company we’ve all worked for, known, and loved for years and decades has met both an end and a new beginning.

Publisher of Rowland Publishing Inc. Brian Rowland made the decision to sell his namesake company and o cially retire.

Rowland was my boss, mentor, and friend of 20 years. As a pillar of Northwest Florida communities, he’s left a lasting impact. I have heard and continue to hear rsthand accounts of gestures large and small by Rowland over the years. In those stories, a common theme shined through—shared words of wisdom and opportunity.

Rowland was known to give just about anyone a chance. While resume and experience are important, hiring came down to a gut feeling for Rowland. Some hires brought unique creativity, some resulted in enhanced workplace dynamics, and others inspired lifelong working and personal relationships. In any case, careers and lives were changed or shaped in some way by a Rowland experience.

I remember my Rowland Publishing interview about 20 years ago. I met with then vice president of nance Greg Springs. I felt like it went well, but I was absolutely nervous. Springs called in the company’s president and publisher to conclude the interview. In walked Rowland, calm, cool, and collected in his blue jeans, button-up yellow linen shirt, and tennis shoes. Leaning back casually in his seat, he asked me, “If you could describe yourself as an animal, what would it be and why?” I answered that I would be a golden retriever, describing myself as loyal, loving, dedicated, and smart. Little did I know at the time his immense passion for dogs.

I got the job and had the pleasure to learn, observe, fail, grow, and admire this unique human. I spent a lot of time working alongside Rowland. He was hard on me and

I just knew that the change they were bringing had the potential for great things.

Palm Beach Media Group’s industry longevity alone is inspiring, and their portfolio is impressive as the largest city and regional lifestyle publishers in the country. But also, I’ve seen in the company a commitment to quality and excellence and a sincere investment in the people within the organization.

At our in-person onboarding meetings in Tallahassee after the acquisition, we saw many of our questions answered and learned of opportunities to come. During this time, I took a moment to share a thought with my longtime friends and co-workers …

“What if everything ends up great?”

I encouraged others to wonder if this could be the opportunity we didn’t know we were waiting for.

pushed me. At the same time, he supported and guided me. And when we didn’t see eye to eye on something, we were always able to respect each other’s position, an understanding we called, “I can live with it.”

As with all change, the sale of Rowland Publishing has been a signi cant adjustment for myself and my colleagues.

When Rowland started the search to nd the best new owners to continue the company’s 34-year legacy, he knew he had found the perfect match in Palm Beach Media Group, a subsidiary of Hour Media.

In September 2024, when Palm Beach Media Group took over, the inherited sta from Rowland Publishing all had questions and concerns about what was to come and how these changes would impact lives both personally and professionally. Initially, most were experiencing worry about the unknown.

Upon rst meeting the leadership team from Palm Beach Media Group, I was struck with a gut feeling. While I didn’t get a chance to inquire as to what animal they identify as,

Today, I am excited and honored to continue producing your local lifestyle magazine. As a publication of Palm Beach Media Group, we remain dedicated to telling the stories of people, places, and opportunities that create the ber of our community. My passion to inspire, educate, and support the communities we serve remains, and I thank you, our readers, for supporting us along the way.

I also thank Brian Rowland for his 34 years of dedication to Northwest Florida— publishing countless magazines, books, newspapers, maps, guides, programs, and more. I have sincere respect and gratitude for my past experiences under Rowland’s leadership, and I am humbly honored and ecstatic to begin the new legacy of what is to come.

As we approach the new year, I encourage all to remember my question during times of uncertainty and change:

“What if everything ends up great?”

It just might!

Much love,

The publisher’s photos were taken at the beautiful Alys Beach—a place where mind, body, and spirit delight in carefully curated amenities. With the ﬁnest culinary talents on the coast, shopping suitable for those with distinctive tastes, outdoor activities on an exclusive beachfront, miles of nature trails, and a stateof-the-art wellness center, Alys Beach is a seaside town like none other.

SKIN SAVVY

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Enter to win by visiting EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/giveaways.

SEASIDE MUSICIAN, HARRISON PRENTICE, RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE

South Walton singer Harrison Prentice’s debut single God Bless the Rest is now available on all music platforms. The up-and-coming artist recently performed the new hit and others at the Best of the Emerald Coast event in October.

To read more, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/seasidemusician-harrison-prentice-releases-debut-single.

Stay up to date on all things skin care. Hear from the experts as you learn more from our Beauty Links partners at Dermatology Specialists of Florida & Aqua Medical Spa. Visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ sponsored-content/beauty-links.

SUNKEN SCULPTURES OF THE EMERALD COAST

On Thursday, Aug. 8, the Cultural Arts Alliance and South Walton Artiﬁcial Reef Association hosted its annual Underwater Museum of Art Sculpture deployment. Visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/sunkensculptures-of-the-emerald-coast to read more.

The BEST Night of the Year

Annual readers’ poll culminates in celebration for the books

The 2024 Best of the Emerald Coast event on Thursday, Oct. 10, was bigger and better than ever this year. The venue was expansive, the live music brought the party to life, and vendors served up delicious bites and beverages. The night was celebrated among a community of friends, family, and favorite businesses.

To relive the night, visit EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/ the-best-night-of-the-year.

2025 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

GRAND BOULEVARD FARMERS’ MARKET

Every Saturday in Grand Park from 9am–1pm

30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

January 17–20

Benefiting The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County

MARDI GRAS DOG PROMENADE ON NORTH LAWN

February

Benefiting Dog-Harmony

UNDER THE BIG TOP CVHN BENEFIT CONCERT

February 7

Family-friendly festivities and dance party benefiting Children’s Volunteer Health Network

DOGGIE EGGSTRAVAGANZA

March

Benefiting Dog-Harmony

ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

May 3–4

An official South Walton Art Week event benefiting The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County

LA LUNA’S 3RD ANNUAL SPRING FASHION SHOW

April 12

SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

April 25–28

Benefiting Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation

UNDERWATER MUSEUM OF ART DINE + DIVE

April 30

Cultural Arts Alliance’s fundraising event benefiting the Underwater Museum of Art

SUMMER LAWN GAMES

Every day in Grand Park

May 23–August 9 from 5pm–8:30pm

BROADWAY ON THE BOULEVARD –OH WHAT A NIGHT!

Every Thursday

May 29–August 7

Presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company

FALL LAWN GAMES

Fridays & Saturdays in Grand Park

August 15–October 25 from 5pm–8:30pm

BARKTOBERFEST

October

Benefiting Dog-Harmony

BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST WINNER’S SOIRÉE

COASTAL WHITE CHRISTMAS IN GRAND PARK

Fridays & Saturdays in Grand Park

December

October 9

HALLOWEEN ON THE BOOLEVARD

October 31

Stroll the Boulevard for complimentary treats from stores and restaurants!

30A BBQ FESTIVAL

November

Benefiting The Sonder Project

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY PARADE

November 21 at 5pm

Photos with Santa Claus, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Musical Review by Emerald Coast Theatre Company

FESTIVAL OF TREES

December 2

Benefiting local charities

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & SHOP-ABOUT

December 6

These events are presented as part of the Coastal Culture Calendar of Events made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program. For a full listing of events and additional details, please scan the QR code or visit GRANDBOULEVARD.COM/EVENTS

THE GOOD LIFE WON’T WAIT

wave

Small-town traditions light up the holidays by EMMA WITMER → FESTIVITIES

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS

TRADITIONS Season’s Grinnings

photography by MIKE FENDER

Victorian homes with gingerbread trim stretch gracefully along the surface of Lake DeFuniak, illuminated by the warm glow of more than 10 million hand-strung lights. A horse-drawn carriage trots around the historic district’s Circle Drive past garland, wreaths, and festive sculptures of iron and wood.

This idyllic scene is quite familiar to the residents of DeFuniak Springs. The small-town seat of Walton County, DeFuniak Springs honors its rich history and supportive community with the annual Christmas Reflections celebration. The celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s Eve.

Created in 1998, Christmas Reflections was the brainchild of local couple John and Peggy Sims.

→ Each year, DeFuniak Springs hosts its Christmas Reﬂections celebration where a 10 millionlight display surrounds the town center’s perfectly circular, spring-fed Lake DeFuniak. Locals and visitors are invited to experience this small-town tradition with a drive around the scenic route.

Together, the Simses gathered a committee of senior citizens to plan the event and gather funding to purchase the various decorations and light frames needed to get the tradition up and running.

Thanks to their hard work, Christmas Reflections, which is now run by the city, is able to sustain itself through nominal entry fees. Those visiting the spectacle by car during open hours (5:30 to 9 p.m.) pay $5 for each passenger over the age of 5. On Tuesdays, visiting veterans pay $10 for a car with as many as six passengers.

Beyond twinkling lights and handmade decorations, this event encompasses a variety of seasonal activities for locals and visitors to enjoy. Carriage rides for as many as six passengers are available by reservation. The Festival of Trees, which

↘

Part of the Christmas Reflectons celebration, the Festival of Trees is held during the event’s first two weeks. Locals are invited to participate in the freeto-enter display of decorated

is held during the first two weeks of Christmas Reflections, presents a free-to-enter display of decorated Christmas trees at the historic Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, just off the bank of Lake DeFuniak.

Florida Chautauqua founder, economic development advocate, author, local historian, and general renaissance woman Diane Pickett could not avoid Christmas Reflections even if she wanted to.

“The carriage rides come clumping by my house and get my doggies really excited,” Pickett laughed. “The doggies want to go ride and chase the horses.”

Pickett owns one of DeFuniak Springs’ most notable historic homes, a frequent mainstay of the Christmas Reflections Tour of Homes. Held on the first Saturday in December from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Tour of Homes explores roughly

10 of the neighborhood’s more than 30 Victorian-era homes.

“My house was built in 1905,” Pickett said. “I have restored it to a very high Victorian standard, which typifies what a home in DeFuniak in 1905 would have looked like—all the furnishings, all the wallpaper, the lighting. It is now the home of my foundation, DeFuniak Springs Landmarks. Landmarks is dedicated to historic preservation and restoration.

“You won’t see wallpaper like that within 200 miles of the DeFuniak,” she added.

Off Circle Drive, the holiday festivities continue with DeFuniak Springs’ Merry Market, a pop-up Christmas Market held on Main Street during the month of December. The market is a seasonal amalgamation of local art, toys, plants, food, and music. The Main

Christmas trees at the historic Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood.

Street area, Pickett said, has seen a great deal of growth in recent years thanks to the committee that manages it. With new businesses moving in, this year’s Merry Market is poised to be the best yet.

“We have some new restaurants in town, and [we have a new] wine and beer bar nearby 9th Street on Baldwin Avenue— just don’t tell the Baptists,” Pickett said with a grin.

The Last Stop Brew Vault opened on Baldwin Avenue in March to popular demand, offering craft beer, wine, and seltzers and hosting trivia and other themed events weekly.

As much as the annual celebration reflects on the past, it also serves as an opportunity to show pride in the present and set the stage for the next generation to do the same. Christmas Reflections would not be possible without the dedication and

devotion of local volunteers and artisans of all ages.

From generous homeowners like Pickett to local welders who construct and repair decorations to high school students, it seems that the whole of DeFuniak Springs takes part in Christmas Reflections.

High school students from the nearby Walton Academy Charter School began volunteering with Christmas Reflections five years ago.

“The students gain the experience of giving back to others and feel the joy of participating in a long-standing tradition in our town,” the school’s principal Marie Laurino said. “They are also able to learn about different careers within our city, as well as the job requirements and benefits. Mostly, it is our hope that our students’ participation in Christmas Reflections will plant seeds that will nurture and grow.

As they grow, we will watch them develop and sustain positive relationships, creating a respectful and responsible community.”

These burgeoning community leaders help to hang lights, set up decorations, and offer a helping hand wherever needed.

Laurino is proud to see her students living out the school’s mission of community service, and the students learn to take pride in their efforts.

“The students are so proud to point out exactly how they contributed to the nights of lights at the lakeyard,” Laurino said.

“I want to give them a shoutout,” Pickett said. “This is just a bunch of teenagers, you know, and they are giving their all for community effort.”

There’s no doubt that DeFuniak locals of all ages revere Christmas Reflections as a beloved tradition to carry on for years to come. EC

←

Local historian

Diane Pickett owns one of DeFuniak Springs’ most notable historic homes. The Christmas Reflections Tour of Homes makes the Pickett house a regular stop among others, including Sunbright Manor, an Inn and the oldest home in DeFuniak Springs.

TRADITION

SEASON’S GRINNINGS

Storied superstitions promise health, wealth, and good fortune for the holidays and new year

by LAURIE EINSTEIN KOSZUTA

Want to improve your chances for good luck, health and happiness during the holidays and into 2025? Try following some storied superstitions that have made the rounds through Europe and into America.

Accepting an invitation to join family or friends for the Christmas Day meal is a good start. Superstitious tales state that declining such an offer could be unlucky. If you will be the guest at a meal, don’t refuse any food because it could take away the host’s Christmas spirit.

Good luck can also be found in the kitchen and dining room. If baking, don’t cut or eat cake before Christmas Eve because waiting will increase your good fortune. When Christmas morning comes, eat a raw egg for blessings of strength in the new year.

If you host the Christmas feast, set an even number of place settings regardless of how many guests you expect—odd numbers are considered bad luck. And ensure garlic is on the ingredient list or placed in a bowl under the table so all guests can expect strength and good health in the new year. For additional good fortune, put a fish scale under each diner’s plate.

According to various beliefs, holiday meals should not include crustaceans, beef, or poultry. As backward and sideways walkers, crabs and lobster are believed to impede forward movement in the new year. Similarly, since cattle are known to graze standing still, eating beef could

→ Old wives’ tales warn against some everyday proteins, like chicken, crab, and lobster, for holiday gatherings while other odd samplings, like raw eggs and sipped saltwater, are said to bring good fortune.

imply a year of stagnation. Winged fowl, or poultry, are said to fly away with one’s good fortune, so it should not be served.

When all guests are seated for the meal on Christmas Day, ask them to sip saltwater three times to ensure more good luck.

The Christmas season would be nothing without the sweetness of apples and apple-filled desserts. End your Christmas dinner by having everyone cut an apple in half and check its shape. If the core resembles a star, then good luck will follow. Other shapes could imply the opposite.

Another dessert tradition, mince pie should be sampled at as many homes as possible during the holidays to encourage numerous happy months ahead. Eating plum pudding on Christmas Day is another essential, as superstition states it will lead to friendship in the coming year.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are no strangers to food legends. To usher in the

new year and ensure luck and success, sit under a table at midnight and eat twelve grapes one at a time within the minute that the clock strikes twelve.

To gain wealth, serve lentils, blackeyed peas and colorful greens on New Year’s Day. Cornbread, lemon curd, and other yellow foods are said to provide prosperity and happiness.

Superstitions are also associated with Christmas trees and plants. Don’t forget to place a sprig of mistletoe over a doorway for the season. Kissing under the plant will ensure continued love, vitality, and fertility. Placing a bird’s nest on the tree or adding bird-related ornaments is believed to bring health, happiness, and prosperity. Another custom that originated in Germany involves hiding an ornamental pickle on a tree. The first person to find it on Christmas morning will have good fortune and get an extra gift from Santa.

Without exceeding superstition, add a ritual or two to your holiday traditions, and you may get a boost for good luck, health, and prosperity in the new year.

Good luck! EC

PHARMACEUTICALS BUILT

REGINA JAQUESS Your Physician’s Compounding Pharmacist

Regina Jaquess, Pharm D, a resident of Santa Rosa Beach since 1998, founded and opened Emerald Coast Compounding Pharmacy in 2010. She is recognized locally as a physician’s compounding pharmacist and works closely to meet the individual needs of each patient by recognizing the importance of their specific medical history. By creating a relationship between the patient, provider, and pharmacist, Regina is able to customize a solution to positively impact ideal therapeutic outcomes. You can also follow Regina’s international water skiing career at her website www.reginajaquess.com.

Regina Jaquess, PharmD; USA Water Ski Team member; 10 time PAN AM Game Champion; 3 time World Game Champion; 10 time World Champion; World Records in both slalom and overall; Member of Daughters of the American Revolution, West Florida Chapter.

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BUILDING BLOCKS of The Barrett School

Education is essential and should be available to all. These are sentiments that Matthew Weinberg, founder of The Barrett School, believes in and principles he built the school upon.

Weinberg’s desire to open a school began when his daughter had a difficult time finding a school that was right for her. Despite being mentally on par with her peers, she was nonverbal until age 5. Weinberg sought a school that would provide a strong learning foundation for both neurotypical and neurodiverse students but couldn’t find one — so he created it.

“My objective was to make a school for all kids to have access to resources where they can thrive,” says Weinberg. “Every kid can do amazing things if what they are interested in is catered to and they are provided resources to help them.”

The Barrett School opened its doors and classrooms to students in August 2024. With a focus on academics, STEAM education, and career preparation for K-12 learners, classrooms brim with the latest technology and enlist teachers in a variety of curriculum methods that address assorted learning styles.

Students actively engage with cutting-edge technology such as robots, VR experiences, coding techniques, simulators, anatomy tables, immersive science labs, and more. Outdoor adventure, sensory play, and therapies are also utilized. Combining the natural and tech worlds encourages students to view their peers and surroundings with social empathy, environmental stewardship, and technological savvy.

The intent is for students to exit The Barrett School ready to embrace a fulfilling career and be active participants in their communities.

In composing his own school, Weinberg knew he wanted to provide students with the resources they likely wouldn’t have access to otherwise, including technology, specialized programs of interest, teachers trained in

nurturing learning styles, and access to trained therapists.

The Colony Clinic at The Barrett School is a dedicated team of pediatric therapists invested in helping students achieve lasting academic, emotional, and social success through applied behavioral analysis, language therapy, academic tutoring, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and more.

“No other school in the area is doing what we are to provide students

resources that focus directly on improving [students] and their futures,” says Weinberg. “We are trying something new in order to bring change and hope to the educational landscape.”

While the process of opening the school was no easy feat, it’s one that Weinberg is proud of as he and the staff witness everyday results and tell of the lasting impacts made on students who will go on to be great minds and societal influences.

LIZA’S LEGACY

Northwest Florida woman continues to make community contributions

There are certain people who are remembered because their impact is felt long after they have departed this earth. Liza Mae Jackson is one of them.

As a pioneer of Fort Walton Beach, once known as the fishing village of Camp Walton, Jackson’s name is monikered on a waterfront park and a preparatory school, honoring and acknowledging her contributions and commitment to community.

Community was central to all Jackson did and was, but to attempt to assign her a singular role would be impossible. Throughout her 82 years, she was a philanthropist, hotel owner, world traveler, mother, wife, building contractor, community organizer/volunteer, public health advocate, and more. Jackson, who was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina in 1888, took up residence in Northwest Florida in 1914 when she and her husband, lumber businessman William B. Harbeson, moved to DeFuniak Springs after purchasing a lumber mill there. Jackson was an avid traveler, but she found a special fondness for Northwest Florida, where she lived the remainder of her life.

While Jackson had previously served as a secretary and enjoyed

studying music, she stepped into her full passion and potential of civic and social service in DeFuniak Springs, being elected as the vice president of the Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs, remodeling the DeFuniak Springs Woman’s Club, and investing in hotels in DeFuniak Springs, Fort Walton Beach, Tallahassee, and including the famous San Carlos hotel in Pensacola.

In getting to know the region, by 1915 the couple was spending considerable time in the fishing community of Camp Walton. Jackson quickly noticed there weren’t any doctors around and made it a priority to fund the first public health clinic. She worked to bring in a traveling public health nurse who she helped on visits, even assisting in delivering babies in homes. Her next mission was founding the Fort Walton Woman’s Club, which would in turn support and maintain the health clinic used by the Okaloosa County Health Department for 18 years.

“She was a visionary,” said Terri Roberts, Jackson’s great granddaughter and chief executive officer of Liza Jackson Preparatory School. “Back in the ’30s, she was making major decisions for Fort Walton Beach as the only woman at the table. That in itself says a lot about her.”

Jackson helped form the City of Fort Walton and served on the first City Council. She also served as the chairman for the Okaloosa Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, organized the Fort Walton Beach Public Library, she was on the founding board of the Fort Walton Bank, developed housing for military personnel and their families, and much more.

She donated land for several churches including St. Simon’s on the Sound Episcopal Church and First Christian Church. Liza’s granddaughter, Liz McCartney is a founding member and still regularly attends St. Simon’s church. She was passionate in her belief that a strong, vibrant, and healthy community needed to ensure access to public parks and recreation for its citizens. To that end, she donated the land for Liza Jackson Park, Seabreeze Park, and Fort Walton Beach City Hall and the Civic Auditorium. At the time the property for the City Hall complex was donated, a recreation center, ball field, and the public library were built on the property to ensure access to public parks and recreation for the entire community. As president of the Garden Club, she planted 500 palm trees on Main Street, many of which still stand today.

“She always saw the bigger picture, that in order for these communities to thrive, be successful, and prosper, facets such as community health, government, and schools needed to be a priority,” says Carmella Pappas, Jackson’s great granddaughter. “She was concerned with what was best for all.”

Roberts and Pappas recall their great grandmother as highly intelligent, caring, and generous—a matriarch that the family and community admired.

Jackson would be happy to see the families enjoying the beauty of the region she so loved at Liza Jackson Park and would be honored to know that Liza Jackson Preparatory School is educating and preparing future generations of community activists.

Liza Jackson Preparatory School

Liza Jackson Park

Fort Walton Beach City Hall

A Well-Traveled ARTISTRY

Craftswoman Jeni Bailey brings eclectic style to her line of custom leather goods

by LACI SWANN →

panache

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The travel bug bit Jeni Bailey early on. While abroad, the leather goods designer has a penchant for procuring unique ﬁnds to add to her wardrobe, like the neutral-toned, patterned kimono she picked up at a vintage shop in Shoreditch, London, in 2013.

Jeni Bailey’s personal style is one derived from her passion for design. But her true muse is often found in locales beyond the Emerald Coast.

Bailey first caught the travel bug in her college days. But as the creative force behind En Lieu Design Co., a custom leather goods line of wearable and functional pieces, travel has become inherent to both her style and artistry.

“It’s all about making it unique in lieu of the typical thing you can buy,” Bailey said of her leather designs.

Tucked away in a private, appointmentonly space above Grayton Beach’s Monet Monet, this bespoke atelier is where Bailey breathes life into leather. There, she crafts customized leather bags, clutches, wallets, and more and hosts intimate ladies-night workshops, where creativity flows alongside champagne as she teaches guests to craft their own leather pieces.

Once the owner of a boutique in downtown Pensacola specializing in custom clothing, Bailey transitioned to freelance work and embraced motherhood after moving to 30A about 16 years ago.

For the last seven years, Bailey has been immersed in En Lieu, drawing upon her 17-year history in design.

“My passion lies in beautiful hides being fully utilized,” Bailey said. “I use every part

“My personal style is casual and quite simple. But like life, it’s so very hard to describe exactly what it is because there are many different elements that evolve and change.”

↖↘

Days at her Grayton Beach studio equate to hours spent with Lou and Chichi, Bailey’s military-grade sewing machine and trusty bust. She works best dressed in comfortable style, pairing basics with statement pieces sourced on trips abroad.

of the hide for bags and the remaining leather to create small accessories. The process is utilitarian but less structured and more delicate because I come from a draping and fabrics background.”

Bailey’s journey in travel and design began at the University of Central Florida’s Burnett Honors College where she seized several opportunities to study abroad. From the vibrant streets of Madrid, Spain, to the Great Southern Land of Australia, her love for art and fashion blossomed, especially amidst the Asian-influenced culture in Melbourne. After graduating in 2003, Bailey attended design school in Southern California where her creative

spirit flourished. Most recently, she’s traveled to countries including Colombia and Portugal.

Similar to the unique perspectives she imparts on her designs, Bailey’s personal style reflects her experiences, creating an effortlessly casual yet eclectic look. As a mother of three, comfort is key.

“My personal style is casual and quite simple,” Bailey said. “But like life, it’s so very hard to describe exactly what it is because there are many different elements that evolve and change.”

What remains the same is her ability to find new ways to add a piece here or there that tells a story while maintaining a style

↑ Dressed for a holiday party, Bailey opts for simple elegance in a midi satin skirt from Rachel Zoe, a neutral top, and a pearl-beaded formal bolero she found at a vintage shop in Washington, D.C. Bailey accents the look with sentimental jewelry pieces including earrings purchased in Paris, a charm bracelet passed on to her from her mother, and a necklace from local boutique Art of Simple.

↖

← Trips to New York City call for a casual look. Bailey sports an oversized Frank & Eileen button-up and boyfriend-style jeans paired with leather accessories including her En Lieu Design Co. cowl-neck scarf, handmade satchel from Colombia, and The Frye Company boots. ↑ A one-woman operation, Bailey handcrafts all En Lieu goods herself, from handbags and earrings to customized Italian-style sandals.

But Bailey’s travel influences extend beyond fashion.

“Art museums, churches, and food—those spaces fuel my creativity,” she said. “When I journey, I light candles in cathedrals for my family, and as a foodie at heart, I often seek out authentic recipes during my travels.”

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

In order to create custom, quality leather goods, En Lieu Design Co. owner Jeni Bailey takes a slow approach to design and production, handcrafting each product herself with an attention to detail. Follow @enlieudesignco on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest leather offerings, workshops, and announcements. Private events, special orders, and unique finds from her travels await.

that transcends fleeting trends. Texture, structure, and fit are top considerations.

“One of my favorite items is a shorter handmade silk kimono that I found in a vintage store in London back in 2013,” Bailey said.

At the time, Bailey was visiting London to spread her mother-in-law’s ashes in celebration of her life. During a bit of downtime, she saw the kimono at a local vintage store. Recalling her mother-in-law’s deep appreciation for Japanese culture, Bailey felt it was a fated find.

“The fact that I found this gem in the heart of London during this trip made it even more special,” she said.

However, for the longest time, Bailey didn’t align the title of artist with her work.

“Instead, I’d call myself a creative,” she explained. “I love cooking, traveling, textures, and fabric, but I’ve realized that all of that comes together to create one’s personal style.”

Bailey’s latest En Lieu venture, the art of Italian sandal making soon enters the scene. In lieu of the average shoe shopping experience, Bailey will invite clients to handselect the leather and sandal style before witnessing the visionary work her magic. A last touch, Bailey will hotstamp each pair with the client’s name for an especially customized piece. And for those looking to add more En Lieu to their closet, Bailey’s lapel cashmere-lined scarves offer a fusion of luxury and practicality.

No matter the end design, there’s no doubt that Bailey’s craft is equal to artistry. EC

TIMELESS TARTAN

The age-old style transcends generations and fashion genres

by PAIGE AIGRET

On the 2024 fall fashion runways, almost everyone was pretty in plaid for cold-weather wear.

Designer Chloé favored the fulllength wool coat in neutral-shaded tartan with a turtleneck collar. Anna Sui put a vintage, ’70s twist on the preppy plaid skirt and vest set, paired with fun patterned accents. Antonio Marras showcased a picnicstyle black-and-white plaid full-length dress with a matching heel. Christian Dior kept it preppy and chic with wool plaid sets and jackets. Michael Kors was all business with a blazer and pencil skirt plaid set.

But what of it translates to everyday wear and styling? No matter your fashion genre, local vintage fashion expert Valorie Taylor said tartan classics work for everyone.

“I don’t think there’s really a set of rules with plaid,” said Taylor, co-owner of Rocket to Saturn Vintage in Downtown Pensacola. “You can wear it any time of year. You can use it with any outfit. You can incorporate it in a lot of things.”

The timeless look’s history dates back to 1500s Scotland where tartans were designed to represent Scottish clans or families. But Taylor noted that plaid entered the forefront of modern fashion with the introduction of Burberry’s tartan design, trademarked in 1924. The signature camel, red, white,

and black design has since found its way to purses, coats, scarves, and more.

But Taylor believes plaid went mainstream with early punk styles.

“In the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, Vivienne Westwood, at her shop in England, she helped create and incorporate the punk style in couture and runway,” Taylor said.

↑ Tartan styles have stood the test of time. The plaid blazer, though versatile, is a classic pick in workplace fashion. Choose a colorful pattern, and pair with a skirt to match for a vibrant pop. Pictured above, vintage styles make the office halls feel like the runway with a dark academia ’90s look (left) and a colorful ’60s set that means business.

↓ Plaid on plaid isn’t wrong if you do it right. Top: The vibrant ’60s look is accented with a colorful plaid scarf tied to the purse strap of a neutraltoned messenger bag. Bottom: Add more color to the look with a plaid that matches and complements.

Fashion designer Westwood first garnered attention when ’70s English punk rock band the Sex Pistols wore her creations. She became widely credited as an architect of punk fashion.

“Punks used it as a rebellious thing,” Taylor said. “Adding plaid into something that is considered couture seemed more rebellious back then.”

But plaid’s practical origins are what make the pattern so timeless.

“It’s one of those things like denim —it’s one of those pieces that you can wear whenever” she added.

To go in on the punk vibes, Taylor suggested a bold pant featuring two opposing plaids in different colors, similar, she explained, to a jester’s “party coloring” twotone pants from the medieval era. Pair it

with a torn or worn band tee, combat boots, a studded belt, and a leather or denim jacket. Or, she said, go grunge with a wide-leg jean, oversized band tee, and flannel tied around the waist paired with skater sneakers for good measure.

For a more put-together look, Taylor enjoys going bold and said matching suits, sets and vests aren’t exclusive to runway models. She noted a plaid vest with a button-up blouse underneath as a perfect look for holiday gatherings.

But when it comes to staples, the blazer wins the timeless tartan title.

“The blazer is the one,” Taylor said. A plaid blazer can easily become the statement piece of the outfit.

Taylor recommends buying vintage blazers to find quality pieces that can

← Rocket to Saturn Vintage shop co-owner

Valorie Taylor noted plaid’s move to mainstream began with early punk styles. The long-loved pattern quickly grows grunge styled as a ﬂannel tied at the waist and paired with a band tee, oversized jeans, and silver chain accents.

MODELS IN ORDER PICTURED: Lily Sexton, Lexie Fuller, Anita Leskanich, Natalie Burger, Brent Davidson

PHOTOGRAPHED IN: Downtown Pensacola

STYLED BY: Rocket to Saturn Vintage

→

Beyond the office, plaid blazers work well for a casual look. Pair it with a T-shirt and jeans and accessorize with pins and broaches. ↖ A dressy plaid vest makes the perfect holiday look styled over a ruffled-neck or bow-tied blouse. Pair with a pencil skirt or slacks and a sleek heel.

last you for decades more to come. But don’t let size or the inevitable shoulder pad steer you away. Tailoring is often inexpensive, and shoulder pads are easy to remove and can be sewn back in later, if desired.

“I love shoulder pads,” Taylor said. “Having a structured shoulder makes me feel powerful. But some people don’t need it.”

From there, complement with neutrals, then define the outfit’s attitude with accessories.

“Truthfully, it’s all about the accessories at the end of the day,” she said.

Depending on your outing destination, you can pair the look with a boot, sneakers, or heels to create a warmer, more casual, or dressy outfit. When styling a feminine look with menswear styles like vintage plaid jackets, blazers, and flannels, you can create balance by adding feminine accents like a lace blouse or tank, a bow, or flower at the neck, heels, or use other accessories.

“If you want to make a statement, make a statement with the plaid,” Taylor said. “But if you want the plaid jacket to be the statement, then keep everything else simple.”

You can pull a pop of color from the plaid pattern by adding accessories to match. For example, with a Burberry plaid, you might opt for a red purse or boots to complement.

“If you’re going to go bold, go bold!” Taylor encouraged. “Fashion is not set in stone; you can do whatever you want.”

While confidence is often key when selecting a look outside of our comfort

TIMELESS INVESTMENTS

zone, Taylor said, “If you put it on and it makes you happy, the confidence will come.”

Break out that timeless tartan blazer, and don’t wait to rock that perfect plaid set you can never seem to find the right occasion for.

“You should treat every day as a special occasion,” she continued, “because you only get so many.”

So, wear it! EC

A vintage clothing business owner, Valorie Taylor is an expert in timeless styles. From her experience, shopping secondhand is always best for cost and quality. But when shopping outside of the thrift shops, Taylor suggests gravitating toward brands selling not only a timeless look, but a long-lasting investment. “Don’t go to those fast-fashion brands,” she said. “I always suggest going to brands that have quality, especially when it comes to the fabrics, and something that will last forever.” She suggests brands including J Crew, Ann Taylor, and Pendelton. “Pendelton—we could talk all day about Pendelton.” Crafting high-quality wool products since the 1800s, the Oregon-based brand is known for investment wool pieces, including plaid flannels, skirts, and more. “Pendelton kind of helped create a wave of all of the plaids,” Taylor said. Her favorite Pendelton piece, a blue-and-green flannel wool shirt, she likes to dress up and pair with an oversized navy blazer, dark denim pants, and cowboy boots during colder weather.

WHAT’S IN STORE?

A roundup of retail happenings throughout the Emerald Coast by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

The WaterColor Store

➸ The WaterColor Store is known for their comfy, cozy clothing yearround. Stock up for the season with the BENNETT RAGLAN CREW, which is ideal for brisk evenings on the boat or beachside. With heavy-gauge ribbed cuﬀs, neckline, and bottom band, this sweatshirt will keep you warm and stylish. Pick the color that most suits you—oatmeal, island yellow, pink, or steel.

➸ Bring WaterColor style home for the holidays with a variety of HANDPAINTED ORNAMENTS BY ARTIST CISSY MARTIN

The Tommy Bahama store at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin recently announced a new collection, Indigo Palms, featuring lifestyle denim for women and men. Indigo Palms is designed for everyday wear with pieces that are sure to become staples in every closet.

Each piece of denim is crafted with soft fabrics, perfected fits, intentional details, and sustainable fabrics made to stand the test of time. The signature sun-washed indigo is composed of a new eco-friendly wash ensuring you’re both eco-conscious and fashionable. These denim bottoms are intentionally created to be paired with any piece of the Tommy Bahama brand from dressed-up tops to sportswear. For women, there are five different denim options: the high-rise skinny ankle jean, high-rise straight-leg jean, high-rise cropped wide-leg jean, mid-rise cropped mini-bootcut jean, and mid-rise slim-fit boyfriend jean. Jean washes come in indigo variations, black, medium wash, gray wash, and even foil print and metallic options. For men, there’s the straight-leg jean, relaxed fit, and a five-pocket corduroy option. All jeans are soft to the touch and are made with stretch denim.

CABANA BY THE SEASIDE STYLE

➸ Cabana by the Seaside Style is a slice of summer no matter the season. The boutique’s EXCLUSIVE HAT is created in collaboration with the brand SUNSHINE TIENDA This stylish piece showcases Cabana’s signature colors and pays tribute to the iconic palm trees in Seaside Florida’s Central Square, making it a great gift for those who call Seaside home or visit seasonally.

Each ornament is one of a kind, featuring local scenes including Cerulean Park, The Boathouse, the Clock Tower, the WaterColor sign, and Umbrella Tree.

➸ Whether you’re hitting the pickleball court or enjoying a day of fishing, the REMPA HAT is designed with active individuals in mind. Made with recycled Repreve fabric, the design offers a structured crown, sweatwicking sweatband, Velcro closure and sporty rear ventilation. Available in gray camouflage, black camouflage, white, and navy, this hat is sure to become a favorite in your collection.

➸ E NEWTON BRACELETS have been all the rage and make for the ideal stocking stuﬀer. Make these stylish bracelets even more special by adding the custom Seaside E Newton bracelet to your stack. Crafted from 14-karat gold-ﬁlled beads, these bracelets are durable enough to withstand a day of swimming and sunning followed by a shower without tarnishing.

➸ From adults to children, the holiday season tends to be a time where families break out the board games to bond. THE GAME OF MAHJONG has become extremely popular, and Cabana by the Seaside Style oﬀers a unique collection of tiles, game accessories, and other gifts for any mahjong lover.

Imagine Maternity Care Where...

SERENITY BY THE SEA SPA

Gift the ultimate pampering with a full-service, award-winning experience at Serenity by the sea Spa. Explore countless ways to indulge, from rejuvenating facials to packages that promise total restoration. Book an 80-minute facial on Fridays or Saturdays and enjoy a complimentary 25-minute Hydrojet massage through December 31, 2025.

4000 Sandestin Boulevard Miramar Beach | (850) 622-9595

SerenityByTheSeaSpa.com

GIFT GUIDE Holiday

Whether you are looking to put your best face forward at the events of the season or seeking something special for the folks on your nice list, our Holiday Gift Guide has you covered. Sensational shopping is in the bag! Now that’s the spirit!

COASTAL SKIN SURGERY & DERMATOLOGY

Give the gift of healthy skin. ZO® oﬀers advanced skin care products designed to restore and rejuvenate through the power of science.

12469 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach (850) 654-3376 | CoastalSkinSurgery.com

ELECTRIC CART COMPANY

MCCASKILL & COMPANY

Showcase all your favorite colors on this 18k yellow gold Bali necklace with a rainbow of dazzling multicolored oval sapphires. The Lauren K design has a chic ball chain for a contemporary look. $7,480.

The stunning Kwiat blue sapphire diamond and 18k white gold “Argyle” ring set in a graceful and geometric motif of color and light. $5,950

13390 Highway 98 West Destin | (850) 650-2262 McCaskillAndCompany.com

Surprise the family this season with the ultimate leisure vehicle. Garia focuses on design, sophistication, and performance. Details analyzed by golfers and a team of automobile engineers and designers to oﬀer you the ﬁrst and only golf CAR in the world.

5426 Highway 98 West Santa Rosa Beach | (850) 622-2000 ElectricCartCompany.com

McCASKILL & COMPANY DAZZLES

This holiday season, dazzle and delight with the gift of fine jewelry from McCaskill & Company, featuring the Emerald Coast’s largest and most exclusive selection. Select a luxury Swiss watch, a stunning piece of statement jewelry or give the promise of forever with a hand-selected engagement ring. With a wide variety of your favorite designers and impeccable customer service, McCaskill & Company is the ideal holiday shopping destination.

1. ERICA COURTNEY

“Drop Dead Gorgeous” one-of-akind pendant by Erica Courtney with rubellite tourmaline, Mandarin garnets, chrysoprase and diamonds set in 18K gold.

RIVERA The Diamond Rivera tennis necklace in 18K white gold exudes elegance, brilliance and beauty.

JUDE FRANCES Jewelry trends are predicting plenty of pastels. Gold bangles, bracelets and baubles accented with diamonds and gemstones are all the rage.

4. ERICA COURTNEY Wear the rainbow. Erica Courtney’s “Drop Dead Gorgeous” collection is meant to turn heads. Line your jewelry box with rings that can be mixed and matched for the ultimate addition to any outfit.

OMI PRIVÉ This cool blue hue set against stunning silver attracts attention. A neon blue paraiba tourmaline ring makes for the ideal Emerald Coast statement piece.

6. KWIAT DIAMOND

EARRINGS Diamonds are forever, and you simply cannot go wrong with a pair of diamond studs in a platinum martini setting.

Left to right: Springer Williams, Gailynn Burke, Christian Carlee, Tiffany Cazenavette, Wendy Baggett

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAYS BODACIOUS

Holiday shopping has never been easier! Choose from one of our staff-curated collections, or let us help you create your perfect gift.

1. BREAD DIPPING SET Our finest gourmet bread dipping set, including one small bottle each of our

Bodacious Shops is a women-owned business. All profits support our mission to improve the quality of life for all people in our community.

includes a medium bottle of our Butter Olive Oil, a collapsible popcorn popper, and our all-time favorite Black Truffle Sea Salt for topping! $60

SALAD DRESSING SET Ideal for salad lovers, this set includes one medium bottle each of our Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and Traditional Dark Vinegar, two spouts, a mini whisk, and a delightful classic Dijon mustard imported from $65

2. ITALIAN GOURMET SET This set features a beautiful handcrafted olive wood slotted spoon, focaccia mix, one small bottle each of our Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and Traditional Dark Vinegar, and an Italian cookbook filled with delicious recipes for olive oil and vinegar enthusiasts. $75

3. POPCORN GIFT SET Everything you need for popcorn movie night! This set

4. France.

signature Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and Traditional Dark Vinegar, Bella Cucina Pesto, a handcrafted olive wood bowl and a bamboo spreader.

Happy, Healthy & Hydrated

Winter weather calls for extra moisturized skin

Winter may come with a reprieve from the heat, but with the cooler temperatures comes the occurrence of dry skin. Skin lacking hydration can leave you feeling itchy and your complexion looking dull.

While seasons can’t stay yearround, the glowing, dewy skin of summer can be achieved through hydration treatments at Dermatology Specialists of Florida & Aqua Medical Spa. Skinvive by Juvederm and DiamondGlow are two of their most popular treatment options.

No matter the time of year, as we age, our skin loses hyaluronic acid, which is key for smooth, hydrated skin. Skinvive by Juvederm utilizes a modified form of hyaluronic acid that is injected as micro droplets below the skin’s surface to revive hydration and smoothness.

There are hyaluronic acids that can be administered topically, but because Skinvive is injected into the dermal layer, results are instant and can last up to six months.

“Most patients come in with dull, dry skin and fine lines due to

aging that are not being improved by topical products,” says Dr. John Phillips of Dermatology Specialists. “This is unique in that it instantly restores youthfulness.”

Injections are typically administered into the cheeks and corners of the mouth with very small needles administering 20 to 30 injections over a 10–15-minute period. There’s no downtime, and patients can proceed with their day following the treatment.

If you’re in the mood or market for a facial, DiamondGlow is a unique facial treatment that exfoliates, extracts, and infuses to treat a variety of skin conditions and concerns, including acne, wrinkles, dry skin, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, stretch marks, and age spots.

Using an exfoliating diamond head equipped with both suction and infusion technologies the treatment immediately plumps, brightens, and rejuvenates through professional-grade SkinMedica Pro-Infusion Serums.

This noninvasive treatment with no downtime can be performed on

the face, neck, lips, and around the eyes, and is safe for all skin types, tones, and textures. DiamondGlow can be administered once or twice a month.

“The beauty of a DiamondGlow facial is that results are noticeable just after one treatment,” says licensed aesthetician, Kaleigh Samala with Dermatology Specialists Aqua Medical Spa. “Results are immediate and long lasting, delivering a wow-factor to the skin. Even better, you’ll see continued improvement with each treatment.”

When you meet with a licensed doctor or aesthetician, they will advise you on the right hydration plan for you be it a treatment, facial, or product.

JOHN H. PHILLIPS III, MD

CARRIE HONAKER

gastro&gusto

holiday season, Santa Rosa Beach-based Pies & Provisions has

gastro & gusto

Scents of buttery crust, fresh strawberries, and bright lemon fill the air around the Robinson’s Point Washington home, the nexus for homemade pies to order in Walton County. Julie Robinson and her son Ryan opened Pies & Provisions, a home-based bakery, in spring 2024 to supply the surrounding communities with fresh-baked pie.

“It’s becoming a lost art; it takes time and technique to make pastry crust,” Julie said. “We wanted to offer something more like what your grandmother would have made—the true oldfashioned, made-by-hand, artisan pies.”

Her mother, though a good cook, did not venture into the baking realm. Her father loved pie in all its forms, so Julie taught herself how to make them.

“He had a saying, if you asked him his favorite pie, he’d think a minute, and then he would say, ‘round,’” Julie said.

The Robinsons made the move to the Emerald Coast four years ago. Retired from Lockheed Martin and ready to let go of their Texas ranch, they started looking around 30A.

Ryan didn’t want to be the only family member left in Texas, so he made his way east as well. He found a job in project management with a local construction company, but he craved something active to get him out from behind the desk.

Looking for a different direction, Ryan and his mom put their heads together. They landed on pie.

“We love pie. I especially love to bake it. We thought the area needed a pie shop because pies make people happy,” she said. Building out the commercial kitchen took longer than expected, which gave them more

time to experiment with different flours and fats to nail a classic, all-butter, flaky pastry crust. Their crumb crusts come directly from the homemade graham crackers and cookies they make. They extract their own vanilla and craft their own golden syrup—everything homemade by Julie and Ryan. They brought more than their entrepreneurial spirit and penchant for

pie from Texas. Klabosnik and kolaches, traditional yeast-based rolls filled with poppy seed cream, prune, or apricots, came over with the Czech immigrants in the 1800s.

“They’ve become a part of the CzechTexas heritage,” Julie said. “We aren’t Czech, but we are thankful they came and settled in Texas and brought their delicious pastries. When we moved to

photography by JACK GARDNER

↑ Inspired by his grandfather’s love for pie, Ryan Robinson (bottom) and mom Julie (top) set out on a baking business venture.

↑ Julie and Ryan have a passion for artisanal piemaking, honoring oldfashioned recipes with respect for traditional techniques and design.

Not much in life is as satisfying as cherry pie. But to please every palate, Pies & Provisions offers a rotating menu of both sweet and savory options made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.

←

gastro & gusto

↑ Beyond pie, Pies & Provisions offers a variety of pastries, including fruit kolaches. Available flavors include blackberry, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, cherry, peach, and pineapple. → If you can’t decide on just one pie flavor or are looking for a smaller portion, 4-inch mini pies are available to order in every flavor.

Florida, we couldn’t find them. So, we started making them for ourselves, and now everybody in this area can enjoy them as well.”

Pulling a fresh lemon cream cheese Danish out of the oven, the newest addition to the growing menu at Pies & Provisions, Julie shared that people can visit their website to check out all the flavors available.

Most items require two days’ notice, but you can always call and see if they have time to whip something up. They deliver within a 20-mile radius from their home kitchen in Point Washington, making their territory as far as the Okaloosa County border, all the way up to Freeport and over to the Bay County line. Orders can also be scheduled for pickup.

Among Ryan’s favorites is the triple-berry pie, filled with fresh raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. But if your group is divided on whether to go fruit or cream, they have a

4-inch pie option in addition to their regular 9-inch deep dish. And don’t forget the hand pies available with several delicious fillings.

For the holiday season, the Robinsons are serving up pumpkin, pecan, and apple pies that are available for pickup on your way to parties and feasts.

“We wanted a business that would be a part of the community, and pie makes people happy,” Julie said. “Each one is a labor of love.” EC

PIES & PROVISIONS

Handcrafted artisanal pies made fresh to order. Now serving Santa Rosa Beach and the coastal communities of 30A. PiesAndProvisions.com

DINING IN

Tastes of Tradition & Faith

Celebrating Hanukkah with traditional, savory and sweet delights

by LACI SWANN

During Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, indulging in oily foods such as latkes and doughnuts is deeply rooted in history and tradition. These foods symbolize the miracle of the Temple menorah oil lasting eight days, a testament to the faith of the Jewish people.

For over 1,000 years, latkes have been a traditional Hanukkah dish, embodying the holiday’s significance, much like matzah on Passover or apples dipped in honey on Rosh Hashanah. Meanwhile, the tradition of sufganiyot— delicious, jam-filled doughnuts—was brought to Israel by Ashkenazi Jews from Germany in the 1930s and has since become a beloved Hanukkah staple. Jewish communities often have their own version of fried dough to celebrate the miracle of oil.

Chabad of Tallahassee and FSU are Northwest Florida beacons of Jewish culture and tradition. They shared with us legacy recipes, from traditional latkes to the ultra-sweet dessert of sufganiyot, ensuring that the rich account of Jewish holidays is celebrated in the most delicious way possible.

← TRADITIONAL SUFGANIYOT JELLY DOUGHNUTS

Total time: > 60 minutes | Yields: 12-14 doughnuts

INGREDIENTS:

➸ 3 cups white bread flour, plus more for dusting

➸ 1 tsp. salt

➸ 1 envelope dry active yeast (2½ tsp.)

➸ ¾ cup lukewarm milk

➸ 2 tbsp. sugar, plus 2-3 more cups for coating the doughnuts

➸ 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

➸ 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled

➸ 1 jar preserves/jelly of choice

➸ Vegetable oil for frying

➸ Cinnamon (optional for coating doughnuts)

EQUIPMENT: Candy thermometer that you can clamp to the inside of your pot

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp. of warm milk and 2 tbsp. of sugar. Add the dry active yeast and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.

2. In the bowl of a mixer, combine 3 cups flour and 1 tsp. salt. Add yeast mix to the flour. Add the eggs and butter to the flour mixture. Mix the ingredients until they come together into a crumbly dough.

3. Mix in the rest of the milk, 1 tbsp. at a time, until the dough forms a ball.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.

(You can also do this in a mixer fitted with a dough hook.) Form the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

5. Punch down the risen dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. With a lightly floured rolling pin, gradually roll out the dough to about ½-inch thick. When rolling dough, let it rest periodically to relax the dough and make it easier to roll out.

6. Cut out 3- to 4-inch rounds with a lightly floured biscuit cutter or drinking

glass. Re-roll the scraps to make more rounds.

7. Place the doughnuts on lightly floured baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart, and cover lightly with a dry towel. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

8. Heat a deep, heavy pot filled 3 inches high with vegetable oil to 350 degrees.

9. Transfer the risen doughnuts to the pot and fry them, a few at a time, until golden and puffed, about 1-2 minutes on each side.

10. Prepare a plate with 2-3 cups of mixed sugar and cinnamon.

11. Using a slotted spoon, lift the doughnuts from the oil and blot on a paper towel-lined plate. While the doughnuts are still hot, sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar (tongs are a good tool for holding the doughnuts). Set the doughnuts aside.

12. Fill a pastry bag (¼-inch round tip), squeeze bottle or zip-top bag with the corner cut off with jelly preserves. Insert the tip into the end of each doughnut, pipe approximately 1-2 tbsp. of preserves into them and serve.

↙ TRADITIONAL HANUKKAH POTATO LATKES

by MIRIAM SZOKOVSKI

Total time: 30-60 minutes | Yields: 16 latkes

INGREDIENTS:

➸ ½ an onion

➸ 2 tbsp. oil

➸ 3 tsp. kosher salt, divided

➸ 1½ lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes

➸ 2 eggs

➸ ¼ cup flour

➸ Oil for frying

DIRECTIONS:

1. Dice the onion and saute it in 2 tbsp. of oil and 1 tsp. of salt until golden.

2. Grate the potatoes, by hand or in a food processor. Immediately transfer the grated potatos to a bowl of cold water.

3. Place the eggs, flour, fried onion and 2 tbsp. of salt in a separate bowl. Drain the grated potatos, add it to the rest of the ingredients and mix immediately.

4. Heat 2-4 tbsp. of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a tiny bit of the mixture

into the pan. When the oil sizzles upon contact, it is ready.

5. For uniform latkes, use a ¼-cup measuring cup. Scoop the batter and gently drop it into the oil. Press down gently with the back of the measuring cup to flatten.

6. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden, then flip the latkes and fry 1-2 minutes on the second side. Repeat until all the mixture has been fried. You will need to add more oil to the pan every couple of batches.

APPLESAUCE →

Total time: 30-60 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

➸ 4 lbs. apples

➸ 1 lemon

➸ 2 cinnamon sticks

➸ ½ cup apple juice, cider or water

➸ Honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup to taste

Copyright Joan Nathan

DIRECTIONS:

1. Quarter the apples and the lemon. Place in a heavy pot with the cinnamon sticks. Add apple juice, cider or water.

2. Cover, bring to a boil, and then simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally to turn the apples and make sure they do not stick. You may want to add some liquid. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the apples are soft. Remove cinnamon sticks.

3. Put the sauce through a food mill and adjust the sweetness by adding honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup to taste.

LIBATIONS

A CUP OF

CHEER

Seasonal sips you can make in the comfort of your home

by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

Our senses, especially taste and smell, are strongly tied to memory. This is why we relate peppermint, gingerbread, pumpkin, and cinnamon spice to the holidays.

Many of us eagerly wait all year for our favorite coffee shop or grocery store to release holiday coffees and creamers. Some fantasize about cozying up in a plush blanket by a fire while sipping a frothy cinnamon coffee from a holiday mug. Others count down the days until they can go holiday shopping with a pumpkin beverage in hand.

“We believe that holiday coffees are popular because you can feel the different seasons with every sip,” said Alyssa Verzo, marketing and events manager with Beignets & Brew in Destin. “We aim to create cozy flavors that transport you back to festive gatherings and sharing sweet moments with your loved ones. Each flavor and scent allows us to relive our most cherished moments that hold a sweet spot in our hearts.”

STOCK & BREW CAFE’S PEPPERMINT MOCHA LATTE

Few flavors are more reminiscent of Christmas than the brisk taste of peppermint paired with the creamy sweetness of chocolate.

➸ Brew two shots of espresso.

➸ Add ½ oz. of peppermint syrup and ½ oz. of mocha syrup.

➸ Stir in 8 oz. of your milk of choice.

➸ Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and crushed peppermint.

While a certain behemoth brand might be known for its PSL (pumpkin spice latte), many local shops are brewing and selling tastier, more creative holiday coffees. Plus,

“These drinks offer a moment of indulgence and celebration, turning a simple coffee break into something special that captures the festive spirit.”

—

what’s more heartwarming than sipping and shopping locally?

Known for its traditional New Orleansstyle pastry treat, Beignets & Brew also serves unique holiday beverage flavors. The salted caramel mocha latte began as a fall and winter offering but quickly secured a spot on the menu year-round. And the s’mores latte and cinnamon maple latte are popular seasonal drinks.

Stock & Brew Cafe in Santa Rosa Beach loves celebrating the season by going all in with options such as pumpkin butternut latte, peppermint mocha latte, eggnog latte,

caramel apple cider latte, gingerbread latte, and more.

“Holiday coffees are popular because they evoke a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and comfort,” said Michael Flaminio, Stock & Brew’s general manager. “These drinks offer a moment of indulgence and celebration, turning a simple coffee break into something special that captures the festive spirit.”

What sets holiday coffees apart from our everyday caffeine fix? It’s those fleeting flavors that encourage us to slow down and enjoy—a reminder we should hold on to all holiday season long. EC

THE BEIGNETS & BREW SALTED CARAMEL MOCHA LATTE

This is the ideal drink for the sweet and salty lovers. Try it hot or iced.

➸ Brew three shots of espresso.

➸ Whether you make your own or purchase from a retailer, add ½ oz. of salted caramel syrup, ¼ oz. of vanilla syrup, and ¼ oz. of chocolate syrup to your espresso.

➸ Stir in your milk of choice to your liking.

➸ Top with caramel drizzle and sea salt.

Michael Flaminio, general manager, Stock & Brew

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

Premier festival continues to offer superior sips

The beloved South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is leveling up this year, filling attendees’ cups with wines from the prestigious Napa Valley Vintners. As a premier wine and food festival in the region, guests can sip and sample over 600 fine wines, spirits, and cuisine with a featured tent dedicated to bringing the flavors of Napa Valley to the Emerald Coast.

The thirteenth annual South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will take place the weekend of April 24-27, spanning the streets of Grand Boulevard’s Town Center.

This signature event treats attendees access to some of the finest winemakers, distillers, brewers, and chefs in the country by taking part

in tastings, educational seminars, and culinary stations all in support of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, benefitting local children’s charities.

The festival begins on Thursday, April 24, with the Winemakers & Shakers event from 5-7 p.m. VIP guests begin Friday with the VIP Tasting from 4-6 p.m. with an extensive, rare library of wines ready for tasting and a Taste of Grand Boulevard, featuring toptiered bites from Grand Boulevard’s exciting array of restaurants. Friday continues with the Craft Beer & Spirits Jam. This event, taking place from 5:30-8 p.m., offers a vibrant block party vibe complete with craft beers, local spirits, food truck-style samples, and live music.

The main event, The Grand Tasting, will take place on Saturday from 3-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Attendees stroll the streets tasting hundreds of varieties of wines from throughout the world, poured by knowledgeable wine industry leaders and sommeliers.

For the first year, the festival has the honor of welcoming the Napa Valley Vintners in their own dedicated tent. This esteemed organization will bring 15 of the region’s best wineries to provide tastes of some of the world’s most coveted wines.

“We are thrilled to welcome Napa Valley Vintners and excited to have attendees try something new and different that they will fall in love with,” says Stacey Brady, executive director of South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. “Having them be a part of our event shows this festival’s credibility and influence within the industry.”

Back for a second year by popluar demand, another applauded wine region, Willamette Valley, will have a dedicated tent pouring from more than a dozen renowned Oregon winemakers.

There will be four total seminars, two on Saturday and two on Sunday, which provide guests with the opportunity to hear from seasoned winemakers and distillers while being treated to tastings that can’t be found anywhere else at the festival.

Between glasses, visit the Culinary Village and Nosh Pavilions for provisions provided by some of the best restaurants and chefs in the region.

Throughout the weekend, the soothing sounds and soulful croons of songwriters will be heard from stages from the Nashville Songwriters Showcase, brought in by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.

In its thirteenth year, the festival felt it was due for a marketing rebrand, which will be revealed as an exciting new element that

promotes and furthers the reach of this already prestigious event.

“We are excited to show off the next iteration of what the festival looks and feels like through this rebrand,” said Brady. “Each year, we continue to offer more exclusive opportunities for our guests to experience.”

crafty

DIY HOLIDAYSOME THISCHEERYEAR

CHRISTMAS

CRAFTING PLAYED A HUGE ROLE in my childhood, especially during the holidays. Each year, my mom would break out the hot glue gun (for her) and purple glue sticks (for me), and we’d get to work on whatever DIY project she’d read about online or in the pages of one of her magazines.

At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate my mom’s dedication to this particular activity. But as I’ve gotten older, I’m grateful she forced me to sit with her each year and make paper garlands, beaded ornaments and bespoke Christmas gifts. It was a bonding ritual that inspired jokes we still laugh about today. Plus, it made the holidays feel like the holidays. What else are traditions for?

In adulthood, I’ve realized another pro to holiday crafting is that it’s a costeffective way to decorate the house and tree. It’s no secret that everyday costs—rent, food, clothes, etc.—are skyrocketing. That being said, you’d be amazed at just how far some construction paper, glue, and paint can get you.

With the right movies, music, and snacks, you can turn crafting into an all-day activity that’s so much more fun than going out. Wear tacky Christmas sweaters or holiday pajamas to keep things festive and comfortable, and don’t forget to hang some lights.

So, grab some felt and invite some friends, queue up a good playlist and get to work. Remember, when it comes to crafts, it’s not the final result that counts, but the memories made.

Happy DIY-ing!

story by SARA SANTORA

photos by CHANEL VAN REENEN

CRAN-ORANGE GARLAND

by PAIGE AIGRET

During Winter Solstice’s short days, orange slices can be used to decorate the home, symbolizing light and warmth and bringing brightness to our cold, dark days. Orange slices are also known to represent prosperity and good fortune throughout the holiday season. The cranberry’s vibrant red hue has made the fall and winter fruit a symbol of rebirth and renewal, encouraging new beginnings for the coming year.

Channel the positive energy from these colorful fruits and craft a cran-orange garland with a few simple materials and a little time.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

» 1 bag of cranberries

» 3-5 large oranges or 1 bag mandarin oranges

» 2-4 cookie sheets (with cooling racks if possible)

» Parchment paper

» A large sail or yarn needle

» Jute, hemp, or cloth twine

Optional: Add some pine cones or cinnamon sticks to the mix for a neutral tone and natural fragrance.

It can be helpful to prepare your orange slices at least one day ahead of crafting, as the dehydrating process can be lengthy.

Preheat the oven to 200 F. Slice oranges about ¼-inch thick. Thinner slices are best for dehydrating, but slices cut too thin won’t hold up to threading and wear and tear. Large oranges should yield about 10 slices. You’ll need about 25 slices for a garland suitable for a mantle. For a tree-length garland, you’ll need 50 or more orange slices, depending on the size of your tree.

Place parchment paper across each cookie sheet. If your sheets fit lengthwise, you can put up to 4 in the oven at one time. If your sheets have cooling racks that match in size, place these into the sheets, on top of the parchment paper—this will help shorten your dehydrating time. Line orange slices onto sheets. Pat-dry

Festive Films

orange slices with a cloth or paper towel. Place in the 200 F oven for 2 to 4 hours. Flip every 30 minutes. Remove once no longer wet to the touch. Set aside to cool.

Gather all materials, including the raw cranberries and the dehydrated orange slices. Before threading your garland, design your pattern by lining up your fruits and any other optional additions. For example: 1 orange, 3 cranberries; or 1 orange, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cranberries, 1 cinnamon stick. Thread your needle, and begin threading your pattern, repeating until you reach your desired length.

Tie a loop at each end of the twine. Drape across a fireplace mantle, along a stair rail, around your Christmas tree, or anywhere you like. Over time, the cranberries will dry out. You can keep the garland as is to rehang each year or reuse the orange slices for a new decor craft.

None of these crafts are so complicated that you can’t enjoy a movie marathon while working. Stream some Christmas classics to keep spirits high while hot-gluing the day away!

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964)

Gather ’round and watch as the heroic, stop-motion Rudolph guides Santa’s sleigh through a particularly bad Christmas Eve storm, despite being ousted from the reindeer games.

MANDARIN ORANGES will create a more petite dehydrated slice than large navel oranges. The smaller slices work best when paired with additional decorative materials like cinnamon sticks.

Pro tip: A serrated knife will help you achieve accurate slicing.

Where to stream: Apple TV

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! (1966)

The mean Mr. Grinch wants nothing more than some peace and quiet. To get it, he hatches a plan to steal Christmas from Whoville, but a brief encounter with a young Miss Cindy Lou Who changes everything.

Where to stream: Peacock (free with subscription); Prime Video.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)

George Bailey is so distraught that he contemplates ending his life. That is until an angel appears and shows

him what his town of Bedford Falls would’ve looked like without him.

Where to stream: Apple TV; Prime Video; YouTube; Fandango at Home

A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983)

This hilarious, modern classic follows a young boy named Ralphie Parker in his quest to receive the ultimate Christmas gift: a Red Ryder BB Gun. Italian leg lamp and pink bunny costume not included.

Where to stream: Apple TV; Prime Video; YouTube; Fandango at Home

HOME ALONE (1990)

Feeling misunderstood and upset, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister wishes his family would all just disappear. However, after spending a few days home alone, he learns the all too important lesson, “Be careful what you wish for.”

Where to stream: Disney Plus (free with subscription); Apple TV; Prime Video; YouTube

Snack Time!

A day of holiday crafting wouldn’t be complete without snacks! This board will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you the sugar rush you’ll need to assemble all your glorious, handmade creations.

INGREDIENTS

» 1 container of chocolate hummus

» 1 cup peanut butter, melted

» 1 container of strawberries

» 2-3 apples, sliced

» 2-3 bananas, sliced

DIRECTIONS

» 1 bag of pretzel twists, sticks, or crisps

» 1 package of Biscoff cookies

» 1 package of dark chocolate almonds

Place the hummus and peanut butter in the center of a charcuterie board or dessert tray. Then, arrange handfuls of each snack around the tray, forming fun patterns or shapes. Replenish each snack as necessary.

For a heartier savory twist, add brie cheese, prosciutto, and salami to your board, along with crostini crackers.

HANGING HUES

Much like tie-dye in ornament form, these glass globes encourage artistic freedom.

Pro tip: Use cups or an egg carton to allow excess paint to drain out of the bulbs.

GLASS GLOBES

by KIM HARRIS THACKER

Decorative glass ball ornaments originated in Germany in the mid-1500s, but their popularity really surged when a photo of Queen Victoria’s Christmas tree, which was loaded with glass balls, was published in a London newspaper. Remove the metal prongs from the tops of several clear glass or plastic ornament balls. Drip a small amount of acrylic or tempera paint (no more than ½ teaspoon) into the opening. Place a paper towel and a fingertip over the opening and shake, shake, shake! Add more paint, if necessary. If you choose to use more than one color of paint per ball, be sure to use colors that blend well. For example, while red and green are traditional Christmas and Kwanzaa colors, if you use them together, you’ll end up with brown paint— unless you let one color dry before you add the other. Keep in mind that a little bit of black paint goes a long way.

Remove the paper towel and turn the glass ball upside down over an egg carton or disposable cups, so the excess paint can drip out. When no more paint drips from the ornament, turn it right-side up and allow it to dry. Add some pretty ribbons.

Dance Break

A few hours of crafting may leave your eyes feeling strained and your back muscles tight … sitting hunched over a table will do that to you. So, dance it out! There are so many upbeat, dance-worthy Christmas songs you and your friends can groove to in-between projects, including:

➺ ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU by Mariah Carey

➺ CHRISTMAS WRAPPING by The Waitresses

➺ SLEIGH RIDE by The Ronettes

➺ WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME by Stevie Wonder

➺ UNDERNEATH THE TREE by Kelly Clarkson

➺ CHRISTMAS (BABY PLEASE COME HOME) by Michael Bublé

➺ LIKE IT’S CHRISTMAS by the Jonas Brothers

➺ JINGLE BELL ROCK –DARYL’S VERSION by Daryl Hall & John Oates

➺ SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN by The Jackson 5

➺ STEP INTO CHRISTMAS by Elton John

DIY FLANNEL CHRISTMAS TREES

by SARA SANTORA

According to a Martha Stewart article, miniature Christmas trees were popularized in the 1970s after Department 56 released its first-ever set of ceramic houses known as the Original Winter Village. Still in production today, the village contains dozens of individually sold homes, buildings, townspeople, pets, and other fun figurines to choose from, including, of course, Christmas trees.

That said, Department 56 isn’t the sole manufacturer of mini Christmas trees; you can find them just about anywhere. You can also make them yourself with a few, easy-to-source materials.

First, you’ll want to grab some cardboard cones. You can find these at craft stores like Hobby Lobby or other retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. Then, cut some flannel fabric into long strips, about 1½-2 inches wide. If you don’t have fabric, don’t worry—you can use an old flannel shirt or purchase one at the thrift store.

Next, it’s time to hot glue the fabric to the cone. Start at the bottom and allow the fabric to overlap a bit as you work your way up to the top. Once the cone is completely covered, cut off any excess fabric, add a decorative star, and voila! You have a mini plaid Christmas tree, perfect for the coffee table, kitchen island, or any other surface in your home.

PHOTOS BY SAIGE ROBERTS

FLANNEL FUN

You can make your own paper cones with poster board. Use a string attached to a pencil or pen to draw a circle. Fold in half horizontally and vertically to form a crease, then cut out a quarter of the circle. Fold the corners in toward each other and overlap the edges to form the cone. Tape or glue the outer edge.

Cool Takes on Hot Drinks

WINTER SLEIGH (Serves 1)

A straightforward and balanced sour, the original Sidecar dates to around World War I. This seasonal take on the classic infuses the cognac with chai flavors for an unexpected warm interpretation and features a golden pear garnish.

» 1½ oz. of cognac, such as Pierre Ferrand 1840

» ¾ oz. of orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao

» ¾ oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

» 3 oz. of chai tea

Garnish: orange twist and a slice of gold- dusted pear and gold-dusted sugar rim (optional)

Coat the rim of a heat-resistant glass with sugar, sprinkled with edible gold flakes, if desired, and set aside. Temper a heat-resistant glass with hot water, then add the cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Top with chai tea and garnish with an orange twist and pear slices.

FUYU HOT TODDY (Serves 1)

Among the most universal of the hot alcoholic drinks, the Hot Toddy originated around 1862 and featured a simple recipe of brandy, white sugar, and hot water—a mixture that has been reimagined time and time again

through the decades. Below is an Asian-inspired iteration using an unfiltered sake style with a creamy white finish and a burst of citrus flavor from the yuzu and kumquat.

» 2 oz. of nigori sake, such as Kikusui Perfect Snow

» 1 oz. of yuzu juice

» 1 barspoon yuzu marmalade

» 3 oz. hot chamomile tea

Garnish: black and white sesame sugar and fresh kumquats

Coat the rim of a heat-resistant glass with sugar sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and set aside. Temper a heat-resistant glass with hot water; then add the sake, yuzu, and marmalade. Top with tea and stir well. Garnish with fresh kumquats.

Bealls Outlet • Dick’s Sporting Goods

Ross • The Fresh Market

EATERIES

Chili’s • Wayback Burgers • Craft Bar: a Florida Gastropub

Texas Roadhouse • IHOP • Jersey Mike’s Subs • CAVA Grill

Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt

Texas Roadhouse • IHOP • Jersey Mike’s Subs • Zoë’s Kitchen

Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt

SPECIALTY STORES

PetSmart • Kirkland’s • Verizon • Michael’s • Burlington

PetSmart • Kirkland’s • Verizon • Bed, Bath and Beyond

Michael’s • Chan’s Wine World • World Market

Chan’s Wine World • World Market • Shoe Carnival uBreakiFix • Dixielectricar • Barnes & Noble and more!

Shoe Carnival and more!

15750 Panama City Beach Pkwy PierParkNorth.com

led sculpture artist Elise Gilbert to 60-foot depths

For small-scale sculptures, artist Elise Gilbert creates molds shaped from clay designs, which can then be used to create sculptures of varying mediums like plaster. Gilbert has created large-scale works based on original smallscale molds like her Sea How We Flow Underwater Museum of Art installation.

POETRY Kristy Holditch

Born and raised in Bentonville, Arkansas, artist Elise Gilbert recalls a childhood removed from the type of artist districts and downtown galleries common to Emerald Coast communities.

A first visit to 30A in January 2021 left Gilbert drawn to the area for reasons beyond the beach. The community of local artists called to her, and two fated encounters unwittingly set her story in motion.

“It’s cool to look back because it did just flow so seamlessly,” Gilbert reflected.

At the time, Gilbert was finishing her degree in sculpture art at the University of Arkansas and working an art teaching internship.

Meanwhile, between semesters, she returned to Florida on frequent trips and quickly bonded with Mylan Brewer and Erica Wilson-Pappas, who she met on that first visit.

“I’m really interested in things related to female archetypes and what it means to be a woman ... We’re not studied like men are. With all the different phases you go through in life, there are a lot of unspoken things.”

— Elise Gilbert

A relationship formed with Brewer, and Wilson-Pappas became a close friend, too.

In 2022, Gilbert and WilsonPappas connected over respective recent achievements, and WilsonPappas commissioned a piece by Gilbert to celebrate.

“It was kind of a moment for both of us, making that piece,” Gilbert said. “She had just graduated from her yoga teacher training … and for me, it was the first commissioned sculpture that I made.”

Gilbert designed a small-scale clay sculpture, drawing inspiration from yoga mudras and styles of Buddhist and Hindu art that incorporate elongated fingers, hands, and arms.

Soon after, Gilbert decided to make a permanent move to the coast to be with her now fiance Brewer and connect with the support system she had begun to build here.

“I was like, ‘Why not move down here where I already knew some people,’” she said, “and there’s the beach.”

Gilbert worked for a year as a studio assistant for established local artist Allison Wickey, soaking in everything she could.

“Allison was such a mentor to me because she was already established, and I got to see what an actual working artist does,” Gilbert said.

In 2023, she landed a full-time position with the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County as the program manager. In her role, Gilbert coordinates events, teaches a weekly Boys & Girls Club art program, and sources volunteers and art teachers.

“Everybody is so supportive and down to earth,” she said of the CAA work culture. “It’s helpful being around other people who are interested in art.”

And being close to the action keeps Gilbert vigilant to artist calls like the one for the 2024 Underwater Museum of Art (UMA).

“I didn’t tell anyone I was going to apply,” she said, referring to her coworkers. “I didn’t want any of my relationships with them to interfere with that.”

A committee of CAA staff and members of the South Walton Reef Association annually review artist applications and plans. Details ranging from design and creativity to structural integrity and reef suitability determine the juried selections.

In Gilbert’s first year applying, she made the cut.

Her UMA debut piece is a largescale replication of the original clay work she designed for WilsonPappas as her first-ever commission. When selecting the design for her UMA debut, the yogi hands stood out as a conceptual parallel to underwater themes.

“I feel like it was kind of a subconscious thing,” Gilbert said of the original design, which turned out to be conducive to the needs of the artificial reef. The elongated fingers similarly mimic ocean anemones.

←↑ Large-scale works have found Gilbert success, but small-scale ceramics are her bread and butter. And vases are among her favorite pieces to create. Whenever time allows, you can be sure to find Gilbert in the Bayou Arts Center ceramics studio.

The sculpture, titled Sea How We Flow, offers a nod to both themes of yoga and sea life.

Gilbert worked on the large-scale Sea How We Flow sculpture over several weeks in Arkansas and Florida. Her public sculpture professor from UA, Jon Cromer, offered her

↑ In August, Gilbert’s Sea How We Flow scuplture was installed at the Underwater Museum of Art. The yogi hands design resembles an ocean anemone, attracting Gulf of Mexico wildlife to the artificial reef.

↑→ Sea How We Flow became one of 47 UMA sculptures. Gilbert may visit the 60-foot depth in the future. But for now, the farewell was a happy one. “I put so much of myself into that,” she said. “But I feel like, over the years, I enjoy breaking up with things.”

mentorship, assistance, and space at his studio in Arkansas.

“He was a huge mentor to me in choosing to do public sculpture,” she said. “I wanted to have him there to ask questions.”

At Cromer’s Arkansas studio, he used 3D software to scale up the measurements of the original clay design. From there, Gilbert started on the metal work required for structural integrity before shipping it home to Walton County to finish the concrete work.

Sea How We Flow debuted at the UMA exhibit on Aug. 8, becoming one of 47 sculptures on display at the underwater museum, located 60 feet deep, 1 mile offshore from Grayton Beach State Park.

Now, Gilbert is looking forward to new sculpture projects.

“I’m really interested in things related to female archetypes and what it means to be a woman,” she said. “I have always been interested in that. The periods that females go through are so different—stuff that people don’t talk about, like women’s health.

We’re not studied like men are. With all the different phases you go through in life, there are a lot of unspoken things.”

Currently, Gilbert and Brewer are in the midst of planning an intimate wedding with close friends and family. Gilbert is also working on creating a studio space and establishing an equipment base.

And when the next artist call pops up, she plans to be the first in line. EC

THE PROCESS

For her UMA debut piece, Sea How We Flow, Gilbert sought guidance from her UA professor, Jon Cromer, and spent a week in Arkansas, working out of his studio for part of the sculpture’s construction.

The large-scale work required steel-rod reinforcements to meet UMA requirements for structural integrity, which Gilbert completed at Cromer’s studio before shipping the unfinished work back to Florida.

At her Santa Rosa Beach home driveway, Gilbert completed the remainder of metal work, which involved molding sheets of metal mesh, called lath, into the sculpture’s shape.

“Putting that lath on the outside took probably 2½ weeks,” Gilbert said. “Once the lath is on it, it’s strong enough that I could stand on the tip of the fingers.”

Gilbert then poured a concrete and gravel mixture into the metal shaping, then covered the outer lath layer with a final layer of smoothed concrete. The concrete phases took four days each.

“Once you start working with concrete, you can’t really stop; it will dry in pieces, and it can chip off,” Gilbert explained. “I would spray it with water as I was working to keep it moist, and I covered it with plastic during the night.

“I was working just trying to get it as smooth as possible,” she continued. “Then I would come back to … sand little areas.”

Gilbert enjoys perfecting those finer details.

photography by JEN DEEB

POETRY

POETRY PAUSE

Local writer shares perspective through verse poems by

KRISTY HOLDITCH

Co-founder of Emerald Coast Storytellers, Kristy Holditch is a published writer and aspiring novelist residing in Grayton Beach. Her work has been featured in publications such as Huffington Post and Beach Happy Magazine. By day, Holditch works in marketing, still making time on the side for her true passion project—her forthcoming, debut novel titled Just Passing Through. In the midst of it all, she has embraced the new title of mom.

In the following poems, Holditch explores themes of identity and motherhood. To hear more from Holditch and other local writers, visit EmeraldCoastStoryTellers.com for upcoming events.

Meet Me at the Crossroads

Meet me at the place where two roads become one and, in becoming one, actually total to much more. I wish it was a choice of left or right, north or south, eat or be eaten. But the truth is, it’s never quite that simple, is it? In the choice of this way or that way, there is right and wrong, good and bad, black and white. But by whose definition? The world’s? Our parents’? Our partner’s? A talking head on the television screen? A stranger on the street?

Still, I hope you’ll meet me there.

I find it odd, and perhaps oddly forgiving, that the only path from such a place is forward. As if that’s the only movement that exists. Giving us one less choice to make among a list that multiplies at the very thought, a list neverending at best.

So, will you? Meet me?

As it turns out, you’re all I have. Because at the end of all this, no matter where or how this all ends, we’ll leave here, you and me, with nothing else but each other.

And so, I’ll hold your hand and stroke your cheek, tuck that rogue strand of hair that’s come undone in the wind, and tell you you’re capable of this choice, of any choice, of anything. And who cares if the world looks on, if strangers stare. Let them. Let them look and stare at the woman holding her own hand, stroking her own cheek, tucking her own rogue strand of hair. Because that’s what we need when life spits us out at the crossroads:

Ourselves. And maybe that’s all we ever needed.

A Family Tree

I look up at the trees, the oaks and magnolias, and find myself in awe of all they are. All they hold and raise and carry. Leaves by the thousands, sipping in sunshine, held by twigs and branches, an intricate web of limbs bending and curving just for them, though never breaking. Beneath the canopy, their trunks stand solid and steadfast, their growth and struggles unseen to the naked eye. Oh, but they’re there; much like tree roots, buried and invisible, except when they move the earth itself, morphing the surface, strong enough to crumble concrete. It can be said these roots perhaps do the most work, gripping hard, holding steady, absorbing nutrients for all the rest. But I believe the trunk is just as important. Integral yet thankless, its role lifts all it carries to new heights, sacrificing its own light and breath, passing along its sustenance so its very extensions may reach the sky. If the leaves, twigs, and branches are the children, then the trunk is the mother. Her weathered bark a glimpse into all she’s endured thus far, initials carved into her chest like scars, a love so unconditional she splits herself into two, into many, desperately trying to be everything to everyone, and somehow making it graceful, effortless. Just as the world expects her to. Who then holds the trunk if not herself? Connecting soil to sky, earth to atmosphere, shade to light—she is rooted so she can rise. But everything she takes she takes so she can give. She holds still so her leaves can dance, so her branches can sway, so her life can hold meaning. And meaning can, in turn, hold her.

Let Sinfonia Gulf Coast BRIGHTEN YOUR WINTER

Warm your winter with Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s exciting lineup of events, guaranteed to add sparkle to your social calendar. Mark these dates for four exceptional concerts and festivities.

Big Band Holiday Toast ’n Jam featuring Morgan James

Sunday, Dec. 8 | 10:30 AM

Henderson Beach Resort

Experience the return of New York-based soul singer Morgan James for a holiday performance like no other. With five studio albums under her belt, James will captivate with holiday classics, Broadway tunes and songs

from her album A Very Magnetic Christmas. The event includes a festive brunch alongside her stunning live performance.

The Grinch in Concert

Saturday, Dec. 14 | 7:30 PM

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

Relive the magic of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas in a family-friendly concert event.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast will bring James Horner’s iconic film score to life as Ron Howard’s holiday classic plays on the big screen. Don’t miss this heartwarming performance that captures the true spirit of the season.

Bette Babs & Beyond

Friday, Jan. 17 | 7:30 PM

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

Celebrate the legendary women of music, including Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Cher, Adele and more in this dynamic tribute concert. Vocalists Alex Getlin, Carole J. Bufford and Jessica Hendy will perform hits like The Wind Beneath My Wings, I Will Always Love You and Natural Woman

Crescendo!

2025 Kick-Off Lunch

Thursday, Jan. 30 | 11 AM

Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits, Miramar Beach

Kick off the season in style at this elegant (and fun!) luncheon. Savor a gourmet meal by Chef/co-owner Jack McGuckin, sip fine wines, shop for the latest luxury accessories, win exciting prizes and more.

Anything and Everything is Happening at Emerald

Coast Theatre Company

When looking at Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s upcoming season 12, directors Nathanael Fisher and Anna Fisher noted a prevailing theme in the productions — anything could happen. It’s this sense of wonder and “what if” that guides this season’s most anticipated shows: All is Calm, Every Brilliant Thing and Little Shop of Horrors

The holiday season will be ushered in at ECTC with All Is Calm:

The Christmas Truce of 1914, which tells the true story of the first Christmas Eve during World War I when soldiers across the Western Front laid

aside their weapons and ceased the fight to celebrate Christmas in peace.

Based on first-hand accounts and letters from soldiers, this production brings their stories to audiences through a mix of traditional carols and patriotic songs sung a cappella by the cast of 12. All is Calm spans December 6-22.

“In the midst of war, fighting can stop, which attests to the beauty and touching nature of this production,” says Nathanael Fisher, producing artistic director of ECTC. “This will particularly resonate with the large military presence in the area.”

With the new year comes a new production, Every Brilliant Thing, on stage from January 9-17. In this moving production, a young boy attempts to ease his mother’s depression by creating a list of all the things in life worth living for. While heart wrenching, there are also moments of humor and hope.

There is a content warning for this production as it contains discussion of depression and suicide.

“Through art, it is often our purpose to bring what may have once been seen as taboo into the conversation,” said Fisher. “Even in the midst of the darkest times, light can be found.”

January 24 to February 9, the Little Shop of Horrors comes to the coast. This beloved cult classic is a horror, comedy, rock musical that tells the tale of plant store attendant Seymour, his co-worker crush Audrey, her sadistic dentist boyfriend, and the man-eating plant that threatens them and the world as they know it.

Audiences are sure to laugh and bop along to the 1960s rock and roll, doowop and Motown sounds.

While each show is vastly different in emotion and themes, the common thread is connection.

“The undercurrent of what ECTC does is always using art and the theatre to accomplish community connection,” says Fisher. “We focus on shows that make people feel seen and connected to the larger world around them.”

All Is Calm: The Christmas

Brilliant

HARMONIOUS LIVING

by SARA SANTORA

As far as felines go, my cat, Dolly, is well behaved. She isn’t destructive, loves people and responds when I call for her. Still, she’s a cat, meaning she loves to test the boundaries and does so primarily by jumping on the co ee table despite my countless protests.

Dolly doesn’t seem to care too much about the items on the table—or any other surface, for that matter—but I know while I’m away, the cat will play. So, I’m careful about the plants I bring into my home.

Northwest Florida veterinarian Dr. Lauren Combs encourages

all pet owners to be mindful about the plants they buy, as some will cause harm.

“A lot of plants can irritate the mucus membranes in the mouth,” Combs said. “So, chewing on the leaves may irritate the mouth, and your pets will start drooling.”

Some can also irritate the gastrointestinal lining, resulting in vomiting

HOOKWORM PREVENTION

and diarrhea. Others are more dangerous. Easter lilies, for example, can cause kidney failure in cats. And cats “de nitely will chew on them,” Combs said, “so no Easter lilies in the house.”

Sago palms, meanwhile, are highly toxic to dogs.

“If dogs eat or chew any part of the plant, they can get neurotoxicity and liver failure,” Combs said.

Did you know that your plant obsession could increase your pet’s risk for hookworms? According to Dr. Lauren Combs, cats and dogs can pick up the intestinal parasite from potting soil. Fortunately, “As long as your pet is on a preventative dewormer every month, you’re usually okay,” she said. “That’s going to treat the animal even if they get into the potting soil.”

abodes

Tulips and azaleas have also proven problematic for pets.

Though they won’t lead to liver or kidney damage, they will cause digestive issues, so it’s best to leave them behind during your next shopping trip.

With all that said, plant lovers shouldn’t fret—Combs says there are plenty of nontoxic plants to enjoy.

“The feather palm is a very common plant they sell at places like Trader Joe’s, and they’re always a good price,” Combs said. “And they’re beautiful.”

Other pet-friendly options include Christmas cacti, African violets, ponytail palms, spider plants, and many more.

Pet owners should note that even nontoxic plants may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets if consumed in large quantities. As such, it’s always best to keep plants out of reach from curious pets.

Tall plant stands, shelving, and macrame hangers o er a fashionably functional solution to keep you, your pets, and your plants happy and healthy. EC

↑ Pet-Friendly Plants

from top left:

THE CHRISTMAS CACTUS

There are three types of holiday cacti—Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Each cactus blooms around the holiday it’s named after. So, Christmas cacti bloom in mid-winter near, you guessed it, Christmastime. Many often confuse Christmas cacti with Thanksgiving cacti. To spot the difference, look to the stems. According to a Tallahassee Nurseries online blog, Thanksgiving cacti have sharper serrations, whereas Christmas cacti have more rounded edges.

SPIDER PLANTS

Great for the novice plant owner, spider plants “thrive on neglect,” according to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS). Named for its spiderlike leaves, the spider plant grows rapidly, and its cascading leaves make it perfect for hanging baskets. The spider plant isn’t just aesthetically pleasing— like many other houseplants, it also removes airborne pollutants from the air.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Did you know that African violets are among the few houseplants that bloom? They come in various colors and can even have variegation on their leaves. A Tallahassee Nurseries blog post calls the indoor bloomer an easy-care plant, noting its preference for self-watering pots.

PONYTAIL PALMS

Despite its appearance, the ponytail palm isn’t actually a palm—it’s a succulent. According to UF/IFAS, the plant gets its name from the “long, delicate leaves that drape over the branches, giving it a ‘ponytail’ effect.” In its native environment, the ponytail palm can reach up to 30 feet tall. However, the plant usually maxes out at about 4 feet indoors.

Clockwise

IGNITING OUTDOOR ALLURE

A look inside one of the hottest outdoor

home enhancements

by JOSEPH ZEBALLOS-ROIG

Fire pits have long been a coveted commodity, evolving from an essential source of warmth to a signi cant element of landscape design, enhancing outdoor aesthetics and fostering social gatherings. Human fascination with re never has cooled, and today, many feel that their backyards would be incomplete minus a ame feature.

In short, re pits are hot.

“Especially in the cooler times of the year, re pits become a reason for outdoor social gatherings,” said Rene West, founder and CEO of Executive Landscaping. “They bring a lot of people outside that normally wouldn’t venture out.”

Serving Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre, as well as various areas in Alabama,

landscaper West imparts a strong understanding of how to ensure a re pit becomes the main attraction of any outdoor area.

Growing numbers of homeowners are making patios, permanent re pits, and barbecues part of their outdoor spaces. Preferences and budgets di er, as people have unique needs and visions for extending their homes and embracing

the outdoors. Budgets for such projects run anywhere from $3,500 to $25,000 and above.

“Truth be told, $3,500 will ensure a simplistic design with minimal amenities,” West explained. “Whereas a larger budget will allow for several features, such as seating, agstone, or hard surfaces, possibly even shade sails. The possibilities are endless.”

Fire pits enhance outdoor living. Casual lounge areas become cozy and communal gathering spaces where friends and family can enjoy memorymaking evenings around the

Outdoor enhancements may seem daunting, but homeowners should not be dissuaded from embarking on projects to rejuvenate and expand their living spaces. While re pits certainly become focal points of outdoor decor, these expansions are also known to drive value.

“I think back to clients who hired us for their second home, and they’ve been pleased to report that they saw a

return on their investment,” West said. “They’ve spoken so positively about the interest that their outdoor spaces created in their homes.”

Many would say the real value lies in memory making, like those moments spent solo or with loved ones, eating s’mores under the stars. EC

Laci Swann contributed to this article.

FOR YOUR BACKYARD PROJECT DO'S AND DON’TS

DO SEARCH FOR INSPO

Sites and social media, including Pinterest and YouTube, can be a fantastic (and free) source of ideas. Search keywords specific to your interests, and you’ll be kept busy combing through thousands of posts. If you like to keep your searches old school, check out your local library for backyard planning and landscaping books.

DO MAKE A PLAN

While talking things over at the house is a good start, hiring a designer will help turn your vision into a comprehensive, workable plan. Experienced designers are equipped with photos of tasteful and successful projects that can help you visualize possibilities. Regarding fire pits specifically, a designer will help you understand whether you want a wood-burning or gas fire—an important detail to choose upfront.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR BUDGET TO CHANCE

Whether it’s $4,000 or $20,000, a budget helps iron out details for designers, installers, and the homeowners themselves. That way, there are no last-minute surprises.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE YOUR SPACE

Be sure to understand and agree upon the placement or expansion of your outdoor space. For instance, if you opt for a wood-burning setup, you will want to be mindful of the embers when finalizing the placement of your new outdoor arrangement.

DO FIND A QUALIFIED INSTALLER

If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on your home, it’s best to do some research on installers in your area. Get references on hardscapers to make sure they are competent and easy to work with.

ﬁre.

JAN. 16-20

The 30A Songwriters Festival, co-produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Russell Carter Artist Management, is celebrating 16 years in 2025. This year’s annual music festival will be held from Jan. 16-20 and feature over 175 artists performing original songs across 30-plus venues and listening rooms throughout South Walton. For tickets and more information, visit 30ASongwritersFestival.com.

calendar

JAN. 24-FEB. 9

LITTLE

SHOP OF HORRORS

Little Shop of Horrors follows meek plant store attendant Seymour, his coworker crush Audrey, her sadistic dentist boyfriend, and the maneating plant that threatens them and the world as we know it. This horror comedy rock musical is in the style of early 1960s rock ’n’ roll, doo-wop, and early Motown, and includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, Skid Row (Downtown), as well as Somewhere That’s Green and Suddenly Seymour.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday showings at 7 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday matinees at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit EmeraldCoastTheatre.org or call (850) 684-0323.

DEC. 14

Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents

THE GRINCH IN CONCERT

→ Discover the magic of the mean one this holiday season. Bring the entire family to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center to remember exactly why Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas has become an enduring classic celebration of holiday spirit. Sinfonia Gulf Coast will perform James Horner’s beloved film score from Ron Howard’s awardwinning film live as movie magic unfolds on the screen. Don’t miss this beloved tale of the Whos, the Grinch, and furry sidekick Max as they rediscover the true meaning of the season. This family friendly film in concert is bound to grow your heart three whole sizes.

Ticket prices range from $40-$65. For more information, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.

H.M.S. PINAFORE TOUR

→ The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players bring their vibrant production of H.M.S. Pinafore to life, showcasing the wit and charm of Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved operetta. With stunning performances and delightful music, this company promises an unforgettable evening of humor and maritime adventure. The Ruby Diamond Concert Hall performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Visit the ticket office Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, email openingnights@fsu.edu or call (850) 644-7670.

→ Presented by Frankie’s Bike Shop, the 23rd Annual Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend will take place Feb. 13-16, 2025, in Seaside, Florida. This signature event features a USA Track and Field-certified half marathon and a 5K race. Enjoy exciting race weekend activities including the coastal culinary event Taste of the Race, with all proceeds benefiting the Seaside School Foundation. Visit RunSeasideFL.com to register.

Valentine Tour of Homes

→ Get ready for the 2025 Valentine Tour of Homes, offering an enchanting journey through the realms of diverse architectural styles, beautiful interior design, historic significance, and collections of fine art. The Cultural Arts Alliance two-day rain or shine event offers a selfguided tour through some of Walton County’s most unique places and spaces. Don’t miss this chance to be inspired and captivated by the beauty of dreamy interiors and architectural wonders. For details, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com, call (850) 622-5970, or email info@culturalartsalliance.com.

THE POLAR EXPRESS

DEC. 1

Watch a holiday favorite under the stars. Join The Village of Baytowne Wharf for a special showing of The Polar Express on the Events Plaza Lawn. baytownewharf.com

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

DEC. 1-31

This December at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, enjoy a festive light show every night leading up to Christmas and beyond.

baytownewharf.com

THE PROPHECY SHOW

DEC. 3

Launching their 18th touring season of an extravagant Christmas musical production, this powerhouse group of classically trained musicians comes together to create nothing short of an electrifying evening of holiday rock music. pensacolasaenger.com/events/ the-prophecy-show

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES & VISITS WITH SANTA

DEC. 4-18

Come find the holiday spirit at Baytowne Wharf, and tap your feet to some of your favorite singalong classics. Every Wednesday leading up to Christmas, enjoy the holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series featuring visits with Santa. baytownewharf.com

ALL IS CALM

DEC. 6-22

All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 tells the true story of the first

Christmas Eve during World War I when soldiers across the Western Front laid aside their weapons and ceased the fight to celebrate Christmas in peace. emeraldcoasttheatre.org/ on-stage

PANAMA CITY BEACH MARATHON

DEC. 7

Run along awardwinning beaches in the marathon, halfmarathon, 5K, or kids fun run. This Panama City Beach event attracts thousands of residents and visitors each year. pcbmarathon.com

MATT MATHEWS: BOUJEE ON A BUDGET TOUR

DEC. 7

Widely known and celebrated for his relatability and situational humor, Matt Mathews discusses a variety of topics and personal experiences in his stand-up act, including his daily life of living on a farm, his career as a boudoir photographer, relationships, and more. pensacolasaenger.com/events/ matt-mathews-boujee-on-abudget-tour

TOYS FOR KIDS FOUNDATION CHRISTMAS BALL

DEC. 14

The 26th annual Toys for Kids Foundation Charity Christmas Ball, presented by Ramey Law Offices, is the black-tie event of the holiday season in Bay County. The foundation provides toys to deserving children during the holiday season. toysforkidsbay.org

BAYTOWNE COUNTDOWN

DEC. 31

Ring in 2025 with a night to remember featuring live music and two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8 p.m. and midnight. Enjoy a familyfriendly evening from 6-8 p.m. with face painting, kids activities, and live music. Dance the night away at the 21 and up event after 10 p.m. baytownewharf.com

PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR!

DEC. 31

Acclaimed for their command of jazz vernacular, vocalist Sydney McSweeney and vocalist and trumpeter Byron Stripling join the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra for a swinging evening of classic standards from Gershwin, Berlin, and friends. It will be an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration and a heartfelt tribute to some of America’s finest music. pensacolasaenger.com/ events/pensacola-symphonyorchestra-celebrate-the-newyear24

PCB ANNUAL BEACH BALL DROP

DEC. 31

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with this familyfriendly countdown that culminates with the lowering of a gigantic glowing beach ball, plus a

10,000 beach-ball release over the crowd. The event at Pier Park in Panama City Beach also includes fireworks and live music. visitpanamacitybeach.com/ events/holiday-events/newyears-eve-beach-ball-drop

SWAN LAKE

JAN. 6

Experience the world’s most in-demand ballet, Swan Lake, presented by Classical Arts Entertainment and performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this fullscale production features Tchaikovsky’s legendary score performed by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Aaron Collins. pensacolasaenger.com/ events/classical-artspresents-swan-lake

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2: CRUISING THROUGH THE CHANGE

JAN. 7

All aboard, sisters! The hysterical sequel to the smash hit Menopause the Musical is finally here. Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. mattiekellyartscenter.org/event/ menopause-2-the-musical

EVERY BRILLIANT THING

JAN. 9-17

In this moving production, a young boy attempts to ease his mother’s depression by creating a list of all the things in life worth living for. While heart-wrenching, there are also moments of humor and hope. emeraldcoasttheatre.org/ on-stage

THE ARTIST SERIES

→ The Artist Series of Tallahassee celebrates 30 years with the fifth and sixth concerts of our series. Vega Quartet perform on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 4 p.m. at Florida State University’s Opperman Hall. The season closes with Duo Beaux Arts, the tremendously talented four-hand piano husband and wife team from Miami, Catherine Lan and Tao Lin. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the concert. For tickets and season passports, go to TheArtistSeries.org or call (850) 445-1616.

PROMOTION

A1A JIMMY BUFFETT TRIBUTE SHOW

JAN. 29

The energy, musicianship, originality, excitement, and continually honest dedication to preserving Jimmy Buffet’s legacy that has always surrounded a Jeff Pike and A1A performance are an experience and a driving force that has helped the band remain the first, foremost, and longestrunning Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show in history. pensacolasaenger.com/events/ a1a-jimmy-buﬀett-tribute-show

REGIONAL JAN. 19

Destin Charity Wine Auction Check Presentation

AUG. 29 Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) announced another successful year of fundraising following its 2024 signature wine auction event that resulted in over $3 million in donations to 17 Northwest Florida children’s charities. Funding was awarded in a private check presentation ceremony at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa on Aug. 29. Since its inception in 2005, DCWAF has donated more than $35 million to help children in need in Northwest Florida.

PHOTOS BY KIARA WATSON

1 DCWAF Staﬀ Melissa Eager, Kate MacMillan, Karah Young, and Brooklyn Bain

2 Dana Hahn, Christina Abbott, and Farrar Barker

3 Shervin and Rachel Rassa

4 DCWAF members

5 Adrienne Maygarden and Dana Crowe

6 Karah Young and Jeanne Dailey

Tom Glavine’s Field of Dreams Golf Tournament

OCT. 8 Golf enthusiasts and supporters of the Seaside School came together at Camp Creek Golf Course for a day of spirited competition and philanthropy at the fourth annual Tom Glavine’s Field of Dreams Golf Outing. Hosted by baseball Hall of Famer Tom Glavine and his wife Chris, the event raised over $100,000 in support of the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project at Northwest Florida State College.

PHOTOS BY EPIC PHOTO CO. AND COURTESY OF SEASIDE SCHOOL

1 Ellie Mcneil, Mason Glavine, Chris Glavine, Peyton Glavine, Frank Brown, Tom Glavine, Tucker Brooks, Jonathan Flaig, and Ford Brown

2 WINNING TEAM: Brad Martens, JP Nixon, Steve Lile, and Corey Lile (not pictured)

3 Amanda Negron, Tom Glavine, and Dr. Paul Hsu

4 Randy Moore, Abbie Lee Webster, Drew Ward, and Teresa Horton

The Florida you remember

Plan a weekend trip to Franklin County this fall and embrace the change of seasons in the Florida you remember. Come hike a wooded trail, stroll a deserted beach, book a fall ﬁshing trip or enjoy a hometown festival. Make plans now for a weekend getaway to Apalachicola, Carrabelle and our other coastal communities to enjoy quiet, pet-friendly beaches, local events, historic landmarks and fresh local seafood.

FORGOTTEN COAST UPCOMING EVENTS

Traveling to the Forgotten Coast this fall and winter is easy. Deciding how to enjoy that laid-back Old Florida ambience is the challenge. Hometown events abound in the fall; here are a few.

St. George Island Lighting of the Palms, Dec. 6

Celebrate the season at St. George Island’s Lighthouse Park on Friday, December 6, and enjoy the festive display of holiday lights on the Cape St. George Lighthouse, Visitor Center and along Franklin Boulevard. There will be a Jingle Jog fun run, carolers, Santa, and a tree lighting around sunset

Apalachicola Christmas Celebration, Nov. 29; Holiday Fresh Market, Dec. 7

Apalachicola lights up the day after Thanksgiving from 4–8 pm. The downtown streets will be lined with luminaries and carolers. Merchants will be open late. Santa arrives on a shrimp boat, and there will be free hot dogs for kids. On the following Saturday, December 7, the downtown Holiday Fresh Market will feature handcrafted Apalachicola specialties.

Holiday on the Harbor, Dec. 14

Carrabelle will host its annual Holiday on the Harbor Street Festival and Boat Parade of Lights Saturday, December 14, along Carrabelle’s downtown waterfront. Enjoy an afternoon and evening of food and fun featuring a street festival with children’s activities. Merchants will be open late. In the evening, watch the parade of festive boats decked out in Christmas lights and decor in celebration of the holidays followed by a festive fireworks display.

SAVE THE DATE:

Forgotten Coast Plein Air, March 14-23, 2025

Now in the 20th year of documenting the landscape and culture of the last vestige of authentic “Old Florida.” Forgotten Coast en Plein Air, America’s Great Paint-out, is among the world’s most prestigious plein air events. Artistic excellence and the production of investment-quality art continues to be the trademark of this 10-day festival.

For a complete list of all upcoming Forgotten Coast events, visit FloridasForgottenCoast.com.

FRANKLIN COUNTY THE FLORIDA YOU REMEMBER

Ask anyone who has visited Apalachicola, Carrabelle and St. George Island and you’ll hear “this is the Florida you remember.” This is Franklin County, the heart of Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

Located about an hour south of Tallahassee on Florida’s Northern Gulf Coast, Franklin County is nearly 80% national and state forest — a protected oasis with quiet beaches, wooded trails and scenic paddling sloughs. The string of communities that stretch along the coast are the last vestige of Old Florida — a Florida that doesn’t exist anywhere else anymore.

WHAT TO DO HERE?

Love water? Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the many river sloughs, sandy coves, salt marshes and bay shallows of the area. Fall is great fishing along Florida’s Forgotten Coast — book a charter or take a relaxing sunset tour of Apalachicola’s historic waterfront aboard one of several eco-tour boats.

Wildlife abounds — the area is part of a seasonal fly-over for several migrating birds and butterflies. The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve and Visitor Center in Eastpoint features a wooded boardwalk trail, touch tanks and displays for children to get up close and personal to marine life.

Beach lovers will appreciate that the St. George Island State Park Beach is ranked among the top in the country (No. 4 in 2021) by Dr. Stephen Leatherman (a.k.a. Dr. Beach). This beach park features 9 miles of undeveloped shoreline and has some of the region’s finest fall birdwatching opportunities and camping facilities.

The towns of Apalachicola and Carrabelle feature unique boutiques and fine restaurants. The area’s beauty has inspired a thriving artist community and a blossoming of art galleries. The area hosts several other events, including the annual Florida Seafood Festival, an Oyster Cook-off and the Chili Cookoff on St. George Island. There are accommodations throughout the county to suite every taste.

Historic Lighthouses. Franklin County features two historic lighthouses — one on St. George Island and one along Highway 98 east of Carrabelle. Both are important maritime landmarks with a colorful past.

Florida’s Forgotten Coast is the perfect drive-time destination to get away from it all this winter. Plan your trip online at floridasforgottencoast.com/FC24.

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Photo Courtesy of Franklin County TDC

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dining guide

AMERICAN

BUFFALO JACK’S

LEGENDARY WINGS & PIZZA ★

Catch the game and enjoy legendary wings, pizza, burgers, and Italian dishes with a New Orleans flair. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-6288, buffalojackslegendarywings.com $$ L D

THE BODACIOUS BREW

This coffee house and eatery specializes in handcrafted espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos. For breakfast, try their omelets and acai bowls; for lunch, salads, wraps, and flatbread pizzas are on the menu. Pensacola, (850) 434-6300, bodaciousshops.com/cafe $ B L

THE CRAFT BAR ★

Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach, (850) 460-7907*, thecraftbarfl.com $$ L D

EAGLE’S NEST AT BLACKWATER ★

Casual dining featuring American fare, live music, game-day showings, and themed events. Crestview, (850) 331-3594, eaglesnestatblackwater.com $$ L D

FIREFLY

Fresh Gulf seafood, steak, sushi and signature cocktails. Panama City Beach, (850) 249-3359, fireflypcb.com $$$ D

FUDPUCKER’S BEACHSIDE

BAR & GRILL ★

Seafood dishes and American fare in a fun, casual atmosphere with entertainment including a live gator attraction and deck games. Destin, (850) 654-4200, fudpucker.com $$ L D

GALLION’S

Elevated small plates, chef-inspired dishes and specialty craft cocktails in a sophisticated, relaxed setting. Rosemary Beach, (850) 399-4909, gallions30a.com $$$ L D

GEORGE BISTRO + BAR

Husband and wife owners are driven by a passion to create exceptionally humble, ingredient-driven food, coffees, and cocktails while treating guests like family. Pensacola, (850) 912-4655, georgebistroandbar.com $$$ L D

LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPE ★

A taste of New Orleans hits the coast through Louisiana-style favorites like shrimp and grits and Cajun seafood gumbo. Destin, (850) 837-0881, thelouisianalagniappe.com $$ D

LULU’S

Lucy Buffett’s funky hangout features cocktails, burgers, and seafood, plus allergyfriendly menus. Destin, (850) 710-5858, lulusfunfoodmusic.com $$ L D

MAGNOLIA GRILL

Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads, and desserts. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 302-0266, themagnoliagrillfwb.com $$ L D

MARINA BAR & GRILL ★

Seafood, po’ boys, burgers, and salads. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-7778, sandestin.com/ dine/marina-bar-grill $ B L D

MARINA CAFE ★

Gourmet pizzas, Creole, and American cuisine. Destin, (850) 837-7960, marinacafe.com $$$ D

NICK’S BOATHOUSE

Serving a wide variety of seafood, steaks, and flatbreads by the waterfront. Pensacola, (850) 912-8775, nicksboathouse.com $$ L D

NORTH BEACH SOCIAL

★

Favorites include chef Jim Shirley’s famous Grits a Ya Ya, the NB Social Burger, fresh raw oysters, and tuna poke bowls. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-8110, northbeach.social $$ L D

OVIDE ★

Located inside the new Hotel Effie, acclaimed chef Hugh Acheson brings together classic Gulf Coast flavors and impeccable classic French technique. Miramar Beach, (850) 351-3030, hoteleffie.com/ dining/ovide $$$ D

THE RED BAR ★

Locally renowned landmark location serving classic meals in a casual, eclectic environment. Grayton Beach, (850) 231-1008, theredbar.com $$ L D

RESTAURANT IRON

Buzzy, stylish locale serving gourmet, reimagined takes on Southern cuisine, plus clever cocktails. Pensacola, (850) 912-4655, restaurantiron.com $$ D

RESTAURANT PARADIS

Restaurant and lounge offers rich coastal flavors in its innovative dishes. Rosemary Beach, (850) 534-0400, restaurantparadis.com

$$$ D

SHADES BAR & GRILL

A 30A mainstay for over 20 years, Shades features 17 high-def TVs plus a menu of salsas, steaks, sandwiches, and fish tacos. Inlet Beach, (850) 231-9410, shades30a.com $$ L D

SUNQUEST CRUISES

SOLARIS YACHT

Enjoy a fusion of ambiance, food and live music aboard the SOLARIS yacht offering three decks of indoor and outdoor spaces. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-2519, sunquestcruises.com $$$ D

VUE ON 30A ★

Fine New American dining in a modern, cream and beige waterfront spot with bar, lounge, and views. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-2305, vueon30a.net $$ L D

THE WINE BAR ★

A gathering spot for lunch or dinner, plus daily happy hour specials. Destin* and Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 269-2902*, thewinebarfl.com $$ L D

LIN’S ASIAN CUISINE ★

Authentic Asian cuisine at a convenient and casual location offering dine-in or takeout. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-5888, linsasianfl.com $ L D

OSAKA JAPANESE HIBACHI

STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR ★

Known for its sushi, Osaka also serves a variety of veggie, chicken, steak, and seafood dishes. Destin, (850) 650-4688, theosakasteakhouse.com $$ L D

P.F. CHANG’S

A Chinese restaurant serving Mongolian, Thai, Korean, and other Pan-Asian dishes. Miramar Beach, (850) 269-1806, pfchangs.com $$ L D

THAI DELIGHTS RESTAURANT ★

Thai soups, curries, and rice and noodle dishes in a variety of meat, seafood, and veggie options for dine in or takeout. Destin, (850) 650-3945, Facebook: Thai Delights Restaurant $ L D

BARBECUE

3 SONS BAR-B-Q ★

Barbecue classics smoked on-site daily alongside Southern sides and desserts. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 278-6082, 3sonsbarbq.com $ L D

98 BAR-B-QUE

Award-winning barbecue, gumbo, sandwiches, and salads in a casual atmosphere. Dine in, take-out and catering. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-0679, 98bbq.com $ L D

BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY

BISTROLOGY ★

Fully loaded brunch spot featuring oversized omelets, French toast with sweet toppings, stuffed croissants, specialty coffee and beverages, and more. Miramar Beach, (850) 757-7374, bistrology.restaurant $$ B L D

BLACK BEAR BREAD CO. ★

Contemporary cafe for craft coffee, housebaked breads, pastries, sandwiches and allday breakfast. Miramar Beach, Grayton Beach*, Seaside, (850) 213-4528*, blackbearbreadco.com $ B L

MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST

A range of European-inspired breakfast dishes, cappuccinos, and pastries. Miramar Beach, (850) 424-3157, Facebook: Mama Clemenzas $$ B

RUBY SLIPPER CAFE ★

A New Orleans-inspired brunch spot offering classic takes, signature Southern specialties and eye-opening cocktails. Pensacola, Destin*, Miramar Beach, (850) 660-7100*, rubybrunch. com $$ B L

SUNSET BAY CAFE

Casual and outdoor dining overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, featuring locally sourced ingredients and sustainable seafood. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-7108, sunsetbaycafesandestin.com $$ B L D

DESSERT

30A COOKIES & CREAM

coffee, and donuts at the Shake Shop. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 278-6849, bluemountainbeachcreamery.com $

BEACHSIDE BUBBLE WAFFLE ★

Food truck serving bubble waffles filled with ice cream, tasty toppings, and sauces. Navarre, Instagram: Beachside Bubble Waffle $

THAT’S JAMES ICE CREAM ★

Ice cream truck serving frozen classics including popsicles, shaved ice, and ice cream bars. Rotating locations, (404) 797-5235, Facebook: That’s James Ice Cream Truck $

FRENCH

BAY CAFE FRENCH RESTAURANT

Step out on the bay for authentic European cuisine, featuring fresh local seafood and decadent cream sauces. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 244-3550, Instagram: Bay Cafe French Restaurant $$ L D

KENNY D’S ★

Cajun beach bar and eatery in a casual, comfortable atmosphere with a New Orleans vibe. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-0755, kennyds.net $$ L D

GREEK

AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★

Authentic Greek restaurant serving salads, wraps, pastas, and more. Mary Esther, Shalimar, Miramar Beach*, (850) 460-2728*, aegeanfl.com $$ B L D

IRISH

JOHNNY MCTIGHE’S IRISH PUB

Easygoing pub providing Irish and American eats, a game room for kids, and deck seating. Blue Mountain Beach, (850) 267-0101, johnnymctighes.com $$ L D

MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB ★

Burgers, pub grub, and the famous 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. Pensacola, Destin*, (850) 650-0000*, mcguiresirishpub.com $$ L D

ITALIAN/PIZZA

AMICI 30A ITALIAN KITCHEN

Offering authentic Italian cuisine with a flair for celebration. Inlet Beach, (850) 909-0555, amici30a.com $$$ L D

ANGELENA’S ITALIANO

In the heart of downtown, nationally renowned Chef James Briscione’s menu serves up rustic yet elegant plates with an Italian, coastal vibe. Pensacola, (850) 542-8398, angelenaspensacola.com $$ D

CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN

Classic Italian dishes including pastas, wood-fired pizza, salads, and desserts. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 243-0707, clemenzasatuptownstation.com $$ L D

FARM & FIRE SOUTHERN PIZZERIA

DOMO CAFÉ ★

This Asian kitchen offers dozens of sushi options, including vegetarian, signature, fried, and baked rolls. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 226-6412, Facebook: Domo Cafe $$ L D

Treats from Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery make for an irresistible combination. Seagrove*, Inlet Beach, (850) 231-2552*, 30acookiesandicecream.com $

BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY

Homemade ice cream, yogurt, and sorbet at The Creamery and milkshakes,

Featuring a clean-burning coal oven to impart a unique, full flavor to their pizzas, whole fish, steaks, and roasted chicken. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-3871, farmandfiresouthwalton.com $$ D

FAT CLEMENZA’S

Brick oven pizzeria serving wood-fired pies, specialty desserts and more. Miramar Beach, (850) 650-5980, fatclemenzas.com $$ L D

GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA

Pizzas and calzones baked to perfection in their signature coal-burning oven, delivering an experience not possible from conventional ovens. Miramar Beach, (850) 837-3095, grimaldispizzeria.com/location/grand-boulevard $$ L D

MERLINS PIZZA ★

Locally owned pizzeria serving specialty and customized pies made with fresh ingredients. Destin, (850) 650-3000, merlinspizza.com $ L D

MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO ★

Authentic Italian dishes bursting with flavor and color. Destin*, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 460-7353*, mimmos.com $$ L D

PAZZO ITALIANO

Destin’s newest Italian restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine such as wood-fired pizzas, pasta, calzones, salads, chef specialties, and nightly specials. Destin, (850) 974-5484, pazzodestin.com $$ L D

THE PIZZA BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S

Artisan cheese, fresh salads, antipasto dishes, homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, hearty pastas, and homemade wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Seaside, (850) 231-3113, budandalleys.com/ pizza-bar $$ L D

TRATTORIA BORAGO

Enjoy classic Italian cuisine and favorites like pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. Grayton Beach, (850) 231-9167, Facebook: Borago Restaurant $$ D

MEXICAN

BURRITO DEL SOL

This Mexican restaurant serves fresh Bajastyle Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Fort Walton Beach*, Destin, (850) 226-8016*, burritodelsol.com $ L D

CANTINA LAREDO

A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites. Miramar Beach, (850) 654-5649, cantinalaredo. com/location/sandestin-florida $$ L D

PEPITO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT ★

Serving award-winning authentic Mexican food with the finest ingredients available since 2000. Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, Miramar Beach, (850) 650-7734*, mypepitos.com $$ L D

PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA

Casual eatery with familiar Mexican dishes, including seafood and vegetarian options, plus a full bar. Crestview, Niceville, Shalimar*, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, (850) 613-6970*, peppersmexicancantina.com $ L D

RED FISH TACO

Featuring fresh takes on classic fare, such as street tacos, burritos, taco salads, and quesadillas. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 994-7443, redfishtaco.com $$ L D

TACO 30A ★

Food truck and catering service dishing up authentic street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Weekly rotating location schedule, eattaco30a.com $ L D

THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S

Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos, and top-shelf margaritas. Seaside, (850) 231-4781, budandalleys.com/taco-bar $$ L D

SEAFOOD

AJ’S SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR ★

Known for waterfront views, raw oysters, and live music, AJ’s serves up fresh local seafood, cold beverages, and good times. Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Destin*, Grayton Beach, (850) 837-1913*, ajsdestin.com $$ L D

THE BAY SOUTH WALTON

Waterfront restaurant overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, offering Gulf Coast cuisine, sushi, a 12-draft beer system, plus wine and crafted cocktails. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2291, baysouthwalton.com $$ L D

BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE

Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine with harbor views. Destin, (850) 424-7406, boshamps.com $$$ L D

BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER

Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Destin, brotulas.com (850) 460-8900. $$ L D

BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Sea-to-table dining, serving fresh seafood, steak, and vegetarian dishes. Seaside, (850) 231-5900, budandalleys.com $$$

CAPT. ANDERSON’S RESTAURANT

Since 1967, offering traditional seafood items, flavorful salads, and soups with a view of the marina. Panama City Beach, (850) 234-2225, captandersons.com $$$ D

THE CRAB TRAP

Beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and fresh local seafood processed in the restaurant’s own facility. Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin*, (850) 654-2722*, crabtrapflorida.com $$

DEWEY DESTIN’S

Award-winning seafood in a quaint house. Destin at Crab Island, Destin Harbor*, Navarre, (850) 837-7525*, destinseafood.com $$ L D

FOOW RESTAURANT

Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian flair at the picturesque WaterColor Inn. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 534-5050, dinefish30a.com/food $$ L D

GRAYTON SEAFOOD COMPANY ★

A casual beach-neighborhood gathering spot and seafood restaurant on Scenic 30A. Grayton Beach, (850) 714-2155, graytonseafood.com $$ D

HARBOR DOCKS ★

A surf-and-turf restaurant also offering highquality great sushi. Destin, (850) 837-2506, harbordocks.com $$ L D

JACKACUDA’S SEAFOOD & SUSHI ★ Asian and Southern-inspired dishes including seafood, sushi, salad, and sandwiches. Destin, (850) 460-2909, jackacudas.com $$ L D

OLD BAY STEAMER ★

Fresh-caught seafood and steamers served in a casual and eclectic atmosphere. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 664-2795, oldbaysteamerfwb.com

$$$ D

PESCADO SEAFOOD GRILL & ROOFTOP BAR

Dining room, inside bar, and outside rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico; extraordinary service and cuisine by Chef Brendan Wakeham. Rosemary Beach, (850) 213-4600, rooftop30a.com $$$ L D

RUNAWAY ISLAND

Crab, oysters, and grouper sandwiches in a casual, beach-bar setting, just steps away from the sand. Panama City Beach, (850) 634-4884, runawayislandpcb.com $$ L D

SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR ★

This seafood and casual fare restaurant features classic coastal cuisine and genuine Southern hospitality plus live music daily inside the panoramic bar. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-2733, shunkgulley.com $$ L D

STINKY’S FISH CAMP ★

This seafood and wine mainstay promises Gulf-fresh fare. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 267-3053, stinkysfishcamp.com $$ L D

STEAK & SEAFOOD

AUSTONS ON 98 OYSTER BAR AND GRILL ★

Home of the 102-foot bar, specialties include littleneck clams, raw oysters, clam chowder, and jumbo shrimp cocktail. Miramar Beach, (850) 842-3200, austonson98.com $$ L D

BEACH WALK CAFE

Located at the Henderson Park Inn, this award-winning establishment features grouper Vince, pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna, and seafood pasta Rockefeller. Destin, (850) 650-7100, hendersonparkinn.com/dine/beachwalk-cafe $$$ D

BIJOUX ★

Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Gulf seafood, prime steaks. Miramar Beach, (850) 622-0760, bijouxdestin.com $$$ D

CAPTAIN DAVE’S ON THE GULF

Inspired by traditional waterfront dining, Captain Dave’s features American seafood cuisine infused with a contemporary Gulf Coast twist. Destin, (850) 837-2627, captdavesonthegulf.com $$$ D

THE EDGE SEAFOOD & SKYBAR ★

Located at the Destin Harbor, fresh catches soon land on plates at The Edge. Head up to the adults-only Skybar for great views and live music. Destin, (850) 659-3549, edgeseafood.com $$ L D

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR ★

Enjoy fine dining with family and friends, offering prime steak, lobster, wine, and more. Miramar Beach, (850) 269-0830, flemingssteakhouse.com/Locations/FL/Sandestin

$$$ D

THE GULF ON OKALOOSA ISLAND

Locally inspired food and beverages in a beautiful waterfront setting, alongside a curated vinyl record collection. Fort Walton Beach, (850) 387-1300, thegulf.com/locations/fortwalton-beach $ L D

M&P BY FARRINGTON FOODS ★

An immersive luxury dining experience hosted by chef William Farrington. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 739-2950, farringtonfoods.com/m&p30a $$$ D

THE OCEAN CLUB

Storied restaurant serves fresh Gulf seafood and the finest steaks. Enjoy live music, great service, and a full bar. Miramar Beach, (850) 267-3666, theoceanclubdestin.com $$$ D

OLD FLORIDA FISH HOUSE

Nestled beside Eastern Lake, find your retreat for oysters, fresh seafood fare, sushi, and other classics. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 534-3045, oldfloridafishhouse.com $$$ L D

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Steak and seafood. New Orleans-inspired. Destin, (850) 337-5108, ruthschris.com/locations/fl/ destin/destin $$$ D

SALTWATER GRILL ★

Fresh Gulf seafood, choice steaks, and craft martinis are anchored by this dining room’s 25,000-gallon saltwater aquarium centerpiece. Panama City Beach, (850) 230-2739, saltwatergrillpcb.com $$$ D

SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD ★

Premium steak, fresh seafood, and caviar. Miramar Beach, (850) 622-1500, seagars.com $$$ D

SLICK LIPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE

Family-friendly seafood and oyster bar featuring locally caught fare and nestled in picturesque Baytowne Wharf. Miramar Beach, (850) 347-5060, slicklipsseafood.com $$ L D

TAKE OUT

DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI ★

Fresh fish and seafood items, pastas, salads, side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent desserts, wines, cheeses, spices, and more. Destin, (850) 837-8333, destinice.com $$ L D

EMERALD COAST CATERING & GOURMET TO GO

Offering full-service catering and prepared gourmet meals to go. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 585-5979, cater1.com $$ L D

JC’S GOURMET ★

Freshly prepared seafood and specialty dips sold at local partner restaurants and grocers throughout the Southeast region. Sold at various locations, (850) 687-2810, jcsgourmet.com $

MARROW PRIVATE CHEFS ★

Marrow takes the hassle of planning out of fine dining, offering private chef, meal delivery and catering services to South Walton and 30A areas. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 280-4319, marrowprivatechefs.com $$$

REEL ’EM IN FRESH SEAFOOD AND GOURMET ★

Delivering fresh Gulf seafood—fish, shrimp, crab and more—from Miramar Beach to Panama City. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 420-2240, reeleminfreshseafood.com $$

TOWNSEND CATERING COMPANY ★

Professional service, meticulous menu planning, and delectable cuisine provided for weddings and special events. Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 622-0663, townsendcatering.com $$$

VEGAN

THE RICAN VEGAN ★

Vegan food truck offering plant-based takes on authentic Latin-American dishes, plus fresh wellness juices. Rotating locations, (414) 840-1220, plantbasedwellnessconsaborllc.com $ L D

Visit our comprehensive, searchable dining guide online at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/Restaurants.

PASSING THROUGH

by PAIGE AIGRET

An Inlet Beach pedestrian underpass project celebrated its grand opening in October 2024. The new 12-foot-wide, 136-foot-long walking and biking path passes under Highway 98 at the East Corridor entrance to 30A. The underpass, a $5.6 million project, was completed following the addition of hand-painted murals by 10 local artists.

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) collaborated on the project to bring the pathway to life with vibrant paintings by artists selected from the organization’s pre-vetted Public Artist Directory. Each artist created a 20-by-8foot mural. The installation includes original artwork by Francisco Adaro, Katherine Boggs, Heather Clements, Bradley Copeland, Olga Guy, Wes Hinds, Sarah Page, Andy Saczynski, Andrea Scurto, and Lindsay Tobias.

TOP: Themes of humanity and nature meet in a groovy and colorful display by Santa Rosa Beach artist Bradley Copeland. MIDDLE: Destin artist Andrea Scurto brings whimsical style to her 30A-themed mural. BOTTOM: Known for a love of bold colors, 30A-area artist Katherine Boggs adds a salty flair to the underpass with her fish-meets-girl mural.