MILES OF BEACH BLISS

By Marlene Ridgway

Florida’s Panhandle offers a sought-after combination of

beach towns.

Twenty-mile-long scenic Highway 30A runs along the coast of Northwest Florida. It provides stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and easy access to the many colorful, quaint beach towns in the area. The collection of beaches, all linked by the highway, is what’s known as 30A Florida. However, the towns here, including Seaside, WaterColor, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and many more, differ significantly from other Florida destinations.

Mike Ragsdale, the founder of The 30A Company—the No. 1 guide to Florida’s scenic highway—explains, “30A benefited from being one of the last major stretches of land to be developed along this part of Florida’s Gulf Coast. … Many beach towns pave over the proverbial paradise, replacing nature’s splendor with go-kart tracks, casinos, putt-putt golf courses, and strip malls. 30A doesn’t have those things. Instead, 30A has lakes, forests, trails, and tributaries.”

The whole area has been specifically geared away from ultra-commercialization. In fact, “the growth of 30A began just 20 years ago with the development of the larger communities of WaterColor, WaterSound, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach,” says Jimmy Burgess, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, who grew up in the area and returned to sell real estate after graduating 29 years ago. “The amazing beaches and newness of the construction give this area a contemporary, fresh, and on-trend feel that makes it unique.” The result just might remind visitors of the old beach towns that speckled the coasts of America before high-rise condos and tourism took over.

Fears of 30A being over-developed and commercialized will likely never be realized with the regulations already put in place. “Forty percent of the land here is protected and cannot be developed,” says Ragsdale. “That will not only help protect local wildlife and the community’s overall natural vibe, but it also preserves property values.” In addition, the magnificent views of the emerald-green Gulf are protected by laws that maintain a low density in the area. There is a county-wide height restriction on building. “Structures are not allowed to be over 50 feet high or 4 stories. And there are 25,000 acres of state-owned forest land here,” says Burgess. “The low density has led to a family-oriented destination that provides ample opportunity for lifelong memories to be made.” With its development constraints, the area takes visitors and locals back to a time when things moved a little slower, without having to sacrifice the best amenities of beach towns.

Good food, lively music, an art scene, and even more entertainment can be found in droves throughout the many towns. “The laid-back atmosphere along 30A has attracted an amazing collection of painters, musicians, and restaurateurs,” says Burgess. There’s a little something for everyone and it is always in addition to the beautiful beaches. “Art lovers find 30A to have a vibrant art scene. Musical lovers find live music options widely available and foodies have offerings from local favorites to nationally acclaimed chefs like Emeril Lagassé,” Burgess adds.

Vacationing in the area as a kid introduced Ragsdale to what was known, at the time, as Destin by the locals. After falling in love with the area, moving there full time, and eventually starting a travel guide and lifestyle blog about the beach towns along the highway, 30A’s recognizable blue stickers caught on.

“You can find delightful, walkable communities in other places. You can find interesting architecture. You can find boutique shopping and farm-totable restaurants. You can find miles of trails, and you can find lakes, rivers, clearwater springs, and bays for kayaking and paddleboarding,” says Ragsdale. “But it’s impossible to find all of those things combined within 20 miles of the most stunning white-sand beaches you’ve ever seen.” The protected nature, the beaches, and the proximity to everything make this the ideal vacation spot or home for families. Like several other nature-oriented areas with smaller crowds and warmer weather, the pandemic brought awareness to 30A. “The desirability of low density and outdoor activities has fueled the growth of primary and second homeowners in our area,” says Burgess. In recent years, the average buyer has evolved to mostly second or third homeowners that utilize short-term rental companies to offset the cost.

There is opportunity for growth on the horizon. “The St. Joe Company received state approval for the revised Bay-Walton Sector Plan in 2015. The plan includes roughly 110,500 acres of land located in both Bay and Walton counties … and the 50-year state-approved plan entitles them to 170,000 residential dwelling units. The anticipated growth for this area will be hard to match over the next 50 years,” says Burgess. As the inventory continues to expand, the amenities do as well. Access to airports has become easier and more dining options and entertainment continue to pop up within the 20-mile area.

“I’ve visited 60 countries, including beaches all over the world, including Bali, Ecuador, Croatia, the French Riviera, and islands throughout the Caribbean,” says Ragsdale. “You can find some nice beaches here and there, but so far, I have yet to find any place that brings all of those elements together into one single experience like 30A.”

Team Vincent

Jay Vincent Chad Vincent Melissa Boone

T: 828 268 1986 chad@bhhsvp.com bhhsvp.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Vincent Properties

878 Narrow Ridge Lane, Green Mountain, NC 460

With 4 private residences within walking distance of each other situated across 329-plus-acres, this piece of paradise offers luxury living, pastures, and an exceptional barn facility. This estate is only 15 minutes from Burnsville and 40 minutes from Asheville. Find gorgeous mountain views, a lagoon cave and waterfall, along with a pond, creeks, and more. $5,900,000

Only 2 minutes from Main Street, this historic offering consists of 4.35 acres of level front and back yards with easy access, protected panoramic gorge views, and modern mountain charm with amazing views over Grandfather Mountain. Built circa 1915, the home and detached carriage house have been renovated with much care and thought. $3,250,000

3084

1110

5211

160

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

O: 770 992 4100 bhhsgeorgia.com

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Georgia Properties

O: 770 992 4100 bhhsgeorgia.com

Whether driven by health, religion or environmental consciousness— or simply the joy of discovering new dimensions to culinary creativity—diners can now enjoy high-end, meat-free cuisine in the most exclusive restaurants. Here we explore what’s on the menu from New York to Dubai.

New York

A tectonic shift occurred in the culinary world when Eleven Madison Park began forfeiting foie gras, lamb and butterpoached lobster for 100 percent plantbased fare. With the burden of three Michelin stars on his shoulders, chef/ owner Daniel Humm announced in 2021 he would cook with his conscience, introducing a new menu of exquisitely crafted vegetables, fruits, legumes, fungi, and grains. “It’s time to redefine luxury as an experience that serves a higher purpose,” he wrote to his customers. Elsewhere in New York, the vegan menu at Cadence is inspired by chef Shenarri