Holiday/New Year 2025 Issue by VIP 30A Magazine

Every. Single. Detail.

At Sandestin, we meticulously handle every detail, ensuring that from the rehearsal dinner to the wedding and reception and every moment in between the memories you create will be cherished forever Our array of stunning venues offers something for every taste, including elegant ballrooms, terraces with breathtaking views, vibrant rooftop pool decks, serene lawns, pristine golf greens, and our beautiful beach. Celebrate your love and embark on your new journey together at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, where we’ll make your special day flawless

The Beach Club Sandestin | Saltwater Images | SunQuest The Event Company | Just Think Cake | Destin Event Rentals

Sandestin.com/weddings | 844.416.1660

Idyll Hound Proper amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen

amici 30A Italian Kitchen

Aja 30A

Cuvee 30A

As we move full steam ahead into fall, this is a great time to reflect on the many wonderful events that took place over the summer months. It kicked off with the Destin Charity Wine Auction along with Digital Graffiti in Alys Beach, FoamFest at 30Avenue and of course the Emerald Coast Billfish Classic, a long running summer tradition in Sandestin. This summer witnessed a new source of entertainment for the area, the Bal Harbour Pop-Up Shops in Grand Boulevard. This exciting mini version of the renowned Bal Harbour Mall in South Florida brought not only incredible shopping of luxurious brands but also a fresh new venue for parties of all types We captured a collage of pictures from several of these exciting teas, parties and galas you will see in this issue, with of course fabulous fashion worn by all.

Speaking of the magazine, it as also that time of the year when we fill the pages of VIP 30A Magazine with many wonderful fall events and festivals and recap the final months of 2024.. Throughout 30A and South Walton County, local non-profits and civic organizations take advantage of the beautiful weather that October and November offer as they host wine festivals, golf tournaments, music venues and charity galas.

We are thrilled to help promote these worthy causes and bring them to life on the pages of this issue. We also start to look forward into 2025 as events began to fill the new year calendar with an all time favorite, 30A Songwriters Festival, just a few weeks away.

So whether your holidays include travel to visit family and friends, or even better, your family visits this wonderful place we call home, I hope you all enjoy a safe and blessed holiday season and prosper as we ring in the New Year excited for the prospects of 2025!

Happy New Year!

Jeff

The third annual Alys Beach Crafted Festival, held November 13-17, 2024 is a gathering of renowned craftspeople from around the country sharing the process and the inspiration behind their crafted beverages and culinary creations. This five day events include Experiential Mixology Dinners and Seminars, the Holiday Makers Market and Pickleball & Picklebacks. Firkin Fête, a Friday night favorite features local and regional breweries tapping firkins for a unique tasting experience accompanied by culinary creations of renowned chefs. This night is a great warm up for Saturday’s Spirited Soirée, a culmination of mixologist and chefs from around the Southeast showcasing their creative cocktails and exquisite fare in the beautiful setting of Alys Beach. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization, the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, significantly impacting the local arts community Additionally, those funds raised through the Rally for RAD Raffle will benefit the artists of the River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina.

Stephanie & Cale Madden

Maggie Yelverton & Jeff Watson

Fernando & Dolores Fernando

Heidi LoCicero & Peyton Trist

Jennifer Steele & Russell Carter

Tim & Stephanie Parks

Story and Photography By Jeff Watson

Daria Gorr & Marta Rata

Castle & Key Distillery

Palm Folly

Diana Lane, Stacy Hamilton & Tim Tricker

Michele Bailey & Brian Rabons

Mark & Wendy Patterson

O-Ku

Anne Carothers & Mary Kay Chilton

Dana Hahn, Jessica Bracken, Ortal Montoya, Rachel Jones, Rhonda Murray & Carol Rauschkolb

Erin Oden & Carol Rauschkolb

Spirited Soiree

Suzanne Simpson Libby, Meg, Alex Weidner & Joe Simpson

Kelsey Hampton & Liza Mayo

Jeffrey & Valerie Collier

Tosha Corrigan & Jim Ruby

Swiftly Catered

Caroline Ambrose & Allie Diaz

Melissa Wheler, Megan Trent, Christine Tarpey & Renee McCalmont

Kenzie Burleigh, Marissa Bracken & Kate Shaw

Producers of Harvest Wine & Food Festival, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), created a powerhouse line-up of headlining talent for the 8th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival, October 17-20 in WaterColor. Luxury wine and spirit producers and award-winning chefs from across the southeast joined a roster of iconic Gulf Coast restaurants to provide worldclass cuisine to the area’s premier fall wine and food festival. Ranked as one of Southern Living’s “15 Southern Festival’s Worth Planning Your Trip Around,” this year’s festival featured a four-day schedule of events including a series of wine dinners, an elevated culinary and wine pairing event, a large-scale Grand Tasting, and a cocktail brunch.

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) is one of the nation’s premier fundraising organizations, raising money for 16 Northwest Florida children’s charities that assist at-risk youth in the local community by tackling a variety of issues including homelessness, food insecurity, mental health, education, medical care, and much more.

Story & Photography by Jeff Watson

Chef Fleetwood Covington & Jasmine Brown Carrie Wilson & Jennifer Nicole

Helene Pappas

Les & Tammy Owen

Paula & Patrick Leonpacher

Brooklyn Bain, Melissa Eager, Kate MacMillan & Karah Fridley-Young

Beauty Club Salon

Monique & Brent Evans

Lexi Koger & Olivia Prewitt

Brett & Trisha Henry, Ryan & Jessica Fay, Cindy & Jeff Garrard

Jessica Fernandez, Britney Jones & Laurie Free

Ben and Tiffany Edwards

Russ & Lauren Graham, Kevin Myers

Will Estell & Laura Hussey

Ellenmarie Brown & Michelle Silberman

Julie Door & Devan Watkins

Chris Abbott, Diana & Justin Phelps, Christina Abbott

Lori Smith & Scott Miller

Sophia Phillips & Julie Cumby

Tracy Louthain & Frank Berte

Maggie Yelverton & Jeff Watson

Kelly & Alex Curry

Sweet Henriettas Treats

Zane and Mindy Holscher

Tammy Myers, Jamie Schueller & Laura Stallings

Kate MacMillian, Mary Beth Myrick, Kenzie Burleigh, Rhonda Murray & Rayna Bishop

Megan & Kris Harrison, Justin & Diana Phelps, Lane & Trevor Redding

Sassy

On Tuesday, September 24, the Sassy Sisters filled with fashion, fun, and philanthropy. ful luncheon menu of turkey pesto panini soup topped with croutons and truffle

The highlight of the day was a stylish fashion Beach, showcasing the latest trends and inspiring exciting raffles with prizes including liquor, cards.

Proceeds from the event supported ForeHer, to providing financial assistance and emotional Since its founding, ForeHer has been instrumental Florida overcome financial obstacles related focus on their

The Sassy Sisters’ kickoff event was a resounding munity to make a meaningful impact while

SOHO Fashion Show

Sisters

Sisters hosted their season kickoff event, a day The sold-out gathering featured a delightpanini sandwiches, creamy cauliflower bisque truffle oil, and refreshing mimosas.

fashion show presented by SOHO at Seagrove inspiring looks. Guests also participated in liquor, art pieces, designer handbags, and gift cards.

ForeHer, a local nonprofit organization dedicated emotional support to breast cancer patients. instrumental in helping women in Northwest related to their treatment, ensuring they can their recovery.

resounding success, bringing together the comwhile celebrating fashion and camaraderie.

SOHO

RICHARD Murray

A recent transplant from Atlanta, where he worked for 20 years, Richard now servicing the women of 30A. With his charm, personality and creativity, he is dedicated to enhancing the beauty of women through hair.

Travel for Education: Dallas; Manhattan; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Chicago; Nashville; Las Angeles and Miami

Specialties include: Extensions, Color Specialist, Razor Cuts, Personalized Dry Cutting

Education: Redken, WELLA, Bumble and Bumble, Bellami, Schwarzkopf and Paul Mitchell

As the calendar turns the page, we wish you the very best in the year ahead.

Football Tailgate & Fall Family Fun

Capital City Bank recently held its Football Tailgate & Fall Family Fun event at one of its newest locations located in Watersound Town Center. This recent addition to the Tallahassee based company with over 50 branches in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, is in the heart of an exciting area of growth taking place on the east end of the 30A area near Publix on Hwy 98.

Under the leadership of Stephen Stabler, the bank has a warm and inviting staff who are very community oriented and have hosted several customer appreciation events since its opening nearly two years ago. This latest fall football themed event included beverages from Distillery 98 along with burgers fresh off the grill and live entertainment.

Story by Jeff Watson & Photography

Sam Notte & Kevin Jackson

John Hodges & Alex Najera

Amber Arnold & Whitney Fite

Julie Newman & Debra Pearson

Joe Simpson & Tripp Bridges

Stacy Garner & Hayley Bryant Jacob & Jessica Pena

Story & Photography by Jeff Watson

Jim Chizek, Rusty & Kim Maddox & Stephen Stabler

STARTS HERE

Abby Bates Photography

The Market Shops Ninth Annual Bloody Mary Festival, powered by Step One Automotive Group, was held on Saturday, October 12 and raised $37,600 for Habitat for Humanity – Walton County. The Market Shops courtyard and grand lawn, each full of restaurants, vendors, and merchants was transformed into a bustling festival ground to host over 800 attendees. Event goers made their way around the tents sampling each Bloody Mary, complete with overthe-top accoutrements. In addition to the bloody marys, guests sipped on local craft brews, spike seltzers and champagne and enjoyed numerous food options throughout the festival from the various restaurants located within The Market Shops.

The sold-out event showcased 14 of the finest restaurants and bars on the Emerald Coast, each serving unlimited tastes of their most creative, original bloody marys made with Distillery 98’s Half Shell Vodka. Upon check-in, guests received a token to vote for the coveted People’s Choice Awards for the “Best Bloody Mary.” At the end of the event, votes were tabulated by Hill Coleman, CPA and the following local restaurants were chosen as the winners:

1st Place People’s Choice Award – Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant 2nd Place People’s Choice Award – The Red Bar and Louis Louis 3rd Place People’s Choice Award – Jackacuda’s seafood and Sushi,

A panel of select food critics and regional media also judged each Bloody Mary and selected the following winner as the most delicious and most creative. Along with their pick for the “Best Accoutrement” award.

Judge’s Choice Award – The Red Bar and Louis Louis Best Accoutrement – Jackacuda’s Seafood and Sushi

All awards were custom made by local artist, Maxine Orange.

“The Market Shops is honored to host this unique and fun-filled event that brings together local businesses and neighbors and contributes to the mission of Habitat for Humanity in Walton County,” said Bob Duncan, managing partner of The Market Shops. Since its inception, The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival has raised over $241,000 for various local charities.

The inaugural Gatsby Gala, hosted by Harlan’s Place Foundation on September 21, 2024, was an unforgettable evening of 1920s glamor and charitable giving. Held at Stock & Trade Design Co., the event welcomed over 400 guests and successfully raised over $80,000 to support a new housing community for individuals with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.

The evening transported attendees back to the Roaring Twenties with an atmosphere of elegance and fun. Guests enjoyed live performances, including hip-hop violinist Josh Vietti, Nobius, and the Smoot Sisters, as well as an enchanting third-floor garden scene inspired by The Great Gatsby. Signature beverages, curated charcuterie, and passed appetizers added to the night’s sophisticated appeal. A highlight of the event was the transformation of Stock & Brew Cafe into a lively speakeasy, where guests played poker, craps, and blackjack with professional dealers. This immersive experience added excitement to the night while raffles and auctions offered exclusive experiences and items.

Proceeds from the event will help fund the foundation’s groundbreaking project: a residential community providing services such as therapy, job training, employment opportunities, and community involvement for adults with disabilities, set to break ground in early 2025. “The overwhelming support we received is a testament to the generosity of our community,” said Founder Michael Carey. “This incredible milestone sets the stage for creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and similar intellectual disabilities.”

Harlan’s Place Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, and local businesses that made the evening a resounding success. Plans are already underway for next year’s event, as the foundation continues its mission of building a brighter, inclusive future. The foundation is actively working to secure funding and welcomes donations to support this transformative project.

To get involved, visit harlansplace.org.

Story & Photography by Jeff Watson

Jeff Majors & Bonnie JoAnne Kylie & Katie Weber

Theresa Felton & Elis Felton

Scott King & Jackie Orcino

Heidi Burch & Ginnie Littrell

Gatsby Gala

Veronica Deveau, Michael Yorke & Skylar Pierce

Ryan Adams, Marie Adams & Jonah Scott

Marlee Jones, Whitley Dunn, & Riley Spurlin

Amity Hoch

Jessicah Torma, Deb Johnson & Jodi Caudle

Maggie Yelverton & Evheniya Stetsenko

Stephanie & Steve Holcomb

Jorell, Emilie & River Johnson, Ann & Preston Meador

Michael Carey & Rebecca Osborn

Gatsby Gala

Brian & Heide LoCicero Myia Wilson & Marty Wilson

The fifth edition of the 30A BBQ Festival, presented by 360 Blue, raised a record-breaking $103,228 for The Sonder Project. The sold-out, annual event took place on Friday, November 8 at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®, featuring 14 regional and local restaurants and catering companies, each competing for the title of “Best BBQ” chosen by the 800 guests in attendance. “It was great to see the different styles and flair of each participant,’ said Chad Zibelman, CEO of The Sonder Project.

Upon entry through the Carrot Top Designs Welcome Lounge, guests were greeted with a lawn filled with barbecue and live music from River Dan. VIP guests enjoyed a private, exclusive area, presented by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, that featured a bonfire, reserved seating, popcorn, and prosecco. The festival also showcased an extensive silent auction. The $103,288 raised will make a huge impact and help The Sonder Project provide clean water for over 1,500 people, support 200 students living in extreme poverty to attend high school, provide food security and economic opportunity for 245 farmers, and much more.

The following winners were chosen:

1st Place People’s Choice Award: Evie Mae’s Pit BBQ

2nd Place People’s Choice Award: Uncle KU’s BarbeKU

3rd Place People’s Choice Award: Vin’tij Food and Wine

Judge’s Choice Award: 3 Sons Bar-B-Q

Story & Photography by Jeff Watson

Vin’tji Food and Wine

Jessica Bracken & Aubrey Russell Dr William & Pam Burden

Jacob Watkins, Nora & Jay Kilwins

,Mary Kalkbrenner, Tricia & Matt Hagen

3 Sons Bar-B-Q

Sonders Project Volunteers

Evie Mae’s Pit BBQ

Morag & Kevin Rosa

Richard Fuller, Jay Cascio, Jim Heid & Matt Harley

Levin Bracken, Marissa & Geoffrey Bracken

Jennifer & William Mitchell

River Dan Band

Uncle KU’s BarbeKU

DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION FOUNDATION TO DONATEs $3 MILLION TO 17 BENEFITTING CHILDREN’S CHARITIES

Currently ranked as the fifth largest charity wine auction in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida. Following another successful year of fundraising, the Foundation is excited to present its 17 benefitting, local children’s charities with funding to facilitate a variety of critical needs within the community. Charity partners do not know the exact dollar amount being awarded to their organization until it is presented to them on stage on August 29. The emotional event is attended by over 300 guests, all of whom support DCWAF and its benefiting charities throughout the course of the year as sponsors, bidders, board members, and trustees. This check presentation will bring the total amount donated by DCWAF to local children’s charities to more than $35 million.

2024 Benefiting Charities:

AMIKids Emerald Coast

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

Caring and Sharing of South Walton Children in Crisis

Children’s Volunteer Health Network

Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation

Emerald Coast Autism Center

Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center

Habitat for Humanity of Walton County

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa/Walton Opportunity Place, Inc.

Point Washington Medical Clinic

Shelter House

The Arc of the Emerald Coast

Westonwood Ranch

Youth Village.

BJ Fountaine & Trey Abshier

Kenzie Burleigh & Rhonda Murray

Tim Krueger & Jill Cadenhead

Greg & Jane Bahr, Maggie Yelverton & Jeff Watson

Leslie Moland & Whitney Lee

Veronica Deveau & Stephanie

Mendy Gregory, Teresa Jones, Megan Waldstein, Jennifer Jones

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

Westonwood Ranch

Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation

Point Washington Medical Clinic

Mental Health Association of Okaloosa/Walton Counties

Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center

Opportunity Place, Inc.

Emerald Coast Autism Center

Caring & Sharing of South Walton

The Arc of Emerald Coast

Children’s Volunteer Health Network

Shelter House

Youth Village

Habitat for Humanity of Walton County

Children in Crisis

Join us on the luxurious Ara Rooftop, where the night sky will come alive with vibrant neon and electrifying energy Witness two stunning fireworks displays at 8 PM and midnight, adding a brilliant burst to the celebrations With panoramic views, a live DJ, and thrilling performances, this party promises to be the ult imate celebration to welcome the New Year!

December 31, 2024 | 7pm -1am

Two special seating times to suit your celebration plans.

Make a Make a Reservation Reservation

Each dining experience promises to make your New Year's celebration truly memorable. Reserve your table early to secure your spot at Ovide and toast to the new year in style!

at Hotel Effie Sandestin

WALTON COUNTY CHAMBER

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

TThe Walton Area Chamber kicked off another successful Business After Hours event on March 16, hosted by Watercrest Senior Living Group in Santa Rosa Beach. Business professionals of Walton County gathered to network with current and new members, snack on delicious light bites, and enjoy a wonderful live performance by the talented duo, Just Us. Hosted and sponsored by a welcoming location, Watercrest provided a wonderful atmosphere for the evening.

he Walton Area Chamber of Commerce holds a Business After Hours event each month with the location provided by a local business sponsor. These after hours gatherings offer a wonderful opportunity to not only network with friends and co-workers, but to also connect with other local business professionals and exchange ideas and contacts.

This anticipated event was recently held at Hotel Effie in Sandestin. Always a favorite venue for any type of occasion, large or small, Hotel Effie offered the Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge for the crowd to mix and mingle while enjoying entertainment and those fabulous cocktails. This stunning setting, with its panoramic views of the Bay, Sandestin and even the Gulf of Mexico, provided nothing less than a spectacular sunset to cap off a wonderful evening!

Story & Photography by Jeff Watson

Story & Photography by Mayeska Sand

For these photos and more, follow us on Facebook.

Just Us- Will and Kimberly Pindt

Whit Jerkins, Jennifer Huggins, Glenn Huggins

Evgeniya Stetsenko and Galina Wells

Judith Watkins, Keri Carpenter, Jimmy Dallas

Immie McPhail and Lisa Jefferson

Robert Bonhardt, Michael Whalon, Paul Waild

Bradley Ball, Garrett Ball, Lori Ball, Gina Minicozzi

Mary Miley & Lydeah Sheng& Aubrey

Dennis & Ginny Gagnon, Tracy Douglas & Joey Boudreaux

James & Lisa Foster

Kim Hobson & Kasondra

Candi & Andre Guilbeau

Cheri Davis, Sarah McRoberts & Evgeniya Stetsenko Scott and Jennifer Zambarano

Heather Moore & Melissa

Caring & Sharing Fall Fashion Show

The Caring & Sharing Fall Fashion Show in Walton County took place on September 29 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. Organized by Caring & Sharing of South Walton, this annual event raised funds to support their services, which include food, utility, and basic needs assistance for families in the county. The fashion show showcased outfits styled from donations to the Caring & Sharing Thrift Store, modeled

by volunteers. After the show, attendees could purchase items from a curated pop-up boutique. In addition to the runway show, guests enjoyed a luncheon, a complimentary welcome drink, music, a silent auction, and a photo booth. The event was supported by numerous local sponsors with proceeds from the fashion show going directly to supporting Caring & Sharing’s mission of helping over 700 local families each month.

photos & story by Jeff Watson

Jackie Maliszewski & Megan Trent

Ali Gorman & Karah Young

Anna Grace Green & Nicole Rhodes

Amanda Wright, Christy Burke, Karen Ruhlman & Sherry Sparks

Angie Chapman & Robin Downs

Lindsay Crum, Anna Crum, Susan Barber & Christy Kirspel

Shanelle Lucas & Caidan Cryar

VIP Destin at Hilton Sandestin

Lynne Frazier-Adcox, Ali Weil & Carly Barnes

Betsy Ebell, Karen White & Debbie Pearson

Paulina Snow with CC & Shari Christiansen

Alexandra Clark & Abi McKay

T30A Medical Spa recently held its Annual Open house. Clients, friends, and staff gathered for socializing and refreshments with the chance to win wonderful door prizes including filler, botox, cool sculpting and even a Louis Vuitton Purse. A tour of the beautiful, serene facility was also part of the evening for those in attendance.

Located in the premier lifestyle venue 30A Avenue at Inlet Beach, 30A Medical Spa strives to help their clients rediscover and maintain their natural beauty by offering a wide array of anti-aging and skin care solutions. Comprised of a world class group of extensively trained medical professions, the team is led by Andrew D. McAllister, D.O., a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in the art of aesthetic plastic.