Letter from the Publisher

Letter from the Publisher

I would say that 30A has come alive with the arrival of March, but honestly it never really slowed down, at least from an event perspective. As we rolled into the new year it was apparent by traffic on 98 alone, that a combination of snowbirds and home owners in for the holidays whom never left, that the once seasonal 30A was becoming a year round home for many.

And for those choosing to stay through the “cold” months, the question of what to do was really not a question, but more of a decision of which to do. From what many consider to be the first large event of the year, 30A Songwriters Festival was amazing. I know I say this too often, but if you have never been, book your tickets for 2024 now. This is truly a one of a kind, four day extravaganza of great venues and incredible artist and entertainers.

Spring fashion shows, the loved Emerald Ball, and even a newbie to the local event scene, the Butler Bear Bash, have kept the VIP cameras busy. And if there is anything synonymous with spring in South Walton Co, it is wine festivals. This area, know for some of the best wine festivals in the country, kicked off the season with the fabulous, instantly sold-out 30A Wine Festival at Alys Beach. I am not sure which is more alluring, the setting or the wine but both equally fabulous. As I write this letter we approach another relatively new addition to the wine festival agenda, Soiree on the Bay. I anxiously await the hospitably of the Dugas family as they transform their beautiful bay-front estate into a magical weekend under the stars.

I could go on and on about events but I will let the pages of this issue of VIP 30A Magazine speak for itself. In addition to a plethora of events, this is also our annual Health & Beauty issue which is a long running tradition in all of our VIP’s around the South. This is our opportunity to feature the best medical and cosmetic professionals that 30A and South Walton has to offer. These businesses and the medical professionals behind the scenes have dedicated their lives to improving ours. From spas which elevate our overall well being, to cosmetics which keep us younger longer, to critical care providers, we are very blessed to have the level of providers which would rival many metropolitan areas. Of course, we have the advantage of leaving our favorite practice and being at the beach in 10! As Pierce Brosnan said “ that’s all the difference in the world.” To have a little fun and see who’s reading my nonsense, dinner for two at Pescado in Rosemary Beach on me, for the first email naming the movie from which I quoted.

I hope you enjoy this issue, our growing team on 30A has put in a lot of hours to bring this to fruition. We hope to see you in front of our cameras at upcoming wine festivals, chamber functions, fashion shows and more. We are the ones running around camera in hand - looking for the next photo op. Be sure to check our our two page calendar of events so you don’t miss a memory!

P.S. - Thanks to Matt Christopher of Max Impact Photography for an amazing cover shot!