Tales from the Road: Back 30-A, Exploring the Beaches of South Walton
By now you probably know that it’s physically impossible to keep me away from the beach.
This past weekend, I was back down heading back down south to my favorite place, the Florida Panhandle. This time I was going to be exploring the Beaches of South Walton, located along 30-A.
On this particular journey, my stop would be at Redfish Village, located in Blue Mountain Beach.
However, since I was back at the beach (can’t say that enough), I wanted to take my time and enjoy every minute. So, I decided I would stop places that caught my attention.
One such place was Gulf Place in Santa Rosa Beach. Much like the other communities that line the Beaches of South Walton, you find a variety of accommodations that can house anywhere from two people and more. There is also a handful of shops and restaurants that are reflective of the spirit of the area.
If you find yourself in the area, definitely stop in Miss Lucille’s Gossip Parlor. Just the 
name alone will put a smile on your face. It’s your typical breakfast/lunch/ coffee/drinks/dessert type of place. However, you don’t grab and run. No, you take time to sit and enjoy your food and/drink.
Another place that caught my attention was Smiling Fish Cafe, and honestly when I walked through to door to get a peek, I was mentally kicking myself for already eating lunch. The smell inside was incredible, and from the looks of the dishes on the various tables, so was the food. Smiling Fish Cafe serves lunch (PDF file) and dinner (PDF). 
You can choose from a fried shrimp sandwich ($9.95) or the beach burger ($8.75). They have quite the options with their signature lunch salads that include Panko fried shrimp Caesar ($10.95) or Thai shrimp pasta salad that features gulf shrimp ($10.95). Dinner options include appetizers such as Creole barbecue shrimp ($8) or roasted corn and crab soup ($6.) For entrees, why not select the grilled gulf shrimp ($22.50) or the white beans and grouper ($19.50.) If you have room left over, be sure to get dessert, such as a slice of key lime pie ($5.)
Definitely don’t miss the Artists at Gulf Place. Located behind the restaurants and shop, sort of in an open 
space, around eight artists have set up shop selling everything from decorative items to art work to jewelry. I dare you to walk away empty handed!
photo credits: personal photos
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