“Our projects are primarily derived from our clients’ personal preferences, and informed by the site and surrounding context. We begin the process by listening to our client’s goals and create solutions that are timeless and unique. Our residential work spans from classical to clean-lined modern architecture.”
On collaboration: Our office is set up intentionally to encourage collaboration and interaction on projects. Our ideal project kick-off is a design charrette, or brainstorming session involving the client, members of our firm, and our consulting designers and engineers. The initial meetings frequently take place on site to create a clear understanding of the place. Establishing goals for the project, as well as compiling precedent images to establish a common visual language, are also critical parts of the collaborative process for us.
Commercial design: We have recently completed the Birmingham School of Law, an exterior restoration and re-roof of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Fine Arts Center at Altamont School. We are working on classroom and administration buildings for Indian Springs School as well as a new City Hall for Gardendale.
Favorite project? Each of us finds ourselves in very different places in our careers. Whether the project is a family retreat with multiple structures, an equestrian barn, residence, school, or a place of worship, we recognize that our successes are the result of our great clients.
Pencil and paper? Sketching is fundamental to design evolution. All of our work is eventually detailed in the computer but nothing can replace the freedom of the hand.
Civic responsibility: Our firm is fortunate to have Dick Pigford as our founding partner. Early in his career, he became a member of the Tuesday Group, designing and building houses in Ensley. As a firm we are committed to the community. The four of us as a well as other members of the firm serve on numerous non-profit boards. In 2000, the firm established SawWorks, a building adjacent to our office, as a community meeting space resource.
The future of Birmingham: There is definite renewed interest in downtown Birmingham. Since we have been on 2nd Avenue South, we have watched the development of Railroad Park, Regions Field, as well as numerous downtown residential developments. We believe that the downtown area will continue to grow. Neighborhoods like Avondale are coming to life with new venues that encourage younger people and families to make the city their home.
Contact
Architecture Works, LLP Web: architectureworks.com Phone: 205.320.0880 Address: 130 19th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Produced by Cathy Still McGowin • photography by Art Meripol
Jeff Dungan started Dungan Nequette Architects with Louis Nequette more than 20 years ago. Together, they have designed homes and commercial buildings from Birmingham to Alys Beach to Nova Scotia. Today, Jeff focuses on the residential side of things while Louis turns his attention to commercial design. They still share an office (and desk), and together have dreamed up buildings that have shaped our landscape for good.
Residential focus: My work is primarily on houses. However, I occasionally have the opportunity to design a church or bar or restaurant (most recently Galley and Garden in Southside). It is very exciting to create a place that can effect the lives of hundreds perhaps thousands of people over time.
Favorite project? We try to do something unique in each design and I find that each project has some attribute I am very drawn to. Projects are kind of like your children—you love them all. If I had to choose, I would say a house at Alys Beach. It was very pure and simple.
If you were to design a folly, what would it be? A floppy hat kind of screen porch thing that spills out of a hillside and looks out onto the ocean and has a fireplace so you can cook and sleep there on occasion.
Paper and pencil? I use vellum for drafting and scrap copier paper for sketching. I can’t stand totally white paper for sketching but won’t draw on lined paper either…
Civic responsibilities? It is the architect’s job to protect the users of the building—and create places that are a gift to the street.
What’s happening in Birmingham? This city is better than it has ever been. I think it will soon become one of the greatest Southern cities. There’s a wonderful culture of people, music, food, art and architecture, gorgeous topography, and natural beauty.
What’s Your…
Favorite lunch? Chez Fon Fon. I usually order the charcuterie and the fish of the day.
Favorite vacation?What was the highlight of the trip? Buenos Aires, Argentina. The food and the people are so inspiring. I loved seeing the cemetery where Eva Parone (among others) are buried. It’s an amazing city for the dead with each tomb an architectural marvel.
Hobby? I like to play chess. I try to play once a day online against people from all over the world. It’s a good way to wind down at the end of the day.
What inspires you? Nature… people… art… food… music… words… travel…
Contact
Dungan-Nequette Architects, Jeff Dungan Web: dungan-nequette.com Phone: 205.322.6455 Address: 1906 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35223
Produced by Cathy Still McGowin • photography by Art Meripol
“A well-done house can be so much more than the sum of its parts. A great environment impacts how we live and enjoy family life. That’s usually the primary reason that our clients want to build a home in the first place. But a fine house will outlast all of us and take on a life of its own.” — Chip Gardner
Design focus: Most architects come out of school with a preference for modern things, and that was certainly the case with me. Over the years, though, my interests have evolved. I still love clean lines and strong, simple order, but I’ve become more appreciative of the fine craftsmanship in older homes. Because much of our residential work has been in the older neighborhoods of town, we’ve become adept at the styles that were prominent when those areas were first developed: Tudor Revival, French Revival, Arts and Crafts, etc.
Favorite project? I’ve been blessed to have worked with lots of great clients that remain friends. If I had to choose, the home my wife and I built for our family a few years ago is the most special (right). It was an unlikely undertaking at the low point of the recession, and it took a great deal of will from both of us to make it happen. We’ve since sold it, but are already planning our next one.
Dream project? I want to design a hunting camp and lodge—something along the lines of the old Adirondack lodges and wonderful stone Civilian Conservation Corps buildings from the 1920s and 30s. It would be rustic, but very refined and elegant at the same time. It would have resort appeal with spectacular mountain views and acreage and, of course, an unlimited construction budget. As long as I’m dreaming, it would be nice to have as much time as I want to develop the design.
Architecture trends? Green building and energy efficiency. Some of the products and technologies have come a long way in recent years, so there’s no longer any need to compromise on aesthetics or absorb initial costs that can really never be recouped. You don’t have to be an idealist to recognize the value in some of these ideas now—they are finally making actual market sense.
Responsibilities of an architect? Clients come to an architect for direction. An important part of that is guiding them toward the right kinds of design decisions. A project that is good for the community (something high quality, thoughtfully situated, and attuned to the neighborhood) is also usually what provides the best value for the individual owner. I really believe we’re helping to improve our community by the kind of projects we build and that our impact will last for years to come.
What inspires you? It’s very rewarding to overcome all of the challenges of construction and see something completed that you’re proud to have played a role in creating, that you think is special. In a small way you can feel that you’ve made a positive impact on the world.
What’s Your…
Favorite lunch? I’m sort of a regular at Demetri’s in Homewood, along with most of my extended family. My parents and brothers all try to meet there for lunch on Fridays, and sometimes a nephew or niece will join us. I like it not so much for the barbeque, but for the Greek dishes. My favorite is the Chicken Kabobs with a side Greek salad.
Favorite vacation? Our family went to Provo island in Turks and Caicos for a snorkeling and scuba diving vacation. We stayed in a remote little house and had a car to explore the island. The highlight of the trip was totally unscripted: We rented a little skiff with a small outboard motor and headed up an undeveloped side of the island, jumping in the water whenever something looked interesting. The water is unbelievably clear there and we got into all sorts of up-close adventures with a nurse shark, giant manta ray, numerous barracuda and every reef fish imaginable—all in only 6 feet of water. It was a great family day!
Hobby? I have far too many. One of my favorites is playing music with my 17-year-old son, David. We keep a music room with lots of instruments in our home: Guitars, piano, drums, and bass. I’ve played a little of everything over the years and David has picked up drums and is now learning guitar. Surprisingly, he and his friends like a lot of the same old 1970s standards I used to play growing up, so it’s a lot of fun!
Ever wake up in the morning and decide you need an extra bedroom, larger kitchen, or even a new home? Our priorities and needs for our living spaces are constantly changing. Evaluating the options to fulfill those needs can be overwhelming and often prevent us from making decisions that would ultimately enrich our lives.
Similar to the HGTV show, Love It or List It, all homeowners must eventually face the financial and emotional decision to remodel or sell. So, how do you move forward?
William and David Siegel, co-owners of Twin Construction, Inc., have assisted many families in making that big decision. The two most important considerations? Return on investment and family needs. It’s a whole lot easier when both of these factors align. It’s much more difficult when one factor is askew. To simplify the process, they suggest the following steps as a guideline:
Find out the current value of your house. What could you sell your home for today without renovations? Meet with a real estate professional to determine the current market in your neighborhood.
Determine your needs. If you are going to live in your house for the next 5, 10 or 15 years, what would need to be changed? List the items by priority. What renovations must be done sooner than later?
Create a budget. Meet with a contractor to obtain estimates for your renovation wish list. Review the list and re-prioritize (if necessary) based on the estimates obtained. Remember, the contractor estimates you receive will be for budgeting purposes only. A contractor will need more information regarding each project for accurate pricing.
Other options? Spend some time viewing properties online or visiting them with a real estate agent. Does the property align with your list of needs and wants? Could you see your family living there? Would a renovation suit your needs better? What are the pros and cons of a move?
Compare the financial and emotional costs. Based on the information gathered in the steps above, what makes the most financial sense? What makes the most emotional sense?
ABOVE Based on the checklist above, the owners of this Homewood house chose to renovate rather than move.
Speaking from Experience
“When my wife Kim and I were expecting our fourth child we relied on the process above to make an informed decision about whether to renovate or sell. The cost of renovating exceeded the cost of purchasing or building a new home with the desired space. However, our emotional ties to their property were far heavier weighted. We loved our street, our lot, and neighbors. We wanted to raise our children in that specific community of friends and family. A move would not fulfill our list of needs and wants emotionally. We needed to stay. The decision to remodel or sell can be overwhelming. However, after gathering a little financial information and filtering it through the lens of family needs, a Love It or List It move becomes quite clear.” — William Siegel, Co-owner of Twin Companies, Inc.
bDot is a design-conscious studio that focuses on the creative process, as well as crafting project solutions that are meaningful and encompass both a modern relevance and a timeless nature.
Commercial or residential? The majority of our architectural work is commercial (corporate, medical, retail and renovations). We are pretty particular about our residential projects. We shy away from projects for people who already think they know what they want. We look for the open minded client, those willing to walk with us through the adventures of the design process without jumping to a predetermined look or style.
Pencil and paper or Autocad? All of the above—including cardboard, wood, metal, etc. (They also keep a napkin dispenser on the conference table for sketches.) Often when we are designing, we start working faster than the computer will let us. It can become quite an event in the studio with each adding to the discussion, grabbing scraps from our shop, garbage cans, an old model, whatever, to get what is in our minds out on the table both literally and figuratively. We just have to put it all out there for discussion, and more often than not, get past our own preconceptions about a thing, or a design. Knowing when one medium is working and when it’s not is a skill that we have had to develop over time, for all forms of expression have conceptual loops and blind spots, and it’s important to realize when that is occurring. Once the majority of the design is flushed out, we use Autocad to put together the construction drawings or blueprints.
On downtown: We love to walk, explore, and photograph in downtown. The city’s alleys are a product of Birmingham’s past, an unofficial historical record book of sorts. One of our favorite alleys is between 1st and 2nd Ave North. We love the many fire escapes, skyways, and historic steel framed windows. They create an incredible layering of textures and colors worn by time.
If you were to design a folly, what would it be? Having been given the wonderful opportunity to design buildings as well as furniture, lightings, sculptures, and art on multiple levels and sizes, I would love for us to be asked to design a sculpture or pavilion for the 2021 World Games.
What’s Your…
Favorite lunch? On Fridays, one of our favorite lunches is Domino’s pizza at the studio followed by some foosball. We get the same toppings every time, pepperoni and olives on one and ham and mushrooms on the other.
Hobby? Most of us in the studio are musicians in some form or fashion, so we’ve been known to create music in our studio too. We have a few things you can listen to online if you are into electronic music.
Contact
bDot [architecture, furniture, form] Address: 212 29th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233 Phone: 205.458.8055 Email: [email protected] Website: bdota.com
Produced by Cathy Still McGowin • photography by Art Meripol
ABOVE Inspiration for the dining room is pure Giorgio Armani. A Pinterest search for “Giorgio Armani Dragon Dress” reveals the fashion designer standing next to a model in a vibrant green dress adorned with a jeweled serpent. Here, the look is translated into chartreuse draperies and Chinese-inspired blue porcelains. Featured in “An Eye for Style, ” May/June 2014.
ABOVE LEFT Homeowner and decorator Carla Edgeworth says her Lake Mitchell home is a humble mixture of flea market and thrift store finds that she gave new life with fresh, bold paint and new fabric. Featured in “A Family of Friends, ” March/April 2014. Photo by Art Meripol
ABOVE RIGHT Fresh greenery pops against neutral walls and softens the look of this modern dining room. Featured in “California Dream, ” Sept/Oct 2013.
ABOVE Turkish travertine floors and a two-toned glass shower wall offer a departure from the more expected all-white marble yet create the same elegance. Featured in “Raising the Standard, ” Jan/Feb 2014.
ABOVE LEFT A colorful, eclectic living room showcases designer Allison Banks' creativity. A bright pop of green brightens up the walls. Featured in “Inspiring Spaces, ” May/June 2014.
ABOVE RIGHT The calm, neutral colors of this master bedroom let the bright emerald-green bedding grab the eye’s attention. Featured in “Modern Makeover, ” Jan/Feb 2015. Photo by Sarah Arrington
ABOVE In designer Lisa Flake's master bedroom, swathes of color, primarily in lime-green drapes and an antique Oushak rug, add a pop of pizzazz to the home's white theme. A green monogram on the fabric headboard adds a personalized touch. Featured in “Bold & Beautiful, ” Jan/Feb 2014.
ABOVE LEFT Neutral accessories pair nicely with a rustic green chest. Featured in “Natural Instincts, ” Jan/Feb 2014.
ABOVE RIGHT Assorted glass jars and vases add character and color to an antique white armoire. Featured in “Home for the Holidays, ” Nov/Dec 2013.
ABOVE In this TV room, a green tin sign culled from a family business pops against the exposed brick wall. Featured in “Industrial Evolution, ” Sept/Oct 2013.
Nature is always the greatest muse. So believes John Hagefstration who engaged like-minded designers to build his Smith Lake home in the Point William community. “I wanted to create a house that preserved that natural landscape as much as possible, ” John says of the piece of land studded with old-growth trees. “Placing the home on a ledge close to the water would allow me to have great views of the lake from every room and very few steps needed to reach the lake.”
John didn’t even have to think of whom to call. Architects Ben Shepard and Darla Davis and decorator Andrew Brown had, just a few years before, helped John renovate an architectural treasure in Birmingham. And John knew the dream team would be up to the challenge of creating a lake house that departed from conventional standards. “With my first lake home, I learned what features were most important to me, ” he says. “I wanted to build a home that met my needs and also reflected a different architectural style as my tastes continue to evolve.”
The result is a two-story, one-room-deep retreat that capitalizes on panoramic lake views while receding into the wooded landscape. “This house is simplistic in form and materials, ” Ben says. “It’s meant to feel like it belongs to this property. It is tucked tightly into the carefully protected woods and amongst towering, natural outcroppings on the steep, rocky site.”
Inside, the furnishings are decidedly mid-Century modern—Billy Baldwin-inspired upholstered sofas and chairs, custom iron pieces inspired by Giacometti, a Brutalist-style sculpture, and authentic mid-Century vintage furnishings—while the color palette is pulled from the property itself. “I took my cue from the trees and the lake, ” says Andrew. “Some of the wooden furniture has a custom stain that was chosen based on the color of the bark on a tree outside the living room. ”
While Andrew considered the surrounding landscape as inspiration, he also looked to John’s extensive photography collection—a major design element in the home, even for the architects. “The need for ample wall surface for art display was a challenge, ” Ben explains. The team did not want to sacrifice the spectacular views from each room so they used fewer windows on rear walls for gallery space. “This lake house was the perfect place to display the black-and-white landscape and nature photographs in my collection, ” John says.
The most important feature of the home, the architects and decorator agree, is the lake itself. French doors create the lakefront wall of the main level, while floor-to-ceiling windows capture views upstairs. The panorama is, “to die for, ” Andrew says. “The dark color of the main floor’s ceiling evokes the dark surface of the lake and creates the feeling of being in a cocoon, with all attention focused on the light and views outside the home.”
While the lake and landscape are paramount for John, he is thrilled with the home’s interiors. “I like creating a home that is very different than what most people think of as a typical lake home but still feels right at home on the lake.”
“The house blends in well to its natural surroundings, which was the goal. It doesn’t scream for attention.”
Homeowner John Hagefstration
ABOVE A patio swinging chair finds its way into a bedroom to create a unique spot to read a book or simply rest.
ABOVE LEFT The round dining table can easily seat up to ten people for dinner. Here, the leather chairs, floating string sculpture lights, and Brutalist-inspired sunburst sculpture all celebrate their Mid-Century leanings. “I wanted to use natural materials such as iron and wood so that there would be a slight rustic air to the home, but with a modern edge, ” Andrew says.
ABOVE RIGHT The living and dining areas are one large, open space divided by a custom iron étagère and drapery. Because the shelf is so large and heavy, it was designed to come apart in two pieces. A piece from the owner’s photography collection hangs on the front of the shelving unit.
ABOVE “I think it is important for a home to function the way the owner uses it, and this home does that for me, ” John says. Bar-height seating welcomes casual dining when John is alone and also offers a perch for guests to watch the chef at work when he is entertaining.
ABOVE The lake house is an escape from city life, as well as a gallery for some of John’s storied art collection.
ABOVE The master bath’s tub is a continuation of the concrete floor, sunken into the slab, and nestled against floor-to-ceiling windows. “It is actually a very private spot due to the trees and vegetation that block it from other houses on either side.
FIRST FLOOR THE PLAN: Lower Floor 1312 sf / Second Floor 1160 sf / Total 2472 sf
SECOND FLOOR
WHY WE LOVE IT
• Numerous French Doors: Each room on the lower level, including the master bedroom, has French doors that open onto a terrace overlooking the lake. “When the weather is nice, having all those doors on the main level open with the breeze blowing through the house is incredible, ” decorator Andrew Brown says.
• Treehouse Feel: Old-growth trees, carefully protected during the construction process, hug the lake house. “The upstairs bedrooms all have floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to the lake. Those rooms feel like treehouses, since the bedrooms are at tree level, ” Andrew says.
• Easy Maintenance: “Everything is lake, pet, and kid friendly, ” Andrew says. Upholstery blends with Ally’s (John’s beloved golden retriever) hair so that no one can tell if dog hair gets on the furniture. And, the upholstery is linen, so it can be easily cleaned and is very durable and breathable, ” he says.
• Distinct Guest Quarters: Architects Ben Shepard and Darla Davis designed the home with four guest rooms and two baths upstairs. “The upper floor is on a separate HVAC system, so if I do not have guests, I do not need to use that floor, ” John explains.
• True Escape: “The mood of the house is one of rustic serenity with a mid-Century modern flair, ” Andrew says. “It is dark and enveloping and makes you feel as though you are nestled inside a forest looking out on the lake.”
RESOURCES Community: Point William Smith Lake, Alabama • pointwilliam.com; Interiors:Andrew Brown, Andrew Brown Interiors Birmingham, AL • 205.879.7949 • andrewbrowninteriors.com; Architects: Ben Shepard and Darla Davis, Shepard and Davis Architecture Birmingham, AL • 205.322.7770 • shepardanddavis.com
As winter draws to a close and temperatures start to rise, it’s only natural to think about spring break. For lots of folks, the destination of choice is the stretch of white sandy beaches along the Florida Gulf Coast.
When Gadsden residents Julie and David Chadwick head south to their Sandestin home, their warm weather getaways and holidays often turn into festive gatherings of friends and extended family. “The best part of having a place at the beach is being able to share it with others, ” Julie believes. “And it’s important that everyone feels welcome and comfortable.”
That said, Julie still wanted her home away from home to be a little more elegant than the typical beachy-beach house. To strike the perfect balance, the Chadwicks turned to Birmingham designer Libby Greene, who had worked with them on several decorating projects in the past. “They’ve been great clients for more than 10 years, ” explains Libby. “Over time, you really get to know what a family wants and needs.”
The Mediterranean-style home had generous rooms and an inviting flow, but it was in need of a fresher, lighter look. The couple brought Libby down to the beach to do her magic.
Since the home did not need architectural changes, the designer placed her focus on the fabrics, furnishings, and the overall feel of the interiors. Her first order of business was to make the living room a space suited for real-life activities. She replaced the heavy upholstered pieces with a welcoming arrangement of paired slipcovered swivel chairs and a plush sofa. “Knowing everything can be removed and laundered immediately puts your guests at ease, ” explains Libby. A custom coffee table is large enough to hold appetizer trays during impromptu parties.
Libby chose to simply give a nod to nautical themes and the coastal setting rather than jump in full force. In the foyer, four large fan coral prints in soothing shades of blue anchor the stairway, a large clam rests on the entry table, and a trio of paintings of Western Lake by local artist Allison Wickey trail down the side hallway. In the living room, antique shell prints and crusted vintage sunbursts create a focal point along one wall. And in the wood-paneled den off the kitchen, Libby clustered antique fish prints.
The original house had a number of good-sized bedrooms, so Libby set about making each one comfortable and calming. She chose a soothing color palette of blues and grays for the master suite and paired a few selected antiques with newer pieces. Guest bedrooms accommodate a corner sitting area with a comfortable chair to offer visitors their own private retreat. “The renovation turned out better than we could have imagined, ” says Julie. “We didn’t need to add space, we just needed to redecorate. Now we use all the rooms and more like a beach house throughout.”
ABOVE LEFT The open stairway carries the neutral tones and subtle blue accents upstairs for a cohesive look.
ABOVE RIGHT In the foyer, an antique mirror and white chest offer the first glimpse of the home’s new lighter tone.
ABOVE Soft neutral tones and textured fabrics lighten the mood in the wood-paneled family room.
ABOVE LEFT A pedestal-style breakfast table anchors a sunny corner of the kitchen. To keep the home from looking overtly beachy, Libby maintained a level of elegance in the interiors. Subtle beach accents, such as the oversize shell centerpiece, give a hint to the coastal locale.
ABOVE RIGHT In the foyer, an antique mirror and white chest offer the first glimpse of the home’s new lighter tone.
ABOVE The master bedroom offers a study in balance. Casual tones of blue and gray nicely complement more sophisticated elements such as the beaded chandelier.
RESOURCES Interior designer:Libby Greene, Libby Greene Interiors•[email protected], 205.807.2192; Living Room:upholstered pieces:Lee industries, leeindustries.com; coffee table: custom design, antique prints and framing: Arceneaux Art Gallery, arceneauxgallery.com; antique art above fireplace: Allison Wicky, allisonwickey.com • Seacrest Beach, Florida. Den: sofa and chairs: Lee industries, fabrics on chairs: Cowtan & Tout, cowtan.com; ottoman: Libby Greene Interiors.Master Bedroom: bed: custom headboardlinens: Libby Greene Interiors, lamps: custom handmade pottery lamps.Foyer: mirror: Antique Trumeau–one of a kind, lamp: Hiltz Lauber Furnishings, hiltzlauber.com; rug: Paige Albright Orientals, paigealbrightorientals.com.Hallway: rug: Paige Albright Orientals, bench: Antique Swedish Settee, art grouping: Arceneaux Art Gallery
text and styling by lynn nesmith • photos by jean allsopp
Located on more than 30 acres of a peninsula overlooking Perdido Pass, Caribe Resort in Orange Beach is the perfect spot to call home base for your weekend along the shore. After getting settled in your condo, take some time to explore the surroundings. With more than 40, 000 square feet of pools, a lazy river, tennis courts, saunas and steam rooms, a game room, beach access, and a five-star restaurant on the property, Caribe offers plenty of activities to choose from. Take your pick, and start your day of relaxation.
After a late-afternoon swim, head down the street and enjoy dinner at Bill’s by the Beach. A menu full of farm-to-table fare includes favorites such as Coconut Shrimp, Seafood Pot Pie, and Bill’s Beach Burger. Don’t leave without trying Bill’s signature Donut Hole Bread Pudding. For after-dinner drinks, walk a few steps into the restaurant’s bar, The Turtle Bar. You’ll find specialty drinks such as Bill’s Bermuda Water and the Dirty Turtle, as well as a wide selection of fine wines and craft beers.
Start your morning with a visit to Magnolia Springs, Alabama, hometown of author Fanny Flagg. Located on the Magnolia River, this quiet village offers visitors a glimpse of rural Southern charm. If you’d like to stay in the immediate area, book a room at the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast, a beautifully restored home with original wood-paneled walls and clawfoot bathtubs. Take a walking tour down streets lined with Spanish Moss with David Worthington, the caretaker of the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast. He will happily share the community’s history and tell how it developed along the headwaters of the Magnolia River in the early 1800s. This small town is the only community with year-round mail service by boat.
When lunchtime rolls around, stop in at Jesse’s restaurant. Start with the Gulf Coast Crab Cake, and follow up with scrumptious Shrimp ‘N Grits.
Enjoy an afternoon on the rolling waters of the bay by booking a Dolphin Tour with Cetacean Cruises. Be sure to come prepared with your sunscreen and camera. The friendly dolphins will swim right up to the boat and look you in the eye. The pontoon-boat tour holds about 40 people and takes approximately two hours—plenty of time to chat with both the captain and the tour guide about all of your marine-life questions.
Continue your water adventure by renting a kayak from Go Go Kayaks. You can get up close and personal with nature as you explore Little Lagoon. Go Go Kayaks offers pickup or delivery of kayaks between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Visit The Wharf for unforgettable shopping (and a whirl on the ferris wheel). Try dinner at Villaggio Grille. Mediterranean and Italian flavors come together in dishes prepared over a wood-fired grill. Don’t miss the Devils on Horseback appetizer, featuring fried Gulf oysters wrapped in bacon. For your entrée, try the Pan-Seared Scallops or the Brown Butter Grouper.
Pamper yourself on your last day of vacation by booking an appointment at The Spa at The Beach Club. Choose from treatments such as a Swedish massage, a pedicure, or a scalp massage. Then take time to unwind in the sauna, steam room, or whirlpool. Or enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Gulfside Grill right beside the resort pool. The Spa is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. You do not have to stay at The Beach Club to enjoy this experience. Simply call ahead and book an appointment.
Experience the grand finale of your coastal getaway by taking a sunset cruise with Wild Native Tours. This cruise is all about relaxation as you enjoy a stunning sunset over the water. Take in the beautiful views along the Intracoastal Waterway, Bon Secour River, and Oyster Bay. The Sunset Cruise departs daily and lasts about two hours. Drinks are not included with the cruise, but feel free to bring your own sunset beverages for the ride. Be sure to call ahead and book your reservation.
Coastal fare and global flavors come together inside a quaint beach cottage at George’s at Alys Beach.Choose from two menu categories: Behave, featuring organic spa-inspired dishes, and Misbehave, touting traditional beach fare such as fried seafood baskets.
If it’s good music you want to listen to while chowing down, visit The Red Barin Grayton Beach. The Red Bar Jazz Band plays almost nightly. Be sure to try the pasta with crawfish and shrimp and the stuffed eggplant.
And for a fun evening out with no frills, visitCowgirl Kitchenin Rosemary Beach. Stop by for afternoon happy hour to sample the smoked tuna dip or the Cowgirl salsa and queso.
Shopping
Whether you are looking for a beach souvenir or the perfect swimsuit coverup, you’ll find it among the many shops in South Walton. Like its name implies, Uniquely Chic offers a distinctive shopping experience. Located in the Shops at Baytowne Wharf in Destin, the store offers handcrafted jewelry, home accents, and apparel. Be sure to pick up a locally-made Seagrass 100% Soy Candle.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift, stop by Hissyfits Boutique at Rosemary Beach to view their selection of purses, jewelry, and home décor items. Show your team spirit with one of the new burlap bags in your school colors.
For the smaller set, take them to Duckies Shop of Fun. With an array of toys, clothing, and baby gifts, the shop is tailor-made for kids. For high style home décor, don’t miss Tracery, Pizitz Home & Cottage, and Bohlert Massey Interiors-—all located between Rosemary Beach and Seaside.
Outdoor Adventure
Fish, swim, or boat in one of the 15 fresh and saltwater lakes, zipline across the Village of Baytowne Wharf, bike through miles of paved trails, or explore nature trails throughout the area’s four state parks. South Walton also offers 207 holes of championship golf and more than 30 public tennis courts. Of course, the water activities beckon. Try paddle with Yolo Bike and Board in Santa Rosa Beach. If paddleboarding isn’t your thing, they also offer bike rentals.
For a more relaxing experience, quietly drift in your own kayak across a dune lake. Emerald Reef Beach Services offers kayak rentals, as well as beach umbrella and chair rentals.
Amazing Spas
What better way to top off your beach escape than with a refreshing spa treatment? Try the diamond peel or deep pore cleansing treatment at Spa 98 in Miramar Beach. Or design your own personalized beauty enhancement program at Spa Sandestin located in the Sandestin Resort. And if you are in the WaterSound Beach area, check out the new state-of-the-art facility at Sanabella Spa and Salon.
Festivals and Events
There’s always something on the calendar. Coming Up: Art in the Park at Watercolor on March 21st offers a mixture of art mediums, including acrylic, oil, photography, furniture, and fashion design. Take the grownup crowd to the Sandestin Wine Festival, April 16-19. Sample international wines while learning from the winemakers themselves. ArtsQuest, May 8-10, features more than 125 fine artists exhibiting their work in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin’s Town Center. The event also includes over 40 musical performances.
For information on all of these restaurants, shops, spas, and event: visitsouthwalton.com
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