3 for 30a- Spring is finally here!!!!
By Natalie Haddock
We’ve changed our clocks forward, we’ve seen the influx of families and college students along the shore, and as of Friday March 20th, Spring officially begins. So where do you go to make the most of a nice sunny day? Where is the hottest place to be after the sun goes down? This week’s installment of 3 for 30A is to highlight a few fun locales that are sure to put a little spring in your step this weekend.
Friday March 20th – Start your weekend with a quick stop over at the Grayton Beer Taproom in Santa Rosa Beach. This craft brewery site is home to the popular local ale 30A Beach Blonde and the 1890 Founder’s Ale but also pours an assortment of other brews including stouts, IPAs, APAs, and often a porter or two. Pick up a growler for the weekend or simply prep your palate with a few tastings. Grayton Beer Company has tapped the pulse of the craft beer trend and the Taproom is the perfect site to get a first sip from the beer masters themselves. For hours and info visit www.graytonbeer.com
Saturday March 21st – Soak in the sunshine and the cool gulf breeze as you dine on the roof deck of Bud and Alley’s in Seaside. This Golden Spoon Award winning restaurant is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening meal in the spring air. With fresh gulf seafood and local produce, it is no wonder this restaurant has become a popular staple of locals and visitors since 1987. Enjoy the Grilled Red Snapper with basmati rice and lemon aioli or a Smoked 12oz Pork Chop with green apple/tomato chutney as the ringing of an old steam train bell announces the sunset and an end to another day in paradise. For more information about Bud & Alley’s Seaside restaurants visit http://www.budandalleys.com/index.php
Sunday March 22nd – The Red Bar is the local’s red-hot-spot for dining, dancing, and mingling on 30A. Stop into the eclectic dining room for lunch from 11:00-3:00 or dinner from 5:00-10:00 but stay late for a fun evening with live music and cocktails. The restaurant’s menu is simple but varied and includes delicious entrees such as Blackened Grouper, Penne Chicken, three-cheese Manicotti, and Baked Eggplant stuffed with shrimp and scallops. When the dinner crowd thins, the funky atmosphere kicks in and the Red Bar Jazz band can be seen playing most nights. Dred Clampitt will also be performing this Sunday and Monday. For menu and music info visit http://www.theredbar.com/
