shopping

June 30, 2021
By Michelle Farnham

INLET BEACH – The 30A area of Santa Rosa Beach is known not just for its beautiful beaches, but also for its upscale shopping and dining.

When it’s time to come in off the beach, no place combines the food and fun better than 30Avenue. Dubbed the “Gateway to 30A” the complex boasts dozens of attractions – and almost as important – convenient parking!

30Avenue is a lifestyle center, according to Marketing Coordinator Stephanie Madden.

“You can do everything here; we’re a one-stop shop,” Madden admitted. “You can get your teeth cleaned, you can have dinner, get your hair done or a spray tan, shop for nice home furnishings or trendy clothes. You can even get your taxes done here!”

Shopping spree!

While walking the streets of 30Avenue, you’ll find such shopping opportunities as boutiques Willow + Mercer, Becasa, Margaret Ellen Bridal, and 30A Olive Oil Co. Those in need of a spruce-up can find Rolland’s Beauty Bar, 30A Medical Spa or Blush Beauty Lounge, while exercise enthusiasts will enjoy MYST yoga studio and boutique, and Love 2 Run. On the home interiors side, the Not Too Shabby and Lighting Etc. showrooms allow shoppers to imagine the possibilities. Swing into the AT&T location to take care of a little telecom business, too.

Eats along the streets

Refuel at one of 30Avenue’s 10 dining options, from casual to fine dining, catering to sumptuously sweet!

Sister restaurants amici 30A Italian Kitchen and amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen offer modern cuisine from the Corchis Hospitality Group. 30A Burger is your place for classic American fare – don’t miss the milkshakes – while Barbacoa Mexican Grill serves up Latin flavors with no fillers or shortcuts.

The early morning crowd will enjoy Decadent, a coffee and dessert bar. Goatfeathers at 30Avenue is the place for fresh seafood dine-in or takeout, and Cuvee 30A serves popular cuisine from Chef Tim Creehan to the dinner crowd.

Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery offer the perfect ending to your day along 30A.

There’s even a new spot coming to town, with the opening of Canopy Road Cafe this September.

“They have the best breakfasts, and their lunches are great, too!” explained Madden. “They have everything from your traditional breakfast to Fruity Pebbles waffles and Captain Crunch pancakes. They have a lot of fun concoctions they come up with.”

Moving and grooving

30Avenue is also a performance space, hosting free live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and occasional evening shows, featuring the likes of local musicians Casey Kearney, Los Locos, Bo Adams, and The Shakedown, to name a few.

“It’s so nice to come out on the green after work and listen to the live music, then pop into one of the restaurants and get a bite to eat or something to drink,” Madden added. “Bring your kids, your puppies. We have tables and chairs or you can bring your own lawn chair and blankets.”

A little bit more

The 30Avenue complex is also home to business offices, including Ascension Medical Group Sacred Heart at 30A, Progress Bank, Runnels Orthodontics, Corr Group, 30A Smiles, A Boheme Design, ModernMade Photography, Design 30Avenue, Dune Lakes Insurance, Edward Jones, PSC Construction, Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, South Oak Title, Sweet Brands International, Stifel wealth management, Hill Coleman CPA, and Ohana Institute, the private K-12 school.

The 30Avenue complex remains Covid-conscious as well, with sanitizing stations throughout the development.

“We’re just a short walk away from Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach, and they’re building an underpass which will make it easier for pedestrians to cross 98,” added Madden.

30Avenue is located at 12850 U.S. Hwy. 98E in Inlet Beach on the far east end of Scenic Highway 30A. Hours vary by location; visit them online at www.thirtyavenue.com.