A Dream Defined

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Sales brochure from auction in late 1970s when Alys Beach property was purchased.
A Dream Defined
A REFLECTION ON THE FIRST TEN YEARS
In the late 1970s, Jim Stephens along with his wife, Julie,
and his father, Elton B. Stephens, came to an auction for 158
acres on the then very secluded Highway 30A on Florida’s
Gulf Coast. This was a very special place, and they knew
they wanted the property. Since 1949, their family had
owned several small cottages at a small beachside crossroad
called Seagrove, and a love for the quiet, pristine beaches
and natural beauty had become a very significant part of
the family’s life. The idea of investing in a large tract of this
magical, untouched place was very exciting. There was no
Seaside yet. There was no Rosemary Beach, no Watercolor.
This was just pure scrub oak, sand, and crystal blue water.
They were not yet sure what that something would be, but
they knew that this was the opportunity to, one day, do
something significant in this place. The day was hot. It
was September 9th. The auction had begun promptly at 11
o’clock in the morning, and shortly after lunch the property
was theirs. The seed of a dream had been planted. Elton
B. Stephens was a strong businessman. He had started his
company, EBSCO, from the ground up, and now it was
going well on all fronts. On this CONTINUED ON PAGE 2...
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A Dream Defined
A Reflection on the First
Ten Years
Dixon Brooke
day he had invested in the future. But importantly, Elton B. Stephens was also a strong
family man. He also invested in his family. Driving home that day, one could rest assured
that an important thought was on his mind. “I hope my wife, Alys, likes it.”
In 2004 the dream finally came to life. Alys Beach was born. As we celebrate our 10th
year, it is only fitting that we reflect on these past formative years. It is only fitting that
we reflect on the dream we so fondly call Alys Beach. So many people have been a part
of the dream, and over the coming year, we will be talking to some of those people
who have been so closely connected to that dream. In this issue we ask Jim Stephens,
Chairman of EBSCO and the developer of Alys Beach, Dixon Brooke, former CEO and
current Board of Directors member of EBSCO, Jason Comer, Alys Beach town founder,
and Andrés Duany and Galina Tachieva, both of DPZ, the town planners of Alys Beach,
to reflect on the dream we have come to know as Alys Beach.
Jim Stephens
JS
“When I was very young, we used to go down to Laguna Beach for a quick summer
vacation. A Mr. C.H. McGee was the rental agent at Laguna, and a few years later he
had an opportunity to buy the land that became Seagrove Beach. He laid out Seagrove
in what today is called a TND pattern where there was a little grocery store that was
like a town center and then houses around it. He started selling lots, and in 1949 my father bought two beach front lots in Seagrove for $3500 each. I was 10 years old. My father
built two concrete houses, and he let people in the company use one, and we used the other
for summer vacations. The area was a bit wild at that time. I remember we used to have to
keep the garbage in steel racks because there were a lot of wild pigs that would come out
and get in the cans. People started to buy up these lots, and before long a small community
was born. However, it was still just a handful of people. There was no traffic, and there
were mostly dirt roads. We drove jeeps everywhere, even down on the beach. There was no
road from Seagrove directly to Grayton Beach. You had to drive out to Highway 98 to get
there. In fact, what is now 30A was really just a series of dirt roads and paths, but it was a
delightful place to go.
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My experience was a little different. I grew up spending summers with my grandparents along the bay in Panama City. When we wanted to go to the beach, my grandfather took us to Panama City Beach. But when we really wanted to go into the wild, we
would head west toward Phillips Inlet, right around where Camp Helen is now. He
was a pompano fisherman so my brother and I would go with him to catch pompano
there right off the beach because it was so remote. Rather than go to summer camp,
we went to visit my grandparents in Florida. It was wonderful. I started going to Seagrove in about 1968. Even then it was remote.
Jason Comer
JC
I get emotional thinking about it. I was born and raised in Eufaula, Alabama. My
Dad was very busy running Avondale Mills, but when we came down here—well, it
Dixon Brooke
Alys Gazette:
Some of you actually grew up coming to 30A long before there was an Alys Beach, or a Seaside, or very
much of anything else. What was that like?
Jim Stephens
DB
Jason Comer
was our special time. Coming here growing up was great. It was totally underdeveloped. There was a house maybe every one or two miles. The house my father built was
right on the beach at Inlet Beach. I mean it was right on the beach. It was before there
were restrictions. He built it right on the beach on stilts. We had no air conditioning, no tv, no dishwasher, and it was amazing! There was maybe only one restaurant
around so we cooked almost all our own meals. We were always together just swimming and playing and exploring. Our aunts and uncles and cousins and grand parents
had their place in Seagrove so the trek over there from Inlet Beach was a journey unto
itself. My dad would pull onto the side of the road and tell us stories of wild pigs just
to spook us. It was a simple time, a magical time. I think those times were formative
in my passion for Alys Beach. Creating Alys Beach was large. We were trying to
create a place that was all about those highly formative and memorable events in our
childhood. And when you approach something with that sort of love in your heart,
you give it everything.
Andrés Duany
AD
I can’t speak to growing up here, but I can speak to changes I have seen since the late
70s. It has been a kind of thirty-year epic in which a place that was a backwater now
has one of the greatest collections of excellent architecture and urbanism in Florida,
perhaps even the entire South. The remarkable thing is that it was a process in which
everyone—the architects, the developers, the builders, and even the buyers—progressively improved their performance. It has been influential nationally—something that
no one could have predicted. To simplify, it has been a great and gratifying surprise.
T H E
Galina Tachieva
A L Y S
GT
G A Z E T T E
DB
The first time I saw Seaside was in 1993. I was an intern at DPZ, and the office took its
first organized visit to the Panhandle. We chartered a bus, drove all night, and arrived at
dawn in time to witness a fairy-tale apparition in the most amazing early light. A collective
sigh could be heard as we drove into this magical town enveloped in a pastel-colored mist.
There and then I knew I’d correctly chosen my professional destiny. Two years later I participated in the first Rosemary Beach charrette, and changes along 30A were even more noticeable.
The Seaside influence was spreading along the coastline. A new standard for compact urbanism and authentic traditional construction was being set. Today an even higher quality is
expected from architects and planners. The multiple projects along the Gulf prove there is
a more sophisticated way to view resorts and assess their value and desirability. Location
along a great beach is but one of many qualities, and excellent buildings and superb public
spaces mean almost as much, if not more. This is especially true about Alys Beach. The
biggest change I can report from my many trips to the villages of 30A since 1993, often
with potential clients, is that I now almost forget to mention there is a beach.
Planning. I have seen that to be truly defining to what we have done here. And I agree
with Jim, the people that we have connected with have defined our success in so many
ways over the past 10 years.
JC
When you’re passionate about an undertaking you’re about to do, and in your mind it
is one of the most important things that’s ever happened to you, you want everyone
else involved to feel the same way. So you try and surround yourself with people who
are just as passionate about the project as you are. I think we have done that. I think
those moments of bringing on those people have helped define us. There is no one person who did it. It is a million percent collaboration. The man who puts the stucco on a
house is as important as the man who drew the plan for the house. That way of looking
“... We were trying
to create a place that
was all about those
highly formative and
memorable events in
our childhood. And
when you approach
something with that
sort of love in your
heart, you give it
everything.”
- Jason Comer
Andrés Duany
Galina Tachieva
AG:
What have been some of the defining moments at Alys
Beach?
JS
I think one of the most defining moments would be that we immediately began to get a
good flow of sales right at the start of the race. People almost immediately caught on to
the vision. We built Fonville, and then we built the sales center-and built it almost as
a house so everyone could get a real glimpse of the architecture. We built sidewalks, we
put in roads, we established covenants, and we clearly defined the architectural language.
There was no hesitation. The first year and a half before the recession, we really had great
momentum. People were receptive, and that moment made us feel good. We knew we had to
stick with what we wanted to do. We stayed the course. That was truly a defining moment. I
think another moment was starting with the right team, beginning with Jason Comer. He was
instrumental in setting the bar. We were going to make everything as good as it could be.
Choosing DPZ, as the town planner, and our town architects, Erik and Marianne Vogt,
and our first sales manager, Karen Terrell, all proved to be defining moments.
at life here is what defines us. There are many significant pieces of architecture here
that have truly been defining moments in our journey: Caliza, the boulevard design on
30A, and probably the most important, the style of architecture we chose. Choosing
the Bermuda/Antigua style of architecture was a defining moment. Andrés Duany had
been wanting to do it for years. Once I went to Antigua, Guatemala, I knew I wanted
to do it as well. I knew it would work. That decision was a defining moment, because
I think a person has to look at Alys Beach to a certain extent and say, whoever developed that knew what they were doing. They had courage to do something great. We
had the determination to do something very different and to figure out how to make it
work. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. It wasn’t. But making that decision pushed
us from the ordinary into the extraordinary.
AD
A defining moment was the commitment to excellence of the developer and the family
who had owned it, who not only expected but also was mentally prepared to build
excellence. It became apparent there was a much higher performance required of us
and of the builders than we expected. We never would have recommended anyone but
an architect so talented. It was literally the best job in the world.
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“We knew we had to stick with
what we wanted to do. We
stayed the course.”
- Jim Stephens
G A Z E T T E
architectural charrette when we first assembled the different elevations from the many
architects to see how the street would look. We realized we needed so much more
coordination, more discipline, more restraint. That is when we pulled out the scissors
and started trimming the extra height, extravagant elements, and other features that
were not contributing to a harmonious whole.
AG:
What do you want the legacy of Alys Beach to be?
JS
GT
Alys Beach is a legacy project in every sense. It was a legacy for the Stephens family,
who were building on land owned for generations, a legacy for Jason Comer, who was
a first time town founder, and a planning legacy for DPZ and the design team. It was
a truly inspired project—a lucky combination of ideas about building type (the courtyard) and architectural syntax (Bermuda style with sculptural solid white volumes).
Alys Beach was also fortunate to acquire an artistically gifted pair of Town Architects,
who from the very beginning have carried the torch of excellence with energy, creativity, and diplomacy in leading a score of talented designers. The Town Architects have
set an example of exceptional quality for both the public and private realms, particularly with their superb civic infrastructure projects: the Gulf Green, the bridge over
Lake Marilyn, the pedestrian paths, and the Caliza Pool, among others.
I have always wanted the legacy of Alys Beach to be a community where families
have found a vacation resort home, which they take great pleasure in returning to as
frequently as possible, and they don’t really look for any other spot. I want it to endure
in such a way that the next generation continues that connection with Alys Beach, and
there is great pleasure in perhaps raising their children in the same vacation spot they
enjoyed as children. I want it to be an enduring community, which, with as many people as possible, is seen as a home location when they vacation. I want it to maintain its
quality. I believe it will, because in my opinion, if you build well and maintain as we
see in Europe, there’s no reason it can’t last 300, 500, 700 years. You don’t have to tear
it down every 100 years. If the architecture and design are sound from the beginning,
you don’t have to decide 15 years from now that it isn’t in style anymore. I want this to
be a truly enduring community.
AG:
What were some of your proudest moments with
Alys Beach?
DB
I want it to pay tribute to the name. I think Alys Stephens would be proud of this
place. I think she would think it truly beautiful. I want that feeling to endure. Of
course, I want it to always be a tremendous success, but I want the name to always
signify quality. I want the name to always stand for doing things the right way.
JS
I'm very proud of the fact that during
those rough times of the recession that
we did not sacrifice; we kept true to the
dream and the spirit of Alys Beach; we
didn’t drastically change to some other
approach during those circumstances.
Jason and I decided from the beginning
that we would not work with square
feet here at Alys Beach; we worked with
square inches. We were going to make
every little thing as good as it could possibly be, and it has been very fulfilling.
JC
“I want it to pay tribute to the
name. I think Alys Stephens would
be proud of this place. I think she
would think it truly beautiful.”
- Dixon Brooke
DB
From the time the property was acquired, it has evolved during so many different steps
along the way. The vision is coming to life. I’m glad that Alys Beach has remained
true to quality and remained steady—always leading with new and better ways to do
things.
JC
The fundamentals of Alys Beach have been strong the entire time. When we were going
through the great recession, Jim had the choice to change the vision. No. We’re sticking
with it. Defining moment. Sticking to our guns. We’re going to come out of this thing.
Jim was just as confused as the people on Wall Street. We had no idea what was happening, but he decided he was going to stick to it. So many people in this world do so many
amazing things, and this is my own little amazing experience that I got to be vitally at the
center of involvement with a team of amazing people to create a place like this. This place
is fantastic; it's not like an old mill that will fade away. This place will be here years from
now, and I hope that even my great-great-great-grandchildren might even come here at
some point. And I think that is really special.
AD
Every day and every time one of us visits Alys Beach is a moment of swallowing pride.
Personally, I feel like it's Christmas every three months or so when I come to see all
the wonderful buildings.
GT
One of my most satisfying moments remains the first pedestrian street taking shape:
a tight, linear space of irregular shape framing the trajectory to the beach. This street
embodied how this very unusual project would come to life. We had previously never
created a thoroughfare so thoroughly lined with contiguous building fronts, and it
took every ounce of our collective talent to ensure we arrived at a coherent, well calibrated, and infinitely interesting result. I am reminded of the pivotal moment at the
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This project is still a little baby. It really
is. There are so many amazing things
that are going to happen over the next 5,
10, 15, 20 years. And beyond. It really
will take that long for it to get built out.
I don’t think people realize how incredible this place is going to become. I think
the legacy will be that, right here on
30A, we will be leaving the world one
of the most unique and beautiful, little
villages you could find. I want that to
be our legacy. I also want our legacy to
be that we created a place where people felt free to play and have fun and to
develop memories. I can tell you what I
really want the legacy to be. I want it to be like the good old days at Inlet Beach and
Seagrove where everybody is free and happy, and nobody is fighting and bickering,
and everyone is having watermelon on the Fourth of July and swimming and having
fun and falling to sleep at night, exhausted because the day was so great. That is what I
want the legacy to be.
AD
The legacy of Alys Beach is going to be technical. It will introduce an architecture
that is resistant to hurricanes and an architecture that is both ecological and beautiful. It will introduce the pleasures of Latin America to your house. It will, of course,
also have trained a great number of voters and perhaps a generation or two of your
architects to do wildly wonderful work that they would not ever have had the chance
to do previously. Since the buyers come from all over the world, I am certain that, like
Seaside and Rosemary Beach previously, they will take the ideas home, and they will
have an effect there, too.
GT
Alys Beach had the great advantage of being built on the experience of Seaside and
Rosemary Beach. It is the most carefully controlled among the three projects, with
the most refined urban and architectural code. The design controls attempt to strike a
delicate balance between fortified, masonry dwellings and the natural, fragile beauty of the beach to the south and the wetlands to the north. Its ultimate legacy could
be its economic success, one that ideally will become ever more vibrant because it
acquires many year-round residents. My other hope is that it be remembered for its
visual poetry. Arguably the best-looking project along 30A, Alys Beach is undeniably
a fanciful sandcastle that has risen out of the white Panhandle dunes, a place where
urbanism, architecture, landscape, art, and green infrastructure all converged in a
rarified atmosphere of controlled exuberance. In this regard, it participates in Florida’s
longest development tradition, that of luring visitors and residents to a fantasy setting
based on exotic imagery from far, far away. y
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THE
LUCIAN
ALYS BEACH'S FIRST TOWN CENTER BUILDING RISES FROM A D REA M
by ERI K VO GT
1940s May Family Photos
In 1925, the land that lined the crystal blue waters of the Gulf stood untouched but for the
Gulf’s expiratory breeze and the sun’s enlivening rays. Thickets of lush Gulf foliage grew wild
as the boars and the cattle that roamed through—wild and unaware of the refinement to come
about in the days ahead. This salty land, seemingly only owned by the flora and fauna that
populated it, was given by the federal government, as part of the Homestead Act, to Lucian
May, who would become the good steward of this coastal plain.
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There was beauty in the potential of the wilderness that Lucian May and
his wife undertook. Dreams grew out of the brush: dreams of home, and
family, and a community poised to thrive in an area that by nature inspires
connectedness as the sun and the sand and the ocean blend their properties
in perfect intimacy.
las—the legacy he grew along the shores is one still honored today. Though
the vista has changed time and time again, the dreams of family and relationships he passed along to his children and to his children’s children have
remained the same. The heart of community was born out of his dream, and
Alys Beach was birthed out of the ground he civilized.
The May family took their commitment to heart, clearing the land, planting
orchards, and raising livestock. The Mays were creators upon the land, using
their own resources, their own bodies working under the ever-present Florida sun. Their luxury was to see unblemished beauty in all directions—only
their very own footprints marking the sand—as they cooled their bodies in
And so it seems fitting that Alys Beach's first Town Center building should
bear the name of the man who first homesteaded the land upon which it sits.
Located on the southwest corner of the Amphitheatre, the Lucian stands four
stories tall, with an enclosed parking garage beneath. There are eight residences, divided among one-, two-, and three bedroom suites, all with expan-
the clear waters, dreaming of the future and resting in the things presently exquisite. Over the years, they also hosted visiting friends and family, inviting them
to also enjoy the unspoiled beaches along the Gulf.
sive porches and views to the Amphitheatre and south to the Gulf beyond.
The architecture, by Khoury & Vogt Architects, follows in the tradition
of Alys Beach, with white stucco walls and piers divided by stained wood
porches and balconies. A civic-scaled first floor, with an attached southern
terrace, will accommodate retail/commercial activity and establish the standard for Alys Beach's permanent Town Center as it builds out in the years to
come.
Alongside the Mays was the Stephens family, who visited over generations
and made this stretch of Gulf their home away from home. They were some
of those lucky few to explore the Lucian May tract in those early years. They
sat on breezy porches telling stories of long Jeep rides down sandy, slim
roads and run-ins with wild pigs. They lived for the summer days when their
car rolled up to the beach house, and they swung open the doors, running
barefoot and headlong toward the sand. Since the 1940s, they’ve found unmatchable rest by the water as they’ve connected with family and friends in
their own sacred paradise.
Lucian May and his family breathed new life into this land we now feel
blessed to call home—using and preserving its resources, preparing a homeland, and growing a dream of community and of family. We at Alys Beach
strive to be good stewards of this gift that is our land, inspired by the
vision and industry of the man who first called this special place home.
One can only imagine what Lucian May might think if he were able to see
this place, our community, today. But our hope would be that Lucian would
smile, knowing that his vision still lived, that the spirit of the place remained
unchanged. It is with great pride and anticipation that we present to you, our
community, The Lucian.
When the May tract was put up for sale—intact from the day it was bestowed
upon Lucian—in the late 1970s, Elton B. Stephens immediately saw its value
and purchased it. The value he saw belonged both to the past—the memories he and his family had over countless summers at the Gulf—and to the
future—the possibility that it would bear fruit for his family in generations to
come.
The Lucian residences will be available for purchase early Spring 2015. y
And though Lucian May’s land looks much different today than it did 90
years ago—the stretch now striated by rows of beach chairs and umbrel-
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We often talk about the Alys Beach community—our family and our friends, our neighbors, and our visitors. But we cannot forget to also talk about another im-
portant part of the community—our dogs (though it doesn’t seem likely they would let us leave them out)! These members of our community, true family members,
demand little more of their people than an approving rub on the belly or a playful toss of a ball (or two or three or twenty). These homeowners’ pups bring joy to
life—a quirky, bouncy, playful, and devoted joy. And to share that joy with you, we present the first edition of our ongoing series, The Dogs of Alys Beach. y
Stella, Brown, and Bentley of Memphis, Tennessee. Owners Laurie and John Tucker.
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Bentley
Stella
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Brown
Lolli of Atlanta, Georgia. Owners Bill Musso and Bryan Cooke.
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Sitting high on the bluff overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Kendall Horne is in her element. In the calm
of a picture-perfect fall day where the Gulf glows a deep blue and Monarch butterflies flutter by on the
wind, the Alys Beach landscape designer speaks easily about her place in the development of the town.
“This is my passion,” she says. “I’m right where I want to be.” That place is as the only town landscape
designer that Alys Beach has ever known, with Horne bringing her influence into every public space in
the town, as well as many of the private courtyard gardens. From the Gulf Green to the pines of Central Park, she has shaped Alys Beach toward an aesthetic of beautiful, functional, and easy-to-maintain
plantings that will thrive long into the town’s future.
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Horne is at ease in her blue jeans, flannel shirt, and canvas tennis shoes, with a soft
smile that hints at her perennially calm voice. Known for a relaxed and easy way that helps
to smooth the sometimes chaotic world of town-building, the gentle tone of her voice
somewhat hides her deliberately thoughtful approach to the town’s landscapes. “I take it
very seriously,” she says. “I want it to be the best.”
While today she brings such earnestness to her work as a design professional, her life
was initially shaped by a more carefree upbringing in rural Mississippi. “I was outside my
entire childhood,” she says, as Horne and her family shared many adventures together
camping, fishing, and exploring woods and rivers.
During landscape architecture school at Mississippi State University, Horne spent
summers working on landscaping crews in harsh, high-altitude desert environments in
the mountains of Colorado. Following graduation, she wandered down to nearby Grayton
Beach and began to learn the vagaries of the dynamic coastal environment along the Gulf.
She quickly realized there was an emerging need for low-maintenance landscaping in a
place where sun, wind, and salt air can stretch plants to their limits.
Horne went to work for Randy Harelson, a landscape designer who owned a popular
nursery in the area and is a major proponent of the native plant aesthetic along Scenic
Highway 30A. She attributes much of her growth as a professional to her time working
with Harelson, whom she says always buoyed her confidence with his unwavering faith in
her. With an expansive new knowledge of which landscape elements worked in the area
and a heightened faith in her own abilities, when Alys Beach called, she was ready.
For Alys Beach, Horne creates her own original designs for many public spaces and
courtyards, in addition to overseeing the installation of landscapes created by many other
talented designers. In her own designs, she uses what she calls a “formalized native ap-
proach,” placing indigenous plants in ordered patterns that fit the town environment. Her
designs are backed by extensive research and a careful weighing of choices that lead to the
best solution—one that strikes a balance between the sometimes competing demands of
beauty and longevity.
An avid traveler, in recent years Horne has visited Egypt, Ireland, Thailand, and
Antigua, Guatemala—the inspiration for the courtyards of Alys Beach. Last summer,
her travels took her to a remote jungle retreat in Costa Rica for an intensive month-long
class in permaculture, a design philosophy that works with and is modeled after natural
ecosystems. The contrasting landscapes she’s explored across the planet and the way that
many societies utilize the same plants for numerous functions enhance the knowledge she
brings into her work.
“Traveling has opened my mind to think of ways to have multiple uses out of a plant de-
sign, not just a plant design to look good,” she says. “At Alys I want to go beyond looking
good and use edibles, plants that will feed the butterflies and attract other wildlife, but
also may be a privacy hedge on top of that.”
A full decade since the birth of Alys Beach, streets are lined by native sand live oaks
that will easily mature to shade, and the pedestrian paths are a series of sensory experiences that combine plants, water, and hardscapes. Horne has placed her guiding hand
upon all of it. Her careful study of local ecology and thoughtful consideration of the best
long-term outcomes have led to much praise for the town’s landscapes and public spaces,
allowing Horne to reflect upon the results with a deserved pride.
“I want the Alys Beach landscape to be the toughest and best looking coastal town
landscape around. And it is well on its way!” y
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At Home With The Bryants
Photos: Jack Gardner
Story: Rosalind Fournier
Drs. Jim and Tara Bryant had ridden their bikes up and down Highway 30A in Florida
But when you open the doors, the loggia becomes an extension of the great room, and it’s
beach towns along the stretch of coastline. When they decided to build a home of their
Meanwhile, the walls surrounding the courtyard serve to enhance the light coming into
many times, taking their time to get a feel for the unique character of each of the beautiful
own by the sea, however, no one place felt exactly right until the day they went to Alys
Beach for a ride around. It felt like home.
just beautiful.”
the Bryants’ home in a way that becomes a design element in its own right. Justiss calls
it the kind of light photographers dream of. “With the white courtyard walls, you have
Then there was the matter of choosing the right homesite. The one they settled on?
a lot of natural light bouncing around to create a very pleasing effect that spills over into
Bryants, it was too good to be true. Jim explains, “I asked Tara to marry me on December
Though construction is complete, many design details are still a work in progress. From
Number JJ11. To most people, a lot number wouldn’t hold any significance. But for the
11, 1999, and we were married March 11, 2000 at 11 a.m. So 11 is kind of an important
number for us. We decided it was meant to be.”
They hired architect Gary Justiss, who has been designing homes for Alys Beach from
its earliest days, and got to work. When Gary sat down with them to brainstorm, he came
to their home—a building in downtown Birmingham, Ala., they purchased and renovated
as an urban living space—to get a feel for how they lived. Seeing their rooftop terrace with
the rooms.”
the start, they wanted the home to be theirs, not a staged, professionally—designed production. Tara has a name for it—“the reveal”—when absent homeowners give a designer
free reign and essentially walk into their new home to see the results.
“I didn’t want a reveal,” she says. “We want to take our time so that the things we have
in our home ref lect memories.” The fountain tucked under the outside stairs that lead to
the second f loor, for example—actually three fountains, artfully grouped—grew out of a
its view of the city, he knew for starters that light and vista would be among their priorities. combination of coincidence and inspiration.
To maximize those features, the Alys Beach home features a glass-enclosed dining bay
“We had bought them two years earlier, planning to use them in our Birmingham home,
downstairs, a main-level living space surrounded by a picturesque courtyard, a patio off
and then on a run to the beach one weekend we kind of had an ‘aha’ moment,” she re-
opens up to view of the gulf and the stars at night.
courtyard in the evenings, when the fountains are lit, he enjoys hearing the sound of the
the master bedroom that overlooks the pedestrian pathways, and a rooftop terrace that
But it’s the courtyard that truly defines the Bryants’ home. In fact, the house is one of the
signature home concepts at Alys Beach, designed around taking advantage of an outdoor
living space that is an extension of the home, where homeowners can leave the windows
open to the light and breeze without sacrificing privacy.
“Our window and door from the main living area out into the courtyard actually accordion
out so that it becomes one big space,” Jim explains. “When the weather’s great and you
have those doors open with the breeze f lowing through the house, it is awesome.”
A spacious loggia adds another element of interest while providing much-needed shade
at times when the sun hits directly above. Tara admits at first, its size gave her pause. “I
remember saying, ‘The loggia is so big; why didn’t we make the great room bigger instead?’
12 F A L L 2 0 1 4
members. “We realized these pots should be our fountains.” Jim adds that sitting in the
gurgling water below.
Inside, the couple enjoys negative space, another reason to take it slowly. Not wanting
to add anything that simply takes up space, they’ve taken their time to make sure what’s
in the home truly enhances a room. In the courtyard, Jim notes, they plan on finding the
perfect chaises as well as an outdoor dining table and chairs to put under the covered loggia.
“But we chose not to have everything at once,” he explains. “We enjoy the search, and it
gives a little history for each piece.”
“It’s sort of a story,” Tara agrees. “Part of the journey is to find things for yourself.” y
T H E
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G A Z E T T E
FA L L 2 0 1 4
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A father-daughter relationship is like no other. A dad watching his little girl grow
and take chances, guiding her along her journey, is a grand, sometimes
scary, but indeed rewarding—adventure. And for Alys Beach homeowner Scott Skrien, adventure came in a new form as his daugh-
ter, Wendy, invited him on a trip of a lifetime—an excursion that
challenged them and strengthened their relationship in entirely new
ways.
Wendy lives in Recife, Brazil, working her first posting
as an employee of the U.S. State Department. “Growing
up, Wendy was never an outdoor-adventure-type,” says
Scott. “She has always been eager to read books and
stories of the adventures of others, and though she
has traveled quite extensively, she tends to prefer a
bed to a sleeping bag.”
But after an incredible trip to the Amazon, Wen-
dy began to plan another trip. As she daydreamed
and raved about her upcoming trip, dreaming of her
next expedition, she took note of her father’s excitement and envy. With little convincing on Wendy’s
part, it was settled—the two would embark together
to trek the challenging Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Trusting his daughter to plan the entire trip, Scott
enjoyed seeing Wendy glow with excitement as she
prepared to lead them through beautiful Peru.
After a plane ride filled with anticipation, Scott and
Wendy touched down in Lima, ready to explore the
metropolis of nine million before heading to the trail.
G A Z E T T E
They wandered through colorful Mira Flores, dined on exotic and exquisite Peruvian
fare, and ditched tour busses to follow their noses through the bougainvillea-draped
streets of the modern city just hours from the contrasting Andes Mountain.
One more plane ride took them from sea-level-Lima to 11,200-foot-Cusco, where
they saw the first glimpses of the rich culture—the historic blend between
Spanish and Incan—that they would explore and experience over the
next few days. In a few short hours they would find themselves walking
the path walked by thousands for hundreds of years before—a path to
the “Old Mountain,” Machu Picchu. The comfort of the city was quickly
replaced with the raw beauty and reality of life on the trail. Along
with their guide group, Wendy and Scott trekked stunning and
exhausting terrain.
“The first day of hiking, we realized that the brochures
didn’t tell the whole story,” says Scott. “Gentle trails and
smiling trekkers? Not so much!”
But being in the company of each other and being sur-
rounded by beauty—green foliage and vibrant florals, jagged
snow-capped mountains bursting out of green beds, a soft
blanket of mist carefully laid upon the landscape—the bouts
of near-vertical terrain were just a part of the journey. For
four days, the group of comrades traversed the land,
up and down and up again, reaching literally breath-
taking heights of almost 14,000 feet above sea level
in the process. Coca leaves eased altitude sickness,
origami paper napkins and delicious meals provided
levity and sustenance, and ever-jovial guides offered
encouragement as Wendy and Scott hiked through the rich
cloud forest of Peru.
Alys Beach homeowner Scott Skrien and his daughter, Wendy
14 F A L L 2 0 1 4
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Finally reaching Machu Picchu on day four, Wendy
and Scott soaked in the historic mystery of the place, but
both knew there was no mistaking that the joy from this
adventure came from the trip itself, not the destination
however grand. The journey they made was the adventure,
and to Scott’s surprise, the journey was not over. “Thanks
to Wendy, there would be icing on the cake.”
Wendy made extra plans for the trip—a surprise for her
father. She scheduled a self-guided climb up the mountain that watched over Machu Picchu—Wayna Picchu.
Though the summit offers jaw-dropping views of the
ruins below, those vistas don’t come easily, as the hike
is known to be one of the ten most dangerous hikes in
the world. Their guide—who has walked the Inca Trail
more than 200 times—admitted that it was only twice
that he ventured up the near-vertical route to the peak of
Wayna Picchu. “Oh boy, what have we gotten ourselves
into?” Scott asked himself as he faced the mountain with
Wendy. The rest of the group headed down to the base
town on the Urabamba River for pizza and beer, while
Scott and Wendy breathed a deep breath (as deep as one
can draw in the thin mountain air) and walked toward
the majestic mountain.
They signed in at the gate, a precaution and a way of
keeping track of those brave ones on the trail, and began
their hike up the sacred mountain. After having already
trekked for four days, the pair wondered if this hazardous
hike was the best idea! Nevertheless, they moved up—
climbing the steepest of stairs, straining to lift legs high
enough to pull themselves to the next stone step, slippery
with condensation from the misty clouds of the elevation.
At some points their hands clung, white-knuckled, to
metal cables jammed into the rock face, their grip keeping
them from falling thousands of feet below. The herd of
hikers thinned out as many grew weary of the climb, but
Scott and Wendy paced themselves—resting on ancient
Incan terraces pressed into the mountainside. Once used
for farming, these terraces now served as resting points,
balconies from which to gaze upon the ruins of a civilization.
A climb up a ladder and through a cave brought them
to the summit where they paused to exalt in the beau-
ty and take in the scenery with adrenaline-heightened
senses. All the while knowing that the destination had
not been the reason for the journey. The laughter, the
excitement, the beauty of the trail, the days of trekking
to the limits, the exhaustion, the camaraderie in a foreign
land—these were the adventure and the journey. The
passport stamp out the gates of Machu Picchu was a
badge upon their sleeves, signifying a great expedition.
This opportunity for Scott and Wendy is one that
they’ll treasure forever. A relationship became deep-
ened by the shared experience—by the vibrant colors of
Peru, the exotic cuisine, the change in vantage point, the
overcoming of fears, and the joy of completing a journey
alongside a loved one.
“We did it and loved it, and we now have something
we share that would not have been possible had she not
reached out and asked me to go. I’ll always love her
for that.” y
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Darek Tidwell: Executive Chef of George’s at Alys Beach
Photos: Blue Door Video
PREP TIME: 20 MINS
FILLING INGREDIENTS:
TRUFFLE HONEY GASTRIQUE INGREDIENTS:
COOK TIME: 8 MINS
3 EGGS
½ LB BLACK FLYING FISH ROE (TOBIKO)
2 RED BELL PEPPERS, DICED
¼ LB WASABI FLYING FISH ROE (TOBIKO)
2 YELLOW BELL PEPPERS, DICED
¼ LB SALMON ROE (IKURI)
1 BUNCH OF PARSLEY, CHOPPED
16 OZ TRUFFLE HONEY
1 LB CRAWDAD TAILS, SHELLED
4 TSP CHAMPAGNE VINEGAR
EQUIPMENT:
ROLLING PIN
CHEF KNIFE
DEEP FRYER/BASKETS
SAUTÉ PAN
ROBO COUPE / FOOD PROCESSOR
PASTRY BRUSH
¼ OZ TRUFFLE OIL
KOSHER SALT (TO TASTE)
PASTRY INGREDIENTS:
2 TSP BLACK PEPPERCORNS
½ LB BUTTER (ROOM TEMPERATURE)
2 TSP SMOKED PAPRIKA
½ LB PARMESAN REGGIANO, GRATED
½ TSP FILÉ POWDER
3 12x12 LECOQ PUFF PASTRY SHEETS (THAWED)
STEP 1
STEP 3
COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS FOR THE FILLING AND SAUTÉ
ON MEDIUM HEAT UNTIL TAILS AND PEPPERS ARE COOKED
THROUGH. POUR INTO FOOD PROCESSOR, PULSE UNTIL A
COARSE, SPREADABLE TEXTURE IS REACHED AND FOLD IN
THE BUTTER AND PARMESAN LISTED IN THE PASTRY INGREDIENTS.
CUT INTO DESIRED SHAPE OR PORTIONS. A 1" BY
STEP 2
BRUSH EACH PUFF PASTRY SHEET ON ONE SIDE WITH EGG
WHITES. SPREAD THE CRAWDAD PARMESAN MIXTURE
EVENLY OVER TWO SHEETS OF PUFF PASTRY AND TOP WITH
THE THIRD SHEET. THEN LIGHTLY ROLL WITH A LITTLE FLOUR
TO PREVENT STICKING AND LAYERS ARE MERGED INTO ONE
PASTRY.
1" SQUARE RESULTS IN A GREAT APPETIZER BITESIZED PORTION.
STEP 4
ALLOW TO COME TO ROOM TEMPERATURE AND
SUBMERGE IN A FRYER SET TO 325° F FOR 3-4
MINUTES OR UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN OVER ALL
THE PASTRY.
STEP 5
ALLOW TO COOL AND ENJOY!
Established in 2008 by seasoned restaurateurs Ann and George Hartley, George’s at Alys
Beach features regional coastal fare infused with global flavors. Chef Gregg Smith crafts all
dishes using locally sourced, organic produce and the freshest seafood available, and presents
each with a generous helping of love.
16 F A L L 2 0 1 4
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n March 6-8, the walkways of Alys Beach will welcome renowned vintners, wine enthusiasts, and culinary
aficionados for the 4th Annual 30A Wine Festival at Alys Beach. The weekend will celebrate the luxuries
of life that are food and drink—the things that days are sweetened by and relationships grown over. Come
stroll through the grounds of
beautiful Alys Beach, a clean palate upon which the
finest of wines and premier culinary favorites will be
presented. From bourbon to beer to Bordeaux, from
smoked meats to salt water catches, the elements of this
spectacular event are thoughtfully curated to reflect
and enhance the special spirit of life on the shores of
the Gulf. Enjoy the revelry of good friends and great
food and wine—whether by learning the nuances of rich
body and flavor from fantastic sommeliers, dancing to
soulful tunes alongside friends, or challenging two-time
croquet champions on Kelly Green. With all proceeds
of the event benefiting the Children's Volunteer Health
Network, The 30A Wine Festival epitomizes and
commemorates the closeness of this special community
and celebrates the art and the joy of living. y
Bourbon, Beer, & Butts
Friday March 6 // 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Join friends on Kelly Green at Alys Beach to kick off
a weekend of great food and drink. Bourbon, Beer,
& Butts will feature craft beers, fine bourbon, delicious barbecue, and soulful tunes by Eric Lindell.
Wine Seminars
Saturday March 7 // 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Learn the finer points of wine and sample choice
selections at the afternoon Wine Seminars at
Caliza Pool.
Wine Walkabout and Grand Tasting
Saturday March 7 // 3:30 – 6:00 PM
Sip and stroll along the pedestrian pathways of
Alys Beach, sampling premier wines from wineries
such as Duckhorn Vineyards, Sanglier Cellars,
and Blue Rock Vineyards, and indulging in small
bites from Seagar’s Prime Steak and Seafood, Sage
Restaurant, and more. Stick around for live music
and dancing to cap off the evening.
Fruits de Mer & Sancerre featuring Croquet
Sunday March 8 // 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Don your finest croquet attire for the 3rd Annual
Croquet Tournament on Kelly Green. Vie for the
top spot as you nosh on seafood samplings provided
by Caliza Restaurant and Café Thirty-A paired with
Sancerre varietals.
30AWINEFESTIVAL.COM
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The New Fonville Park
Fonville Hill Gives Way to Fonville Park
GRASSY
PL AY
MOUNDS
PL AYGROUND
L AWN
FONVILLE
As Alys Beach continues to grow, we are proud to announce that the decision has been
made to make available more property around Fonville Press. In doing so, we are creating
a special gathering spot adjacent to the western face of Fonville Press, the new Fonville Park.
PRESS
BUILDING
This beautiful, new gathering green will be a way to connect with family, friends, and neighbors. Replacing Fonville Hill, the garden will feature a large lawn—perfect for afternoon Frisbee, picnic lunches, or
even a wedding celebration. There will be playground equipment for swinging and climbing upon, soft, grassy “play
mounds” for little feet to run over, and a playful sea serpent that borders the park.
With excitement in our hearts, we welcome the growth of the Alys Beach community and look forward to the days and evenings
spent relaxing and playing in the new Fonville Park. y
R E A D T O L I V E • O P E N 7 D AY S A W E E K F R O M 7 A M – 7 P M • 8 5 0 . 2 1 3 . 5 9 0 6
18 F A L L 2 0 1 4
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Digital Graffiti Residency
A Meeting of Creative Minds at Alys Beach
Alys Beach’s groundbreaking event, Digital Graffiti, has
led the way in bringing international art and culture to the
South Walton community. In a place so driven by good design
and influenced by natural beauty, Alys Beach is an inspiration
for thinkers, creatives, and artists of all mediums. With this
in mind, Alys Beach will, for the third year in a row, invite
four digital artists for a meeting of the minds by the sea.
For a seven-day residency, the visiting artists will reside
under one roof and work with Digital Graffiti Curator, Brett
Phares, to create site-specific work for the 2015 Digital Graf-
fiti Festival, choosing their own canvas upon the buildings
and living and breathing the Alys Beach life.
The program strives to inspire “new ways to see the in-
tersection of art, technology, and architecture,” says Phares.
Amber Bushnell (pictured) of Missoula, Montana, was one
of the participating artists in the 2014 residency. Bushnell
was one of two artists to receive the award for Best Of Show,
and she also shared her talents as the VJ during the festival.
“It was really nice to interact with the other digital artists
and ‘talk shop.’ I also had a lot of time to play with ideas for
mapping a site-specific piece. I actually was able to explore
some new ideas and concepts with my mapping artwork which
I introduced during DG2014,” Amber Bushnell explained.
The Digital Graffiti visiting artist residency has allowed for
creative minds to collaborate and expand, to feed off the ideas
and experiences of others, while also inspiring a community
to think creatively and appreciate the beauty all around. Alys
Beach looks forward to hosting the visiting resident artists
in January of 2015.
DG Residency Program – January 14-21, 2015
DG Festival - June 4-6, 2015
digitalgraffiti.com y
O P E N 7 DAY S A W E E K 9A M T O 5 P M
Across from the Amphitheatre
on East Sugar Lump Lane.
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T H E
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G A Z E T T E
T H E MOST M AGIC A L DI N I NG E X PE R I E NC E ON 3 0A
C L OSI NG FOR T H E SE A S ON NOV E M BE R 2 9T H .
R E OPE N I NG TO T H E PU BL IC M A RC H 5T H , 2 015 .
T U E SDAY T H ROUGH SU N DAY 5:3 0 PM - 10 : 0 0 PM
H A PPY HOU R 5:3 0 PM - 6 :3 0 PM
S IT !
STAY !
E AT !
P L AY !
B re a k fa s t 7: 0 0A M - 11: 0 0A M
Lunch 11: 0 0A M - 3 : 0 0 P M
H O M EM A D E B R E A K FAS T A N D LU N CH S ER V ED DA I LY
20 F A L L 2 0 1 4
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SWFW Runway Show
Bloggers of A Piece Of Toast Recap the Weekend
Story: Christine McFadden
The clean lines of Caliza were accented with thoughtful fashion design as the Alys
Photos: Jacquline Ward
Looks were collaboratively styled, and models were adorned in seasonal perfection—
Shoppe transformed this exquisite milieu into a high fashion runway during South Walton
soft, cozy knits and scarves paired with fine, hand-designed silks and flowing chiffon.
stunned homeowners, clients, and friends alike at this special, invitation-only presentation
crisp, white tableau. Luxe leather accents and metallic hardware added edge to the beach-
Fashion Week. Alys Shoppe curator and creative director, Megan Trent, and her team
of fall coastal fashions. Admirers sipped champagne as they watched from tables adorned
with fresh orchids under the shade of chartreuse umbrellas upon the pool terrace as
designs floated down the stone-lined catwalk. The ambiance—music and décor, drinks
and designs—was transcendent.
The event, which was co-hosted by Dallas-based fashion bloggers and sisters, Molly and
Sally Ann Bernadette, of A Piece of Toast, brought simple, elegant design to life in one
of the most beloved Alys Beach gathering places. Molly and Sally Ann hold a philosophy
of personal style that centers on the thought that fashion should be simple and beautiful,
versatile and personally meaningful. With this ideal driving design decisions, it is no
surprise that the pair, longtime admirers and friends of the Alys Shoppe, was delighted to
collaborate with Megan and her team.
Breezy dresses and skirts met dark hues, and warm prints and patterns drifted across the
chic aesthetic, altogether creating memorable and inspiring looks. Each look served as a
vignette, a study in captivating understatement. No one piece was overpowering, as paired
elements were able to speak of their craftsmanship and highlight the innate beauty of the
pieces. Even the girls, the lovely, barefoot canvases for these looks, were primed with dewkissed cheeks and sleek, pulled-back hair to highlight their beautiful, natural features.
The event was a proud partnership between the Shoppe team and Sally Ann and Molly.
It was a meeting of the minds, a mixing of creative talents into a singular vision revolving
around simple, elegant, meaningful fashion.
To see Sally Ann and Molly’s full coverage of their weekend at Alys Beach, visit
apieceoftoastblog.com. y
A PPA RE L , J E W E L RY,
HOME ACCESSORIES, AND GIFTS
A LYS S HOP P E .CO M
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Upcoming Events
Wine Tasting at
Fonville Press
Thanksgiving
Dinner Delivery
November 4, 11, 18, & 25; December 23 (5pm - 7pm).
Featured wines to be showcased along with some light
finger foods provided by Fonville Press. Case deals on
select wines. $10 per person. 21 and up.
Wednesday, November 26
Allow Caliza Resturant to make a special delivery for
your Thanksgiving Dinner! Place orders by November
20th for complimentary delivery to on-site owners and
guests on Wednesday, November 26th. Contact Nancy
Paterson at [email protected] for more
information.
ALYS BEACH
CAMPOUT
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2014
WINTER WONDERLAND
AT FONVILLE PRESS
Every Christmas
Story Ever Told
Saturday, November 29 (10am) at the Amphitheatre
Three actors, in what starts out as a pared-down version
of the Dickens classic, stage a mutiny and, in an effort
to breathe new life into an old tradition, attempt to tell
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” in the space of 50
minutes. Nothing is spared in this rollicking tour de
farce. The story of the stingy and sour Ebenezer Scrooge
is there too, but it seems the actors have overlooked “It’s a
Wonderful Life,” so Scrooge morphs into Jimmy Stewart
combining
two of 29
the ·greatest
stories
DECEMBER
MOVIEChristmas
BEGINS AT
5:15ever
PMtold.
Brought to you by the Seaside Repertory Theatre.
FONVILLE PRESS
FRIDAY, 11/29 10AM-NOON
Alys in Winter
Wonderland
Join Santa for cookie decorating and Holiday cheer! Cookies to decorate will be available for purchase at Fonville
Press, 3 cookies for $1. We’ll be accepting unwrapped children’s toys for donation to a local Angel Tree Program.
Email [email protected] for more information
EMAIL [email protected] TO MAKE A RESERVATION
Camp Out at Alys
Friday, November 21 (3pm) at Central Park
Bring an adult, a tent, and a sleeping bag to camp out
in Central Park! $85 per site includes: hamburger & hot
dog dinner, games, s’mores, movie in Central Park, and
pancake breakfast for 4. Additional shirt and meal wristbands may be purchased upon request. Children must
be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Email
[email protected] for information.
Mail Your Letter to
Santa
Friday, November 28 (10am - 12p) at the Amphitheatre
Join Santa at the Amphitheatre at Alys Beach for cookie
decorating and Holiday cheer. Cookies to decorate will be
available for purchase- 3 cookies for $1. We’ll be accepting unwrapped children’s toys for donation to a local
Angel Tree Program and non-perishable, non-glass items
for Food for Thought Outreach Inc.
Holiday Wine
Tasting
Friday, November 28 (5pm - 7pm) at Fonville Press
Featured wines will be showcased, live music by Chris
Alvarado and lite fare will be provided by Fonville Press.
$10 per person. 21 and up, please. Case deals on select
wines.
elf
November 26 - December 15 outside Fonville Press
Children of all ages! Create your Holiday Wish List for
Santa and drop it in his magical mailbox located in front
of Fonville Press in Alys Beach by Decemeber 15th.
Include your mailing address so Santa and his elves can
respond by sending you a letter in return.
Movie at the
Amphitheatre
FONVILLE WILL OFFER HOT DRINKS AND SNACKS.
BRING BLANKETS AND LOW-BACK CHAIRS.
ALYS BEACH is a trademark of EBSCO Industries, Inc. © 2014
Monday, December 29 (5:15pm)
Bring blankets and low back chairs to enjoy ELF under
the stars. Piper's will offer hot drinks and snacks.
22 F A L L 2 0 1 4
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Upcoming Events
Digital Graffiti
Residency
SA L UTE
January 14 - 21
For a seven-day residency, the visiting artists will reside
under one roof and work with Digital Graffiti Curator,
Brett Phares, to create site-specific work for the 2015
Digital Graffiti Festival, choosing their own canvas upon
the buildings and living and breathing the Alys Beach
life.
Spring
Concerts
WEDNESDAYS IN THE AMPHITHEATRE 6–8 PM
2014
DECEMBER 31
2014 ALYS BEACH
March 19 - The Forrest Williams Band
March 26 - Roman Street
April 2 - Blue Ribbon Healers
April 9 - Daphne Willis
April 16 - Heritage
11AM-2PM
Free and open to the public.
Piper’s will have food and drink for purchase.
Spring Concert
Series
For more information, visit alysbeach.com/events
or facebook.com/alysbeachfl
ALYS BEACH is a trademark of EBSCO Industries, Inc. © 2014
March 11, 18, & 25 (6pm - 8pm) at the Amphitheatre
Join us for live music in the Amphitheatre. Piper’s will
offer food and beverage.
Salute 2014 at
Fonville Press
Wednesday, December 31 (11am - 2pm)
Salute 2014 at Fonville Press before you ring in the New
Year! Join us for lite fare, cocktails, and live music by Kyle
LaMonica. For additional information, visit alysbeach.
com/events or call 850.213.5906
3OA Wine Festival
March 6 - 8
The 4th Annual 30A Wine Festival returns to the
beautiful surroundings of Alys Beach March 6–8, 2015,
and is a showcase of premiere wine producers and local
culinary favorites. This three-day event features a Friday
night gathering, “Bourbon, Beer, & Butts”, Saturday wine
tasting seminars, a walkabout, band party at nightfall,
and Sunday’s exclusive event, “Fruits de Mer & Sancerre”
complete with croquet tournament (appropriate croquet
attire encouraged). Visit 30awinefestival.com for more
information and to purchase tickets. Proceeds from the
event benefit Children’s Volunteer Health Network.
SINFONIA
GOES
POPS
Wine Tasting at
Fonville Press
March 10, 17, 24, & 31 (5pm - 7pm)
Featured wines to be showcased along with some light
finger foods provided by Fonville Press. Case deals on
select wines. $10 per person. 21 and up.
3OA Songwriters
Festival
January 16 - 18
The perfect mix of cool beach weather and redhot music is what you will find during the 30A
Songwriters Festival. More than 120 artists perform
in intimate venues and large amphitheaters allowing
you to experience a wide variety of music and beach
neighborhoods in South Walton, including Alys Beach’s
own Caliza Pool & Restaurant.
Cinema Under the
Stars
March 10, 17, 24, & 31 (7:30pm) at the Amphitheatre
Bring blankets and low back chairs to enjoy a movie
under the stars in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. Piper’s
will offer food and beverage.
Enjoy the orchestral sounds of Sinfonia Gulf Coast
under the palm trees in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre
May 25
Alys Beach Amphitheatre
7:30 pm
Free & open to the public
FIreworks to follow
Bring blankets & low back chairs
Piper’s to offer food and beverages
Sinfonia Goes Pops
at Alys Beach
alysbeach.com/events
ALYS BEACH is a trademark of EBSCO Industries, Inc. © 2014
Sunday, May 24 (7:30pm) at the Amphitheatre
Enjoy the orchestral sounds of Sinfonia Gulf Coast under
the palm trees in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. Piper’s
will offer food and beverage. Free and open to the public.
Digital Graffiti
June 4 - 6
For three evenings, Alys Beach opens its doors,
courtyards, and pedestrian paths to innovative artists who
transform the entire resort town into a living work of art.
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G A Z E T T E
DEFIN ED
A10 ∙ 56 NORTH CHARLES STREET
F3 ∙ 22 WHITBY COURT
This 2,561 square-foot 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath courtyard home is located north of
30A. The main living space has floor to ceiling windows that overlook two courtA 1 Two· large
1 6guestSsuites
E Veach
EN
W Ewith
L aLprivate
S Cbathroom.
O U R The
T second
yards.
equipped
floor master
suite4-bedroom,
opens onto a 4-bath
rooftop terrace.
This beautifully
furnished
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This elegant 3,300 square foot home has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and an abundance
of living spaces. A first-floor landscaped courtyard connects two of the three guest
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This elegant 3,300
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homefireplace.
has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths,
stunning sunset views from the 2nd floor. The master bedroom, a
second master suite, two bedrooms, and a family room, all surround
a private court with lush landscaping and a fountain.
and an abundance of living spaces. A first-floor landscaped courtyard
connects two of the three guest suites. The second floor is home to the living
room, dining room, and kitchen, and covered terrace with outdoor fireplace.
LI FE
A11 ∙ 46 NORTH CH A R LES ST R E ET
This 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 2,584-square-foot courtyard home is located close to
Caliza Pool. The home has an open kitchen/living area and dining room that open
onto a private courtyard. The separate master bedroom offers plenty of privacy. A
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This 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home captures the Alys Beach lifestyle and is an
A1 · 16 SEVEN WELLS COURT
easy walk to the beach. First-fl
oor living area, kitchen and guest suite all open
This beautifully furnished 4-bedroom, 4-bath home offers
to the serene and light-filled
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a private court with lush landscaping and a fountain.
DE FI N E D
C6 ∙ 140 NORTH CH A R LES ST R E ET
Aspri Villa, the most spacious home in Alys Beach, provides an enchanting
setting for family, combining shraed living spaces with private suites, all surrounding
TheAdramatic
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a 360 degree views of the community and Gulf of Mexico.
Aspri Villa, the most spacious home in Alys Beach, provides an enchanting
F3 · 22 WHITBY COURT
setting
for family, combining shared living spaces with private suites,
This elegant 3,300 square-foot home has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths,
allabundance
surrounding
expansive
landscaped
courtyard. The dramatic
and an
of livingan
spaces.
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landscaped courtyard
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second floor
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A L Y S B E A C H . C O M
8 5 0 . 2 1 3 . 5 5 0 0
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nearlifestyle
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ThisVilla,
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2,509
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home has black slate floorThis
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captures
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the most3.5
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Alys
Beach
Properties,
LLC,
Licensed
Real
Estate
Broker
participation
welcome.
Equal
Housing
Opportunity.
provides customers
opportunity
select oor
a new
custom
home plan
and suite
makealltheir
ing
throughout
thecombining
first floor.shared
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the kitchen,
easythewalk
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living
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open
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living
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suites, living room, and
This is notThe
an offer
or solicitation
CA, NY, NJ3.5
or any
stateand
where
ALYSbedroom
BEACH is
a trademark
ofthe
EBSCO
Industries,
Inc.
© 2014
personal interiortofinish
selections.
homes
feature
3inbedrooms,
baths
4 prohibited by law.
master
lead
you
into
courtyard.
The
second
floor
the serene
and light-fi
lled
private
courtyard.
The spacious
master
bedroom,
all surrounding an expansive landscaped courtyard. The dramatichas two spacious guest
bedrooms,
4.5
baths,
with
bunkroom,
and
two-car
garage.
that open
ontoof athelarge
loggia overlooking
the community.
with spa-inspired master bath, is conveniently situated on the first level.
tower roombedrooms
offers 360-degree
views
community
and Gulf of Mexico.
A L Y S B E A C H . C O M
8 5 0 . 2 1 3 . 5 5 0 0
Alys Beach Properties, LLC, Licensed Real Estate Broker participation welcome. Equal Housing Opportunity.
This is not an offer or solicitation in CA, NY, NJ or any state where prohibited by law. ALYS BEACH is a trademark of EBSCO Industries, Inc. © 2014
24 F A L L 2 0 1 4