Five Reasons We Love Grand Boulevard

With excellent stores like Anthropologie and Pottery Barn, Grand Boulevard’s retail mix is aligning nicely with their established dining scene. Wide shaded walkways, lush greens and stone facades will have you looking for excuses to visit, and there are plenty. Like Happy Hour, for instance.

Given that Grand Boulevard has the only movie theater in South Walton, you’re apt to shop around in between show times. And the lifestyle center plays host to several major events and festivals throughout the year – some that raise millions of dollars for charities. Whether you shop, bar hop or support a local farmer, Grand Boulevard has a few reasons to share the love. Here’s five from our latest SoWal List.

Retail Therapy | A high end mix of local boutiques and national brands makes for a well-rounded shopping experience at Grand Boulevard. Find boho-chic pieces for your wardrobe and home at Anthropologie. Add beauty and joy to your life with luxury gifts and home décor from Magnolia House. Pamper yourself with luxury beauty products at L’Occitane. And look no further than Orvis for outdoorsy kicks.

Let’s Get Happy | With so much to choose from, it could be a fun afternoon flitting around Grand Boulevard in search of the best happy hour. Flemings’ FIVE SIX SEVEN keeps it simple with selections starting at $6, from 5-7 nightly. Enjoy cocktails, wine by the glass, 2 for $6 beer specials, and a burger for $8! Mitchell’s Fish Market rolls happy hour Sunday-Friday from 4-7 with cocktails, wines by the glass, and Martini Hour Munchies starting at $5.

PF Chang’s has $6 drinks from 3-6 on weekdays and they make a mean Cucumber Collins. For the same price you can get Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps…they have a cult following. (I’m in the cult.) The Craft Bar, Cantina Laredo, The Wine Bar, and Tommy Bahama’s all get happy in the afternoons, with some good food to pair.

Dinner and a Movie | Grand Boulevard has the only theater in South Walton where you can catch the latest flicks. If you’re out for dinner, drinks and a movie, you can do it all in one place at Boulevard 10 Cinema’s Ovation Dining Club. Recline in a high-backed chair with a large swivel tray and cup holder, and a server will bring beer, wine, coffee or soda while you decide what to eat…and we’re not just talking popcorn.

Festival Season | Grand Boulevard plays host to some huge events in South Walton. South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival has been going strong for over 30 years, building rock solid relationships with vintners and chefs along the way. Every spring they come out to celebrate food and wine culture, and benefit Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation-a non-profit spreading millions around to local children in need.

Traditionally held on Mother’s Day Weekend, ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival welcomes artists ranging from jewelry makers and painters, to photographers and sculptors. Enjoy live music, dance performances, artist demos, and entertainment for kids as you stroll the streets of Grand Boulevard.

Fresh from the Farmer’s Market | Northwest Florida is technically the Deep South. That being so, we love a good farmers market. Grand Boulevard hosts theirs every Saturday morning from 9-1 on the lush green between Tommy Bahama and Cantina Laredo. Bring your shopping bag and load up on local produce, eggs, jams and pies. Homemade soap, good olive oil, and pickled things are all there for the taking. Get to know your farmers, and soon enough you’ll be placing special orders.

Grand Boulevard is located near the entrance to Sandestin. The lifestyle center features exclusive shops, fine dining, lush green space, and contemporary accommodations. Oh – and a Starbucks drive-thru. For a list of shops, restaurants, movie show times and events, please visit www.grandboulevard.com. Stay up to date on the latest on Facebook.