A community within a community
By Meg Castleberry
Beyond the Butteries and within the palatial, fortified walls of the Community of Alys Beach lies the true “community” of Alys. Purposeful and Intentional. These words come to mind as onlookers take in every detail that is thoughtfully planned and carefully executed for attentive eyes who appreciate an idyllic blend of professionally landscaped courtyards, exemplary structural design and meticulously planned, momentous events.
While in Alys, residents and guests wander through the towering palms and fountain-lined streets that strategically orient them to the sugary sands of the Emerald Coast beaches. Families, friends, and neighbors are drawn together in intentional gathering spots that feel absolutely natural. On any given night in the Amphitheater, groups may enjoy symphonic orchestras or performances like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, produced by The Repertory Theatre, all to the backdrop of laughing children happily splashing their toes in the fountains bursting just beyond the outdoor stage.
Every single selection is specifically chosen to produce the ultimate “Alys Experience” in this extraordinarily beautiful environment. The awe-inspiring Bermudan architecture, crafted with disciplined focus, leads guests down stone pathways to designated greens where the scene is set for top-notch, magical happenings curated by my friends on the Alys Beach Events Team. This enchanting combination of society and style creates one exceptional community now known throughout the world.
Alys Beach designs notable and numerous community offerings, including a Supper Club Series, which is an exclusive and themed dinner series with specialty cocktails, foods, and wines from all over the world. I thoroughly enjoyed the “Taste of India” dinner where our senses were delighted, dining alfresco in Papilio Park with stranded marigolds draped amongst rich textiles and exotic sitar sounds floated amongst us.
Approaching the “Alys in Wonderland” dinner, our attention was immediately captured with the event’s diminutively constructed doors designed to emulate Alice’s own journey into this magical space. Signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres aptly titled “drink this” and “eat this” greeted us as we entered this multi-course experience with stunning hanging floral displays and an innovative presentation of food and beverages.
Beyond the Supper Club Series, Alys offers signature events that are supported by the Alys Foundation. The Foundation was “established to provide funding for the purpose of sustaining the long-term community values of Alys Beach. Funds are used to finance community, environmental, cultural, and educational programs at Alys Beach as well as to help other nonprofit organizations in the greater Walton County community.”
The annual, highly anticipated 30A Wine Festival benefits the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. Traditionally selling out in just minutes upon ticket release, this weekend-long wine and spirits festival features live music, an extraordinary bourbon and BBQ night and a rosé and croquet Sunday experience like no other.
The famous and fantastical festival, Digital Graffiti, brings global artists together to project their magical creations onto the iconic white walls throughout Alys. This unique gathering brings together artists and admirers alike as they walk through Alys Beach celebrating this collection of carefully curated digital art each spring.
The newest Alys experience, Crafted, “aims to tell the stories of crafted beverages, culinary experiences, artistry, and workmanship.” Designed to showcase the best of independent breweries, distilleries and collections of crafted cocktails, its inaugural inception will be another extraordinary offering that Alys Beach brings to the community. Like other Alys Foundation events, “Crafted” benefits a local non-profit, Food for Thought Outreach, which is dedicated to providing meals for students and families throughout the Northwest Florida Panhandle who are food insecure.
The special location of Alys Beach, nestled between Seaside and Rosemary Beach, offers stunning vistas and countless opportunities to exercise and explore surroundings through walking the nature trail, biking past Turtle Bale Green to go paddle boarding at the beach, pursuing balance and wellness at Zuma, along with much more. One might say that Alys is a community in nature that was curated to nurture the soul.
When I show properties in Alys Beach, I especially enjoy strolling Buyers through Arboleda Park and later perching at the bar of the Citizen where we chat with neighbors and tourists alike as mixologists clank barware to create infused spirits. Often, I ask visitors to simply relax, pay attention to the details, and employ every sense to “take it all in.” Alys Beach speaks for itself. A consistent, concerted effort of stakeholders creates an intimate sense of community among the owners and visitors – and real estate professionals – who love Alys.
Needless to say, this real estate professional is proud to represent Alys Beach Buyers and Sellers. Alys is elevated yet friendly, sophisticated yet serene, and enduring yet ever-evolving.
Explore and learn more here:
alysbeach.com – lovetherep.com – 30awinefestival.com- alsybeachcrafted.com