WaterColor Inn & Resort

Three Incredible Designs to Try on 30A’s Beaches

Building sandcastles is one of those timeless beach activities that perfectly captures the spirit of a family getaway. For parents, it’s a chance to unwind and savor the breathtaking beauty of 30A’s beaches, while the kids stay happily engaged, shaping the sand into imaginative creations. Whether you’re already enjoying the sunshine or still planning your trip, this guide is filled with step-by-step ideas and tips to inspire your next beachside creation with the kids.

Where to Dig In

The key to a great sandcastle starts with the right sand, and 30A’s beaches have plenty to offer. With private beach access at four of our properties, guests can enjoy prime spots near the waterline, just a shuttle ride or walk from their room. For those staying elsewhere, YOLO Board & Bike—located across from The Lodge 30A—provides daily rentals, making it easy to explore the coastline and find a spot to dig in.

The Simple Tower Castle

An excellent choice for beginners, this classic sandcastle design combines simplicity with charm. It’s an ideal, fun project for families with young children.

Materials Needed: A bucket, shovel and carving tools (like a plastic knife).

Instructions:

1. Gather Materials: Keep your tools close and ready for action.
2. Pick Your Spot: Look for compact, moist sand near the waterline for a strong foundation.
3. Lay the Groundwork: Fill your bucket with damp sand, pack it tightly, and invert it to form the base.
4. Add Towers: Repeat the bucket-flipping process to create towers around the base.
5. Form Walls: Connect the towers with smooth walls, packing the sand firmly with your hands or tools.
6. Detail the Fortress: Carve bridges or, windows and doors to bring your castle to life.

The Drip Palace

For a whimsical twist, the Drip Palace lets you defy gravity and create something truly magical. The organic shapes and intricate details are as fun to make as they are to admire.

Materials Needed: Sand and water

Instructions:

1. Create the Perfect Mixture: Combine sand and water to make a slurry with a thick, mud-like consistency.
2. Build the Base: Form a sturdy base using damp sand.
3. Drip Away: Scoop up the sand slurry with your hand and let it drip over the base, creating spires and flowing shapes.
4. Layer the Magic: Continue dripping and layering, allowing the sand to set slightly between applications.
5. Add the Finishing Touches: Smooth rough edges and refine details to complete your palace. 

Pro Tip: If you stay at Camp Creek Inn or WaterColor Inn, be sure to stop by the Treat Suite—available on each floor—for a complimentary snack or a refreshing drink before heading to the beach!

The Grand Fortress

For aspiring master builders, this ambitious project features multiple towers, connecting walls, and grand archways. The result? A sandcastle fit for royalty.

Materials Needed: Multiple buckets (including bottomless buckets for variety), a shovel and carving tools

Instructions:

1. Gather Materials: Assemble your tools and prepare for a rewarding challenge.
2. Build the Foundation: Start with a large, compact mound of sand as your base.
3. Form Towers: Use buckets to shape towers, tightly packing the sand before lifting them away. For added height and drama, use bottomless buckets to create unique shapes.
4. Construct the Walls: Stack and pack damp sand to build sturdy walls connecting the towers.
5. Carve Archways: Carefully carve graceful archways into the walls using carving tools.
6. Add Royal Details: Finish your castle with windows, turrets, stairs and other decorative touches. 

Pro Tip: Did you forget your sunscreen or need extra towels? The WaterColor Store and WaterSound Store are stocked with everything you need for an uninterrupted day at the beach.  

The end of the year calls for gathering and celebrating, and whether you prefer a grand feast or a laidback affair, you’ll find everything you need from a bar-away-from-the-bar experience at the WaterColor Inn Package Store.

Consider the Package Store, conveniently located next to the WaterColor Beach access, your one-stop shop for all your festive essentials this season. Cheers!

WaterColor Private Label Wines
Raise your glass(es) and celebrate in true WaterColor style with the resort’s own private label wines, crafted in collaboration with Rutherford Wine Company, a family-owned Napa Valley winery. All WaterColor™ Private Label wines ($35 per bottle) pair exquisitely with the diverse flavors of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast and include a Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Red Blend and Sauvignon Blanc.

Ps: Take advantage of the Package Store’s “Wine Down” special on Wednesdays and enjoy 30% off all wines, including the WaterColor™ Private Label collection!

Fish Out of Water Favorites
Browse a curated selection of favorites from WaterColor Inn’s beloved Fish Out of Water restaurant, including Duckhorn Decoy Flavored Seltzers, Grayton Beer Company Beers, Heathen Wines and Casa Dragones Joven Tequila. Looking to toast with (or gift) something really special? You’ll also find rare items like E.H. Taylor Rye, Eagle Rare and even Louis XIII de Remy Martin Cognac Grande Champagne.

Specialty Items
In addition to all of your at-home bar essentials, including barware and even ice, you’ll also find an array of specialty items to gift or to keep (we won’t tell either way). Local favorites include Carrie Rhea Jewelry, including a Fish Out of Water-inspired line of necklaces, and the beloved “Theo the Stuffed Turtle,” proceeds from which go towards protecting sea turtles in Northwest Florida.

WaterColor Exclusives
Create a classic WaterColor celebration with destination-inspired barware, including glasses, mugs and more – only available at the Package Store. Want to add the optimal WaterColor touch to your festivities? Consider snagging a WaterColor Inn gift card, which can be applied to future stays or dining experiences.

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The WaterColor Inn Package Store is open daily, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (seasonal hours apply). For additional information, visit dinefish30a.com/package-store.

Chef Louis Martorano’s passion for cuisine began long along, watching his mom and his Italian grandmother prepare delicious homemade meals.  An avid fan of the New York Yankees, he once dreamed of becoming a baseball player, but his professional journey would lead him to culinary school instead.

“Speaking to me in Italian, my grandmother taught me how to make Sicilian rice balls; even though I didn’t understand the words, food became the language that allowed us to communicate with one another. It was that powerful.”

Martorano’s career began in 1985 at the acclaimed Waldorf Astoria New York, where he would experience the unique chance to cook for a U.S. president, preparing a meal (potato soup sorrel) for Pres. Ronald Reagan, all under the gaze of Secret Service. After sharpening his skills in the Big Apple, Martorano went on to hold multiple chef positions at the Boca Raton Resort and Club in Boca Raton, Fla., experiences he says served as his training ground for five-star and five-diamond dining experiences. There, too, Chef Martorano had the distinct opportunity to cook for several U.S. presidents, including George H. Bush (French toast with banana), George W. Bush (smoked brisket) and Bill Clinton (filet and shrimp), as well as participate in nearly a dozen Food & Wine Classic events and a dinner at the iconic James Beard House.

From South Florida to San Francisco and Nashville to Washington, D.C., Chef Martorano’s hospitality experiences have awarded him with diverse insights into what makes food and beverage programs truly excellent – from the menu and the dining experience to each guest touchpoint in between. In 2009, he was on the opening team for the Hilton Orlando Convention Center hotel, which became the first property to earn Hilton’s desirable Connie Award three years in a row. Most recently, the self-proclaimed “baseball freak” served as the Executive Chef of the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga.

In summer 2024, Chef Martorano and his family began their newest adventure in South Walton when he accepted the role of Director of Culinary and Executive Chef for Watercolor Inn, including its award-winning Fish Out of Water restaurant.

“As a family, we love South Walton’s natural beauty, small-town feel and access to fresh seafood and local ingredients,” Martorano says. “I’m an avid outdoorsman, so it has been a nice match personally. Professionally, I’m excited to continue to keep Fish Out of Water’s offerings locally and seasonally focused.”

Under Chef Martorano’s leadership, Fish Out of Water will continue to distinguish itself by a fresh and fun approach to delectable cuisine and impeccable service but do so with a much more seasonally minded perspective that keeps the menu reinventing itself and provides guests the opportunity to savor something new.

From exquisitely seared lump blue Crab Cake and a Seafood Cioppino to a zesty Aqua Chile and Local Oysters, served raw or baked, the menu’s starters are focused on serving up a fresh taste of the Gulf. Entrées include a decadent grilled Ribeye steak – one of Chef Martorano’s favorites – and an array of locally caught fish with a variety of tasty Southern sides.

“There are some unexpected surprises for guests, too, like a very versatile and surprising Cauliflower ‘Tabbouleh’ that can be modified for a variety of tastes, and our Florida Hot Crispy Fish Sandwich, which is surely going to become a guest favorite!”

Chef Martorano is looking forward to sharing the story of our beautiful corner of the world one bite at a time and in true Watercolor style. The best – and tastiest – is surely yet to come!

Stay tuned for an overview of Fish Out of Water’s new menu, coming soon to stjoeexperiences.com. In the meantime, visit dinefish30a.com or follow @fishoutofwater30a for the latest updates.

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To seat guests more efficiently, Fish Out of Water does not accept reservations. Dine-in service is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The restaurant is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, 2 to 4 p.m. for happy hour and 2 to 10 p.m. for dinner. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seasonal hours apply.
 

Let’s say it: holiday gift-planning can be stressful, especially when left to the last-minute. We’re here to make holiday shopping both seamless and special for you with this list of 30A essentials. Each is reflective of our 30A lifestyle and also meant to highlight one of our most favorite things: gathering with loved ones.

We have a feeling these are surely to delight everyone on your list. What other 30A gifts would you add to yours?

Destination-Inspired Goodies
Sure, you’ll find plenty of WaterColor-branded essentials at the WaterColor Store, complete with perfectly curated winter essentials like sweatshirts and hoodies a but you’ll also find a variety of holiday-themed goodies, too, including custom-painted ornaments and Christmas-themed WaterColor-branded tees. All this in addition to the store’s expertly curated selection of active wear, locally crafted jewelry and even the ideal drinkware for keeping your winter beverages warm.

Shopping for the little ones on your list? Head to WaterColor Kids at 6 WaterColor Blvd. The newly opened specialty children’s clothing outfitter features baby accessories, children’s clothing from brands like Pepita & Me, Miki Miette, Appaman and more, children’s jewelry by Carrie Rhea, fashion backpacks, toys and a wide selection of beach essentials and WaterColor-branded novelty items, of course! Nearby, at the WaterColor Package Store, you’ll find a small selection of specialty gift items, such as locally beloved “Theo the Stuffed Turtle,” proceeds from which go towards protect sea turtles in Northwest Florida.

Toasting Essentials
Stock up on unique liquors, fine wines and local craft beers at the WaterColor Package Store – perfect for gifting and toasting – at the WaterColor Package Store. The shop’s curated collection includes Fish Out of Water favorites like Duckhorn Decoy Flavored Seltzers, Grayton Beer Company Beers, Heathen Wines and Casa Dragones Joven Tequila, as well as WaterColor-inspired barware and specialty gifts. Looking to gift something really special? You’ll also find rare items like E.H. Taylor Rye, Eagle Rare and even Louis XIII de Remy Martin Cognac Grande Champagne.

Coffee for Life (Kind of)

Give the coffee enthusiast(s) in your life the gift that keeps on flowing with a year-long membership to Scratch Biscuit Kitchen’s “Mug Club.” In addition to major bragging rights, they’ll get their own personal Mug Club YETI, which gets them $1 unlimited coffee with every visit. For good measure, add in a Scratch gift card to complement their fresh cup of Joe with some house-made biscuits. Cheers to that!

Time Well Spent
There’s simply no better gift than that of experiences, and thanks to a variety of gift cards available through our St. Joe Collection, we’ve got everyone on your list covered! Gift the foodies in your life a special dinner at Havana Beach Bar & Grill or Fish Out of Water. Pamper the busy and tired mom with a coastal-inspired treatment at Spa Pearl. Give the ultimate beach experience with gift cards to WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel, WaterSound Inn and, our newest properties, The Lodge 30A and Camp Creek Inn (just remember to work yourself into the vacation, too!).

The Gift of the Outdoors

Send the outdoor lovers in your life on an adventure with gift cards from the BoatHouse Paddle Club at the WaterColor BoatHouse. Gift them a kayaking or standup paddleboard rental for the day or pick from an array of classes on the water, which include everything from a run-and-SUP workout to SUP yoga. They’ll be thrilled with the thoughtful gift and be one step closer to crushing those New Year’s resolutions.

With so many options to soak up the sun, explore the outdoors and taste some of the area’s best dining, no WaterColor Inn stay is the same. We’ve pulled together a five-day itinerary, packed with some of our favorite offerings, to help plan your perfect WaterColor Inn beach getaway.

Day One
Check in to WaterColor Inn at 4 p.m., and settle into your Gulf-front room (get to it and make your friends and family jealous by posting a pic from your balcony). Then, head down to Fish Out of Water for a fresh seafood dinner with a side of the most stunning sunset you’ve ever seen.

Day Two
Treat yourself to room service for breakfast (it’s vacation, after all!). Then, officially start your day with a paddle-boarding class at the WaterColor BoatHouse, or venture out for a paddle on Western Lake. Unwind at one of the three pools at WaterColor Beach Club and treat yourself to poolside service (maybe a refreshing cocktail or two?). Linger longer and stay for a delectable poolside dinner at WaterColor Grill – yes, you’ve earned those calories!

Day Three
Rise with the sun and with a delicious breakfast and a view at Gather Kitchen + Bar (open to WaterColor Inn guests and Watersound Club Lifestyle members). Today’s full itinerary calls for some family-friendly fun at Camp WaterColor – waterslides, a lazy river and poolside lunch, oh my!

Day Four
Take in the sights along Scenic Highway 30A by biking through our neighboring beach communities and exploring dining, shopping and so much more. Park your complimentary bike and spend the afternoon lounging under the warm Northwest Florida sun. In the evening, guests staying at WaterColor Inn can enjoy a nightly happy hour, indoor and outdoor games and casual poolside dinner and drinks at Gather Kitchen + Bar (a private amenity also open to Watersound Club Lifestyle members).

Day Five
It’s time to check out, but just because you’re leaving doesn’t mean you have to leave WaterColor Inn behind. Why not take a little piece of your stay home with you?! Head to the WaterColor® Store, located in the WaterColor Town Center, to find your favorite WaterColor®-branded items and enjoy the Southern coastal lifestyle at home long after your beach vacation is over!

Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking adventure or looking to unwind, it’s possible you’ll need more than just five days to experience it all.  How do you plan to spend your stay at WaterColor Inn?

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To learn more about WaterColor Inn, book your stay and enjoy the latest seasonal specials, visit watercolorresort.com, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram for a daily dose of #watercolorinn inspiration.

Along our little sliver of coastal paradise, the fall and winter months seem to be colored with perfectly romantic hues. From colorful sunsets and cooler weather to fewer crowds that make for a more intimate experience, the result is an idyllic backdrop for a getaway with your favorite person.

Whether you’re escaping for a weekend or longer, we’ve compiled some of our favorite romantic experiences that’ll surely have you cozying up to a warm stay this season.

For the Adventurous Couple

Outdoor-loving couples may opt to take advantage of the myriad of outdoor recreational activities available in Northwest Florida, such as paddle-boarding, biking, kayaking, hiking or simply a beach bonfire – complete with s’mores. Guests staying at The Lodge 30A, a prime destination for couples retreats, can also enjoy the best of 30A’s iconic beach communities and picturesque trails with the YOLO Pedal & Explore Package, which includes two bike rentals from YOLO Board & Bike.

For the Classic Romantics

Located in one of the most romantic towns in America (the charming coastal community of Rosemary Beach®) and as the only full-service, adult-oriented hotel in South Walton, The Pearl Hotel provides the perfect setting for luxurious couples retreats. And because the hotel offers everything from beach and heated pool access to fine dining and plentiful shopping – you can truly have it all in one stay!

An early morning coffee on your private balcony (overlooking the Gulf or the town below) is sure to get you ready for a romantic day ahead. You’ll definitely want to book a relaxing couple’s massage in the couple’s suite at Spa Pearl, then spend the rest of the day lounging or enjoying a cocktail poolside by one of the firepits on the Havana Beach Rooftop. Dining options abound, so whether you’d like to dine in-room or at the hotel’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant, your experience will be equally elegant and delectable.

For the Active Resort Enthusiasts

For couples who love an active getaway, Camp Creek® Inn offers the perfect mix of luxury and recreation along the scenic Highway 30A.  This boutique hotel provides exclusive access to the championship-level Camp Creek® Golf Course and Shark’s Tooth Golf Course, with a new links-style course debuting in spring 2025. For those who prefer other activities, the Wellness Center has top-tier tennis and pickleball courts with private lessons available. 

After an active day, retreat to the Pine Suite for the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. With its private bedroom featuring a luxurious King-size bed, spacious bathroom stocked with L’Occitane toiletries, and serene private balcony, you’ll have the perfect setting to unwind together and plan your next day’s adventures.

For the Beach-Loving Type

For the ultimate coastal retreat, look no further than WaterColor Inn. From the David Rockwell-designed beachfront accommodations, which bring the outdoors mere steps from the door, to the pair of Adirondack chairs on each private balcony (situated at precise sunset-level), you’ll have your own romantic seaside oasis. Even the shower comes with its own stunning Gulf view!

Located within one of the most iconic communities on 30A, you’ll find plenty of romance to soak up. Take a cozy walk (or bike ride) along Western Lake or enjoy a picnic for two at Cerulean – just be sure to get back before sunset! Pair a stunning Gulf sunset view with fresh coastal cuisine at WaterColor Inn’s beloved Fish Out of Water restaurant. And of course, room service is always available – champagne and chocolate strawberries for dessert, anyone?

No matter how you dream of spending time together, your perfect romantic escape awaits along 30A. Visit our stay page to compare properties and start planning. 

A vacation spent along Florida’s famous Scenic Highway 30A is truly an escape – the area is blessed with beautiful white sand beaches, idyllic beach towns and an abundance of preserved natural areas, with walking and biking paths (not to mention a Scenic America-designated National Scenic Byway) connecting them all. What visitors and locals love most about this stretch of coast is the opportunity to unplug and unwind, and what makes it such an ideal vacation destination is the ease of doing just that!

While the majority of rentals in the area are houses, townhouses and condos, for those who’d truly like to take a break and let front desk personnel and professional hospitality staff onsite ensure a successful stay, the St. Joe Company  offers five unique inns and hotels to choose from. Each offers its own advantages in terms of location and amenities, but all provide an elevated hospitality experience that makes your stay a true vacation.

Camp Creek Inn^SM  (New!)
684 Fazio Dr. | Watersound

Perfect for the golf enthusiast, the Camp Creek Inn is a 75-room boutique hotel that offers guests a private club “Member for a Stay” experience, including access to private Watersound Club® amenities including onsite health, wellness, and recreational facilities, Watersound Beach Club®amenities, and Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek golf courses. The ground floor serves as a clubhouse featuring a high-end golf outfitter shop and two dining venues, ANR and 1936, while the guest rooms are located on the second and third floors. Nestled between the Camp Creek® Golf Course and the 11,000-square-foot wellness center, the inn offers rooms with views overlooking the golf course, making it the perfect place to stay when your mind is on the green. Having access to the incredible Watersound Club amenities, the inn is ideal for a wellness retreat geared towards anyone looking to relax and recharge while enjoying a taste of the Watersound Club Membership experience.

The Lodge 30A (New!)
4271 E. County  Hwy 30A | Seagrove Beach

Inspired by the beauty of its natural surroundings and with an idyllic location in the heart of Seagrove Beach and along the Point Washington State Forest , The Lodge 30A is an ideal destination for exploring nearby state parks, coastal dune lakes and beaches. The select-service boutique hotel offers guests all of the essentials – including kitchenettes in every room, a fitness center and an outdoor pool – without any of the fuss, including the most affordable rates on 30A! Additionally, situated within Greenway Station, the hotel is just steps from some of the area’s trendiest and newest shops and restaurants.

The Pearl Hotel
63 Main St. | Rosemary Beach

The Pearl Hotel’s commitment to excellence and luxury is reflected in an intimate setting where patrons are offered respite and calm alongside breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and the town of Rosemary Beach. Visitors can unwind at the hotel’s Spa Pearl, where they’ll enjoy signature body treatments and massages delivered at four private poolside treatment rooms.

For a spectacular culinary experience, claim a table at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, the hotel’s AAA Four-Diamond restaurant. The chef-driven, seasonal menu is a fusion of Gulf Coast and Caribbean cuisine and can be enjoyed in the colorful, Cuban-inspired dining room, on the veranda, in the lounge, or on the rooftop. The ultimate getaway for couples looking for luxury, the Pearl also offers amenities including a private beach with complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, valet parking, a welcome reception with a complimentary beverage, use of bicycles, signature bath amenities, an adults-only outdoor pool with towels and food service, as well as snacks and a departure gift.

WaterColor Inn® & Resort
34 Goldenrod Circle | WaterColor

Families love WaterColor Inn & Resort, where 10 pools, multiple dining options, beachfront rooms and newly created family suites offer everything one could want to keep the entire group happy and occupied. WaterColor Inn is a AAA Four-Diamond hotel whose amenities leave little room to wonder why it has won so many awards. Dining options include casual coastal cuisine at Fish Out of Water® and WaterColor Grill, burgers and shakes at the Beach Cow® counter-service restaurant, a twist on Baha-Mexican fare at Costa Chica, snacks and camp-inspired faves at The Canteen, and an elevated international take on bar food served inside or poolside at Gather Kitchen + Bar. Guests enjoy access to WaterColor Beach Club and its amenities, including three pools, as well as Camp WaterColor, which boasts two pools with slides in addition to a lazy river, playground and basketball court. Other perks include complimentary house-made biscotti and assorted fruits upon arrival; complimentary adult bicycle rental; access to the cardio fitness room; guest floor treat suites including complimentary sodas, ice cream, coffee, snacks and more; a beach bag for use during your stay; housekeeping services offered twice a day (including a nightly evening service with freshly baked treats); and a departure gift.

WaterSound^SM Inn
6652 E. County Hwy 30A | Watersound Beach

Ideal for enjoying a private family escape, aWatersound Inn vacation offers a home-away-from-home experience with the luxury of resort. Located in the famed Gatehouse building overlooking the WaterSound Beach community, the inn boasts a contemporary Nantucket-style design and decor with 11 condo-sized suites offering comfortable furnishings, private balconies, laundry, and a full kitchen. With picturesque views from the second and third floors, the inn also extends guests access to the Watersound Beach Club amenities and its 7,000-square-foot, zero-entry pool, dining venues, al fresco bar, beach access and complimentary beach setup. Watersound Inn guests also enjoy access to the WaterSound Beach fitness center, and private Watersound Club^SM golf courses, including Camp Creek® and Shark’s Tooth golf courses.

There are few events more classically WaterColor than the annual Mountainfilm on Tour. For its 24th year, the two-night outdoor film festival returns to WaterColor’s Marina Park for an unforgettable celebration of film, art and ideas under the stars.

Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor provides guests with the distinct opportunity to see some of the best-loved films from the annual Mountainfilm festival held in Telluride, right here in Northwest Florida – all while enjoying the very best the area has to offer.

This year’s event, taking place Nov. 1-2, will reflect Mountainfilm’s theme of exploring cultures, preserving environments and promoting adventure. An event presenter will guide the audience through the program, providing insight on the films, filmmakers and topics, as guests enjoy food and drinks in an outdoor festival atmosphere. A full list of this year’s featured films may be found here.

“We’re looking forward to another great year partnering with Mountainfilm to bring some truly incredible films to WaterColor. This will be our 23rd year hosting the event, and we keep bringing it back because it means so much to our guests and everyone who returns year after year to be entertained, inspired, and recharged in our beautiful surroundings.”

Gabrielle Testa, General Manager, WaterColor Inn

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are now available for purchase at mountainfilmfl.com; single- and two-night tickets are available. Make the most of your Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor experience by taking advantage of WaterColor Inn’s lodging packages. Limited-edition event t-shirts are also available for purchase with online ticket sales, at the event or at the WaterColor Store.

For new details as they become available, please check mountainfilmfl.com, as well as WaterColor Inn’s Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you soon!

The 2024 Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor is made possible in partnership with Delta, Visit South Walton, WaterColor Community Association, Florals by the Sea, WaterColor Store, BoatHouse Paddle Club, Old Florida Outfitters, Justin Gaffrey Gallery, 30A.com and SoWal.com. 

It’s five o’clock at the beach, which means it’s time for a refreshing cocktail inspired by South Walton’s sugar-white sand and emerald water and the pastel hues that make up the string of 30A beach communities. And there’s no place as quintessentially representative of the 30A lifestyle as WaterColor Inn, with its casual elegance, effortless style, family fun and hospitality. 

Just in time to quench the summer heat, we’re taking you behind the bar at Watercolor’s beloved Fish Out of Water. With an array of specialty and seasonally featured handcrafted drinks and a selection of some of the world’s best rums, tequilas and more, Fish Out of Water is the place for coastal-inspired cocktails.

Fish Out Of Water offers the ultimate 30A Happy Hour daily, from 2 to 4 p.m. (hours and live entertainment vary seasonally), but if you can’t make it to the Gulf to join us, you can still sip its flavors with these beach-inspired cocktails and mocktails to make at home.

Below, we’re sharing recipes for three fan favorites for you to enjoy wherever you are in the world. Imagined by WaterColor Inn’s head bartender, these cocktails and mocktails are sure to refresh your senses and transport you to our slice of paradise. Simply add sunshine and enjoy!

Looking for a premium bar-away-from-the-bar experience? The Package Store at WaterColor Inn is your one-stop shop for everything you need, including Fish Out of Water- and WaterColor-inspired barware and gifts.

Cheers!

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BEACH HAIR DON’T CARE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz RumHaven Coconut Rum
• 0.25 oz Banana Liqueur 
• 1 oz Orange Juice
• 0.5 oz Lime Juice
• 0.5 oz Lemon Juice

RECIPE

• Salt the rim of a rocks glass 
• Pour all ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously
• Using a strainer, strain shaken ingredients over ice into the salt-rimmed glass
• Garnish with edible flowers for an extra tropical flair!

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THE SWIM TO THE SECOND SANDBAR

INGREDIENTS

• ¾ oz 360 Vodka 
• ¾ oz RumHaven Coconut Rum
• ¼ oz Combier Orange 
• 1 oz Blue Curacao 
• 3 oz Pineapple Juice 

RECIPE

• Pour all ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously
• Using a strainer, strain shaken ingredients over ice into a highball glass
• Garnish with a large gummy shark – because why not?!

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GEORGIA PEACH AT THE BEACH (MOCKTAIL)

INGREDIENTS

• ½ oz Peach Puree
• ½ oz Honey Syrup
• Mix ½ cup of honey with ½ cup of warm water and stir vigorously until thoroughly dissolved; store in the fridge
• ¾ oz Lemon Juice
• 2-3 Basil Leaves
• 5 oz Ginger Ale

RECIPE

• Pour and combine the peach puree, honey syrup, lemon juice and basil leaves over ice in a shaker
• Shake vigorously
• Pour into a highball glass and top with the ginger ale
• Garnish with a basil leaf

There’s perhaps no artist more synonymous with South Walton than Justin Gaffrey, whose richly textured paintings colorfully depict the area’s distinct coastal landscape and wildlife.

At WaterColor Inn, Justin’s iconic artwork is displayed throughout the lobby, common areas and at Fish Out of Water, adding both interest and beauty, as well as a sense of place. The boutique hotel first commissioned Justin’s works shortly after its opening in 2012, where they have become décor staples and beloved pieces by adoring guests.

Justin’s first artwork for WaterColor Inn was that of the area’s dunes, complete with dancing sea oats – a landscape he hadn’t yet attempted to capture. Drawing inspiration from his grandmother’s coastal artwork but veering away from a traditional seascape depiction, his resulted in coastal-inspired paintings that are as rich and layered as they are simple and soothing. The rest, as they say, is history.

To date, WaterColor Inn has featured more than 70 works by the lauded artist, including custom pieces that depict whimsical compositions of animals and florals in Justin’s beloved style, which now line the hallway leading to the hotel’s Family Suites. Additionally, exclusive Justin Gaffrey designs were recently featured on a limited line of WaterColor-branded t-shirts that have since sold out.

All of Justin’s featured work is available for sale, meaning that guests of WaterColor Inn not only get a “first look” at one-of-a-kind pieces but also the opportunity to own one! Simply scan the code that accompanies each painting for more details, or head to  JustinGaffrey.com to see available works for purchase.

“Much like WaterColor, Justin’s works draw their inspiration from nature, and many of his pieces highlight our natural dune lakes, local animals and southern whimsy, making him the ideal artist to partner with our resort,” says Gabrielle Testa, WaterColor Inn’s General Manager. “I particularly love his variation in colors, ideas and thoughts and think that’s what inspires our guests, too.”

Justin credits WaterColor’s pristine natural beauty, including the serenity and lushness of nearby Western Lake, with inspiring the acrylic works that now hang around WaterColor Inn and its award-winning Fish Out of Water restaurant. To that effect, he encourages guests to take in the paintings wholistically and not be afraid to touch them, as their palpability is part of their distinct appeal.

As a professional, self-taught artist since 2001, Justin’s heavy-textured, sculptural painting style was first inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and “Sunflowers.” His striking works, which consistently convey the connection between nature and human nature, are staged on wooden canvases handmade at his studio on 30A.

Beckoned by South Walton’s beauty, laidback lifestyle and budding culture, Justin first relocated to the 30A area in 1988 as a then chef, ultimately opening his own restaurant before turning 30. In 2001, when he set out to pursue art full-time, Northwest Florida provided the landscape against which to create freely, raise a family and operate a successful art gallery, which today serves as a must-visit destination in its own right.

In addition to being a prolific artist, Justin also produces Gaffrey Art Material, his proprietary line of heavy-body texture acrylics, thus empowering a new generation of self-made artists along the way.

Admire Justin’s work during your next WaterColor Inn stay – and tag @watercolorinn #watercolorfl on your photos of your favorites. And be sure to stop by his gallery in Santa Rosa Beach, where you’ll find him painting every day. Justin also hosts ongoing gallery events and shares his love for all things art, including tutorials and demos, on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

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Ready to book your getaway? Browse accommodations and seasonal offers at watercolorresort.com, or follow along at @watercolorinnfl.