It's About Time
Alys Beach Gracefully Comes into Its Own
Throughout history, crossroads have denoted small towns and thriving urban metropolises. The intersection of Castle Harbour and Scenic Highway 30A happily fulfills that role, identifying Alys Beach and its blossoming Town Center as a place that is decidedly civic and reassuringly familiar.
In the two years since Alys Beach inaugurated its Amphitheatre with a concert by Grammy- award-winning singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith, the Town Center is becoming a place to meet, a place to mingle, and a place to remember.
Reminiscent of a favorite beach town or European village, the Alys Beach Town Center draws people in throughout the day for varied reasons. First thing in the morning, it's the smell of freshly baked pastries, coffee-and, of course-hot sweet donuts. As soon as the big blue Charlie's Donut Truck rolled down 30A three years ago, folks have lined up as early as 6:30 a.m. for tasty treats. And if you snooze, you lose, when it comes to the best donuts in South Walton. Most days the "sold out" sign is prominently posted in the front window by IO o'clock.
When noontime comes, not to worry. If you long for a leisurely lunch on the screen porch or under an oversized umbrella overlooking Scenic Highway 30A, stroll right over to the hugely popular restaurant, George's at Alys Beach.
With a menu that unapologetically boasts both "behave" and "misbehave" offerings, there's sure to be something to please everyone. When the sun goes down, the expanded menu combines with a delightful wine list to create a stylish venue for dinner al fresco with the sounds of the Gulf in the background or a laid-back supper with family
and friends in the intimate dining room.
As day turns into evening in spring and summer, Alys Beach hosts "Cinema Under the Stars," a weekly series of family-oriented movies. The Amphitheatre also provides an endearing venue-the Seaside Repertory Theatre's annual summer kid-friendly production. A variety of bands perform regularly throughout the season in Alys Beach's concert series. And like any great civic park, the Town Center green is the perfect spot to grab a bench to do absolutely nothing except maybe watch children rollick in the grass under the shade of towering palms.
This year, with the onset of the spring season, Alys Beach welcomes a variety of new retail and recreational offerings. Promising to make a big splash come the hot days of summer is a fanciful interactive fountain anchoring the northern end of the Amphitheatre. Designed by architects Marieanne KhouryVogt and Erik Vogt, the literally playful water feature is crafted of limestone pavers laid out to create a prominent eight-pointed star in the patterned surface. Three laminar spouts along the outer ring of the star provide continuous arching cascades of water. The inner ring of the star is defined by a series of frothy columns with water spraying upwards in sporadic sequences. The centerpiece of the fountain is a columnar geyser rising up in alternating heights. All nozzles are recessed flush into the limestone surface for safety and flexibility. An apron of textured tabby surrounds the terrace. The fountain also features integral lighting designed to be modified for special events.
The Bike Shop, a new facility offering stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, bicycles-and more-for rental, is conveniently located next door to George's, facing Scenic 30A. The Bike Shop sells signature Alys Beach merchandise and little beach indulgences.
As summer approaches, an expanded Alys shop, in the planning stages, is to be located on a prominent spot in Town Center. This Alys shop will market accessories, shirts, hats, towels and other fun items sporting the name of everyone's favorite beach town and unique items from all over the world that capture the sophisticated and casual coastal lifestyle of Alys Beach. And stay tuned, because there is more in the works. "Adding a variety of retail components is the next important step in the growth of Alys Beach," says Megan Trent, director of retail for the town. "We are excited about these first Town Center developments, which will give our guests and visitors more places to engage with one another and with Alys Beach."
The Alys Beach Town Center comes to life with these new shops and recreational amenities in keeping with the spirit of the urban master plan conceived by the world-renowned design team of Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk.
Throughout history, the best and most beloved cities are reflective of the people and respective of the setting. They evolve as time goes on. Alys Beach's thoughtful plan, robust architecture, appealing human scale, engaging landscaped parks, and gracious homes foster a sense of belonging that promises to endure. The Alys Beach Town Center establishes tried-and-true dialogues between old and new and interweaves a balance between the privacy of home and the shared aspects of civic life. As a new focal point of the public realm, these retail and recreational elements lay the foundation of a growing and changing Alys Beach.
