It’s National Ice Cream Day, and it’s time to celebrate some of our merchants that feature frozen snacks! As Summer in Seaside has kicked off, it is important to stay cool, and what better way to do that than with ice cream? Seaside is home to multiple shops in which guests can choose between chill treats of all kinds, such as It’s Heavenly, Dawson’s Yogurt & Fudge, Nigel’s Bananas, and b.f.f. Each of these merchants have unique menus that cater to many different ice cream preferences and is sure to cool you off on a hot summer day. 

It’s Heavenly is a charming ice cream shop known for rotating homemade gelato and premium ice cream. This well-loved shop is a Seaside classic and a must-have on a hot summer day, and also features a walk-up window service for grabbing a quick treat on the way to the beach. 

Dawson’s Yogurt & Fudge is a Seaside favorite and is the longest-running frozen yogurt shop in the country. Dawson’s caters to adventurous foodies with their specialty shake bar that features gourmet flavors like Berries & Cream, S’mores, and Cookie Butter. They also put a fun twist on Classic ice cream with their “Ice Cream Nachos,” which includes fresh-made waffle cones for dipping. 

Nigel’s Bananas, while primarily in the business of delicious chocolate-dipped frozen bananas, also offers fun ice cream floats with craft sodas, along with boozy sorbet floats to be enjoyed by adults! Nigel’s Bananas thrives on creating fun alternatives to classic ice cream, giving it a unique menu for sweet treat lovers. 

b.f.f. is a chill treat location for adults to enjoy, with their boozy frozen beverages made with a combination of classic cocktails and vanilla ice cream for a creative and exciting spin on frozen treats. These beverages include a Pina Colada, Bushwacker, The b.f.f, Dreamsicle, and the Painkiller. 

Celebrate the sweet holiday by stopping by one of these fun and imaginative ice cream spots, cool off, and delight in a summer day in Seaside!

SEASIDE® is home to bars and restaurants within steps of the beach and our town center, each one with a drink menu worth lingering over. Many of our dining Merchants craft seasonal cocktails made just for summer, and others keep summer favorites going year-round. A few specialty cocktails include the seasonal Watermelon Refresher at Pickle’s Sandbar and The Shrimp Shack Boardwalk Bar. 

Every summer, Pickles Sandbar and Shrimp Shack’s Boardwalk Bar bring back their full watermelon drink lineup for seasonal enjoyment! Head to Pickles Sandbar or Shrimp Shack’s Boardwalk Bar for that refreshing summer feeling and enjoy the “Watermelon Refresher” made with locally sourced Half Shell Vodka, muddled mint, fresh-pressed watermelon juice, lemon juice, then shaken and served over ice, topped with a splash of soda water, and garnished with a slice of watermelon. Also at Pickles Sandbar is the Watermelon Margarita with the option of “On the rocks” and a frozen watermelon margarita. Pop over to Shrimp Shack’s Boardwalk Bar for their watermelon Hugo spritz. 

If you aren’t a fan of a summer watermelon lineup, each merchant has something unique to offer that they keep around all year. Here’s where to start.

Pickles Sandbar is the “toes-in-the-sand-cocktail-in hand” experience you’re looking for on vacation, right next to the beach and Pickles Burgers and Shakes. Their refreshers are perfect for staying cooled while walking around on a hot summer day, soaking in the sun. Due to its location, enjoy your drink, strolling through the sand, or in our sandbar seating, comfy cushioned benches under breezy shade. 

If you’re a savory drink lover, try the iconic “Pickle Rita”, famously named after the bar and restaurant, made with pickle juice swirled into their frozen margarita. Always capable of cooling you down on a hot day, is the “Lemon Blueberry Refresher”. This drink is made with locally sourced Half Shell Vodka, muddled blueberries, fresh thyme, fresh squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, then shaken over ice and topped with a splash of soda water.

The C-Bar is an upcycled shipping container next to the Great Southern Cafe that acts as a walk-up bar in Central Square, very popular for its convenient location for on-the-go drinks like their famous mojitos while strolling the square, shopping, or enjoying our farmers market on Saturdays. 

The simply flavored mojitos include the Classic, Mango, Cherry, Peach, Coconut-melon, Strawberry, Pineapple, and Coconut. The C-Bar drink menu also includes specialty mojitos such as the Titojito, Lemongrass Vojito, The Bike Wreck, Sunburn, Grapefruit Vojito, and an Absolute Lime Vojito. 

Bud and Alley’s is a well-known and well-loved restaurant and beachfront bar, the first to open in Seaside when the town was first beginning to flourish. When visiting Seaside, it’s a must-visit spot for food, drinks, and good relaxation. 

For a fun summer classic, try the “Bud and Alley’s Coconut Mojito”, made with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, fresh lime juice, real coconut purée, and soda. For a more adventurous and unique beverage, try the “Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita”, made with Pantalones Reposado, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, jalapeño, and soda. For a sweeter option, try the “Strawberry Smash Spritz”, made with Sipsmith Strawberry Smash Gin, fresh lemon juice, soda, and champagne.

Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant perfectly embraces the classic tropical aesthetic that allows visitors to slow down to enjoy the day. Their diverse drink menu boasts many fun drinks, and their beachside location helps capture the relaxing ambiance. For a fun classic margarita, try the “Margarita O’clock” made with Pueblo Viejo, fresh lime juice, agave, lime salt, munyons paw-paw, and dehydrated lime. For a fresh, fruity drink, sip on the “Summer Camp Mojito”, made with campesino Silver Rum, Watermelon, Strawberry, fresh mint, cane sugar, and lime juice. 

Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant also offers the large format drink menu; collectible drink containers fit for two or more people to sip on together! To capture the tropical vibe, split the “Half Shell in Hawaii”, made with Distillery 98’s half shell vodka, campesino silver, blue curacao, pineapple juice, lime juice, mint, dehydrated citrus, and a rubber ducky. For a fun spin on the classic Mai Tai, try the “Daytrader’s Remedy (Medical Mai Tai)”, made with Appleton signature, wary & nephew, passionfruit, almond orgeat, orange juice, pineapple, nutmeg, cranberry bitters, and lime. This fun beverage is served in two IV bags, true to its name! 

B.f.f. Is located on the West porch of Great Southern Cafe, the perfect spot to enjoy a nice frozen beverage before dinner. They’re famous for their selection of frozen drinks for those that enjoy a nice slush drink on a hot summer afternoon! Most famous of these frozen drinks are the “signature b.f.f.”, “the (C)old Fashioned”, and “the Frombucha”, perfect for keeping cool in the summer. 

Clock out of your office and become immersed in the sunny world of Seaside, Florida, at Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant, officially featured in the 2026 Michelin Guide. The 2026 Guide praises leaning into the tropical tiki vibe without any of the expected kitsch and highlights menu favorites such as their classic boiled peanuts, tuna crispy rice, main seafood dishes, and featured desserts. Seaside boasts many coastal eats for guests to enjoy, including The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant, a charming establishment that blends both Polynesian cuisine and American dishes to create a delicious and flavorful menu. The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant allows guests to enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating to feel the classic tropical ambiance, located at the entrance of the iconic Seaside’s Coleman Beach Pavilion, furthering its beloved beach charm.

The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant is inspired by Chef Nikhil Abuvala’s passion for coastal cuisine and culture; the Polynesian Coast meets the Gulf with tropical-themed cocktails and exciting twists on classic American cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. In true Seaside fashion, The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant encourages guests to “Trade, even just for a day, our place at our desks for a place at the bar”.

Guests seeking relaxation come here to appreciate good food and unwind, surrounded by a relaxing environment and helpful staff. Working in Seaside means being part of a family and we work hard to make sure that our guests feel welcome. Chef Nikhil and Hannah Grace Abuvala mentioned that “This recognition belongs to our team. We are proud of what we built together and grateful to our guests and community for supporting us since day one”. The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant perfectly represents what it’s like to be in Seaside from its warm welcoming faces, relaxing atmosphere, and timeless coastal charm.

The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant boasts a diverse menu of Polynesian blend and fun vacation inducing cocktails. Famous snacks and appetizers include their fun twist on boiled peanuts by adding red Hawaiian sea salt, and their tuna crispy rice. Dishes consist of rice bowls, salads, and other seafood-based mains, many of them focusing on different fish. The Daytrader also has many popular handheld foods such as their Maui burger, smash burger, lobster poor boy, and a unique spin on a classic sloppy joe, the sloppy koa. The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant has an impressive drink menu as well. Not only do they have specialty cocktails, wine, and beer, but they have nonalcoholic beverages for all ages, and drinks for two or more people to enjoy with friends. This perfectly curated menu of unique food and curated drinks certainly earned its spot in the 2026 Michelin guide.

Seaside is home to many classic shops and restaurants for the enjoyment and relaxation of guests. Every day we strive to make you feel like you have left your office and stepped into an oasis to unwind and forget your worries. The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant meets those expectations and surpasses them. If you have yet to bask in the beachside sun and enjoy a drink at this unique and charming escape, stop by their Seaside location at 2236 E County Hwy 30A Unit 4&5, Seaside, FL, 32459 or give them a call at (850) 273.8189. For more, follow @daytradertiki on Instagram. 

When you’re spending the day in SEASIDE®, eating well is part of the experience. Whether you’re fueling up before a morning beach walk, cooling down after a bike ride through town, or just looking for something light and nourishing between stops, Wild Nectar on Airstream Row has you covered.

Wild Nectar: Seaside’s Fresh-Pressed Juice Bar & Coastal Kitchen

Wild Nectar is now open at Airstream Row in SEASIDE®, Florida, bringing fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, açaí bowls, and coastal bites made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to 30A. Owned by Kolbi Amos and Hayden Shaw — the duo behind East Pass Coffee in Destin — Wild Nectar was born out of a genuine love of food, community, and the Emerald Coast.

The menu is built around clean, nutrient-rich ingredients sourced from local farms, artisanal bakeries, and regional makers. Whether you’re craving a cold-pressed juice to start your morning, a smoothie to beat the Gulf Coast heat, or a hearty açaí bowl that actually keeps you full, Wild Nectar delivers the kind of food that tastes as good as it makes you feel.

Fresh-Pressed Juices

Wild Nectar’s juice menu is designed to nourish from the inside out. The One for the Detox blends spinach, apple, kale, lemon, pineapple, celery, and ginger, while The One for Inflammation features turmeric, carrot, orange, pineapple, cayenne, lemon, and black pepper.

Vitality Drinks

For something a little lighter, the Vitality menu offers sparkling, lotus-based drinks that are as refreshing as the Gulf breeze. The Strasberry, Piña Colada, Watermelon Zest, and The Baja are perfect for sipping on the sand.

Smoothies

Wild Nectar’s smoothies are built to fuel your day on 30A. The Surfer’s Fuel packs in spinach, banana, cacao nibs, peanut butter, chocolate protein, agave, and cold brew coconut milk. The Beachside Berry keeps it classic with banana, strawberry, agave, and almond milk. The Emerald blends spinach, mango, banana, honey, and almond milk for a taste of the Gulf Coast in every sip. Add collagen or protein powder to customize further.

Açaí Bowls

The açaí bowl lineup includes the Beach Bum (banana, strawberry, granola, shredded coconut, peanut butter, hazelnut spread) and Bibi’s Bowl (strawberry, blueberry, banana, granola, cracked salt, peanut butter, honey). Or build your own with the Build-A-Bowl, choosing any five toppings from a list that includes kiwi, cacao nibs, chia seed, chocolate chips, flax, and more.

Harvest Bites

Don’t sleep on the food menu. The Mojo Chicken Cubano is pulled mojo chicken, salt and vinegar chips, provolone, pickles, fresh cilantro, mojo dijonnaise, on pressed Cuban bread and has quickly become a standout. The Avo Fancy Toast layers avocado mash on locally sourced sourdough with cherry tomato, lemon, olive oil, cracked salt, and pepper.

Snacks & Kiddos

Rounding out the menu is a Classic Parfait with vanilla Greek yogurt, strawberries, and granola, plus a Kiddos menu featuring a mini açaí bowl and smoothie — because healthy eating starts early.

Where to Find Wild Nectar in Seaside, Florida

Wild Nectar is located on Airstream Row in SEASIDE®, the iconic stretch of vintage Airstreams at the heart of the community. It’s walkable from the beach, the Seaside Amphitheater, and all of the shops and restaurants that make 30A’s most beloved town worth coming back to year after year.

Pop by, order something fresh, and stay a while.

Visit Wild Nectar at Airstream Row in SEASIDE®, Florida. View the Wild Nectar dining page here.

A restaurant concept inspired by a native coastal upbringing and rooted in seasonal, locally sourced ingredients has found its home along SEASIDE®’s iconic Airstream Row. Wild Nectar, a fresh-pressed juice bar and coastal kitchen serving nutrient-rich bowls, salads, and bright modern flavors, is now open in SEASIDE®.

Wild Nectar is owned by Kolbi Amos and Hayden Shaw, two owners committed to making healthy dining approachable, satisfying, and genuinely delicious. “We’re so excited to be part of the Seaside community! East Pass Coffee has become a home away from home for us and our guests, and we hope Wild Nectar carries that same warm, welcoming feeling,” says Amos. “We want to create a cozy spot embraced by the community.”

Amos and Shaw’s story began with a shared love of food, community, and the Emerald Coast. Hayden, a Florida native with nearly two decades in the hospitality industry, helped bring East Pass Coffee in Destin to life, creating its menu and shaping its laid-back atmosphere. Kolbi’s background spans marketing, photography, and hospitality, and after time spent traveling, she returned home to the Emerald Coast. Together, the duo is blending creativity, coastal living, and modern food culture into something that adds to the magic of 30A.

“Our concept was born out of a genuine connection: between food, people, and place. We’ve been so lucky to build community at East Pass, a space where families and friends can hang out and feel at home,” says Shaw. “That’s the same energy we want to bring to SEASIDE®, good, healthy food that tastes incredible and a welcoming spot where everyone feels nourished and cared for.”

Wild Nectar’s menu features fresh-pressed juices, açaí bowls, salads, and sandwiches, along with rotating seasonal specials.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Wild Nectar to SEASIDE®,” says Seaside Community Development Corporation General Manager Kevin Boyle. “After months of collaboration, it’s exciting to see their vision come to life in a way that complements our town’s vibrant and healthy spirit. Our Airstream merchants offer a uniquely memorable guest experience, and they remain an essential piece of SEASIDE®’s hospitality and New Urbanism puzzle.”

The Wild Nectar team sources from local farms, artisanal bakeries, and regional makers to shape menus and build a restaurant identity that is genuinely rooted in SEASIDE®.

“We want every guest to feel genuinely welcome — like they’ve found their new favorite spot,” adds Amos. “If they leave thinking the food was amazing, the people were kind, and they can’t wait to come back tomorrow, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”

Wild Nectar is now open at Airstream Row in SEASIDE®, Florida.

SEASIDE® brought a slice of the Gulf Coast to the Windy City at Chicago Gourmet’s annual Chef’s Get Pickled and Rooftop Events Series, and the result was equal parts epicurean showcase and coastal daydream.

Our own Chef Jim Shirley of Great Southern Café was honored to be a featured chef alongside an elite group of Chicago culinary superstars.

Guests stepped onto the South Walton putting green to test their short game while savoring bites that instantly transported them miles away from Michigan Avenue. 

Chef and his talented team delighted the crowd with his iconic Grits a Ya Ya and West Indies Crab Salad, treating Chicago to the flavors that make the SEASIDE® dining scene unforgettable.

Chef Art Smith and his team even sported Seaside hats to show their love, while Featured Chefs Jernard Wells and Lorena Garcia jumped right into the fun.

In partnership with Visit South Walton, SEASIDE® added the entertainment with mini golf as a playful, interactive escape tucked between the gourmet stations and framed by Chicago’s skyline. It was the perfect moment that makes people stop, engage, and want to learn more about our own slice of paradise. 

The SEASIDE® team was on site all weekend, chatting with guests and connecting with media and VIP partners to share the story of the town and its unique culinary offerings. The full slate of annual events served as a natural conversation topic, reminding us just how deeply SEASIDE® resonates even hundreds of miles from the coast. With winter knocking on Chicago’s door, it was the perfect opportunity to spark a little sunshine envy and keep SEASIDE® top of mind for their next warm-weather escape.

From bites to birdies to beach scenes, SEASIDE®’s presence at Chicago Gourmet offered guests a momentary getaway and a reminder that the sugar-white sand is never too far away.

Modica Market can assemble the perfect charcuterie board for your next gathering

Modica Market, Seaside’s quaint gourmet grocery, is one of the country’s most famous small markets in small towns. Sample their selections of fresh, homemade Southern specialties and gourmet to-go meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. The market also has an extensive collection of wines, craft beers, local and imported condiments, and unique foodie finds — from cheeses to ice creams to coffees.

Opened March 17, 1989 by Charles Modica Sr. and his wife, Sarah, the grocery shop began with a simple deal-sealing handshake between Modica and Seaside founder Robert Davis, and has since flourished into one of the most recognizable businesses along Highway 30A. As the market celebrates three decades in business, the next generation of the family — Charles Modica Jr. and Carmel Modica — runs the store together.

Before he passed away in 2010, Charles Sr., who was considered one of the town’s founding fathers, was a recognizable face among community members, known for his bushy white beard and kind, inviting smile.

Over the years, Modica, one of the town’s first establishments, has become a hotspot for shopping, eating and socializing. The business has also become a hub for local children, who walk to the store after school to enjoy fresh baked cookies and leftover doughnuts from that morning. 

People love Modica so much, they stock up on merch, including tote bags, koozies, mugs and glasses, hats and T-shirts, and much more.

Melanie Scicluna, manager of the store, puts her skills to use by assembling elegant and appetizing charcuterie boards for customers. Beyond the traditional selection of specialty meats and cheeses, Modica can customize your snack board to suit your tastes. Melanie says the snack boards can accommodate everyone’s appetites and needs, including vegan options. “A lot of people are going for veggies with dips,” she says. 

If you need some suggestions, Melanie’s expertise in pairing meats and cheeses can get you set for your gettogether, with some of her go-to favorites for her customers. “You could start with a Cotswold English cheddar, which is just delicious,” she says. “Our marinated goat cheese is one of our specialties, and we’ve got Red Clay pimento cheese, one comes with jalapeno, and the other is sharp. Add some black-peppered dry salami. Also, we have a dry chorizo that is delicious. Another goodie is the Bellavitano, a sweet nutty cheese. You can get it in flavors like espresso, rosemary or merlot.” 

Recently for a campfire birthday party, Melanie made a S’mores-themed board. “We can make a chocolate board, with a mix of decadent treats,” Melanie says, “including macarons, cake bites and other sweet foods.”

Use your imagination and dream up your favorite charcuterie board for your next gathering. Nothing brings people together like sharing food and enjoying each other’s company.

Airstream Row’s classic grilled cheese spot celebrates 15 years

By Margaret Abrams 

Over the years, The Meltdown On 30A has become one of the most famous Airstreams on the block, as people line up for innovative takes on grilled cheese and old favorites. The Seaside sandwich trailer is celebrating its 15th anniversary this fall. It has been there since Airstream Row first started serving up a mix of traditional and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, alongside soups and chips for the perfect pairing. 

Called the “best flip-flop cuisine on 30A,” the Meltdown certainly lives up to its name. Whether you’re craving an elevated grilled cheese with a truffle twist, or you want to keep it simple with a classic American cheese, there’s truly something for everyone. Best of all, there’s really no better beach snack, which is why it has been a favorite for so many years. Visitors often grab a favorite book from Sundog Books, along with their go-to sandwich, and head down to the water for an impromptu picnic. Plus, it’s open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., guaranteeing it’s the ultimate lunch or late-night snack. 

And it’s not only about the sandwiches. Spend time in the area and you’re more than likely to spot someone wearing a T-shirt proudly proclaiming “I had a meltdown on 30A,” thanks to the iconic merch. 

A new Airstream is popping up unique flavors of a favorite snack

By Margaret Abrams

Airstream Row seems to offer everything a vacationer could dream of, from hot dogs to crepes. But now, there’s a new kid on the block, and it’s serving up the popcorn of your wildest dreams. Hunter Davis, the Panhandle native behind personal chef service The Dish and the Spoon, and owner of Odd Pelican Beer, introduces another innovative venture. Hunter, who’s father Larry Davis works with Seaside Group Sales and Cottage Rental Agency (and happens to be town founder Robert Davis’ half-brother, guaranteeing it’s a family business), grew up in the area and is constantly thinking of fresh, fun ways to upgrade the 30A food scene. 

The latest is Seaside Pop, serving up a wild variety of gourmet popcorn flavors. The idea was masterminded by General Manager of Seaside Community Development Corp. Kevin Boyle, who was inspired by his love of popcorn and his frequent visits to Walt Disney World. 

“We have been making popcorn at our house for years and eventually began making our own seasonings,” Hunter, a dad of two who lives in Santa Rosa Beach, told The Seaside Times. Hunter’s Airstream trailer offers hot, fresh popcorn along with a wide variety of homemade seasonings, including dill pickle, ranch, cajun, white cheddar, parmesan and thyme, as well as kettle corn for those who like their popcorn a little sweet. The trailer, which is the same style as the Amavida Donut trailer, will also offer Mexican Coke, Sprite and Fanta in glass bottles, as well as Topo Chico and bottled water.

Eventually the Airstream will offer collectible Seaside Pop! Seasonings to take home so everyone can appreciate the funky flavors anytime. They will also offer collectible branded popcorn buckets for movie nights on the Seaside Amphitheater lawn. Guests can choose between regular and large popcorn, and butter is optional. And for just one dollar more, you can upgrade the regular popcorn with the seasonings.

After seven years of serving their famous dumplings and other street fare, Whitley Dykes and Kunyu Li (Desiree), the duo behind Auburn’s beloved The Irritable Bao, open ‘drome in Seaside. Bringing bold, handcrafted dumplings, bao, and street eats, ‘drome is 30A’s first taste of authentic Northeast Chinese flavors with a modern twist.

Working for months constructing their building, Whitley and Kunyu have just completed the kitchen and eating area. All the while they have perfected their menu, which includes the dumplings and menu specials that made the Irritable Bao a local phenomenon, as well as dishes exclusive to Seaside. A full bar and boba tea round out the menu.

Their culinary journey began in Auburn in 2017, where Dumps Like a Truck became a local favorite street food stop, winning over foodies with its Northeast Chinese flavors and heartfelt mission. Inspired by Kunyu’s heritage and Whitley’s years living in China, their food was more than a meal. It was a love letter to the Auburn community, especially the international students who found comfort and nostalgia in every bite.

Their impact reaches beyond the kitchen. Through their nonprofit work with Empowering Young Warriors Asia, they’ve supported children in need in the Philippines and Cambodia and partnered with local organizations in Auburn to uplift families and single mothers.

Now, their next chapter unfolds in Seaside with ‘drome. With a nod to their Auburn roots and a passion for innovation, Whitley and Kunyu are set to bring elevated street food and their signature warmth to the Seaside and 30A community.