Marilue Maris on Soaking up the 30A Sun & Everything Under it

In this edition of 30A Q&A, we sat down with Marilue Maris to talk about what she loves most about the area she calls home!

Where do you go when you need some quality me-time?

As a lifelong local, the beach is a given, to swim, snorkel, paddle, but not to sit…and depending on the time of year, I love to cruise the river and bayous and swim in the springs.

What’s your favorite local event? 

Growing up in Fort Walton Beach, we had huge concerts on the beach at Wayside Park. One of my all-time favorites was Heart. I listened while floating on a raft in the Gulf.  I love outdoor music…of any type. Gregg Allman at Gulf Place was pretty darn good! I am excited about outdoor music venues again!

What’s your favorite way to spend time outdoors?

In my old Jeep driving through the state forest and along Grayton Beach. Getting to the beach early in the morning at Grayton and paddling out to the deep blue and then to the east, to the SWARA artificial reefs. Lots of exciting critters to see that time of the morning.

What’s something you’re looking forward to?

Backyard bonfires on the bay, family gatherings, big beach parties again…the best one in recent years was watching the eclipse at Grayton beach.

We do look forward to seeing all our grand gals again.

What local activity is underrated or underappreciated? 

For sure, any boating activity on the Choctawhatchee Bay. Sailing, cruising, paddling, canoeing, waterskiing, fishing…all are underappreciated and underutilized. We support the Choctawhatchee Bay Alliance.

What’s your favorite month on 30A? And why?

October is truly my favorite month on 30A. The Gulf is still warm, the air is lighter, the sunrises and sunsets…and OH MY…the moon rises and sunsets in October are stunning! Love to canoe the bayous and paddle the Gulf.

Three favorite local spots and why you love them.

Grayton Beach Nature Trail: one of the best in the world. Grayton Beach State Park has a one-mile trail located at the beach parking lot that takes visitors through the dune ecosystem, along the salt marsh, and circles back through the famous Western Lake pine flat woods. Walk quietly, listen and look up often.

Seagrove Village Market: I grew up in that old store….still have some jelly jars with Flintstones on them. They truly have the best fried shrimp po’boy around. Go early, order, and pay on your way out.

Draper Lake: I had a real estate office there before any homes were built. Riding around in a golf cart on both peninsulas and across the bridge is an experience I will never forget. The view from the boathouse is spectacular. This will always be a favorite spot even though now developed. I am proud to have been involved in Draper Lake.

Are you a 30A local? We’d love to hear from you! Email us a little bit about yourself and we might just feature you in our next 30A Q&A!