30A Charms Visitors and Locals Alike

By Anthony M.J. Maranise, CMC

Each year around this time, I am blessed to be able to return to 30A and retreat at my home in Blue Mountain Beach. The whole year through, I am taunted by the now infamous blue 30A stickers on vehicles all around and the glow of this very app on my iPhone.

Days ago, before returning to my “home away from home,” I sat in my university library attempting to complete some new research and began daydreaming: “Everyone that visits 30A always speaks about how beautiful the beaches are, how lovely the weather is; even how glamorous the shops and restaurants are, but are those who live and work here just as intrigued also?” Obviously, there is something special about this area so to find out just what that is (beyond those externals that we all know and love) and instead of simply thinking about it, I decided to speak with those who would know best: 30A’s own.

Speaking with several 30A locals over the past few days has led me to a single conclusion. What truly makes this region as special as it is has not come from the tourism nor has it come from any one specific quality such as any named above. Rather, it comes from the human element, indeed, those who call this place their home. Here’s what locals are saying about 30A – and about that which forever will make this what I call a “mystical place,” one that ever-refreshes and ever-renews:

Fernanda Lee is a server and bartender at Seaside’s ever-tasty, Great Southern Cafe. She is from Ecuador and has called 30A home for more than 7 years. She explains that the key to understanding the uniqueness of 30A is in understanding the uniqueness and diversity of its people – each with their own story to tell.

“This place has a charm about it—something I can’t quite put my finger on,” said Lee. “But you get to meet people from all over here and their stories are just fascinating.”

While YOLO boarding some days ago, I met Derek Garcia at WaterColor’s YOLO Board Boathouse. He also finds that 30A is so special because of another human element: hospitality. He said, “You won’t find locals here who act like ‘turf-tyrants,’ or people who want to hoard the natural surroundings or communities to themselves. We are always willing to share our resources with an open hand. That warmth contributes to the charm of this region. It’s a breath of fresh air for a troubled world; truly therapeutic.” Garcia has lived here for 8 years.

Anyone with a creative streak (and I believe we all have one of those in us in one way or another) can tell you that their work could not be without a source of “inspiration.” For Allison Craft of Allison Craft Designs in Grayton Beach, the “inspiration” that gives life to her work is her home and its people.

“There is an undercurrent of community that supports each other’s goals in living here,” said Craft. “Our variety of beaches and communities each have their own personality. Grayton is casual, eclectic, and creative; Seagrove has sustained its natural beauty. These are just to name a few.”

Craft has called Grayton Beach her home for more than 10 years. Her business is also there. (On a side note, I had the chance to purchase one of her beautiful 30A pendants which includes a black pearl. You, too, can own one by visiting 30Agear.com.)

Finally, I’ve heard some say, “I’d never want to live at the beach because like living anywhere else, it would get boring after a while.”

Respectfully, I disagree. Apparently, so does Melanie Hanks of Seaside’s La Vie Est Belle. Hanks has lived along 30A for 2 years.

“I feel that there’s almost an ‘energy source’ here,” said Hanks. “People have come to 30A once and remarked that they suddenly—just felt positively better! I’ve been asked if it ever gets boring living here and I always say, ‘What’s to get tired of? I love it here!”

And so, there you have it – visitors and locals agree – there’s something special to see… Here on 30A.