Editor's Note: What’s in a name? Well, for The Big Chill, earlier known as the Hub, located in Seagrove on the west end of beautiful 30A, its name says it all.
Hub | həb |
noun
1. the central part of a wheel, rotating on or with the axle, and from which the spokes radiate.
2. the effective center of an activity, region, or network
Yes, the Hub is your one-stop-shop, a bright and happening nucleus of all the live-music-playing, cocktail-sipping, sports-watching, delicious-food-eating entertainment your heart could desire. It dubs itself “Highway 30A’s #1 Choice for Family Fun,” and for a good reason. The best part is? There’s a little something for everyone. (And we’re not just talking about its plentiful food options.)
Let’s take a look around, shall we?
Since 2014, this festive (and pet-friendly!) gathering place has come into its own, transforming into an extensive indoor and outdoor space, complete with a covered patio, indoor eatery, outdoor bar, and stage, with retail spaces and world-class restaurants all within steps of one another.
Whether it’s getting up and moving at SoWal Pilates, bike rentals from Salt Air, or some good ol’ pampering at Polished or Maria Heckscher Salon, there’s no wrong way to start your day here. Hitting the beach? Head over to Live Well 30A for your beach chair needs or Frankie’s Bike Shop for more biking fun.
Now, where to begin. Home and decor needs? Check out 13 Hub Lane and Fiddle Haus, which also features women’s athleisure wear. For clothing and gifts to everything in between, stop in Oko (or Oko Kids), Yellow Fly Trading Co, 30A General Store, Sunset Shoes, Lens Bar, or Mermaids of 30A. And be sure to spend time at newcomer Mary Ellen DiMauro for some one-of-a-kind, handmade, artisan designs made right in house, plus local jewelry and accessories equally beautiful. Continue treating yourself at Lily Chartier Pearls, Little Barn Apothecary for luxurious (and vegan!) skincare products, as well as galleries Adaro Art and A.Wickey Gallery.
Plus, be on the lookout for more retail spaces opening in late Spring!
For those of you who can’t shop until you drop – looking at you gentlemen – wait for the gang in style at Shore Thing Cigar Bar.
And now, for the main event…
The food options are plentiful. And in case you can’t decide on just one, we suggest divide-and-conquering on a few of your crew’s favorites. Family style is your best friend here.
For all your burger, fries, and American fare needs, hit up Mile Marker Fifteen. And be on the lookout for their $10 lunch specials throughout the week.
Since this is the South (and the South knows how to barbeque), head over to Local Smoke for some “fall-off-the-bone, triple-napkin goodness” made extra special with locally farmed and naturally raised beef, pork, and poultry from their Southern Pride smoker.
Neighboring that is Chef Steve’s latest venture, a pizza joint called Sauce It, expected for a March 1 opening. WIth the help of their 50-year-old brick oven (and the smoker out back, of course), you can choose from one of their house specials or opt to build your own with a choice of four different crusts (New York style, Thick & Buttered, Thinner & Crispy, and a gluten-free/keto-friendly option) as well as a variety of sauce selections and toppings.
Continue down the path and you’ll reach Macho Taco, Mexican-inspired soul food with everything from Frito Pie, Street Tacos, its self-named (and for good reason) Macho Burrito, and two of our personal favorites, the Avocado Bowl and Fried Lobster Bites. (All about balance, right?)
If seafood is your jam (let’s face it, we’re on the Gulf, so it most definitely should be), swing over to Buddy’s Seafood truck specializing in fresh local seafood and certified Wild American Gulf-caught shrimp steamed right there in front of you. Another pro tip: their Chocolate Lush and Banana Pudding is to die for.
Speaking of dessert, the possibilities are endless there too (go figure, right?), with Mr. Freeze ice cream, shakes, and candy, New Orleans Style “Snow Balls” from Jack & Diane’s, as well as fresh pineapples, smoothies and more from Pineapple at the Hub.
As if we could forget to mention. Yup, even the bar is just steps away from all the action. Venture to The Hub Bar or the Mile Marker Fifteen Bar (MM15 Bar), where you’ll find wine, classic Hub cocktails, and buckets of beer (perfect for game days paired with the Hub’s 25’ LED Jumbotron).
From clinking beers in your team colors, laughing over Paint n’ Sip classes and at Movie Nights with the family to dancing the night away under the stars, the possibilities are far from few at the Hub with plenty of ways to keep the fun lasting all night. Or, you know, until the kids’ bedtimes.
