The Blue Giraffe

The Blue Giraffe

by | Jun 1, 2018 | Blog, Local Spotlight

The Blue Giraffe is a local art gallery in WaterColor that is owned and managed by mother/daughter team, Christi Sheffield and Debbie Taylor. They have been a favorite art destination locally since 2010.

Christi, Debbie,

Thank you so much for doing this interview with me about yourselves and The Blue Giraffe. I remember when The Blue Giraffe was over in Blue Mountain and how awesome it was that there was an opportunity to move the gallery to WaterColor. It’s been such a great place for you and everyone in the community not only loves The Blue Giraffe, but also you and your family. I’m so glad you moved here and decided to do business here.

Can you give me a quick history about the Blue Giraffe and how you came to be a part of it?

Christi & Debbie: We crossed paths with the original shop owner who offered us this amazing opportunity. We’ve always felt God’s hand in all of this and we would love for everyone to read our story on the website.

Barefoot Vacations: What is your favorite thing about the Blue Giraffe and what do you enjoy most about your work here?

Christi: Promoting the arts in our community and playing a role in our artists’ lives which allows them to make a living using their creativity.
Debbie: Helping my daughter behind the scenes in our fun gallery. I love being her business partner!

Barefoot Vacations: If someone is looking for local artwork or a gift, what is it that makes the Blue Giraffe a great choice here on 30a?

Christi: We offer a wide variety of styles and prices, as well as exclusivity with many of our artists which makes for a unique shopping experience.
Debbie: Our customers tell us how happy our gallery makes them feel. It’s not just the artwork or gifts we sell, it’s the uplifting energy and great service that keeps them coming back year after year.

Barefoot Vacations: What kind of advice would you give someone who is looking to buy artwork for the first time?

Christi: Don’t overthink it if the artwork speaks to you. Obviously, most people have a budget, but the deciding factor should be how the art makes you feel. Shop with a gallery like ours that will allow you to try artwork “on approval”, and will consult with you about how the artwork fits into your space and design.

Barefoot Vacations: I believe you offer some activities as well, which is great for a rainy day or sunburn recovery…. Can you tell me a little about that?

Christi: We offer classes for kids and adults, such as making art with recycled materials, painting lessons and do-it-yourself art kits.

Barefoot Vacations: For anyone visiting WaterColor or the 30A area, what do you recommend they do next after they have visited your gallery?

Debbie: We encourage everyone to check out all the great shops in WaterColor. Exploring the parks and trails that meander through the WaterColor community is a must.

Barefoot Vacations: Thank you so much again for doing this interview with me. We are blessed to have you here on 30A. I hope some new visitors will discover the Blue Giraffe this year and what a great place it is for local artwork and more.

Find The Blue Giraffe at:
1777 E. County Hwy 30A,
Watercolor, FL 32459

Phone: 850.231.5112
www.bluegiraffe30a.com

 

La Loba’s Bakery and Cafe

La Loba’s Bakery and Cafe

by | Mar 9, 2018 | Blog, Local Spotlight

La Loba’s is a local organic, gluten free bakery and cafe in Blue Mountain Beach. They make incredible desserts, breakfast and lunch. La Loba’s has been a local favorite since 1994 and is the only organic bakery on 30A. The rumor is they have the most amazing cinnamon rolls you will ever taste!

Geni,

Thank you so much for doing this interview with me about yourselves and La Loba’s Bakery. La Loba’s is my favorite spot for lunch on 30A. I think about your mouth watering burritos every day at about 11:30. The aromas from your bakery will probably make anyone riding their bike down 30A do a double take!

Barefoot Vacations: Can you give me a quick history about La Loba’s and how you came to be a part of it?

Geni: La Loba’s was started as a bread bakery by Gwynn Baker in 1994. She established the current location in 2008 and we purchased it from her in August of 2015.

Barefoot Vacations: What is your favorite thing about the La Loba’s and what do you enjoy most about your work here?

Geni: The answer to both is the same……I love providing delicious fresh clean food to people and the resulting compliments are icing on the cake.

Barefoot Vacations: If someone is looking for a healthy lunch option or dessert, what is it that makes the La Loba’s a great choice here on 30a?

Geni: 1. We use fresh organic ingredients to prepare our lunch offerings as well as our dessert items which makes them healthy AND delicious
2. Lunch wraps and salads are made to order……not prepared in advance to sit around and get soggy or dry out
3. You can call ahead to order and it will be ready when you arrive to pick it up……casual and quick….just right for busy vacationers who are looking for more time at the beach vs getting dressed to go to a restaurant to have a good lunch. Of course we do have a deck with tables for people to enjoy as well.

Barefoot Vacations: What kind of advice would you give someone who is looking to eat healthier while on vacation here?

Geni: Come to La Loba’s!!!! We can feed you something delicious, clean and different for breakfast and lunch everyday you are on 30A!

Barefoot Vacations: I believe you offer some custom baking as well, which is great for special events and birthdays. Can you tell me a little about that?

Geni: We take custom orders everyday for birthday cakes, wedding cakes, graduation cakes, anniversary cakes……..each cake is prepared with organic conventional or gluten-free ingredients and desiged to highlight the celebrant and the occasion. We prefer to decorate using organic fresh fruits and edible flowers but can also do fondant accents when desired.

Barefoot Vacations: For anyone visiting Blue Mountain or the 30A area, what do you recommend they do next after they have visited your cafe?

Geni: Rent a bike at Big Daddy’s and work it off or take a nap on the beach…..access is right down the block!

Barefoot Vacations: Geni, thank you so much again for doing this interview with me. 30A is blessed to have you here. Thank you for making such amazing healthy and fun foods!! Now I need one of those famous cinnamon rolls!

Find La Loba’s at:
2217 West County Highway 30A, Suite E.
Santa Rosa Beach, FL

(850) 267-0400
www.lalobasbakery.com

OPEN MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY
7AM – 3PM
Located just west of Seaside, Watercolor and Grayton Beach on 30A. Near intersection of Rt 83. Next to For The Health of It and Big Daddy’s Bike Shop.