The Coffee Culture

The robust drink has become more than a morning beverage — it’s a medium for social connections along the Emerald Coast

For something that comes from a small bean, coffee is a powerful commodity. Throughout history, possibly as far back as the 15th century, coffee has been prized and consumed in many parts of the world. From its likely origins in Ethiopia, coffee spread to Asia, then to Europe before finally taking hold in the Americas [....]

Along the Emerald Coast, coffee — really good coffee — is widely available at some very special places that have become a pleasant part of the day for residents and an appealing draw for visitors [ . . . ]

Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse in Grayton Beach is decked out in 1950s Florida décor and ambience, and it’s all very family-oriented. The place has been open for 16 years and has a dedicated following [ . . . ]

[full article - online version]

the place to BE: Find yourself in a new state of mind at Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse

"Be present," commands the board in front of the Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse in Grayton Beach, Fla. I wasn’t sure what to think. I arrived after a five-hour drive from Tuscaloosa. That made me present, didn’t it?

"Not exactly," says owner Cheri Peeples after welcoming me with her trademark bear hug. "Being fully present is something you work on. It’s a mindful presence that’s different from just being there. It’s the Grayton way," she explained. Every morning, Peeples, or the employee who arrives first, writes the second half of the two-word message on the board facing the entrance to the Grayton Beach neighborhood and the Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse. It didn’t take long to get into the swing of the Grayton way. [ . . . ]

[full article - online version]

Top 10 at the Beach

In our special little beach area of Florida’s Emerald Coast, there are no big-box stores, dance clubs, and chain restaurants. Some people want that from their beach vacation, and tend to stay in the bigger towns of Destin and Panama City Beach. But for folks wanting something different, then south Walton County is the place for you. We ’re for the visitor who‘s never heard of Sally’s in Blue Mountain Be ach and has no clue that Sally’s has the absolute-best fried chicken they will ever eat, but after a tip from an insider like me, you’ll go home with that little gem tucked away for future vacations.

My list of 10 hidden gems follows (in no particular order), and I highly recommend all of the places on this list, along with encouragement to find your own secrets on the Emerald Coast. [ . . . ]

[ . . . ]My favorite hidden gem in South Walton is unknown to even many locals, but slowly they are discovering it. Hibiscus Coffee and Guest House[ . . . ]

[full article - online version]

sunrise sensations

Spinach and Feta Frittata
Cheri Peebles of Hibiscus Coffee and Guesthouse in Grayton Beach, Florida, had to run back to the kitchen and whip up this recipe to write down the amounts to share with Southern Breeze. She laughs as she admits, "I don't usually follow a recipe." She recommends serving the crustless quiche-like wedges to guests with a side of fruit salad topped with coconut [ . . . ]

[full article/recipe]