A long time ago I was asked if I would be interested in hosting a food tour with a notorious food guide from New Orleans that had a second home in South Walton. Since I write about food, live in the area, have a food blog, and tell everyone where to eat anyway, it would seem like a natural fit, right?
Well, not exactly. At the time had had two kids in high school, a demanding pug that I adored, a job, and a husband who split his time with us, his family, and seeing his patients in Pensacola. Life was chaotic, and still is!
There were a couple of attempts by others along the way, one which I did help out with, but they just did’t really take off until now.
I’m happy to join forces in promoting A Little Taste of the Emerald Coast. Anytime we can support our area chefs, restaurants, and the people that work in them, it’s a win-win.
A Little Taste of the Emerald Coast gives patrons a new way to experience South Walton’s vibrant culinary scene. Founded by Abbe Little, she offers two guided food tours; one that travels through Miramar Beach and another that highlights the western end of Hwy 30A. Guests also have the option to customize a private tour that best suits their needs which may include stops at locations that aren’t on the public tour.
“My mission is to complement each guest’s happiness while making their taste-buds happy too,” Little said.
Each tour is designed to showcase the incredible culinary scene available along the Emerald Coast while also providing guests with information on the rich cultural history of the area. Karaoke and other optional amenities are also available on the shuttle bus to enhance the patron experience, something that has never been offered before in South Walton before.
“I began visiting the Emerald Coast area 20 years ago with a very dear friend who recently passed after a courageous journey with breast cancer. She’s my inspiration for this venture while my sister is the catalyst for the idea,” Little said. “We would have what we called our ‘progressive 30A day’ and stop at various restaurants within the different beach communities for a tasting. It later evolved into something my husband and I enjoyed doing on date night. After working for a Fortune 500 company for 18 years, I decided to change my career path to fit the lifestyle I wanted. Through my passion for this area, its culinary scene, and meeting new people, A Little Taste of the Emerald Coast was born.”
The Hwy 30A west tour includes stops at The Perfect Pig, Local Catch, Grayton Beer Brewpub, and Trebeaché. The Miramar Beach tour includes stops at Mezcal, Acme Oyster House, Ocean Club, Christiano’s, and Vin’tij Food & Wine at Grand Boulevard.
All tours are held in partnership with Sunshine Shuttle with owner Abbe Little as your guide. Tours are approximately four hours in length, must have a collective minimum of six guests and can accommodate parties as large as 15. Tickets are $109 per person and include all transportation, guided experiences, and tastings at each restaurant location. Guests are welcome to bring their own cooler on the bus with their favorite beverage and cups will be provided. For more information on A Little Taste of the Emerald Coast, please visit emeraldcoastfoodtours.com.
