Winter in Northwest Florida means trading in your snow shovel for a different kind of white backdrop: our sugar-white beaches, that is! With milder weather, fewer crowds and the festive spirit of the season, there’s even more reason to celebrate during the winter months – and plenty of ways to stay warm while you do.
Here are our top picks for warming up and cozying up to enjoy a winter wonderland in true 30A style!
A Beachside Bonfire
Guests of WaterColor Inn can reserve two hours of bonfire fun for up to 30 guests – complete with beach chairs, bottled water and all of the fixings for s’mores. The expertly set-up bonfire experience, which can be set up before or after sunset, takes place behind the WaterColor Beach Club and provides a laidback and fun way to cozy up with the beach during the cooler winter months. Outdoor game packages and food-and-beverage amenities can also be added for an additional fee.
A Hot Stone Massage
Experience a hot stone massage at Spa Pearl at The Pearl Hotel and melt your winter blues away. Within four private poolside treatment rooms, men and women enjoy facials, signature body treatments and massages that incorporate invigorating and therapeutic oceanic elements. Better yet? All spa bookings receive complimentary access to The Pearl Hotel’s heated adults-only pool – and we can’t quite picture a winter day more relaxing than that.
A Swim in the Pool
The winter months won’t keep us away from the water – the pool water, that is! And because all of our pools at WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel are heated, our guests can enjoy a leisurely swim year-round. Not to mention, WaterColor Inn now has a new 2,800-square-foot zero-entry family pool, complete with whirlpool bench and hydro jets. We think there’s nothing quite as invigorating like a warm winter dip!
A Walk on the Beach
Never underestimate the simple, heart-warming pleasure of taking a stroll on the beach. Throw on your favorite hoodie (we have a preference for this super cozy WaterColor Shop sweatshirt) and head Gulf-side to take in a picturesque winter sunset or bask in the stunning display of stars that light up our coastal sky.
A Walk on the Wild Side
Explore South Walton’s varied landscapes with a brisk hike or bike ride through Point Washington State Forest. Guests of The Lodge 30A can conveniently access the trailhead from the hotel, enjoy complimentary bikes on the forest trails or along the paved Timpoochee Trail, and take advantage of discounted pricing on rentals at nearby YOLO Board & Bike.
A Seafood Feast with a View
Winter months are still perfect for enjoying freshly caught seafood just footsteps away from the Gulf. And cooler weather doesn’t mean forgoing the view either! Take it in indoors at Fish Out of Water, where every seat is the best in the house and every dish boasts the Gulf’s most delicious seasonal flavors.
A Fresh Cup of Hot Coffee
Load up on some extra fuel at Scratch Biscuit Kitchen, where you’ll find plenty of coffee flowing, thanks to the restaurant’s daily selections of its own signature blend. Consider yourself a die-hard coffee enthusiast well beyond the winter months? Join Scratch’s “Mug Club” to receive your own Scratch “Mug Club”-branded mug and $1 unlimited coffee (cheers to that!).
A Tropics-Inspired Happy Hour
Retreat to the Havana Beach Lounge, an intimate tropical hideaway nestled within The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill, to enjoy a menu of small plates, pre-dinner cocktails or both. Bold, tropical prints and a lively Havana-inspired theme are surely to warm up your evening.
Let’s say it: holiday gift-planning can be stressful, especially when left to the last-minute. We’re here to make holiday shopping both seamless and special for you with this list of 30A essentials. Each is reflective of our 30A lifestyle and also meant to highlight one of our most favorite things: gathering with loved ones.
We have a feeling these are surely to delight everyone on your list. What other 30A gifts would you add to yours?
Destination-Inspired Goodies
Sure, you’ll find plenty of WaterColor-branded essentials at the WaterColor Store, complete with perfectly curated winter essentials like sweatshirts and hoodies a but you’ll also find a variety of holiday-themed goodies, too, including custom-painted ornaments and Christmas-themed WaterColor-branded tees. All this in addition to the store’s expertly curated selection of active wear, locally crafted jewelry and even the ideal drinkware for keeping your winter beverages warm.
Shopping for the little ones on your list? Head to WaterColor Kids at 6 WaterColor Blvd. The newly opened specialty children’s clothing outfitter features baby accessories, children’s clothing from brands like Pepita & Me, Miki Miette, Appaman and more, children’s jewelry by Carrie Rhea, fashion backpacks, toys and a wide selection of beach essentials and WaterColor-branded novelty items, of course! Nearby, at the WaterColor Package Store, you’ll find a small selection of specialty gift items, such as locally beloved “Theo the Stuffed Turtle,” proceeds from which go towards protect sea turtles in Northwest Florida.
Toasting Essentials
Stock up on unique liquors, fine wines and local craft beers at the WaterColor Package Store – perfect for gifting and toasting – at the WaterColor Package Store. The shop’s curated collection includes Fish Out of Water favorites like Duckhorn Decoy Flavored Seltzers, Grayton Beer Company Beers, Heathen Wines and Casa Dragones Joven Tequila, as well as WaterColor-inspired barware and specialty gifts. Looking to gift something really special? You’ll also find rare items like E.H. Taylor Rye, Eagle Rare and even Louis XIII de Remy Martin Cognac Grande Champagne.
Coffee for Life (Kind of)
Give the coffee enthusiast(s) in your life the gift that keeps on flowing with a year-long membership to Scratch Biscuit Kitchen’s “Mug Club.” In addition to major bragging rights, they’ll get their own personal Mug Club YETI, which gets them $1 unlimited coffee with every visit. For good measure, add in a Scratch gift card to complement their fresh cup of Joe with some house-made biscuits. Cheers to that!
Time Well Spent
There’s simply no better gift than that of experiences, and thanks to a variety of gift cards available through our St. Joe Collection, we’ve got everyone on your list covered! Gift the foodies in your life a special dinner at Havana Beach Bar & Grill or Fish Out of Water. Pamper the busy and tired mom with a coastal-inspired treatment at Spa Pearl. Give the ultimate beach experience with gift cards to WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel, WaterSound Inn and, our newest properties, The Lodge 30A and Camp Creek Inn (just remember to work yourself into the vacation, too!).
The Gift of the Outdoors
Send the outdoor lovers in your life on an adventure with gift cards from the BoatHouse Paddle Club at the WaterColor BoatHouse. Gift them a kayaking or standup paddleboard rental for the day or pick from an array of classes on the water, which include everything from a run-and-SUP workout to SUP yoga. They’ll be thrilled with the thoughtful gift and be one step closer to crushing those New Year’s resolutions.
Looking for a last-minute gift for the special dad, dads or dad figures in your life? If you’ve come to WaterColor Inn, you’ve come to the right place! That’s because 30A’s beloved family-friendly resort offers a variety of unique gift options that are sure to delight every type of dad – whether he’s stylish, adventurous, epicurious or a mix of all of the above.
Below, our roundup of the ultimate WaterColor-inspired gift guide for dad. All items are available at, you guessed it, WaterColor Inn. So, what are you waiting for? Get to crossing these off your list and start shopping!
Better yet? Take advantage of The WaterColor Store’s 20% OFF storewide sale taking place Father’s Day weekend, June 14-16, 2024!
Coastal-Inspired Fashion
Classic fashion never goes out of style, and South Walton’s iconic coastal style is as timeless as it gets. Give dad the best in elevated yet approachable beach-inspired fashion with a gift from The WaterColor Store. From matching father-son polos by Peter Millar to resort-casual shirts by Rhythm and a wide assortment of WaterColor-branded merchandise, including Yeti ramblers, you’ll find just the right gift for your very fashionable dad. Visit and shop The WaterColor Store online or in person at 20 Goldenrod Circle in the WaterColor Town Center.
Specialty Bar Items
Give dad the ultimate bar-away-from-the-bar experience! At the FOOW Package Store you’ll find an impressive, well-curated selection of rare bottles of Blanton’s, E.H. Taylor Straight Rye, Eagle Rare, Louis XIII de Remy Martin Grande Champagne Cognac and more (based on availability), as well as Heathen wines and Grayton Beer Co. beers. Specialty items, including FOOW- and WaterColor-inspired barware and one-of-a-kind t-shirts and hats are also available, making it easy to pull together a truly unique gift for every dad in your life.
Delicious Dining
Kick off your Father’s Day festivities at Fish Out of Water with Pancakes with Pops on Sunday, June 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and enjoy complimentary coffee, all-you-can-eat pancakes and quality time with dad.
Fun Adventures on the Water
Give dad the gift of adventure with an excursion on the water! The BoatHouse Paddle Club at the WaterColor BoatHouse offers canoe and kayak rentals, SUP lessons and even kayaking adventure tours around Western Lake. Which will you choose for dad? Give the knowledgeable team at BoatHouse Paddle Club a call at (850) 419-6188 to explore your options and book your experience, or visit them in person to browse their wide retail offerings, including activewear by some of dad’s favorite fitness brands. Gift cards are also available!
Relaxing Resort Experiences
Comfort, relaxation and private resort perks? We’ll answer for dad: “Yes, please!” Gift dad a future stay at WaterColor Inn, where he can enjoy the very best of South Walton all in one convenient spot. Whether he wants to lay by one of the pools at WaterColor Beach Club, soak up the sun on the hotel’s private stretch of beach, order room service or do a little bit of at all, he may need more than a one-night stay. And of course, the whole family is invited too! Make it a family affair by taking advantage of WaterColor Inn’s family-friendly room amenities, as well as access to Camp WaterColor – a favorite among kids and parents alike.
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To learn more about WaterColor Inn’s amenities to book your family’s next stay, visit the resort online.
We get it. When it comes to traveling with family and friends, figuring out where to eat can often turn into a feat of its own. Is there enough seating for all of you? Will both the kids and grandma be happy with the food? And what if you’re a group on the go? Well, we’ve got you covered – thanks to an array of delicious and group-friendly dining options along Scenic Highway 30A.
Below, a roundup of our favorites. We have a feeling they’ll soon become your group’s faves too!
Fish Out of Water
Settle into one of FOOW’s oversized booths and take in the 180-degree Gulf Views as you enjoy all-day dining with a locally sourced menu that showcases the very best of our Southern coast. From a variety of seafood platters and sandwiches to tacos, burgers and salads, everyone in your party is sure to find something that pleases their palate. The kiddos will be delighted by the delicious Kid’s Menu and adults will surely find something to toast with on the restaurant’s acclaimed beverage menu, including beers, wines, specialty cocktails and a full bar. For more information, visit Fish Out of Water online.
Havana Beach Rooftop
Looking for laidback rooftop vibe? The Pearl Hotel’s al-fresco restaurant, the Havana Beach Rooftop, provides an idyllic ambiance for sharing tasty tapas with family and friends with stunning views of the Gulf. Gather by one of the firepits or take your pick of the open seating areas and bar, and experience your own coastal dining oasis while savoring the distinct flavors of Havana Beach. For more information, visit Havana Beach Rooftop online.
Scratch Biscuit Kitchen
Treat yourselves to home-away-from-home experience with house-made breakfast or lunch at Scratch Biscuit Kitchen. Whether you treat yourself to one, three or a full dozen, personalize your biscuit with a variety of house-made jams, jellies and gravies, or choose from Scratch’s playful breakfast and lunch menu, available for dine-in, outdoors or to-go. For more information, visit Scratch Biscuit Kitchen online.
Online Ordering
For the ultimate crowd-pleasing convenience, consider ordering to-go from your favorite WaterColor restaurants online and enjoy some of Northwest Florida’s most delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus in your room, on the beach or by the pool. Fish Out of Water, Scratch Biscuit Kitchen and WaterColor Grill all offer curbside pickup.
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Please check respective restaurants’ websites for additional details.
The WaterColor® beach community has long been beloved for its resort amenities, unrivaled hospitality, luxury and service standards, and its fresh, sophisticated and modern lifestyle. Of course, there are also delectable dining experiences to be enjoyed at WaterColor’s Fish Out of Water®, Gather Kitchen + Bar and Scratch Biscuit Kitchen, just to name a few, and plentiful ways to toast to an unforgettable beach experience.
This summer, there are even more reasons to raise your glasses and celebrate in true WaterColor style, thanks to the resort’s own private label wines! That’s right – while South Walton’s sugar-white beaches may not be conducive to viniculture, the team searched the world over for more than two years to find wines that reflect WaterColor’s essence. The result? A selection of WaterColor wines exclusively crafted by Rutherford Wine Company, a family-owned Napa Valley winery that meticulously sources its grapes from California’s most diverse growing regions. Sophisticated yet easy sips, all WaterColor™ private label wines represent WaterColor in a bottle and are meant to pair exquisitely with the diverse flavors of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Each wine was carefully and thoughtfully considered by WaterColor’s award-winning culinary team to capture the balance among taste, quality and affordability.
TASTING NOTES
WaterColor™ Cabernet Sauvignon
- Deep ruby color with fruit and spice characteristics; aromas of blackberry, black cherry and caramel
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Tenderloin Medallions
WaterColor™ Chardonnay
- Bright golden color with aromas of fresh citrus peel and apple, with vanilla and cinnamon
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Gulf Grouper (Blackened or Grilled); Gather Kitchen + Bar’s Smoked Gulf Coast Fish Dip
WaterColor™ Merlot
- Ruby color with aromas of ripe strawberry, cranberry, vanilla and dark chocolate; luscious flavors of Bing cherry, blueberry, cranberry and gingerbread
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Cajun Shrimp & Andouille Kebab; Gather Kitchen + Bar’s B.L.T. with Truffle Fries
WaterColor™ Pinot Grigio
- Vibrant aromas of green apples and citrus; bright acidity and flavors of green apple, tutti-frutti and lime zest
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Catch of the Day or Low-Country Seafood Boil; Gather Kitchen + Bar’s Gulf Fish Sandwich
WaterColor™ Red Blend
- Aromas of blackberry, cherry, anise, French vanilla and dried herbs with berry flavors and a light, rich spiciness
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Spaghettini Puttanesca; Gather Kitchen + Bar’s Wagyu Burger
WaterColor™ Sauvignon Blanc
- Aromas of grapefruit, lime zest and lemongrass with flavors of pink grapefruit, green apple and line
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Gulf Oysters on the Half Shell or Grilled Sweet Tea Chicken Breast; Gather Kitchen + Bar’s Gulf Fish Ceviche
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WaterColor™ private label wines are available for purchase by the bottle ($35) or by the glass ($10) at all of WaterColor Inn’s restaurants, including Fish Out of Water, Gather Kitchen + Bar*, Scratch Biscuit Kitchen, The Canteen Restaurant & Bar at Camp WaterColor, and WaterColor Grill, Costa Chica and Beach Cow at the WaterColor Beach Club*. And be sure to stop by The Package Store to stock up on several bottles for gifting or for enjoying yourself (we won’t tell). Tastings are also available at any time; all you have to do is ask!Additionally, take advantage of half-priced bottles and/or $5 glasses during Happy Hour at Fish Out of Water (2-4 p.m. daily) and Gather Kitchen + Bar* (3-6 p.m.).
Sipping WaterColor™ private label wine this season? Raise your glass high; take a photo and tag us (#watercolorinn) so that we can toast with you. Cheers!
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*Gather Kitchen + Bar and WaterColor Beach Club are private amenities available only to WaterColor Inn guests and Watersound Club Lifestyle members.
Craving a delicious daytime delight? Look no further than Scratch Biscuit Kitchen in the WaterColor Town Center! Served up in true Southern style, Scratch’s beloved delicacies – including the restaurant’s signature fluffy and buttery square-shaped biscuits – are freshly prepared daily.
Whether you treat yourself to one, three or a full dozen, personalize your biscuit(s) with a variety of house-made jams, jellies and gravies. And, of course, as one would expect from a Southern scratch kitchen, the coffee is always flowing, with daily selections of Scratch’s own signature blend. In fact, die-hard coffee enthusiasts can join Scratch’s “Mug Club” to receive their own branded mug and unlimited $1 coffee!
Craving something a bit heartier? Take advantage of Scratch’s daily Lunchbox Special, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It includes the Special of the Day with your choice of side, dessert and beverage. How’s that for hospitable?
You may also choose from a variety of handhelds like the signature Chicken Biscuit or pick from one of the Southern Plates & Bowls, including a make-your-own Grub Bowl option and a delectable N’awlins Shrimp & Grits that’ll have you coming back for more. Those wanting to keep things on the lighter side will also find plenty to choose from on the Good for Ya! menu, which includes favorites like a Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast and a Granola & Yogurt Boat. There are plentiful homecooked-style sides, small bites and delectable sweet treats, too (the scrumptious French Toast Sticks are among guests’ favorites!).
And much like grandma’s kitchen, the name of the game at Scratch is comfort and convenience. Step right up to the counter! Whether you choose to dine in or place your order to-go at the restaurant’s convenient pickup window, you’ll experience family-friendly service. There’s also plentiful seating to accommodate parties of all sizes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty pre-beach breakfast, some by-the-beach snacks, a post-pool lunch, an afternoon sweet treat or your second coffee of the day, Scratch has all of your family’s cravings covered!
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Scratch Biscuit Kitchen is located in the WaterColor Town Center and is open 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily (closed on Tuesdays), featuring live music on Wednesdays during the summer months. Counter, indoor and outdoor seating is available; online ordering and carryout are also available (carryout window opens at 6:30 a.m.). For more information, visit scratchbk.com or call (850) 231-6550.
With an array of fresh, all-day resort dining options, WaterColor Inn has all of your cravings covered. With six restaurants conveniently located on-site, guests can take a bite off a menu of diverse culinary delights, from fresh seafood and Southern favorites to decadent breakfast items and light, coastal fare, that are sure to please every palate.
But we know that with so many delicious options, making a decision can be tough, which is why our own Chef Blaine Wilkinson, WaterColor Inn’s Director of Culinary, has rounded up the five dishes that can’t be missed during your WaterColor Inn visit – and let us tell you, narrowing these down was tough!
So, foodies, take note and plan accordingly! Have another standout WaterColor Inn dish to add to the must-try list? Let us know on Instagram by tagging #watercolorinn on your favorite bites. Bon appetit!
Fried Chicken Biscuit at Scratch Biscuit Kitchen
Fried chicken, honey butter, pickles, Thomasville Tomme cheese
Available for breakfast or lunch, Scratch’s buttery homestyle biscuit sandwich is made with golden fried herb- and buttermilk-marinated chicken breast (okay, you have our attention) and topped with melted Thomasville Tomme semisoft cheese from Sweet Grass Dairy, house-made pickles and honey butter. A Southern staple and a Scratch must-have, this sandwich is bound to get your day started right! scratchbk.com
WaterColor French Toast at Fish Out of Water
Mixed berries, bananas, warm maple syrup
Whether you opt for an early breakfast or for an indulgent brunch, Fish Out of Water’s thick-cut soft brioche French Toast is coated with Rice Crispy crumbs for a delightful crunch, then pan-fried and topped with a heaping blend of fresh berries, bananas, hot maple syrup and icing sugar. After all, you’re on vacation, right? Enjoy this quintessential breakfast item against the restaurant’s Gulf views and you’ve got yourself the best start to your morning on 30A. foow30a.com
Fried Banger Shrimp at Fish Out of Water
Sriracha Comeback Sauce, Grilled Lemon
A taste of the Gulf and freshly made for your enjoyment as lunch or dinner, Fish Out of Water’s playful spin on the area’s classic fried shrimp offering incorporates Cajun and Asian seasonings for added zest. Marinated in a Cajun buttermilk blend, house-breaded and crisply fried, then topped with tangy sriracha sauce and served with grilled lemon, this is shrimp with a bang and perfectly suitable for sharing (though you probably won’t want to). foow30a.com
Gulf Fish Sandwich at Fish Out of Water
Brioche bun, lemon herb aioli, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles
Another delicious classic sourced from the Gulf of Mexico’s bounty, this lunch or dinner option is made-to-order. Choose from grilled, fried or blackened locally caught fish, accompanied with house-made pickles, lemon aioli and fresh, locally sourced vegetables. Simple, fresh, tasty and ideal to enjoy with a view of the coast, you just can’t go wrong with this one! foow30a.com
Gather Bowl at Gather Kitchen + Bar
Steamed rice, Asian coleslaw, ginger soya broth, edamame and sriracha mayo
Delicious yet versatile, this hearty bowl has become a go-to staple at Gather Kitchen + Bar, located within WaterColor Inn. Served with your choice of Gulf shrimp, fish, chicken or veggies atop fragrant steamed Jasmine rice, this dish delivers on firecrackin’ yet refreshing flavors. *Gather Kitchen + Bar is a private amenity available only to WaterColor Inn hotel guests and Watersound Club Lifestyle members.
If you’re anything like us, somewhere between awake and asleep, you’re sure to be craving a little something sweet. Lucky for WaterColor Inn guests, the resort has all of your sweet tooth’s desires covered – from grab-and-go milkshakes to indulgent, gooey pies.
Below, a roundup of some guest favorites (not that you have to choose just one). Come on, you’re on vacation… dig in!
Biscuit Donuts and Chocolate Gravy | Scratch Biscuit Kitchen
These doughy deep-friend buttermilk donuts are dunked into a vanilla bean glaze and topped with fresh strawberry and chocolate gravy – yes, gravy, because chocolate sauce just isn’t enough. Find them at Scratch Biscuit Kitchen, open daily for dine-in or carryout (use the window for convenient grab-and-go service). Dessert Fun Fact: today’s biggest debate? Whether it’s donuts or doughnuts. You decide!
Keys to the South | Fish Out of Water
Longtime lovers of Fish Out of Water (FOOW) are already familiar with this knockout of a dessert. Not your traditional Key Lime Pie, this delicious treat packs on the graham cracker and toasted meringue and is topped with a scorched lime for added flavor. Craving the ultimate decadence? Order it via room service, anytime between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. We won’t tell. Dessert Fun Fact: A Floridian favorite, key lime pies are a uniquely American dessert. It’s the famous key lime juice that makes these pies so delicious.
Cookies and Cream Milkshake | Beach Cow
Available only at Beach Cow at the WaterColor Beach Club, this milkshake screams Oh-re-oh! For good measure, the Oreo-packed milkshake is topped with Oreo crumble, whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Delight in it poolside or walk it down to the beach for a refreshing sip under the sun. Dessert Fun Fact: A sweet treat with style? Your black-and-white milkshake matches Beach Cow’s aesthetic, so a shake-selfie by the counter is a must, don’t you think?
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Which sweet treats will you pick? Share your desserts with us on Instagram by tagging #watercolorinn.
To learn more about WaterColor Inn’s dining options or to book your family’s next stay, visit the resort online.
Don’t let Scratch Biscuit Kitchen’s name fool you. While WaterColor’s newest dining venue has already become the go-to for its fresh-baked tender, fluffy and buttery square-shaped biscuits, the restaurant also boasts a delicious variety of house-made specialties that will satisfy your cravings well beyond breakfast time – served up with Southern hospitality in a casual, family-friendly environment.
Scratch’s Not-So-Square lunch entrees include a variety of deliciously creative sandwiches on the restaurant’s signature sourdough bread, fresh-baked daily and served with your choice of a side salad or chips. Pair your sandwich with a shareable appetizer (pimento cheese or fried-green tomatoes, anyone?), or choose from a hefty menu of homecooked-style sides that include Southern favorites like country ham, bacon, Anson Mill grits and hash brown casserole.
Craving something a little sweeter? Scratch has you covered, with an assortment of house-made treats that include house-baked muffins, a “drunken” New Orleans-style bread pudding and biscuit doughnuts (seriously).
Those day-long coffee drinkers will also find plenty of it flowing, thanks to the restaurant’s daily selections of its own signature blend. Fellow coffee enthusiasts can join Scratch’s “Mug Club” to receive their own Scratch “Mug Club”-branded mug (learn more here).
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty pre-beach breakfast, a post-pool lunch, an afternoon sweet treat or your second coffee of the day, Scratch has you covered.
Scratch Biscuit Kitchen is located in the WaterColor Town Center and is open daily, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. (featuring live music on the weekends). Counter, indoor and outdoor seating is available; online ordering and curbside pickup are also available. For more information, visit www.scratchbk.com or call (850) 231-6550.