By Barbara Salter
I just discovered another special treasure in Flagler Beach: Grampa’s Uke Joint. This adorable little shop sits across the street from the ocean in Flagler Beach, just north of State Road 100. Don’t let the name fool you, though…it’s far more than just a ukelele shop! It’s an island adventure right here in Flagler Beach.
Whether you’re heading to the beach or just driving by, if you want a unique Flagler Beach experience that will stay in your head for a long time, then make it a point to stop by, check out the store and meet the owners Seajay and Sam Milner.
The Milners are warm, friendly and passionate about music. They’re popular musicians and frequently perform locally on the Sundance Cruises, at the Hammock Beach Resort, and at other venues as well as down in the Keys.
They’re also passionate about the carefree island lifestyle we enjoy here in Flagler County. It all comes together in Grampa’s Uke Joint. New and used ukeleles, guitars and related accessories take up about half the store and you’ll find everything an aspiring or serious musician could ask for—including strings, books, and lessons.
The other half of the shop is dedicated to all things beachy. “At least 70 percent of our customers are visitors to the area so we carry everything they might need for a day at the beach,” said Seajay, ”even oil for their cars!” She laughed and I thought she was joking until she showed me the motor oil on the shelf under the Autoharp and next to the sun tan oil. “You never know what you’ll need! We’re like one-stop shopping for beach goers.”
Oh yeah! They even carry bicycle tubes, power steering fluid, hand sanitizers, and deodorant so visitors won’t have to drive across the bridge to pick up these staples. That’s good to know but there are a lot more “fun” things at Grampa’s. They carry everything a family might need for a day at the beach including beach toys, hats, sunglasses, water, snacks and even books.
And if you’re looking for unique gifts (for yourself or others) to take back with you, there’s an excellent assortment of island-style clothing and decorations as well as some of the most unusual Flagler Beach souvenirs available. You can also pick up one-of-a-kind artwork by Seajay and other local artists as well as CD’s of Sam performing his original music. Everywhere you look, there’s something that will make you smile.
Grampa’s Uke Joint Is located at 819 North A1A in Flagler Beach. They’re open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon - 4 p.m. and there’s no charge for the smiles. You can call them at 386-338-0245 for more information.
Photos by Barbara Salter