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Cultural Tours Abound through 14 Eclectic Villages
With an artistic community of home-grown talent and nationally acclaimed painters, sculptors and craftspeople, families can find their hidden treasure simply by walking through Beaches of South Walton's richly diverse neighborhoods.
Travel along scenic Highway 30-A, and stop at eclectic roadside shops while learning about the area's folklore, culture and history. Shopkeepers are the area's most vocal and accurate historians, and tell tales that enchant kids and adults alike..
When you hear the word "beach" you may think of summer. However, fall and winter are also popular seasons at Beaches of South Walton due to the many amenities this time of year offers.
Flutterby Children's Art Festival - October
Flutterby has become an area tradition over the years and is one of the few events that focus on children and the arts. With more than 100 arts and crafts artists booths, kids interactive art projects, local fire and police departments on hand to educate kids and do finger print I.D., local school art exhibit of children's works, petting zoo, moon walk and other kid's activities, this event is a true cultural experience for families. Profits from Flutterby go back to the community via established teacher grants, need-based children's mini-scholarships and college scholarships.
Florida Chautauqua Children's Musical Theatre - November
Florida Chautauqua Children's Theatre presents two productions each year. Productions are of the highest quality and attract audience members from surrounding counties and states. Cast members come from all areas of Walton County and range in age from five to 25. Children and parents are involved in all levels of production, participating and enjoying this cultural and artistic endeavor. Florida Chautauqua theatrical productions have earned
a high level of respect in the artistic community and productions are warmly embraced and eagerly anticipated events.
Village Holiday Kick-off - November
The Village Holiday Kick-Off Weekend will get anyone, old or young, ready for the December holidays. Everyone can get in the spirit and join a holiday celebration as Santa arrives at the village, taking his place under the 40-foot Christmas tree. Stroll down Fisherman's Cove and listen to live holiday music and strolling musicians.
South Walton Community Holiday Parade and "Turn on the Town" Ceremony - November
Kids, families, civic organizations and local businesses are all part of the South Walton Community Holiday Parade and "Turn on the Town" celebration. The parade route from Seagrove Beach to Seaside is lined with smiling faces, enjoying the sights and sounds, and candy is thrown from the decorated cars, bikes, and golf carts. The festivities continue in the Seaside Amphitheater with music, cookies, refreshments and the count down to "Turn on the Town," when all the holiday lights in the downtown area of Seaside are illuminated.
A Rich Heritage
Over 1,066 square miles of pristine landscape have been touched by the traditions and influence of early Native American, Spanish, French, and English cultures. Each of Walton County’s three municipalities, DeFuniak Springs, Paxton and Freeport continue to reflect these cultures today.
DeFuniak Springs was founded in 1880. At the heart of this historic town you can discover one of two almost perfectly round lakes in the world. Here, historic buildings await exploration and towering mossy oaks shadow antique treasures. A stroll down one of the many ancient streets allows visitors to admire delicately trimmed gingerbread homes and view the beautiful and unique structures that make this town so distinct.
Located near the north edge of the county, Paxton was home to the first sawmill in 1903. As the commerce around the mill increased, so did the community.
Today, Paxton continues to flourish and grow from its early farming roots and also claims host to the highest point in the state of Florida at 345 feet above sea level. This unique Florida plateau is now home to Lakewood County Park.
With the introduction of sawmills, logging, and turpentine processing, other areas in Walton County began to grown and prosper. The town of Freeport benefited greatly from these industries and soon became a renowned shipbuilding center along the gulf coast region. The town’s name is derived from its early roots as a shipping-port free from any type of imported good tax. Due to this, the shipping commerce would deliver or pick up goods tax free, making it a popular and successful port in the county.
Historically the growth and development of Walton County can be attributed to its largest industry at the time, farming. As time past by, other industries such as saw mills, pine gum harvesting and logging played a vital role in the growth of the area. Today, tourism contributes greatly to the county’s success. Spring breezes and blooming flowers welcome festivals showcasing the rich heritage and culture of the area and the summer months are filled with songs of evening concerts and theatrical performances. While Beaches of South Walton continues to remain a relaxing beachside escape, during the fall months a new spirit runs through the communities. Fall is a magical time that welcomes a cultural renaissance to the area through Autumn Tides, a unique series of events that celebrate the life of Walton County’s varied cultural, natural and historical resources.
Via Colori
Seaside
This unique art festival turns the u-shaped street around Seaside’s Amphitheater into an artist’s canvas of street paintings. Proceeds from the festival help support Seaside Neighborhood School. Artists will be onsite from 10 am- 4pm
MountainFilm on Tour
Seagrove Beach
Telluride MountainFilm on Tour returns to the big screen as a celebration of community, adventure, culture and environmental preservation. Bring your little ghosts and goblins for children’s festivities, including a Saturday evening event of ghoulish delights and trick or treating.
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