A Week In Florida’s Gulf Coast

The Jewel of the Emerald Coastline

WORDS ABBY L. JOHNSON

Florida’s panhandle is a charming backdrop for a laid-back, coastal getaway. Twenty-six miles of white sandy beaches sparkle in the brilliant sunlight, begging visitors to sink their toes into the shore and melt into the easy rhythm of beach life.

Day One

From February to September, beach bums can fly directly from Austin to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport via American Airlines. The sleepy area is perfect for a relaxed, unpretentious getaway. In Santa Rosa Beach, check into The Lodge 30A, a boutique hotel in the heart of the Seagrove Beach Community. Take a dip in the pool or head up to one of their spacious rooms, equipped with a kitchenette, for a quick nap and snack to unwind from the day of travel.

Once refreshed, venture out for a relaxing dinner at Old Florida Fish House, just minutes down the road. This quintessentially beachy restaurant is charming in its abili- ty to walk the line between kitschy vacation vibes and fine seafood dining. Sit outside and enjoy a specialty cocktail, live music, and a view of Eastern Lake shimmering under the setting sun. For mezcal lovers, Smoke on the Lake is a must-try. The expansive dinner menu includes offerings from the sushi bar, oyster bar, and main kitchen, which serves fresh Gulf-to-table dishes. With bellies full, head to the nearby Eastern Lake Beach for a midnight stroll along the water of this rare coastal dune lake.

Day Two

Wake with the sun, and get ready to dive into the history of Walton with a short trip north to storied DeFuniak Springs. But first, fuel up for the day at Black Bear Bread Co., a neighborhood bakery founded in 2016 with the noble mission of building community through fresh bread and pastries. Indulge in a perfectly sticky warm cinnamon roll or a hearty bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit, and enjoy a chat with friendly locals. After carb-loading, take a 40-minute drive to the historic county seat. Burn some of those carbs and stretch your legs by walking around the edge of Lake DeFuniak, one of the two almost perfectly round circular spring-fed lakes in the world. Next, enjoy learning about the Florida Chautauqua Assembly and other local lore at Walton County Heritage Museum. Afterwards, wander through Walton-DeFuniak Public Library. The walls here are covered in interesting artifacts, hinting that this library is the oldest continuously operating library in the state. Ask the library staff nicely, and they may be willing to allow a peek at their prized signed first edition of To Kill a Mockingbird.

For those more interested in ghoulish tales than textbook history, a late lunch at Café Nola will satisfy supernatural cravings. Located inside the haunted Hotel DeFuniak, this elegant eatery lives up to its name and delivers bold Cajun flavors courtesy of the charismatic Chef Ernie. Start with fried green tomatoes and bloody marys to whet the appetite before diving into a po’boy or a sumptuous smoked duck breast. If there’s room, fluffy beignets and a rich, deep-fried bread pudding are the cherry on top of this perfect meal. Before leaving, take a quick stroll through the hotel lobby for a chance to spot some paranormal activity, then head back to home base for some R&R or spend some time at one of the 50 beach access points that line Walton County’s shore.

Day Three

Get ready to move and groove with the help of YOLO Boards & Bikes, just steps away from the lodge. Rent an eBike for the day, and speed down the bike trail to explore the area from an exhilarating vantage point. Cruise leisurely through town, making a point to stop at the local boutiques and family-owned businesses that make the community so special. After speeding on two wheels, it’s time for a beach break. Find the nearest tram pickup spot and catch the convenient local transportation to Grayton Beach. Laze about in the sun, enjoying the quiet murmurings of the ocean and sounds of coastal wildlife. After working up an appetite from the sun, The Red Bar, a bustling local lunch spot filled to the brim with memorabilia and knick-knacks on every surface possible. Enjoy a sangria and a hearty seafood gumbo while people-watching at this quirky, iconic restaurant.

Next up, head to Distillery 98 to keep the party going with locally made vodka. This small producer is one of only 40 micro-distilleries in Florida and boasts some truly unique methods. They embrace the local landscape by sourcing only local corn and using oyster shells in their filtration process. Grab an espresso martini, and head up to the balcony on the second floor to sip in the salty air.

One of the major perks of staying at The Lodge 30A is access to the Watersound Beach Club. This is an exclusive opportunity to indulge in private resort experiences without paying membership fees. Spend some time on the private beach or in one of the two private pools before dinner at 30º86º. Gaze out over the clear blue waters while enjoying coastal classics and dreaming of next summer’s visit to the Emerald Coast.

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