WALTON FAMILY FUN

Beyond

THEBeach

Morrison Springs County Park

Ponce de Leon, Florida

Whether you seek to get closer to nature, explore the underwater depths or enjoy one of the area’s top attractions or festivals, some of the most unique experiences await you in South Walton.

Parks and natural wonders abound in the area if you’re seeking the great outdoors. Diving and kayaking are popular pastimes on the water, but under the surface lies a different treasure trove. Grab a snorkel and investigate all the sea life living just off shore. For those seeking deeper immersion, the Underwater Museum of Art, the first underwater permanent sculpture exhibit in the U.S., has a bevy of sculptures and sea life for you to discover.

In need of a little culture? The area also boasts an array of entertainment options, including concerts, art festivals and other live events sure to delight. Shopping is also at the top of everyone’s wish list, with big brand names and custom boutiques sure to catch anyone’s eye.

Off the beach, off shore or off the beaten path, the Emerald Coast has a variety of activities just waiting to be experienced and discovered.

The annual 30A Songwriters Festival features a variety of music in a variety of music houses and venues around the region.

OUT AND ABOUT Explore the Wonders of Walton BY HANNAH BURKE

While the resort presents a trove of ways to relax and enjoy yourself, we also encourage you to get out and discover the sites that make Walton County so special. Whether you’re looking to explore the natural environment or indulge in a little retail therapy, here are some of our must-visit attractions.

EXPLORE

ARTIFICIAL REEFS

In 2015, eco tourists and locals alike went crazy for the new artificial reef that debuted in Grayton Beach. This manmade structure was coined Turtle Reef, as it is shaped like a sea turtle when viewed from above. As of late last summer, three other reefs taking the forms of a dolphin, a sea horse and a cobia had made their homes in the waters off Scenic Highway 30A. Like natural reefs, these habitats attracted the attention of sundry marine creatures that now live and flourish in the newfound shelters. Families are invited to snorkel and observe a colorful array of fish, marine plants and rare sea turtles as they weave through the towers of the reef. Conduct an underwater photo safari to capture the brilliance of the environment, skin-dive or stay at the surface and fish from a kayak.

SWARAreefs.org

BIOPHILIA CENTER

Though the emerald-green waters of our beaches may get the most attention, visitors should know that Walton County is a natural wonderland upland, too. Fascinate your family with a visit to the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, nestled in an enchanting longleaf pine forest in Freeport, just a short drive from the resort. The center, named for the world-renowned biologist, explores the region’s rich biodiversity by way of trails, expert staff, interactive exhibits and displays. The Biophilia Center hosts events for the benefit of conservation efforts that are open to the public upon registration. Check the center’s website for public hours and get ready to embark on an enriching adventure.

EOWilsonCenter.org

EDEN GARDENS

When you meander in Eden Gardens State Park, you travel back in time. The first thing you see is an alabaster mansion known as the Wesley House. Dating to 1897, the plantation-style house is now inhabited by antiques and vintage furnishings that provide snapshots of a bygone age. Take a guided tour or feel free to roam the grounds. Weeping willows and oaks overhang impressive, green acreage ideal for picturesque picnics on the grounds or under the pavilions and for outdoor recreation. At one end of the property is Tucker Bayou, where anglers can spend the day casting from the docks. The gardens present a vibrant collection of flowers and shrubbery yearround. Hiking trails lead visitors into the natural areas beyond the ornamental

gardens. FloridaStateParks.org/parks-andtrails/eden-gardens-state-park

MORRISON SPRINGS

Morrison Springs County Park in Ponce de Leon encompasses 161 acres of preserved woodland. Trekking along in the shade of cypress and oak trees, you wind up at one of the area’s most striking natural springs. Submerged in the crystal-blue waters of the spring, which is about 250 feet in diameter, are several underwater cave systems, cementing its status as one of Florida’s finest dive sites. If your family doesn’t want to take that deep plunge, shallower depths serve ideally for swimming and kayaking. Snorkelers have the opportunity to encounter various species of bass, sunfish and carp, as well as underwater flora that thrive in this hidden paradise. Picnic areas, docks, trails and observatories supply all the necessary amenities

for a perfect day. FloridaSprings.org and FloridaHikes.com/springs

TOPSAIL HILL PRESERVE

A local favorite destination, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has it all. Its 3.2 miles of beach, tall sand dunes and rare coastal dune lakes furnish endless activities to suit your family’s taste. Take a guided hike or navigate yourself through beachside byways, wetlands and pine forests that are optimal for spotting birds wading and on the wing. Select trails are sites for caches if you’re a family of geocachers, so come prepared for an exhilarating treasure hunt. If walking’s not your style, bike

OUR MEMORIES

• I was one of the contestants that won a contract to create an underwater sculpture for the Underwater Museum of Art, sponsored by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, and my piece was sponsored by Hilton Sandestin Beach.

The basis was very futuristic and revolved around recreating a reef out of man-made objects. It is intended to bring awareness to the need to invest in our planet and to revive aquatic life. My sculpture — titled “Dawn Dancers” — is 10-feet tall and composed of concrete and shells from my personal collection. The piece features a male and female seahorse doing a romantic dance before the mating period at dawn. I hope it makes people happy, makes them smile. It’s a moment in time created into a threedimensional permanent piece to commemorate a little part of our existence and humanity.

Although I live in Denver and haven’t had the opportunity to personally meet the staff of Hilton Sandestin Beach, I am very appreciative of their sponsorship and support of the arts. I look forward to working with them in the future. I have much respect for Hilton Sandestin Beach for investing in artists and allowing the work of artists to be showcased publicly. Shohini Ghosh, Sculptor

Dawn Dancers at Underwater Museum of Art

along paved paths to Campbell Lake or catch a ride on the tram to the beach. There, you can sunbathe, search for shells, swim or rent kayaks to paddle for the day. While you’re free to cast your line there, three coastal dune lakes are supreme spots for freshwater fishing. The park has full amenities including picnic pavilions, shower stations and conveniently located

restrooms. FloridaStateParks.org/Park/ Topsail-Hill

UNDERWATER MUSEUM OF ART

Bringing together two of Florida’s most beloved attractions — the arts and the Gulf of Mexico — the UMA is the first underwater permanent sculpture exhibit in the U.S. The UMA is the first presentation of the Cultural Arts Alliance’s Art In Public Spaces Program and supports South Walton Artificial Reef Association’s mission of creating marine habitats and expanding fishery populations. The UMA is located in approximately 60 feet of water and at a distance of .7 miles from shore. Visitors traveling by car can access the museum via Grayton Beach State Park. Emerald Coast Scuba in Destin can schedule private charters. UMAFL.org

CREATE

THE SHARD SHOP

There are plenty of souvenirs available for purchase, but why not create something of your own to take home? Create something beautiful to commemorate your trip at the Shard Shop, a one-of-a-kind studio that supplies guests with all the supplies necessary to make gorgeous works of glass. Here’s how it works: Each member of your family is given a blank canvas upon arrival. Draw out your design, and then fill it using pieces from an enormous collection of glass, shells and other objects that sparkle or shimmer. Experienced teachers guide each participant and provide a safe method of creating standout art. Whether you create a beach scene or outline your favorite quote, your finished piece will be durable and will shine in your home. This is made possible by professionals who reinforce your design with resin overnight, preparing your finished piece for departure by the next day — almost as great as though 2014 South Walton Artist of the Year Mary Hong helped you make it herself! The shop has locations in Destin, Grayton Beach and seasonally at The Village of Baytowne Wharf (March–December).

CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE OF SOUTH WALTON

ShardShop.com

EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY

The Emerald Coast Theatre Company brings professional theater to Grand Boulevard. A nonprofit theater company founded in 2012, the professional theatre’s efforts are focused on thoughtful productions, theatre for young audiences, festivals and collaborations. Each season brings unique cultural experiences for theater lovers on the Emerald Coast. Educational outreach includes afterschool and homeschooling programs, touring and stages productions, summer camps, workshops and classes.

EmeraldCoastTheatre.org

THE BLUE GIRAFFE

The Blue Giraffe studio and gallery is a charming establishment that captures the beauty of its location on 30A on canvas. Owned by the motherdaughter duo of Debbie Taylor and Christi Sheffield, you can feel the love emanating from the art that adorns the space’s walls. Memorabilia from local artists is available for purchase, but your family members may choose to spend the day crafting their own pieces. The Blue Giraffe knows art takes many forms, and that’s why they offer classes that specialize in multiple areas of creativity. Choose from three different paint classes, create silk scarves or even make the old into new as you create sculptures with upcycled items. Art also takes the form of the written word, so expand your imagination as you participate in creative writing and journaling classes with experienced authors. If you’re looking for a good read to take with you to the beach, stop by the shop’s nook of books for a curated collection of bestsellers, children’s tales and cookbooks featuring local cuisine.

BlueGiraffe30a.com

CAA

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) promotes the arts in our area. Founded in 1989, the CAA has nurtured cultural pursuits in our community by bringing in festivals, children’s educational programs and countless instances of funding for fine arts events. The headquarters of the CAA is the Bayou Arts Center, located in scenic Hogtown Bayou of Santa Rosa Beach, presenting more than 200 familyfriendly art classes. Learn to paint with the beach-themed hues of pastels, bold

acrylics and whimsical watercolors. If you’d like to try your hand at sculpting, ceramics and pottery classes are at your disposal. While the center exhibits its own art, you are highly encouraged to visit the galleries of its partners, such as the Foster Gallery in Sandestin. Depending on which time you’re visiting, you’ll want to check out the talents of CAA-sponsored events such as the 30A Songwriters Festival, Art Week and the

Flutterby Festival. CulturalArtsAlliance.com

SHOP

THE VILLAGE OF BAYTOWNE WHARF

At The Village of Baytowne Wharf, there’s a little something for everybody. The best part? This full-service marina and shopping destination is a 2-minute shuttle ride across the street from the resort. For some quality time with the family, an extensive selection of charter boats are available for light tackle fishing or scenic cruises across Choctawhatchee Bay. Athletic families may opt to rent WaveRunners or paddleboards for some wet ’n’ wild fun. After you’ve worked up an appetite, the Village serves up some of Walton County’s numerous award-winning restaurants, including The Marlin Grill, Another Broken Egg Café, Poppy’s Crazy Lobster and Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House. For children, the Village provides a spacious playground, zipline, rope course, trailside treehouse and Blast Arcade and Laser Maze. After you’ve spent time finding one-ofa-kind garments at exclusive boutiques, catch a concert at the Village’s center stage, or stop by The Village Door or Hammerhead’s on the dock for more live music and dancing.

GRAND BOULEVARD

Also conveniently located near the resort is Grand Boulevard, one of Sandestin’s premier entertainment venues. In addition to highend shops such as Tommy Bahama, Vineyard Vines, Anthropologie and Lilly Pulitzer, this outdoor center is home to delicious eateries of all styles. Cantina Laredo serves up authentic Mexican dishes and signature margaritas deemed the Best of the Emerald Coast. If you’re in the mood to see a rising star, there is also Emeril’s Coastal Italian, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s debut restaurant in Northwest Florida. Top it off with some homemade ice cream or fudge from Kilwin’s, and snag some gourmet candy, too! If your beach day gets rained out, Grand Boulevard is also the site of the Boulevard 10 Cinema. This luxurious movie theater provides dining options if you choose to see a movie in their Ovation Dining Room, as well as a colossal “Big-D” auditorium for the ultimate 3D viewing experience.

SILVER SANDS PREMIUM OUTLETS

Silver Sands is another shopping stop for the resort’s complimentary shuttle and the place to go for premium deals on designer goods. With renowned brands such as Coach, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike and Saks Fifth Avenue, it feels as if you’ve stepped into New York’s premier shopping district. That is, until you take in the palm trees and sea breeze as you wander through this al fresco center. Plenty of stores like Nautica, Sperry and Solstice Sunglasses keep the beach vibe alive and provide an ideal collection of gear for your vacation. Gap Kids, Oshkosh B’Gosh and the Disney Outlet supply fun fashion and toys for the little ones, and entertainment is endless at the outlet’s outdoor playground. Once you’re all shopped out, Carrabba’s, Ciao Bella Italian Bistro and Mrs. Fields Cookies are perfect pit stops where you can refuel.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf

SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT

OUR MEMORIES

• The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Hilton Sandestin Beach on hosting our annual galas, women’s symposium, Leadership Walton retreats and Power of Business lunches. For every event, the team at Hilton Sandestin Beach goes above and beyond.

We love hosting events at Hilton Sandestin Beach because their team is phenomenal at catering to our needs while also being kind. Their catering and events staff ensures the whole event process is running smoothly. We love being able to work with highly flexible, organized and easy-to-get-along-with team members that go out of their way to be accommodating.

Whether you are looking to throw a huge conference or just a ladies night out, Hilton Sandestin Beach is for you. You can expect a range of fabulous, clean venues, luxurious rooms with great views, and of course, Serenity by the sea Spa, which no trip is complete without visiting.

Gabrielle Kilgore,

Community and Special Events Manager, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce