Exploration Awaits

From indoors to outdoors, Walton County beckons to wanderlusters

BY HANNAH BURKE

When it comes time to scout around beyond the resort grounds, Walton County offers a variety of culture, nature, shopping and annual and seasonal events that are sure to quench any visitor’s wanderlust. So broaden your horizons and blaze a trail to some of our favorite venues and festivals.

Explore Artificial Reefs

In 2015, eco-tourists and locals alike went crazy for the new artificial reef that debuted in Grayton Beach. This man-made structure was coined Turtle Reef, as it is shaped like a sea turtle when viewed from above. Since then, the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) has installed reef structures at 16 evenly distributed sites along the Walton County coast. Snorkelers and divers can find reefs taking the form of various ocean life to include a dolphin, a seahorse, a cobia and others. Like natural reefs, these habitats attracted the attention of sundry marine creatures that now live and flourish in the newfound shelters. At the SWARA snorkel reef sites, 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, skindive or stay at the surface and fish from a kayak. And diving to further depths can be explored at the SWARA fish and dive reef sites. 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, this 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 year round. Hiking trails lead visitors into the natural areas beyond the ornamental gardens.

FloridaStateParks.org/parks-and-trails/ 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.

FloridaHikes.com/morrison-springs-park

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 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 58 feet of water and at a distance of 0.93 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. New works are added yearly with a call out to artists of the area. Hilton Sandestin Beach has become a recurring sponsor for the museum’s sculptures, supporting previous works to include: Wave! by Benjamin Mefford (2019), Dawn Dancers by Shohini Ghosh (2020), and We All Live Here by Merisol Rendon (2022).

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-akind 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 fi ll 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 fi nished 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 fi nished piece for departure by the next day — almost as great as if 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).

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 theater’s efforts are focused on thoughtful productions, theater for young audiences, festivals and collaborations. Each season brings unique cultural experiences for theater lovers on the Emerald Coast. Educational outreach includes after-school and homeschooling programs, touring and stage productions, summer camps, workshops and classes. Hilton Sandestin Beach is a proud sponsor of the 2022–2023 ECTC productions.

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 Bayou Arts center, located in Santa Rosa Beach’s scenic Hogtown Bayou, is the headquarters of the CAA and offers over 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. And with Hilton Sandestin Beach proudly supporting their 30A Songwriters Festival as a lodging and venue sponsor, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy the event. Or for a more adventurous artistic endeavor, snorkelers and divers alike can revel at the subaquatic sculptures off of the coast of Grayton Beach. New works are added yearly thanks to the hard work of local artists and the sponsors who support them, like Hilton Sandestin Beach who has supported museum sculptures to include: Wave! by Benjamin Mefford (2019), Dawn Dancers by Shohini Ghosh (2020), and We All Live Here by Merisol Rendon (2022).

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 twominute 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 awardwinning restaurants, including Another Broken Egg Cafe, Poppy’s Crazy Lobster and Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House. And the arrival of new restaurants will delight in 2023 with much-anticipated dining options to include Margaritaville, Landshark Bar & Grill, Reel ‘Em In Fresh Seafood, The Ruby Slipper Cafe and The Green Panini. For children, the Village provides a spacious playground, zip line, 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

Conveniently located near the resort is Grand Boulevard, one of Sandestin’s premier entertainment venues. In addition to high-end 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 alfresco 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 and Pino Gelato Cafe are perfect pit stops where you can refuel.