2015 You're So SoWal If ...

Serving the Community!

Jun 30, '15 · 2:08 PM7,0131

Each and every Summer we have a blast reading entries and picking winners from our annual "You're So SoWal" contest. Each year is unique and each year is bigger and better - thanks to all who enter! We want to hear from you - whether you are a first timer or if you are a veteran and enter every year.

We're asking all you SoWal beach lovers to send us more of your good stuff by completing the thought, "You're So SoWal If . . . "

Please Enter Below ... Enter as many times as you like!

What does it mean to be so in love with South Walton Beaches? What's unique about South Walton? What's quirky? What's beautiful? What's funny? How about that traffic?!? Why is that sign on the beach!? Where's my next Margarita at?!

Check here on the SoWal Forum (one of the best sources for source material), SoWal Facebook and Twitter often to see some of the best submissions during the contest. Finalists and winners will be published on the site at the end of the season.

Last summer's contest got a flood of responses, with hundreds of entries from locals and visitors. The SoWal Staff and some discerning local judges helped us narrow down the best entries.

Our 2014 Overall Winner
You're so SoWal if ... you're resting in peace, but still alive.
- Gerard Dalessandro

Our 2014 First Runner Up
You're So SoWal if ... your bumper stickers reads, "I'm a proud parent of a beach bum".
- Eve Andriola

Our 2014 Second Runner Up
You're So SoWal if ... you get teary eyed when you see the OPEN sign light up at Seagrove Market Cafe after a long winter.
- Elaine Parrett

Click here to read all of last year's winners and finalists.

Replies

Beach Fanatic

Jun 30, '15 · 6:10 PM#2

you'd choose a fishing license over a driver's license.

Beach Fanatic

Jun 30, '15 · 6:56 PM#3

Your rebel flag is a pirate flag.

Beach Fanatic

Jul 1, '15 · 8:18 AM#4

you hate signs and fences on the beach

Beach Fanatic

Jul 1, '15 · 8:19 AM#5

You would like to tell Truman to stop whining and have a Margarita!

Beach Crab

Jul 1, '15 · 8:47 AM#6

You have a grandfathered beach permit.

Beach Fanatic

Jul 1, '15 · 12:30 PM#7

You prefer to be sober never.

Admin

Jul 2, '15 · 5:48 AM#8

Thanks everyone - keep them coming!

Admin

Jul 2, '15 · 6:01 AM#92

Here's one by email from Bo Rentrop...

As you can see from the picture above, I was young then, now I am 84. Our first year at Dune Allen Beach was the summer of 1958. Left to right: Bo Rentrop (me the mother), Jane Day Piraro (Bo’s baby sister), Mickey Rentrop Shannon (the oldest daughter – same age as Jane!), John Rentrop (the son), Billy Rentrop (the father-deceased in 2002), and Amy Rentrop Chaffin (the baby at that time).

I got sick and was hospitalized the end of May and am just recuperating. Much to my regret, I didn’t get to go this year – the first time in all these years I have not gone. The rest of the family are there until July 4.

Not everyone gets to go every year, and we can’t always slow them down for a picture of everyone together.

The picture below has all of the originals, plus 3 more Rentrop children, all grown up, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and aunts, uncles, and cousins by the dozens. It was taken on the steps in front of Dune I Townhomes at Dune Allen Beach.

Beach Brats Brouhaha 2011– The original bunch minus Billy, plus most of those in the 2000 Brouhaha. Also taken on the (reconfigured) steps in front of Dune I after the original steps and beach were destroyed by a hurricane whose name I don’t remember.

You're So SoWal if ... you have vacationed at Dune Allen Beach with your growing family for more than 50 years.

Read more about he Rentrop's long, long adventure in Dune Allen at
http://sowal.com/story/a-familys-legacy-on-dune-allen-beach-45-straight-years-and-counting

Edited Jul 2, '15 · 6:06 AM

Beach Fanatic

Jul 3, '15 · 4:18 PM#10

You hit the beach on July 5th to clean up fireworks.

Beach Fanatic

Jul 6, '15 · 6:58 AM#11

More people know your dog's name than yours.

Beach Fanatic

Jul 7, '15 · 7:54 AM#12

You know Alys Beach was once named Somerset Beach.

Beach Fanatic

Jul 28, '15 · 7:27 AM#13

If every summer you yearn for the start of school. :razz:

Edited Jul 28, '15 · 7:31 AM

Beach Fanatic

Jul 28, '15 · 8:33 AM#14

More people know your dog's name than yours.

this is SO true..dogs are Rock Stars on the beach #leashed

Beach Fanatic

Jul 28, '15 · 8:36 AM#15

Best summer party? @Pandora " Take Our Beaches Back" after Labor Day

Beach Fanatic

Jul 28, '15 · 9:06 AM#16

Best summer party? @Pandora " Take Our Beaches Back" after Labor Day

You're So SoWal if you know what GOBB is and where.

Beach Fanatic

Jul 31, '15 · 3:24 PM#17

You can no longer keep up with all the new restaurants opening.

Beach Fanatic

Jul 31, '15 · 7:12 PM#18

You can no longer keep up with all the new restaurants opening.

Or you describe them as "where -"enter old restaurant name" - used to be...."

Beach Fanatic

Aug 1, '15 · 8:49 AM#19

You say every summer that it's the hottest summer ever.

Beach Fanatic

Aug 1, '15 · 1:41 PM#20

You're so SoWal if...

You leave a layer of sand in your Jeep to remind you of home.

People give you the thumbs up on Hwy 95 in South Carolina because of your So Wal sticker!

You know people by their dogs.

Seeing Luke Bryan or Zac Brown on the beach isn't a big deal anymore and now they even kinda recognize you.

SoWal Insider

Aug 6, '15 · 11:20 PM#21

If you remember me ;-)

Admin

Aug 7, '15 · 6:44 AM#22

If you remember me ;-)

You wouldn't believe how hot the real estate market is since you left. :lol:

Beach Fanatic

Aug 7, '15 · 9:51 AM#23

Some times your pool needs cool water so you actually wish for rain. #forgetabouttouristvacay

SoWal Insider

Aug 7, '15 · 11:03 AM#24

You wouldn't believe how hot the real estate market is since you left.

Oh, I believe it--judging from the inability to find a square foot of beach without a string of empty beach chair set-ups and strings of KEEP OFF PRIVATE PROPERTY signs...business is booming.