The Latest Stories from SoWal

The St. Joe Company has announced plans by the Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation, an arts-supporting non-profit organization, for the Longleaf Art Park at the Watersound Origins community. The park, which is currently under development off Origins Parkway, is planned for 15.5 acres and will be open to the public once complete. Day-to-day operations will be managed by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Continue reading...

Walton County Tourism has unveiled the new brand chosen to represent the welcoming communities in Walton County located north of the Choctawhatchee Bay – Authentic Walton. Continue reading...

Hotel Effie, the 250-room boutique hotel located at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, has become a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection. As a newly-minted member of the Autograph Collection, Hotel Effie enters the brand’s unique portfolio of diverse properties, with more than 295 hotels globally. Carefully selected for hotels’ thoughtful vision and passion, each Autograph Collection property creates a singular and special guest experience through its inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality. Continue reading...

Dune Watch is a classic, family-friendly home in a prime location next to Grayton Beach State Park, the newly renovated and expanded Grayton cottage offers excellent Gulf and dune views. And not just any dunes, these are the dunes dreams are made of. Dunes as far as the eye can see, right up to the emerald waters of the Gulf Of Mexico. In decades past, summer kids would play in these dunes (now forbidden), creating forts in the hollows where imagined pirates hid their treasure. Continue reading...

According to a recent article from Southern Living Magazine, Bud & Alley's Waterfront Restaurant in Seaside is one of 17 of Florida's Most Legendary restaurants. A distinction we applaud and feel like we already knew! Continue reading...

The Cultural Arts Alliance Of Walton County (CAA) is excited to collaborate with Watersound Town Center for another 30A Songwriters Festival Summer Series, as part of their Sounds of Summer. Everyone is invited to enjoy live music, theater, outdoor movies and more under the shade of The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center. Continue reading...

The Seaside Institute is honored to bestow the 2025 Seaside Prize upon two distinguished individuals: Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson. The celebration will take place the weekend of February 7 through February 9, 2025, with a variety of events and symposia. Continue reading...

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the annual reminder that juvenile black bears might be seen in unexpected areas as they leave their mothers’ home ranges in search of new locations of their own to settle down. Spring also marks a general increase in activity for bears after limited movements in winter. Continue reading...

The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is hosting the 2023 Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts touring exhibition. The public is invited to attend an opening reception for the exhibit on Thursday, June 20 from 5 -7pm at The Foster Gallery. Continue reading...

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that as we enjoy our beaches this Memorial Day weekend and beyond, nesting season is underway for our state’s imperiled sea turtles and shorebirds along our coasts. Continue reading...

Best in Show: Peter Clark, Arboriform Curator's Choice: Johannes DeYoung, The Endless Mile Special Recognition: Svitlana Reinish, Infinity Whispers Special Recognition: Yandell Walton, Transient Entanglement Special Recognition: Ryan Lewis, They the People See all artists work and festival info at www.digitalgraffiti.com. The festival's juried show featured the works of 57 finalists from the worldwide arena, selected from over 125 submissions. Finalists represented 16 countries, with 5 of the 7 continents, and 19 states. The Emerging Artist Showcase included the art works of students from Cypress College (CA), Savannah College of Art & Design (GA), University of Missouri (MO), Western Washington University (WA), Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast High School (FL). The total number of exhibiting artists was 139 showing 72 artworks, with 45 artists in attendance. See Photos...

Summer visitors to Walton County will once again be able to enjoy complimentary day-use admission to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Continue reading...

The Village of Baytowne Wharf proudly hosts the Tequila & Taco Fest on Saturday, May 11th. Enjoy three days of culinary & music events, May 10th - 12th, featuring a Black Sheep Tequila Kick Off Party, 11th Annual Tequila & Taco Fest, and Bye Bye Brunch. Tickets on Sale Now! Continue reading...

Get ready to pinch, peel, and party at the 13th annual crawfish boil from 4 - 7 PM - live music from The Wildlife Specials, and celebrate the beginning of Local Catch's 13th year in business! Don't miss out on the fun, mark your calendars now! 3711 W County Hwy 30A Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459 (850) 622-2022 localcatch30a.com Continue reading...

Join the community and Cultural Arts Alliance Of Walton County in Grand Boulevard Town Center on Wednesday, May 1 from 6 - 9 p.m. for Dine + Dive, a fusion of fine art, food and wine event igniting all of the senses to benefit the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art. Continue reading...

Locals have known for years that Walton County has it all - rich agricultural lands, untouched forests, serene waters, beautiful white sand beaches, unique historical significance, the highest point in Florida, top-notch schools, and more. The county is planning for the future and has many opportunities for citizens to participate. Visit www.planforwalton2040.com for more info. Continue reading...

The Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up Tour, the first-ever traveling luxury retail event, will be making its next stop at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin for eight weeks May 24-July 19. Continue reading...

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is an innovative and dynamic event that celebrates the intersection of projection art and architecture. The 17th Annual Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach festival, underwritten by The Alys Foundation, will be held May 17-18, 2024. Get Tickets > Continue reading...

This upcoming May will be Hibiscus Guesthouse's 30th anniversary and you're invited to join in the celebration! Mark your calendars for April 11th, from 4-8PM, because you have a special invitation for the 30th Anniversary party and the Grand Soiree. The event is free and fun for all ages, as we celebrate the occasion and welcome two long-time local businesses now partnered with Hibiscus Guesthouse: Raw & Juicy and Wendy Mignot Fine Pearls + Leather Jewelry. Continue reading...

The E.O Wilson Biophilia Center will benefit from the Sip for Sustainability initiative this Earth Day in an effort to preserve our beautiful Florida ecosystem. Continue reading...

ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival is celebrating its 36th year! The beloved event is Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and presented by Grand Boulevard Town Center, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 100 artists from around the country. Continue reading...

The DeFuniak Springs Sprint Triathlon will take place Saturday, May 4. Beginning at 7AM, the triathlon will start with with a 600 yard swim in the second most round lake in the world, followed by 16 mile bike ride into the scenic country, followed by a 5k around the lake through historic Victorian style homes surrounding the lake. Continue reading...

Celebrate Walton County's Bicentennial at North Beach Social on Sunday, April 21st! The 200th Anniversary Jubilee, an all-day party features live music, face painting, a low country boil and paella, and good times. Live Music All Day 11am - 1pm: About To Sweat 2pm - 5pm: Wildlife Specials 6pm - 9pm: Cousin Curtiss Spend the day with friends and family on the bayside with cold drinks, delicious eats and live entertainment. Continue reading...

Celebrate Earth Day with Sandestin on Saturday, April 20 at Baytowne Marina. Beginning at 7:30AM, help clean the shoreline by removing plastics and other debris harmful to local wildlife, bay water and natural resources along the Sandestin boundary of Choctawatchee Bay. Refreshments will be provided. 7:30 - Gather, mingle, meet and greet with morning refreshments 7:45 - Welcome and appreciation 7:50 - Start Pickup 9:30 - Raffle Costa Sunglasses and Prize 10:00 - Gather collections and take a picture! Continue reading...

Join the Biophilia Center for a Public Day, in partnership with the Bay County Audubon Society, on April 13th for their presentation of “On Safari” with Big Tom. Doors will be open to the public from 9am to 2pm, featuring presentations at 10:30am and 11:30am. Don’t miss out on the excitement! Explore exhibit hall, hang out with Turtle Bob in the Reptile Room, check out food trucks, and have a blast. Pay at the door. Admission: $10. Ages 4-12: $7. Bio-Members get in FREE! Continue reading...