The Latest Stories from SoWal

Treat the Dad in your life to an experience as great as he is. Embark on a memorable Father’s Day Lunch Cruise aboard the SOLARIS yacht on Sunday, June 15th from 1 – 3 p.m. SunQuest Cruises celebrates Father’s Day in true Emerald-Coast style with a relaxing cruise through the sparkling waters and elaborate coastal cuisines prepared on-board by the SOLARIS chefs. “If there’s a Dad in your life who has it all, nothing is more special or memorable than giving him an experience he’ll remember for years to come,” stated James Murray, General Manager for SOLARIS. The day begins with a stroll up the three decks of the SOLARIS to the open air sky deck to take in the warm coastal breezes and panoramic views of the open waters. Guests will indulge in a three-course meal that begins with hot Garlic and Herb Bread Knots. Entrée choices (all served with seasonal vegetables and wild rice) include Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, Fresh Gulf Fish of the Day, Lightly Blackened Gulf Shrimp Kabobs, Fresh Rosemary Baked Breast of Chicken or Vegetable Lasagna. Children’s main course is freshly baked flat bread pizzas. End on a sweet note with Chef’s special Father’s Day dessert. The SOLARIS Father’s Day Lunch Cruise, including a three-course meal and two-hour cruise, is $55/adult, $25/child (ages 3-10) and $15 for infants up to age 3. Boarding begins at 12:15 p.m. with cruise from 1 – 3 p.m. Reservations required online at www.SunQuestCruises.com or call 850.650.2519. About SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS Docked at Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina, SunQuest Cruises’ SOLARIS yacht is a magnificent 125 foot, 5,200 square foot yacht with three decks of indoor and outdoor spaces. The SOLARIS is the only dining and entertainment yacht in Northwest Florida, offering public dinner cruises year-round for up to 150 people. Since 2004, the award-winning SOLARIS has also served as a unique venue for weddings/receptions, corporate functions, group activities and other events. The SOLARIS has been the recipient of the “Best Wedding and Reception Venue” award by readers of The Knot for five consecutive years. For more information, visit www.SunQuestCruises.com or call 850.650.2519.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort recently appointed Eric Chopin to the position of Executive Chef. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach gives artists a complex canvas to explore the intersections of art and architecture - projecting digital video creations onto the town's white walls. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

SAVE 30% Discount on Available Selected Properties for 6 nights or more! Stays less than 6 days, save 20% off the published rate! Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast has been recognized for its patient engagement efforts in the first Nat Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Art, architecture and technology converges and merges when more than two dozen dynamic digital works by artists from all corners of the globe set Alys Beach aglow in early June. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

For months now our team at Live Oak Production Group has been posting photos, teaser videos, and blog posts about our upcoming project on the coastal dune lakes of Walton County, Florida. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Luxury jewelry designer Erica Courtney has an impressive list of accomplishments - from accessorizing celebrities like Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Jessica Alba and Ellen DeGeneres to mining for Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

The long awaited opening of Red Snapper season has not disapointed any of my eager anglers that have gotten to go chase the critters. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Leaders of Sacred Heart Health System announced plans yesterday to launch a $30 million expansion of facilities and services at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

The richest billfish tournament on the Gulf Coast takes place every year at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

The latest real estate report for April 2014 in Walton County reflects a healthy and active market. Pending sales of single family homes increased 24% over the same month last year. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Luxury and leisure reign supreme in the heart of South Walton on the main boulevard in WaterColor's town center. Cerulean Park is a sight to behold with towering oaks, luscious green lawns and cascades of flowers lining the central fountain and watercourse which flows into a clear pond reflecting WaterColor's shops and restaurants. As a premier beach vacation rental, 81 WaterColor Boulevard's impressive layout includes three levels, five bedrooms including carriage house, and accommodations for 12, providing plenty of space for large families or groups. Fabulous porch spaces and a private courtyard allow an intimate connection to the Florida outdoor lifestyle. The home’s central location provides easy access to WaterColor's excellent amenities - parks, pools, bike and walking paths, fabulous shopping and dining venues, and the best stretch of beach in America. 81 WaterColor Boulevard is a beach haven with everything you need for a memorable beach vacation. The only problem you will have is leaving! Visit www.360blue.com for availability and beach rental specials.

Any SoWal insider will tell you that Eden Gardens State Park isa must see when you're visiting the Beaches of South Walton. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College in partnership with Walton County Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Walton County Tourist Development Council, will Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

It's the perfect time of year to find the perfect fitting suit! Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Every Summer we have a blast reading entries and picking winners from the annual "You're So SoWal" contest. We want to hear from you - so we're asking all beach lovers to send us more of your good stuff by completing the thought, "You're So SoWal If . . . " Send us your creative answers using the form below or email directly to us. Deadline for all submissions is August 15, 2014. Photos representing the essence of South Walton Life are also very welcome. We want to hear from you about what it means to be so in love with South Walton Beaches. What's unique? What's quirky? What's beautiful? What's funny? How thick is the seaweed? Why is that sign on the beach? Where did I leave my beer? Check SoWal.com, 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 2013 Overall Winner You're so SoWal if ... your bike has a sticker that says "my other car is a kayak". - Connie S. Our 2013 First Runner Up You're so SoWal if ...you're more afraid of yellow flies than sharks. - David Hopkins Our 2013 Second Runner Up You're so SoWal if ... you've used the Truman show to describe your area. - Nikhil Abuvala A few more notable finalists... You keep an emergency beach bag in your car just in case you get off work early. - Peyton Cook Sequins on your flip flops is considered "dressed up". - Chase Your truck has an inch or more of sand on the floor and you like it that way! - keith wright You haven't been past 30a - east or west - in 10 or more years of vacations! - Melanie Williams Click here to read all of last year's winners and finalists.

Last week Dad and I came down to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to do more work for the upcoming

The Bay Restaurant at the foot of the 331 bridge is the host site for this year's YOLO Relay Series - three monthly races beginning Thursday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Watersound Origins will host the Great American Picnic on June 8 from 4pm-8pm. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Back in 1996, Anne Mosley was living with her three children on a horse farm in Wisconsin. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) 9th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction raised a record breaking $2 Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Laurie Hood received the Daily Point of Light Award from President George H. W. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

Like the title says, the fishin' has been easy and the weather has been great too. If you can't fill the box right now you need to take up golf! Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.

At SoWal.com, we are committed to helping locals and visitors stay safe while enjoying our beautiful beaches. The beach is such a wonderful place to relax. Read more... We'd love to hear what you think...you can comment here or on the story page. Feel free to share on your site, blog, facebook, or any other site.