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The holiday season is here and it's time to give and time to shop! You have questions and we have answers. What shall I buy? Where should I shop? Who has unique gifts?

We know locals and visitors also want to help our local businesses - our friends and neighbors who are the backbone of our community. So in the spirit of shopping local, here's a super selection of great shops in SoWal where you can find something for everyone on your list. Say "bah humbug" to the giant stores and shop local!
 

Seaside is ready to kick off the new year with a bang and a lot of great music at the 5th Annual Countdown Seaside: A New Year’s Eve Celebration! Everyone's invited on Dec. 31 to experience a family-friendly party featuring live entertainment, kid’s art projects, street performers and an absolutely spectacular fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and last until the last firework lights up the sky.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, a top rated destination on Florida's Gulf Coast, is offering rounds of golf for just $40 at all 3 of its public championship golf courses. This special is in honor of the resort's upcoming 40th anniversary and the offer is good from now until December 25. It includes cart, green fee and practice balls.

Local Catch Bar & Grill has been going strong and gaining popularity since opening nine months ago and there are no signs of slowing down. The restaurant's coastal cuisine with a southern twist was an instant hit here in SoWal and they continue to gather faithful followers even over the off season. Known for using quality, fresh ingredients in all of their unique dishes, it's easy to see why Local Catch has already become a must-eat destination.

Kristen Baggett and Brian “Big Country” Peterson are two fun-loving SoWal locals who met three years ago at La Botana in Seagrove while out with friends. The introduction and conversation which followed was a “love at first meet” scenario - they each met their match. The three and a half years that followed brought these two lovebirds together in a way that is unheard of in this day and age.

Kent Mundy delights in showing people the part of South Walton most can’t even imagine. Mundy is owner and operator of Wetland Wilderness Tours, a one-man, one-boat tour company that explores the outbacks, sloughs and bayous of the Choctawhatchee River, IntraCoastal and other four waterways that spill into the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Who doesn't need a South Walton beach break? We're coming through for you! Enter to win a two-night stay in a two-bedroom gulf front condominium in the heart of beautiful Seagrove Beach from SoWal.com and Garrett Realty Services.       

We'll pick a random winner on December 21, 2012 - enter every day and please share! Happy Holidays from all of us in the SoWal community!

Along with your stay, you'll receive these great items: