In our area, we are fortunate to have two premier beach destinations that merge almost seamlessly together. While they are neighbors, each offers a unique experience. The remarkable communities of which we speak are, of course, South Walton and Destin.
South Walton is comprised of a varied collection of “towns” that nestle predominantly along Scenic Highway 30A. Each offers their own interpretation of a life well lived by the beach.
Everyone likes to take a walk on the beach, but some of us have a real need to walk on the beach. We crave a connection with nature and feel the beach is a great place to do it. We don't just look at a dune and see a pretty sight. We see something that touches our souls. That's true of Russ Gilbert. He moved here over 20 years ago from nearby Chipley and hasn't regretted it for a second.
“This is my favorite part, hear the bass thumping? Sometimes it’ll be tribal music, and sometimes it’s classical,” says Madra McDonald, Justin Gaffrey’s publicist. Surrounded by Point Washington State Forest, we walk across the gravel driveway into the warehouse Justin built to accommodate his growing creative interests, which now include welding and sculpting.
Artist Joe Elmore is a big fella. Some would describe him as being “larger than life.” Although he excels in almost every art medium, his huge wood sculptures reflect his skills with the chainsaw. Witness the huge cypress Indian head and California redwood buffalo sculptures that grace the entrance to his gallery, Elmore’s Landing, located on Hwy 331 just north of South Walton High School. The huge piece of redwood used for his big buffalo sculpture washed out of a California state park.
I have had many great experiences in South Walton working on the Coastal Dune Lakes of Walton County (working title) documentary. I worked with my Dad, Elam Stoltzfus, and our editor, Joey Dickinson, filming the Paddle for the Planet event last October on Lake Powell.
April 15, 2014 by SoWal Staff
The 25th annual Artsquest was held at WaterColor's Cerulean Park and Town Center. The original Artsquest began on the sandy streets of Grayton Beach and has been held since at Eden Gardens State Park, Sandestin's Baytowne Wharf, and Seaside.
Demetrius Fuller is a proud beach local who is the very embodiment of exceptional talent and generous spirit. His dream was to create a professional orchestra for our community, with an eye toward giving back whenever possible.
Demetrius has succeeded in achieving his main dream, and as the founder of Sinfonia Gulf Coast, he is able to give back to the community through entertainment, education, and inspiration.
March 29, 2013 by SoWal Staff
Stellar weather is a tradition at WaterColor's annual Art in the Park Festival and 2013 was no exception with clear, blue skies and temperatures in the 70s - another perfect Spring day in SoWal.
The WaterColor Community Association hosted the 8th Annual Art in the Park in WaterColor’s Cerulean Park and Town Center.
December 16, 2012 by Kurt Lischka
One of South Walton's most popular fall events, the annual Flutterby Festival returned to Rosemary Beach, November 10-11, 2012. Presented by the Merchants of Rosemary Beach and the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), the annual Flutterby Festival celebrates art, nature, and the migration of the Monarch Butterfly. The family-friendly event sponsored by SoWal.com returned with fan favorites along with some special new elements, including interactive presentations by the team at Zoo World in Panama City Beach.
November 12, 2012 by admin
Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and sponsored by SoWal.com, the 3rd annual 30A Songwriters Festival in 2012 included Joan Osborne, Amy Ray, Rodney Crowell, The Bangles, Shawn Mullins, Sam Bush Band, Jim Lauderdale, Mary Gauthier and Matthew Sweet. These acclaimed songwriters joined more than 120 talented artists from across the country to share intimate moments with friends and fans on Florida's Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton.
