Home & Garden

Mother - daughter duo Margie Perry and Kristen Foley are happy and busy running their family business Beau Interiors in Grayton Beach.

As they approach their 8th year in business, I sat down with them for a soul sesh and learned the truth about why the store exists, what it takes to be an entrepreneur, how they inspire one another, and the one secret about obstacles that everyone should know. (Spoiler alert: they’re all in your head.)

Valentine’s weekend typically means romantic dinners and flowers for most, but for South Walton residents and visitors alike, it also signals the highly anticipated annual Valentine Tour of Homes. The tour is known for showcasing stunning interiors, architecturally acclaimed homes and picturesque settings bringing inspiration to tour goers’ winter weekend at the beach.

All South Walton backyards can be a gathering place for birds, butterflies, frogs, squirrels and many more types of local wildlife.

Partners Steve Dixon, Jon Kazek, and Chris Morrison (DKM) have truly mastered the art of custom home building. Together, they oversee and manage every aspect of the process.

“We are all Florida-certified general contractors and our talents blend to make it all happen,” explains Steve. “We are on-site, every day, making sure our attention to detail is carried out by our subs.”

Visiting Eden Gardens State Park is tuning out the rest of the world and tuning in the “Real Florida”.

Trade in your worries and turn on to the splendor of SoWal's great outdoors, with some Florida history to boot. Just a bit north of the beach, Eden Gardens State Park is nestled in the woods of Point Washington, along the shores of Tucker Bayou and the Choctawhatchee Bay. It's the ideal spot to relax and have family fun.

The Florida Green Building Coalition, FGBC, has awarded eight

DRIFT 30A Home & Gifts is the kind of place that you walk in, and rather than meandering through the store, you find yourself settling into a comfy spot, envisioning where you might place everything you see surrounding you. 

Owner Karin Anderson just celebrated a successful first year and her showroom has become a ‘must stop’ for those in the know. It's also in a highly visible spot on Hwy 98 in Inlet Beach with lots of visitors popping in.

Most people who visit Alys Beach cluster around the vibrant amphitheater with its lush lawn, fun splash fountain, and dining and shopping at the Alys Shoppe and the ever-popular and ever-delicious George's Restaurant. There are also evening concerts, bike rentals, donuts and a myriad of activities swirling.

This Valentine's weekend get intimate with some of SoWal's finest homes!

Diamond Dunes is an Inlet Beach Beauty which sits very close to the clear blue Gulf in eastern South Walton. It's proud profile is reminiscent of Old Florida, but the large, comfortable 2-story has been completely renovated for modern luxury.