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Cultural Tours for Children and Their Families
With an artistic community of home-grown talent and nationally acclaimed painters, sculptors and craftspeople, Beaches of South Walton invites families to discover hidden treasure throughout its richly diverse neighborhoods. A trip along Scenic Highway 30-A offers an excellent introduction to Walton County folklore, culture and history, as shopkeepers at eclectic roadside shops - the area's most vocal and accurate historians - tell tales that enchant kids and adults alike.
An Alluring Array of Cultural Events
When you hear the word "beach," you may think of summer. However, fall and winter are also popular seasons at Beaches of South Walton due, in part, to the variety of festivals and cultural events scheduled at that time of year. Fall marks the return of Autumn Tides, a unique series of events that celebrate the life of Walton County's varied cultural, natural and historical resources.
Flutterby Children's Art Festival (October)
Flutterby has become an area tradition over the years and is one of the few events in Beaches of South Walton that focus on children and the arts. With more than 100 arts and crafts booths as well as kids' interactive art projects and other children's activities, the Flutterby Festival is a true cultural experience for families.
Via Colori Art Festival (October)
Via Colori is a unique art festival that turns the u-shaped street around Seaside's Amphitheater into an artist's canvas of street paintings created with colored chalk. Proceeds from the annual art festival benefit Seaside Neighborhood School.
Florida Chautauqua Children's Theater (November)
Every year, the Florida Chautauqua Children's Theater presents two high-quality productions that showcase the talents of performers hailing from all areas of Walton County. Cast members range in age from five to 25, with children and their parents involved in all levels of production.
MountainFilm on Tour (November)
A signature event of Autumn Tides, an annual fall celebration in Beaches of South Walton, the Telluride MountainFilm on Tour film festival presents cinematic works by independent filmmakers celebrating community, adventure, culture and environmental preservation.
Village Holiday Kick-off (November)
Seaside
The Holiday Kick-Off Weekend at The Village of Baytowne Wharf will bring the holiday spirit out in anyone, young or old. The Yuletide holiday celebration features live music, strolling musicians, a 40-foot Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa Claus.
South Walton Community Holiday Parade and "Turn on the Town" Ceremony (November)
Kids, families, civic organizations and local businesses are all part of the South Walton Community Holiday Parade and "Turn on the Town" celebration. The parade stretches from Seagrove Beach to the Seaside Amphitheater, where visitors await the countdown to "Turn on the Town," the moment when downtown Seaside is illuminated by a seasonal display of holiday lights.
Walton County's Rich Heritage
More than 1,066 square miles of pristine landscape in Northwest Florida's Walton County have been touched by the traditions and influence of early Native American, Spanish, French and English cultures. Each of Walton County's three municipalities - DeFuniak Springs, Paxton and Freeport - continues to reflect these cultures today.
A short drive from Beaches of South Walton, DeFuniak Springs is a community founded in 1880. At the heart of this historic town lies one of two almost perfectly round lakes in the world - Lake DeFuniak. Nearby, historic buildings await exploration, while towering mossy oaks shadow antique treasures. A stroll down one of the many old streets allows visitors to admire delicately trimmed gingerbread houses and to view the beautiful and unique structures that make DeFuniak Springs so distinct.
Located near the northern edge of Walton County, Paxton saw its fortunes linked to the timber industry after the Florida town's first sawmill opened in 1903. As commerce around the mill increased, so did the community. Today, Paxton continues to flourish and show signs of its early farming roots. Not far from Paxton is a plateau rising 345 feet above sea level - the highest point in the state of Florida and the home of Lakewood Park.
With the introduction of sawmills, logging and turpentine processing, other areas in Walton County began to grow and prosper. The town of Freeport benefited greatly from these industries and quickly became a renowned shipbuilding center along the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast. The town's name is derived from its early days as a shipping port free of any type of imported good tax. Because shipping commerce could deliver or pick up goods tax-free, Freeport emerged as a popular and successful port in Walton County.
Historically, the growth and development of Walton County can be attributed to its largest industry at the time - farming. As time passed, other industries - such as sawmills, pine gum harvesting and logging - also played a vital role in the growth of the area. Today, tourism contributes greatly to Walton County's success, with Beaches of South Walton known as a relaxing beachside escape any time of year. Spring breezes and blooming flowers welcome festivals showcasing Walton County's rich heritage and culture, while the summer months are filled with songs of evening concerts and theatrical performances. Fall comes alive in Beaches of South Walton with a cultural renaissance known as Autumn Tides.
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