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SoWal Stories
Stories by SoWal Staff & Contributors.
Camp Helen State Park invites you to go beyond your park visit, and discover the past and present, on a ranger guided walking tour where you can learn about the rich history of Camp Helen’s Historic District on the first Saturday of each month. Led by informative and entertaining rangers, you will discover and connect with the history that literally surrounds Camp Helen State Park, a Nationally Registered Historic Place.
History Tour
First Saturday of Each Month | 10AM - 11AM
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Old Florida Fish House is one of the locals' favorite spots because of the grayt food, drinks, specials, live music and one of the best views in SoWal on Eastern Lake.
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South Walton was once home to a large black bear population. The 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest spans a large portion of SoWal and many bears live among the pines. Hunting and development has nearly eliminated Florida's largest land mammal. But in recent years we've seen bears return to the area in larger numbers.
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There is still time to join the Florida Wildlife Federation for a memorable morning field trip through Grayton Beach State Park on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Reserve your spot now.
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Cars of 30A at Alys Beach returns October 2–3, 2026, bringing automotive culture and stunning architecture together along the Gulf Coast. Through an exclusive hospitality partnership and support from esteemed sponsors, the event gathers beach-loving automobile enthusiasts for two exciting days.
Get tickets now.
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Join the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center on Friday, September 26 from 5PM to 7PM for a Creature Feature, a screening of The Forgotten Coast: Return to Wild Florida, presented by the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. This event is free to attend, donations are always appreciated.
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Imagine a perfect fall evening under the oaks and stars on the lawn of Eden Gardens State Park, spread out on a blanket with a special friend, or the entire family.
The return of the Fall Film Series at the park is something we look forward to each and every year. This year is even more special as Friends Of Eden Gardens State Park present a screening of local filmmaker (and Eden neighbor) Arix Zalace's Film "The Paper Bear".
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Celebrating its 31st year, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) Festival of the Arts is one of Northwest Florida’s premier juried fine arts festivals, bringing together more than 100 acclaimed artists from across the country for a colorful weekend of art, music, food and family fun.
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Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) continues its landmark fourteenth season with The 39 Steps, a fast-paced comedy and thrilling parody of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy film. Running October 15 through October 25, 2026, at ECTC’s theater in Grand Boulevard, The 39 Steps combines a murder mystery with romance, suspense and plenty of laughs as four actors take on more than 100 characters in a wildly entertaining theatrical adventure.
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Bring the whole family out to Alys Beach’s Town Center from 5-8 p.m. on September 25th, 2026 for a relaxed fall evening filled with great food, music and community.
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Alys Beach Crafted was created to celebrate the collaboration of talents that come together to enrich the 30A experience. Crafted has grown into one of South Walton's best festivals.
Buy tickets online.
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Join the SoWal community in support of Habitat for Humanity Walton County on Saturday, October 10th from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Market Shops in Miramar Beach for the 11th Annual Bloody Mary Festival, presented by Visit South Walton.
Buy tickets online.
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Sinfonia Gulf Coast has something for everyone for the 2026-2027 season!
Purchase tickets at www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
Sinfonia Gulf Coast was founded in 2005 on Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast with the mission of redefining the symphony experience. Under the guidance of founder and Music Director Demetrius Fuller and a dedicated board of directors, the nonprofit orchestra is dedicated to curating innovative musical programming, designed to entertain, educate and inspire the community.
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Discover Watersound Weekend brings together the best of coastal living with a weekend packed full of activities.
Kickoff begins Friday afternoon with a welcome reception at the Watersound Real Estate office from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct 2nd, where you can connect with community reps and fellow attendees. Later that evening, head over to The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center for the First Friday Concert Series from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring live music and good vibes under the open-air pavilion.
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Experience Labor Day Weekend at Alys Beach with a festive lineup of gatherings, wellness, and live entertainment for the whole family. Spend the long weekend together enjoying time throughout the community, from relaxed mornings to lively evenings and plenty of ways to celebrate the final days of summer. Labor Day Weekend Events | Sept. 4–6
Friday, September 4
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Fall weather has us yearning to get out and experience South Walton. CAA is bringing the tunes and Watersound Pavilion is the place to gather.
The Cultural Arts Alliance, Russell Carter Artist Management, and the St. Joe Community Foundation are turning up the volume at The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center with the First Friday Fall Concert Series, an extension of the popular summer showcases.
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We recently received inside information about Walton County tourism directly from the top - Walton County Tourism Director Matt Algarin.
At SoWal, we try to keep on top of all business in Walton County in our stories and on our Forum. It's very helpful when officials weigh in directly with a bit of the behind-the-scenes info.
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Watersound Town Center continues to grow and is elevating its reputation as a premier South Walton shopping destination. The St. Joe Company recently announced that national lifestyle retailer Anthropologie will occupy a brand-new 9,000-square-foot store, while coastal-inspired menswear brand Johnnie-O officially opened its doors to shoppers. The new Anthropologie will also feature a dedicated Anthropologie Weddings bridal shop—a specialized concept offered at only select locations nationwide.
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School is back in session and Summer might be winding down, but the sweet life along Scenic 30A never lets up.
Crisp morning breezes, wide-open stretches of sugar-white sand, and clear emerald waters await as late summer slips into fall. Even better? You can stretch those beach days further while keeping more in your wallet.
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Great SoWal stories often begin with an incredible drink and a remarkable meal on a night where everything feels right.
At Tahona in Rosemary Beach, the story comes to life through a rich celebration of Latin American culture, modern cuisine, and the art of agave. Taking its name from the traditional stone wheel used for centuries to crush agave hearts, Tahona honors the time, patience, and craftsmanship behind Mexico’s spirits.
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A milestone ten years in the making, Black Bear Bread Co. is celebrating a decade of artisan baking in 2026.
The journey began when Dave Rauschkolb and Chef Phil McDonald set up a modest folding table at a local farmers market, armed with just a few loaves of naturally leavened sourdough. What started as a simple weekend pop-up in Grayton Beach has blossomed into a cherished 30A staple, serving as a morning ritual for locals and a must-visit destination for beachgoers year after year.
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Celebrate the final long weekend of summer above it all at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge.
Spend Labor Day Weekend soaking up rooftop sunshine, handcrafted cocktails, live DJs, and sweeping views of the Emerald Coast as we give summer the unforgettable sendoff it deserves.
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Alaqua Animal Refuge will host its Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest, presented by Cafe Thirty-A, on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST across the refuge's grounds. The family-friendly celebration will span two experiences: a live bluegrass concert in Angel's Arena and a sprawling Fall Fest on the back acreage.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST
Location: Alaqua Animal Refuge, 155 Dugas Way, Freeport, Fla.
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This October, experience the best of Southern culture as the Garden & Gun Society and Friends Gathering comes to Alys Beach, October 22–25, 2026.
Hosted in partnership with Garden & Gun, this immersive four-day event brings together celebrated chefs, artisans, designers, musicians, conservationists, and storytellers for an unforgettable weekend along Florida's Scenic Highway 30A.
See full itinerary & details.
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Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) opens its landmark fourteenth season with the critically acclaimed musical Come From Away. Celebrating compassion, community, and the triumph of the human spirit, this inspiring true story runs from September 10 through September 27, 2026, at ECTC’s theater in Grand Boulevard. Performances are held Thursday through Saturday at 7:00 PM, with matinees on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:00 PM
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