What is it about SoWal that makes it so special?

[Cheering472]

You are so right. We describe it as Mayberry at the beach. It's perfect and we hate to think it could change. Enjoy everyone, but sshhhh, keep it our little secret. ;-)

 

[Allifunn]

South Walton to me is what Heaven must be like. I left NY six months after 9/11. I worked in the investment industry so I knew many of the people who worked and died at Cantor Fitzgerald. I wanted to enjoy whatever time left that God had granted me. I was lucky enough to make a change in my life. I plan to spend my time between Sedona and 30-A with an occasional trip to NY. What others have mentioned on this board about the dunes, ocean, coastal lakes and natural beauty of the area is true for me too. But I think the people I have met here and the state of mind I have encountered here is really what has made it special. I think there is a special magic that exists here that newcomers will enjoy and most importantly, respect. At least I can dream and hope !!

Sedona is another magic place!!!
Sorry you lost friends during 9/11 sounds like it was truly a life changing event for you, as it was for thousands of people. It makes you appreciate life more, I am sure.

 

[Cheering472]

goofer44 I work in investments too. Louisville is not Wall Street but we lost alot of friends at Cantor as well. I only knew one broker and the rest were back office, support staff mainly, people I talked to on the phone everyday. They are still missed by us all. We had friends in both buildings, that was a horrible day.

Glad to see you are enjoying your new life and new direction. Sedona is lovely too, enjoy wherever your feet take you. Get your toes in the sand soon.

 

[KISH7374]

The remark about the message board really says it all. Where else can you go and find a update about yuor favorite place every day. I don't think there is any other destination that has this to offer. There have many great replies to this and I think every one of them are just amazing.

 

[aquaticbiology]

actually, having been all over and pretty much done the water thing everywhere - sowal has the small waves, the truly columbian emerald water (no blue, just neon green), the dune lakes, the bluffs, and the largest 40-60 foot sand and shell shelf around, great for sea creatures of all kinds, especially the ones that are YUMMY!

 

[DBOldford]

First, my condolences to those of you who also lost friends or family as a result of 9/11. We knew people at Cantor Fitzgerald and at Windows on the World. It was a tragedy of unprecedented proportions. I went to NYC several weeks following the event, which was an unspeakably sad time, then also went back for the memorial services a year later. The morning service was very somber and sad, a cold wind blowing and that terrible bell tolling. But the evening service, when the twin beacon lights were turned on, was the most beautiful and fitting tribute. I can only imagine how one feels moving from NYC post-9/11 to the solitude and quiet beauty of South Walton.

I just wanted to add that all the interaction on this Web site is a good indication of the affection and devotion that people from all over have for the South Walton beaches. I am constantly impressed by that as I read these posts and don't recall ever seeing such a Web site for another vacation area. It certainly would be a powerful marketing tool for those contemplating the purchase of a home in the area or thinking about a permanent move.

It's the perfect second home for us...close to family that we regularly visit, yet far enough that one can't run to it so easily after a fight with the spouse! I can't wait to replace my little virtual tours with the real thing...15 days and counting down... :clap_1: .

 

[Paula]

These are wonderful tributes to SoWal and I agree with all of them. I love Donna's phrase that it's like "Key West meets Mayberry" and how she feels when she walks through her house the first time she comes back after she has been away (very poetic and true -- that's how I feel as well. I literally want to hug our cottage when we get there, go to the beach ideally at sunset as soon as possible, and then head for the porch for some reading. And I love seeing the friends I've made in the area -- it really does have a sense of community. Perhaps it's something about the south or perhaps it's specifically about SoWal, but I feel as though I have a community in SoWal even though I've spent probably about 3 months total there in person over the past 3.5 years. And the restaurants along 30A... I haven't even begun to taste them all, nor have I had a chance to see all the parks, and more. For a small area, there's a lot to explore!

I was at the cottages with some friends in November, and they all said they were amazed at how many people I knew and stopped to talk with.

I also agree that this area is a wonderful place to come to provide peace to the soul after some heartbreak. There's a "quieting" about the area (and Mother Nature) that gives us the space to think, remember, and appreciate.

 

[ladybug8876]

Paula I love how you say there is a "quieting" about the area. I totally agree. Last year was the first time we actually stayed on 30-a in Seagrove. I felt it as soon as I was on the beach at tea-time. It just felt like home . All the stress and worries of life were washed out to sea and I could just enjoy the rest of the week. One of my favorite things was just going to GBSP, sitting in my beach chair and listening to waves. I just didn't want to leave and that's where I felt that "quieting" the most. I so enjoy reading this thread and hearing about what makes Sowal so special to ya'll.

Thanks for starting it MKH :clap_1:

 

[illinifan]

SoWal to me signifies an opportunity to escape the hectic pace of life and to really reconnect with my family. It makes it extra special to see that my kids enjoy the same activities and share the same love for the area and that I did 30 years ago.

 

[Paula]

I get a lot of quieting in SoWal. Early morning is my favorite time at the beach with a beach chair and a book and a cup of tea and a scone. That's usually alone time quiet. My other favorite time is sunset at the beach with something to drink and family and friends. That's a different kind of quiet. Then there's the porch -- sigh. Of course, all this quiet needs to be broken up with some raucous behavior at the pool, beach, etc. (haven't done the Red Bar raucous behavior yet but will).

I still spend too much time puttering around the cottages when I'm there getting them spiffed up for guests, but I'm getting better at making sure I have more and more quiet time. I think some people (like me) have to learn to be quiet. SoWal, the ocean, and the sunsets are good teachers.

And I come to the cottages about 3 times a year for long weekends alone without the family as well and it's very rejuvinating. I highly recommend it.