What is it about SoWal that makes it so special?

[MKH]

There is a certain "feel" to the area that I have never been able to duplicate. I have sat on beaches in the USVI, Miami and Maui, and STILL prefer this area to any of them.

It's just one of those things that you can't really describe. Unfortunately, the secret started getting out when Seaside was built. Within five more years, I don't think that certain "feel" will exist anymore - especially when every acre of beach is five-deep with people who, for now, can't access the area due to lack of a major airport.

Enjoy it while you can, folks.

I have never been able to duplicate the feeling I get in SoWal, either. I've been to Florida's Gold Coast, St. Thomas, Maui, even Grand Cayman, and none of those places have felt as comfortable as SoWal. I certainly don't see any message boards for those areas lamenting the loss of simple casual dining places or locally owned establishments like I've seen on this board. Those things are important in SoWal, and I think that sets the tone for everybody. Nobody's trying to impress or outdo. :clap_1:

 

[Kurt]

I have not worn a watch since I moved here many years ago. Although somehow I usually know what the time is - at least close enough.

It takes most of us who go on vacation a couple of days to unwind - maybe there are some mental exercise that could be done on the way down to get a head start.

SoWal has the incredible beaches, dunes, and water that a lot of the panhandle does. But we also have the dune lakes which just puts the beauty over the top. Add in all of the parks and protected land and it adds up to one of the most beautiful beach areas in the world.

But what really gives it that special feeling of friendliness, relaxation, casualness, etc.? That is simple - we are a small town in the SOUTH.

JB is right - as we become a big town, and more and more popular - the charm will be lost.

 

[DBOldford]

As a native of the area and removed to the "left coast" for the past 30 years, I never thought we would buy a home there. Circumstances and financial planning led us to do just that and we have gained an appreciation for South Walton that I can't say I had as someone growing up down there. When I try to explain Grayton to someone, I end up telling them that it's like a combo of Key West meets Mayberry. In fact, I find it quite impossible to take work or the work attitude with me when I'm down there. That part of my brain just refuses to engage.

It is a totally relaxing environment (if you can stay off U.S. 98). Sometimes when I have a storm in my brain of everything that needs to be done or the cumulative debris of the day whirling around, I close my eyes and take my own virtual tour of our house. Starting on the top floor, I walk into every room and look for that one item added to make people smile. I gaze at the Gulf view from the top landing before going downstairs into the great room, with its sunny space and Gulf views, grab a Coke and a cheese straw from the kitchen, then out onto the deck for a rock and a gaze at porpoises playing, down the outdoor staircase onto the beach access. Then down to the beach. I hardly ever get past the decks in a state of consciousness. It's a totally relaxing environment, even in one's mind. South Walton IS a state of mind. That's what makes it special to me.

 

[JB]

As a native of the area and removed to the "left coast" for the past 30 years, I never thought we would buy a home there. Circumstances and financial planning led us to do just that and we have gained an appreciation for South Walton that I can't say I had as someone growing up down there. When I try to explain Grayton to someone, I end up telling them that it's like a combo of Key West meets Mayberry. In fact, I find it quite impossible to take work or the work attitude with me when I'm down there. That part of my brain just refuses to engage.

It is a totally relaxing environment (if you can stay off U.S. 98). Sometimes when I have a storm in my brain of everything that needs to be done or the cumulative debris of the day whirling around, I close my eyes and take my own virtual tour of our house. Starting on the top floor, I walk into every room and look for that one item added to make people smile. I gaze at the Gulf view from the top landing before going downstairs into the great room, with its sunny space and Gulf views, grab a Coke and a cheese straw from the kitchen, then out onto the deck for a rock and a gaze at porpoises playing, down the outdoor staircase onto the beach access. Then down to the beach. I hardly ever get past the decks in a state of consciousness. It's a totally relaxing environment, even in one's mind. South Walton IS a state of mind. That's what makes it special to me.

That was awesome. :clap_1:

 

[Beach Runner]

The sand and the water are the best I've ever seen. And no four-lane highways ... yet. There are so many fabulous restaurants, too. I love the bike paths, love the coastal lakes, love the bag, love the shoes, love everything (oops! last part was from one of my favorite movies).

 

[Allifunn]

As a native of the area and removed to the "left coast" for the past 30 years, I never thought we would buy a home there. Circumstances and financial planning led us to do just that and we have gained an appreciation for South Walton that I can't say I had as someone growing up down there. When I try to explain Grayton to someone, I end up telling them that it's like a combo of Key West meets Mayberry. In fact, I find it quite impossible to take work or the work attitude with me when I'm down there. That part of my brain just refuses to engage.

It is a totally relaxing environment (if you can stay off U.S. 98). Sometimes when I have a storm in my brain of everything that needs to be done or the cumulative debris of the day whirling around, I close my eyes and take my own virtual tour of our house. Starting on the top floor, I walk into every room and look for that one item added to make people smile. I gaze at the Gulf view from the top landing before going downstairs into the great room, with its sunny space and Gulf views, grab a Coke and a cheese straw from the kitchen, then out onto the deck for a rock and a gaze at porpoises playing, down the outdoor staircase onto the beach access. Then down to the beach. I hardly ever get past the decks in a state of consciousness. It's a totally relaxing environment, even in one's mind. South Walton IS a state of mind. That's what makes it special to me.

Amazing Donna!!! Your house is the best!!!

 

[iwishiwasthere]

I like to quote Buffet, "It's a magic kind of medicine no doctor could prescribe"...that is SoWal for me....and it cures whatever ails me. Even a bad case of posion ivy I had when I came down one time.....best remedy ever!

 

[Allifunn]

I like to quote Buffet, "It's a magic kind of medicine no doctor could prescribe"...that is SoWal for me....and it cures whatever ails me. Even a bad case of posion ivy I had when I came down one time.....best remedy ever!

...I had a terrrrrrrible case of posion oak or sumac the last time down......luckly it was early March...and still shirt sleeves weather! Tootsie saved me with an array of long sleeved shirts to wear ;-)

 

[iwishiwasthere]

I am really serious that going there cured it. Poison ivy was on my face, neck, arms, down the side of my body. I had 2 cortizone shots and drugs, and it would not leave. After 3 days in the sun and saltwater, it dried up. My miracle cure.

That stuff is no fun. Good thing you had thoughtful Tootsie.

 

[goofer]

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 !!