April 7, 2021 by Kurt Lischka
South Walton County in the Florida panhandle is home to rare coastal dune lakes that kiss the Gulf of Mexico. Western Lake meets the Gulf at Grayton Beach State Park. The beloved stand of pines between the lake and the Gulf is one of South Walton's most photographed and painted scenes.
Photos & info -
http://sowal.com/place/western-lake
http://sowal.com/place/grayton-beach-state-park
People flock to South Walton from all over the world to enjoy the most beautiful beaches on the planet. But there’s so much more to the SoWal area that folks aren’t even aware of - endless opportunities for water adventures!
Here’s our latest SoWal List featuring just a few of the many water adventures to be experienced in our little corner of the world.
Sea turtle hatchlings are beginning to appear on beaches throughout the Sunshine State, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking the public to help ensure these tiny turtles reach the ocean by following a few simple guidelines.
All South Walton backyards can be a gathering place for birds, butterflies, frogs, squirrels and many more types of local wildlife.
South Walton beaches are a go-to destination for summer fun and for sea turtles. On our amazing white sands, several species of sea turtles return each year to build a nest and lay their eggs.
It’s sea turtle nesting season once again and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding beachgoers to take precautions that can help protect these federally threatened and endangered marine reptiles.
It’s an exciting time of year in SoWal - when locals break out of hibernation, prepare for tourist season, and plan for stellar outdoor fun. Fortunately, our community is filled with stunning landscapes and enlightening cultural activities throughout the year to keep us engaged and entertained. Our coastal dune lakes, with their spectacular wildlife and brilliant sunsets, give us year-round canvases to observe, photograph and paint.
Sea Turtle Season runs May 1 - October 31 in South Walton. Extra care is needed to help protect and preserve our ancient flippered friends during the season. Sea turtles have been nesting on our shores for millions of years.
The rest of the globe is catching on to what we already know. That South Walton is one of the most special places on the planet!
Our beach community has been selected as one of the 28 Best Places to Visit in 2019, according to National Geographic Traveler’s editors and explorers.
Justin Gaffrey is a sensitive, insightful, creative and successful SoWal artist. He also kills yellow flies with a blowtorch.
He burns them to crisps, their burnt bits blending with colorful layers of dried acrylics texturizing the floor. He sent one to oblivion right in front of me after the little bastard made the final mistake of biting me. Sweet revenge in the studio!
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.
