I've heard the good the bad and the ugly. Now I want you to please tell me WHAT you LOVE about living in SoWal. NO NEGATIVES. I want this to be a Pollyana thread.
What is it that gives you that "I am so glad I moved here" feeling. Or "I am so glad to be a SoWal native." Or "I am so happy we have a beach house here."
I can tell you what I love
I love being the the water with my mask and snorkel just hearing my own breath.
I love eating at Basmatis for lunch with the breeze on the porch.
I love walking around at night with my husband and dog just taking a stroll.
I love the fact that my dog gets to go to a real dog park - she has been without a social life for too long.
There's more, but this is my start.
I love seeing my girls' footprints on the white sandy beach.
The sunsets in the Winter.
The warm tropical winds.
Being able to hear the whippoorwills (sp) in the Summer.
Watching the hawks hunt.
A summer sunset ride over the bay on the motorcycle with my arms around my Sweetie.
Gidget: The colors of the ocean are different in winter...much more clear without the haze. There is a silver in there that is stunning.
And the sun rises and sets over the water. At the Whale's Tail, everyone claps when the sun dips beneath the horizon...it's like a countdown,it happens so fast.
And the sun rises and sets over the water. At the Whale's Tail, everyone claps when the sun dips beneath the horizon...it's like a countdown,it happens so fast.
(and EARLY )
The Whale's Tale?
I've seen the sunsets in September and EARLY Oct but haven't been to area past EARLY Oct last year.
I love being able to see the Gulf from 30A on my way to work.
Dune Allen area by "hurricane alley."
I'm not sure I know where that is?
I love having my whole family living here.
How COOL is that!!
I love the circle of friends I've aquired over the last 30 years.
THAT seems like a great bonus. Look at the great people on this forum!!
I love the wonderful restaurants we have to choose from.
Oh heck yes!! You're talkin' to a Louisiana gal who loves food that is prepared with a magic touch and LOTS of chefs in SoWal and Destin area are champions at that!
I love the laid back feeling compared to other places traveled.
I love driving across Western Lake about sunset, when it's glassy calm. And the restaurants, and the people. And Modica Market, Ruskin Place, Eden State Park...
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I love the sound of my daughters laughter as she chases after minnows in Eastern Lake's outflow...
I love the serenity of rowing out to the back northern part of my lake in my canoe and just soaking in the sun and ambiance while I pretend to fish...
I love sitting on my back balcony which overlooks Point Washington State Forest while looking at the stars which twinkle so brightly in the tapestry of the night...
I love the magic that still exists here...
Last edited by Douglas the Intrepid; 07-06-2009 at 04:38 PM.
- the view of the dunes/trees across Western Lake
- the beach under a full moon with stars overhead
- 2 degrees of Sowal
- the bike path
- days when you go from pjs to a bikini to pjs
- seeing turtles hatch
- dolphins
- the parks
- all the funn events and quirky people
- Mountainfilm
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Last edited by scooterbug44; 07-06-2009 at 04:39 PM.
I love the electricity of seeing people in Seaside and watching the frisbees get tossed in the ampitheatre and the kids rolling down the hill. I love the deer in my backyard this morning and the beautiful way the gulf water allows the light to color it.
I love the snakes and trails and coyote. I love the short and amazing road trips you can take from here. I love the fact that beautiful people, wearing very little, are everywhere.
I love the bike path. I love the laughter heard on the beaches. I love snorkeling and then going down to 20 feet, turning my body upward and peering up to the surface. I love the silence down there. It's like being on the inside of God. Perhaps it is.
I like the smells of Seaside. The new pizza place. The taco bar. The smells emanating from the new Barefoot barbecue place when I leave Bud and Alley's at night. I love the live music here. It's everywhere and it's good.
I love the heat and the way you almost hallucinate in it. The way I sweat and empty myself in it. And I love the way the water feels when I escape that heat and emmerse myself in its flowing form.
I love the wedding parties and their smiles, often seen at night when they are out dancing. I love noticing beauty here in sowal, as it is often quite available.
I love air conditioners and ice cold drinks when I need them. I love a lot of things about South Walton, and particularly 30A. But I love nothing more, even remotely close, to when my darling little creations are here with me in paradise, sharing special moments. To see what I love about 30A, reflected in their eyes, their smiles and gushing from their hearts, makes me want to capture those moments, still them to a constant, and live in them forever.
It's what makes me collect sea shells and dollars and carry them to the shore. It's what makes me hand them out to little kiddies along the beach, those who remind me how badly I want mine here with me.
And somehow, someway, maybe that brings me a little closer to my own little ones. I love living along the beach, because love is felt a little sweeter here.
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I love driving across Western Lake about sunset, when it's glassy calm. And the restaurants, and the people. And Modica Market, Ruskin Place, Eden State Park...
You see, I don't even know where Modica Market, Ruskin Place and ESP are!! I am so much more
familiar with Destin area.
I am looking forward to see what draws you to these spots.
I love the sound of my daughters laughter as she chases after minnows in Eastern Lake's outflow...
Awwww, sweet!!
I love the serenity of rowing out to the back northern part of my lake in my canoe and just soaking in the sun and ambiance while I pretend to fish...
I can only imagine how peaceful that would be!!
I love sitting on my back balcony which overlooks Point Washington State Forest while looking at the stars which twinkle so brightly in the tapestry of the night...
Oh how I love the night sky sans light pollution. We have it great out here in LA with NO one else on our road and hundreds of acres. I hope to find another spot to star gaze. THX
I love the magic that still exists here...
HURRAY - it is still there and going strong so it seems.
- the view of the dunes/trees across Western Lake COOL I will have to look myself
- the beach under a full moon with stars overhead Oh yeah!!
- 2 degrees of Sowal ??
- the bike path YOU BET!
- days when you go from pjs to a bikini to pjs Oh that sounds dreamy!
- seeing turtles hatch NEVER have! Can imagine how awesome that would be
- dolphins Gotta love them
- the parks Can't wait to explore them
- all the funn events and quirky people Lookin' forward to quirkiness
- Mountainfilm ??
I love the electricity of seeing people in Seaside and watching the frisbees get tossed in the ampitheatre and the kids rolling down the hill.
Kids are great. Sounds like FUN!
I love the deer in my backyard this morning and the beautiful way the gulf water allows the light to color it.
Oh lovely!!
I love the snakes and trails and coyote.
I am so thrilled about all the nature in the area
I love the short and amazing road trips you can take from here.
Like to the caves in Marietta?? Love that trip!
I love the fact that beautiful people, wearing very little, are everywhere.
LOL FUN!
I love the bike path.
A big reason we picked the area.
I love the laughter heard on the beaches.
People passing a good time as we say here in LA!
I love snorkeling and then going down to 20 feet, turning my body upward and peering up to the surface. I love the silence down there. It's like being on the inside of God. Perhaps it is.
My religion is to find "God" in all things beautiful and I get moved sometimes to the point of tears!
I like the smells of Seaside. The new pizza place. The taco bar. The smells emanating from the new Barefoot barbecue place when I leave Bud and Alley's at night. I love the live music here. It's everywhere and it's good.
WOW - I haven't been to any of these places
I love the heat and the way you almost hallucinate in it.
Some like it hot - I DO!!
The way I sweat and empty myself in it. And I love the way the water feels when I escape that heat and emmerse myself in its flowing form.
Like bathing in liquid diamonds I always say
I love the wedding parties and their smiles, often seen at night when they are out dancing. I love noticing beauty here in sowal, as it is often quite available.
Nice
I love air conditioners and ice cold drinks when I need them. I love a lot of things about South Walton, and particularly 30A. But I love nothing more, even remotely close, to when my darling little creations are here with me in paradise, sharing special moments. To see what I love about 30A, reflected in their eyes, their smiles and gushing from their hearts, makes me want to capture those moments, still them to a constant, and live in them forever.
I hope you write all this down for them. I know when they are older they will appreciate having it.
It's what makes me collect sea shells and dollars and carry them to the shore. It's what makes me hand them out to little kiddies along the beach, those who remind me how badly I want mine here with me.
And somehow, someway, maybe that brings me a little closer to my own little ones. I love living along the beach, because love is felt a little sweeter here.
Fantastic - this is such a great thread because you have all contributed. I hope everyone will!
You see, I don't even know where Modica Market, Ruskin Place and ESP are!! I am so much more
familiar with Destin area.
I am looking forward to see what draws you to these spots.
Thanks
G
Gidget: I had no idea you are such a newcomer. Modica Market is the heart of downtown Seaside. Ruskin Place is the artist colony in the back of Seaside. Eden State Park is an old restored "mansion" with georgeous grounds in lovely Old Pt. Washington on the incredibly beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay. (Damn, I sound like a travel brochure!) Please, just put Destin down and walk away (it's bad for your health).
__________________ My mind tends to wander... but fortunately, it's so weak, it doesn't get very far...
Gidget: I had no idea you are such a newcomer. Modica Market is the heart of downtown Seaside. Ruskin Place is the artist colony in the back of Seaside. Eden State Park is an old restored "mansion" with georgeous grounds in lovely Old Pt. Washington on the incredibly beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay. (Damn, I sound like a travel brochure!) Please, just put Destin down and walk away (it's bad for your health).
I hear you on Destin. Let's just say, I picked Blue Mtn over Destin (except I am going to be living in an apt in D for 6 mths while building at BMB) because I LOVE that 30A feel and I am at heart a "country" girl I guess. And BMB offers a much more laid back approach to life.
Ok then I guess I have been to Modica - didn't know it was called that lol but I haven't been to Ruskin. Oh goodness I MUST do Eden Park. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gidget, thank you for creating a truly wonderful thread. Too often, we do not stop and reflect on what we have and how great it is. There are so many things I love about SoWal that I literally don't know where to begin, do not have the creativity of so, so many of the previous posters and can't possibly express all that is so important to me and mine about Blue Mountain Beach, 30A and SoWal including this website, so I won't. Suffice it to say all the posts above are wonderful and a thrill for this old curmudgeon to read and digest. I shall just continue to read and enjoy all of the wonderful posts on SoWal and be secure in the knowledge that every one of them is true. Once again, thank you so much for creating this thread.
__________________
Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the U.S. ARMED FORCES don't have that problem. Ronald Reagan
Gidget, thank you for creating a truly wonderful thread. Too often, we do not stop and reflect on what we have and how great it is. There are so many things I love about SoWal that I literally don't know where to begin, do not have the creativity of so, so many of the previous posters and can't possibly express all that is so important to me and mine about Blue Mountain Beach, 30A and SoWal including this website, so I won't. Suffice it to say all the posts above are wonderful and a thrill for this old curmudgeon to read and digest. I shall just continue to read and enjoy all of the wonderful posts on SoWal and be secure in the knowledge that every one of them is true. Once again, thank you so much for creating this thread.
I am so glad you are getting as much out of it as I am! It is a sanctuary so to speak where we can escape into the magic of the area and forget politics and litter on beaches, etc.... and just chill out and enjoy reading the WONDERFUL posts!!!! I've already learned SO MUCH and it is wonderful to share with EVERYONE.
Please keep posting. I really need to read these daily because I am leaving what I call my paradise to come to yours and these posts make me very happy.
Oh I thought of something else I love:
I love early morning sunRISES on the beach. My dh and my dog and I would get out to BMB EARLY and watch the sun rise. AWESOME!! And VERY quiet.
Thanks for the posts and thanks Andy A for a very nice message!
G
I love the beaches and the friendly demeanor of locals. Really digg my friends . And, a lot more~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Awwww sounds like I am lucky to move to such a great place. You can add that you love the summer solstice get togethers on the beach!! I can't wait for that!
I love the sand and I love the water.
I love the feeling and the pace.
I love coming back to Sowal every summer that I can.
I love the memories I have of Sowal.
I love the state park at Grayton. It is my happy place. I carry it around in my mind's eye and bring it out when necessary.
Being a 5th generation native of a pioneer family, with reminders of your ancestors all around
A lifetime of white sand and salt water
Having so many people move in that you finally get your road paved
Knowing who is who and what is what, in both NoWal and SoWal, and watching with amusement as each tries to figure out how the other side thinks
The sound of the wind off the bay in the winter
Fried mullet, sailcat and shrimp – fresh!
South Walton Seahawks (and rivalry games against the schools you and your spouse went to!)
Most of your friends are also Seminole fans
And last, but not least, the most awesome sunsets in the world.
Maybe I'll stay...
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LET'S GO SEAHAWKS
LET'S GO SEMINOLES
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I love the sand and I love the water.
I love the feeling and the pace.
I love coming back to Sowal every summer that I can.
I love the memories I have of Sowal.
I love the state park at Grayton. It is my happy place. I carry it around in my mind's eye and bring it out when necessary.
Great post! I am so glad you have found a place you love so much.
Being a 5th generation native of a pioneer family, with reminders of your ancestors all around
HOW COOL IS THAT??
A lifetime of white sand and salt water
Having so many people move in that you finally get your road paved
LOL I live on a dirt road so I can SURELY appreciate that statement!! Happy for you!!
Knowing who is who and what is what, in both NoWal and SoWal, and watching with amusement as each tries to figure out how the other side thinks
Ha - seems like you are a good one to know
The sound of the wind off the bay in the winter
Fried mullet, sailcat and shrimp – fresh!
Sailcat?? Never heard of it!
South Walton Seahawks (and rivalry games against the schools you and your spouse went to!)
Most of your friends are also Seminole fans
And last, but not least, the most awesome sunsets in the world.
Maybe I'll stay...
Yep, I can't see you leavin'! And I'm glad!
Gidget
On a short list...
I like that this is a happy place with happy people. I was sentenced to a year in Dothan because of my job last year and it amazing how angry a place can seem.
I love our community and the warmth for people we have her.
__________________
We can seldom get our children to do what we tell them, but they almost never fail to imitate us.
Colin Powell
On a short list...
I like that this is a happy place with happy people. I was sentenced to a year in Dothan because of my job last year and it amazing how angry a place can seem.
I love our community and the warmth for people we have her.
I love the anticipation of coming to the SoWal for my 2 weeks each year
I love sitting in my beach chair with my umbrella reading a book, watching the waves, feeling the breeze and watching everyone have fun
I love playing house at whatever cute rental I've found for us each year
I love dining out with no regard to cost or calories-because it's vacation
I love Kat's Key Lime Pie!
I love biking/walking around
I love the shopping and the art
I love meeting locals and other tourists and running into some of the same folks time and again
I love relaxing with my hubby
I love taking naps during the heat of the day
I love drinking champagne at sunset on our last night
I love shopping for the next rental for the next year and having that sense of anticipation start all over again
I love the anticipation of coming to the SoWal for my 2 weeks each year
I love sitting in my beach chair with my umbrella reading a book, watching the waves, feeling the breeze and watching everyone have fun
I love playing house at whatever cute rental I've found for us each year
I love dining out with no regard to cost or calories-because it's vacation
I love Kat's Key Lime Pie!
I love biking/walking around
I love the shopping and the art
I love meeting locals and other tourists and running into some of the same folks time and again
I love relaxing with my hubby
I love taking naps during the heat of the day
I love drinking champagne at sunset on our last night
I love shopping for the next rental for the next year and having that sense of anticipation start all over again
You described exactly what I love, too, escpecially the "playing house" part. I love sweeping the floor before dinner, taking fresh towels out of the dryer, lighting a candle for cocktails at dusk,, etc. I actually try a new detergent/fabric softener combo out every year while we're there, just for a little something different.....is this wierd :-)
Champagne on the last day is something I'll have to incorporate this year, but it's oh-so bittersweet, that last day isn't it? When the camera card is loaded up with happy pics, the wine has run out, and there are no more mango left for margaritas, then it must be time to go.....
I love that I raised my youngest daughter here
(a conscious decision)
where there are so many strong
women role models....
teachers, artists,
business owners,
magazine editors,
spiritual teachers,
friends and family,
real estate agents/brokers/owners,
other Mothers, volunteers, writers,
bakers, designers, and so many more!
I believe this is the best life we could have given her.
She had many "mothers."
I loved that she learned to walk on the beach.
I love being healed on Grayton beach from a terrible tragedy,
by sitting with my toes in the edge of the gulf
being washed with salt water while grabbing handfuls of sand
and sifting it through my fingers.
My husband can't end the day without taking a
drive on Grayton Beach...it's his own quiet time.
Hope that wasn't too long Gidget! Of course like many others I love all that has been posted above.
__________________ Enjoy A Slice of the Beach Lifestyle.....Key Lime Pie!]
I'm still amused by the continual beach fashion show put on by our visitors. I love the sun hats and dresses and all of the cool attire that they wear. You seldom see locals dress the way people who are "dressed for the beach" dress. hahaha!
__________________
We can seldom get our children to do what we tell them, but they almost never fail to imitate us.
Colin Powell
I haven't posted for awhile and I haven't forgotten Sowal. I'm so glad to be part of a forum where you are not forgotten. I winter in Miramar Beach. But I continue to read the posts and keep up on the news when I'm back in Canada.
I so wish I lived right there in Sowal all the time. If I had of done as my father told me when I was a little girl, then I would of had all that money I should have saved. Maybe that way I could be there 24/365.
Thanks for reminding me of not posting. I have a Sowal sticker I proudly display, and smile when I look at it. Thanks for this community of friends.
I love the sounds, the smells, the visuals, the serenity, the relaxation, the people, the food, the shopping, the laughter, the memories of my kids becoming adults through the years of vactions here, the memory of my daughter getting married on the beach, the closeness of family being together......
I love the anticipation of coming to the SoWal for my 2 weeks each year
I love sitting in my beach chair with my umbrella reading a book, watching the waves, feeling the breeze and watching everyone have fun
I NEED TO GET A BEACH CHAIR Sounds like heaven!!
I love playing house at whatever cute rental I've found for us each year
I remember those days - so much fun!!!
I love dining out with no regard to cost or calories-because it's vacation
Here here!
I love Kat's Key Lime Pie!
Hmmm - Kat???
I love biking/walking around
Amen!
I love the shopping and the art
So much to see!
I love meeting locals
that would be ME now and other tourists and running into some of the same folks time and again
I love relaxing with my hubby
How sweet!
I love taking naps during the heat of the day
A MUST in the summer!
I love drinking champagne at sunset on our last night
Hmm haven't tried that one!
I love shopping for the next rental for the next year and having that sense of anticipation start all over again
You described exactly what I love, too, escpecially the "playing house" part. I love sweeping the floor before dinner, taking fresh towels out of the dryer, lighting a candle for cocktails at dusk,, etc. I actually try a new detergent/fabric softener combo out every year while we're there, just for a little something different.....is this wierd :-)
Champagne on the last day is something I'll have to incorporate this year, but it's oh-so bittersweet, that last day isn't it? When the camera card is loaded up with happy pics, the wine has run out, and there are no more mango left for margaritas, then it must be time to go.....
The Northwest Florida beach communities of South Walton County on the Emerald Coast - from east to west: Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seacrest, Camp Creek, WaterSound Beach, Seagrove Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Dune Allen, Sandestin, Miramar Beach - When you've said SoWal, you've said it all! Directly east is Panama City Beach, and directly west is Destin. Point Washington and Freeport on the bay round out SoWal.
Looking for free SoWal stickers?If you’re not lucky enough to be at the beach, send us the number of stickers you want and a self-addressed stamped envelope to SoWal.com, 174 WaterColor Way #114, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.
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Never heard of it!
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