see attachment for my recent article published in thicket magazine for their Beach Guide, plus a great article, "go west," written by Ann Williams, focusing on the areas in South Walton, west of Grayton, such as Redfish Village and some of the surrounding businesses. You can subscribe to thicket at www.thicketmag.com.

Thicket is based in Alabama, but has many readers who are very familiar with our area in South Walton.

(My articles are posted below.)

Top 10 At the Beach

by Murray Balkcom


In our special little beach area of Florida’s Emerald Coast, there are no big-box stores, dance clubs, and chain restaurants. Some people want that from their beach vacation, and tend to stay in the bigger towns of Destin and Panama City Beach. But for folks wanting something different, then south Walton County is the place for you. We ’re for the visitor who‘s never heard of Sally’s in Blue Mountain Be ach and has no clue that Sally’s has the absolute-best fried chicken they will ever eat, but after a tip from an insider like me, you’ll go home with that little gem tucked away for future vacations.


My list of 10 hidden gems follows (in no particular order), and I highly recommend all of the places on this list, along with encouragement to find...