What is it about SoWal that makes it so special?

[MKH]

I am looking forward to my family's annual trip to SoWal next month. With all the planning and anticipation, I am reminded of how different I feel while I am at SoWal, different from when I am at home, and also different from how I've felt on vacations to other places.

When I arrive at SoWal every year, I bring a lot of 'baggage' with me each time-worries about work, home, inlaws, bills, obligations, just lots of crap. By the 3rd day in SoWal, I couldn't care less about any of those things anymore. I'd love to hear from others who visit on occasion and what their experience is like in adjusting to SoWal and really relaxing while they are there.

P.S. This thought has been brought about by my 2-hour ordeal with TurboTax this morning regarding a misspelled word on my tax return. It took 4 customer service (??) people to finally understand my question and help me find the error. Now that it's done, I've headed straight to this site to escape and relax.

[Miss Kitty]

MKH! You pose a great question! I am just so thankful there is a SoWal! And I am also thankful for all the special people I have met here and in person that love SoWal.

[30A Skunkape]

Blue water, scrub pines, white sand, dune lakes...

[kathydwells]

I look forward every year for that first whiff of the ocean air, to feel the ocean breeze on my skin, to see the sea. I do not touch one thing in my loaded down van until I walk to the edge of the dune at the Villas and look out at the ocean for the first time. MKH, all my worries, and cares, just like yours dissappear, but for me it is instant!!! I love this feeling and yearn for it for for those 11 months and 3 weeks that I am not there!!!!!

You asked what is it about SoWal that makes it so special? EVERYTHING!!!!!

[MKH]

I look forward every year for that first whiff of the ocean air, to feel the ocean breeze on my skin, to see the sea. I do not touch one thing in my loaded down van until I walk to the edge of the dune at the Villas and look out at the ocean for the first time. MHK, all my worries, and cares, just like yours dissappear, but for me it is instant!!! I love this feeling and yearn for it for for those 11 months and 3 weeks that I am not there!!!!!

You asked what is it about SoWal that makes it so special? EVERYTHING!!!!!

You are right-it's a combination of lots of things that gives us the ability to forget our concerns and just relax. I wish mine was instant, but I find it takes a couple of days for me to abandon my workaholic ways that I have for the other 11 months and 3 weeks of the year. But once I get into SoWal mode, I'm there and it just keeps getting better and better.

[ShallowsNole]

Home Sweet Home.

[Miss Kitty]

Home Sweet Home.

Home Sweet Second Home!!!! I never forget for a minute how lucky and blessed I am to spend so much time down here.

[seagrovelover]

So Wal

[KISH7374]

Try taking your watch off as soon as you get to your destination. It makes time go slower and last longer.

[JB]

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.

[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.

[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.

[Donna]

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.

[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.

[goofer44]

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 !!

[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!

[Donna]

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... .

[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

[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.

[audie]

we like sowal for several reasons, mainly because it is a place my hubby and i discovered together. it is soooo nice to just sit on the beach all day and not be rushed. no phones, no dealing with the public, no emergencies, only ocean, sand and sun.

[TheSheep]

MKH! You pose a great question! I am just so thankful there is a SoWal! And I am also thankful for all the special people I have met here and in person that love SoWal.

I a thankful you are thankful and that thankfullness is next to sororityness, thankfully!!

[Mango]

I a thankful you are thankful and that thankfullness is next to sororityness, thankfully!!

and your post with obvious grammer and spelling errors is right there with stoopidness! probably alcoholismness too.

[Jdarg]

and your post with obvious grammer and spelling errors is right there with stoopidness! probably alcoholismness too.

Hey Mangy- you have a quick wit- please come up with our Greek sorority name! Tappa Kegga Brew is overused, and we need a fresh name.

[audie]

wicked wacky wenches ? the tridubs !

[Mermaid]

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!

IWIWT, that's perfect!

And Mango, give us a sorority name...we can use it as a secret password when we meet each other on the beach, sort of like "How do you spell Funn?"

[Mango]

Hey Mangy- you have a quick wit- please come up with our Greek sorority name! Tappa Kegga Brew is overused, and we need a fresh name.

IWIWT, that's perfect!

And Mango, give us a sorority name...we can use it as a secret password when we meet each other on the beach, sort of like "How do you spell Funn?"

Omega SDCU Theta Lambda

Omega being the Big O-(Allifunn will like that one) or can be used as O in SOWAL
SDCU- Smoking Drinking Cussin University
Theta- Greek for Death
Lambda- for obvious reasons.

[Jdarg]

Omega SDCU Theta Lambda

Omega being the Big O-(Allifunn will like that one) or can be used as O in SOWAL
SDCU- Smoking Drinking Cussin University
Theta- Greek for Death
Lambda- for obvious reasons.

Bingo- thank you!

[Mermaid]

Omega SDCU Theta Lambda

Omega being the Big O-(Allifunn will like that one) or can be used as O in SOWAL
SDCU- Smoking Drinking Cussin University
Theta- Greek for Death
Lambda- for obvious reasons.

You are a wicked gull and funny as all get-out. And you better believe I count myself lucky that you count me as a friend...I wouldn't want to be on bad side of your fence!!

[ItzKatzTime]

I can't put it better then most of the posts, but I can say it is a place of healing. I came in 1989 for three weeks to heal from a very tragic death of my fiance. I stayed. Months of sitting on the beach in Grayton sifting sand through my fingers and walking at the water's edge, nightly dips in the phosphorus blue/green water brought me closer to my beloved.....and the comfort that he was always with me.

There was a lot of mixing my salty tears with the salty gulf waters, and nights I would drive my jeep to the beach at 2:00 in the morning as far as I could drive it, get out and just scream into the balmy air....but most of all I found family here!

There's no place like SoWal.

[Teresa]

The Sheep has honored us all by resurrecting this beautiful thread. thank you.

yes, sowal is special. I truly believe it will remain a special place, at least within my lifetime.

[Miss Kitty]

The Sheep has honored us all by resurrecting this beautiful thread. thank you.

yes, sowal is special. I truly believe it will remain a special place, at least within my lifetime.

[GoodWitch58]

...for us locals, just maybe not at Spring Break! Next year, I am heading for the hills....

[seacrestkristi]

I Seacrest, and Mother Nature at its finest all around Sowal!!! The water just kinda washes away little worries and reconnects spirits. There's also a feeling of true passion, that people really do care deeply about protecting the environment they love so dearly there. Clean, uncluttered beaches, and trails. We, Sowal lovers &/or homeowners, are not afraid and will speak up to trashers too!
Hopefully the construction of massive condos and inns will slow down. Personally, it takes away a lot from the Mayberry feel. I wish the dunes and bluffs were more protected from big construction. Has anyone ever noticed how much trash can fly out of a back of a pick up truck? Is there a number to call to report litterbugs there? Sorry 'bout the bum out folks. Just afraid at times that the other thang that makes Sowal so special, the small town feeling, is going to be destroyed by big, wealthy developers. Still get a when I remember seeing the giant steel girters being pounded in the big bluff, just feet from the edge, to form the underground parking garage in that new big condo in Seacrest. Hubby and I felt the ground shaking on the beach. Very sad feeling watching that piece of the bluff being destroyed.
Sowal rocks, and we all need to speak out to protect her!!! Thanks to all the folks who live there and attend the very important council & environmental meetings! You are protecting that 'special feeling' we all enjoy so much. Thank ya'll, and thank God for Sowal.

[Mango]

You are a wicked gull and funny as all get-out. And you better believe I count myself lucky that you count me as a friend...I wouldn't want to be on bad side of your fence!!

I do not have a fence, but a moat and drawbridge instead.

[30A Skunkape]

The green scrub pines framed by blue sky...

[jackie]

It's the ocean, the dune lakes, state parks,clouds, birds,sunsets,the quiet loveliness of the area and for me the different types of trees and hills. You don't find that in other areas of Florida, well not even in other areas of the country. My husband and I are feel so thankful that we have found this area and that we are able to spend the entire winter here. We hate going back to Chicago in the spring and having to go back to reality! I didn't know it before the growth, so to me it still feels like a calm, quaint, charming little area. I guess it depends where you come from. This site brings me back to SoWal whenever I want and need to be back---and that's almost every day! SoWal just feels like home.

[Jdarg]

...for us locals, just maybe not at Spring Break! Next year, I am heading for the hills....

No kidding! Can we start a carvan?

[Teresa]

No kidding! Can we start a carvan?

well, if we can just remember to stay away from 30A - especially seaside and seagrove, all of Destin, and publix during spring break, we'll be a-okay...

[Bob]

The water....the knucklehead to good folks ratio is within specs....the brilliant white sand.....the sound of the wind rushing through the needles in the pine trees.....being part of the South......watching the sun rise and set over the water.....meeting fellow dog owners on the beach......visiting one of a kind shops/restaurants.........enjoying the company of people from other venues.....Western Lake viewed from old Grayton......the 4th of July parade in Grayton........the "marching elephants"........the lack of high rises and abundance of state forest......discovering hidden places to find solitude on each visit......