Will most restaurants, shops be open holiday time?

We are open!

We plan to be there after Xmas. First time in more than a decade to be there during 'cold' weather. I hope there will be some restaurants and shops open but understand if it is pretty quiet. Thanks.

A big YES. The holiday season is quite busy at the beach -kids are out of school and many homeowners take the opportunity to visit off peak. Come on down. Bring a jacket, but hopefully you won't need it!

Generally, yes. Unlike years ago, most businesses stay open year-round. However most South Walton stores and shops are small family businesses, and it's common for individual businesses to close up for a 1-3 week stretch some time between Thanksgiving and early February to give the owners a chance to take a vacation or visit family, so if there's a specific store or restaurant you're thinking of heading over toward, then can be a good idea to call ahead and verify store hours. (many busniesses are also opne fewer hours in winter than they are in summer)