Exploring Authentic Walton

Walton County may be known for its beaches, but its beauty and intrigue extend far beyond the sand. Walton County Tourism is excited to announce its new brand, which represents the encompassing nature of the communities of Walton County.

These communities, nestled north of the Choctawhatchee Bay, include Freeport, Paxton and DeFuniak Springs. Together, they form “Authentic Walton,” an area that emphasizes traditional values, a welcoming sense of community, genuineness and steadfastness. The backdrop is idyllic, the people are pleasant and the businesses are thriving.

In these locales, you’ll find a plethora of outdoor adventures via waterways, including bays, lakes, rivers and springs.

Morrison Springs’

The Choctawhatchee Bay in Freeport is ideal for boating, fishing, paddleboarding, swimming and picnicking in the parks and green spaces. Morrison Springs, a 161-acre park boasting a crystal-clear, spring-fed pool, attracts dive enthusiasts, ecotourists and swimmers. Paxton presents water lovers with Lake Jackson, where visitors often set out on canoes, kayaks or paddleboards to catch glimpses of local wildlife.

Heading away from the waters and toward the quaint downtowns, you’ll find a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options.

Begin your day with croissants and coffee at Perla Baking Co. For lunch, visit Florida’s oldest hot dog stand and select from a menu of creative dogs. Café Nola is a charming dinner spot featuring Gulf seafood with New Orleans flair. Another seafood option is Nick’s Seafood Restaurant, where you can dine on oysters, blue crab and shrimp while enjoying a picturesque bay view.

Between bites, stop into local boutiques Soiree, Vault 46, Nook & Cranny and The Little Yellow Bench Company. Wind down and relax at The Pink House, an aesthetics and wellness boutique offering spa experiences. Then, wine down at the Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery for a complimentary tasting of their muscadine wines.

While the region has plenty of new businesses to offer, it also boasts a deep history, from stately Victorian homes to Casey Park featuring the Freeport Veterans Memorial. Be sure to explore the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, nestled inside a conserved nature preserve with a multitude of walking trails.

E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center

A trip up the scenic Highway 331, north of Choctawhatchee Bay, will lead you to three charming towns ready to greet you with pastoral landscapes, businesses paving the way for the future and historical markers preserving the past.

For more on the latest happenings, visit AuthenticWalton.com and follow along on social media channels at @AuthenticWalton.