Year-Round Fun in Authentic Walton
With a full festival calendar and endless activities, there’s always something special happening in Authentic Walton. Whether you’re Christmas shopping in Downtown DeFuniak or kayaking in Lake Jackson, you’ll find year-round fun no matter the season. Explore the great opportunities these neighborhoods have to offer.
As the days get longer and the nights get warmer, the springtime fun heats up in Authentic Walton. And what better way to enjoy a beautiful spring day than in the park? Home to everything from tennis courts to soccer fields, visit the Freeport Regional Sports Complex for 60 acres of fun. Challenge your friends and family to a little friendly competition before exploring the rest of Freeport.
Still need to burn off some springtime steam? Lace up your running shoes and get your blood pumping for the annual triathlon, or get your feet wet at spring-fed Lake DeFuniak with a day of paddleboarding and fish-frying at LakeFest. For more fun in the sun, celebrate the sweet side of spring with a visit to Register Family Farm, a local bee farm where hives hum with life. Want to get in touch with nature? Book a glamping tent under the stars at Twin Lakes Camp Resort and enjoy the warm days and mild nights.
From plentiful fly-fishing to sunny afternoons on the lake, summer is the perfect season to catch those rays and work on your tan! Cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Morrison Springs or paddleboard your way across the surface of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Afterwards, book an inshore or offshore angling session with Choctawhatchee Bay Fishing Charters, where you can bottom fish for red snapper and grouper with the pros.
Summer is also the perfect time to see nature in bloom, so make a pitstop by the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center to learn more about Authentic Walton’s one-of-a-kind ecosystem (along with a few tips to help preserve it!). And don’t miss the annual Fourth of July Celebration with barbecues and fireworks galore! While you’re at it, hit up H&M Hot Dog, Florida’s oldest hot dog stand, for a taste of summer in a bun.
In the mood for a quiet fall getaway dotted with rolling pastures and peaceful trails? Visit Paxton and take in the fall colors as you hike up Britton Hill. The highest point in the state, this so-called crown of Florida is also perfect for stargazing thanks to low light pollution levels, so bring a blanket and keep your eyes peeled for shooting stars. Afterwards, soak up more of the crisp fall weather with a game of pickup basketball at Ghentsville Park or let the little ones frolic on the playground.
For more can’t-miss fall festivities, stop by the Walton County Fair in DeFuniak Springs! This week-long event celebrates community, agriculture, and entertainment with activities for all ages. Fall also means harvest season, so raise a glass to this year’s grapes at the Chautauqua Winery Harvest Festival. With free outdoor wine tastings, gourmet food trucks and fresh grape juice for the kids, it’s a guaranteed good time for everyone. In the mood for live music? Dance the day away and see how far you can throw a mullet fish at Bayfest.
While winter might mean frigid winds and freezing temperatures elsewhere, Authentic Walton’s mild weather and illuminated pine trees brighten the season with warmth and cheer. Dial up the joy with the spectacular Christmas Reflections light display and visit Santa at Merry Main Street with the kids. Get all of your holiday shopping done in downtown DeFuniak Springs, where Main Street is dotted with one-of-a-kind boutiques and bookstores like Anita's Half & Half. Browse the handmade jewelry at 5 Oaks Mercantile, and make a pit stop at Soiree for curated gifts. Feeling snacky? Grab a bite of holiday cheer with Perla Baking Co’s 12 Days of Cookies celebration, and don’t miss the chance to explore the heart of the historic district at the Christmas Tour of Homes.
Afterwards, it’s time for some well-deserved me time. Unwind with an end-of-the-year facial or massage at The Pink House, a med spa and wellness boutique – you’ve earned it! Then, celebrate the season with an elegant Italian dinner that’s all about warmth, flavor and connection. Iron & Grape Italian Kitchen serves up house-made pastas alongside a well-balanced wine list, perfect for a cozy date night. Return to your room at the Victorian-era Sunbright Inn, a B&B complete with period-accurate pieces and decorations sure to inspire holiday cheer.
Whether you’re ringing in the season or winding down after a busy year, there’s always something to celebrate in Authentic Walton. Check out the full list of events for your next trip.