By Lynne Christen
One thing for sure: There’s always a “White Christmas” along the
Beaches of South Walton. Our 99% pure and powdery white, quartz, sand-covered dunes might look like snowdrifts, but the similarity ends there. Dazzling sunlight glitters like diamonds on the emerald green Gulf of Mexico waters and warms the sand along the shoreline. Even when a taste of winter’s chill creeps down south bringing a nip to the air, a light jacket is typically all that is needed for a walk on the beach — a sure cure for winter blahs.
Winter visitors, affectionately known as snowbirds, have discovered our winter roost, far from Old Man Winter’s icy chill. Lodging costs significantly less than South Florida stays. Many of our restaurants feature “Snowbird and Early Dining” menus. Folks are friendly along the Beaches of South Walton. And, there’s plenty to do during a winter visit.
The Walton County Snowbirds boast a bonanza of special events and camaraderie. Early arrivals are already enjoying a host of holiday parties and entertainment. Snowbird President Bob Swenson and his team of volunteers will welcome hundreds of winter residents at the official season kick-off on January 4, 2010 at Faith Assembly Fellowship Hall.
Here’s a brief overview of what’s on the snowbird calendar. Golfers tee off at area greens on play days at a reduced cost. Singles make new friends on outings like
Mattie Kelly Arts Center and
Wesley Plantation House at Eden Gardens State Park. Tennis players hone their skills with matches at Mainsail’s newly refurbished courts. Card players gather for bridge, poker, Mahjongg and more at Chateau Le Mer #2 Clubhouse. Find out about all the fun right
here and check out area deals and diversions at B
eaches of South Walton Visitor Information Center.