Page 110 - Travel Guide to Florida 2020

EXPLORE NORTHWEST FLORIDA

A world of natural

wonders and adventures

BY STEVE WINSTON

SOUTH WALTON • EXPLORE NORTHWEST FLORIDA
orthwest Florida encompasses 10 For divers, there are a half-dozen watery
counties, ranging from historical caves and offshore artificial reefs to explore.
Nfishing villages in the east to the And fishing, both inland along the
renowned sugar-white sand beaches on the Gulf tributaries of the Apalachicola and
of Mexico. Here, where high-rises and crowds Choctawhatchee rivers and on the Gulf, has
don’t exist, walkable small towns with friendly been popular here for generations.
people and interesting shops still thrive. Take time to cruise the country roads
Mother Nature has blessed this region and discover scenic little towns filled with
everywhere you look. Play golf on a beauti- one-of-a-kind shops and locally owned
fully manicured course in the morning, and restaurants serving Southern and coastal
paddle or hike through virgin wilderness cuisine. Local specialties include grouper
SUNSET SAIL, ST. ANDREWS BAY •
and unique ecosystems in the afternoon. throats, boiled peanuts and oysters. Also
EXPLORE NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Roam through towns like Apalachicola or capturing the region’s Southern heritage
Marianna, where history lives on in classic At Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna, are beautiful old mansions such as the
old buildings. Or let the gentle breeze explore an amazing subterranean system of plantation-style Governor A.K. Allison
embrace you as you lounge on the world- caves featuring incredible rock formations House (circa 1843) in Quincy.
famous beaches of South Walton. and green ponds. Hike a beautiful trail to the Northwest Florida is packed with stunning
Explore crystal-clear natural springs— waterfalls at Falling Waters State Park in natural beauty, amusements for the entire
68°F year-round—at Ponce de Leon Springs Chipley or along any of the two dozen other family, restaurants featuring down-home
State Park or Merritt’s Mill Pond by boat or on trails in Northwest Florida. cookin’ and plain old-fashioned enjoyment!
a snorkeling or swimming excursion. Survey Observe dolphins rollicking in the Gulf of
nature from the bluffs at Torreya State Park Mexico surf from the numerous white-sand
in Liberty County. In fact, a dozen state parks beaches or sand dunes along the coast, or on FEATURED LINKS
here offer camping, on both coastal and board one of many fishing boats or charters.
Explore Northwest Florida:
inland sites, where you can get up close and Try your hand at paddleboarding,
explorenwflorida.com
personal with Florida wildlife. surfboarding, kayaking or rowing.

108 2020 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA