The Walton-DeFuniak Library (3 Circle Dr.; 850-892-3624) has been in the same building since 1887. Its impressive display of fine European armor dates as far back as the Crusades. Hotel DeFuniak (U.S. Hwy. 90 and 8th St.; 850-892-4383) began life as the Hotel Chautauqua boasting a 1,000-foot veranda. Now restored as part of the historic district, it has a dining room and is near several antique and specialty shops. The restored Railroad Depot (1160 Circle Dr.; 850-892-2566) will soon be home to the Walton County Museum. Florida Chautauqua, Inc., organized in 1993, hosts a community theater, school programs and a center for learning and instruction in the arts. A weekend Chautauqua Festival (downtown DeFuniak Springs; 850-892-9494) is held each May. DeFuniak Springs is also the site of Florida's first monument to its Confederate dead in the Civil War (Courthouse grounds).

About 60 miles farther east on the Chipola River, Marianna boasts a Confederate monument on its downtown plaza (Confederate Park; 850-482-8061). The site of a sharply fought battle during the Civil War, Marianna still has a number of antebellum mansions, including the Ely-Criglar House dating to 1840, and the Lewis-Wycoff House, built in the 1840s. Before leaving Marianna, get a taste of the Southwest at the Red Canyon Grill (3297 Caverns Rd.; 850-482-4256), where Native American, Mexican and northern New Mexican cuisine are served in an authentic Santa Fe style. It's been in Florida's Top 200 restaurants since 1994.

Next, head south on U.S. Hwy. 231 to Panama City. This coastal community came into existence as a trading center between native Indians and white settlers. It later began exporting timber and oysters, and was used for blockade running and as a salt works during the Civil War.

 Prev  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  Next