There’s something about a spectacular Florida beach sunset that feeds the soul. The peace at the end of the day, the beauty of natural colors splashed across a blue-sky canvas can stir the imagination like few other experiences. That’s why, in South Walton, we love autumn, especially the month of October, which is one of the best times for watching a sunset.

In the early evenings, it’s not uncommon to see friends gathering on our sugar-white sand beaches with their favorite beverages ready to toast the setting sun. All along our 26 miles of coastline, from Inlet Beach on the east to Miramar Beach on the west, it’s a nightly ritual of South Walton locals and visitors alike. As the sun dips into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, cheers and applause erupt as cameras and cell phones click, creating sunset pictures to cherish forever.

October is also a wonderful month for another ritual, the beach wedding. With all the natural autumn beauty, it’s a perfect time and place to say ‘I do!’ Everything you need to find the perfect wedding venue is right here. Whether you dream of a traditional ceremony in an intimate chapel or lush garden, or a relaxed gathering of friends and family on the beach, you’ll find South Walton wedding professionals ready to help. What’s more, you’re already here for your honeymoon, with accommodations ranging from beach cottages to full-service resorts offering outstanding seasonal rates.

Local artists also look forward to October. That’s when the Artist of the Year is chosen to represent South Walton’s many art and cultural offerings for the upcoming year. Photographers, painters, sculptors and artists working in clay, fiber and mixed media vie for the honor. In fact, South Walton is home to many visual artists and crafters such as potters and jewelry makers as well as writers, song writers and musicians.

October is also part of Autumn Tides, South Walton’s signature season of cultural, art, culinary and eco-tourism events, which is celebrating its tenth year in 2011. For instance, the 10th annual Back to Nature Festival beginning October 14 features hiking, biking, paddling, and nature walks and seminars throughout our 16 unique beach neighborhoods. Participants can learn about the rare ecology of our coastal dune lakes, maritime forests and other natural areas.

Beer aficionados will want to head the 4th annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival on October 22, featuring over 100 beers for tasting, plus seminars and dinners. As part of the festivities, the Vets at the Village car show will have over 100 Corvettes on display.

So, come on, don’t just dream of beautiful beach sunsets. With so much happening in South Walton in October, come and experience it for yourself.

Top Five Special Sunset Secrets

1. For romantic, private sunset viewing, stroll down the beach away from the dune walkovers where most groups gather. Spread a blanket and snuggle up to watch the show.
2. Don’t forget to gather your family and friends for that perfect beach portrait when you start to see that beautiful orange and pink fall sunset.
3. Make friends at a sunset toast. There’s always a group of locals gathering. You’re sure to get tips on great places to eat after the sun goes down.
4. Brides come from all over to use this turquoise water and sugar-white sand beaches as the perfect back drop for their wedding. Take advantage of the sunset calculator to time your pictures perfectly.
5. When taking sunset pictures, it’s best to have the sun a little off center in the frame. It not only saves your lens from potential harm, it makes a better photograph.