Meetings Made More Memorable
With such a wide variety of venues and accommodations, South Walton has the flexibility to welcome meetings from 10-person executive retreats to 1,500-person conventions. But it’s the incredible activities (and the scenery surrounding them) that make a gathering here such an unforgettable experience. When your productive meeting has adjourned, it’s time to explore a world of fun team-building opportunities that awaits in these 16 unique beach neighborhoods.
Step out of the conference room and into the pristine natural landscapes. There are countless corners to explore, with hundreds of miles of hiking and biking paths, including the Timpoochee Trail.
If you prefer walking on water, try stand-up paddleboarding across one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes. Local outfitters such as YOLO Board + Bike can supply all the gear you’ll need to get going. Talk about a great way to bring everyone together to create group balance!
Want to unlock your team’s true creativity? Try your hand at group art classes! The Shard Shop in Grayton Beach offers group sessions that are ideal for all talent levels, even those who have never channeled their inner-Monet. Artist Mary Hong will host small groups at her studio or come directly to where your group is staying. While stimulating thoughtful interaction, each attendee also ends up with their very own work of art to take home!
For a much larger canvas, try a round at one of South Walton’s many golf courses – which include courses designed by Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Tom Jackson. Time spent playing amid these stunning backdrops just has a way of bringing folks a little closer together. If you want to make golf more of a focal point of your team’s visit, consider the scenic Burnt Pine Golf Club at Sandestin. The back nine highlights breathtaking views along the Choctawhatchee Bay, while the front side brings golfers through pine forests and wetlands.
When it’s time to unwind, you can always turn to wine. With two South Walton locations – WaterColor and Miramar Beach – The Wine Bar has a refined ambiance without any air of pretension. Take part in interactive events such as a tasting or a pairing with gourmet cuisine from a great local chef.
If you’re not in a rush to head home, why not catch a flight? A flight of the area’s incredible craft brews, that is! Swing by Idyll Hounds Brewing Company to chat with the brewers and sample flavorful beers suited to any taste. Or pay a visit to the 30,000-square-foot Grayton Beer Company production facility. Their fun taproom welcomes you to play darts, take a tour or listen to a little live music.
And at the end of a day, there may be no better bonding than a beach bonfire. Several local outfitters including 30A Blaze will handle all the permits, set-up and take-down. That’ll free up your team to snack on s’mores and brainstorm some big ideas under the Big Dipper.
Each group is one-of-a-kind, just like each day in South Walton. The activities you choose may not always seem perfect for every member, but that’s half the fun – pushing the boundaries a little and getting your team to try things they don’t normally do. And if you need more suggestions, we’re always happy to help!