Fort Walton Beach is a paradise for baby boomers. Part of the Emerald Coast, the sands are like snow, and the waters change from turquoise to a jewel green to deep blue. The city became a popular, bustling tourist destination in the 1930s, and grew at an alarming rate throught the '70s, when growth began to slow. Money Magazine named Ft. Walton as the #10 best place to live among the top 300 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Wow. I think that says a lot for its evolution.
Today's Ft. Walton offers superb natural beauty, a wide variety of activities, and a large choice of dining and lodging options. Baby boomers will enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Ft. Walton moves at a slower pace than its neighbors, Destin and Panama City, but there's still plenty to do and see.
Golfing is popular in the area. The Club at Hidden Creek was named northwest Florida's best course by Golf Digest, and its lush landscaping, rolling fairways, and excellent service make it a favorite. The course is challenging, and in fact, served as a site for the U.S. Open qualifying rounds. If you're looking for something a little less intimidating, try the Indian Bayou Golf Club. Its 27 holes have wide, easy-to-play fairways, and beautiful scenery, perfect for the novice.
The fishing in Ft. Walton is legendary. Charter an offshore vessel for some heart-pounding angling action with a wahoo, a king mackerel, a tuna, or a white or blue marlin. For a more relaxing fishing experience, book a trip on the Swoop I or II, where the crew will bait your hook, remove your fish, and even fillet your catch and bag it for you. Deep-sea fishing on one of the Swoops will produce amberjack, grouper, and snapper.
Shopping in Ft. Walton is another activity popular with boomers. The Santa Rosa Mall has over 100 specialty stores, 10 cinema screens, and a food court. Downtown historic Ft. Walton has a variey of quaint shops offering antiques, gourmet foods, fine art work, fashion, and other specialty items. Take a break from shopping at one of the Main Street restaurants or pubs.
While in the area, take a relaxing tour on a sightseeing cruise, a dolphin cruise, or a dinner and dancing cruise. Especially popular are the sunset cruises, where you can watch as the sun paints the sky pink, red, and orange as it sinks into the gulf. Or take an exciting sky cruise to view the bays, rivers, and inlets as they spread out below in a panoramic view.
Dining in Ft. Walton offers plenty of choices: cafes, bistros, mom-and-pop eateries, popular chains, fast food, and fine dining. Choose from among 20 varieties of fish, fresh from the gulf and mouth-watering. Gulf shrimp and oysters are the best on the globe, but when you're ready for something else, try a great grilled steak, Italian, southern barbecue, Asian, Mexican, French, or some good ol' country cookin'.
If you're a baby boomer looking for a relaxing vacation "far from the madding crowd," as Thomas Hardy would say, look no further than Ft. Walton Beach. There are plenty of activities and entertainment options. If you want more excitement, or even more entertainment and dining venues, the faster-paced city of Destin is only 6 miles away.
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Holle Abee.
We love the idea of relaxing pool-side in Fort Walton. We especially love the idea of retiring to out private jetted-bath tub in our private home with our private cabana boy...too much information?