North Walton County, Florida: A Travel Guide to Farm Life, Food, and Quiet Charm
When people think of Florida, their minds often drift to beaches, theme parks, or coastal resorts. But take a turn inland to North Walton County, and you’ll discover a side of Florida many travelers miss—rolling pastures, working farms, historic towns, and a pace of life that invites you to breathe deep and stay a while.
Welcome to a slice of Old Florida where the fields are wide, the food is hearty, and Southern hospitality is more than just a phrase—it’s a way of life.
Life on the Land: Agriculture & Rural Beauty
North Walton County is home to a proud farming heritage. Here, generations have worked the land, raising cattle, growing peanuts, corn, cotton, and producing some of the freshest vegetables you’ll find anywhere in the state.
Drive along County Roads 83 or 1087 and you’ll pass scenes right out of a country painting—hay bales dotting open fields, grazing horses, and tractors chugging down red dirt driveways. Many local farms welcome visitors seasonally, offering U-pick berries, pumpkin patches, or farmers markets where the produce is as local as it gets.
Where to Eat: Homegrown & Hearty
Good food isn’t hard to find here—especially if you like it fresh, Southern, and made with love.
The Farmers Market Café in DeFuniak Springs is a true gem. Think fried green tomatoes, biscuits with homemade jam, and meatloaf that tastes like your grandma made it. Everything here feels warm, nostalgic, and satisfying.
Another great stop is Ed’s Restaurant, a no-frills diner where locals gather for strong coffee, buttery grits, and catfish fried to perfection. You might wait a minute for a table, but that’s just part of the charm.
Looking for something sweet? Head to Perla Baking Co., a cozy bakery in the heart of DeFuniak Springs. Their sourdough and cinnamon rolls are well worth the drive, and the coffee is strong and smooth.
Small-Town Southern Charm: Things to Do
While you’re exploring, take time to wander the historic streets of DeFuniak Springs, the county seat. This small town was once a resort destination for wealthy northerners and Chautauqua visitors in the 19th century.
Today, it’s home to one of only two naturally round spring-fed lakes in the world: Lake DeFuniak. A leisurely walk around the lake reveals grand Victorian homes and a peaceful, photo-worthy setting.
You can also explore Paxton, Florida’s highest town in elevation, nestled near the Alabama border. It’s quiet, rural, and ideal for a scenic drive or picnic.
Final Thoughts: A Different Kind of Florida
North Walton County isn’t flashy—and that’s exactly the point. It’s a place to slow down, to appreciate the land, and to connect with the people who grow your food, bake your bread, and greet you with a smile.
Whether you’re a weekend road-tripper or a traveler looking to experience Florida beyond the coast, North Walton offers a refreshing, grounding escape into the heart of the state’s rural soul.
