Visit South Walton Sponsored Giveaway ($100 Amex Gift Card & Artisan Jewelry)

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Destin Florida beach

I took this picture the last day of spring break 2009, just outside Sandestin. YA’LL. This was so hard to leave.

This giveaway is closed. The winner is Jaclyn Reynolds who commented on December 13, “I’d be interested in visiting the Santa Rosa beach!!” Congratulations Jaclyn and thanks to everyone who entered, as well as to Visit South Walton for sponsoring this giveaway.

I’ve been traveling down to the beaches of the Florida Panhandle with my family since I was about 12 years old. I’ve grown up spending spring breaks and summer vacation on these beaches. The turquoise waters that are like something straight out of the Caribbean contrasted with the pristine sandy white beaches are like a second home to me. I always roll down the car windows as soon as we cross the Okaloosa county line so I can soak in every second of the beach.

With 15 neighborhood beaches, South Walton has a beach for everyone, whether it’s the thriving arts community of Grayton Beach or the outlet shops, restaurants, and golf courses of Sandestin where we spent spring break of 2009. I recently met with the PR coordinator for South Walton beaches over coffee here in Nashville. Although I’ve gone to the same areas of the Florida Panhandle for most of my life, I didn’t realize that South Walton actually is comprised of 15 neighborhood beaches, each with its own unique vibe. Do you want to rent a colorful beach house? South Walton has that. Do you want to stay at a world-class resort with all the amenities you’d expect and more? South Walton has that. Do you prefer the charm of a bed and breakfast? South Walton has that. Want to stay at a modern high-rise condominium? South Walton has that.

I’m not the only one who loves South Walton. Santa Rosa Beach was chosen one of the Top 10 Beaches for 2011 by Yahoo! Travel, Frommer’s ranked South Walton and the Florida Panhandle as one of the Top 12 Destinations for 2010, and Watercolor Beach, with its nearly 500 acres of green space set aside for conservation, was named by Travel +Leisure as a top family-friendly U.S. resort.

I’m not surprised at all. I’ve loved the area for 30 years. Think of the beach as only a spring or summer vacation getaway? Think again. South Walton hosts some amazing events, from their November wine and culinary event (which I would LOVE to check out) to their February film festival. South Walton really has something for everyone, whether you’re planning a family trip for spring break with lots of outdoor activities, a girlfriends’ getaway with plenty of shopping and spa time, or a weekend filled with romance and relaxation.

Photo courtesy of Visit South Walton

Guess what? Visit South Walton has graciously offered to sponsor an amazing giveaway. I rarely posts giveaways here so this one is fantastic and just in time for the holidays. One lucky BlondeMomBlog.com reader will win a $100 Amex gift card, perfect to use during your next family beach getaway or for shopping, AND an incredible bracelet handmade with recycled glass beads, freshwater pearls, and leather by Allison Craft, South Walton 2010 Artist of the Year ($150 plus value)!

Allison Craft’s leather and fresh water pearl jewelry is simply stunning. (Photo courtesy Allison Craft.)

Love this unique twist on a class necklace! (Photo courtesy of Allison Craft.)

To enter this giveaway, just let me know if you’ve ever visited the neighborhood beaches of South Walton and which one is your favorite destination. Mine is definitely Sandestin, but I’d love to visit Grayton Beach or Watercolor. If you’ve never been to the beautiful beaches of South Walton, take a look at all the beach neighborhoods at Visit South Walton website and then come back and leave a comment here telling me which beach you’d like to visit.
For up to six additional entries you may:

  • Follow @BlondeMomBlog on Twitter
  • Follow @SouthWalton on Twitter
  • Let me know if you are a fan of Visit South Walton on Facebook
  • Tweet @Blondemomblog is giving away a $100 Amex gift card & an artisan bracelet from @SouthWalton http://t.co/xZNsuXYS
  • Subscribe to the BlondeMomBlog RSS Feed
  • Post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook page (please leave the URL in your comment)

Leave an additional comment on this post for each of these you do.

Good luck everyone! I’ll select a winner from all eligible comments left by Saturday, December 17 using Random.org. (Giveaway open to U.S. residents, ages 18 and up.)

About the author

Jamie Reeves
I'm Jamie, a 51-year-old Nashville working mom desperately seeking a few moments of Zen and zinfandel. I love to travel, find great deals, and talk with my hands. My husband and I have two daughters, three dogs, one cat and too much laundry. Email me at blondemomblog @ gmail.com.

777 comments

  1. Elizabeth Ralph says:

    Love Alys Beach!!! – right on Hwy 30A between Rosemary and Seaside. Hope I win the $100 so I can spend it there!

    Reply
  4. Dahbou says:

    I’ve never had the opportunity to visit the beaches of South Walton. If I did get the chance, I think I’d like to visit Seagrove first. They all look beautiful, especially now that the weather has turned cold and dark here in PA!

    Reply
  5. Susan says:

    I’ve never been to the area, but I know several people that go to Destin often and love it. Right now, I’d take any beach!

    Reply
  19. Jennifer says:

    I love South Walton! In fact, ROSEMARY BEACH is one of my all-time favorite beach destinations — and I know beaches! I grew up 2 blocks from the beach and lived 5 years in Hawaii. Rosemary Beach definitely gives every other beach a run for it’s money and is my favorite go-to spot in my landlocked home! Thanks, Jamie!

    Reply
  20. Julie Cutshaw says:

    No I’ve never had the pleasure to get there, only went as far as Pensicola Fla whilev in the Navy. I would love to visit them and the Inlet Beach sounds just heavenly to visit. Living now back in our hometown TN in the mountains, I really ache to see & enjoy a warm sand beach. And the waters down that far are so blue, I’d love to get there soon & enjoy them with my wonderful hubby of 35yrs married, thanks great review & the photos just take you there almost.
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

    Reply
  22. Jennifer says:

    Ok. I’ve done my part. I am RSS feeder and I tweeted and I Facebooked … and now I need a nap! LOL Best of luck to all and thanks again to Jamie and SouthWalton!

    Reply
  45. Amber says:

    I’ve never had the pleasure of visiting South Walton, but the website looks fantastic and I’d love to visit Dune Allen!

    Reply
  48. Margaret Smith says:

    I’ve never visited before, but would love to one day. These beaches are so nice. I’d like to visit the Santa Rosa Beach.
    Thanks so much.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

    Reply
  51. Margaret Smith says:

    I’m a fan of Visit South Walton on Facebook (Margaret E. Smith)
    Thanks
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

    Reply
  66. Brigid says:

    My husband’s family used to have a condo in Sandestin. We honeymooned there actually. But they sold it before our kids were born. 🙁 Trying to talk the in-laws into renting a huge (HUGE) house (or two) for next Thanksgiving.

    Reply
  154. Ann F says:

    I’ve never visited South Walton, but after seeing your pictures, I want to!

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  209. CherylS22 says:

    I’ve never been to any of the South Walton beaches. I’d like to visit Alys Beach & Seacrest.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  211. Caren Drink says:

    I am new to TN and haven’t been to FL yet, but I’ll take your advice and try Sandestin! They all look fantastic….

    Reply
  213. Cindy M says:

    No, I’ve never been to South Walton, but I’d sure love to. Florida is a lovely place, only been there once when I was little.

    Reply
  219. Marcia Goss says:

    I have been to Destin and Fort Walton Beach, but have never visited the beaches of South Walton.

    Reply
  225. Mike says:

    Unfortunately, I’ve never made it to Florida… It’s on my list… Then I can check out the South Walton Beaches…

    mtdoonmeister at gmail dot com

    Reply
  239. Kimberly B. says:

    I have never been to any of those beaches, but after looking at the website, Seagrove is one I’d like to visit.

    Reply
  245. wcc says:

    I’ve never visited sadly, but I would love, love, love to visit Seacrest beachs. Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for the chance! 🙂

    Reply
  252. Joni Dolniak says:

    I have never visited the beaches of South Walton. Sound lovely.
    dolniaks at consolidated dot net

    Reply
  269. albert says:

    tweeted
    @alsvegas
    albert
    @alsvegas @Blondemomblog is giving away a $100 Amex gift card & an artisan bracelet from @SouthWalton bit.ly/rJCzuj

    Reply
  279. Christine says:

    I love Santa Rosa Beach and Grayton. I don’t do high rises. And 30A calls me home when I’m looking for a getaway close to my own. 🙂

    Reply
  310. debbie johnson says:

    never been myself. i live on the coast of north carolina so the beach thing isn’t for me anymore. thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  333. Ashley H says:

    No I have never visited but would love to! looks absolutely gorgeous there!!
    ashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com

    Reply
  344. Kathryn Costa says:

    I have never visited the beaches of South Walton before but Rosemary Beach looks beautiful. katbirdfl (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  347. Kathryn Costa says:

    Fan of Visit South Walton on Facebook (Kathryn Gatewood Costa) katbirdfl (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  353. Geoff K says:

    I’ve never been to South Walton, but I’d love to visit Rosemary Beach, especially to explore the “French Quarter” style Town Center. Thanks!

    Reply
  378. Betty says:

    I’ve never visited S Walton beaches – though I’d love to visit any of them. Sandestin sounds most interesting to me.

    Reply
  396. Holly S. says:

    I have never been, but Seacrest looks like a postcard! Thanks for the giveaway.
    hstorm799{at}gmail{dot}com

    Reply
  402. Shannon Gammon says:

    I have never visited any of the Beaches, but would love to one day when i can afford it:) Thank you for the chance to win!<3

    Reply
  416. AuraR says:

    I’ve never visited but I would like to check out Miramar Beach because it reminds me of a beach i frequented in my youth

    Reply