This wonderful community, founded in 1880, is both a terrific break from the beach and fascinating side trip for lovers of Victorian architecture. Even the streets - many adorned with mossy oaks - give you the feeling you’ve transported backward in time.
Whether it’s Queen Anne, Pointed Gothic Revival, traditional Victorian, Folk Victorian or neoclassical, it’s here in the form of lovingly restored and maintained buildings and homes. The library was established in 1886 and remains Florida’s oldest. A highlight is the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, completed in 1910 to house the nation’s second established Chautauqua or “think tank.” Though part of this Florida Heritage Landmark remains under restoration, it features an auditorium for up to 4,000.
A bonus for your visit to Defuniak Springs - Lake Defuniak, which is said to be one of only two perfectly round natural lakes in the world. A railroad survey crew led by Colonel W.D. Chipley first spied the lake in 1881, which led Chipley to exclaim, "Here a town shall be built!" A bonus to the bonus: The lake’s circumference is 5,280 feet - a perfect mile.
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Things to know:
Region: Northwest Florida
Related Onsite Offerings: The Walton County library is the oldest extant library in the state of Florida. The library contains an interesting assortment of antiquities, including an impressive medieval weapon collection and many first-edition books.
Average population: 5,089
Total area: 11.3 square miles
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