Posted on 3/30/2021
SoWal (South Walton) is a long peninsula way off on the gulf side of the expansive Choctawhatchee Bay, which resembles an island paradise off the mainland. The beautiful beaches are on the south side of Walton County hence the name. South Walton has many superlatives, including 26 miles of shimmering white crystalline shoreline overlooking the jewel-toned gulf along Scenic 30A. These beaches have been rated as a Blue Wave Beach by a national organization that conducts extensive research of hundreds of beaches across the nation measuring pristine cleanliness and natural beauty. Forbes Magazine recently reported that Grayton Beach State Park was one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Related Article: Best U.S. Beach
Fifteen Coastal Dune Lakes nestled beside the sugary shore along Scenic 30A are a rare precious phenomenon found in very few other places in the world. These unique bountiful bodies of water border dunes beside the gulf with connecting estuaries that flow in two directions with the change of tides. The magical mixture of artisan springs and salted water supports an enormous abundance of wildlife, fish, and flora. Deer, Grey Foxes, Bears, Great Blue Herons, Snowy White Egrets, Pelicans, Ducks, Osprey, and some American Bald Eagles have made this their home. Most of these lovely lakes are forested, and many thousands of acres have been set aside preserved as parklands or state forest. The terrific terrain includes magnificent Magnolias, soaring Loblolly Pines, Scrub Oaks, Cypress Trees draped with Spanish Moss, Palmetto Palms, colorful wildflowers, natural Rosemary Bushes, Marsh Grasses and golden Sea Oats along the dunes. Almost half the land in South Walton has been protected in this way, and there are over 200 miles of hiking trails. This assures that the laid-back lifestyle and natural coastal splendor will always remain.
Moon Creek Studios & Gallery, located off Scenic 30A in the enchanting historic village of Grayton Beach, has taken full advantage of this stellar setting to share images of the sensational scenery. It was founded as a fine art photography studio by Kurt Lischka, who also created SoWal.com. He has been published in a wide variety of books, National Geographic Travel and Southern Living Magazine, along with features in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Kurt has shared his love of our southern Walton County beaches for decades by capturing the best of its essence with his highly acclaimed imagery. He has been voted "Best Beach Photographer" multiple times in the "The Perfect in South Walton" award recognition program for excellence. Kurt draws inspiration from the patterns and textures of nature. His South Walton coastal home provides a stunning canvas that changes every day. Wind dappled jewel green water, rays of the glowing sunlight, bright beaches, verdant forests, natural wildlife, and smiling people unite joyously in his images of this majestic masterpiece of scenery.
His renowned local professional photographer studio has an extensive photo collection that includes thousands of vivid pictures of the heavenly SoWal Coast. They included sensational seascapes, the bright crystalline beaches, the glowing emerald-hued waters of the gulf, lovely forests, coastal dune lakes, and natural wildlife. They also feature area parks, fun festivals, and picturesque South Walton coastal villages. Running east to west, they include Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seacrest Beach, Alys Beach, WaterSound, Seagrove, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Dune Allen Beach, and charming Baytowne Wharf at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Photos are available in many ways, including professionally matted and framed museum-quality prints as well as modern pieces on canvas, metal, or wood.
Six of his latest award-winning photo prints are available for purchase, including "Western Lake Dawn," "Golden Seagrove Sunset," "Perfect Beach Day," "Lake Meets Gulf," "Dune Deer," and "Red Bar Memory."
Western Lake Dawn
Western Lake Dawn captures the heaven-like setting on the coastal dune lake treasure that borders the Grayton Beach State Park, which was recently named as one of the most beautiful beaches in America. It exemplifies tranquil serenity showing mist rising over part of the pristine wetlands and clusters of towering pines that are perfectly silhouetted in the still mirror-like waters of the lake at dawn.
Golden Seagrove Sunset
Golden Seagrove Sunset shows rays of sunlight casting their silvery light down upon the gulf through clouds late in the day at Seagrove Beach with white dunes that look like snowdrifts that are topped with sea oats.
Perfect Beach Day
Perfect Beach Day shows a brilliantly bright white beach adorned by a gentle surf with layered colors of the jewel-toned gulf in the background and a blue sky that extends endlessly across the southern horizon.
Lake Meets Gulf
Lake Meets Gulf shows swirling surf waters from the turquoise and peridot-colored gulf spinning around in front of a fresh artisan spring-fed tributary spilling out from a precious coastal dune lake into the open waters.
Dune Deer
Dune Deer captures an amazing image of three big bucks grazing at dusk on the sea oats which grow on the sugar-white dunes beside the gulf. Deer Lake State Park near Seacrest Beach was named for the deer that flock there.
Red Bar Memory
Red Bar Memory is a photo of the original beloved iconic "Red Bar" located in the old historic village center of Grayton Beach. It was known for great food, craft cocktails, live musical entertainment, the spotting of occasional celebrities, and a colorful, friendly, funky setting. The original place burned down in 2019, but happily, it was reopened in 2020 for the creation of more fun festive memories.
Related article: What Happened to the Red Bar?
More information on Kurt Lischka's artistry is available at mooncreek.com
Ocean Reef Resorts is pleased to offer a wide array of distinctive vacation rental properties throughout South Walton. Many of them are in Grayton Beach, where Moon Creek Studios are located. This special setting in the heart of Scenic 30A territory provides the creation of wonderful memories with families and friends. Some are located in the heart of the charming historic coastal village center, steps away from the sugary shore, coastal dune lake, great specialty shops, restaurants, and beach bars. Others are in exclusive residential communities like Gulf Trace beside the gorgeous gulf just minutes away from abundant amusements and festivals at other nearby villages along Scenic 30A.
Take a look at each of these South Walton vacation rentals here on our user-friendly website, which includes vivid property imagery, detailed descriptions, satellite visuals for locations, seasonal rental rates, and calendar availability for reservations. You may want to grab one of these prints to show folk your new vacation setting and home away from home!