There’s a rhythm to life along the Emerald Coast that most visitors come to know well—sunrise walks along the Gulf, afternoons spent on the water, and evenings filled with great food and even better company. But just beyond the shoreline, about an hour north, there’s another side of Walton County that plays an equally important role in shaping this experience.

In DeFuniak Springs, history, culture, and community come together in a setting that feels worlds away from the beach—yet deeply connected to it. This spring, that connection takes center stage with Summit on the Circle, a multi-day gathering celebrating storytelling, creativity, and the shared threads that define American culture. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this year’s Summit reflects on the voices, traditions, and experiences that continue to shape who we are.

As a Legacy Sponsor, Ocean Reef Resorts is proud to support this meaningful event—not just as a partner, but as a company rooted in the belief that strong communities create unforgettable experiences for everyone who visits and lives here.

A Different Side of the Emerald Coast

For many beachgoers, DeFuniak Springs is a place you pass through on the way in or out of town. But those who take the time to stop quickly realize it offers something entirely different—tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and a sense of place that feels deeply rooted in time.

At the heart of it all is the perfectly round lake and surrounding historic district, a setting that feels tailor-made for an event like Summit on the Circle. It’s here that conversations stretch a little deeper, stories carry a little further, and the pace invites you to slow down and take it all in.

There’s also a deeper story behind the gathering itself. Diane Pickett, a longtime cultural advocate in the community, has played a pivotal role in preserving and reimagining DeFuniak Springs’ legacy as a place where ideas, storytelling, and shared experiences come together. Her work traces back to the revival of the Florida Chautauqua, once a nationally recognized center for education and the arts, and continues today through Summit on the Circle, building on that foundation in a way that feels both rooted and refreshingly current.

“A place where curiosity and culture converge.”

For our team, this isn’t a separate world—it’s part of the same community. Many of the people who help bring vacations to life along the beach call this area home. Supporting events here is a natural extension of investing in the people and culture that make the entire region thrive.

A Weekend Built Around Culture, Storytelling, and Connection

Summit on the Circle isn’t a single event—it’s a thoughtfully curated weekend of experiences that invite participation, reflection, and connection.

The schedule blends hands-on creativity with meaningful conversations. Art workshops hosted by local organizations set the tone, while live music—from a relaxed ukulele concert to an energetic finale performance—adds a celebratory rhythm throughout the weekend.

At the heart of the Summit are the stories. Speakers and sessions explore the cultural influences that have shaped America—from Indigenous heritage and early settlement history to the lasting impact of Scottish and Irish traditions. Other sessions take a more personal turn, offering multigenerational storytelling workshops and conversations about how culture is passed down, reinterpreted, and shared.

There’s even space for lighter moments—interactive panels, film discussions, and a community ice cream social that brings everything full circle in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.

It’s the kind of event where you don’t just attend—you engage.

Highlights from the Weekend

Throughout the weekend, Summit on the Circle brings together a diverse lineup of speakers, performers, and storytellers, each offering a unique perspective on the cultural influences that have shaped America.

The experience begins Thursday evening with a relaxed ukulele concert kickoff, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Friday’s sessions include a powerful discussion on Indigenous influence led by Ann Tucker of the Muscogee Nation of Florida, along with conversations exploring early American settlement and the lasting impact of Scottish and Irish heritage.

Saturday continues with topics that bridge past and present—from the role of film in shaping culture to the ongoing technological evolution transforming how we connect and communicate. Interactive panels and storytelling workshops add a more personal layer, inviting attendees to participate rather than simply observe.

Throughout the weekend, live performances—including a Gullah Geechee cultural presentation and evening concerts—bring energy and expression to the experience, while community gatherings like the ice cream social and art show create space for connection in a more relaxed setting. Sunday rounds out the experience with meaningful conversations and a relaxed, community-focused finale.

For the full schedule of events and session details, be sure to visit the official Summit on the Circle website.

Why It Matters to the Beach Community

For guests staying along the Gulf, it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a vacation. But that’s exactly what makes it special.

This is an opportunity to experience the Emerald Coast from a new perspective.

A morning at the Summit can pair perfectly with an afternoon back at the beach. A scenic drive north becomes part of the adventure. And the stories shared throughout the weekend add a deeper layer to a place many visitors already love.

For those who return year after year, it offers something new—an authentic connection to the broader Walton County community that exists beyond the shoreline.

Our Role as a Legacy Sponsor

As a Legacy Sponsor of Summit on the Circle, this investment carries real meaning for us.

As the largest locally owned and operated vacation rental company in the area—with over four decades of experience—we’ve seen firsthand how Walton County has grown and evolved. That perspective comes with a responsibility to support not just the beach experience, but the broader community that makes it possible.

Our support helps ensure the Summit continues to thrive as a meaningful cultural experience for the region—creating space for storytelling, artistic expression, and shared connection.

At Ocean Reef Resorts, investing in places like DeFuniak Springs and supporting the long-term success of our county isn’t a side initiative—it’s part of who we are.

Planning Your Visit

If you’re considering attending Summit on the Circle, here’s what to know:

The event takes place April 23–26, 2026, in DeFuniak Springs, centered around the town’s historic Circle and lakefront district. It’s an easy and scenic drive—about an hour north of Destin and the beaches of Scenic 30A—making it very doable as a day trip or a half-day experience during your stay.

A single ticket provides access to the full weekend of Summit programming, including speaker sessions, workshops, and live performances. Tickets are priced at $55 per person, offering a unique opportunity to experience a thoughtfully curated cultural event at an accessible price point.

Some partner-hosted events, including select art workshops and specialty experiences, may require separate participation, but the core Summit schedule is included with admission.

For tickets, full details, and the latest schedule updates, we recommend visiting the official event site.

Make It Part of Your Stay

If you’re visiting the Emerald Coast this April, consider adding something unexpected to your plans.

Take the short drive north from your 30A vacation rental. Spend a few hours exploring. Listen to a story you didn’t expect to hear. Experience a side of the region that many overlook—but few forget once they discover it.

When you stay along Scenic 30A with Ocean Reef Resorts, you’re perfectly positioned for both worlds—the laid-back rhythm of the Gulf and the cultural experiences just beyond it. A morning at Summit on the Circle pairs easily with an afternoon back at the beach, making it a seamless addition to your time along the coast.

Because sometimes, the moments that stay with you the longest aren’t the ones right in front of you…

They’re the ones just beyond the beach.