Though not all visitors to Walton County have heard of DeFuniak Springs, those who have come back again and again. One of the biggest reasons its the historic and charming Main Street.
“We’re dedicated to our historic downtown, to creating a place where the local economy thrives – a place with rich character and inviting public spaces that make residents and visitors feel like they belong,” says Chelsea Blaich, Executive Director of Main Street DeFuniak. This non-profit organization’s mission is to preserve, protect, maintain and improve the historic downtown district of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, and to increase community events and economic vitality within the downtown business district region.
Locals love downtown and frequent it regularly, while out-of-towners discover what feels like a hidden gem 30 minutes north of the beach. Visitors can discover unique local favorites including Florida’s oldest hot dog stand—H&M Hot Dogs—and the purportedly haunted historic Hotel DeFuniak, built in the 1920s as a Masonic Lodge and transformed into what has been voted one of Florida’s Top 10 Bed & Breakfast Inns. Ghosts or no ghosts, its restaurant, Café Nola, boasts out-of-this-world New Orleans cuisine.
Part of the rich character Blaich and team are so dedicated to involves some of the region’s best small-town signature events, including the annual “Merry Main Street.” Locals are joined by hundreds of visitors from across the country who make the trek every year to see the multi-million holiday light display reflecting on the surface of Lake DeFuniak, one of only two naturally occurring round lakes in the world. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Main Street features the ever-popular Mistletoe Market. With in-store specials, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, photo opportunities with the Character Clubhouse, rides on the Choctaw Express Train and live music by local artists, holiday spirit is in full effect from morning to night.
Through the challenges of the past year and a half, Main Street’s team has worked tirelessly to keep “shop local” top of mind. The pandemic hit everyone hard, but for the mom & pop shops that line DeFuniak Springs’ streets, it could easily have been a make-or-break scenario. “That’s why we announced our annual calendar of events: if we bring people downtown for free or affordable fun, they discover (and rediscover) local eateries, retailers and service-centered businesses,” Blaich says, noting that “according to a study released by American Express, for every dollar spent at a local business, 67 cents stay in the local community.”
Main Street DeFuniak Springs keeps evolving and adding new attractions, bringing enthusiasm and charm to every detail. “Of course, we’ll always continue our signature events like Merry Main Street and the Saturday Farmer’s Market—where farmers, makers and bakers line Baldwin Avenue from 8 a.m. to noon—but we’ve seen success with inaugural events we’ve hosted and hope to continue introducing new programs,” continues Blaich. Activities like Music on Main, Bounce on Baldwin and a special downtown 4th of July Festival are just a few recent hits.
DeFuniak Springs truly is the picture of Southern hospitality. Defined by tradition, community and warmth, Main Street’s goal is to highlight everything that already makes it special and amplify it, sharing its gifts with a broader audience. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a regular, it’s a place you’ll feel at home at every turn.
