In the heart of every small town, there is a place where life unfolds in its simplest, most essential form. A place where early risers set up their tents, where the scent of fresh herbs mingles with the warm spice of homemade candles, and where the sound of friendly conversation is as much a part of the morning as the sun cresting the horizon. The farmers market is more than just a place to buy vegetables and fresh bread—it is a gathering space, an incubator for businesses, and a driving force of local economic vitality.
Encompassing the neighborhoods of Freeport, Paxton, DeFuniak Springs and the crystal clear waters of Morrison Springs, Authentic Walton’s welcoming communities are filled with incredible historic treasures and pastoral landscapes in Walton County, Florida.
Some say the South is all sweet tea and front porch stories, but if you’ve read F. Diane Pickett’s work, you know better. Her novels don’t just whisper Southern history—they grab you by the collar and drag you through the grit, grace, and downright fight of strong-willed women who refuse to be tamed. Today, we sit down with the legendary storyteller, preservationist, and force of nature herself—Diane Pickett. Diane is a woman who doesn’t just tell history—she shapes it.
The UWF Historic Trust and Defuniak Landmarks are thrilled to announce the inaugural Summit on the Circle, a weekend-long event celebrating history, connection, conversation and Southern hospitality on the banks of beautiful Lake DeFuniak.
Gladys Milton was a beloved midwife who delivered approximately 3,000 babies. She established the Milton Memorial Birthing Center in Flowersview, the first of its kind in Walton County.
