Chipley History

The city of Chipley, Florida is one of the highlights of Washington County. Chipley became the county seat of Washington County in 1927 and is involved in the majority of the economic development for the region. 

Originally called the community of Orange, Chipley was renamed in 1822 in recognition of railroad businessman and Florida State Senator William Dudley Chipley. This was the same year the Pensacola & Atlantic (later the L&N) Railroad was completed just beyond the town. Additionally, a monument of W.D. Chipley was put up in 1988 next to the Washington County Historical Society Museum. The museum currently offers a walking tour of the historic downtown. 

Spring Fling at Tallahassee Nurseries

The Big Bend Hospice Spring Fling is occurring today from 5:30 pm – 8 pm. The event will be held in the magical gardens of Tallahassee Nurseries! The Spring Fling is a premier social event and fundraiser. The proceeds for this event will support Big Bend Hospice’s unfunded programs such as Music Therapy, Grief counseling (adults and children), Veterans’ programs, Spiritual Care, and other Direct Patient needs.

More information about the event and Big Bend Hospice is available on the official Spring Fling event page here

Veterans Memorial Railroad in Bristol

Veterans Memorial Railroad in Bristol, Florida currently has FREE train rides on the second Saturday of each month. For May, that is this upcoming Saturday, May 14th. Also on location is a playground, picnic area, and a walking trail. While the rides are free, donations are appreciated as this is a not-for-profit organization. Find more information at the Also enjoy a playground, picnic area, and walking trail! For more information, visit the Veterans Memorial Railroad website here

Operation Egg Drop: Bonifay, FL

Operation Egg Drop is this Saturday! Held at No Place Like Holmes Farm, this special Easter event starts at 1 pm and goes until 5 pm. There will be local businesses selling wares and providing services. The event will have live entertainment, food trucks, dessert trucks, inflatables, ax throwing, professional Easter Bunny photos, vendors, crafters, and full-size Mining Sluice. The Mobile Zoo crew will be available to help you make your own stuffed animals.

Additionally, there will be games such as giant Jenga, bigfoot blaster, giant checkers, cornhole, giant connect four, and more. Even better, there will be live animals, face painting, and thousands upon thousands of eggs dropped from helicopters! The cost of the ticket includes everything except sluice bags, bigfoot Blaster shots, food trucks, and Zoo Crew products. Tickets are $8 for ages 12 and up, $4 for ages 3-11, and free for under 3. Located at: 

No Place Like Holmes Farm
2387 Joe White Road,
Bonifay, Fl 32425

Walton County Real Estate Boom

Real estate continues to be a hot commodity in Walton County as more vacationers and visitors to the area move here full-time in the wake of Covid-19. The area is expanding fast and available housing is rapidly depleting. The public school system is an added bonus for families moving into the area; Walton County offers a high level of education and activities that would normally be indicative of private schools. The 2020 U.S. Census Bureau reported that Walton County’s population is over 75,000. 

FSU Circus

The Florida State University Circus is hosting its spring home show this April! From April 1-16, the circus will be performing a Cosmic-themed show. This year is particularly special as the FSU Circus celebrates 75years of flying high. Tickets are on sale now at www.circus.fsu.edu, and range from $5-25 depending on availability and seat location. 

 

Capital Craft Fest and Hot Air Balloon!

The 2022 Capital Craft Fest is coming to the Tallahassee Automobile Museum on April 9th! This is a free event occurring from 10am – 4pm.  A family-friendly event, it will include 75+ local vendors, live music by DJ Felix Flo, and food trucks. Additionally, there will be an Easter egg hunt for the kids and a chance for them to visit with the Easter Bunny (egg hunt time tba). Please note that parking is also free but the event does not include entry to the Automobile Museum.

Additionally, there will be a tethered hot air balloon at the festival. Tickets are limited and going fast, so if you are interested in taking a hot air balloon ride be sure to contact L_Aevents@yahoo.com with haste. Tickets are $20 each; if the weather does not cooperate on the day of the ride, you will be issued a full refund.

The Amelia: Automobile Show

Formerly known as the Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance, The Amelia is an annual beauty pageant for restored automobiles.

This year’s show includes a new Cars & Community series of events, the renamed Cars & Caffeine, a RADwood display, a new Kids Zone, and the cheeky Concours d’Lemons. The Concours d’Lemons is cheekily designed to allow owners to show off their ugliest, saddest vehicles. The event will be held March 3rd-6th and culminates Sunday with a chance to walk among beautiful cars parked on the fairways of the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island’s beachfront golf course. Learn more at the newly designed Amelia website.

National Drink Wine Day

Today is National Drink Wine Day! Support a winery in your community AND enjoy a nice glass of wine; see below for a list of relevant locations.

  • Maria’s Vineyard – Dothan, AL; website
  • Chautauqua Winery – Defuniak Springs, FL; website
  • Emerald Coast Wine Cellars – Miramar Beach, FL; website
  • Panama City Beach Winery – Panama City Beach, FL; website
  • Windy Hill Vineyard – Tallahassee, FL; website

 

Strawberry Festival

The annual Strawberry Festival will be held this weekend in Williston, FL. There will be a plethora of fun, strawberry-themed family activities such as a u-pick strawberry field, chocolate covered strawberry station, and more! Other kid friendly activities include bouncy jump pillows, a treehouse village, slide hill, and train. Additional adult activities include the u-pick sunflower patch, indulge in sweet treats like strawberry cheesecake or strawberry shortcake, and relax while listening to live music. There is even a Strawberry Pie Eating Contest that guests can partake in.

Please note that all guests are requested to follow CDC protocols for Covid-19 safety. Come on down to Red, White, and Blue Farm this February 12-13th between the hours of 10am and 4pm to enjoy this spectacular event. For more detailed information, please visit the official Strawberry Festival website here