See the Carriage Hills Hot Spot page for more information on local events.

SATURDAY IN THE PARK - held at Perrine Park in Valparaiso the last Saturday in April, Arts and crafts booths. food and entertainment. and the Historical Society Museum sponsors demonstrations of pioneer handy-work such as weaving, tatting,. quilting, pine needle basketry, rung braiding, and embroidery.

MAYFEST - held the third full weekend in May in Destin. Mayfest is an upscale arts and jazz festival. featuring New Orleans style entertainment, arts and crafts, and exquisite cuisine from four of the area's finest restaurants.

BILLY BOWLEGS FESTIVAL - held in late May or early June in Ft Walton Beach - folks gather to honor the patron pirate of Ft. Walton Beach, whose true identity is shrouded in faded memories and legends. Captain Billy Bowlegs was his name, but whom he commanded and fought and where he buried his treasure remain unknown. A full week of merrymaking, parties, parades, contests, tournaments, treasure hunts and other activities mark this fun-for-all celebration.

BOGGY BAYOU MULLET FESTIVA L - held in Niceville the third weekend in October, folks salute the mullet, the community of Northwest Florida's fishing industry. Highlights are arts, crafts, food and non-stop entertainment featuring well known performing personalities. The festival takes place at the corner of Highway 85 North and College Blvd.

OLD SPANISH TRAIL FESTIVAL - held in Crestview on the last weekend in April or the first one in May. The Parade and Bazaar are sponsored by the Old Spanish Trail Society. The festival celebrates the area's heritage with a major rodeo, arts, crafts. food booths, trail rides. beauty pageants, carnival rides, a parade and live musical entertainment The old Spanish Trail Festival commemorates the 16th century trade route between El Paso, Texas. and Jacksonville, Florida.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL - held on the first Saturday in December, the annual Christmas Festival includes a week of traditional fun beginning with the Christmas King and Queen Beauty Pageant. The Christmas Bazaar consisting of art and craft booths, food and entertainment. The exciting Christmas Parade includes marching bands, scouts, floats, horses, dignitaries, school kids and St. Nick himself.

SEAFOOD FESTIVAL - held the first full weekend in October in Destin. The Festival features every style and type of seafood available. Also includes arts and crafts and entertainment of local artists.

AIR FORCE ARMAMENT MUSEUM Located on Highway 85, just outside Eglin Air Force Base's West Gate. the Museum houses over 6,000 artifacts and memorabilia. One of the main attractions is the SR-71 "Blackbird", a supersonic spy plane. Other features include a theater. gun vault, art gallery. outside exhibits. and picnic/playground area. The exhibits give an overview of the history of the U.S. Air Force and is the only facility in the U.S. dedicated to the display of, Air Force Armament.

THE CAMP WALTON SCHOOL HOUSE built in 1912 and was in use until 1936, also served as a place of worship. Originally located across from the present day Greater Ft. Walton Chamber of Commerce, members of the Junior Service League became aware of its value to the community and reconstructed and ultimately preserved the historic building. It is now enjoyed by all who visit as a reminder of days gone by but not forgotten.

GULFARIUM AND THE LIVING SEA features trained porpoises performing intricate maneuvers, sea lions, penguins, otters, birds and other sea life. View the "living sea" through clear glass windows to observe sharks, stingray, huge sea turtles, moray eels and many exotic deep sea species in their natural habitat. Located on Hwy. 98 east on Okaloosa Island, Ft. Walton Beach. Admission. 244-5169

THE ZOO - Botanical and zoological gardens with more than 20 acres of pine, scrub oak, magnolia, palmetto and other trees and plants let people and animals get acquainted in a natural environment. The zoo features a petting pen with domestic and exotic animals. Located Hwy. 98 between Ft. Walton and Pensacola. Admission. 932-2229

STATE GARDENS AND MANSION - This mansion and gardens are located on a 10 acre estate overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay. Eden was built in 1895 by William Henry Wesley, a lumber baron. The Greek-revival mansion was owned by the Wesley family until 1953.

Renovation begun in 1963 which restored both the exterior and interior, preserving the original lumber, glass and brick, wherever possible. Today, the spacious rooms are filled with antique furnishings and the outside are huge, moss-draped oaks and landscaped gardens. The gardens and mansion are located off U.S. 98 on State Road 395, 30 miles east of Destin. Phone 231-4214

YOUTH SPORTS - Baseball ages 13-15 years, May to August, Little League Baseball ages 6-13 years, March-July, Soccer ages 6-18 years, September-March, Girls Softball leagues ages 6-12 ages 13-18 years, March-July.

HUNTING - Known for some of the best hunting in the state, the giant Eglin AFB reservation is covered with forests, rivers and ponds. Recreation permits are required and may be obtained from Jackson Guard Station.

FISHING - A virtual fisherman's paradise. There are freshwater lakes, ponds and streams all over the county yielding bass, bream and catfish. In Choctawhatchee Bay you will find an abundance of flounder, speckled trout, red fish, and various others. Saltwater fishing is also available.

WATER SPORTS - Multi-colored sails are frequently seen bobbing about the waters propelling sail boats. sailboards, and catamarans. Jet Skiing of course, the old stand-by, water skiing are also popular in the area.

CANOEING - The canoeing enthusiast is exposed to a myriad of choice with many streams, creeks 'and rivers through all of Okaloosa County. Eglin Reservation boast 8 canoe trails with their own exceptional beauty and natural habitat.

GOLFING - There are three outstanding golf courses in Niceville/Valparaiso/Bluewater Bay area. Bluewater Bay is a semi-private, 36-hole course. Rocky Bayou Country Club is a private course, and Eglin Air Force Base golf course is open for active, retired military persons and civil service employees with DoD cards.

DIVING OR SNORKELING - Destin is one of the few places in Florida where you can still snorkel right off the beach . Also there are numerous natural and artificial reefs throughout the Destin area.