Tourism Report

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Tourism Table Talk Survey Form August 21st, 2025

Name Brooke Hoke

Email [email protected]

How would you describe Defuniak Springs in one word? Historic

What types of events or experiences would make you invite your friends or family to visit Defuniak Springs? (examples: Chautauqua Wine Festival, Lakefest, Christmas Reflections, Food Truck Fridays) Chautauqua Assembly, Festivals, Holiday Events, Main Street Events

What stories or historic places should we highlight more in tours or promotions? (examples: Magnolia Cemetery, Historic Downtown, Walton-Defuniak Library) Stories about the origin of DeFuniak, the Chautauqua Assembly movement, the story of how the Chautauqua building was built and its contributor/cornerstone layer,etc. Native American history, African American history.

Historic downtown, historic cemeteries, churches, Tivoli area, Nebo community.

What outdoor activities would you like to see expanded or introduced in the city? (examples: trailheads, kayak rentals, outdoor gyms) Trailheads, water sports on lake (paddle board, kayak, etc), fishing tournaments, 5k races, dog parks, gardening clubs, kids activities, camping areas, kite flying event, hot air balloon event at airport.

What creative industries should we support here? ( examples: arts, music, film) Arts, music, theater, culinary.

What types of facilities or improvements could enhance residents' quality of life while also supporting tourism? (examples: amphitheater upgrades, skatepark upgrades, city signage) Amphitheater upgrade is desperately needed. Sign maintenance for historic walking tour around lake yard. Beautification of downtown area. Cobblestone crosswalks. Murals painted on utility boxes. Hanging baskets plants on light posts. Replacement of building awnings on Mainstreet. Building facade maintenance. Create building facade standard for historic district. Encourage all homeowner on lake to decorate for holidays. Offer assistance for homeowners who are able to decorate themselves.

What ideas should be prioritized first? Partnering with other community organizations to promote tourism. The Chautauqua Association, Walton County Cultural Arts Alliance, Emerald Coast Theater, Seaside Repertory Theater, etc.

Would you be interested in any future city workshops or Table Talks?

Yes

Now create your own Jotform PDF document - It's Free Create your own PDF Document

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Tourism Table Talk Survey Form August 21st, 2025

Name Kara Chilcutt

Email [email protected]

How would you describe Defuniak Springs in one word? Quaint

What types of events or experiences would make you invite your friends or family to visit Defuniak Springs? (examples: Chautauqua Wine Festival, Lakefest, Christmas Reflections, Food Truck Fridays) Christmas Reflections, Florida Chautauqua Assembly, Main Street events

What stories or historic places should we highlight more in tours or promotions? (examples: Magnolia Cemetery, Historic Downtown, Walton-Defuniak Library) Florida Chautauqua and the Chautauqua movement

What outdoor activities would you like to see expanded or introduced in the city? (examples: trailheads, kayak rentals, outdoor gyms) Trailheads and other types of leisure recreation

What creative industries should we support here? ( examples: arts, music, film) Arts and music

What types of facilities or improvements could enhance residents' quality of life while also supporting tourism? (examples: amphitheater upgrades, skatepark upgrades, city signage) Larger and visually appealing facilities are much needed to support weddings and other events

What ideas should be prioritized first? Safety should always be the number one priority, followed by anything that enhances mental, physical, and spiritual well being

Would you be interested in any future city workshops or Table Talks?

Yes

Now create your own Jotform PDF document - It's Free Create your own PDF Document

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Tourism Table Talk Survey Form August 21st, 2025

Name Kerri Parker

Email [email protected]

How would you describe Defuniak Springs in one word? Endearing

What types of events or experiences would make you invite your friends or family to visit Defuniak Springs? (examples: Chautauqua Wine Festival, Lakefest, Christmas Reflections, Food Truck Fridays) Food events, creative events (art festivals), athletic events, ecological educational events.

What stories or historic places should we highlight more in tours or promotions? (examples: Magnolia Cemetery, Historic Downtown, Walton-Defuniak Library) Jackie Cochran achievements, lake DeFuniak

What outdoor activities would you like to see expanded or introduced in the city? (examples: trailheads, kayak rentals, outdoor gyms) Swan boat paddle, paddle the lake, trail walks,

What creative industries should we support here? ( examples: arts, music, film) Art, music, bring in touring theatre companies, film, festivals

What types of facilities or improvements could enhance residents' quality of life while also supporting tourism? (examples: amphitheater upgrades, skatepark upgrades, city signage) Get fdot to Agree to paint mural art on the underpass - 331 near 90 so it creates a sense of arrival. Need Main Street signage on 331.

What ideas should be prioritized first? Underpass art will signal a sense of arrival ,

Would you be interested in any future city workshops or Table Talks?

Yes

Now create your own Jotform PDF document - It's Free Create your own PDF Document

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Tourism Table Talk Survey Form August 21st, 2025

Name Sumie Gabbard

Email [email protected]

How would you describe Defuniak Springs in one word? Sweet

What types of events or experiences would make you invite your friends or family to visit Defuniak Springs? (examples: Chautauqua Wine Festival, Lakefest, Christmas Reflections, Food Truck Fridays) Christmas Reflections, Chautauqua Wine Festival, and Music Festival at the amphitheater. True farmers' market, Renaissance fair, art festivals all around the lake yard.

What stories or historic places should we highlight more in tours or promotions? (examples: Magnolia Cemetery, Historic Downtown, Walton-Defuniak Library) Magnolia Cemetery and the Lakeyard

What outdoor activities would you like to see expanded or introduced in the city? (examples: trailheads, kayak rentals, outdoor gyms) Stand-up paddle board rentals, bike rentals, scooter rentals around the LakeYard.

What creative industries should we support here? ( examples: arts, music, film) Music and Art.

What types of facilities or improvements could enhance residents' quality of life while also supporting tourism? (examples: amphitheater upgrades, skatepark upgrades, city signage) Ampitheater and downtown shopping.

What ideas should be prioritized first? Amphitheater and downtown vacancies.

Would you be interested in any future city workshops or Table Talks?

Yes

Now create your own Jotform PDF document - It's Free Create your own PDF Document

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Tourism Table Talk Survey Form August 21st, 2025

Name Bill & Laurie Brock

Email [email protected]

How would you describe Defuniak Springs in one word? Quiet & Peaceful

What types of events or experiences would make you invite your friends or family to visit Defuniak Springs? (examples: Chautauqua Wine Festival, Lakefest, Christmas Reflections, Food Truck Fridays) Christmas Tour of Homes, Christmas Stories, Ghost Walks at Night, Tri- Athalon, A women's spa Pap to Mammo, Lunch & Yoga.

What stories or historic places should we highlight more in tours or promotions? (examples: Magnolia Cemetery, Historic Downtown, Walton-Defuniak Library) Ghost Stories, Native American History, Week of Story Telling.

What outdoor activities would you like to see expanded or introduced in the city? (examples: trailheads, kayak rentals, outdoor gyms) Paddleboats

What creative industries should we support here? ( examples: arts, music, film) Music, hair braiding designs

What types of facilities or improvements could enhance residents' quality of life while also supporting tourism? (examples: amphitheater upgrades, skatepark upgrades, city signage) Clean up the houses around the circle, New Art Center, Better Shopping.

What ideas should be prioritized first? Improve Historical Area

Would you be interested in any future city workshops or Table Talks?

Yes

Now create your own Jotform PDF document - It's Free Create your own PDF Document

Friday, August 22, 2025

Tourism Table Talk Survey Form August 21st, 2025

How would you describe Defuniak Springs in one word? Clickish

What types of events or experiences would make you invite your friends or family to visit Defuniak Springs? (examples: Chautauqua Wine Festival, Lakefest, Christmas Reflections, Food Truck Fridays) Christmas Reflections, wish they would not permit cars and provide carriages for riders. Maybe do a theme each year and carry it through Baldwin Ave. Ot would be nice to have something that continued at night. All of the local shops close early. Hard for someone to do a trip and stop through when shops are closed.

What stories or historic places should we highlight more in tours or promotions? (examples: Magnolia Cemetery, Historic Downtown, Walton-Defuniak Library) Library- a lot of nostalgia that no one outside of DeFuniak

The train depot could get more attention.

Maybe offer history tours

What outdoor activities would you like to see expanded or introduced in the city? (examples: trailheads, kayak rentals, outdoor gyms) Use the lake more. Mostly it is just pretty and people use the walking trail. Do something to encourage more use. Maybe have paddle boats or a sunset cruise. The lake in Florala is filled with swimmers and fisherman

What creative industries should we support here? ( examples: arts, music, film) An art festival could be fun. Maybe display art from the locals, schools, etc. Use the amphitheater to do some historical reenactments. Combine art and history.

What types of facilities or improvements could enhance residents' quality of life while also supporting tourism? (examples: amphitheater upgrades, skatepark upgrades, city signage) Signs near the interstate providing information about what is happening in DeFuniak. Something to give tourist a reason to stop for a few minutes

What ideas should be prioritized first? I love the table talks and interaction with the community in a positive setting.

Would you be interested in any future city workshops or Table Talks?

Yes

Now create your own Jotform PDF document - It's Free Create your own PDF Document

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Tourism Table Talk Survey Form August 21st, 2025

Name Mendy Henderson

Email [email protected]

How would you describe Defuniak Springs in one word? Home

What types of events or experiences would make you invite your friends or family to visit Defuniak Springs? (examples: Chautauqua Wine Festival, Lakefest, Christmas Reflections, Food Truck Fridays) Tour of Homes, Triathalon, Veterans Memorial

What stories or historic places should we highlight more in tours or promotions? (examples: Magnolia Cemetery, Historic Downtown, Walton-Defuniak Library) N/A

What outdoor activities would you like to see expanded or introduced in the city? (examples: trailheads, kayak rentals, outdoor gyms) Trailheads, paddleboats

What creative industries should we support here? ( examples: arts, music, film) film

What types of facilities or improvements could enhance residents' quality of life while also supporting tourism? (examples: amphitheater upgrades, skatepark upgrades, city signage) Build an indoor event venue behind the CHOB

What ideas should be prioritized first? Indoor Event Venue

Would you be interested in any future city workshops or Table Talks?

Yes

Now create your own Jotform PDF document - It's Free Create your own PDF Document

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Tourism Table Talk Survey Form August 21st, 2025

Name Kyle Tebbs

Email [email protected]

How would you describe Defuniak Springs in one word? Small

What types of events or experiences would make you invite your friends or family to visit Defuniak Springs? (examples: Chautauqua Wine Festival, Lakefest, Christmas Reflections, Food Truck Fridays) christmas reflections, car shows at last stop, crawfish boil at southern comfort

What stories or historic places should we highlight more in tours or promotions? (examples: Magnolia Cemetery, Historic Downtown, Walton-Defuniak Library) the trainstation museum

What outdoor activities would you like to see expanded or introduced in the city? (examples: trailheads, kayak rentals, outdoor gyms) bike trails

What creative industries should we support here? ( examples: arts, music, film) music, storytellers, events at the amphitheater

What types of facilities or improvements could enhance residents' quality of life while also supporting tourism? (examples: amphitheater upgrades, skatepark upgrades, city signage) cleaning up the alleys

What ideas should be prioritized first? clean up downtown alleys

Would you be interested in any future city workshops or Table Talks?

Yes

Now create your own Jotform PDF document - It's Free Create your own PDF Document