Guide to South Walton - Free WiFi

Over the last month and 1/2, I have been working from home.  I actually have my own office in Santa Rosa Beach  - it's an awesome space, too!  Tucked away in a beautiful little patch of pine flatwood forest, I find myself constantly inspired when there.  But the county is doing some major road work in front of building and I never know if I'm going to be able to drive into the driveway.  More than that, though, I tend to go through cycles of needing a change of scenery.  I am one of those people that needs change - a lot of change - and often - to stay motivated.  So the fact that I can't gain access easily to my office some days doesn't bother me at all - it's given me the excuse to change scenery for a spell.

But I'm getting ancy again.  Working and living in the same place has it's perks - you can stay in your jammies for as long as you want, you can whip up something to eat in your kitchen at any time, your productivity increases as you don't have to see or talk to anyone if you don't want to, you can be there when the kids get home from school, and you don't have to manage feelings of guilt over leaving your pet alone 5 days a week for hours on end.  Not too shabby!

But after a few weeks, it starts to happen - at least it does for me - you start noticing how filthy the house is.  Walking by those piles of bills and laundry become a constant reminder of how much you have to do.  You begin to feel a bit disgusted with yourself that you are "starting your day" by showering and dressing at 2 in the afternoon.  Catching up with saved programs on the DVR over lunch no longer is an isolated incident.  The bed beckons you during that mid-day slump for a nap.  Things just start to fall apart!

So I need another change of scenery.  I am going to start working again at my office but also an hour or two here and there at a place with free WiFi.  I haven't ever done this but why not?  Everything I need for my businesses is on my computer - I'm able to be totally transient!  And I can grab a drink and stay for lunch without having to cook or clean up.  People watching is a very inspiring exercise and I might meet someone new.  I will be forced to get my day started first thing in the morning again. I am looking forward to the change!  Here are 5 places to find free WiFi in South Walton!  Enjoy!  Oh, and if you see me typing away on my computer at one of these places, please come on over and say "hi"!

1. PJs Coffee & Planet Smoothie | Redfish Village in Blue Mountain Beach | They serve breakfast and lunch (love their hot sandwiches!), coffee, tea, pastries, cold drinks and, of course, smoothies.  They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
2. Hibiscous Coffee and Guest House | Grayton Beach | Only open until 11am, they have great breakfasts, coffee and tea.  Lot's of indoor table seating and it's always pretty quiet.
3. Central Square Records | Town Center at Seaside | Located above Sundog books, they have a whole room for sitting and surfing in.  Grab a coffee or tea.  Run around the corner to Modica Market or Pickles for a quick bite.
4. Fonville Press | Alys Beach |  By far the prettiest and most sophisticated place in South Walton to surf, they serve breakfast (try the croissant or other pastries) and lunch, coffee, tea and cold drinks.  There is limited indoor seating but plenty of outdoor seating.  Feel like a greasy spoon lunch?  Run across the street to the newly opened Piper's for a slider or an authentic Chicago style hot dog.
5. Sugar Pies Café | Town Center at WaterColor | This is a great spot - located next to Starbucks and a stone's throw away from Fabrice.  There is plenty of indoor and cushy outdoor seating - they even have rocking chairs! - and little tucked away places if you want to hide a bit.  They are open for lunch and dinner but you can still get there before and sit outside or go to Starbucks (or Fabrice for a pastry and coffee or full breakfast).