Tour Description: For generations, Goofy Golf has been the heart of family fun in Fort Walton Beach. Established decades ago, it holds the title of the oldest mini golf course in the entire area. With its whimsical obstacles and charmingly retro design, Goofy Golf has been a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. Join us for a brief history, and stay to play 18 holes on either of its two courses.

Tour Host Bio: Josh Calhoon and his wife, Anna, are natives of this area. They have owned Goofy Golf since May 2024. The Calhoons plan to refurbish and update the beloved miniature golf course while maintaining its original charm, ready to create lasting memories for generations to come!

Notes: We will meet at Goofy Golf, 401 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Tour Description: Emily Clarrey of Katie’s House of Flowers & Gifts will showcase a day in the life of a florist. She will also help attendees create small fall flower arrangements. A fee of $25 will be collected at the door to cover the cost of the fall flower arrangements. Please bring the exact amount.

Tour Host Bio: Emily and Dylan Clarrey have owned Katie’s since 2017. Katie’s has been in business since 1965 and serves most of Okaloosa County. It has a long-standing reputation in the community for being community first and providing stunning floral arrangements. Katie’s was recognized as the 2023 Niceville Valparaiso Small Business of the Year. Emily was recognized as a recipient of the United Way’s 2025 40 under 40. Katie’s amazing family of 12 is at the heart of everything they do, and they are extremely proud to carry on Katie’s legacy.

Notes: We will meet at Katie’s House of Flowers & Gifts, 402 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, FL 32578.

Tour Description: Mary Esther Community Garden encourages residents to grow organic produce, and employs the practices of composting, collecting rainwater, recycling and the use of environmentally safe pest management. They give back to the community by inviting residents, schools, community centers, and food banks to manage a garden plot for their needs.  Ten garden plots are designated for charity donations.  Come see this exciting work and learn how you can join in. This one-time tour will meet on September 30, 9:00 to 10:00, at the Mary Esther Community Garden.

Tour Host Bio: Ruth Sykes is the Community Garden Coordinator.  Ruth has managed the Community Garden since 2013 and, with the help of Master Gardeners, educates the member gardeners about the growing process and best practices for plant production.  The Community Garden members have harvested and donated over 2000 pounds of vegetables to local charities and food banks.

Notes: This one-time tour will meet at the Mary Esther Community Garden in Springdale Park on Mary Esther Drive (not Mary Esther Cutoff) next to the water tower. Ample parking is available. Participants are encouraged to wear gardening clothing.

Tour Description: This one-day tour will be a leisurely walk through the Fort Walton Beach Veterans Park Rookery to observe and identify local bird life.  Our guide is an experienced member of the local Audubon Society.  The rookery is a beautiful 1.5 acre park and home of the heron and many other bird species.  The Audubon Society has identified over 240 species of birds that migrate through our area. The rookery is on the migratory path of the Monarch butterfly.  Come enjoy nature on this educational walk through the Veterans Park Rookery on Okaloosa Island on Thursday, October 1, from 8:30 to 9:30.

Tour Host Bio: Our guide, Jim Anderton, is a member of the Audubon Society. He has led many bird walks in the rookery and other local locations. Jim is highly experienced at locating and identifying birds as well as identifying them by sound.

Notes: We will meet at the NE corner of the Fort Walton Beach Conference Center parking lot, 1300 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach.  Closed-toe shoes and binoculars are recommended.  Park and meet in the northeastern corner of the lot.

Tour Description: Just Think Cake is an award-winning cake shop where your vision becomes a tasty reality. Participants will decorate 6 cupcakes (to take home) with piped frosting and fondant accents. A $15 cash fee will be collected before class begins.

Tour Host Bio: After being gifted with a cake decorating class, Kristen found her niche and began a flourishing business in 2011. She is now well known for her delicious and expertly decorated cakes for any occasion!

Notes: There is a $15 Fee to cover materials cost. We will meet at Just Think Cake, 2 David Street, Unit D, Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Tour Description: Just Think Cake is an award-winning cake shop where your vision becomes a tasty reality. Participants will decorate 6 cupcakes (to take home) with piped frosting and fondant accents. A $15 cash fee will be collected before class begins.

Tour Host Bio: After being gifted with a cake decorating class, Kristen found her niche and began a flourishing business in 2011. She is now well known for her delicious and expertly decorated cakes for any occasion!

Notes: There is a $15 Fee to cover materials cost. We will meet at Just Think Cake, 2 David Street, Unit D, Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Tour Description: Discover the joy of creativity and connection in the Kit Card Class. Stampin’ Up! kits are designed to introduce you to the fun of paper crafting. Depending on your chosen kit, you’ll create 6 to 9 handmade cards. (The kits are not the same as the ones in the September 18 session.) Each kit includes stamps, ink, precut pieces, and step by step instructions. Michelle will guide you through the process of stamping images and sentiments, assembling your cards, and adding personal touches to each project. No prior experience is necessary. A fee of $30 will be collected at the door to cover the cost of the card kits. Please bring the exact amount.

Tour Host Bio: Michelle Rushing has been a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator for over 10 years. Today she enjoys all kinds of creative projects including stamping, die cutting, card making, and scrapbooking. Through her Stampin' Butterfly social media pages, she shares paper crafting tips and projects to help others discover the joy of creating something handmade.

Notes: We will meet in the UWF Cafe, which is in the Library (Building 8). 

Tour Description: “Fall in Love with Your Outdoor Spaces:  Fall Planting, Containers & Outdoor Living Ideas for the Emerald Coast”. Jenny will discuss what to plant in October, how to refresh containers for fall, and suggest simple landscape updates and outdoor entertaining ideas for the holidays.

Tour Host Bio: Jenny George is the owner of The Shop at Baldwin Turf in Niceville. A Florida State University graduate, she spent eight years in the Manhattan fashion industry before returning home to join her family’s business. At The Shop, Jenny blends her creative eye with Baldwin Turf’s legacy of quality, curating premium outdoor furniture and decor to enhance their long-standing landscaping business. She also serves on the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce reflecting her passion for community and local business.

Notes: We will meet at The Shop at Baldwin Turf, 739 John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, FL.