A
walk around Lake DeFuniak, one of the only two almost perfectly round
lakes in the country, is a walk back into Victorian times, when labor
and materials were plentiful and elaborate architectural details like
turrets, double verandas, fluted columns and gingerbread trim were
incorporated in the buildings.
Special points of interest include the Walton-Defuniak
Library, the oldest library in Florida still serving the public and
contains a priceless collection of weaponry, some of which dates back to
the Crusades; the Murray Theater, renovated to its original splendor;
the Chautauqua Winery, Florida's largest winery and offers free tours
and wine tasting daily; and the historic Hotel DeFuniak.
Founded in 1880, DeFuniak Springs was chosen as a winter home for the
New York Chautauqua, a cultural, educational and religious organization.
Its influence is still very much alive today; DeFuniak's own Chautauqua
Season continues to be celebrated, beginning in February with the
Chautauqua Assembly and culminating in late April with the Chautauqua
Festival.
