straddling the line between walton and bay county florida is inlet beach
back to world war ii inlet beach was also known as soldiers beach as this land was
once offered to veterans returning from the war through a unique lottery system
soldiers who won this land lotto would receive 1.25 acres if they agreed to pay 50 to reserve
the right to build an 800 square foot home here where is a time travel machine when you need one
although i don't own a delorean time does seem to move slower here
this small community takes its contemporary name from phillips inlet
a beachy breach that often bleeds the impressive lake powell out into the gulf of mexico
it creates a colorful collage of ginger and persimmon fresh lake water with the
gulf's emerald clear saltwater lake powell is florida's largest coastal dune lake
making it a popular place for paddle boarding kayaking and fishing though recent years have
brought around some newer developments inlet beach remains a relatively quiet expansive view
even with modern retail and dining options along highway 98 and nearby scenic highway
30a this quaint community feels as if it's somehow been overlooked by time
perched right along the county border is camp helen state park
the history of this park dates back to the 1920s when robert hicks purchased 185 acres of land
at the edge of what is now inlet beach
in 1928 he built a summer home here for his friends and family
his wife margaret hicks dubbed the home loch lomond
in 1945 avondale textile mill in silica alabama acquired the land
from the hicks family and constructed a beachfront resort for their many employees
that employee retreat was named camp helen and in fact some of the original
buildings including 12 duplex cottages and a recreation hall still stand today offering
very interesting insight into how beach lovers of air has gone by once vacationed
today camp helen is a permanently protected part of the florida state parks network
while you're here stroll east along the beach until you find
the striking remains of the old pier
while she may no longer attract hungry fishermen she still has enough charisma
to lure in the instagrammers and country music stars searching for that picture-perfect backdrop
fortunately you don't have to be a big music star to enjoy inland beach
nor do you have to win the lottery although once you make it here you'll probably feel like you did