We hope you are excited as we are to see the hints of spring’s arrival. March signifies the changing of the seasonal guards, and although Old Man Winter might still nip us with an occasional blast of frosty air, our sights are set on witnessing the blossoming of the natural world around us. Trees are beginning to bud with delightful little pearls, soon to unfold and become vibrant, rich green hues of fresh foliage. An abundance of flowers will soon grace our morning walks. If we pay close attention, we’ll witness all the happy bees buzzing around, the birds singing their spring-inspired songs, and the squirrels zipping about doing everything squirrely! 

This month’s edition is our food edition and there’s no better way to celebrate food than to support our local farmers. That means more visits to local farmers’ markets—and boy, do we have some good ones in our community! See page 11 for more information on the times and locations of the 30A Farmers' Market in Rosemary Beach and the Watersound Town Center Farmers' Market in Inlet Beach. 

And, of course, as we locals are bursting at the seams to do more outdoorsy things, we’re all anticipating the massive influx of spring breakers, students and families coming to Northwest Florida to enjoy the majesty that our region has to offer. We’re so blessed to have such a beautiful place to call home. And while sometimes it can feel a little crowded with extra traffic jams and long waits in our favorite restaurants, it’s also nice to have our beaches and towns teeming with extra life and energy. Plus, we love that our local economy gets a boost since our shops, markets and restaurants get more visitors.  

If you’re a tourist to the area—welcome! We hope you enjoy all that our beautiful region has to offer. While you’re here be sure to check out many of our Natural Awakenings advertisers, including Mystical Paths metaphysical and crystal shop in Milton (see page 22) and Wildflier in Destin Harborwalk Village, where shop owner Amanda Mavar-Schmidt wants everyone who visits to feel like they can “be their own Wild Flier.”  

Whether you are visiting, snowbirding or you are a local, if you’re looking for some new modalities to improve your health and well-being, Aimee Allenback and her team at Next Level Oxygen in Pensacola are happy to help you learn what hyperbaric oxygen therapy can do for you. See page 24 for more information on her offerings. Plus, Dr. Susan Welch is one of our rare healthy living community practitioners who offers a whole-body approach to dentistry and improved sleep. We tell more about her unique practice on page 20.

To all of our beloved Natural Awakenings readers and advertisers, we hope this spring season brings you all the good health, abundance, laughter and joy you deserve. 

Wishing you the fullest of blooms,

Daralyn and Scott