A serene destination along the coast of Florida that holds a special place in our hearts for so many reasons.
Enjoy!
Almost six years ago we experienced the magic of 30A for the very first time. Our first trip together when we started dating was to Seaside, Florida, one of the many adorable stops along 30A. After a few trips here and there we fell in love with the quaint town of Rosemary Beach and before we were ever engaged we both knew that this little town was “our place” and one day down the road we would say “I Do” here. Fast forward a few years later, and as planned we were lucky enough to exchange our vows in a place we first visited years before. We normally go at least once a year, but always try to work a second trip in because it is just that special. I am excited to share with you some of our favorite places in Rosemary to sip, shop, and eat. Grab a drink and get ready to plan your next trip and fall in L-O-V-E.
WHERE TO STAY:
The Pearl – A stunning boutique hotel located in the heart of Rosemary. You can’t miss the unique architecture of The Pearl that I guarantee will have you snapping a picture (or two)!
Rosemary Inn – A quaint inn that offers rooms for two. You can rent these through RB Cottage Rental Agency.
Carriage Houses – The perfect size for two or a small family with 1 or 2 young children. Most main homes in Rosemary have a carriage house and that is normally what we choose to stay in. You can rent these through RB Cottage Rental Agency or VRBO.
Cottages – The larger homes to the carriage house I mentioned above. You can book these also through RB Cottage Rental agency or VRBO.
PLACES TO GO:
Rosemary Trading Company – A nice store to grab something to remind you of your stay, pick up a forgotten beach bag and hat, or a gift for someone back home.
The Hidden Lantern Book Store – A small classic bookstore located next door to Amavida coffee. Stop by and pick up a book to read on the beach or just to have as a memory. The staff is fantastic and the sweet lady behind the counter always remembers us every time we come in.
PLACES TO SEE:
Watercolor – A cozy community that offers a warm welcome into this sweet stretch of 30A when driving in from Louisiana.
Seaside – If you have seen the movie The Truman Show, then you my friend have already seen the quaint and picturesque town of Seaside. The very first place we visited on 30A 6 years ago. If you have kids I think this would be a great place to visit with them as they have plenty to do in this kid friendly area.
Alys Beach – This town is what home dreams are made of. If you know me you know I love any white decor and architecture, so this town fulfills my white loving dream. On top of beautiful scenery you can find a great coffee shop, a “neat” place to grab a cocktail, and a delicious restaurant we make sure to visit every time we are in town for either lunch or dinner.
Rosemary Beach & Town Hall – Rosemary, our favorite place. The iconic town hall located in Rosemary Beach is the icing on the cake. What makes this even more of a special place was this is where we said “I Do”. You can also catch a weekly church service here on Sunday while on vacation.
PLACES TO EAT:
Cowgirl Kitchen – The Carolina taco here is what ALL taco dreams are made off. I get them EVERY time I visit and most of the time more than once. Also a great place to grab a Pina Colada during those hot summer days and I have even been guilty of getting one when it’s freezing out.
Summer Kitchen Cafe – This Rosemary Beach original is where we grab breakfast when we are craving an omelet. It has had several different locations throughout the development of Rosemary Beach. It is now located on the corner near the Western Green and The Pearl that gives you a great view to people watch.
Wild Olives – Perfect for a happy hour and a place that will fulfill a wine lovers dream.
La Crema – Get your tapas fill here!
Edwards – We recently dined here for the first time on our anniversary. The food was great and they also had live music in the courtyard if you are seeking that type of ambiance.
Restaurant Paradis – A great spot for a romantic dinner that offers indoor and outdoor seating.
Cuvee 30A – Located at the end of Rosemary and 30A lies Tim Creehan’s restaurant. This is where we had our rehearsal dinner and have visited multiple times since. The food is phenomenal and they offer a very extensive wine selection as well.
Café Thirty-A – Oh Café 30A, always a pleasure. We had our reception in the private second floor of this lovely restaurant. I must say that people still talk about how great our food was.
Pescado – A new addition to Rosemary that had AMAZING views of the gulf . We recently went in for our anniversary just a week after opening for sunset cocktails and to enjoy the sunset view. This is a stellar new addition for Rosemary and will forever be a place that we make sure to stop in for a sip.
Southside Slice – You know I L-O-V-E pizza. So when I saw that Rosemary had a new pizza spot you can imagine I was a little overjoyed. It did not disappoint. We went with a classic, pepperoni. The pepperoni was tiny and crispy, just the way I like it. Bravo!
Amavida(in Rosemary/Seaside) – The coffee shop of Rosemary. They also have another location in Seaside serving up coffee, espresso drinks and tea like they are going out of style. The Rosemary location has a nice outdoor seating area perfect for people watching and full of visits from the little finches that linger around waiting for a crumb to drop.
Budd & Alley’s (in Seaside) – In Seaside lies this classic place to eat. I am quite fond of their crab-cakes and yummy key lime pie.
Great Southern Cafe (in Seaside) – Again, a great place in Seaside with plentiful outdoor seating and a bar serving up fresh seafood and cocktails.
Heavenly Shortcake and Ice Cream (in Seaside) – I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM! Heavenly serves up all types of sweet treats and recently I partook in their yummy pistachio gelato.
Georges (in Alys) – THIS PLACE! Always a sure spot to visit each trip. Fresh food, great ambiance, yummy drinks. Georges, how I love thee!
Neat (in Alys) – The place to grab a cocktail in Alys. Located near Georges is this jewel. We typically enjoy cocktails here before dinner at Georges.
Fonville Press (in Alys) – This coffee shop forever has my heart. Our normal stop for morning coffee. You can walk or ride your bikes from Rosemary to Fonville Press. Also their breakfast NEVER disappoints.
Pizza By the Sea (in Seacrest/Watercolor) – The very first place we had pizza when visiting 30A and a sure spot that we will grab a pizza on each trip. Luckily for me (but not my waist band) they opened a new one in the neighboring area of Seacrest that is a stones throw from Rosemary.
ACTIVITIES TO DO:
Kayaking in Deer Lake & Eastern Lake
Bicycle Riding
Sunbathing
Shopping
Walk The Town
Admire The Homes
Reading and Relaxing on the Beach
Rosemary Beach Pools
Bike/Walk 30A
Beach Bonfire
Explore With Your Pup
THINGS TO GET:
Beach read from The Hidden Lantern
French Market tote from Rosemary Beach Trading Company
XO
Claire B.
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