Friday, April 2, 2010

A 48 hour Easter at the beach

Every Easter since I can remember my family has gone to Florida's panhandle near Seaside. With busy schedules, work and a million other things going on, we generally don't have time to get away for a long period of time. If you ever get the chance to go to Florida's panhandle, i've given you what I think are the best things to do in 48 hours!



Watch the sunset at Bud and Alley's
Assuming that you get into town on Friday evening before sunset, you need to immediately go to the rooftop bar at Bud and Alley's in Seaside. Even if you don't want a drink, you need to go for the sunset. You can sit at a table overlooking the ocean, snack on the amazing sweet potato fries or tuna dip and you might even get a chance to ring the bell alerting everyone that the sun has set. 

Stay at Watercolor Inn & Resort

If you want a place with miles of trails for running and biking, incredible restaurants, shopping and easy access to the beach, you should definitely stay at Watercolor. For your 48 hour trip rent one of the  rooms at the Inn, you can choose between the beach front dune room or the water front gulf view room. Each room is steps away from the beach and comes with complimentary bikes or kayaks, depending on your preference. Watercolor is also a two minute bike ride from Seaside!

Grab a Grouper sandwich at the Seagrove Market Cafe
When you see the Village Market off of 30-A don't drive past it, you'd be missing out on the Gulf Coast's best grouper sandwiches and sweet tea! Walk in the front door, pass through the market and   enter the cafe in the back. You can place your order then sit on the back patio and sip on sweet tea while you wait for your delicious food to arrive. If you don't like grouper they have plenty of other seafood options like shrimp Po-boys and golden fried oysters. I know this place may seem like a hole-in -the-wall but it's definitely a hole-in-the-wall that's worth your time!

Spend an afternoon at the Caliza pool in Alys Beach
Take a break from the ocean and drive over to Alys Beach, the most recent addition to the small beachside villages developed on 30-A. Its gorgeous Caliza pool is designed after the tradition of the Greek Agora with a saltwater pool, a separate family pool, a lap pool, a spa whirlpool and outdoor living areas and cabanas. I promise when you're there you'll feel as if you've been transported to a luxurious retreat off the coast of Europe. 

Easter Service at Rosemary Beach
 I have saved the best place on 30-A for last and it happens to be where you need to go for Easter service. A town with architecture that resembles the look of places like the West Indies, St. Augustine and Charleston, Rosemary Beach is a must see destination. Sunday morning, walk along the cobblestone streets, past gorgeous homes and tropical landscaping until you find a crowd gathered in worship on one of the pristine lawns overlooking the beach. The ocean crashes in the background, as the pastor speaks to his congregation of tanned locals and weekend travelers, all gathered together for the same purpose. 


1 comment:

  1. Hi, Love your info here on the beaches of south walton. My family will be going for the first time in a couple of weeks and will def want to check out these places. Wondering about how you were able to spend the afternoon at the caliza pool? Do you need a pass or how do you get one for the afternoon. thanks so much! mikeandashleywalker(at)numail(dot)org

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