[seamama71]

We've rented a condo along 30A on the Gulf over Memorial Day weekend. We are so excited!!!

We're most familiar with the area west of Destin and into Orange Beach, so this is our first time in many years we've gone closer to Walton/PCB. The condo website says that it's in Sunset Beach, 1/4 mile from Rosemary Beach.

Can anyone offer info about this area? Restaurants, "easy, relaxed" recreation (we won't be looking for the PCB action!) ?

We're really wanting quiet and laid back. 3 generations - my parents, me and hubby, and our two kids ages 4 and 2.
Looking forward to the beach and pool, but I'd love to know what else is there that we should check out!

Thanks!!

[2bohemians]

Originally Posted by seamama71

We've rented a condo along 30A on the Gulf over Memorial Day weekend. We are so excited!!!

We're most familiar with the area west of Destin and into Orange Beach, so this is our first time in many years we've gone closer to Walton/PCB. The condo website says that it's in Sunset Beach, 1/4 mile from Rosemary Beach.

Can anyone offer info about this area? Restaurants, "easy, relaxed" recreation (we won't be looking for the PCB action!) ?

We're really wanting quiet and laid back. 3 generations - my parents, me and hubby, and our two kids ages 4 and 2.
Looking forward to the beach and pool, but I'd love to know what else is there that we should check out!

Thanks!!

Rosemary and the surrounding beaches are beautiful -- you are going to love them. We will try to dig up some photos to post later. Keep in mind that Memorial Day is a busy holiday --- more and more people finding out about our beautiful beaches ... hence more peeps on the holidays -- but it's certainly not a crazy party beach.

Restaurants, here are our faves:

Gravel Road in Seagrove -- tell Jessie (the owner) that the 2 gals sent you to get one of those delicious fried grouper sandwices. It's a big chunk of semolina crusted grouper with a homeade tartar sauce, candied pecans on a freshly made bun. Generally comes with a side of some type of vegatables, mashed potatoes or a squash ..... mmmmm .... mmmm ...

Bud & Alleys in Seaside - also one of the few places to toast in the sunset.

Pizza Bar in Seaside

Red Bar in Grayton Beach - is a bar / restaurant that many visitors enjoy. It is one of the few places that has been around for some time .. used to be the General Store back in its day.

Recreation:

• Rent a bike and cruise the Scenic 30A Bike Path as far as you want to ride. If you are into a little more challenging bike ride, there is the Longleaf Greenway Trail that runs through the state forest. And there are also small loop trails in the State Parks that run along our beaches.
• Grayton Beach State Park --- rent a canoe and see Western Lake from a different perspective or try your hand at a YOLO stand up paddle board (have to rent these elsewhere). There is also a nice trail that you can walk around the lake & dunes.
• Topsail Hill State Park --- if you are looking for a more quiet beach, this is a good place to go. There are also a couple of trails that wind around the rare coastal dune lakes and dunes .... but take lots of water .... it will be hot and you will need it !!!
• Relax at the beach, enjoy the warm, clean beautiful water.
• For the kids, there are some water parks, mini golf, go cart tracks, etc over in Destin.

Hope this helps a little.

Have a happy Easter and an incredible vacation.

[seamama71]

Thanks! Really appreciate the info - this will be fun for my family to read. It has me all revved up for our trip!

Any other tips -- keep em coming!

[On-da-Beach]

Rosemary Beach!!




very cozy with shops, cafes, restaurants and a gorgeous beach!

see Jonathan in Chops of 30A for the best sushi anywhere...or Giovanni for a perfect steak

great advice from those 2bohemians...grouper sandwich is top notch!

[seamama71]

Thanks for the photos and great suggestions! We're excited about our trip -- coming up next week now!! Looks like the oil is staying away for now...

[Sunday1]

Coastal Living is building a 2012 "Ultimate Beach House" in Rosemary Beach, which it describes as a "New Urbanism" style community. I'm considering adding it to our list of relocation trip destinations. I must admit I've never really considered the Panhandle before -- nor visited it. The photos here make it look fabulous. Anyone on here who has retired, or is retiring in Rosemary Beach? pros and cons? Thanks!

[beachmouse]

The 'town' such that it is, is about 90-95% second homes and vacation rentals. Figure about $1 million for a single family home if you want a good location within the development. If you want to be in an adjacent area, you can find a lot of nice options in the $400K-$600K range, including some areas that are a little more primary residence. Good restaurants and resort boutiques nearby, other shopping about what you'd expect for a small town- nearest Target and such is in nearby Panama City Beach.