Where to stay
Cottage Rental Agency
Since you’ll likely want to explore multiple communities in this area, it may be best to stay in Seaside, which is centrally located. The Cottage Rental Agency offers lavish spaces, ranging from one to six bedrooms, with plenty of room for girl-talk when you want it and privacy when you don’t. For a big group, Breathe In Breathe Out, a picturesque cottage that sleeps 12, is perfect. Situated on Seaside’s Square with a view of the Gulf, it features a full kitchen and a sleek décor. Plus, it’s right across the street from the beach, bars and restaurants. www.cottagerentalagency.com.
What to do
Yolo board
A relatively new activity in the beaches of South Walton, Yolo boarding is essentially paddle-boarding while standing. A way to keep cool and stay fit in the hot sun, Yoloing allows you to see the Gulf from a new angle — and maybe even get up close with dolphins or crabs. Yolo drop-off and pickup can be arranged at your cottage, and both private and group lessons are available. Warning: Yoloing requires an ability to laugh at yourself. $25 one-hour equipment rental. $35 per person lessons for five or more. 850-622-5760. www.yoloboard.com.
Solace Day Spa & Salon
Women love to be pampered, and Solace Day Spa & Salon offers soothing treatments that will set the mood for a relaxing weekend. The Elemental Nature Massage incorporates plant-based aromas into the treatment, while the spa pedicure gets your feet beach-ready. Massage $50. Spa pedicure $55. 8 Georgetown Ave., Rosemary Beach. 850-231-6801. www.solacesalonspa.com.
Village of Baytowne Wharf at San Destin
For a night out on the town, head to the Village of Baytowne Wharf at San Destin. Start the night with a glass of wine and some people-watching at Lumpy’s, a bohemian bar with more than 200 wines and beers from around the world. When you’re ready for some action, head to Graffiti & The Funky Blues Shack. Expect live music in a casual atmosphere. As the night goes on, you’ll want to stop by Rum Runners and sing along to the dueling pianos as they play hits from the 1950s on. You can also get your dance on at John Wehner’s Village Door Nightclub, which has a DJ and often a live band, too. www.sandestin.com/ExploreSandestin/SandestinVillage/VillageNightlife.aspx
Where to eat
Great Southern Café
A local favorite for breakfast, the Great Southern Café serves mimosas, Bloody Marys and hearty regional fare such as the famous Grits a Ya Ya — grits made with smoked Gouda cheese, fresh cream, sautéed Gulf shrimp, spinach, Portobello mushrooms, applewood-smoked bacon, garlic and shallots. $10-$28. 83 Central Square, Seaside. 850-231-7327. www. thegreatsoutherncafe.com.
Crush
A gourmet restaurant and wine bar, Crush has a sophisticated edge and a trendy atmosphere. Ideal for a girls’ night out, it focuses on small plates and sushi. Standouts include the Sunset Roll (spicy crab salad, avocado, tempura crunch and eel sauce) and seared ahi tuna with black seaweed salad, avocado cream and won ton crackers. The spinach salad (marinated asparagus, roasted peppers, red onion, balsamic vinaigrette and crumbled goat cheese) is also popular. More than 60 red and white wines are available by the bottle, with 24 options for wine by the glass. $9-$16. 25 Central Square, Seaside. 850-468-0703. www.crush30a.com.
Bud & Alley’s
Winner of OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice Award in 2010, Bud & Alley’s is a must on any Seaside visit. An area icon since 1986, it features a casual waterfront setting with live music, open-air patios, a roof deck bar and three types of food. The dinner menu features seared diver scallops, steamed Prince Edward Island mussels and grilled 8-ounce filet. The Pizza Bar offers salads, pastas, pizzas and various antipasti, including eggplant, tomato and goat cheese gratin. The Taco Bar features tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Specialty drinks include the common mojito to Seaside Punch — a blend of vodka, Chambord, peach, apple, sour mix and pineapple juice. $25-$36, $8-$14 and $3-$8, respectively. 2236 E. County Road, 30-A, Seaside. 850-231-5900. www.budandalleys.com.
About the Author
