hello there! i hope this post finds you well. thinking of traveling to 30A soon? if so, you’re in for a treat bc it is TRULY a little slice of heaven on earth. a place we’ve been admiring and building memories since 2017! we were just a small family of three at the time, k was eight years old, i was also 25 weeks pregnant with r it was all zach’s idea as he suggested us check it out that spring. five years later, rosemary beach, florida has become our home away from home and a sweet tradition! in march of 2020 we were scheduled to go when COVID turned the world upside down. ended up cancelling last minute, boo. we attempted again in september 2020 (had just found out i was pregnant with p). when arriving to our overnight destination, and the halfway point (jackson, mississippi), hurricane sally was in our direct path. of course we decided to forgo, making that back-to-back cancelled rosemary trips. soooo we slept in a creepy airbnb and drove all the way back to oklahoma the next morning. boo!
fast forward to march 2021, 30A (like many other vacation destinations) was BOOMING! because we were a little late booking, everything was totally picked over so we decided to go a week before k’s spring break. that also meant she had to do online school during the weekdays but a sacrifice we were willing to take in order to go. it was a lovely trip. 30 weeks pregnant and the last adventure before p was born.
top 2 questions: ‘where do you stay?’ and ‘what rental services do you use?’
airbnb and vrbo are options for some rentals, but we’ve always used rosemary beach cottage co. their office sits right in the heart of rosemary beach in barrett square. we’ve always been pleased with their services. besides the time two employees once tried to tell me and a friend we couldn’t take photos for our blog lol… a story for a different day.
as mentioned, our family has grown from 3 to 6 in a few years. therefore, our needs in a home has changed in order for everyone to have space to sleep comfortably. there was only one (carriage) house that didn’t LOVE, mainly because of the small size when rosie was a baby. when renting, it really all depends on how many is in your party and what accommodations you’d like. location has become an important factor for us. we prefer to be within a short walk to the pool, beach, shopping and restaurants. the last handful of homes we’ve rented have really been in great areas; we’d definitely recommend!
pools- there are a few pools and all are great, but ‘coquina’ is the one we’ve been loving with our current family. it has big steps and is large in size. it’s also the pool we have booked closest to the last few trips. another pool we like is ‘barbados’ for its extra shade and coverage (eps for hot summer days), full size tables and includes a kiddie pool for the littles!
the beach- there have been times we’ve loved the beach and hated the beach lol. it really depends on weather and the number and ages of children lol. we honestly had two amazing beach days this last time and lucked out with awesome weather. ahhh so nice! you can rent beach chairs and umbrella through RMB, but we also discovered you can bring your own. the last house we rented, had some sitting in the garage and that saved roughly $300 and was fine especially since we are so up and down chasing the toddlers anyway. if you want to sit and read or relax, it is worth renting there at the beach though, and if you’re not wanting to haul it back and forth.
places we’ve rented (that are still open to public):
tortuga cottage– 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 8 guests
Recognized by renowned architectural and decorating publications.
Tortuga Cottage’s spacious rooms and tasteful decor provide just the right setting for a beach retreat.
The first floor consists of an open living area, with a fireplace and entertainment center, adjoining a professionally-equipped kitchen. This house makes excellent use of space providing great common areas for the family as well as quiet places for relaxation. The master bedroom is on the first floor with en suite bathroom.
Upstairs bedrooms adjoin a banister-lined walkway overlooking the living area below and open onto private, gracious balconies and a refreshing Gulf breeze.
This house has also been published in the book ”A Decade of Classical Architecture” and ”Decorating Step By Step” Magazine.
sandpiper cottage– 5 beds, 4.5 baths, 12 guests
Near the Coquina Community Pool, you’ll find Sandpiper Cottage.
A first floor kitchen, living and dining area expertly lead to the boardwalk and the beach beyond. The second floor holds two master suites with King beds and a third guest room with king shares the bath with a separate bunk room.
The 3rd floor loft master bedroom is up a grand wooden spiral staircase. This master features a king bed, closet, and bathroom with soaking tub and walk-in shower. Take in the vista of Gulf views from this bedroom.
turks + caicos cottage– 4 beds, 4 baths, 10 guests
Situated fronting the tennis courts on one of the main boardwalks that leads to one of Rosemary Beach’s four pools, Eastern Green and beach, location is ideal. A beautiful private brick courtyard and lawn with ample space for both the main and carriage houses to enjoy, not often found in Rosemary Beach. A wonderful built in seating area with fire pit is located at one end of lawn. Entering the the main house from the courtyard you find a sun room style kitchen and dining room, enhanced by charming ten foot heart pine doors that let outdoor beauty shine in. A brick wall, concrete floors, granite counter tops, high-end stainless appliances, all combine to complete the charming yet modern feel to the room. The open flow from the dining area leads to the living room, flooded with natural light. There is a natural gas fireplace with a recessed television space to keep things streamlined and uncluttered. Tucked behind this is an office nook and room for all things electronic. At the opposite end of the living room is a first floor bedroom and renovated bathroom.
Upstairs on the second floor is located a guest bedroom with king and renovated bathroom, including a tiled shower/tub. Also on the second floor is a true master suite that opens to a large balcony. The master bath is all new with large walk-in shower, dual shower heads, built in bench seat, standing glass panel. A walk-in closet completes the bath suite.
Ascending the spiral staircase to the third floor you find a haven for kids. There are four twin beds in the center area, a large bathroom with brightly colored glass tiles and a huge shower at one end.
atop of the savannah– 3 beds, 3.5 baths, 8 guests
Two-Story Savannah Unit
Enjoy morning solitude on the first floor balcony or dine in the glow of the tranquil Florida sunset on the second floor balcony.
The spacious interior has been professionally decorated in an upscale mix of contemporary and traditional decor. It features elegant lighting, granite counter tops, hardwood and stone tile floors, fireplace artwork, and modern appliances providing its guests a stay of comfortable rest and relaxation. Thoroughly equipped for the modern food connoisseurs, the kitchen features all stainless steel Viking appliances as well as everything one might need for meal preparation. Our visitors have a choice of dining inside at a comfortable table for six, or at a large granite bar used to entertain four, or amidst the tables and chairs on the balcony. Our living area has luxurious and comfortable seating with a 37′ flat panel TV, DVD, games, stereo system and access to wireless high speed Internet.
Located on the first floor of the unit are three bedrooms, each having its own large bathroom. French doors located in each bedroom allow access to the large spacious balcony with comfortable seating. The master bedroom has a plush king sized bed, flat panel TV, and bathroom that features a deep tub, shower and large vanity. The guest bedroom has queen plush bedding with a flat panel TV and a bathroom with an over-sized shower. The third bedroom, suited for children, has four bunk beds, a TV, DVD and its own private bathroom with a shower.
coral at the savannah– 2 beds, 2 baths, 6 guests
This 2-bedroom, 2-bath property hosts six guests, making it the perfect place for a family vacation or an escape with friends. However, even if it’s just you and your small family, you just might decide to treat yourself after reading up on Coral at the Savannah!
When you walk in, you’ll be immediately struck by the clean, modern theme that echoes through its halls. However, while modern and sleek, you can’t help but get the feeling you just walked into a sailor’s den with a beautiful painting on the wall that match the ocean’s blue in the distance. You can’t help but find yourself feeling lucky you got to stay here after the hard work and sweat that went into a fresh redecorating. As you explore, you’ll notice the 47” flat screen TV situated in one of the living rooms, and you can already see you and your family snuggled up on the couch watching a movie as the crickets begin to chirp outside. You take a quick glance in the kitchen and smile to yourself as you know that you are going to spend at least one evening amongst it’s counters as you create a feast.
You continue on and explore the master bathroom and almost wish it were nighttime so you could enjoy the king bed with its own private flat screen TV. The bathroom, you find, matches the rest of the home with its sleek modern flair and ocean colors. You eye the large soaking tub sitting next to the shower, already calling out to you to rest your weary muscles as warm water massages them. As you explore, you must admit the second bedroom is striking to the eyes, not to mention you can’t help but feel there is something fun about the bunk beds. You’re sure your kids will also love having some time to themselves, enjoying the flat screen TV that is situated in this room as well. Further, while it lacks the soaking tub, the shower and slated tiles really are inviting in their own unique way.
You finally come the second living area and, while it does lack a TV, you can’t help but feel this room would be perfect for you all to sit together and maybe even play a board game or two. As you walk onto the balcony and feel the warm Florida sun great you, you have to admit that it does have a lovely view of South and North Barret Square. You already can see you and your significant other sipping coffee as you watch the sunrise together.
kay’s carriage house– 1 bed, 1 bath, 3 guests
Close to Beach and Town Center!
Relaxing on the balcony of this Gulf-view home, take the time to enjoy the simpler things in life.
Kay’s Carriage House features a private bedroom with a King bed and full bath with a tub. The decor of the open kitchen, dining and living areas is simple, light, and summery. A queen-sized sleeper sofa in the living room can sleep two small children. This home is perfect for a couple looking to get away or a small family.
webb isle carriage house– 2 bed, 1 bath, 6 guests
At Webb Isle, big things come in small packages! Very charming and the perfect spot for a small group! this was our first ever stay in rosemary and it will forever be a special spot. we loved it and kamille really liked sleeping upstairs in the little loft area (8 years old at the time)
restaurants we’ve enjoyed:
amici’s italian kitchen– this one is across the highway from the rosemary beach community but we ALWAYS have to eat here at least once in our trip. delicious pizza’s, pasta, salad, bread, and full bar. enjoy a date night kid free or bring the whole fam!
la crema– this little gem is known for their tapas and chocolate! took kamille on a mom/daughter date and it was serious perfect. full bar menu with a nice wine list as well!
havana beach bar and grill– (inside the pearl hotel)- okay we have only had brunch here but if we everrrr get a kid-free date night, this is where we’re going next haha. great food and the vibe is just YES!
edward’s– contemporary american fine dining usually associated with some live jazz to add the perfect beachy feel… love the veggie pasta there!
feed and supply– this is a grocery/gift shop that we make several stops during our trip, probably daily! they have a cooler of take-and-bake meals, dips, soups… as well as a great mix of wine (cans and bottles). if you are cooking dinner but forget some sauce or a bag of chips, you’ll find all the yummies here.
sugar shak– if you want to eat way too much sugar, stop here for literally any candy you can possibly imagine, ice cream buy the scoop, milk shakes and sco cones!
amavida coffee roasters– great service, breakfast snacks and coffee (duh)! i love their white choc mocha and the dirty chai latte. also, highly recommend the ham and cheese croissant.
charlie’s cafe– another equally great coffee/snack stop. kamille loves the caramel iced latte, yogurt parfait and smoothies. they also have donuts, muffins, bagels and more!
playa bowls– huge menu of refreshing treats, smoothies and acai bowls! fun decor and perfected suited for kids and teens. i loveeee the banana bowl!
shaka (inlet beach)- we got takeout sushi and apps from here one night and it’s a GO-TO from now on. really awesome sushi, spring rolls and loved the shaka beef too!
every sunday the farmer’s market takes place on barrett square and is always a HIT. there i grab my fav maryland crab cakes, beachy blooms florals (just for fun), and any farm fresh foods i plan on cooking that week. usually 9-12 and a fun event to stroll with the family.
ok so i think that is pretty much it for now. i will edit this post with any future finds or as things develop or change. i hope this is helpful if you’re thinking of booking a 30A vacation! feel free to reach out if you have addition questions. would love to know anything i’ve left out if you experience something different than what is on my list- so we can try out too! most importantly, have the best time ever!!!!
xx,
katy
