Rosemary Beach, Florida
One of 30A’s planned New Urbanist communities, Rosemary Beach is an architectural treasure trove, boasting influences from the West Indies, New Orleans, Charleston and St. Augustine, among others.
The grand homes (many with adjoining carriage houses that are just as extraordinary) are interconnected by a discreet network of pedestrian paths and boardwalks, which become even more charming at night, basked in the soft flicker of gas-lit lanterns.
Like most Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TNDs), the best way to explore Rosemary Beach is on foot (or on a beach cruiser). Wood-plank pathways meander through the town’s striking architecture, often revealing hidden amenities such as playgrounds, bubbling fountains, tennis courts or one of the community’s several cosmopolitan swimming pools.
Rosemary Beach encompasses 107-acres, including 2,500 feet of glorious white sand beach.
Referred to as “The Long Green,” the pleasant grassy stretch right along Scenic Highway 30A is frequent host to a variety of outdoor festivals, markets, concerts and charity events. The popular “West Indies Market” in summer months features open-air booths filled with paintings, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, wood carvings and other handcrafted items.
Encompassing the lush greens are The Merchants of Rosemary Beach, a wonderful collection of quaint shops, boutiques and restaurants. Grab a good read from Hidden Lantern Book Store and then rent a ride from Bamboo Bicycle Company. Soon enough, you’ll stumble upon that idyllic hidden park bench in the shade, where your afternoon will just kinda melt away.
Click here to visit the official Rosemary Beach website.
