Secret boardwalks, gas lamps and bubbling fountains await those who explore Rosemary Beach by foot (or on a rental bike), but the charming old-world town center is the true hub of daily life here. On the north side of Scenic Highway 30-A, an assortment of casual restaurants and upscale boutiques (including a surf shop for the beach-bound) surround a shaded lawn.

Start out with a cup of local coffee at Amavida, and if you love looking at the local artworks that adorn Amavida’s walls, check out the other galleries and shops around the plaza.

On the south side of 30-A, a French Riviera style cobblestone street winds its way down toward the Gulf past another assortment of shops and dining options. If you’ve got a hankerin’ for a drink or snack, saddle up to the bar at Cowgirl Kitchen.

If you find yourself enamored with South Walton’s unique sense of style, there’s no better spot for home interior inspiration than Tracery, which has been written up in countless home and design magazines. Pick up a copy of the new 30A Living book while you’re there.

If you want to reward your fabulous kids for good behavior after dragging them from store to store, there’s Gigi’s Fabulous Kids’ Fashions and Toys. Or, if you prefer to reward yourself for a change, ladies, there’s also Willow in waiting.

There’s more here, of course. In fact, there’s always something new happening in Rosemary Beach. For a complete and current list of merchants, click here.