Rosemary Beach WalkwayIn honor of Valentine’s Day, I would like to take a moment to recognize how romantic the “Emerald Coast” of Florida can be. Being born and raised on the Gulf Coast and traveling to many of the world’s beaches, I can truly say that Destin is still my favorite. The sand is pristine white and beautiful. It sparkles in the light, squeaks when you walk on it, and feels soft and warm to the touch. The Gulf of Mexico is crystal clear and vibrant colors of green and blue. You instantly feel relaxed and at ease while walking along the beaches of the Gulf Coast. It is a perfect place to getaway, forget about the daily grind, and spend some quality time with someone special. There are a lot of great communities along the Gulf Coast, but one of my favorities is Rosemary Beach. Rosemary Beach is a neo-traditional town located between Panama City Beach and Destin, at the eastern end of Scenic Route 30A. The town is only a quick 30-minute drive from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport with direct flights from about Atlanta, Orlando, Baltimore, Houston, and Nashville. Rosemary Beach was born in 1995 and with it’s unique architectural aesthetic and sense of community, it is a little piece of heaven on earth. The town is reminiscent of the West Indies and has a sense of harmony and peace. All of the homes face pedestrian boardwalks and are finished with wood siding, cedar shingle, or stucco and metal or shingle shake roofing. Most of the homes are painted in rich, natural tones, and surrounded with native vegetation. There are romantic secret pathways throughout the neighborhood that lead to the beach, the town square, tennis courts, and other luxurious amenities. The entire neighborhood is bike and pedestrian friendly so you really do feel like you are in a fantasy land where time stands still. Not only is this a great place to visit and explore, but it is also one of the Gulf Coast’s most coveted locations for a wedding. Our dear friend, Christina Gillon, has planned some incredible weddings at Rosemary Beach, one of which I had the pleasure of attending. Next time you are deciding where to visit with your loved one, keep Rosemary Beach in mind and of course, call the Nathan Abbott Team for a potential discount on your stay.

Photo Location & Credit: (top photo) Rosemary Beach, photo by ResortQuest Real Estate Photographer; (bottom photo) Rosemary Beach walkway, photo by Lisa Ferrick.