A Honeymoon Haven in a “Perfect” Beach Town

Seaside, Florida

by Linda Holloway, Holloway Photography

Begin your first days as Mr. and Mrs. with a ride along scenic road 30-A. This stretch of road hugs the pristine shores of the Northwest Florida Panhandle and delivers you to the beach retreat – Seaside. Time Magazine acclaimed Seaside as “the most astounding design achievement of its era,” and it is also a romantic destination for newlyweds. The “perfect” tiny town features cottage homes painted in pastel colors adorned with white picket fences along brick-paved streets. A place so perfect, in fact, that in 1996 filmmakers abandoned the Hollywood stage lots and headed straight to Seaside to film the Jim Carrey flick “The Truman Show.” Today, couples can still enjoy a stroll down Natchez Street to view the famous Truman House.

Seaside has a bounty of amenities including six tennis courts and three pools. Recall an earlier era and enjoy a round of croquet on one of the best courts in the Southeast. Sailing on the high seas is an option and kayaking is available in nearby Western Lake. With over 275 rental cottages to choose from, it is the two-storied beachfront honeymoon cottages that offer couples the most privacy.

Our cottage featured white, wooden walls with contrasting pine floors. Downstairs, we found an expansive shower for two, and a step from the bedroom is a screened porch decorated with a huge Jacuzzi as the centerpiece. The dunes hug the porch, but for ultimate seclusion, untie the canvas curtains and forget about the outside world. As we ventured upstairs to the living area, the stark brightness gave way to an almost 360 degree panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico where the porch is appropriately furnished with a hammock for two. Here, you can watch the fiery sun melt into the gulf for an unforgettable experience. When you decide to venture outside, the cottages come complete with transportation – two yellow bicycles.

Along the shoreline are nine beach pavilions that serve as gateways to the acclaimed emerald surf and powdered-sugar white sand that is composed mainly of pure quartz crystal, unlike anywhere else in the world. Wake up at least one morning at dawn when the sun welcomes you to a day where pre-wedding stress is transferred to peace and serenity along the beach. Come night, dance under the stars with the ocean’s mist blowing gently across your face in the moonlight. Hold hands where the surf unfurls at your feet – now close your eyes and imagine the ocean is actually surrendering a thunderous applause celebrating your marriage.

For a romantic dining experience try Seaside’s acclaimed Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant. Voted as one of Florida’s top restaurants, the establishment serves up locally harvested seafood with a combination of the rustic cooking styles of Old Florida Tuscany and the Coastal South. Try the legendary Seaside Shrimp. Also, participate in the nightly tradition of “Ringing of The Sunset Bell,” on the waterfront deck. For a touch of the Caribbean, dine at Criolla’s Restaurant at nearby Grayton Beach. Florida Trend has claimed Criolla’s as “One of Forida’s Top Twenty Restaurants.” Ask for a corner table, where the flickering tealight candles add ambiance. Be sure and try Jungle Chicken and Aunt Irma’s Banana & Pecan Beignets. The restaurant is also the caterer of the numerous weddings and events at Seaside.

Seaside’s “walk-to-anywhere” design is great for exploring the local shops. Just steps from the honeymoon cottages is the open-air Perspicacity, where cabanas display trendy fashions and accessories. The Seaside Store is where you can stock up on logo shirts, beach towels and hats, and take advantage of all of the unique shops of Seaside to buy a gift for your new home. Also, if you are missing your furry friends that you left behind, not a problem, some shops come complete with friendly greeters that you can pet.

While browsing for unusual blown-glass sculptures at Fusion Art Glass, meet Buddy the cat. The orange Tabby alternates between “door duty” and napping on the porch. Toward the town’s common “green” area, you will want to visit J. Proctor Gallery for an array of paintings and sculptures. Here, you will find Gulliver, a pure white Maltese canine with his own fan club. Finally, the greeter scampering among the art and pottery at the Round Tree Pottery Gallery is a long-haired Chihuahua, Itsy Bitsy.

On your last day at Seaside, request the activity planner to pack you a lunch and drive to nearby Eden State Gardens. The centerpiece of Eden is the Wesley Mansion, a renovated Greek Revival-style home. Surrounded by remote paths amidst manicured gardens and a reflecting pool, the grounds are perfect for an intimate picnic. The gigantic live oaks draped in Spanish moss capture sentimental whispers and promises proclaimed on a honeymoon as unique as your love.

For reservations call 1-888-SEASIDE, or visit www.seasidefl.com.
For area tourist information call 1-800-822-6877, or visit www.beachesofsouthwalton.com.