Are you ready for my fourth (and final) post on Florida? I hope so, ’cause here it comes…(If you missed the first three, click here for our take on Naples, here for the scoop on Venice, and here for Rainbow Springs.)
On March 6th we left Rainbow Springs in central Florida and took the looonnnng drive, (with our defective car in tow), to Topsail State Park, where we were scheduled to stay for a week before moving just slightly east to the Panama City area for an additional week.
I told you a little bit about those areas in this post, but I deliberately left out Seaside, the charming coastal town that was the backdrop for The Truman Show, as there’s just too many pics for it not to have its own post.
We visited Seaside twice. The first visit was a late afternoon/early evening one, when we took advantage of the airstream ‘food trucks’ and had a casual dinner…
and I captured this adorable chapel, the Panhandle’s most popular venue for weddings, gently lit.
We returned a couple of days later and had the opportunity to check out the inside, and I was taken with its striking simplicity.
The chapel faces a large courtyard, which arguably is the heart of Seaside, and has a decidedly European feel.
The neighborhood immediately surrounding the courtyard are lovingly maintained, brightly saturated colored homes that compliment each other both with their chosen hues as well as their cottage style architectural details.
SunDog Books is a true book lover’s paradise and a must see if you’re in the area. Sadly, there aren’t too many bookstores like it left anymore.
Just across the road, literally steps from the beach, were countless vendors, restaurants and shops with colorful clothing and pretty wares.
Not surprisingly, Seaside is one of Florida’s most expensive areas, but justifiably so. Real Estate listings routinely highlight homes for well over a million no larger than 2000 sq ft., but oh….they’re soooo worth it!
After leaving the Panhandle area, our first stop was just twenty minutes from Jekyll Island in Georgia, a relaxing destination where we felt like we stepped back in time.
We biked around the island for the better part of the day, enjoying the scenery of the Gulf, the stately homes…
and last but not least, the aptly named Driftwood Beach.
Doesn’t this look like a dragon?
In contrast to the serene, sophisticated atmosphere of Jekyll Island, we found our next stop, downtown Myrtle Beach, to be somewhat touristy and commercial, but I appreciated the Art Deco apartments that lined the waterfront. I heard the northern part of Myrtle Beach is lovely, but with the limited time we were there we didn’t venture out that far.
That concludes my ‘Florida’ series. Next year, we will be revisiting the Naples and Venice areas for two months, but may leave the month of March a little flexible. Perhaps a trip to the east coast of Florida is in order…or Asheville, N.C., or Hilton Head…or all three :).
In other news…
Spring is here, and with it comes lots to do outside! If you’ve been following along, you might remember the little stone wall we built last year. Well now it’s time to spruce up the steps leading into the house. We’ve picked out some stones and hope to have the work done next week.
I planted some veggies in our raised bed also. Some lettuce, beets, chard and rainbow carrots. It’s been a very long time since I’ve tended to any veggies (other than container tomatoes and herbs) so wish me luck.
I just went shopping for some much needed shorts. After trying on my clothes and doing a trial run of packing for our upcoming trip, it turns out after all those beignets I ate in the Panhandle, I only have one pair that still fit me :(. UGH!!
Last but not least, I met with Debbie over at MountainMama on Sunday!!! We had a wonderful day, chatting about this n’ that, eating lunch and antiquing in a cute town up the road a bit. Debbie lives in a lovely, secluded area but is lucky to be close to everything. Her home is a true reflection of her lively, warm personality and damn, can that girl cook! Make sure you click on over to get the recipe for this unbelievably good quiche.
To. Die. For.
If the steps get done next week I’ll be showing you those before we leave, otherwise I’ve got some roundup posts coming your way I think you’ll enjoy.
Debbie - MountainMama says
Awww, shucks….you are too kind, my sweet friend! I can’t wait to see more on that raised bed – I clicked back to your posts on the stone wall – GORGEOUS!! – and fire pit and herbs – your property is just lovely! Hugs to you – it was absolutely wonderful to meet you!! Xo
Emily says
Doreen, So happy you enjoyed your trip to Panama city Beach and the panhandle. I see you fell under the spell of Seaside. It is my happy place to go every chance I get. I love the relaxed feel of old FL, small but everything you need and want. My husband and I loved going to the summer concerts, spreading a blanket and enjoying the music with a glass of wine. Loved your pics. After reading this post I think I need a week at the beach!
Happy Saturday
Julie says
Hello Doreen, it sounds like you had a wonderful time away in Florida. That Driftwood beach is so interesting. I have not started any planting yet as I want to make sure there is no more cold weather. I hope you have a nice weekend and week.
Julie
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh my goodness what gorgeous areas! I love that they seem to truly have a European feel, or back in time feel and even art deco feel. Amazing the variety and all in such beautiful tropical surroundings! I LOVED that driftwood beach! I could prowl around there for a few hours. What a great wintering trip overall Hon. Minus one lunkhead of a car you guys did it right!! 🙂
I hear you with the shorts – thus I’m on the isagenix program! Plus more workouts. Exercise, diet watching, cleanse days. Not easy….but after 2 weeks down 5 lbs and will slow and steady be continuing the journey for a while.
Good luck with the steps and the gardening!! Love it! Yay Spring!! xoxo
tammy j says
doreen
you saved the best for the last!
I have enjoyed your whole trip but this last post is delightful.
and… YES! I remember the wall!
I couldn’t believe how you were doing that! i’m glad this time you’ll not be tackling it all on your own.
and… the airstream food trucks… oh! BE STILL MY HEART!!! the shady tables… it’s all so lovely. and the crayola colored houses!
ok.
i’m going back to read it all again now! LOLOL
XOXOXOX♥
and the peanut is ALMOST back up. safe and sound! thank heaven and the captain! and he WAS able to save my posts … just not the pictures.
Cindy says
Hi GF, I know I’ve been away for a longtime and plan to be back soon. I stopped to read this and happy I took a look.
The picture of the gate was so prettying the area is dreamy. John would be in that bookstore for hours. He loves books and when I say LOVE I mean love.
Sorry I have missed your trip but I will read about, promise.
Cindy
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Loved those pics of the colorful houses!
Brenda
Jane says
I’ve heard great things about Seaside but never saw pictures and wow, you have some great ones, Doreen. The homes really are beautiful, I love the colors, sort of like a ‘cleaned up’ New Orleans or Key West. This has been a lot of fun for you, I know. Do you ever get exhausted by the traveling and being on the go? A week of vacation wears me out!!
Sounds like you have lots of yard and garden work…summer is almost here. I’m chipping away a little at a time. And are you off on another trip?
I will visit Debbie’s blog—that quiche looks fantastic! How great to meet up and spend a day together!
Jane
Cindi says
Oh! I agree with the others!
Seaside might be the best of all!
I love it! and that chapel, simply perfect.
Even if you had all those goodies, I bet all that cycling helped!
I’m sure it will be gone quickly because you are always doing and moving!
I remember all the work you did on that stone wall. You are amazing!
Super cool that you go to spend a day with your friend!
Great post!
xoxoxo
AnnMarie says
That was one memorable trip! Love the pictures of the colorful houses…I want one!! Too early to plant here but I bought some gorgeous geraniums that my cats have been chewing on. Lots going on but still waiting for Spring to arrive!
Vashti Q says
I love Seaside! What a picturesque place. Great photos! That quiche at the end looks scrumptious. I’ll have to check that out. 😛
Cecilia says
Wow, Seaside looks like a dream! Adorable houses in their bright colors. *love* The driftwood is either amazing or disturbing…I can’t decide which. 🙂
Yeah, let’s not talk about what fits and what doesn’t. I’m either going on a diet or shopping trip. Ugh. Hope you have a lovely trip! Looking forward to seeing your outdoor space. Hugs,
Cecilia
kelly says
You are so lucky to get to do some much traveling! I loved seeing pics of Seaside since I’ve never been there. I would love to go some time. I have been to the other places you shared. Looks like you had such a great trip!
Kim says
There’s a lot of pretty here, but that chapel and the beach take the cake! Fabulous!!
Jemma says
The colors, oh the beautiful colors and your photos are stunning!
So, you and sweet Debbie have had the glorious opportunity to meet! What a delight that must have been:)
I have no doubt that she can cook, her recipes and cookbook recommendations have been spot on!
I am in the same boat as you-extra weight-about to go walk now-for like 5 hours just to get this sluggish old metabolism booted up!
Happy Monday sweet Lady,
xo
Jemma
Vera says
Doreen,
Each and every photo is breathtaking and has left me speechless. I just want to continue enjoying your captures of beauty. Thanks for this beautiful post.
xoxo,
Vera
Feral Turtle says
I felt like I was almost there! A great trip to Florida Doreen. Thanks for sharing!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
The white chapel is adorable and the painted houses so cheerful!
Pinky says
Oh now I want to go to Seaside too! What a lovely toen! The houses are beautiful too. Thanks for this series. I have really enjoyed it.
handmade by amalia says
I enjoyed following you around the sunshine state. Such bright and lovely photos to go with all your stories.
Amalia
xo
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, what a charming place to visit. So many things I liked about it. Horse and carriage rides are so fun – I took one a few years ago and it was just like stepping back in time, like you said. Those trees are so mysterious and lovely. And these cottages are very quaint. Oh, what a lovely church this is. It sounds like you will have many great memories from your trip to Florida. I’ve always wanted to go there, maybe someday. : ) Yes, I will try to do more of what makes me happy. : )
~Sheri