“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad”
Proverbs 12:25
It’s Memorial Day, and what better way to kick off the summer than at the beach? Butch and I got a head start last week…we just returned last Friday from three days on the Emerald Coast! It was Butch’s annual business trip, and I managed to squeeze in a little rest and relaxation (and shopping)! If you’ve never been, (and I highly recommend that you do), the Emerald Coast is approximately a 100 mile stretch located in the panhandle of Florida and some of our gorgeous Alabama beaches also embrace the name!
As young newlyweds, it was nothing for us to drive the six hours to get to the beach, if only for a weekend. I absolutely loved all the spontaneous trips to the Emerald Coast…such great memories! We still love making the trip, just in a different way now…business for him and leisure for me! I still love viewing the emerald green waters of the Gulf, but mainly from a balcony…I don’t have to worry with the sand that way! Of course, we love all the fresh seafood and the fine dining found along Highway 30A, as well as the scenic 28 mile drive! The highway hugs the Gulf of Mexico coastline and is a major tourist attraction for many reasons…the beauty of the sugar-white sand beaches, the mix of hot Caribbean colors and pastels that define cottages in the communities along the highway, and the paradise feel in all of the places along the way!
Last year I took you on a tour of the charming homes behind the white picket fences in Seaside…do you remember all of that color?! Today I thought we might check out the interior of a family’s vacation home in Watercolor on 30A. Butch and I took a drive through this newer community and found it to be as lovely as Seaside and Rosemary Beach…it was a beautiful day on 30A!
Click each photo for the original source.
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The Emerald Coast…some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere!
Seaside was established in 1981 on Highway 30A!
The Vue on 30A truly has the most amazing views…
…and food – Fried Oysters with Grilled Andouille Sausage in Etouffe Sauce!
On our drive down 30A, we actually passed by this house, located in WaterColor. It is an update on a Southern farmhouse
A welcoming front porch
The painting and blue table sets the tone of this coastal retreat!
I love the casual comfort of the living room!
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Shells are displayed in shadows boxes in an office nook within the living room.
The rope covered chandelier is a focal point for the dining area with its built-in window seat.
Oyster shell pendants hang over an island in the galley-style kitchen.
The master bedroom in shades of cream and blue.
A soaking tub sits between a pair of vanities in the master bath.
In one daughter’s room is a headboard crafted from old farm fencing.
The other daughter’s room opens to the second-floor screen porch.
A pair of built-in beds occupy a third level loft guest room!
Second-level porch
This is the family’s third home in WaterColor!
What about you? Do you take a beach vacation every summer?
Linking with Pieced Pastimes, Silver Pennies, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Coastal Charm, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Imparting Grace, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, 21 Rosemary Lane, Cozy Little House, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined, Poofing The Pillows, What Meegan Makes, Celebrate & Decorate
My daughter’s family loves this area though I doubt they stay in such a stunning home as you show! As for the hubby and me, we are happy to look out over Rockport Harbor and we do have a little beach. I guess that means we do a beach vacation half the year.????
Linda, I love that you have your beautiful second home to enjoy and I always enjoy reading about your Maine activities!
We do generally take at least one beach trip each year. We’ve scouted many a beach on both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Seaside is a nice, planned community, as is WaterColor and Rosemary, and we enjoyed our stay there. I always enjoy seeing featured homes from these areas in publications such as TH and Coastal Living. Thanks for sharing this one today, Pam. Happy Memorial Day!
Thanks, Rita! I am glad to know that you have visited this area before. I remember when it was just little fishing villages…so much has changed!
Muy hermoso paseo por la Costa Esmeralda. Realmente es muy bello el mar de esos tonos “esmeralda”.
La casa que nos muestras es preciosa…me encanta el estilo tradicional americano, soy una enamorada de las casitas tan bonitas tanto si están en la costa como en el interior. tienen una gran personalidad. La que muestras es espectacular en su mobiliario sencillo pero muy chic y los colores blanco y azules pastel me han encantado.
Gracias por compartir la belleza de ese viaje tan placentero
Dolores
Very beautiful walk along the Emerald Coast. It really is very beautiful sea of those “emerald” tones.
The house is lovely show us … I love the traditional American style, I am a lover of beautiful houses as whether they are on the coast and inland. They have a great personality. The samples is spectacular in its simple but very chic furniture and pastel white and blue have enchanted me.
Thank you for sharing the beauty of this very pleasant journey.
Dolores
Hola Dolores, estoy muy contenta de que haya disfrutado de la hermosa Costa Esmeralda y la hermosa casa de vacaciones compartí. Tenemos algunas hermosas playas de la Costa del Golfo para disfrutar! Te deseo una semana llena de alegría, mi amigo! Bendiciones, Pam
I love this area of Florida….We lived in Florida most of our lives…..this particular home is amazingly beautiful….I love that they adapted an American Farmhouse style home among the typical style beach homes….
Shirley, I have always loved the NW panhandle beaches of Florida! They have experienced such growth over the past 25 years. I remember vacations as a child with just a few hotels sprinkled in the area…as they say, I guess this is progress!
I’ve loved this area before there were any condos or houses! So glad you got to get a head start on the busy weekend and summertime. I have relatives all up and down this stretch of beach. Can’t wait to head over there again soon.
Leslie Anne, I remember going to this area when it was just sleepy fishing villages! It is beautiful, but I kind of liked the old vibe!
Gorgeous, fun and entertaining post. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks so much, Valerie! Happy Wednesday!
I just love all of the communities along 30A. Even though I am in Florida, it is a long drive up that way and I have only gotten there a couple of times! I can’t wait to get back! Thanks for all of the pictures and the memories! Thanks so much for sharing over at Celebrate Your Story!
Chloe, the Emerald Coast is a beautiful destination…we always enjoy! Blessings~
We almost bought a house on 30A 30 years ago, it’s such a beautiful area and Seaside and Watercolor are so picturesque! I’m so glad you enjoyed your beach trip and the house pictures are just dreamy! It was a CRAZY weekend on the coast, summer’s in full swing now-
Jenna
Fortunately we left the coast on Friday, but it was getting extremely crowded when we left! Happy Wednesday, Jenna!
I’d love to stay there!! We’ve only spent the day in Seaside when we were on a Destin trip. It’s so colorful and beautiful!
Happy Thoughts of Home. 😉
Stacey, anywhere on the Emerald Coast is a good place to stay!
How pretty Pam, I will feature this tomorrow at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry, thanks so much for the feature! Blessings!