Seaside in November

Off season is a great time to travel on the Gulf Coast.  Traffic is not bad, rates are lower, and the weather is comfortable. My husband and I usually head for Destin around November because it's only about 2.5 hours from Orange Beach, and we love the beach communities and restaurants along 30a, especially Seaside.  One might wonder why we live at the beach, but take a vacation to another beach.  Well, it's simple.  Everyone needs to experience different things and different places. Seaside is different because there are no 30 story condos along the beach, there are many 4-way stops which slow traffic, keeping it safe for pedestrians and cyclists to maneuver, and the town center is practically on the water, making it easy to access the beaches, lodging rentals, as well as shopping.  This place is about community first, which is not a new concept.  I think it's now called "new urbanism" and thanks to DPZ, the architectural firm who designed it, Seaside is a perfect working model of that idea, and has been for more than 20 years. Basically, you can get everywhere on foot.  Some people call it a fake town... I call it awesome!


Here are a few pics from our last trip:

Seaside Post Office

Bud and Alley's Pizza Bar Patio

I remember when taking the above photo, I overheard a woman on the walkway say, "I can't believe this restaurant has all this prime real estate, and you can't even see the beach from the patio, and wow, what a long walk down to the beach."  I laughed.  Some people just don't get it.

Prosciutto di Parma Pizza

 Tiramisu and Coffee

Jack

Airstream Food Vendors

Seaside in November

Local info:
http://www.thirtyareview.com/
http://www.30a.com

Popular area rentals:

http://www.cottagerentalagency.com/

http://www.360blueproperties.com/SeagroveVillasMotel/ 

http://hibiscusflorida.com/ (bed and breakfast - dog friendly rental available)

Note: Dogs are not permitted on the beach per Walton County regulations.  Exception: dogs owned by Walton county real property owners or permanent year-round residents who have obtained a permit from The Walton County Tax Collector.

FloraBama New Year's Day Polar Bear Dip

Nostalgia...tradition...whatever the reason people participate in events held at the historic FloraBama, it can be an interesting if not memorable experience.  I usually prefer to be a spectator, especially on New Year's Day for the Annual Polar Bear Dip.  There is just something fun about watching other people do crazy stuff.  So, although you won't see me take the plunge into the Gulf of Mexico on the first day of the new year, I can offer some important "tips on the dip":
1. Arrive about an hour early for parking (the dip takes place at NOON annually).
2. Don't park on the side of the road in the sand...you will need a tow truck.
3. Bring cash, because if it's packed, it's usually CASH ONLY

Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show

The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is on of the most exciting, patriotic, and family friendly events held annually on the Gulf Coast.  The acts include everything from skydiving to pyrotechnics, and of course the highlight of the show, the Blue Angels.  They return to their home base, the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fl each November and put on a spectacular show full of unbelievable maneuvers for the home crowd and their dedicated fans who travel from all over specifically to see them perform their magic in the sky.  So, whether you choose to watch from the front row bleachers, a tailgate party outside the airfield, a boat in the Pensacola Bay, or while simply sunbathing on one of the nearby beaches, this event is on not to miss.

Tips:  If you can't make it for the entire day, the Blue Angels usually fly around 2pm, but get there early because parking can be a mess, and it's a bit of a walk to the gate.  Bring earplugs for the kids and a light jacket if you stay for the night show.  Admission is free but seating can be purchased if you don't want to bring your own chairs.  

Note:  Coolers, outside food, tents, umbrellas or are not pets allowed.  Strollers, blankets, portable chairs are allowed.

FloraBama Annual Mullet Toss

 I have been to the Flora-Bama many times over the last 25 years, but this was my first Mullet Toss to attend since moving to the Alabama Gulf Coast.  It was a blast, especially with all the butts, boobs, and bushwhackers.

Outdoor bar

The famous bushwhacker

 Main Stage

 If I only had one of those Mediterranean Condos next door, I would be at Flora-Bama every night.

 I wish I had a tan like this guy, but I would probably look like hell in 30 years.

 The view of the mullet toss activities from the upper deck bar

 Nice chairs.  Perdido Beach Services rents these for the best VIP viewing.

 View of the Flora-Bama from the beach

Measuring a toss

Boobs and a bushwhacker

Jack doing the bushwhacker dance waiting on Luther our taxi driver.  It looks like he had a great time.