Rosemary Beach

NUMEROUS SMALL TOWNS and villages exist all along the Emerald Coast of northwest Florida's Panhandle. Some have been established only in the last few years. Included on this list of coastal communities is Rosemary Beach. Visitors by the thousands pass through Rosemary Beach every month throughout the year. Many choose to stop-over for day, a week-end, a week, or longer. Some decide to extend their stay for an entire winter. Others, buy real estate and either live there year-round or come and go whenever they please. In any case, Rosemary Beach is a great leisure destination - even if only for an hour or two.

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The small village of Rosemary Beach is located at the eastern end of Highway 30-A, a scenic route which hugs the coast of the Gulf of Mexico between Panama City and Destin. The highway is the main road through the village. In the heart of town, two blocks south of 30-A is the beach. From the village's eastern boundary, it is less than a mile to U.S. Highway 98 - the route to nearby Panama City Beach.

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Rosemary Beach's business district is on both sides of Highway 30-A. On the north side, several shops surround a large rectangular park-like open space. This area is used for fairs, festivals, and the like. Tents and booths are often set-up to accommodate these special events. An arts and crafts fair in late fall is a prime example of how the village provides both visitors and locals ample opportunity to spend leisure hours - and money!

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On the south side of 30-A, the village's Main Street leads to a public beach access. Along the way are several stores, specialty shops, and cafes. A "village green" beckons kids and adults alike to toss a football or a Frisbee - or to just sit and relax - on a beautiful grassy area. The beach access has restrooms and a thoughtfully constructed boardwalk and ramp which allows people of all ages - including the handicapped - to put their feet in the sugar-white sand.

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Rosemary Beach was established in 1995 and was built in a style of aesthetically-pleasing architecture. The town has a network of pathways, boardwalks, and pedestrian lanes. There are numerous dune walkovers to it's beautiful beach. And, every home is architecturally unique.

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Much of the town's recreation opportunities center around water: the beach, the ocean, the pools, swimming, and fishing. However - in addition - biking, hiking, tennis, golf, and activities just for kids are available. The town has a fitness center, a fitness path, a racquet club, a day spa, and a butterfly park. Of course, shopping, dining, and sightseeing are always popular. Town officials also boast about professional services, as well as community services, being available.

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People often look for a special location to spend some of their leisure. Many are looking for a place to unwind, to get away from stress, or to be in a beautiful environment. The good news is that there is such a place to do it all: Rosemary Beach!

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-- In the photo above, the eye of the camera looks toward Main Street from the main beach access in Rosemary Beach, Florida.