A Top Town in America

NAMED RECENTLY in "Travel and Leisure" magazine as one of the Top 5 towns in America is the Florida community of Santa Rosa Beach. In addition, Google named Santa Rosa Beach as its e-City of Florida in 2013.

As one of 16 coastal communities scattered among the "Beaches of South Walton" along County Road 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach stands out as a "go to" destination for visitors - and an ideal location for locals to call home.

More generally speaking, Santa Rosa Beach is located in the northwest Florida Panhandle. Its southern border fronts to the Gulf of Mexico, and its northern boundary lies north of U.S. Highway 98 and stretches to Choctawhatchee Bay. SRB's land area totals 65 square miles with an estimated local population of over 13,000.  However locals say, "Santa Rosa Beach lies between Blue Mountain Beach and Dune Allen Beach."

Founded in 1910, Santa Rosa Beach is a mix of old and new. It is a modern neighborhood with beautiful sugar-white sand beaches and emerald waters, condos, shops, restaurants, and all kinds of amenities. But, it also includes old historic Point Washington with nearby Eden Gardens State Park where visitors and locals alike can enjoy a step back to yesteryear.

Over 12 winter seasons my wife and  I have made numerous visits to Santa Rosa Beach - often as many as 6 or 8 in one season . Each and every one has been a delight! We have enjoyed the adventures of exploring, discovering, shopping, listening to music, seeing the sights, and dining!

The Gulf Place neighborhood has been fun, and walking among the small artist's buildings is always a must for my wife. Two of our favorite places to eat have been Stinky's Fish Camp and Goatfeathers. For fine dining, the Vue on 30a has great food and a million dollar view of the Gulf.

For a day, for a weekend, for a week or more; set a time to visit this special place: Santa Rosa Beach! On my word:  you will not be disappointed.