Hi y'all...we're going to the beach this summer! Yea! Hubby is taking ANOTHER weekend off! (Two in 18 months! WooHoo!)

We are going to the Seaside/Seagrive area, looking for a place to stay. I used to go there every summer, and I have had great luck finding a place with Garrett Realty. However, it's been about 5 years since I have been, and I here it's more developed now. Any new places to stay that we should try out? We need something with 2 bedrooms and a kitchen/kitchenette, and we want to be on the beach, not across the street. Suggestions?

Bamakelly, go to www.vrbo.com and check out the listings for Seaside/Seagrove. There are tons to choose from. That's how I found the place I got to in Santa Rosa Beach at Gulf Place. I've rented from two different owners off this site and had no problems at all.

The nice thing about this site, too, is that many listings have virtual calendars so you can see what dates they have open.

VRBO is a great place to find rentals. I have used it in the past. But as far as the south walton beaches go,you might want to check out Watercolor. It is a St. Joe development and has wonderful amenities. There are waterfront condos available. If you rent there, you have access to two pools (includes beach towels), and fitness room. There are bicycles, canoes and kayaks-all complimentary. I have stayed at Watercolor several times-in the inn, in a condo, and in a house and highly recommend it.

This is not to say that Watercolor is better than the other beaches-they are all lovely-but if aminities are important, you might want to check it out. (And as you apparently know, the vast majority of rentals in this area are not gulf front.)

http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/Watercolor.asp

Thanks to both of you! I was considering using vrbo this time around, since many people here suggest it. It's a little overwhelming if you don't know exactly where you want to stay, though! I have heard of Watercolors--glad you mentioned it. I don't think it was quite finished when we were there last.

Any specific names of condos or houses that anyone can suggest? On the beach, at least 2 BR?

ttt

Bamakelly,
Seagrove is the older section and is more typical of a beachside area. Houses on stilts. Each house built to owner's specs or style. For years, there was only 1 high rise condo building. Many of the houses are right on the beach. For the others, you can walk to the beach.

Seaside is an award winning designed community and is very pricey. Good design but seems a bit "Disneyish" to some...okay, me. It was used as the set for the "Truman Show" and almost looks like a stage set. The community access to the beach is via bridges over the dune (I do like the environmental care).

I went to see the open design homes in Watercolor. Got a lot of good ideas but it's still a little too "perfect" for me. THIS IS ONLY MY PERSONAL OPINION. I don't like McMansions and I moved out of a big development because of all that went with the 14 tennis courts and 3 swimming pools (attitude). I'm not a gated community kind of gal.

If you want to be "on the beach" then Seagrove will give you that option.

Having said all that, I do like going into Seaside to shop at the market. Restaurant options are there too.

My very favorite is the "old Florida" feel of the Indian Pass/ Cape San Blas area with almost every meal at the Indian Pass Raw Bar.