Take Me To Seaside

Four weeks of school are left, and all I can think about are Pinterest cures for sunburns and innovative beach accessorize to monogram.  (If you have any ideas, do feel free to shoot them my way!)

In that vein, there is one special, magical part of my summer I have been dying to share with you.

Seaside, Florida. 

This little town draws beach-seekers from Yee Haw Yall’s favorite two areas: Texas and the deep South. With it’s pastel colors, ice cream parlors, and nautical charm, I have found in my stays there that Seaside makes the perfect getaway for lovers of rest, salt water, and all things pretty.

Photo Source - wikimedia.org
Photo Source – wikimedia.org

What makes this destination different from the many tourist hubs that line the beaches of Florida?

Everything. 

Take the architecture, for instance. According to the official website, seasidefl.com, the style is inspired by the quaint, close-knit communities of old. “It is the vision of a small town, much like the countless ones dotting the pre-WWII landscape. Much like the old world European villages, where a person could stroll anywhere she wanted to go for anything she needed.”

Strict codes are enforced to ensure the timeless look of Seaside remains in tact through generations.

Diagrams of the seven building codes of Seaside.
Diagrams of the seven building codes of Seaside.

Not only do building designs have to be approved by an architectural review committee, paint colors and materials must pass the review as well. Evidence of this careful planning is seen in each cottage, creating a sea of pastels next to the grand ocean.

A view of the pastel houses of Seaside.
A view of the pastel houses of Seaside.
Nestle Down - One of the Seaside cottages.
Nestle Down – One of the Seaside cottages.

Even the post office adheres to the look.

The Seaside Post Office
The Seaside Post Office

While convertibles and jeeps may clutter any other beach city, you won’t find them here. The main method of transportation in Seaside is the beach cruiser.

This sight is common in Seaside.
This sight is common in Seaside.

One of my family’s favorite things to do in Seaside is explore the town each morning, via bike.

My mother and sister on an early-morning bike ride through Seaside.
My mother and sister on an early-morning bike ride through Seaside.

The shopping is grand, especially for such a small town. My favorite place to peruse is Perspicasity. This outdoor market is located in the central hub of the town, and offers a variety of keepsakes, from trinkets to dresses.

Perspicacity.
Perspicacity.

Let’s not forget the food. The quaint, small-town feel of Seaside makes no sacrifices when it comes to dining selections. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

1. Frost Bites

It’s nearly impossible to visit Seaside without seeing a huge line exuding from this silver trailer. Home to chilly treats galore, Frost Bites is a must for all ages.

Frostbites - the popular snow cone trailer of Seaside.
Frostbites – the popular snow cone trailer of Seaside.
A little one enjoying a Frost Bites snow cone.
A little one enjoying a Frost Bites snow cone.

2. Pickles

This beachside cafe offers a variety of quick-eats, providing convenience and sustenance for a day on the beach.

Pickle's
Pickle’s

3. Café 30-A

For the more refined palette, Cafe 30-A offers a selection of fresh fish dishes as well as delicious steaks and specials. Located a few minutes down highway 30-A, this eatery makes for an elegant evening.

Cafe 30-A
Cafe 30-A
A breezy dining room in Café 30-A.
A breezy dining room in Café 30-A.
The trademark logo of Café 30-A.
The trademark logo of Café 30-A.

Alright alright, you get it. I’m obsessed. And I hope after looking through those pictures that you are as well!

So why does this get a spot on Yee Haw Y’all?

As I mentioned above, the majority of Seaside visitors are from Texas, and deep southern states like North Carolina and Georgia.

A friend, Jack Melsheimer, has a house in Seaside. “While it’s a long drive from Dallas,” he said, “Seaside is worth every minute on the road. You don’t necessarily escape the Texas heat, but the cheerful, clean community makes you feel like you’re in a different world.”

And in one sense you are. Seaside was used as the filming location from “The Truman Show.” 

Michelle Cooper, a dear friend and Seaside-regular from Atlanta, shared with me her experience at Seaside and why it is part of Southern-vacation tradition. “My family looks forward to trips to Seaside every year. The houses are beautiful, but not touristy. Seaside is big enough to offer entertainment for all, and small enough to keep a petite, classic ambiance.”

The travel times from popular departure cities like Dallas and Atlanta range from 8 to 14 hours, but that doesn’t stop people from flocking to this unique destination.

“We come back every year. The drive is part of the adventure, the whole time everyone is looking forward to a first glimpse at Seaside,” my mother said.

Now that you’ve gotten a chance to see professional pictures of the community from an outsiders lens, I thought I’d share a of my own that I have taken over the years.

Running into a friend from UT in front of Frost Bites.
Running into a friend from UT in front of Frost Bites.
Enjoying a rainy day on the beach.
Enjoying a rainy day on the beach.
My family and I in front of our annual vacation house, Bella Vista.
My family and I in front of our annual vacation house, Bella Vista.
Dinner at Café 30-A.
Dinner at Café 30-A.
Listening to performers on the beach.
Listening to performers on the beach.

Ok… wanna know something kinda fun? Two summers ago, my sister and I stopped to listen to the two boys above, Jeff (left) and Jack (right). Jeff and I have been dating ever since, officially reaching a year and a half on April 9th. Here is us in Seaside last summer.

Jeff and I, the summer after we met.
Jeff and I, the summer after we met.

So there ya go. Go to Seaside. You might come away with a boyfriend.

Just kidding.

:)

But go. I think you will find it to be everything i expressed, and more!

Join in on the fun!