Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Online Groups: Sort Out the Nonsense How to Sift Through the Answers and Motives of Online Q&A’s Prior to the rise of the powerful internet and social media, information was exchanged and shared in person, in local establishments amongst patrons and through traditional media channels …
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Snowbirds looking for a place with "beachfront" in the description may be surprised to find out the actual distance to the shoreline can be quite a hike for some properties or quite the opposite with mere steps to the sand.
The nuances of view, beachfront and ocean/gulf front are a continual source of confusion for both property owners and potential guests. It's enough of an issue that a very popular all-inclusive resort with many Caribbean island locations dedicated an entire web page to the subject with beautiful photos to illustrate exactly what you will actually get when you book their rooms and suites.
There are many informal online groups and third party travel agency sites dedicated specifically to matching guests with rental properties. Local and regional groups offer a forum for potential guests to make a request seeking properties specifically within their preferred criteria and owners will respond if they have something available. It's not a question of whether the guest or rental unit will mistakenly interchange the terms, it's just a matter of when it will happen. No one wants a surprise upon arrival, so error on the side of acquiring information beyond a doubt.
What exactly is the difference of beachfront vs. ocean/gulf front? Or ocean view? It can vary widely because there is no authoritative standard definition for beachfront, ocean front and ocean view. No one-size-fits-all for beach rental terminology exists, which is why there is so much confusion. You may encounter a wide range of properties that are "ocean front" or "beachfront" and all could be correctly labeled yet be wildly different.
Here's what you need to know before booking a property.
Beachfront typically implies ground floor and a short distance to the sand. However, you may encounter properties who consider "no road" between the unit and the beach to be beachfront, despite being located in a high rise or quite a distance from the actual beach. An ocean front room is also ocean view, but an ocean view room is not necessarily ocean front. An ocean front accommodation may be situated near the water and an ocean view unit may be located much further inland, even half a mile or more away in some cases.
Ocean view indicates you can see the ocean/gulf somewhere from the interior, but it won't be directly facing the ocean -- which is considered ocean front. Never assume the ocean view will be from the interior, it could be from somewhere on the balcony or patio area. Your balcony may be way in the back of the complex or it may be an inline side balcony that requires leaning over the railing to see the ocean view. Likewise, ground floor units may or may not have a visible view of the ocean, it all depends on whether obstructions such as pools, fences, landscaping and topography block all or part of the view. Partial views, sliver views, balcony views, side views, direct views, rooftop views, panoramic views and unobstructed views are all nuances of ocean view.
If all else fails, price will offer a huge clue about the property. The most expensive will be beachfront, followed by ocean front and then ocean/gulf view. No view is also something to consider for snowbirds on a budget or who simply want to be in a desirable location near the water, but perhaps in a unit with with other features such as detached home or cottage, private pool, covered parking or fenced yard.
For your convenience, I've compiled dictionary definitions for some of the most common beach terminology, but it is not intended to be anything other than a point of reference. Invesigate, then evaluate all of the information you gather with the facts. Don't get caught up in the promotional photos and marketing sizzle before you have the actual facts. Clarify if the photo/s you are looking at are general views of the overall property or are they of the actual unit where you will be staying. Ask a lot of questions, confirm the information in writing and take a virtual video and/or photo tour of the specific unit you are considering before making a decision about renting a new place, whether staying for a few nights or much longer.
Because there is no authoritative standard source of beach terminology relating to the hospitality and travel industry, I've compiled definitions from reliable sources that pertain to the literal meaning of beachfront, ocean front and ocean view.
Cambridge Dictionary
Noun. A strip of land along a beach
Collins Dictionary
Noun. A strip of land bordering on a beach
Merriam-Webster
Noun.
1. A strip of land that fronts the beach
2. The usually sandy or gravelly land bordering a body of water
Collins Dictionary
Noun. Land, buildings, etc. along an ocean shore
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Noun. A shore area on the ocean
Oxford Dictionary
Noun. The land that borders an ocean
Cambridge Dictionary
Definition not available
Collins Dictionary
Definition not available
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Definition not available
Oxford Dictionary
Definition not available
Collins Dictionary
Countable Noun. The view from a window or high place is everything that can be seen from that place, especially when it is considered to be beautiful.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Noun. All that can be seen from a certain point
Oxford Dictionary
Noun.
1. The ability to see something or to be seen from a particular place
2. A sight or prospect, typically of attractive natural scenery, that can be taken in by the eye from a particular place
Oxford Dictionary
Noun. The line along which a large body of water meets the land
Oxford Dictionary
Noun. The shore of the sea, on which the waves break, the strand; spec. the part of the shore lying between high- and low-water-mark
-- Pilou Asbæk, Danish Actor
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When my twin sister first announced she was coming home to the Midwest from Hawaii, she invited me to go on a "mini vacation within a vacation." We have travelled together in the past and share a love of historical artsy places such as Laguna Beach and Pasadena in California as well as the historic home of beloved American children's book author, Laura Ingalls Wilder in Mansfield, Missouri. So it was no surprise when my twin said Saugatuck, Michigan was tops on her list.
Saugatuck, located adjacent to Lake Michigan is all of the things that I love about a vacation destination. It is artsy, walkable, nostalgic and a thriving water-centric community. It is romantic and charming with an assortment of downtown and waterfront boutiques, bed and breakfast inns, shops, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. Many of the stately grand Victorian homes have been converted to host guests and there's plenty of cottages, small hotels and rentals both on and off the water. At night, the trees glow from the twinkling white lights wrapped around the trunks, similar to another fantastic tourist destination, Naples on southern Florida's Gulf Coast.
Local businesses cater to tourists and are known for their appeal to pedestrian vacationers. You can park your vehicle and not move it again until time to go home. Although one place you can't always park is along the downtown streets because many of the right-hand lanes have been converted into beautiful outdoor seasonal dining spaces.
There are also numerous activities for the outdoor enthusiast with all kinds of water activities, boating, fishing, hiking, climbing massive sand dunes, golfing and of course, the majestic beach shoreline of Lake Michigan. If you love wineries and vineyards, the surrounding Fennville area is known for grape vineyards and fruit trees. There is no shortage of tasting rooms of all kinds: wine, cider and craft beer.
Once a lumber town, Saugatuck, also known by many previous names, was settled in 1830 by William Butler. By the late 1800's, city dwellers from Chicago came to escape the heat. The Art Institute of Chicago began offering summer school classes on the Ox-Bow lagoon, which was created when the river was rerouted in 1906. The Institute officially established the Ox-Bow Summer School of Painting in 1913. Saugatuck became known as a tourist destination and artist colony. Saugatuck and her adjoining sister community, Douglas, Michigan now primarily rely on tourism.
What you won't find is slick chain restaurants, national or regional hotels or retail stores, which is why Saugatuck-Douglas is so appealing to guests who come from Chicago and throughout the Midwest and beyond. It retains the timeless original architecture of establishments and residences in a beautiful, unspoiled natural setting. Massive old trees can be found throughout and hand-painted signs welcome guests to a community with just one stoplight. Summer is the most popular season for vacationers when visitors pack the beaches and twin towns, especially for the Independence Day holiday. My sister and I arrived in early October when the last heat of summer is fading, the air is crisper and the leaves are slowly turning.
Many of the area attractions operate on a reduced or weekend-only schedule in the shoulder and winter seasons, which is helpful to know when planning a trip. Outdoor dining and water activities may or may not be available based on weather conditions. Rental rates may be reduced and it is much less busy than peak season. Some establishments close entirely from January until March.
Below is an overview of Saugatuck which is intertwined with the history of the dunes, as well as highlights from my Autumn tour and details of what I consider two favorite local establishments: The Hotel Saugatuck and Coast 236 Restaurant and Bar.
Please let me know your own personal experiences in the Saugatuck area. Ms. Lantz, a longtime friend of my mother-in-law loves the area so much she wrote a privately published book entitled, "Saugatuck, A Love Story," an excellent 100 page chronicle of her lifetime of Saugatuck vacations dating back to 1969, the first time she stayed at the iconic Ship-N-Shore Hotel - Boatel on Water Street and fell in love with Butler burgers at the Butler, which is still operating on the riverfront.
In the past, I have wondered why there are no major port cities located on the Eastern Shores of Lake Michigan. Nor are there major structures, such as high or even low rises along the coast. Although Saugatuck is adjacent to Lake Michigan, it is physically impossible to stand on the streets of Saugatuck or Douglas and view Lake Michigan, even though it is only a short distance away.
Saugatuck (pronounced Saw-gu-tuck) was originally settled in 1830 and the Native American Algonquin name means "situated on a lake at the mouth of a river." In Saugatuck's case, it is the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. The river flows directly to Saugatuck-Douglas in a westerly direction where it eventually widens into Lake Kalamazoo and then empties into Southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, part of the largest fresh water system in the entire world, The Great Lakes.
To understand the layout of Saugatuck, you need a basic understanding of the area's geography and the impact of Eastern Lake Michigan's massive, living sand dunes. Some dunes reach heights in excess of 200 feet, including infamous Mount Baldhead, which towers 236 feet high and is situated in-between Lake Michigan and the town of Saugatuck. The twin towns of Saugatuck-Douglas share borders with a common waterway, yet both are physically separated from Lake Michigan by the substantial sand dunes and the Kalamazoo River.
The largest dunes date back 3,000 to 4,000 years during a period of high water. The dunes form because storm surges and prevailing Western winds continually blow sand onto the Eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. Dry sand on the beach is picked up by the wind. Small rocks, driftwood, vegetation and other natural elements cause the sand to accumulate. The blowing sand forms successive layers on the leeward side, which causes the dunes to "move" inland. Because the dunes are living, always shifting and changing due to the wind, this makes them unstable. With time, even mature trees can be "swallowed up" by the large dunes. Growing concerns arose that the over-steeping and eroding leeward side of Mount Baldhead would encroach, causing the Kalamazoo River to fill up with sand. Mount Baldy was purposefully planted with vegetation in 1887 to use a natural means to stabilize the sand and implement erosion control. Wooden steps were constructed to the top of Mount Baldy in 1930 to block erosion from foot traffic. The dome sphere at the top of the dune was constructed in 1964 by the United States government as part of a DEW line radar station. Now, the dome functions as a landmark and tourists flock to Mount Baldy to climb the steep 236 foot incline for the magnificent view.
Originally a town named Singapore was established to the North of Saugatuck in 1836 near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. Unlike Saugatuck, it was located directly on the shores of Lake Michigan hoping to rival other port cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee. At Singapore's height of prosperity, it had 23 structures and two sawmills and also had its own bank currency.
However, after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 Singapore began deforesting the area, shipping lumber 90 miles southwest to help rebuild Chicago. Ultimately, with a lack of trees providing stability, Singapore was abandoned by the late 1800's due to being swallowed by the ever-changing dunes. Like a Shakespearean Tragedy, Singapore sacrificed her trees which ultimately sacrificed herself. Singapore remains one of Michigan's most famous ghost towns, long-ago buried under the sands. Local lore suggests one resident refused to leave his home despite the encroaching sand dunes. He entered and exited through a second floor window until eventually the roof was completely buried beneath the sand.
Until now, I never knew why large high rises, hotels or even any commercial establishments are not located on the Eastern shores of Lake Michigan. It's due to the living dunes.
![One of several sculptures in the Rose Garden [Butler and Mason]](https://midlifesnowbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0_0680-LKS_Saugatuck_Oct2021-scaled.jpg "0_0680 LKS_Saugatuck_Oct2021")
![At night, the trees glow from the twinkling white lights wrapped around the trunks [Looking down Butler Street from Culver]](https://midlifesnowbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0_0133-Coast236_Saugatuck_20211006-scaled.jpg "0_0133 Coast236_Saugatuck_20211006")
When I'm new to an area, I begin by solidly researching options of where to stay and then dive into the details of dining options as well as area attractions. I visited Saugatuck nine years prior with my husband, but we stayed in Grand Rapids and toured Saugatuck for just one day while also checking out other beach town areas: Grand Haven and South Haven along Eastern Michigan's coastline.
My sister previously stayed in a carriage house at Serendipity, a centrally located bed and breakfast three years prior for an Independence Day holiday and wanted to try something different. Something different is what was delivered.
With the help of online photos, we fell in love with and booked The Lakeshore Suite at The Hotel Saugatuck, a bed and breakfast on Lake Street just after you cross the bridge bordering Douglas and Kalamazoo Lake. The building, listed on the Michigan Register of historic places, dates to 1865 and is the only original structure still standing from the local lumbering era. It underwent multiple changes and functions until the beginning of the 1900's when it became a boarding house. In 1922, a Chicago vaudeville banjo musician opened it as the Twin Gables Inn and Restaurant and invited his musician friends to play at the hotel where guests dined and danced. The Twin Gables Inn also was known to be frequented by members of Al Capone's gang during Prohibition in the 1920's. There's even a rumored bullet hole in a wall as a result of some sort of altercation over a "sweetheart" who worked at the establishment. In 1936 the Blue Star Highway was constructed and the State of Michigan relocated the building to its present spot. Lake Street was extended to connect with the Blue Star Highway and the hotel was simply in the way.
In 2016, the hotel was fully renovated into luxurious suites and The Lakeshore Suite features two electric fireplaces, a jetted bathtub in the primary living space, private enclosed porch, mini fridge and freezer, microwave, King-sized bed and amazing desserts delivered to our door at dusk and a gourmet breakfast each morning. Our suite's wooden floors, which are found throughout the hotel's original main floor, are stained a gorgeous dark brown and they squeak and creak when you walk on them.
The hotel is for adults only as a luxurious boutique destination for couples or travelers seeking respite. No pets are permitted and I must say it's really not suitable for pets and kids. There's a time and a place for family vacations, but it won't be at The Hotel Saugatuck.
Small cabins line the South side of the property and there's a tranquil 'secret' garden on the opposite side below the Blue Star Highway. Guests can borrow the hotel's bikes for a ride downtown or over the bridge to Douglas.
The Lakeshore Suite's porch is exactly front and center of the ground floor of the hotel. Prior to our arrival I envisioned walking out from the porch to sit next to the lake and read a book, as I do when staying at Oakwood Inn on Lake Wawasee. However, that didn't
happen. First, there's no exterior porch door, which is not a big deal. The larger issue is there's no public benches on this section of the lake, which means the hotel's "secret garden" is the best outdoor spot for reading, but we filled our time with other activities.
On the way to the hotel, we stopped at Modales Winery and Vineyard in the Fennville area for a wine flight and locally produced creamy cheese and hearty summer sausage with crackers. Fennville, Michigan is known for it's vineyards and there are many options to choose from. My sister trusted me to plan our itinerary and I selected Modales because I wanted us to visit a working winery, not just a tasting room.
Ambiance was also important and Modales has a beautiful warm wood-centric interior space and tasting room as well as porch and patio options. The view from the patio and covered porch is of pastoral rolling hills featuring not only grape vines, but beyond are the peach and cherry tree orchards.
Modales also has a rich history. The 26 acre working vineyard was planted over the past 100 years by a family considered a pioneer of the area. The land is ideal for producing grapes due to it's glacial sandy soil, climate and passage of time. The original family's 100+ year old home remains at the front of the property. The friendly service, ambiance, quality wine / hard ciders, history and view are why I highly recommend Modales winery. Next door the Virtue Cider apple orchard welcomes visitors for tours, tastings and events.
After our wine tour, it was a short 11 mile drive through the hilly countryside to The Hotel Saugatuck. After unpacking, my twin and I walked half a mile through a lovely waterfront residential area. We encountered massive tall trees, displays of pumpkins, lovely sunflowers, black squirrels, a small street-side patch of baby pumpkins plus a very dramatic steep hill with many steps leading to a hilltop home overlooking Kalamazoo Lake. Saugatuck is often described as "quaint," which by definition means, "attractively unusual or old-fashioned." I couldn't agree more.
It was a lovely evening and just the right amount of Autumn air, yet warm enough to dine outdoors. I had researched restaurants online prior to our getaway and made a great choice with Coast 236.
Coast 236 on Culver Street offers cloth napkins and tables covered in white tablecloths whether you dine in the street, indoors or in the serene patio garden. We had a great view of the indoor dining area from our garden table as well as lush green patio foliage. After an amazing gourmet meal of Jerusalem thistles with aioli sauce; seared diver scallops with citrus gnocchi and fried capers and Prince Edward Island mussels with saffron and chili
sauce, we strolled around downtown and then back to our hotel where a delicious dessert was waiting for us.
Each room at The Hotel Saugatuck has a portable "tv" tray outside the hall door and each evening at dusk the staff brings a different dessert to your tray. The first night we enjoyed fantastic homemade Michigan blueberry pie with a lattice crust. It is obvious the crust is made the proper way with lard and it was memorably delicious. The kind of dessert that you just don't find unless at a bakery or specialty shop. The second night we enjoyed a crumble-style bar stuffed with carrots, a cream filling and topped with a fresh sprig of rosemary. I've never had anything like it, but it was rich and flavorful.
Every evening we completed our breakfast menus and placed them at the front desk. There's three different meal and juice options and we both chose breakfast pizza the first morning. It was flat bread topped with melted cheese, prosciutto ham, arugula, tomatoes, eggs and artfully styled balsamic vinegar.
The second morning I ordered something I've never done before. I chose a Pecan Apple breakfast salad. As they say, "when in Rome." Before my sister travelled home to the Midwest, I had suggested I make my favorite salad for her for breakfast. I asked, "Do you think it's weird to eat a salad for breakfast?" It was the only time I was going to be able to cook for her during our visit and I wanted her to
try my salad, it's that good. Except I did not actually make the salad for my sister. So when the option to have a breakfast salad presented itself at The Hotel Saugatuck, I gave it a try. I felt it was meant to be. Sliced fresh avocado, goat cheese, greens, apples, pecans, homemade strawberry vinaigrette and a scrambled egg. Will I do it again? No, but I am proud of myself for stepping outside the box and taking a chance.
We loved our time in Saugatuck-Douglas, it was a relaxing and much-needed mini vacation within my sister's vacation. We meandered around the town for two days, leisurely taking photos, shopping a little here and there and exploring.
The local drug store has a nice large selection of souveniers. Ironically, if you are there to actually shop for pharmaceutical items, go to the back of the store to find those products. Quaint, yes. Quirky, absolutely.
We ate seafood every day at local favorites such as Mermaid's, Phil's, Everyday People Cafe in Douglas and of course, Coast 236. There are eateries too numerous to list, but definitely something for everyone.
After checking out of our hotel, we drove around Lake Kalamazoo and up the heavily forested two-lane road over the dunes to Mount Baldhead Park, the only way to access Oval Beach by vehicle. The popular beach received it's name due to the original oval-shaped parking lot. We spent time along the water's edge and then climbed back up the dunes to the parking lot. The Oval Beach recreation area has public restrooms, barbecue grills, picnic tables, hiking trails and a ramp-accessible overlook with stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Next we headed back through the woods and over the dunes to the river side of Mount Baldhead Park. To get to this area of the park, it's only accessible via a very narrow dead-end road. There's a retaining wall on one side and a guard rail next to the river on the other. We visited the riverfront and historic pump house overlooking the Kalamazoo River, then my sister ascended the 300+ stairs leading to the top of Mount Baldy. She was rewarded with amazing views of Saugatuck and Lake Michigan.
We returned to Saugatuck for a street-side lunch of seared scallops at Phil's, which is located in an old theater, enjoying one last meal and trek around the charming streets. Even in the Autumn shoulder season, Saugatuck is enticing and enchanting. We look forward to returning again to an unspoiled "pure Michigan" place where time stands still for awhile.
Saugatuck-Douglas features something for almost everyone including solo travelers, families, couples and all age groups. It is known as an inclusive community as well as a social village. Some of the many area attractions include the places listed here. There's many more that are easily found online and through referrals.
Cook Park
Coghlin Park
Jones Park
Mount Baldhead Park
Oval Beach on Lake Michigan
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Wick's Park
Boating charters
Dune ride tours
Fishing charters
Lake Michigan Shoreline Wine Trail
Saugatuck Chain Ferry "Diane" from Memorial to Labor Day weekend
Saugatuck Performing Arts Center
Star of Saugatuck Paddleboat
Wineries/vineyards, craft beer and cider tours
Dining options in season range from very casual to upscale. Ice cream shops, coffee houses, pubs, pizza places and much more can be found throughout the area. Downtown establishments are all locally owned and operated, there are no chain stores of any sort. Even the small food market and drug store are "old school." Specialty shops offer local products such as cheese and wine; yet others sell clothing, specialty goods, souveniers or globally sourced fair-trade products. Art galleries, live entertainment and much more are all within the community. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts offers many different types of classes, live performances, art and outdoor topiary gardens.
Although there are no national hotels in the downtown area of Saugatuck-Douglas, rental homes are available, as well as local hotels, motels, inns and bed and breakfasts. There's also cottages and private homes for rent.
![Dining in the street is popular in season [Coast 236 on Culver Street]](https://midlifesnowbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0_0022-Coast236_Saugatuck_20211006-scaled.jpg "0_0022 Coast236_Saugatuck_20211006")
![Enticing entrances [Tuck's Christmas Store, Butler and Hoffman]](https://midlifesnowbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0_0618-LKS_Saugatuck_Oct2021-scaled.jpg "0_0618 LKS_Saugatuck_Oct2021")
♦ Consider the time of year when planning your trip to Saugatuck-Douglas. Summer is the busiest peak season, especially during summer holidays such as Independence Day. Winter is the off season and the amenities and services may be closed or reduced in January, February and the first part of March.
♦ Saugatuck is a walkable community which means public street parking is not readily available, especially for busy weekends, festivals and the peak season. There are a few on-street parking spaces near the restaurants, shops and private parking if you are staying in the area. During busy times, be prepared to take a driving tour of the community if no parking is available. Or consider parking in a public lot several miles away and hire a private transportation service to drop you off.
♦ Oval Beach on Lake Michigan has public parking and restrooms, BBQ grills, a children's play area and hiking trails. Be aware there is a steep incline to go down to the water's edge and back. There is a ramp-accessible overlook and benches for those who do not wish to traverse the steep sand dunes. During peak season there is a parking fee. Dogs are not permitted on the beach. Beware of rip tides prior to swimming or entering the water.
♦ Bring a quality camera to capture the details, large and small.
♦ Allow enough time to look around, there's a lot to see. If you have only a few hours, head downtown and roam around from there.
♦ There are many architectural moods and styles within Saugatuck-Douglas. Don't assume that because you've seen one street or neighborhood that another will be the same, they are all unified yet quite different.
-- Unknown
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If you've never experienced Alys Beach on the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida's panhandle in-between Panama City and Destin, I highly recommend it as a must-see while in the vicinity. Renowned as a New Urbanism planned development with amazing bright white geometrical architecture, Alys Beach is like no other place in the United States. It is as if you stepped into the perfection of another world influenced by a multitude of architectural styles. Alys Beach is upscale, artsy, modern and luxurious. Spanish, Moorish and Mediterranean features are on full display throughout the sophisticated community. With a modern Cape Dutch architectural vibe, the town also exhibits influences of historical colonial hallmarks from Bermuda's "butteries" and courtyards.
I discovered Alys Beach (pronounced "Alice") via social media and truly, it is awe-inspiring, not only in photos, but even more so in person. The community has been featured in publications including "Coastal Living" and "Southern Living" magazines and it was named as one of the top "50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America" by Architectural Digest. A beautiful coffee table book features Alys Beach as one of nine coastal communities in "30A Living: Gracious Homes and Unique Communities Along the Gulf Coast" by local resident, Eleanor Lynn Nesmith with photographs by Jean Allsop.
Alys Beach is worth a visit just for the architecture, but if you can get there for a signature community event such as the annual five-day 30A Wine Festival or the one-of-a-kind Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach light show, it would be over-the-top memorable.
New Urbanism communities such as Alys Beach are planned and designed with the concept of featuring a compact, environmentally sustainable pedestrian lifestyle and accessible public spaces. The most common characteristics include being walkable traditional neighborhoods; quality architecture and design; connected; dense, diverse and mixed use housing and environmentally green due to a reduced need for transportation, energy, water for lawns/gardens and so forth.
The first and most well-known example of New Urbanism development is Seaside, Florida, founded in 1981 on 80 acres of land just seven miles west of Alys Beach on Highway 30A. Founded in 2003, Alys Beach spans 158 acres and will eventually be built to full capacity of 899 residences. Like Seaside, Alys Beach has few oceanfront homes, instead sharing access to the beach from private entry points.
Private open-air residential courtyards, promenades lined with drought-resistant succulent greens, fountains, sculptural works of art and the incredibly distinctive white stucco architecture with graceful details all define the timeless beauty of Alys Beach.
Pristine paved streets and shell walkways capture your attention, as well as stunningly simple, yet grand front entrances, archways, balconies and commanding rooftop decks and pergolas perched atop the massive homes. The walkable community's beautiful narrow streets and paths are perpendicular to the ocean to catch sea breezes.
Alys Beach promotes their community as influenced by British Colonial architecture, the style most often found in Bermuda and further south in the Caribbean including Antigua and Guatemala. Based on observation, I have identified prevalent recurring architectural elements in Alys Beach that can be traced to the following influences:
Colonial influences from Europe include incorporating classic elements of the mother country into architecture and structures in an overseas settlement or territory. Historically, this concept provides the perception of comfort to the colony while also exerting influence of the native country.
British Colonial architectural examples include rectangular structures; formal symmetry; multi-pane windows; shutters and multiple floors to house bedrooms.
Mediterranean Revival architecture incorporates Spanish Colonial, Spanish Renaissance, Italian Renaissance, Moorish Arabic Andalusian as well as other styles.
Features of Mediterranean homes include: texture such as brick or stucco, carved doors, raw iron and metal work on windows, balconies and front doors.
Moorish characteristics include courtyards, decorative tile work, domes, keyhole and ogee arches.
Spanish Revival architecture includes low pitched tile roofs, stucco walls, rounded arches, asymmetrical facades and rich decorative details.
Cape Dutch architecture is found mostly in the Western Cape of South Africa when Dutch colonial settlers dating back to the 17th century incorporated elements such as whitewashed walls, gables, large wooden sash cottage panes and exterior shutters.
Bermuda's St George, founded in 1612, is the oldest English settlement in the New World and its distinctive British Colonial architecture inspiration is evident in Alys Beach. Alys Beaches' four steepled pillar "butteries" with characteristic high pyramid-shaped roofs pay tribute to Bermuda's historically free-standing butteries that were used to keep milk, butter and perishables cold. Elements of Bermuda's British Colonial influence include white roofs, popped shutters and (limestone) block construction.
Caribbean hallmarks include the many variations of fretwork X-shaped designs, especially in railings and gates; verandas; courtyards; iron and metal decorative enhancements; natural elements such as shells and hurricane-resistant concrete construction. Like Alys Beach, Caribbean architecture is a melting pot of many styles and colonial influences.
The use of towers connected to or entirely as a housing structure originated globally centuries ago, typically where shelter and protection against small-scale attacks from feuding neighbors was necessary. Modern residential towers, no longer needed for defense purposes emerged as a symbol of status and for their panoramic vantage points.
Pairs of Bermudan-style "butteries" welcome visitors traveling from either direction of Highway 30A, which connects fifteen neighboring beach communities. Route 30A slices through the middle of Alys Beach, creating North and South sections, plus the town center, which includes specialty shops and several restaurants, a tap room and a food truck.
In addition to the walkable pathways, there are ten compact park spaces, including a fun and unique child's play area; a spacious amphitheater green space; a lake and a 22 acre nature preserve with boardwalks nestled in the back of the community. Artwork, fountains and sculptures are found throughout the community.
Gulf Green with the duo of massive urns on top of the fish scale bath houses is, in my opinion, the signature space of Alys Beach with sweeping views of the ocean and coastline of the Emerald Coast.
Rentals are available from the Bike Shop during season. In addition to bikes, owners and guests may rent stand-up paddle boards catamarans and kayaks.
For homeowners and rental guests, Alys Beach features Caliza, a resort-style pool complex, ZUMA Wellness Center and of course the gorgeous white sugary sand beaches. Beach access points are private with restricted access.
The Beach Club, exclusively for property owners, overlooks the intense blue-green hues of the Gulf of Mexico. It is currently under construction and is projected to be completed in 2020 - 2021.
Several dining options in season range from very casual such as Raw and Juicy cafe; Piper's Food Kitchen and Charlie's Donut and Yogurt truck, but be sure to check hours of operation in the winter. NEAT Bottle Shop offers artisan beverages and also sells bar/house wares. The adjoining tasting room serves hand-crafted beverages that complement offerings in the Bottle Shop. Full service restaurants include George's and Caliza. Boutique shopping is available at Alys Shoppe, Mast and Ann Hartley at Alys Beach, with more future retail space expected.
Although there are no hotels in Alys Beach, rental homes are available, as well as traditional hotel lodging in neighboring communities.
Popular nearby coastal hot spots include Panama City, Florida, located a few miles East on Highway 98 and Destin is about 35 miles West on Highway 98, which can take an hour or more to reach by car.
Elton B. and Alys Stephens of Birmingham, Alabama, originally purchased the 158 acre tract for 1.2 million dollars from an auction "on a whim" while passing through the area in the late 1970's. They eventually decided on naming the property Alys Beach as a tribute to Mrs. Stephens.
The creator of two neighboring communities, Seaside, the original New Urbanism design and neo-classical Rosemary Beach, Florida was a natural choice to develop Alys Beach. Thus, Andrés Duany, a Miami-based architect, urban planner and champion of New Urbanism design was enlisted to create the overall 
legacy and vision for the community through a charrette, which is a design collaborative. Although not part of the original charette, architects Erik Vogt and Marieanne Khoury-Vogt, owners of Khoury Vogt Architects, joined the Alys Beach design efforts and became so entrenched in working with the clients and community, they became the first residents.
Every building is constructed to meet the highest levels of Florida's Sustainability and Fortified standards to protect against natural disasters, including hurricanes and floods. The sparkling residences with Bermuda-inspired white roofs are constructed of solid concrete/masonry reinforced with stucco, which is perfect for creating elegant curved arches and soaring twelve foot tall entryways.
Three residential options are available: the villa, which is most typical and the more special courtyard and compound homes.
The street names of Alys Beach are noticeably unusual; for example, Featherbed Alley, Shinbone Court, Hogpenny Alley, Nonesuch Way, Sea Foam Alley, Sugar Lump Lane and Spice Berry Alley. This is yet another influence of the historical section of St George, Bermuda's British Colonial street names, which also include the original Featherbed Alley and Shinbone Alley, plus others such as Old Maid's Lane, Needle and Thread Alley and Pieces of Eight Lane.
Architects as well as their students and other industry professionals regularly travel to Alys Beach to photograph the residences and study the impressive designs. It truly is an inspiring, memorable and worthwhile place to visit, stay and return year after year.
Alys Beach hosts the annual five day 30A Wine Festival every February which benefits Children's Health Volunteer Network. Events include an "Oysters & Champagne," reception, "Bourbon, Beer and Butts," live music and a tasting featuring nationally known BBQ pitmasters, distillers and craft brewers, as well as the "Rosé & Croquet" tournament the final Sunday of the festival.
Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is a popular family friendly art festival where international artists use the latest technology to project their original digital kaleidoscopes of color and vivid images onto the iconic white buildings each May. Of note, the 2020 event has been postponed to October 2 - 3, 2020 due to the current pandemic health crisis.
♦ Consider the time of year when planning your trip to Alys Beach. Spring break and summer are the busiest peak seasons, especially during summer holidays. Winter is the coolest with daytime temps at times being quite chilly. Because it's the off season, the amenities and services may be closed or reduced in January, February and the first part of March. 
♦ Alys Beach is designed as a walkable community of narrow streets and pedestrian paths. This means public street parking is not readily available, especially for busy weekends, festivals and the peak season. There are a few parking spaces near the restaurants, shops and amphitheater. During busy times, be prepared to take a driving tour of the community if no parking is available. Or consider parking in a public lot several miles away and hire a private transportation service to drop you off.
♦ Refer to a map when possible, because the parks, sculptures and other places of interest are not marked with signage directives to find them.
♦ Some areas of Alys Beach have ramp walkways to assist those with mobility issues, but there are also promenades with a series of steps and no ramp.
♦ Alys Beach is growing and therefore is under construction. Be prepared for construction noise, traffic and closed-off areas.
♦ Visitors do not have access to the renowned sugary quartz sands of the private beach and some of the amenities unless renting or owning a property. With the exception of the Gulf Green overlook, there is no way to easily view the gorgeous ocean from a public space. The sandy white beaches aren't visible from Gulf Green due to the steep slope of natural vegetation.
♦ For families with young children or teens, the private beach and Caliza pool are big attractions if you are renting a place on site. There are also bike and other water-types of rentals, plus the children's playground near Raw and Juicy. The 22 nature acre preserve is open to the public.
♦ Alys Beach's special events sell out quickly, so purchase your ticket/s well in advance.
♦ Bring a quality camera to capture the details, large and small.
♦ Allow enough time to look around, there's a lot to see. If you have only a few hours, park on West La Garza Lane near Charles Street (or anywhere close to Raw and Juicy) and start your tour with a visit to Gulf Green with the massive urns on Sea Foam Alley and the South portion of Alys Beach.
♦ There are many architectural moods and styles within Alys Beach because it was created during the past 17 years by various architectural firms. Styles range from contemporary and modern to classic traditional to outright eclectic. Don't assume that because you've seen one street or neighborhood that another will be the same, they are all unified yet quite different.
♦ Alys Beach, Florida is like no other place in the world. For me, it was love at first sight with an ongoing fascination as it continues to evolve. It is a great choice to bring your loved ones and guests for a super memorable day trip.
-- Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father and Third President of the United States
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