Sitting on the front porch in sweet Seaside this month, only the call of an occasional gull or crunching under the wheels of a passing biker will break the solitude that comes in the off-season months here along Highway 30a, in Florida’s panhandle.
This is not the 30a you know and love from spring break. Seaside in the shoulder season promises all you love about the 30a community: restaurants galore, flat path biking to one of the state parks, long walks on the clean Gulf of Mexico beach, sunset drinks at Bud & Alley’s and a comfortable beach rental to call your own. (Front porch not optional!)
We stayed at Mint 4 Fun, a VRBO property owned by Buckhead residents, Christy and xx Derrick, just north of the town square in Seaside and steps from two of the three community pools. The home sleeps 12, sports a huge kitchen and yes, a porch. Make that four porches.
My favorite spot was the big swing on the secluded second floor porch that runs along the side of the house. It’s a perfect perch for reading or a quiet conversation. Christie and her family have decorated the house with just a few beachy touches, but it’s not packed to the gills, allowing visitors to plop down beach bags, spread out a puzzle or roll out yoga mats for a stretch. The spacious house has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a cool enclosed tower room for your Instagramming pleasure.
The beaches of picturesque 30a are an easy five-hour drive. For your supersized families, check out the Derrick's other property near Seaside: Facebook.com/seasidereunion and VRBO.com/460725.
