Exclusive Sneak Peek: Behind the Scenes of Our Beach Photoshoot!

We are taking you on a behind the scenes look at the stunning gulf coast of 30A in our captivating beach photoshoot. As the sun danced upon the waters of the gulf, our lens captured the essence of coastal beauty, golden sands, waves, and the vibrant beach culture in the cutest towns down 30A that define this picturesque stretch of shoreline. Join us as we share some of our classic beach looks and breathtaking scenery against the backdrop of one of the most enchanting coastal landscapes in the world.

First stop on our trip was Grayton Beach! Grayton Beach is renowned for its pristine beauty, charmingly laid-back locally-owned shops, and natural surroundings. Picture artsy, beachy, and gorgeous trees.  It is often celebrated for having some of the most stunning beaches along the Gulf Coast, with powdery white sand and emerald waters. Additionally, Grayton Beach is known for its unique coastal dune lakes, a rare geographical feature found in only a few places around the world. 

Places to visit in Grayton Beach.

1. Black Bear: A Parisian-style café and bakery.
2. Red Bar: A beloved institution in Grayton Beach, this bar offers a funky and eclectic atmosphere with live music, colorful decor, and a diverse menu featuring seafood, burgers, pasta, and more.
3. Chiringo: This beachfront restaurant and bar boasts a relaxed vibe with a menu inspired by coastal cuisines from around the world. Enjoy fresh seafood, tacos, sandwiches, and refreshing cocktails while taking in stunning views of the Gulf.
4. Butlers Grayt Ice: Open daily at 12PM for all your shaved ice, fresh coconut, and cotton candy cravings. Located in Grayton Beach, at the corner of Chiringo’s.

We stayed at Blue Mountain Beach! Just a short drive from Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach offers another beautiful stretch of coastline to explore. Relax on the beach, hike the nearby trails, or visit the eclectic shops and eateries in the area. If you like quiet, this beach town is ideal and perfect for you.

 

Next up on our list, Seaside! Known for its picturesque setting, architectural beauty, and vibrant community, this is a beloved destination for travelers and a cherished home for residents. Seaside gained widespread recognition after serving as the primary filming location for the 1998 film "The Truman Show," starring Jim Carrey. Seaside is home to locally-owned shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The Seaside store is where we got our inspiration for our Sweet Baton Rouge® Travels design, launched back in 2021. We fell in love and found inspiration for our collection thanks to the cute post office found in the square of the Seaside Town, Pickle’s Burger and Shake, and the gorgeous beaches! Seaside is also known for one the best 4th of July firework shows. People from all over will come and visit this small town during the 4th of July. It’s one of our favorite things to do in the summer to come and watch!

Places to visit in Seaside, Florida.

1. Pickle's Burger and Shake: a beloved eatery in Seaside known for its delicious burgers and hand-spun milkshakes. Here, diners can indulge in classic American fare with a twist, served in a casual and family-friendly atmosphere. Pickle's Burger and Shake is a must-visit dining destination for burger enthusiasts and milkshake lovers alike in Seaside.
2. The Great Southern Café: known for its Southern comfort food with a twist, this café serves up dishes like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and po'boys in a charming, laid-back setting.
3. Bud & Alley's Waterfront Restaurant & Bar: with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, Bud & Alley's is a Seaside institution. Enjoy fresh seafood, creative cocktails, and beautiful sunsets from the rooftop bar or beachfront deck.
4. The Shrimp Shack: this casual eatery specializes in—you guessed it—fresh Gulf shrimp! From shrimp po'boys to shrimp tacos, you'll find all kinds of delicious shrimp dishes here, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
5. The Meltdown on 30A: grilled cheese lovers rejoice! The Meltdown on 30A offers a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, along with soups, salads, and sweet treats. It's comfort food at its finest.

This is only to name a few! Seaside has so many great food options in this cute quaint town.

We drove out of Seaside and headed off of 30A HWY to hop on HWY 98 due to East County Road 30A at Deer Lake temporarily closed to facilitate the construction of a new bridge, but due to reopen spring of 2024 (hopefully not much longer).

We pulled into Alys Beach back on 30A and headed into Fonville Press Market + Café. We fell in love and found inspiration for our collection with this cafe, the architecture, & palm trees.

Alys Beach is celebrated for its luxurious atmosphere, architecture,  stunning natural surroundings, cultural events, and commitment to sustainability, making it a distinctive and sought-after destination along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Alys Beach’s striking architecture is characterized by white stucco buildings, tiled roofs, and elegant courtyards. The community's Mediterranean-inspired design aesthetic creates a sense of luxury and sophistication, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking upscale coastal living. You feel like you just stepped into Greece! 

Fonville Press, while primarily a coffee shop and bookstore, also serves light bites, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. It's a cozy spot to grab a quick meal or snack while exploring Alys Beach. We can tell you the whipped feta is out of this world good! We could literally live inside this gorgeous, aesthetically pleasing place. For dinner, you can visit The Citizen, a coastal tavern serving creative local fare, oysters, and craft cocktails, on Florida's scenic east highway 30A. While the dining options within Alys Beach are limited, neighboring communities such as Rosemary Beach and Seacrest Beach offer a wider range of restaurants and eateries for visitors to explore.

Next up on our list is Rosemary Beach. Rosemary Beach is known for their cobblestone streets, lush green spaces, and pastel-colored architecture reminiscent of European seaside villages. Rosemary Beach exudes a timeless coastal elegance. We fell in love and found inspiration for our collection here in the trees, the Pearl hotel, all the green spaces, & biking! 

1. The Pearl Restaurant: located within The Pearl Hotel, this upscale restaurant offers Gulf Coast-inspired cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and seasonal produce, all served in a stylish and refined setting.

2. La Crema Tapas & Chocolate: a cozy and romantic spot specializing in Spanish-style tapas, wines, and desserts. Guests can enjoy a selection of small plates, cheeses, charcuterie, and decadent chocolate desserts, paired with wines from around the world.

3. Cowgirl Kitchen: a casual eatery with a laid-back atmosphere that offers a menu of comfort food classics with a Southern twist. Guests can enjoy burgers, sandwiches, salads, and tacos, as well as a selection of craft beers and cocktails.

In conclusion, our behind-the-scenes glimpse into our beach photoshoot captures not only the beauty of the coastal landscape but also the essence of the creative process behind each image. From the golden hues of sunrise to the tranquil moments by the shoreline, every shot reflects the passion and dedication of our team. We hope this sneak peek has provided a deeper appreciation for the artistry and effort involved in bringing our vision to life. Stay tuned for the unveiling of the final photos, where the magic of the beach and the art of photography merge to create unforgettable moments worth treasuring and our hopes for you to bring us with you, when you head to the gulf coast this spring and summer! 

 

XOXO - Meredith