Grayton Beach: A Paradise in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

 Grayton Beach State Park is one of Florida's most beautiful and pristine parks, located in the northwest region of the state, near the charming town of Santa Rosa Beach. It's a favorite destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and beachgoers alike, and for good reason. With its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear emerald waters, and untouched wilderness, Grayton Beach State Park is a true gem of the Sunshine State.

 

Beach lovers will find themselves in paradise at Grayton Beach State Park. The park boasts over 2 miles of unspoiled beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The sand is soft and powdery, and the water is warm and inviting. It's an ideal spot for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Beyond the beach, Grayton Beach State Park is also home to a diverse array of natural habitats, including coastal dune lakes, pine forests, and salt marshes. These habitats are teeming with wildlife, such as migratory birds, sea turtles, and other marine life. Visitors can explore these ecosystems on one of the park's many hiking and biking trails, or by canoe or kayak on one of the coastal dune lakes.

 

For those who love to fish, Grayton Beach State Park is a prime destination. The park offers excellent opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, with species such as bass, trout, redfish, and flounder abundant in the area. Visitors can fish from the shore or launch a boat from the park's boat ramp.

Camping is another popular activity at Grayton Beach State Park, with over 50 campsites available for tents or RVs. The campsites are nestled among the pine trees and offer easy access to the beach and other park amenities. There are also cabins available for rent for those who prefer a more luxurious camping experience.

Camping is another popular activity at Grayton Beach State Park, with over 50 campsites available for tents or RVs. The campsites are nestled among the pine trees and offer easy access to the beach and other park amenities. There are also cabins available for rent for those who prefer a more luxurious camping experience.

 

One of the most unique features of Grayton Beach State Park is its connection to the neighboring community of Grayton Beach. The town is a charming and eclectic mix of artists, musicians, and beach bums, and visitors to the park can easily walk or bike into town to explore its shops, restaurants, and galleries.

 

Overall, Grayton Beach State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Florida. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and abundance of activities make it the perfect place to relax, explore, and reconnect with nature.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Entry Fees

$5 per vehicle

Location

357 Main Park Road
Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

Fairhope, Alabama: A Charming Escape by the Bay

Nestled along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, Fairhope, Alabama is a small, picturesque city that offers visitors a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its beautiful natural scenery, quaint streets, and charming attractions, Fairhope is a true hidden gem in the South. In this post, we'll explore some of the best places to visit in Fairhope and share some recommendations for places to stay and eat during your visit.

Fairhope Municipal Pier

One of the most iconic landmarks in Fairhope is the Municipal Pier. The pier extends out into Mobile Bay and provides visitors with stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. Whether you're looking to fish, take a leisurely stroll, or simply relax and soak in the sun, the Municipal Pier is a must-visit destination. 

Address:

Located at the end of Fairhope Avenue where it meets North Beach Road

North Beach Park

Adjacent to the pier, North Beach Park is a popular spot for picnics, swimming, and other outdoor activities.

 Fairhope Avenue

Fairhope Avenue is the main street in the city and is lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can enjoy browsing local boutiques, sampling homemade ice cream, or taking a guided walking tour to learn more about the history of Fairhope.

Fairy tale Castles

Fairhope is known for its whimsical architecture, and one of the most enchanting examples is the Fairy Tale Castles. These unique structures were built in the 1930s and feature turrets, gables, and other fairy tale-inspired details. Although the castles are privately owned and not open to the public, visitors can still admire them from a distance.

Sheldon Storybook Castle

http://fairhopecastle.com/Sheldon.html

Here is the Air BnB link

Mosher Castle

http://fairhopecastle.com/Mosher.html

Tolstoy Park, The Henry Stuart House

Tolstoy Park is a historic landmark that was once the home of Henry Stuart, a writer and philosopher who lived in Fairhope during the early 1900s. Today, visitors can tour the park and see the cottage where Stuart lived and worked. Adjacent to Tolstoy Park is The Henry Stuart House, a museum that houses a collection of Stuart's writings and personal effects.

Address:

22787 US-98, Fairhope, AL 36532

Turn west onto Parker road and then turn right into the first driveway. It is located among offices that look like apartment. The GPS will take you into the other end of the area and get you lost!

Admission:

Free and open all the time

Fairhope French Quarter

The French Quarter is a historic district with a distinctive European-inspired architecture, featuring buildings with wrought-iron balconies, colorful shutters, and stucco walls. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and cafes

Address: 

40 S Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532

Lodging

Fairhope offers a variety of lodging options, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels. For a unique experience, check out The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, a historic property that offers stunning views of Mobile Bay and a variety of amenities, including a golf course, spa, and multiple dining options. 

Fairhope has a vibrant food scene that offers something for every taste. For a casual meal, check out Panini Pete's, a popular spot for sandwiches and other deli-style fare. For a more upscale dining experience, try The Wash House, which serves seafood and other Southern specialties in a charming, restored house.

In conclusion, Fairhope, Alabama is a charming destination that offers visitors a delightful blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and modern conveniences. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a fun family vacation, Fairhope is sure to please.

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

Discovering the Hidden Paradise of Cayo Costa Island in Florida

Cayo Costa is an underdeveloped barrier island, just north of North Captiva Island, on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

The whole island is seven miles long and about a mile wide.

The island is surrounded by beautiful turquoise/blue water and has nearly 9.5 miles of pristine beaches, which are perfect for shelling, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, and sunbathing.

The 2,426 acre Cayo Costa State Park occupies most of the island and has great trails for hiking.

The park is only accessible by private boat or ferry.

Ferry services:

Captiva Cruises - from  locations on Captiva Island, Punta Gorda, Boca Grande and Pine Island (This is the one we used. Very friendly crew, great trip!)

Tropic Star - from Bokeelia – Pine Island

Lodging on the island consists of rustic cabins or tent sites. These can be reserved through the park. Reserve here.

There is a private home on the island, not owned by the park, for vacation rental

https://www.vrbo.com/407150#

Facebook page: Cayo Costa Island Adventures

For something a little different, try the i Love Shelling shelling cruise to the island with Pam Rambo. I have not been on one yet, but it on my bucket list. I think it would be so much fun!

We loved our trip to this beautiful Island.We were on the short cruise that only allowed us on the island for 2 hours. I would recommend the full day cruise. Be sure and take a snorkel and a shell bag!

Happy Travels! 

Fontainebleau State Park: A Hidden Gem in Louisiana

Fontainebleau State Park is a 2,800-acre park located on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It is a beautiful place to spend some time with nature, yet close enough to New Orleans for some big city fun.

I have listed nine fun things to do and have include some winter and summer photos so that you can see that it is equally beautiful all year around.

1. Fishing is a popular activity at the park.  Check out the pier or cast from the shoreline for some redfish and trout action.

2. With white sand and beautiful blue water, the beach area is a great place for swimming and catching some sun rays.

3. Gathering shells along the shoreline is fun for the whole family. There are several different kinds and colors of shells, but I only collected the white ones.

4. Explore the cluster of cypress trees along the beach. 

 5. Take photos of and with the giant oak trees draped with Spanish.

6. Visit the brick ruins of a sugar mill built in 1829 by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, founder of the nearby town of Mandeville.

7. Stay in one of the 12 cabins that sleeps up to 8 people each for $120 - $150 per night.

8. Do some hiking at one of the two trails.

A 4.8-mile hiking trail and a 1-1/4 mile nature trail

Go Sailing.

Sailing is very popular on Lake Pontchartrain. Delaune YachtBrokerage is located just 9 minutes from the park and offers a couple of sailing options.

You can cruise with Captain Rick Delaune at the helm of the aboard the 42 ft. sailboat, "Windward Passage or sign up for private sailing lessons.

I have looked into the sailing lessons and it sounds like so much fun! I’m thinking about setting lessons up for my kiddos. They are all in their 20’s and I think they would have a blast!

Address:

1298 Madison St, Mandeville, LA 70448

Phone:

504-458-1013

Address:

62883 Hwy. 1089

Mandeville, LA 70448

Entrance Fees:

$2 per person

Free for Seniors (62 and older) and children (3 and under)

Happy Travels!