SOUTH WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA, USA -- When I was a small child, my brother-in-law worked at Disneyland. It was a child's dream - every afternoon during summer vacations in Southern California we would go to the park. I used to think how wonderful it would be to actually live in New Orleans Square at Disneyland - it was pretty, had so much character, and was so… well, perfect. As I grew older I came to appreciate the actual New Orleans (which in reality doesn't bare much resemblance to the Disney version). But I never forgot how it was my childhood fantasy to live in such a perfect place.

Upon arriving in Rosemary Beach, Florida, I suddenly realized that lot of people probably had the same dreams, for there it was in front of my very eyes. No, not Disneyland, but an actual real life living breathing and working community, set in architectural perfection that could most closely be compared to the Disney version of New Orleans and the Caribbean.

A master planned community, Rosemary Beach draws its architectural influences from the West Indies, the Caribbean, Europe and, of course, that all-American hybrid of all of these, New Orleans. Part of the "New Urbanism" movement that offers an alternative future for the building and rebuilding of regions, Rosemary Beach features compact pedestrian friendly, mixed-use neighborhoods.

Every inch of this 107 acre gulf front town, founded in 1995, has been planned as meticulously as the folks at Disney no doubt planned their New Orleans rendition. Buildings are situated so every direction has a scenic view. No matter which street you look down, there is always a perfect vista of a gorgeous building with an interesting focal point such as a tower or widow's walk. Dotted in between are parks, green spaces, walking and fitness trails, a full gym and spa, tennis courts, swimming pools, and unique shops and restaurants.

All roads eventually lead to the flawless white sand beaches, accessed by several elaborate boardwalks designed to give the public access to the water while simultaneously protected the delicate coastal eco systems and wildlife habitats. Kissed by delicate waves and dotted with small seashells visitors and Rosemary Beach residents access the beaches via nine scenic boardwalks. Each walkover has shower and restroom facilities and two are wheelchair accessible. All are within minutes walking distance of town center.

Rosemary Beach is a perfect destination for a relaxing beach vacation, as everything you need is within walking distance - gorgeous beaches, restaurants, shops, bike, kayak and Hobie Cat rentals, fitness and sports facilities and more.

Rentals include quaint carriage houses that usually sleep 4 or more to multi room cottages, homes and flats. Bed and breakfast inn fans also have the option of staying at The Pensione, an eight-room Italian style inn that features gulf views, private bathrooms and continental breakfasts.

The Rosemary Beach setting is so perfect it's a popular wedding spot, either on the beach, in one of the fabulous homes, or at Rosemary Beach's town hall. On site catering facilities and event planners make creating the perfect event simple.

Of course, no special event is necessary to getaway to the beach, but a visit to this almost too perfect beach resort is sure to make any visit here special.

Practicalities

For Cottage Rental and Conference Facility Information contact the Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company at 650-278-2030 or toll free 888-855-1551 or click to www.rosemarybeach.com.

If you're interested in purchasing a home at Rosemary Beach (they have a great rental program to keep it occupied when you're not there, if you so choose) contact Rosemary Beach Realty at 850-278-2000 or toll free 800-736-0877 or click to www.rosemarybeach.com.

For information about The Pensione bed and breakfast inn call 850-231-1790 or visit www.thepensione.com.

Airports serving Rosemary Beach include:

Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County Regional Airport (about a 1 hour drive from Rosemary Beach), currently (2006) served by ASA Delta Connection, Comair, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines and US Airways Express. Car rental agencies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National. For van, town car, shuttle bus, and limousine service, call Mel's Limousine Service at 850-230-6641.

Panama City, Bay County International Airport (about 30 minute drive from Rosemary Beach), currently (2006) served by ASA Delta Connection, Northwest Airlines and US Airways Express. Car rental agencies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National. For van, town car, shuttle bus, and limousine service, call Mel's Limousine Service at 850-230-6641.

Pensacola Regional Airport (about a 2 hour drive from Rosemary Beach), currently (2006) served by Air Trans Airways, ASA Delta Connection, Comair, Continental Airlines, Continental Express Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines Skywest, US Airways, and US Airways Express. Car rental agencies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, and National. For van, town car, shuttle bus, and limousine service, call Mel's Limousine Service at 850-230-6641.

Approximate Mileage from major US cities to Rosemary Beach, Florida:

• Atlanta, GA - 300
• Birmingham, AL - 285
• Chicago, IL 931
• Dallas, TX 697
• Detroit, MI 998
• Houston, TX 585
• Indianapolis, IN 767
• Jackson, MS 300
• Little Rock, AR 570
• Memphis, TN 490
• Miami, FL 600
• Montgomery, AL 100
• Nashville, TN 450
• New Orleans, LA 260
• Orlando, FL 400
• Pittsburgh, PA 990
• St. Louis, MO 775
• Tallahassee, FL 140
• Tampa, FL 350

  
  

  Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day and The Low Carb Restaurant Guide, and the co-author of US Citizenship for Dummies. To learn more about Cheri, click here.