In the movie The Truman Show, Jim Carrey waves to his neighbor that lives in a similar perfect house on an idyllic street.  Jim discovers his perfect life and perfect town is really part of tv show. He lives on a movie set. Only, in real life it is not a movie set instead it’s Seaside, Florida.

I read one article and began researching. Remember Panama City, Spring Break 1995? I barely do either, but this is not that Florida. Seaside is studied in architectural schools because it’s a prime example of the New Urbanism Movement. What? Think modern-day Mayberry. It is bringing back the small town with a quaint town center, an adorable post office, and the best part it encourages people to leave their car in the garage because of all the walking and bike paths. It is a design the encourages you to get to know your neighbors and become party of a community. Of course, idyllic living is short in supply but high in demand. So think Mayberry, if everyone’s home was in the millions.

There are no hotels in Seaside. See, not that Florida. The wonderful thing, these beautiful homes can be rented. I searched one pastel colored beauty after another on Homeaway.com. In the rainbow sherbet frenzy, I came upon the perfect house on Natchez Street. It had nothing to do with our neighbor. Okay, Jim Carrey had left over a decade ago but the house was still there.

And, we were off to pretend we had a big, beautiful beach house. Our new street led to one of the community pools and at the other end the beach. Where else would every Seaside street end? Yes, all roads lead to the beach. I love New Urbanism!

As I mentioned, the whole car thing is frowned upon in Seaside. So, we headed to the Seaside Transit Authority Bike Rental and commandeered some sweet bikes complete with wicker baskets. Then, we were off to see this cute town. And pick up some supplies, so we had something to put in our super cute baskets!

 

After seeing the town, I wanted to go to straight to Lily Pulitzer or Vineyard Vines and buy a whole new wardrobe. Not only is the town a sea of pastel, the people are rocking it too. I wanted to move here and had visions of how my life would also become perfect to go with my new preppy wardrobe and my sweet beach house.

I will confess the article that led to this trip was in an architecture magazine. If you have any interest in architecture and design, get ready for a treat. Seaside has strict ordinances that each house must be completely different including paint color and picket fence design. You seriously thought they would let people live here without a picket fence? One of my favorite things in Seaside was hopping on my bike and checking out the houses and discovering their names (Yes, I am a design dork).

Seaside is perfect for a laid back beach vacation. The community pools have ping pong, bocce ball, and volleyball courts. Most of our days were spent going to the beach, pools, exploring on our bikes, and each evening peddling to town.

In the evening, the big open field in the town square is filled with families. It was my daughter’s favorite place. She would find kids to play kick ball, frisbee, or chase fireflies. After, we would go to dinner or just grab dinner from one of the airstream trailers  because it was so nice watching her play the way we did as kids.

While we had to eventually leave and head back to our not so perfect life, Seaside was the perfect place for slowing down to have some perfect moments and bring home some perfect memories. Do you remember in Mayberry everyone was whistling and smiling? In Seaside, I learned the reason why.

Some Seaside Favorites

Forget your frisbee? Head to Duckies. The cutest toy store. We came home with our suitcases filled with quirky, little stocking stuffers for nieces and nephews.

The food in Seaside is also the laid back variety.

Great Southern Cafe– Hello Shrimp & Grits!

Pizza Bar Seaside– Although the name is not exciting, it is really good pizza.

Meltdown 30A- It is one of the airstreams and I am a sucker for a good gourmet grilled cheese.

The Red Bar– Okay, it is not in Seaside. We rode our bikes to Grayton Beach to check out the Red Bar. Go here when all the perfectness seems a little much. It’s quirky!

Bud & Alley’s– Head there for a drink and to watch the sunset!

The Candy Bar– Ride your bike over for a treat! Its packed with a lot of fun candies. We did a lot of “Oh, I remember those!) and some great ice cream.

The airstreams actually produce some great food! Make sure you try them out.

La Crema Tapas & Chocolate-It’s in Rosemary Beach but who can resist tapas and chocolate! Go check out Rosemary Beach!