Rosemary Beach - let's talk favorite vacations!

 It's gorgeous outside today and I have sweet summertime on my mind, so I thought I'd share some photos and details about Rosemary Beach, Florida --- also know as heaven on earth and our very favorite vacation spot!

I'm telling you, if you are a beach vacationer (meaning one who wants to relax / take it easy instead of exploring and sight seeing) this is the place for you.  




We took our first trip to Rosemary in June of 2009 (that's when all of these photos were taken).  We then went back in September of 2010, but stayed a mile or so away at the newer development, Alys Beach.  Both are absolutely magical and the architecture is truly stunning.  Little did we know at the time, but when we packed up from our Alys Beach vacation in 2010, we were heading home with a baby on the way!  We haven't taken a vacation since that trip, so it'll be almost 3 years this summer since we've gone on a vacation! We're headed back to Rosemary (to this exact house!) in late April and are elated... like I can't even describe how excited I am to get there.  Oh my gahhhhhh.  Okay, so on to more about why Rosemary Beach is the best ever.... the photos kind of say it all!  Shortly after our first trip, I recapped some favorite restaurants / things to do here (scroll to the bottom) and blogged about how in love I was with Rosemary while on the trip here.

 This was our view for 5 days.  :)  Bloody Mary's for me, Mexican beer + limes for the hubby and a good book.  
Pretty perfect.

Pre-baby J, we traveled a lot more and I used VRBO.com all the time to find vacation homes.  That's how I stumbled across this beauty... the main house (on the left) and carriage house (on the right) are vacation rentals.  We're staying in the carriage house again this year, which is the perfect size for us.  I highly recommend searching VRBO for some great deals --- sometimes you luck out and get a steal or, you can always email the owner and just check and see if they'll accept what you're willing to pay?  Kind of the benefit, along with a million other things, of not staying in a hotel.

 Here we are about to go out to dinner.....we're a little order now (this was '09) and I'm not so skinny.  Truth. :/ 

I got my beach cruiser, affectionately and appropriately named, Rosemary, on this trip.  She's the bees knees.

 The kitchen in the carriage house.... so gorgeous!

Charlie's Donut Truck is not to be missed.... [I never say no to donuts, not ever].

   This is my idea of a perfect vacation!  In hindsight, I just wish I would have worn sunscreen [this fact is proof that I am officially old and borderline boring... ha!].

   So, do tell.... what's been your very favorite vacation destination?  One that you loved so much you really and truly want to go back every year?  We never thought we'd want to go back somewhere again and again, but rather try new places..... but we were sold on Rosemary Beach!!  It's that good.  :)  

I'm linking  up w/ Kelly of Kelly's Korner for the "Show us your life - favorite vacation spots" link-up.  After looking at the 200+ destinations already listed, I'm beyond anxious to get back to Florida in April!!!!

Oh, and make sure to check out the EASTER / SPRING GIVEAWAY that I announced yesterday!!  But fo' real.... you don't want to miss it.  I think I'm going to be just as excited as the person who wins!  Ha!