The streets are lively, yet they seem removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Open green spaces beckon visitors and residents, regardless of age, to take their shoes off and run around. Rooftops of various heights peek over the charming and impressive town center. Where, might you ask, do all of these alluring qualities coexist? Take a trip to the easternmost edge of Scenic Route 30-A, and experience what life is like in the quaint community of Rosemary Beach.
 
Rosemary Beach is a neo-traditional town, born from a vision that The Rosemary Beach Land Company and President Patrick Bienvenue had prior to its establishment in 1995. The town architects, Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk of Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company (DPZ), designed this all-inclusive community based on the principles of New Urbanism. This planning concept purposefully integrates intimate neighborhoods with public spaces.

In the pedestrian-centric village of Rosemary Beach, homes and walkways blend seamlessly with the natural surround. Neighbors are considered friends, and a friendly gathering is as simple as a leisurely walk to the center of town.

“There’s a strong sense of community here,” says Kathy Kemp, Director of Marketing for Rosemary Beach’s town center. “And, you don’t necessarily have to live here to experience it.”

“Every home in Rosemary Beach is unique in its own way,” notes Vice President and Managing Director Ken Gifford. Authentic, time-tested materials are used to construct each building. The shapes and the silhouettes resemble the architecture of places such as St. Augustine, Charleston, and even the West Indies. “All street names are derived from places in the Caribbean,” he adds.

The town of Rosemary Beach is named after the aromatic herb. In fact, the plant continues to grow wild in the area. “We try to salvage as much of the natural landscape as we can with each construction project,” Gifford emphasizes. Grass is not permitted on any homesite, since lawn mowers would disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. Native flora flourish, giving the landscape a natural, unplanned appearance.

Common green spaces welcome families and friends for a game of Frisbee or Bocce. “There are two official Bocce tournaments each year,” Gifford points out, “and they get pretty intense.” Common courtyards are a great place for get-togethers and cook-outs.

Residents and guests also enjoy yoga or spinning classes, tennis matches, and bike riding. There are four community pools in which to cool off. The “Sky Pool” features retractable panels—much like a convertible top—so that guests can swim under the stars.

If all the activities leave you hungry or thirsty, don’t sweat it. The eateries in and around Barrett Square will satisfy any craving. There’s a gourmet market and bakery, two soup and sandwich shops, a wine and cheese bar, and an Italian neighborhood café. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s an ice cream and candy shop with an incredible inventory of sugary delights.

“What’s great about the shops in Rosemary is that each is individually owned,” explains Kemp. “The merchants are passionate about their work, and it really shows.” Pedestrians meandering down Main Street can browse for unique apparel, stunning shoes, luxurious soaps, children’s gifts, and pottery and textiles from all over the world. The town center also boasts a one-of-a-kind surf shop that offers everything from surfboards and skim boards to brand-name sunglasses and swimwear.

Every year Rosemary Beach hosts a variety of events. “Our beachside fireworks display for the Fourth of July is spectacular,” Kemp says with excitement. Come November, a fundraiser known as “Cottages for Kids” is held to benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. Local architects, designers, and builders team up to construct dream playhouses that participants can tour. Kemp notes, “Our annual wine festival will take place in November this year.” Of course the holiday festivities are not to be missed; they commence following a grand tree lighting ceremony.

With so much to see and do in Rosemary Beach, it’s a wonder anybody gets to the beach! The pristine sand and the refreshing emerald green water are simply icing on the cake. “There’s a reason this town has the highest concentration of full-time residents, as compared to some of the other master-planned communities along 30-A,” states Gifford. “It’s impressive; I’ve met folks who will travel all the way from Atlanta on a Friday night, just to spend the weekend here,” Kemp adds.

There are few places these days where you can run errands, grab a bite to eat, and meet up with friends—all on foot. It may be possible in major cities, but these places lack the warm-hearted environment that makes Rosemary Beach so special.

So, go on—enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Rosemary Beach. Whether you’re a full-time resident or a casual visitor, you’ll feel right at home in no time.

For more information, visit www.rosemarybeach.com.

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