Kev and I are coming up on wedding anniversary #8 this June, and I’d love to take a breather and sneak off somewhere (inexpensive and close to home) with him for a couple of days.
Back in ’04, we honeymooned a few hours down the road, on the Florida gulf coast. We stayed in a cute, little cottage (that’s no longer for rent- boo) in a town called Seaside…
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Remember Seaside from movie The Truman Show? It’s such a pretty little community…
There are small, colorful cottages, like this one, that Jim Carrey’s character called home in the movie…
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Looks like the front door got a new coat of paint after “Truman” left town…
Kev and I had so much fun wandering around, looking at all the houses while we were there. We only snapped this one, quick pic (can you believe that?) of the cottage we stayed in…
The bedroom and bathroom were located on the first floor, and the living room and kitchen were upstairs, and if you squinted reeeeeal hard, you could see the tee-tiniest little sliver of the sea from the balcony on the second floor.
We went back to Seaside for our 5th anniversary and stayed in one of their “Motor Court” cottages…
I took all kinds of pictures on that trip, but then (accidentally) deleted them because I thought Kev had already transferred them to our computer. Key word: thought. Oops!
I did, however, find some more inspiring Seaside pics while Googling last night…
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Get a load of this big guy…
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It’s porches must be facing the ocean…*sigh*…
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Here’s a peek at the kitchen…
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…and here’s one of it’s bedrooms…
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Something tells me that one isn’t available for rent OR in our price range- ha!
Anywho, we’ll be in Atlanta for the Haven Conference a couple of days right before our anniversary this year, so I’m on the look out for a quiet little (budget-friendly) place for us to chill out in somewhere close to, or in between here and there. Maybe a pet-friendly lake cabin somewhere in Alabama? Drop me a line if you know of one!
PS- Speaking of weddings and photography, Kevin published a new post up over at the ShootFlyShoot blog yesterday!
I have the perfect “Seaside” for you for one of your many anniversaries to come! We go to a “Seaside” as often as possible in Cape Cod. You must check it out. http://seasidecapecod.com/
Its absolutely one of my most favorite places evah.
Ooh! Thanks for the link, Shauna! Off to check it out now! 😀
Oh-I have the place for you if you’re thinking Cape Cod- CHATHAM BARS INN!!!!
I know it looks super upscale and it is but the Main house rooms are affordable. The expensive part-the gas to get to the Cape.
Love Chatham Bars Inn…cant wait to go to Chatham this summer. Miss it, being from New England originally.
Isn’t Seaside incredible? We have stayed there a few times over the years and absolutely adore it! Would love to go back and take my girls. Your wedding photos are gorgeous. Timeless and classic.
Awww how fun! I love all the pictures too. It is hard to believe you ever existed without a camera in your hand to take a ton of pictures of the beautiful home you were in!!
oh my word, you are simply stunning as a bride!
(happy anniversary)
Have you tried looking on VRBO Vacation Rentals By Owner ? We live on the west coast and there is always something and you deal directly with the owners. Just a thought, and Happy Anniversary.
We use to live near there and it’s one of my FAV places to go. BTW, we are headed that way in a couple of weeks for Spring Break. There’s the coolest toy store there that we take the kids to. Plus, there a GREAT antique warehouse just down the road that I have to visit often. Believe it or not, Seaside was actually failing financially until “The Truman Show” was filmed there. People couldn’t believe it was an actual place and not a Hollywood film lot! That’s why they had to build the Watercolors Resort and why Rosemary Beach nearby has exploded as well. It’s a great place for a vacation (or to live 😀 ).
We love Seaside too. We live in Birmingham, but got married nearby and go down often. Carolyn, where is the antique warehouse? Is it the one in Grayton?
Nope! I couldn’t remember the name so I took a “drive” on Google Maps to find it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen cars whip by me so fast on 98 before. Hope I didn’t freak anyone out when I went the wrong way on the road, LOL!
The name is called Bienvenue Antiques and here is their address:
Bienvenue Antiques & Interiors
11840 US Highway 98 W, Destin, FL 32550
(850) 837-5122
It’s 2 huge warehouses full of “stuff” to die for! There is also another warehouse in Panama City Beach that gets a lot of her stuff directly shipped from the England countryside. Her husband goes over and ships crates of the stuff back over here because it’s so cheap to buy it there. Some of the stuff they just find thrown out on the streets since no really likes antiques over there. She has hundreds of those stain glassed windows hanging from the ceiling. Don’t remember the name of it either (must be getting old, lol!), but it’s on the north side of 98, right on the road. I think it’s near the “Man of the Sea” museum there. I was too tired to “drive” that far down on Google Maps.
Happy Antique-ing!
Carolyn
vintageresurrections.com
Thanks so much! If we don’t go down to 30-A in a few weeks, we will be down in May. My sweet husband will have to bear with me because I can’t wait to check out both places!!!
Be careful driving on Google Maps! LOL!
Layla, we got married at Inlet Beach which is past Rosemary Beach (but off of 98). You’d probably love the house. It’s called Anna’s Veranda. It’s a renovated Victorian that they moved from Marianna, FL. We stayed after for our honeymoon as well. Seaside has been in our hearts for 20 years now. All of 30A is special in our opinion. It can get crowded during the busy season, but in the quiet times there isn’t anywhere I’d rather be!
Seaside is so super cute! We almost rented there for a month. Well, almost doesn’t count, doesn’t it. We ended up choosing something more private. The homes are pretty close together. But oh so charming.
Ahhhh I’ll be headed to 30-A over Spring Break and I cannot WAIT!! Best place on earth, that little strip of coast.
Debbie at Refresh/Restyle has a house on Lake Martin. Maybe she’s rent it to ya! 🙂
1. Have SO MUCH FUN on Spring Break! and 2. Criss-crossing my fingers Debbie’s lake house is available for rent- that would ROCK! 😀
I love Seaside! I went there many years ago when my grandma lived in Niceville. I miss the Gulf Coast…happy memories. 🙂
Seaside is my “happy place” and we go about every other year. We’re going to Charleston and Savannah this year, so I’m going to miss the beautiful beaches of Florida! 🙁 But I’ll visit Folly Beach and Tybee Island, so that’s a plus!
So my family owns a lake front cottage way up here in Maine if you are so inclined to come for a visit! 😉 It’s at the end of a long dirt road with water on 3 sides. *ahem* My vote for coastal get-aways that are not free though is Charleston, SC hands-down. Love love love it there!! Happy ‘met’-aversary!
Ooh- your cottage sounds awesome! 😀
And thank you for the “met-aversary” wishes! Hard to believe we met NINE years ago, today. Time flies!!!
We are going to Seaside in 3 weeks!!!!
I can totally relate with your love of that beautiful town.
I am on my way to SEASIDE this very Friday! My Dad lives there!
I will see if I find anything for you while I am there!
Thanks!
K
Can I say, “WOW”. That town looks amazing…I’m going there someday. Just decided it.
Layla,
I guess every state along the ocean has a town named Seaside! Unfortunately, Snookie and The Situation ruined NJ’s! (For the record they are NYers!) I will keep my eyes open for you.
How did you and Kevin meet? So glad you did! 🙂
Your Friend,
Deborah
We married in Seaside 6 years ago, ceremony was in the Chapel. Beautiful place to be anytime!!!! Happy Anniversary to you, hope you can get back there soon. We would love to get back each year but it is pricey 🙂 If you are going to be in Atlanta, we are NE Georgia & close to Lake Lanier Islands. They have nice cabins / cottages you can rent. If I think of anywhere else, I will get back with you. Most of my family lives in Prattville, small world!
Do you think you’ll do another adoption update soon? I’ve been praying for your little family and I’m hoping that things are working out for you and Kev during the process! I know it took my parents a good three years before we were finally able to take my youngest brother and sister home from Russia, but it was so worth it and I can’t imagine life without them now 🙂
So that’s where that bed is from that is all over Pinterest!!!
Aww, you guys look adorable – and you’re another June bride 😀 Seaside looks awesome, I hope we get to visit someday.
High five, June bride! 😀
I am on the west coast and never been to Seaside. It looks soooo cute! No offense to the big house, but I love the little beach towns that have been kept small.
Ooh, you might actually dig Seaside then, Carol. It’s super quaint! No hotels or chain businesses, and you can ride your bike from one end of town to the other! 😀
If you are gonna be in Georgia you could always go to Tybee! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Mermaid Cottages and most of the cottages will welcome your fur babies.
Hey Christy! We’re actually looking to try a new place this year, but we love Diane and her Mermaid Cottages, too! 😀
Happy anniversary you two! I’m also from Bama and now reside in the burbs of Atlanta. Can’t really think of anything in between, and lake Lanier does have some cute cottages, however my favorite staycation place is about an hour past Atlanta (if you’re willing to drive a little further) at Reynolds plantation. You can rent a nice cozy cottage and have the luxury of the ritz next door…has to be the most remotely located ritz there is….it’s where Carrie Underwood was married 🙂 they have some listings on vrbo if you want to check it out…I think you’d love it 🙂
Very sweet wedding photos! I hope you find some place to have a wonderful anniversary!
omg how beautiful!!! all these cottages make me wanna pack my bags and leave manana! oh and your wedding photos are just adorable. Congrats on your anniversary!
Thank you, thank you! 😀
I love it! We got married in Seaside TOO! We haven’t been back there in the last five years so it’s nice to see the pictures. Sitting in the hammock in our beachside honeymoon cottage has always been our ‘happy place’. And eating at Criollas…don’t get me started. Congrats!
Yay! I love sharing Seaside stories! 😀
Happy Anniversary! WOW! 8 years! That’s awesome! Hope you find the perfect place to getaway! 🙂 ~ Virginia
Hey thanks, Virginia! I’ll let you know what I find! 😀
Savannah isn’t really THAT far past Atlanta, and don’t those Mermaid gals owe you some favors ?? 😉 My Step-Brother-In-Law also has a house on the shore in Alabama…a little bigger than you need, but give me a holler and I could maybe finagle a discount if it is available. http://www.vrbo.com/275725
(Also good to keep in mind for future family vacations with your parents and siblings!)
Hey Shauna! We’re actually thinking we’d like to try a new place…somewhere between our house and Atlanta, so we can swing home and pick up Max before we check in! 🙂
That is the most picture perfect town I’ve ever seen!! I would LOVE to live in a place that cute.
Check out vrbo.com . . . they have lots of listings that are reasonable.
Great idea, Niki! I’m off to check it out now! 🙂
Too funny Layla. My 20th Anni will be just a few days before Haven, too.
In fact, we are prolonging our Anni celebration until I get back. I wasn’t going to go but Hubby knew I really, really wanted to. So are celebrating the following week.
Yay! Happy early anniversary, Barb! Ours is June 25th, when’s yours?
Layla,
Its the 20th. We are gonna have an Anniversary Breakfast that morning, and then me and Shirley take off for our drive down soon after. I am soooo excited to meet you and all the other ladies. 🙂
Awesome! I look forward to giving you a big anniversary hug then! 😀
You too! 🙂
I know everyone love it but I found Seaside positively frightening in its fake perfection. I don’t know why – I didn’t expect to feel that but it felt like walking through Disneyland – only people actually lived there. I know – I’m weird!
Aw, I’m sorry you didn’t have a good experience in Seaside, Kate. Obviously it’ll always hold a special place in my heart, and I look very forward to visiting again someday! 🙂
Hi, Try airbnb.com and plug in Seaside, FL. It’s a great way to find rooms, apts and homes around the world. And inexpensive, in many cases. Enjoy your blog, Layla… and Kev’s photos. (We’ve been shooting, writing, styling houses for many-a-year, and are very impressed by your style!)
I have always wanted to go to Seaside – heck, I’m pretty sure I’ve always wanted to LIVE in Seaside!
We enjoyed a great vacation a few years ago perched in a cabin on the side of a mountain in Blue Ridge GA, a couple hours from Atlanta. No sea, but it was marvy! (Cuddle Up Cabin Rentals)
Jan
Ooh- Jan! A mountain-side cabin sounds lovely, too! 😀
Layla and Kevin,
Happy Anniversary! You two were a match made in heaven!
Karen
Seaside has always been one of my favorite places to visit! It’s such a unique little town. 🙂 I love the daybed in the last photo! I want one!!
I will send you the info, it’s a 3 BR with 2 Bath condo on Stillwaters near Dadeville. I hope it all works out 🙂
Debbie
My mom and I used to vacation in Seaside each summer. I miss it so much! She would always rent me a bike and I loved just riding around the town. Seaside is so quaint, perfect, and relaxing. I want to go back SO BAD!
You’re making me want to book another cottage at Seaside this year! What a charming comment, Taylor! Thank you for leaving it! 🙂
Seaside has gotten a little too crowded and touristy IMO (I’m a local). It’s lost some of its quaintness from everyone coming to see how quaint it is! LOL! I much prefer Rosemary Beach. Still lovely and charming but not quite so busy. And it makes for beautiful photo backdrops. I take all my 30-A brides there for formals and do many engagement sessions there as well.
Happy anniversary to you both!
I know you said you were looking in Alabama possibly, but have you ever been to Hilton Head Island (SC, nice community) or Savannah (larger and absolutely beautiful)? They are both fantastic towns, and very romantic 🙂
Oh, and no more than a 4 or 5 hour drive from Atlanta. It’s an easy drive that I’ve made a few times myself.
Oh, I meant to say I also know several people who go to Sanibel, FL every year and rave about it! It’s not too far from Fort Myers, I believe.
Hey girl! We are a couple hours from the 30-A area as well. It’s so gorgeous there! My best friend actually has a house in Seacrest Beach (right next to Rosemary Beach) that is gorgeous and quaint! She said she’d give you guys a good deal if you ever wanted to stay there! Here’s the link to their house: http://www.brswvacations.com/Rentals/Bella-Bella/1022/
Happy Anniversary! See ya at Haven! xoxo
I have a place @ Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. If you want to head farther north you can use it as long as you “TLC” it up for me!
I’ll be celebrating my 30th in June.
Oh Seaside…love it…stayed there many times, but we haven’t been back in several years. I was afraid they had changed so much of the cottage style to European in the shops…but the beach is still to die for. A couple of weeks ago we stayed at a bed and breakfast in North Georgia (about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the outlet place with the Pottery Barn outlet). It was called Glen Ella Springs – not cottages but the rooms were precious and the food was good. It is very private (and romantic!). Interesting little shops there in Clarkesville. You might want to consider it.
If you are willing to drive to Highlands, NC, I love the Inn at Half Mile Farm….even better than Glen Ella.
We visited the Pan handle in Florida a number of years ago and stumbled upon Seaside. I loved everything about it!
Oooh… Love your wedding pictures! Love your blog! Love Seaside! 🙂
Happy Anniversary! May you have many more happy years together.
oh I love Seaside! my husband and I also really love Pensacola. We are going for our “3rd honeymoon” (or is it 4th? I forget…tee hee) in just 6 more weeks…and I am longing for it now!
Have you ever stayed at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mt Ga ?
We love that place!!!
Yes! What a great place that is, too! 😀
Oh Layla! I am about to blow your mind! I have the PERFECT location for your anniversary (my hubby and I had our 2nd here) and I bet you will be shocked you have not heard of it. Serenbe, GA! Its a planned “green” community. A designer from my town (Florence, AL) was their creative director and did all their crazy cool street signs, lightpoles, bike racks, etc… You can either stay at the Farm or the Lofts in “downtown”. There are a few fabulous restaurants to eat at in the town and you can travel to the real town a little away if you want more selection. Its only about 30 minutes Southwest of Atlanta. AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING! Have fun looking at all the cute homes! Oh and they usually have a few open on Sundays!
http://www.serenbefarms.com/
Best,
Ashley
Whoops! Sent you the link for their Farm! Here is the community link:
http://www.serenbecommunity.com/home.html
I live about 30 minutes from Seaside. I love to go out there with my husband on his motorcycle and ride around. It is such a beautiful place.
We stayed at the Village Inn Bed and Breakfast in Stone Mountain Village one year for our anniversary. It was super quaint and had antiques galore. It’s within walking distance to the downtown area there at the village and it has several cute shops to browse. Check it out!
That town is lovely and I had no idea it wasn’t a set in the movie because it looked so perfect! That makes it appeal to me even more because we LOVE visiting towns where movies were shot. It’s a sickness really. I hope you find a great rental!