Alys in Wonderland

Alys Beach, Photo by Vicky Hodges

Enlarge Photo

A few years back while driving along Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast, on a whim I veered south onto an intriguing beach-bound road named Scenic Highway 30A. Like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, I immediately entered a picturesque new world, driving the next 26 miles along sugar-white sand beaches in awe of the loveliest collection of beach towns I had ever seen.

Now every chance I get, I try to make my way back to that road in hopes of spending some quality time in each and every one of those towns.

The latest town I was lucky enough to visit, and the one that had my jaw dropping the moment I laid eyes on its whitewashed rooftops climbing into the azure blue sky, is Alys Beach. Walking along the Dominican shell-stone pathways covered with green moss and fossilized shells, rows of smooth white-plastered houses with painted shutters and weathered hurricane lamps offer up peeks into secret courtyards from every wood-slatted door.

The community’s breathtaking pool, called Caliza, has to be seen to be believed, with its imposing tower and massive curtains billowing in the sea breeze. It’s hard to tear myself away to walk the few steps to the sloping stretches of pristine beach bordering the town.

We spend the evening devouring the dangerously delicious fish tacos on the front porch of George’s restaurant and get up extra early to catch Charlie’s Donut Truck before he sells out of his super-fresh delights. Then we head over for a chai latte under the bright red umbrellas at Fonville Press and watch our son power through his sugar rush on the playground.

As Monday morning looms and it’s time to head back to reality, I realize we haven’t gotten in our car once all weekend. And man I really, really I don’t want to!

Tags: Alys Beach | Beach's of South Walton | Gulf Coast | Northwest | Scenic Highway 30a