While I’m very much a big city gal, there is something special about getting away to a smaller beach community.  It forces you to slow down your pace, wander and explore a little bit, and it’s a great way to enjoy a vacation as part of a real community, instead of being part of a nameless group of tourists.

If that’s a vacation style that you could embrace, take a look at Rosemary Beach a charming little community located on on Florida’s gulf coast.

Located between Panama City and Destin, at the eastern end of scenic Route 30A, Rosemary Beach is easy drive from both the Panama City and Fort Walton Beach regional airports.  That makes it far enough away that you’ll be forced to getaway from everyday life and worries, but close enough to make it easy and convenient to get to.

The community, and that’s very much what Rosemary Beach is, believes in the traditional values of neighborhood, and wants visitors to feel what it’s like to spend a little time in their paradise.  You’ll find  long stretches of white sand beaches, cool breezes, surf, changing seasons, butterfly gardens, dunes, parks, small town amenities, and lots of recreational activities.  There are plenty of community activities to join in, from music and art, to dining, and shopping, to outdoor recreational activities.  Or if you prefer, just grab a book or your iPod and enjoy a little solitude.

Accommodations at Rosemary Beach include the 11 room Pensione Inn, located right downtown, to a variety of cottages available for rent.    Cottages range from studios to six bedrooms, and come fully equipped with all the supplies that you’ll need to have a perfect beach vacation, no matter the size of your group.  There are washer and dryers, DVD players (and movies), and complimentary access to the fitness club.  Both the Inn and cottage rentals offer a variety of promotional packages and special pricing.

It’s a quieter, gentler way of life, and one that the residents are quite proud of.  Don’t be surprised if you decide you want to join them on a more permanent basis!

NOTE:  This post is sponsored by, and photo credit goes to Florida vacation rentals.  The opinions expressed here are my own.