Reset, Relax and Rejuvenate

Mardi Gras is a time of year in New Orleans where celebrations happen all over the city for several weeks.

This year presented some challenges, to say the least for the Mardi Gras season. Parades were cancelled, the weather was extremely cold and we were pretty much bound to our homes to create our own Mardi Gras festivities. My family and I originally had a road trip planned to San Antonio but as our trip date got closer, we knew that we needed to cancel our plans due to the weather.

Deviation from the plan, has become a clear indication of life now. Plans are made and plans are cancelled and now we have to program ourselves to prepare for the unexpected at all times.

So on Sunday, my husband said how about we drive to the coast. At first, I thought, again… but then he said “What about Rosemary Beach, Florida instead of Sand Destin, FL?”

I then thought, ok this will be a little different than our usual trip to the Emerald Coast, so I started scoping rentals on VRBO quickly to find a house. Last year, we drove through Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach and I was in love with the area. So the idea of visiting a new area along the Emerald Coast excited me!

Now usually for our trips, I start planning months in advance, so planning a trip in less than 24 hours was something new. I booked a house at 8am on Sunday morning and needless to say, I had a lot of work to do. I need to pack suitcases, food, and road snacks, and clean the house all before leaving. The kids were excited to get away for a few days and even though it was the off-season in Florida, I needed a change of scenery.

We had NO plans at all once we would arrive, but I packed board games and tennis rackets so we could entertain ourselves.

Luckily, my wardrobe choices for this trip would be easy, loungewear, sneakers and jeans. As the weather in New Orleans became wet and colder we knew we needed to head out earlier than planned. The drive to Rosemary, FL was a little harder than the normal drive to the coast. It was raining the entire time, which made the drive much longer, but when we arrived and saw sunshine, we knew a change of scenery was worth it.

Y’ll, when we arrived in Rosemary Beach, I fell in love again. It’s peaceful, beautiful and picturesque. Highway 30A is lined with oak trees, and the town is made for walking and biking. The house we rented was cozy and sat beach side. We parked our car for the entire trip and walked everywhere. I can’t remember a time when I truly just relaxed and took things slowly.

We still celebrated Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras with Red Beans and King Cake but instead of standing and waiting for a parade to pass by, we watched movies, played board games and tennis. I took some time to sit and reflect, read and take morning walks ALONE while listening to my music.

To me, the village in Rosemary has a French country vibe with its stylishness, merged with a rustic, country aesthetic, creating a balance between beauty and ease. The view from the village to the beach was breath taking. The black and white awnings give the area a glamorous feel. There are restaurants, ice cream shops and country stores all around and you can rent bikes if you like biking.

On my morning walk, I stopped at Amavida Coffee Roasters for a morning latte. It’s a charming coffee shop that houses artwork and organic options and pastries.

Next we strolled down to Alys Beach and OMGezzous, we felt like we were in the Mediterranean. With its all white stucco architecture, stalk greenery and manicured grass it’s definitely a blend of Santorin, the Caribbean and a seductive seclusion with a leisure oasis. The kids enjoyed playing in the Alys Beach Park, which perfectly matched the décor of the area.

While there, we stopped at Raw and Juicy and enjoyed a variety of items such as a hot Lavender-Honey Latte (for me), Green King and Pink Panther Smoothies, Hot Coco and cookies to snack on as we sat around the fire in their courtyard.

Raw and Juicy did not disappoint in any way, shape or form!

They offer a variety of organic options from avocado toast, to acai bowls and overnight oats. It was so clean and fresh, that I went back the next day and ordered the egg, cheese and greens biscuit with an iced Lavender-Honey Latte. My taste buds were signing Mardi Gras Mambo and overjoyed with excitement and contentment. With its organic offerings and outside seating, Raw and Juicy offers an experience that will leave you feeling good inside, conscious of your healthy choices, and ready to take on the day with raw energy!

There are plenty of things to do along 30A, whether its playing tennis with the kiddos, to strolling along the beach or taking a relaxing walk up and down Highway 30A's walking trails.

Either way, Alys Beach and Rosemary is the place to be and although we went during the off-season, it was the perfect getaway to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.