Now that tourist season is over and the beach towns are less crowded, it’s the perfect time to escape to Nashville’s favorite Gulf Coast towns over a long weekend.
From the quaint communities of Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seaside and others along 30A to Destin there are treasures to be found. Since working on your tan isn’t likely a big fall goal, take some time away from the lounge chair to explore all of the upscale boutiques and shopping areas for unique finds. The shopping choices alone are enough to plan the trip.
Style + Beauty:
There are a few places along 30A that make Nashvillians feel as if they’re in 12 South or downtown Franklin with masterfully curated boutiques that stock seasonal clothing from the most sought-after designer brands. In the heart of Rosemary Beach is one the Edit team always stops in, Willow. While you can snag some beachy essentials, you may have left behind here, you can also find true wardrobe essentials to wear at home. Though I was enjoying the 80-degree Florida weather on a recent jaunt, I managed to find an Ulla Johnson sweater and a pair of denim from her recent collection perfect for Nashville weather. Willow has two other locations in both Inlet Beach and Seaside. Another Rosemary retail favorite is Pish Posh Patchouli’s. This space is a one-stop-shop for upscale beauty, fragrance, loungewear, and gifts. From Tata Harper skincare to Barefoot Dreams robes, joggers and cardigans, Patchouli’s is a perfect stop for gift shopping and personal treats. They even do custom blended oils and fragrances and offer full makeup lines with lovely packaging and wrapping. Alys Shoppe nearby is home to designer clothing and accessories for both men and women, and hosts trunk shows for designer finds often. It’s also located adjacent to Neat Bottle Shop, where stopping for a cocktail is always a good idea.
Home:
Whether you’re shopping for your home in Nashville or your Floridian getaway, there are an array of brick and mortar destinations to add art, furniture, and decor to whatever space you choose sprinkled throughout 30A. Sea is a contemporary art gallery nestled beside a quaint bookstore; Here you can find original art and pottery by artists Jennifer Ament, Wayne Pate, Flora + Form, Catherine Booker Jones, and more. Anything within this gallery would suit any home, and would certainly make a gorgeous keepsake or an incredible gift. Another spot to browse for home furnishings is the always beautiful Tracery Interiors with stores in both Rosemary and Inlet Beach. For trip keepsakes, there are a number of coffee table books and smaller decor items throughout the curated furnishing and lighting selections. Owner Paige Schnell is well known for her interior talents and has decorated some of Music City’s most notable homes after visitors found her on beach trips. Her work and store collections are known throughout the South and have been featured in every respected shelter magazine on the newsstands. Another worthy stop is Beau Interiors of Grayton Beach where neutral tones and hand-crafted home décor beckons along with cozy blankets, throws, and pillows for your bed and living areas.
Antiques and Vintage:
Taking a drive along the coast can lead to an array of finds that any collector would be delighted to find. In fact, many fashion-savvy visitors make the trip specifically to discover what’s on hand at Lux Exchange on the way into Destin. It’s where you might snag that rare Birkin bag or Gucci clutch at a price far less than in most designer vintage stores.
Antiques on Holiday is also on the same route in Miramar Beach, stocked with treasures you’d never expect to find in the Panhandle. From solid oak chests with ornate brass details or baroque-style chandeliers, you won’t want to miss a single nook or cranny this store has to offer. With two floors filled with authentic items, it’s a designer’s dream for finding specialty pieces.
Of course, there are many more amazing shopping options throughout the area, but I will leave those to you to discover on your own long weekend at the beach.
Images via Visit South Walton
