Road Trips: The Gulf Coast

Spring has hardly started and we're already dreaming about our first trip to the beach. And this year, from Destin to Rosemary Beach, the shores are teeming with new places to dine, shop, and stay.

Get there:

Southwest Airlines runs daily nonstop flights into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP); the destinations listed below are within an hour drive from the airport.

Stay:
Watercolor Inn & Resort

Watercolor has been a favorite for family travelers and second homeowners for just over a decade. But, as the development has grown, so have the onsite options. The Inn underwent extensive renovations including the opening of several new homes that have been put into the rental program and are ideal for larger groups. 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach (866) 426-2656; watercolorresort.com

Henderson Park Inn

This Nashville favorite has added intimate waterside dinners to its offerings in the form of a newly revamped restaurant, the Beach Walk. The rooms have also gone through recent improvements meaning its time to take another look at this revered classic. 2700 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin (888) 836-1105; hendersonparkinn.com

Pensione Inn at Rosemary Beach

This tiny, 11-room inn evokes European style in the heart of the Rosemary Beach community. Open only a year, the inn features varying styles of rooms including suites for larger groups. 78 Main St., Rosemary Beach (866) 348-8952; rosemarybeach.com

Eat:
Edward's Fine Food & Wine

This new Rosemary Beach spot offers a taste of the Gulf Coast with a focus on shrimp caught right off its shores and South Walton-grown produce. They regularly host live music as well as movie dinners, too. 66 Main St., Rosemary Beach (850) 231-0550; edwards30a.com

Aqua Coastal Sushi

Opened in December, this brand new Rosemary Beach spot is already gaining a fan base for its unique sushi combinations. Check out their extensive wine and sake cocktail list to complement the fishor, bring in your youngest sushi fan for 'kiddie rolls” like the peanut butter jelly and the banana Nutella roll. 5 Main St. Rosemary Beach (850) 764-2782; aquacoastalsushi.com

Cowgirl Kitchen

This café serves up breakfast and lunch specialties like praline bacon, Texas pimento cheese, and meatloaf. The market area carries gourmet foods as well as house-made entrees and sides to gopick up their pulled pork sliders, jalapeno hummus, or Monterey Jack salsa for a little beachside entertaining. 3005 Scenic Highway 30A, Seagrove (850) 534-0770; cowgirlkitchen.com

The Perfect Pig Market

Kick off your vacation day with a plate of bourbon-salted pancakes, or enjoy chicken tortilla soup on a lunch break from the beach. This new gourmet market brings fresh ingredients as well as delicious breakfast and lunch menus (try the spiral ham and brie croissant with blue cheese cole slaw) to Santa Rosa Beach. 4281 East County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach (850) 213-0701

723 Whiskey Bravo

Skip and Victoria Moore have succeeded in creating a perfect balance between relaxation and excitement at their new neighborhood restaurant. The open-air rooftop bar, with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, is the perfect place enjoy the company of friends. After a meal, fit in some retail therapy at the Shops of Old Seagrove next door. 3031 Scenic Highway 30A, Seagrove Beach (850) 213-0015; 723whiskeybravo.com

Shop:
The Art of Simple

Who doesn't love the name? This gorgeous Seaside shop displays and sells works by artists from around the Southeast as well as home accessories. From their beautiful selection of candles, shells, and books, one can find the perfect treat to bring back home. 20 Seaside Ave., Seaside (850) 231-6748; artofsimpleseaside.com

Coast

Pick up your official Scenic Highway 30A gear inside this new boutique located in the Shops of Old Seagrove. They also have a great inventory of beach cover-ups, scarves, jewelry, and local goods. 20 Gardenia St., Seagrove Beach (850) 534-0186; coast30a.com

Do:
30A Wine Festival

The 30A Wine Festival brings together local restaurants and national wineries to support the Children's Volunteer Health Network. Located in Alys Beach, the weekend event includes wine tasting seminars, a Saturday evening band party, and a formal Sunday afternoon of 'Rosé and Croquet.” March 9-10, tickets available online. 9581 East County Highway 30A, Panama City Beach; 30awinefestival.com

Seabreeze 2013 Jazz Festival

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival is in its 15th year of entertaining locals and visitors with an impressive lineup of smooth jazz artists. It's the first year, however, that it will take place in a new venue, the Aaron Beasant Park Amphitheater. Don't miss this year's kickoff: a jazz-dinner cruise with musician Brian Culbertson. April 17-21, tickets available online. Pier Park, 500 West Park Dr., Panama City Beach; seabreezejazzfestival.com