If you haven't seen photos of the now-famous Seaside, Florida, cityscape
with its pastel porches and towers sparkling against the blue and often
emerald-green waters of the Gulf, then you've surely had your head
in the beach sand. Homes in this tightly built community, designed by a
roster of well-known architects, and built within strict guidelines, have
been written up and photographed by major newspapers and magazines around
the world for many years now. If you've missed all of this, then surely
you've seen The Truman Show. Yes, those little cobblestone streets
and idyllic houses in the background of the film are definitely in Seaside.
* With all the serious critical attention Seaside gets from architectural
writers, town planners, builders, and design editors, it's easy to
forget that this resort town is just a fun place to spend some time and
create your own beach memories. True, the monthly calendar of events open
to visitors might include an architectural seminar or a lecture,
but it's also filled with wine tastings, tennis round robins,
fashion trunk shows, and concerts.
* The Seaside Repertory Theatre,
founded in 2000, continues to expand its summer
schedule of drama and comedy. If your timing is good, you can see free productions
staged occasionally in the Seaside amphitheater.
* For children, the fun is nonstop. Besides the summertime Camp Seaside
program, there's an occasional Kid's Night Out, a popular storyteller
series performed by members of the Seaside Repertory Theatre, and a film
series. Teens are not forgotten and can enjoy an Outdoor Adventure or
gather at the Teen Coffee House.
* While your children are otherwise occupied you may want to enjoy
a leisurely walk around the village, rent a bike for the afternoon, play
a game of croquet, or just bury your toes in that snow-white sand beyond
Seaside's signature beach pavilions.
Rental basics:
There are hundreds of cottages in every possible size and style, each
privately owned and available through the Seaside rental program. First,
log onto the Seaside Web site at www.seasidefl.com
and take a look at the homes for style and availability. Then call the
rental office at 800/277-8696 and they'll walk you through all the
details.
Ask the office to send you the events calendar, which lists all the special
happenings named above, as well as many more all the way through December.
