Rediscover Florida’s Emerald Coast

Photo by Robert J. Nebel

By Robert J. Nebel
Editor, Mens Traveler

The four-story structure was bathed in golden sunshine as I drove up to its façade. After a six-hour drive from my home base in Atlanta, it was a sight for sore eyes and yes, a sore back. I finally made it to the WaterColor Inn and Resort via my current trusty hatchback. I confessed to Caitlin that despite my exhaustion, I somehow felt rejuvenated. Blame it all on the Northwest Florida’s orange hues of the setting sun, I thought. I was on the state’s Emerald Coast for a few days for of a change in scenery and adventure.

We quickly unpacked, headed to the front desk and hauled our light amount of luggage up to our room. The second I opened the door, we were greeted with a spectacular view from the room. Even in the late afternoon, plenty of visitors were frolicking on the beach, swimming in the Gulf or just dozing off in WaterColor’s comfortable beach chairs.

Within minutes, Caitlin headed to the room’s spacious bathroom and put on her swimsuit. My 12-year-old ordered me to do the same. Before I knew it, we were at The Beach Club – an outdoor area of the inn where a massive pool overlooks the Gulf. This pool is an old favorite for Caitlin who stayed with me at WaterColor when she was just 5-years-old. She remembers it like it was yesterday. It must have left quite an impression on her. For the next few hours, my mind drifted off into the sunset while Caitlin was practically in heaven on earth in the pool.






Even though I’m a fan of The Beach Club, I enjoyed the adults-only pool closer to the front desk when I had some “me time.” This pool area’s outdoor hot tub is one of the best that I have ever experienced. Plus, adult beverages are available here as well as engaging conversations with other WaterColor guests. We retired to the room knowing that we took advantage of the property’s amenities. We also knew that we didn’t waste an entire day driving. On our first night, I couldn’t help but marvel at the room’s view. I had to sit on the balcony listening to the Gulf’s waves while indulging on a nightly cookie supplied by the inn.

In the morning, I was spoiled in the shower which has windows high enough to look out to the room’s balcony to the action on the Gulf. Since my last visit, breakfast has changed at the property’s restaurant, Fish Out Of Water. Instead of a buffet on the lower level, the morning meal has become a sit-down affair and has moved upstairs into the main dining room. The host quickly whisks guests to either an indoor or outdoor table. No matter where one sits, the view is breathtaking. The choices on the menu are excellent with French Toast, Shrimp and Grits, Omelets and Granola and Fruit.

Plenty of action at WaterColor
If you’ve had too much rest at the pools and on the beach, WaterColor offers a wide range of recreational activities including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, tennis, golfing and biking on the nearby Timpoochee Trail which runs along Scenic County Road 30-A.

In addition to biking on the Timpoochee Trail, I got a decent workout at WaterColor’s health and fitness center. Located on the property next to the WaterColor Beach Club, this state-of-the-art facility boasts a bevy of free weights and cardio machines. The center also offers yoga and Pilates classes and even personal trainers.

Photos Courtesy: Watercolor-(from top)Watercolor Inn, The Beach Club pool, Fish Out Of Water restaurant and kayaking on Western Lake.



An open-air feel

WaterColor is more than just a resort that caters to those in search of rest, relaxation and recreation. It’s an example of the Emerald Coast’s dedication to New Urbanism. New Urbanism is a style that follows the code of building green-friendly, low-rise structures that give the environment an open-air feel. This idea started with the nearby town of Seaside and has spread to WaterColor, Santa Rosa Beach, Rosemary Beach and the up-and-coming Alys Beach community.

I toured Alys Beach with “Town Evangelist” Mike Ragsdale after meeting with him at a café called Fonville Press. Pronounced “Alice Beach” after one of the town’s founders, this community features new homes that are similar to those found in Bermuda. These homes are structurally-sound homes that are built to withstand severe weather while functioning in an eco-friendly manner. “Feel that,” Ragsdale said, as he put his hand to one of the houses’ exteriors. “It’s cool to the touch because it’s not only white, but designed to deflect the sun.”

Each home in Alys Beach is built to “Fortified standards.” The term “Fortified standards” means that the builder uses environmentally-friendly and solid material. After explaining this concept, Ragsdale took me into a small museum-like structure ensconced within the community. Modern displays feature the building concepts through high definition animation and Alys Beach’s plans for expansion.

We walked over to the community’s Caliza pool. Done up in a Roman/Greek motif, the Caliza pool area offers a large main pool, a 75-foot lap pool and a spa whirlpool. This is all surrounded by only the most luxurious outdoor furniture, a walk-up bar, rest area and the legendary Caliza Restaurant. Executive Chef Shayne Vaughn has gone all out with American Kobe Beef Sliders, Lobster Crepes and Quiche Lorraine.

Renting a place at Alys Beach is a great idea for a group of guys or large families. Three to five bedroom beach homes feature state-of-the-art large kitchens, bathrooms, hardwood floors and even indoor/outdoor fireplaces. If you seriously fall in love with the place, there are opportunities to purchase a home.

“I think this is a great guy’s getaway,” Ragsdale confessed. “A group can rent a place and go out to nice places near here at night. Being here is like being in South Beach without the ‘South Beach Attitude.’”

Everything you need is at Alys Beach with the Caliza pool area, the nearby beach, an amphitheatre, a community center and George’s Restaurant. George’s is in a structure made to look like a typical Florida home. This cute eatery on 30-A features scrumptious specialties from the “Behave” or “Misbehave” sides of the menu. The “Behave” side features healthy fare including the Portobello Stack, Toasted Macadamia Tofu, Veggie Frittata on Arugula and my choice: Grilled Fish Tacos, which come complete with brown rice and beans and salsa. The “Misbehave” portion offers Po Boys, the Grouper Sandwich, burgers, chicken tenders and a seafood basket that comes with hushpuppies or fries.

Weekend morning markets

Photo: Robert J. Nebel