7.16.2014

ALYS BEACH ON THE EMERALD COAST

I've been intrigued by Alys Beach for some years now.  It has been on my list of beach locations to check out.  My sister was in Florida looking for a house to buy, so I decided to make a detour during one of my marathon cross country trips.  I was able to see my sister and her little one and explore Alys Beach.
Located on the Emerald Coast in Florida, Alys Beach is the brainchild of Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk.  The architecture is built in the style of Bermuda with white stucco walls and plastered roofs that are better able to withstand hurricanes.
Bahama shutters in various colors add vibrancy to the white stucco. Paths paved with Florida Caprock meander through the village.
 Private courtyards have pools or fountains...................................................................................
 Agaves are nestled into oversize pots...................................................................
 On a morning walk through the village, you are lulled by birdsong and fountains........................

 sometimes, you can hear laughter coming from inside the private courtyards and the splash of someone playing in a pool...................................................................

 The architecture is just gorgeous...................................................................................
  Fonville Press has coffee and croissants in the morning............wine and tapas later on..............

 After coffee - or if you are like me - a good cup of tea - it is time to head out to the beach
 Through the grand entrance
 to the Emerald Coast
where the sand is like sugar..............................................................................................................

While there are no hotels in Alys Beach, there are a few vacation houses available to rent.

Photography By: Ryannan Bryer de Hickman