After receiving a great deal of helpful info from this message board prior to our trip, I wanted to return the favor. Our family spent our annual week in Seaside much later than usual due to a cancellation caused by Dennis.
Seaside Beach Condition: The Seaside beach was spotty. Lots of black sand in some areas and none in others. If you picked your spot, it was fine. The beach was generally uncrowded and several evenings, it was deserted. The absence of walkways was a nuisance. The only access is behind the Seaside restaurants. I really don't buy that the stairs cannot be repaired at Seaside since other areas fixed theirs.
Red Tide: We caught the last of the red tide on Saturday, Oct. 1st. If this was the last of it, I am glad I was not there for the first of it. The beach smelled like 4 day old fish and the coughing and sneezing was definately there. I was really worried, but by Sunday afternoon, it was gone and did not reappear. I would not want to be there if it was present. Everyone who had been there before us said it ruined their days.
Water Quality: The water quality was horrible until Friday. The water looked like brown tea and visability was only a foot or two. It improved 50% by Friday and hopefully, it will be better.
The Biting Flies: They were there to a minor extent. Deep Woods off seemed to work. No major problems.
Food: Red Bar crabcakes were GREAT!!!!!!! Agelina's pizza was very good. Modica Market's muffins the greatest on earth. Shades and Pickles fast food fare was mediocre.
Customer Service: Always great at Seaside. Tennis pro was great and shop owners were very courteous. A neat new service is free movies for Seaside Cottage guests at a kiosk downtown. The selection was great.
Kids: My 4 and 7 year old thought they were in heavan.
Weather: Cloudy each day which kept it from getting too hot. Torrential downpours twice but ended fairly quickly. The prettiest day was the day we left.
Travel Costs: Don't forget American was running a 15,000 miles on-line special from DFW to Pensacola a month ago. Also, I did not know American fly into Fort Walton Beach. We will be flying there in the future. We rented a minivan from Dollar in Pensacola for $188 a week and it did great (except for getting stuck on the beach at Grayton while trying to find a Red Bar parking spot but that is another story......)
Summary: Great trip and wonderful time of year to be there. However, to justify Seaside's super premium price, they have to get the beach and its access back to snuff and based on what I heard while there, there really is no immediate plan to do so.
Replies
80
Admin
While I know 'October is the worst time of year to be on 30-A' we got REALLY lucky and had a spectacular 3 days of sun, low 80's, no red tide, no flies, tag sale, good food, just perfect. It made me realize how lucky we are. Looking up and down the coast and seeing the variations in the sand, coastline, etc. it is all just a part of what we have to get used to living on the coast. It has its charm and surprises.
With the construction planned over the next few years in town, there may be more inconveniences, but I think the town is on the right track for the long haul, and is still a beautiful charming place visit.
Thanks goodness and well said. I hate to hear about someone not coming back because we're not perfect. Not because they're not coming back, but because they ever came here in the first place. To those people, I say go to a "real" resort where no warts are allowed to exist.
I hate the perfect place - unless it happens by accident.
Thanks for the info. My concern, hopefully wrong, is that the Seaside central square (modeled after Siena, IT) will become a canyon. I like the open feel and human scale of it now. Siena has large buildings but the Piazza is much bigger than Seaside central square. Like Piazza Del Campo, Seaside central square would be much better without cars. Let's get rid of the parking and put in cafe tables and umbrellas.
fishlips
QUOTE: I am hoping the above does not mean that all the pavillions will not be rebuilt. They are an icon to the town, no question. I know the short term solution is that 2 removable aluminum staircases will be put on two of the pavillions. I think they will see how those work and go from there. Owners weekend is this next weekend, and they were supposed to be up by then. /QUOTE
you ought to look into something like this that is not rigidly mounted on the beach end and can go up and down with the seasonal beach height changes
they use them on the lake up here as the water level fluctuates so much that a standard, hooked at both ends structure would either be high and dry 20-40' above the water or underwater by the same amount.
just reverse it and put the boat dock on the top and have the bridge reach down to the beach - instant removable pavillion and beach access and cheap!
http://www.aluminumboatdocks.com/gallery.htm
you ought to look into something like this that is not rigidly mounted on the beach end and can go up and down with the seasonal beach height changes
they use them on the lake up here as the water level fluctuates so much that a standard, hooked at both ends structure would either be high and dry 20-40' above the water or underwater by the same amount.
just reverse it and put the boat dock on the top and have the bridge reach down to the beach - instant removable pavillion and beach access and cheap!
http://www.aluminumboatdocks.com/gallery.htm
Edited
Beach Lover
Kurt-
I also was a bit concerned about the height around the square. Time will tell, but I think that because there is supposed to be an open plaza leading out to the ocean as well, (with restaurants etc.) that it might relieve the height issue and give that Italian plaza feel which can be charming. :clap_1:
Aqua-
I hope you are right, because the sand level will vary. I am sure there will be some adjustability. I am hoping that if they work well that they can put them at more pavillions, paint them white, and get a better look with more functionality.
I also was a bit concerned about the height around the square. Time will tell, but I think that because there is supposed to be an open plaza leading out to the ocean as well, (with restaurants etc.) that it might relieve the height issue and give that Italian plaza feel which can be charming. :clap_1:
Aqua-
I hope you are right, because the sand level will vary. I am sure there will be some adjustability. I am hoping that if they work well that they can put them at more pavillions, paint them white, and get a better look with more functionality.
Beach Fanatic
Aqua-
I hope you are right, because the sand level will vary. I am sure there will be some adjustability. I am hoping that if they work well that they can put them at more pavillions, paint them white, and get a better look with more functionality.
Wouldn't it be possible to build the aluminum walkways out of white vinyl covered aluminum - like they do with fences now (usually the fences are black - but you can get them in different colors). Just a thought.
SoWal Expert
... My concern, hopefully wrong, is that the Seaside central square (modeled after Siena, IT) will become a canyon. I like the open feel and human scale of it now. Siena has large buildings but the Piazza is much bigger than Seaside central square. Like Piazza Del Campo, Seaside central square would be much better without cars. Let's get rid of the parking and put in cafe tables and umbrellas.
Amen!
beats on hood
Yes, I will definitely miss the old charm of Seaside once it is transformed into something totally different.
Beach Lover
Change is always difficult, however, the plan being put in place is the one originally designed when Seaside was being first created. So if we like what the founders have done so far, ( and I think time has shown they have had more 'hits' than 'misses') I am hoping that seeing what the plan was originally intended to look like might be beautiful as well.
I have seen the drawings, which I think have been posted here before, and I am keeping my fingers crossed.
I have seen the drawings, which I think have been posted here before, and I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Beach Fanatic
I saw a funny quotation today that reminds me of what people say about Seaside.
"Nobody goes there anymore. It's just too crowded."
The quote is attributed to Yogi Berra, but there are too many funny quotes that are attributed to him. Some say it's a myth that he said so many silly things. But, it's a good quotation nonetheless.
"Nobody goes there anymore. It's just too crowded."
The quote is attributed to Yogi Berra, but there are too many funny quotes that are attributed to him. Some say it's a myth that he said so many silly things. But, it's a good quotation nonetheless.
Beach Lover
I'm not a property owner, but we have come every year for the last 9 years to Seagrove/Seaside--and my family (including two teenagers) would not think of going anywhere else. Seaside is a unique place--for those who think "crowded"--try Cape Cod or the Jersey shore (where lots of people go from upstate NY where I live). But Seaside has a community feel that we just don't seem to get at Rosemary and some of the other "planned communities". I think Kurt is right--perfection won't lead to a great place--there has to be a sense of letting people have a choice of things to do (I don't like the food at Shades, for example, but it is wonderful to see happy people as we pass by there on a hot summer night--and my daughter had one of her first real "dates" at Shades. It offered her a wonderful experience--so who am I to be jjudgemental?)
We come a long ways every summer for that "community" and "nice people" feel. I like the Rep theater, for example, and I hope that Seaside could do more to promote an arts community.
We come a long ways every summer for that "community" and "nice people" feel. I like the Rep theater, for example, and I hope that Seaside could do more to promote an arts community.
SoWal Insider
As an owner is Seaside I have been interested in all the comments. Here are some of my views as someone who has gone to Seaside for many years before buying and building 2 years ago:
-Yes it was heartbreaking to spend all that money on the beaches and walkovers last year to see them all taken away in 1 year. I am not sure it was $1mm, but could have been with walkways, sand, plantings etc. Town Counsel is going to take their time to come up with a solution that will not just be throwing money at the problem. They are a very dedicated group. Expert coming in for owners weekend to discuss options.
-I am hoping the above does not mean that all the pavillions will not be rebuilt. They are an icon to the town, no question. I know the short term solution is that 2 removable aluminum staircases will be put on two of the pavillions. I think they will see how those work and go from there. Owners weekend is this next weekend, and they were supposed to be up by then.
-Seaside is going through a transition currently, that looks to be a huge step in the right direction for the town. The previous Town Cousels have sat on their hands and let the town slip a bit. That has been fully recognized over the last year and will be corrected going forward. It has helped to have competition come along to keep them on their toes. There is a huge push for not only better management and maintenance, but to keep Seaside as a showcase for many of the good things 30-A has to offer.
-Obviously, everyone has their own preferences of the areas they like to rent, and what is 'worth it'. I have driven through Watercolor, and Rosemary on weekends, at nights, on holidays, etc., and as far as 'town feel' nothing holds a candle to activity and life that Seaside has for that type of development.
-We spent this last weekend (7-10) at Seaside, and I had even been talking about maybe selling our place to find something closer to home (Atl). But I realized it was just my disapointment in noy being able to get down more oftem that was talking.
While I know 'October is the worst time of year to be on 30-A' we got REALLY lucky and had a spectacular 3 days of sun, low 80's, no red tide, no flies, tag sale, good food, just perfect. It made me realize how lucky we are. Looking up and down the coast and seeing the variations in the sand, coastline, etc. it is all just a part of what we have to get used to living on the coast. It has its charm and surprises.
With the construction planned over the next few years in town, there may be more inconveniences, but I think the town is on the right track for the long haul, and is still a beautiful charming place visit.
You don't say whether your Seaside home is in the rental program with Seaside or not. Possibly it is not for rent, which may be a good thing. However, I have just about had it with Seaside's website and with Seaside's customer service, or lack thereof.. It is about the worst site I've ever delt with. It's outdated, nothing works correctly, and when I call (& ultimately have to leave a message) or email, NO ONE EVER replies or returns a call!!! I don't know how they expect anyone to rent if their cusomer service is so marginal! I have sent a blistering email asking the rental manager to CALL me. It is so very disappointing to me. Seaside is where we always stayed from the very beginning when they only had 10 - 15 cottages, almost 20 yrs ago. I think treatment like this is why people are complaining and possibly not returning or "moving on" to Rosemary or WaterColor. When inquiring with them, I received replies from each within 2 hours!
I don't expect a response from Seaside and that's really too bad.
Edited
Beach Lover
Our house is in the rental program, (Coast is Clear) and I am disappointed with the service you have received. I myself have seen spotty service at times and really have very little patience for it. I think the web site has some limitations because if a house has restrictions on it you can only reserve by phone.
Most of my experiences have been within the Seaside organization, and in general have been very good. This includes Maintenance, Town counsel, Housekeeping, etc. I realize that does not help you when dealing with reservations which is obviously a key part of the equation.
I am going to bring this up with our rental rep so she can be aware going into this weekend's meetings.
For the past 12 months Seaside has been under a new, and more proactive, management team, and I hope this will be one issue they can address. we are already seeing improvements in many areas, but the list was getting long before they started.
Most of my experiences have been within the Seaside organization, and in general have been very good. This includes Maintenance, Town counsel, Housekeeping, etc. I realize that does not help you when dealing with reservations which is obviously a key part of the equation.
I am going to bring this up with our rental rep so she can be aware going into this weekend's meetings.
For the past 12 months Seaside has been under a new, and more proactive, management team, and I hope this will be one issue they can address. we are already seeing improvements in many areas, but the list was getting long before they started.
picky
You don't say whether your Seaside home is in the rental program with Seaside or not. Possibly it is not for rent, which may be a good thing. However, I have just about had it with Seaside's website and with Seaside's customer service, or lack thereof.. It is about the worst site I've ever delt with. It's outdated, nothing works correctly, and when I call (& ultimately have to leave a message) or email, NO ONE EVER replies or returns a call!!! I don't know how they expect anyone to rent if their cusomer service is so marginal! I have sent a blistering email asking the rental manager to CALL me. It is so very disappointing to me. Seaside is where we always stayed from the very beginning when they only had 10 - 15 cottages, almost 20 yrs ago. I think treatment like this is why people are complaining and possibly not returning or "moving on" to Rosemary or WaterColor. When inquiring with them, I received replies from each within 2 hours!
I don't expect a response from Seaside and that's really too bad.
My opinion meshes with yours. I think the site is very awkward to use and takes forever to plow through (even with high speed connection). It can't hold a candle to what Watercolor has! Also, I've always been puzzled about why Seaside doesn't make an effort in keeping its customers. Over the years we've stayed several times at Seaside and never once have they sent us their new rent charts or news about the town, etc. If we've wanted to stay at Seaside, we've had to seek them out, and it really shouldn't be that way.
Hopefully they will work on upgrading. The town has a lot to offer but it also has a lot to improve upon.
SoWal Insider
Our house is in the rental program, (Coast is Clear) and I am disappointed with the service you have received. I myself have seen spotty service at times and really have very little patience for it. I think the web site has some limitations because if a house has restrictions on it you can only reserve by phone.
Most of my experiences have been within the Seaside organization, and in general have been very good. This includes Maintenance, Town counsel, Housekeeping, etc. I realize that does not help you when dealing with reservations which is obviously a key part of the equation.
I am going to bring this up with our rental rep so she can be aware going into this weekend's meetings.
For the past 12 months Seaside has been under a new, and more proactive, management team, and I hope this will be one issue they can address. we are already seeing improvements in many areas, but the list was getting long before they started.
Thank you for your reply. One of the reasons for my post to you last night was in hopes of getting your attention in case you are in the rental program there. And it's not just me. I've heard the same comments from others about the lack of concern from Seaside's rental office. They either have the wrong people working there or their marketing department needs to be retrained. With things on 30-A so competitive it seems, Seaside is digging their own grave. Like I said last night, we remember when it was new and young, about the best thing that hit the coast, besides the natual beauty of the sand and water.
To be fair tho, I did receive a reply from Seaside this a.m. apologizing for the inconvenience, also saying they would forward my email to the marketing department. But, until they received a caustic email from me, did they finally reply!
I hope you continue to receive good response in the rental program and the organization. I truely only want the best for Seaside. I want to see continued success.
SoWal Insider
My opinion meshes with yours. I think the site is very awkward to use and takes forever to plow through (even with high speed connection). It can't hold a candle to what Watercolor has! Also, I've always been puzzled about why Seaside doesn't make an effort in keeping its customers. Over the years we've stayed several times at Seaside and never once have they sent us their new rent charts or news about the town, etc. If we've wanted to stay at Seaside, we've had to seek them out, and it really shouldn't be that way.Hello Mermaid, thank YOU for your reply as well! I knew I couldn't be the only one who thinks Seaside's website is awful. I work for a small non-profit community service organization in my town, without a lot of extra spending dollars, and we find it imperative to have our website up to date, user friendly, etc. It is by far our most important marketing tool - way beyond any newspaper or yellow pages advertising. That's why it is shocking that Seaside takes such an apathetic (careless?) approach. Gone are the days of "word of mouth" advertising. Other than revising cottage rates, the rest is so behind in technology. It's the same as it was years ago, which was acceptable then, but not now! They've never upgraded and don't seem to worry about it. It's just not one of their marketing tools. You try to click on their community map, and the "in the news" opens up instead. You click on their "contact us" and something else comes up! Maddening. To me, if I owned there, it's those kinds of things that would scare me. Their inability to stay abreast AND correct some of their problems, and it makes you wonder if there might be a multitude of problems that aren't readily apparent!
Hopefully they will work on upgrading. The town has a lot to offer but it also has a lot to improve upon.
Coast is Clear has a positive attitude about their cottage in the rental program and that's what it takes. I've gone on with enough of my own negativity, which I realize is damaging. I hope in this transition stage they're going thru, they take these complaints into consideration.
And believe me, if their marketing department is on the ball, they regularly read forums like this - keep up with what the public is saying! It should be a daily occurance - like reading the newspaper.
picky
John, I don't think I'd necessarily call it "negativity" on our part. More like "constructive criticism," which I hope can have a positive impact. I am really fond of Seaside--we've had some absolutely marvelous vacations there, and I'm so happy that our condo is within walking distance--but I look forward to a Seaside that works on bettering itself, not resting on its laurels, as it seems to have been doing of late. I'm liking what Coast Is Clear is telling us about the town.
SoWal Insider
John, I don't think I'd necessarily call it "negativity" on our part. More like "constructive criticism," which I hope can have a positive impact. I am really fond of Seaside--we've had some absolutely marvelous vacations there, and I'm so happy that our condo is within walking distance--but I look forward to a Seaside that works on bettering itself, not resting on its laurels, as it seems to have been doing of late. I'm liking what Coast Is Clear is telling us about the town.Me too. And I'm glad that positive changes might come out of this! I really don't want to damage Coast is Clear's chances or any other cottage's chances in being rented.
(P.S. We visited the Indpls. Children's Musem about 5 years ago and it was the best children's musem we'd ever been to!! My son who is 14, still talks about it!)
Beach Lover
I agree, I don't view ANY feedback as negative. If there is a problem, I want to know about it so it can be addressed. The message that I am getting from Seaside is the same.
All I can ask is to be patient. Events over the last year, while disconcerting when they were originally brought to light, have put Seaside on a track that will bring it back up to the level where it should be. Infrastructure improvements are already underway, decisionmaking has improved, and the town is being managed by a great team.
I remain very optimistic.
All I can ask is to be patient. Events over the last year, while disconcerting when they were originally brought to light, have put Seaside on a track that will bring it back up to the level where it should be. Infrastructure improvements are already underway, decisionmaking has improved, and the town is being managed by a great team.
I remain very optimistic.
SoWal Insider
I agree, I don't view ANY feedback as negative. If there is a problem, I want to know about it so it can be addressed. The message that I am getting from Seaside is the same.That is great to hear. It makes me feel optimistic too. To us, nothing can ever replace Seaside.
All I can ask is to be patient. Events over the last year, while disconcerting when they were originally brought to light, have put Seaside on a track that will bring it back up to the level where it should be. Infrastructure improvements are already underway, decisionmaking has improved, and the town is being managed by a great team.
I remain very optimistic.
BTW, I just looked at your cottage on the Seaside site and it is beautiful! Maybe even one of the best I've seen there in recent years! If is was mine, I think I'd name it "Dream Come True" !
Beach Lover
Thanks for looking. It was finished in March this year and has absolutely been 'A Dream Come True'. After 8+ years of visiting we finally bit the bullet and it has worked out great.
Always hard to leaveas you would expect knowing the area.
Always hard to leaveas you would expect knowing the area.
Beach Lover
And believe me, if their marketing department is on the ball, they regularly read forums like this - keep up with what the public is saying! It should be a daily occurance - like reading the newspaper.
Johnrudy-
You were right! Check you e-mail for message
Johnrudy-
You were right! Check you e-mail for message
SoWal Insider
And believe me, if their marketing department is on the ball, they regularly read forums like this - keep up with what the public is saying! It should be a daily occurance - like reading the newspaper.
Johnrudy-
You were right! Check you e-mail for message
So, it turns out that this message board is helping in lots of ways. Not just a "gossip" spot or restaurant reviews. Not that those aren't important or interesting! It's all for the good, the betterment (is that a real word?) of South Walton!
AND, I think this thread has turned into a "tangent" thanks to me ~
Beach Lover
I will defend Seaside as a place to stay or to shop or to eat, but I agree--the website is godawful! And regardless of the costs of beach access etc, the website is *the* public face these days to most people looking for a vacation (or any other) spot and it needs attention ASAP. I'm a dean at an elite liberal arts school--we know that prospective students (and their parents) are looking at us mainly thru our website--if the website is unfriendly, not easily negotiated, etc--its a huge turnoff and we would lose excellent potential students (and their tuition dollars) And quite frankly--the Seaside website has all those negatives. This shouldn't require a major strategic plan to fix, nor should it require lots of money.
I really feel badly for the owners--we were trying to begin plans for next year, and the website didn't work (tho it gives the promise of working for 2006). An email to someone in cyberspace there was not answered for days, and then had vague answers. (In contrast, I have potential students all over the world able to email me personally--I answer them within hours). Whatever management is new and improved at Seaside needs to address this issue now. This is marketing "101".
I really feel badly for the owners--we were trying to begin plans for next year, and the website didn't work (tho it gives the promise of working for 2006). An email to someone in cyberspace there was not answered for days, and then had vague answers. (In contrast, I have potential students all over the world able to email me personally--I answer them within hours). Whatever management is new and improved at Seaside needs to address this issue now. This is marketing "101".
picky
Coast Is Clear--maybe you could email this post in its entirety to whomever runs the rental program at Seaside?
SoWal Insider
I will defend Seaside as a place to stay or to shop or to eat, but I agree--the website is godawful! And regardless of the costs of beach access etc, the website is *the* public face these days to most people looking for a vacation (or any other) spot and it needs attention ASAP. I'm a dean at an elite liberal arts school--we know that prospective students (and their parents) are looking at us mainly thru our website--if the website is unfriendly, not easily negotiated, etc--its a huge turnoff and we would lose excellent potential students (and their tuition dollars) And quite frankly--the Seaside website has all those negatives. This shouldn't require a major strategic plan to fix, nor should it require lots of money.
I really feel badly for the owners--we were trying to begin plans for next year, and the website didn't work (tho it gives the promise of working for 2006). An email to someone in cyberspace there was not answered for days, and then had vague answers. (In contrast, I have potential students all over the world able to email me personally--I answer them within hours). Whatever management is new and improved at Seaside needs to address this issue now. This is marketing "101".
Wow! I couldn't have said it better myself. You have just expressed my sentiments and concerns exactly. And no, it is not a complicated situation to fix. It's more of a matter of staff people, committees, departments that have dropped the ball in keeping up with the times. Just like when one of the large encyclopedia companies chose to pass on the World Wide Web wagon - didn't see it as the future. Well, everyone else did and they have suffered badly because of that decision. I don't know of anyone who would rather take the time out of their day, and I mean daylight hours, 9 - 5, work hours, to call and sit on hold, and inquire about anything when it can be done at your leisure on your own time.
This all started for me too, trying to schedule a 2006 summer trip. Tight job schedules, school, teenagers, etc., not to mention places are filling up fast! The pandhandle has a relatively short season, compared to central and south Fla., Caribbean islands, etc.
O.K. I've gone on enough. I'm just glad to see that I'm not the only person that finds this as a serious problem with a really simple solution!!
Beach Lover
Coast Is Clear--maybe you could email this post in its entirety to whomever runs the rental program at Seaside?
I have already received a call from Seaside just from the comments in this thread, and they are very sensitive to getting things right. I was assured there are already improvements being made to the website as we speak.
(As an FYI, their web site won the top web site award last year in FL from a prestigeous national advertising association. So if it is not functioning or response time is poor, that may be a personnel issue)
Do you think I would have received a call if their goal wasn't to be the best they can be? We can only take it as a positive sign. All input is appreciated and can only help!
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.