Best of 2024 {Most Viewed Posts}

 Thanks again for following along on my tiny part of the internet, the Uptown Acorn. It's always fun to look back at your favorites from last year. I did not blog as much as I usually do, but I continued to decorate seasonally and travel near and far.

I hope you will enjoy my countdown of teh most viewed posts from 2024. Click upon the title below to revisit each post.

#10 Uptown Acorn Decorates {Chateau Lapeyre}

#9 SPOOKtacular October {Acorn Cottage Facade}

#8 SPOOKtacular October {Terror Swift: ScERAS Tour}

#7 Classroom Theme {Elements of Success}

#6 Mardi Gras {Irises}

#5 Uptown Acorn Travels: Rosemary Beach Eats {Gallions}

#4 Mardi Gras {Acorn Cottage Facade}

#3 Mardi Gras {Acorn Cottage Nighttime Facade}

#2 Mardi Gras {Flowers}

#1 Uptown Acorn's Guide to New Orleans {Updated}

Thanks again for following along. I hope I'll continue to hear from you in 2025.

Check out my "Best ofs"...

 Best of 2023 |  Best of 2022 | Best of 2021 | Best of 2020| Best of 2019 |Best of 2018 | Best of 2017 |  Best of 2016 | Best of 2015 | Best of 2014 | Best of 2013 | Best of 2012 

Best of 2024, y'all!

Uptown Acorn Travels: Rosemary Beach Eats {Gallions}

 J and I love 30 A, especially Rosemary Beach. One of our favorite spots to dine is Gallion's.

The well-appointed interior and friendly staff aid in making the dining experience a great one. We have visited for three summers in a row and will definitely keep this gem of a restaurant on our must-eat list.

My recommendation:

Roasted Gulf Grouper

Baby Kale | Haricot Verts | Heirloom Carrots | Sundried Tomato & Pineapple Beurre Blanc

J's recommendation:

Bone in Filet + Jumbo Lump Crab

10oz Filet | Smoked Whiskey Shoyu Demi-Glace | Local Jumbo Lump | Bearnaise | Truffle Potatoes | Asparagus

Carrot Cake

Classic Carrot Cake | Cream Cheese | Caramel Popcorn

From Gallion's:

Driven by our passion to pursue excellence in gourmet cuisine, fine wine, and premium spirits, Gallion’s offers an array of exceptional coastal fare and specialty craft cocktails presented in a sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant setting. The chic interior and warm wood tones invite you to dine in our upscale restaurant for lunch, relax with a signature cocktail from Gallion's bar before dinner, or get some take-home therapy from neighboring Cork & Barrel Liquors. We can’t wait for you to experience the best cuisine and true hospitality in the heart of Rosemary Beach.

The warm, inviting interior pair perfectly with our elevated small-plates and chef inspired dishes to create a memorable dining experience. Sip on one of our handcrafted cocktails at our expansive quartz bar or kick back and conversate in Gallion’s Cocktail Lounge. Our opulent wine list, curated by an expert team of buyers, features more than 150 wines and 500 handpicked labels of wine, spirits, and beer. Gallion’s impeccable selection and service are defined by our dedicated team that offers the perfect blend of wine specialists, spirits aficionados, and epicurean virtuosos who are dedicated to crafting an unforgettable Gallion's dining experience. We cannot wait to welcome you to Rosemary's newest addition!

A couple nights later, we dined and had cocktails at the bar.

We recommend:

Smoked Fish Dip

House Smoked Yellowfin Tuna | Lavash | Sweety Drop Peppers | Jalapeño Relish

Ahi Tuna Tacos

Yellowfin Tuna | Crispy Wonton Shell | Ponzu, Spicy Mayo | Wakame Seaweed Salad | Sesame Seeds

Crab Cakes

Pan Seared Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes | Charred Corn + Cucumber | Jicama & Cabbage | Remoulade

Reservations for the restaurant are required; the bar is first-come, first-serve.

Gallion's, y'all!

Uptown Acorn Travels {Rosemary Beach Inn}

 The summer just keeps rollin' along!

J and I have been back from 30A for a while now, and I'd like to share about our stay at a new place to us, The Rosemary Beach Inn. We have stayed at The Pearl Hotel prior to this stay, but rooms were so expensive this year (over $900/night). We love The Pearl but could not justify the price for what is offered. I'm so glad we discovered the Rosemary Beach Inn. It is located just across the street from The Pearl Hotel and located on the square.

The Rosemary Beach Inn is a small European style luxury hotel, offering 11 well-appointed rooms, including two suites. J & I stayed in Room 301 and could not be happier. Though not large, the room had everything we required for a relaxing stay.

The room featured a king bed with the most comfortable, luxurious linens. The room did have wifi and TV though the internet connection was spotty at best. This was our only negative part of our stay. Our room also included two beach chairs, a table, and umbrella for each day of our stay. There was no rushing to the beach each morning to reserve the chairs. What an asset! Complimentary breakfast at Summer Kitchen was also part of the room rental. Summer Kitchen is located on the bottom floor of the Inn. This too was a perfect amenity and a perfect start to each and every morning. 

Though we did not take advantage of the swimming pools and fitness center, the room also includes access to 4 Rosemary Beach community pools and the fitness center.

I would highly recommend The Rosemary Beach Inn when you are staying along 30A.

Rosemary Beach Inn, y'all!

Uptown Acorn Travels: Rosemary Beach, FL {Eats}

 J and I love to dine at the coastal eateries along 30-A. Some of our very favorites on this trip are:

George's at Alys Beach: click HERE

Cottage cafe serving upscale American fare in a bright & airy dining room or on a breezy porch. This restaurant is always top on our list when on 30-A.

Gallion's: click HERE

An approachable upscale restaurant and cocktail lounge located on iconic Barrett Square in the heart of Rosemary Beach. Gallion's is a new addition to the exciting scene in Rosemary Beach.

Havana Beach Bar & Grill: click HERE

Stylish spot in The Pearl Hotel with a mahogany bar & veranda for locally sourced New American fare.

The Pearl Rooftop: click HERE

Enjoy this alfresco rooftop venue with a menu of shared-plates inspired by Havana Beach Bar & Grill. We dined here for lunch several times during our stay at he Pearl.

Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar: click HERE

A  fine dining, seafood-centric menu in a light-filled dining room with contemporary interiors & patio seating. We could not get reservations but were seated at the rooftop bar. It was excellent!

We ate and drank quite well. Please comment if you require my full reviews.

Rosemary Eats, y'all!

Uptown Acorn Travels: Rosemary Beach, FL {The Pearl}

 Last week, J and I traveled to one of our favorite spots, 30-A. We have stayed at the Watercolor Inn for years, but this year, we decided to change it up. We stayed at The Pearl at Rosemary Beach. To say we were impressed is an understatement. 

At The Pearl Hotel at 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach®, 32461, the little details are of greatest importance. From the cocktail greeting at check-in and complimentary valet to the hand-delivered, freshly baked treat at bedtime, each moment is thoughtfully curated to feel like it was crafted especially for you.
 

Framed by a peaked clock tower, pointed turrets, sun-splashed terraces and black-and-white striped awnings, The Pearl Hotel brings timeless luxury and sophistication to a West Indies- style community of cobblestone streets. Just as our name implies, The Pearl is meant to be slowly unpacked and enjoyed, preferably beneath a stunning Gulf Coast sunset with a glass of bubbly in hand.

Located near the ocean in the charming coastal town of South Walton, Florida, off 30A, our Forbes Four-Star and AAA-Four-Diamond hotel has been named one of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels. 

I loved our room #202 which overlooked the green as well as the Gulf. I felt totally spoiled for the week. The room which was renovated in March 2022 was well-appointed. From coffee talking mornings to cocktail drinking evenings, the balcony provided the perfect spot for people watching and sipping.

I am most happy to recommend a stay at The Pearl if you are on 30-A. You will not be disappointed. I also love the complimentary beach chairs and signature black and white umbrellas.

We were also fans of the adults-only pool and the rooftop grill/bar.

The Pearl, y'all!