Last weekend I celebrated one of my friend’s bachelorettes in Rosemary Beach, a coastal and laid-back community on Florida’s panhandle located about 20 minutes west of Panama City Beach. Her maid of honor booked a gorgeous, three-story property just steps from Inlet Beach, and it comfortably accommodated all 10 of us.

We spent three nights in the area, relaxing on the beach in the daytime and dining, drinking and dancing in the evening. Unfortunately, the strong storms destroying large parts of the Midwest caused strong currents and waves in the Gulf, so the beaches closed water access to everyone. But that didn’t stop us from lying out on the sand reading, chatting and listening to music. My friend (the future bride) even gifted us a tote bag filled with towels with our names on them, as well as little essentials like lip balm, eye masks, ponytail holders and more.

On the second night we had the pleasure of receiving a private hibachi chef who set up the chairs and tables outside and created a memorable night of cooking, delicious food and interactive activities. He prepared tasty fried rice, vegetables and meat; and in between different stages of the meal, he would shoot a saké-filled water gun into everyone’s mouth. The weather was perfect that evening. After, we headed out to an upscale rooftop bar at Pescado’s before returning home for the night.

Other highlights of the trip included going for a morning run with some of my former high school teammates where we explored beautiful neighborhoods and ended the run with an iced coffee and pastry. We also spent one evening at a bonfire on the beach where a company laid out comfy chairs and prepared the fire, leaving us to simply relax and make s’mores beneath the moon.

— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor