FLORIDA TOWN DEVOTED TO DOXIES

Dogs-lovers and especially doxie-lovers (I know there are a few of you out there) may want to take a road trip South to Seaside, Fla., to visit a little town dedicated to the dachshund.

A shorthaired doxie named Bud is the mascot of this seaside getaway, boasting a white sandy beach and turquoise waters. Seaside, about 25 miles west of  Destin and 35 miles east of Panama City Beach, was founded in 1981 by Robert and Daryl Rose Davis, owners of Bud, their constant companion. When the Davises founded Seaside — pioneering the highly walkable, picture-perfect design movement known as New Urbanism—the original Bud walked right alongside them through the early days of dreaming, planning and building the community.

Today you can find the silhouette of the diminutive canine all over Seaside, decorating buildings and even town trash cans, The Seaside Style shop features exclusive Bud-themed merchandise, from jewelry to bandanas, sweaters and even books like The Story of Seaside Style, which has a doxie pattern for its binding.

A must stop is the town’s oldest restaurant, Bud & Alley’s Restaurant and seaside bar, named after the iconic pup and Alley, the owner’s cat.  It was founded nearly 40 years ago by two surfing buddies, when the town was made up of but a dozen houses.

The original Bud the Dachshund lived for 21 years. He was followed by Bud II and Bud III. And many a doxie and his or her family has been seen strolling the town ever since.