If you've ever fallen in love with a beat-up car, a quirky beach town, or the kind of story that makes you grin for no good reason, you'll get Jay's Beach Car. Written in 23 playful, rhyming stanzas, it's part children's book, part poetic pep talk, and all about keeping your cool (and your gratitude) when things aren't exactly going according to plan—but still rolling forward.

Its author, Jay Liles, is part philosopher, part beach bum, and part comic relief in human form. Whether he's behind a guitar, a mic, or the wheel of a barely-running car, Jay has a way of turning everyday experiences into something unforgettable. He was even once a house musician at The Red Bar, a Grayton Beach institution that's every bit as iconic (and unpredictable) as Jay's storytelling.

Originally released as Jay's Sh🌴tty Car, the book quickly became a front-porch bestseller at Sundog Books in Seaside—and even climbed to the top of Amazon's new releases. Now reimagined as Jay's Beach Car, the updated version keeps all the quirky charm, heartfelt humor, and rhymes that made it a hit—just with a more family-friendly flair.

Reading Jay’s Beach Car feels like flipping through a picture book—for the young and the young at heart. It leaves you laughing, nodding, and somehow feeling better about your own bumps in the road. Each stanza rolls along with a rhythm that's equal parts clever and comforting, reminding us that a good attitude can carry you farther than a brand-new engine. It's a story that sticks—not because it's dramatic, but because it's honest, funny, and unexpectedly uplifting.

And now, you have a chance to hear it straight from the source!

Where You Can Hear It Live

📍 Distillery 98               📅 Thursday, June 19               ⏰ Doors at 5 PM | Stories at 6 PM

Jay will take the mic as this month's featured speaker at Emerald Coast Storytellers, a beloved local event series where tales meet craft cocktails and community vibes. The evening's theme—Silver Linings—feels custom-built for a guy whose car has seen better days but somehow still gets him where he wants to go.

And the venue? Distillery 98 is home to the best local vodka on the coast—small-batch, Florida-grown, and a perfect pairing for a night of rhymes, revelations, and radiator fluid references.

Expect laughter. Expect a rhyme about radiator fluid. Expect to walk away grinning. If you're in town, this is a story you don't want to miss.

Related Article:

This 30A Vodka is a Game-Changer

Crafted from non-GMO corn, locally sourced from Northwest Florida's Panhandle, this vodka exhibits a smooth character with a certain sweetness and earthy tones derived from the recently harvested crops. 

Where We Come In

If the back cover of Jay's Beach Car looks familiar, there's a reason—it features one of our very own vacation rentals: Shepherd Cottage, a historic cabin tucked into the pines of Old Grayton Beach. With its swinging porch bench, original hardwood floors, and quiet charm, it's a reminder—like Jay's car—that character never goes out of style.

Stay where Jay stayed! Shepherd Cottage is one of the earliest homes in Grayton, thoughtfully updated for modern comfort while keeping all its vintage soul. Nestled among palmettos and sea breezes, it’s the kind of place where porch-sitting is a pastime and slow mornings come with coffee and birdsong. From the hand-carved hearts on the swing to the sun-dappled living room, this cozy hideaway feels like something out of a story—because, in this case, it is.

As the largest vacation rental company in Grayton Beach, Ocean Reef Resorts is deeply rooted in this one-of-a-kind coastal village. You'll find us just across the street from Shepherd Cottage, at 15 Pine Street, where stories like Jay's are told daily—sometimes through books, sometimes through beach memories made with sandy feet and sun-kissed cheeks.

Why It All Matters

At its core, Jay's Beach Car isn't just about a car. It's about perspective. It's about being grateful for the ride, however imperfect it may be. And it's about finding beauty in the beat-up, joy in the journey, and magic in the miles—something our guests know a little something about, too.

Because just like Jay's story, a great vacation doesn't require perfection (although we certainly strive for it). It only requires a little heart, some salt in the air, and a place worth driving toward.

You bring the story. We've got THE place to stay.

From the timeless appeal of Shepherd Cottage to our full lineup of one-of-a-kind Grayton Beach vacation homes, Ocean Reef Resorts offers the perfect setting for whatever tale you're ready to tell next.