New airline coming to Gulf Shores

Posted on May 23, 2013 by SSPadmin

Jack Edwards Airport

Jack Edwards Airport

A common question I get when guests are booking reservations is what is the closest airport the beach?  Now I have a new answer! 

As reported By Fox 10News

GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) - A new airline is coming to Southern Baldwin County. Memphis-based Southern Airways Express is expected to start flying out of Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores in late May.

The airline will feature daily non-stop Gulf Shores service to and from Memphis, Tenn., New Orleans, La. and Birmingham, Ala. Southern is also offering service to cities like Tampa and Panama City in Florida.

Southern is banking on vacationers who rather take short plane ride rather than a long road trip for that next getaway but that’s not all.

Chairman and CEO Stan Little said, “Not only do we expect to bring vacationers to the Alabama beaches, but we also hope to provide local residents and business people in Baldwin and Mobile Counties with a quick and affordable alternative to connecting through Atlanta.”

Southern is touting a number of perks including no baggage fees, no parking fees and no TSA security hassles. Passengers will be able to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure.

Southern says complimentary iPads with preloaded movies will be available to passengers during the flight.

Fares on all flights systems-wide will range from $129 to $249. Southern is not yet offering tickets for sale, but the company expect its website, www.iFlySouthern.com , to be live and online by May 24.

We can't wait to try out our NEW airline choice for the Gulf Shores area! 

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Endless Summer, Gulf Front 6 Bedroom, Handicapped Accessible

Posted on May 16, 2013 by SSPadmin

Endless Summer is located in the most impressive row of Gulf Front Homes in Gulf Shores & Fort Morgan.  This incredible beach home was completed in the summer of 2006.   Endless Summer's elevator will carry you to each of the 4 levels. 

Endless Summer Exterior

Endless Summer Exterior

Endless Summer's decks surround all three levels facing the Gulf and bay side of the home. The views from this house are incredible! If you must work or simply want to surf your laptop while gazing out at the view, wireless DSL is throughout. The architecture of this home is magnificent: 10 ft. Ceiling Heights; 8 ft. Interior Doors; Tile & Heart Pine Flooring; Two Color Kitchen Cabinets with Granite Tops; Maytag Stainless Steel Appliances; Dual Sinks & Dual Dishwashers; 48" & Two Drawer Refrigerators; Wet Bar with Ice Maker, Wine Chiller & Decorative Sink. The bathrooms in this incredible home features travertine slab bath counters; 4' x 6' .  Air Jetted Garden Tub & Shower Stall With dual body sprays; double shower stall with rain head & body sprays. To accommodate all 6 baths, the home contains two 80 Gallon water heaters. Guests of

Endless Summer Living Room

Endless Summer Living Room

Endless Summer have access to 2 pools and 2 hot tubs and a fitness center.  This property was formerly known as East Meets West and while the shell of the house is still there and FANTASTIC the furnishings are completely different.  This house is comfortable, with all new and very classicly designed furnishings.  The decks overlook the Gulf and the secluded Fort Morgan Beach.   There is sleeping for 16 in this home.

Endless Summer Bedroom

Endless Summer Bedroom

One of the most important features to this home in our opinion is the that is handicapped accessible.  This home has an elevator for your family member who may need the lift or just to get your groceries up to the kitchen!

Endless Summer Handicapped toilet

Endless Summer Handicapped toilet

  There is a bedroom with it own private bath that is completely equipped for a family member with special needs.  This bath is equipped with a roll in shower, roll under sink, a taller toilet and pull bars in all necessary places.   From the elevator you have easy beach access by a board walk.  We are happy to answer any questions you may have!  So if something comes to mind give us a call.  This home is in the process of being decorated.  It currently has a  King , 3 queens, two sets of bunk beds, and a bunk bed with a double bed on the bottom and a twin bunk on top.  Be sure to  look at our website for more photos of this beautiful home.

Endless summer bath 2

Endless summer bath 2 Endless Summer Kitchen

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Beach Power Rentals, Motorized Beach Wheelchair Rentals

Posted on May 9, 2013 by SSPadmin
Beach Wheelchair

Beach Wheelchair

Beach accessibility on the Alabama Gulf Coast is no longer a dream - Beach Power Rentals can make it happen.

The motorized beach wheelchairs will take you to the water's edge.  their unique, beach wheelchairs have a heavy duty aluminum frame, a heavily padded adjustable seat, conventional wheelchair joystick controls, fold-up arm rests, infinitely adjustable foot-rests, rear anti- tip wheels, automotive style seat belts, built in umbrella stand, an optional 8 ft. umbrella, and our chairs can accommodate any one from 50 pounds to 350 pounds.  Now going to the beach is no longer a spectator sport for individuals tat are injured or disabled.

Kate

Kate

Their custom-made motorized beach wheelchairs are made from a welded aluminum frame with numerous adjustments, and comes with a padded, comfortable seat that partially reclines. They do not take credit for inventing the motorized beach wheelchair. There are several manufacturers on the west coast who build and sell similar powered beach wheelchairs. The major difference between them and us is that they sell their new beach wheelchairs for $7000--$10,000 and we rent our used beach wheelchairs for $40 to $60 per day. Beach wheelchair rentals allow a much greater number of beach vacationers to enjoy getting to their beach getaway.

MacKensie-Umbrella

MacKensie-Umbrella

There is nothing like a day at the beach in one of our fantastic motorized beach wheelchairs. Their powered beach wheelchairs afford the disabled beach vacationer the mobility to access the beach with ease. Now you don't have to watch all of the fun on the beach from the condo. Our beautiful beach sand is sugar white once again and awaits your arrival.How they got started! After retiring to the beach in March of 2004, Jerry started having problems with fatigue. In June of 2005, he was diagnosed with ALS, or, Lou Gehrig's Disease. As his health declined, his ability to get to the beach became increasingly difficult.

motorized+beach+cart

motorized+beach+cart

While he was still able to walk he modified a fisherman's cart by adding Wheeleez tires and PVC so that it was converted into an easy to push or pull beach cart. Soon thereafter, he added wheelchair motors and controls so that he could carry a large load with minimum effort.

Beach+Cart+with+Umbrella

Beach+Cart+with+Umbrella

Note the fordable umbrella wings, which eliminate the need to bury the umbrella pole in the sand, and they fold back when not in use.

As the legs began to weaken, Jerry started working on a beach wheelchair. Using PVC pipe and the knowledge he gained from building the electric beach cart, he was able to build a beach wheelchair prototype powered and controlled with electric wheelchair components.

Jerry+Prototype

Jerry+Prototype

Once the design was complete, he hired someone to build a metal frame. This new frame eliminated inherent PVC weakness, lowered the center of gravity and made the beach wheelchair more stable.

Before completing our full year and the beach wheelchair rental business, our chairs began rusting. We knew then that our beach wheelchairs had to be built with aluminum.  After a great deal of trial, error, and testing we came up with what you see below.

Wheel Chair with umbrella

Wheel Chair with umbrella

The beach wheelchair on the top was custom built for one of our customers who uses it as a camping chair or an all-terrain chair.

camping chair

camping chair

The beach wheelchair pictured next to the multicolored beach umbrella below is an all-terrain beach wheelchair. It is just as happy off-road as it is on the beach. This is due to the nature of the tires with which it is equipped. We almost exhausted every available tire type while researching and testing this chair.

These incredible motorized beach wheelchairs evolved over a five year period while we were renting and maintaining our beach wheelchair rental fleet. We have gained so much knowledge and insight during this process. As a result, we consider our motorized beach wheelchairs to be the finest available and we think that you will too after you experience a day in the Mercedes Benz of motorized beach wheelchairs.

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Blue Collar Country

Posted on May 3, 2013 by SSPadmin
Blue Collar Country

Blue Collar Country

FOLEY, Alabama - As reported by Wear- ABC 3

News of an entertainment development on 525 acres off Foley Beach Express in Foley has spread quickly.

"I think it's going to be great." Folks like Diane Cheney want to find out now how to get one of the three thousand jobs "Blue Collar Country" is expected to bring. "Just talk to somebody about what's going on and find out some more things about this."

Plans are for hotels, theaters,retail shops and indoor sporting facilities. A kind of Branson, Missouri meets Baldwin county.

"This is pretty much a hybrid park," says economic development director Jeff Rouzie. "The main developer plans a ride component to it."

Large scale developments are risky business. Take Bama Bayou for example, ground had been broken, construction even began but it never got to the ribbon cutting. Finances fell through.

"Everything is signed, financing is in place," says chamber of commerce president Donna Watts. "The city has gotten a grant to help with infrastructure. This group has applied for the new tourism incentives that are available."

Not everything is ready. Work continues to secure the 200 million dollar investment but plans are moving forward. Temporary business offices are set to go up in the next couple weeks. A ground-breaking ceremony is expected near the end of the month.

"It will change the face of south Baldwin county forever," says Watts.

For Diane Cheney that's the best news of all. "That'd be great. There are a lot of people out of work and that'd be really good"

Construction of "Blue Collar Country" is expected to begin later this year and ready for business in 2015.

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Portabella’s, A Don’t Miss Resturant in Foley!

Posted on April 18, 2013 by SSPadmin

After a very long day two, stressed out women were on a hunt for some great dinner!  We decided to give a new place a try and it was the perfect decision.  This hole in the wall restaurant holds up to it's name.  It is not fancy on the inside or overlooking the water or some serene park but it doesn't matter.  The inviting atmosphere and friendly local staff make you feel at home in the newly renovated restaurant.  

Portabella's is located in the heart of historic Foley on hwy 59 on the east side of the road.  Almost at the end of the historic district it shares a building with the Foley Fish Company.  There is parking in front and just to the South of the building.  As you enter the glass front doors you can enjoy a view out the large plate glass windows in front that have a view of 59 and all of the comings and going in town. 

Portabella's

Portabella's

As we came in our friendly waiter welcomed us in and offered us nay table in the place.  He brought us menu's and some great sweet tea.  After we perused the menu for a while we decided to each get a salad and to share a pizza.  Not just a basic pizza we actually asked for a half meat and half what was most closely called a supreme pizza.  I got the Spinach Salad with the house green onion vinaigrette dressing.  This salad was beautifully fresh spinach, feta cheese, olives, pecans, and a little red onion and the dressing.  I could have had just a giant plate of this salad and been very very happy.  It was a fantastic flavor combination and I will absolutely get it again!  My mom who came to dinner with me got a basic house salad that was mixed greens, cheese, bacon, tomato and croutons.  She loved her salad as much as I did. 

Now for the main dish our pizza!  It was a beautiful 14 inch pizza half covered in meat.  It is called The Lion!  Sausage, pepperoni, ham, bacon, and prosciutto on top of this pizza worthy of the carnivore .  It was unique in that the meat was all amazing not the norm that you would get on a chain meat Pizza.  The other half of our pizza was a "Foley."   The "Foley" includes peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, pepperoni, sausage.  Again with beautifully fresh veggies and uniquely fresh meat the "Foley"only honors this community with it's goodness.

There is always a soup of the day, great salad menu.  Sandwiches with the same beautiful ingredients that were on our pizza and even healthier lighter choices.  Oh, and pasta!  I am going to try some pasta sometime soon.  So as you are coming in on that shopping day you make to Foley, don't miss Portabella's. Instead of sitting in traffic pull over and have a great dinner at this don't miss yummy Italian jewel to our community.

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American Fun, The Perfect Little House For Your Getaway!

Posted on April 12, 2013 by SSPadmin

This is a quaint two story house, close to the Dunes Community Pool, and NEWLY updated in 2012. There is plenty of room for the family in this 1,600 Sq Ft 3 bedroom, 3 bath duplex.  The beach beckons to you from behind the houses just 150 yards away.  You get sneak peaks of a view from both balconies and a really nice view off to the West of the Sunset.

American Fun 3

American Fun 3

American Fun 4

American Fun 4

                                                                                             As you enter the house you will notice the spacious living room with ocean colored walls and modern furniture. The couch is a sleeper sofa.

American Fun1

American Fun1

 The adjoined dining area has a table for 6 with additional seating at the kitchen bar. The fully stocked, fully equipped kitchen with full size appliances is perfect for cooking your favorite seafood dishes at meal time. The floors are tiled throughout except for the bedrooms. Right off of the kitchen is the “lavender” room that has a King size bed and access to a shared bathroom.

American Fun 2

American Fun 2

Upstairs to the left is the kid’s room with two twin beds and a full private bath. The Gulf facing Master bedroom has a King bed with its own private bath as well as access to a balcony. Each room has its own TV. This house also has underneath parking. As a guest of the Dunes Community, you have access to the Dunes Community pool and hot tub as well as the Dunes Condo pool, hot tub, sauna, and work out facility.

This house rents from Saturday to Saturday during the spring and summer, but is available for shorter stays outside of these times. Give us a call for pricing on less than weekly stays 1-888-877-9270!

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Fishing In Fort Morgan

Posted on April 4, 2013 by SSPadmin

It is time to come Fishing!!! Fort Morgan is one of the areas favorite fishing destinations.
With the pass just at the end of the island, the Gulf on one said and the quiet waters of the bay on the other side of the island, I can see why our tiny little hidaway is the perfect place to some fish.  March 15th was the start of the Alabama's Gulf Coast for Pompano, Flounder, Mackerel, Whiting and a Cobia Tournament this tournament goes until April 30th.  There are people out fishing everyday in this tournament vieing for the best catch.  If you are a pier fishing enthausiest now is the time to be in Gulf Shores.  Not only can you try for the largest fish but once you have it weighed and measured you can have it cooked to order by one of our great Fort Morgan resturants like Tacky Jacks or Sassy Bass.   

Big FIsh
BIg Fish

There is another local  tournament  The Captian Hook Classic Fishing Tournament May 11th, 2013.  This tournament added a new category this year of kayak fishing.  So all of you kayak fishermen this is the tournament for you.  It takes place here in Fort Morgan.  Hurry and sign up soon so you can catch your next monster.  Call us to book your fishing getaway today!

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Sand Island Light House, Ft. Morgan

Posted on March 21, 2013 by SSPadmin

If you have been to Ft. Morgan you have seen the Sand Island Light House.  It sits about 4 miles off shore to the west between Ft. Morgan and Dauphin Island.  Currently the light house is owned and protected by the city of Dauphin Island.  However, once upon a time this was a federally owned light house with all of the bells and whistles.  The Sand Island Light house was originally commissioned in 1828 and was completed in 1830.  The current light house is the 3rd or 4th incarnation of the original.  The first light house was very small and not at all adequate.  So a larger more appropriate size light was commissioned and this was at the time the tallest light house on the entire Gulf Coast.  It stood 200ft. tall and had a first order Fresnel.  This beautiful light house only stood for 2 years.  It was a causality of the civil war.  A temporary wooden light house was put in its place until the current light house was completed. 

Not long after the current light house was completed the extreme erosion of Sand island was noticeable.  The Island lost between 50 and 100 feet of  beach a year.  The once grand 2 story keeper's quarters was made smaller and smaller over the years because of the erosion.  Several keepers went missing in storms along with their quarters when water washed over the rapidly disappearing island.  The final keepers went missing as the tried to head to the main land to pick up their replacement.  After these keepers were lost the Light house was automated and little over a decade later the light house was decommissioned.  In 1971 the lens was removed and is now on view at the museum at Ft. Morgan. 

A massive rescue operation was launched by The City of Dauphin Island to save the deteriorating island.  The rip rap was moved and rearranged to make everything more stable.  The Island was then wrapped with stainless cables to help keep things in place.  Work was also done on the light house itself replacing missing bricks and mortar. Also, 1.4 milion cubic yards of sand wew dreged and added to the island.  So our beautiful light house is sitting on white sand again!  Originally the island was 400 acres it is now 15 acres and shrinking because of our rough currrents.  The Sand Island Light House is still in peril.  You can help keep this beautiful monument in place.  Contact the Alabama Lighthouse Association at http://alabamalighthouses.com/ or www.sandislandlighthouse.com

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Bama Coast Cruise

Posted on March 14, 2013 by SSPadmin

Are old cars your thing?  Do you need a beach vacation?  I have a great idea for your next trip!  Come down to Gulf Shores and visit the "Bama Coast Cruise," April 25, 26 & 27, 2013.  You can see all the classic cars you know and love in all different stages and styles of restoration.  There will be live music, and vendors, a swap meet, and a cruise down the beautiful Alabam Gulf Coast. 

As if all of this wasn't enough to keep you entertained for three days, going on at the same time The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show will be taking place.  Did I mention this was at, "The Wharf!"  That means ladies if you are not exactly interested in learning about every little piece of each car in the show you could take some time and do some shopping just steps away at "The Wharf!"

Karen, Sterling, Skyler, and John and the Cobra

Karen, Sterling, Skyler, and John and the Cobra

We can off a special rate for 3 nights in a one bedroom that starts at $499.00 total.  If you need a little more space we can offer you a two bedroom for $599.00 or a 3 bedroom for $699.00 total for three nights.  Just give us a call to book today.

Be sure to stop by and cheer on Sterling and John in the Cobra!  Sterling has a chance to win one of many prizes the top prize is a 1969 Rambler Beach Cruiser.  When you stop by be sure to get your free Sunset Properties, FMA (Fort Morgan, AL) bumper sticker.  We hope to see you there!

Location: 4671 Wharf Parkway West, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561

Dates and Times:Bama Coast Cruise will be open to the public (spectators) on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission for Spectators: $5.00 for Adults, Children 12 and under are Free!

Spectator Parking: Parking is free and plentiful at the Wharf Event Center!

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HANGOUT FEST 2013

Posted on March 7, 2013 by SSPadmin

It is almost time for Hangout Fest 2013  grab your towel, sunscreen and some cash and head down to the Public beach in Gulf Shores for a fantastic line-up of artists, ready to entertain you all weekend long.  There are a couple of things you need to know first!

Ticket Prices!!!

General Addmission Ticket Prices
General Admission Ticket Prices

PARKING
There is no parking at the festival, we encourage everyone to use our shuttle system.

SHUTTLES
Hangout Shuttles are the best option to avoid traffic congestion that occurs around the festival entrance.  We’ve got these shuttles dialed in to offer you the fastest and easiest way to get to site!

And with the Golden Shuttle program you will have a chance to win awesome prizes including VIP upgrades and festival merchandise.  All you have to do is get on the bus!

Shuttle Passes are ON SALE NOW!

How about a line up for the weekend!  Check out who is joining us in Gulf Shores this year.  Oh, and that blurred out one is Stevie Wonder!!!!

Line Up Poster

Line up Poster

This year we are promised many surprises and new things one of them is a Art Contest!

Hangout art competition

Hangout art competition

So you have your tickets you have your shuttle passes you have your towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and cash.  Wait a minute you need a place sleep.  Unfortunately as fun as it sounds they police won't let you sleep on the beach in Gulf Shores.  We have an amazing deal for you though!!!

Stay 3 nights in a 1 bedroom condo only $599.00
Stay 3 nights in a 2 bedroom condo only $699.00
Stay 3 nights in a 3 bedroom condo only $799.00

Come for the party and enjoy the beach, don't forget your camera, swimsuit and sunscreen!  We will see you in MAY!!!

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