Katie Goodson – Sunset Properties Blog

March 20, 2017

What to Wear to the Beach This Year

Here on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, our sugar-white beaches are the main attraction! The hustle and bustle of beach-goers virtually hums year-round, as long as the sun shines! And, when you plan your beach vacation or weekend getaway, you’ll want to consider what to wear to the beach along with other must-have beach items. It’s easy to forget beach essentials when you’re planning the big beach adventure, so let our expertise guide you to what to wear to the beach!

Are you excited yet? With your beach vacation coming up, you’re going to need the best ideas for things to do on Alabama’s Gulf Coast! That’s why, at Sunset Properties, we’re offering our free Vacation Guide. With our guide, you’ll have the best trip to the Gulf Coast ever!

What to Wear to the Beach?

There are a few essentials you absolutely shouldn’t forget to bring for your trip to the beach. Here, we’ll cover those and a few extras that can help make your beach vacation the best it can be!

Swimsuit

When it comes to your swimsuit, there are two guiding principles on which you must rely. One, make sure it’s comfortable and fits correctly. And, two, make sure you remember to pack it! A beach vacation can be very uncomfortable if you don’t feel right in your swimsuit, and is guaranteed to be uncomfortable if you forget it altogether! But, even if you do, there are plenty of places to get a new one once you’re here. No matter what, you want something that is fun to wear and that you don’t have to constantly adjust!

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are non-negotiable when it comes to maintaining the health of your eyes. The amount of reflection off the water and sand can do serious damage without sunglasses. We recommend you bring UV-rated sunglasses with you on your beach adventure. That way, your eyes are protected and you don’t have to leave the beach early due to headaches and strain from the sun.

Sunscreen and Hats

Equally as important as sunglasses are sunscreen and headwear. Even on cloudy days, the sun can give you a nasty burn that will sour your trip. So, come prepared with a high-SPF-rated sunscreen, hats, and sun-blocking clothing. Your face, neck, and shoulders are oftentimes the first to burn, so be sure to wear a hat with a thorough application of sunscreen/sunblock to your neck and shoulders. We recommend naturally-derived sunscreens/sunblocks for a more chemical-free way to save your skin.

Footwear

It may seem like a no-brainer to most, but there are still plenty of people who go to the beach ill-prepared, donning tennis shoes or worse. So, when headed to the beach, skip fashionable and go for functional. Flip-flops, water shoes, and sandals are all great choices to bring as little sand back as possible!

Plan Your Beach Vacation to Alabama’s Gulf Coast

This summer, come to the sugar-white sands of Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Whether you’re looking for a quieter beach or the energy of the beach crowd, we’ve got it all down here. And, at Sunset Properties, we have the perfect beach house or condo for your stay. You’ll love the short walks to gorgeous beaches and the convenience our properties provide. So, browse our available properties and see for yourself how magical your next beach adventure can be! Then, contact us to book your stay! We are excited to host you!

December 27, 2016October 21, 2021

Where is the Best Nightlife in Gulf Shores?

As the sun goes down on Gulf Shores, Alabama, the glamorous nightlife awaits you. Hit the town with your friends on a weekend getaway, and you’ll drink and dance the night away! Gulf Shores boasts a variety of great restaurants, local bars, live music, and shopping! Here are some of the area’s top spots for enjoying the nightlife in Gulf Shores.

Looking for the most incredible experiences on Alabama’s Gulf Coast? You’ve come to the right place! Here at Sunset Properties, we know where all the fun is! So, check out our recommended activities, and enjoy this list of the best nightlife in Gulf Shores.

Where You Can Find the Best Nightlife in Gulf Shores

The Wharf
One of the Gulf Coast’s most entertaining places also has some of the best nightlife. Choose from a variety of restaurants, enjoy great seafood, or kick back at the cigar bar. While walking the main strip, you’ll enjoy the live music or take a ride on the famous ferris wheel. Come out for a concert and grab a seat in The Wharf’s Amphitheater! It has hosted music legends such as Rascal Flatts, Chicago, Tim McGraw and many more.

The Hangout
Don’t miss out on the food, music, and fun at The Hangout! Grab a bite to eat with options like crab cakes, steaks, sandwiches, and more. The Hangout offers a full schedule of live entertainment all year long. Plus, at the end of May, enjoy the party at the annual, three-day Hangout Music Fest. The festival features nonstop entertainment from many of the top artists. Some from the past include Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Skrillex, Paramore, and Beck, just to name a few.

Lulu’s at Marina Homeport
Often known for its good food and great atmosphere, Lulu’s offers a Bama Breeze Bar to get you started while you wait for a table. Plus, the kids can go crazy on the three-story rope climbing course. There is also live music every night just for your entertainment!

Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar
Straddling the Florida and Alabama state line, Flora-Bama is a must stop for anyone in the area. They offer weekly events such as open mic night and Wacky Women Wednesday. They also host locally famous annual events like the Polar Bear Dip, Mullet Toss, and the Super Bowl Chili Cook Off! With two stages, they have live music to entertain all night long!

Tacky Jack’s & Tacky Jack’s 2
Picking a restaurant can be difficult. But, at this Gulf Shores favorite, you can sit by the land or get a table overlooking the water. At Tacky Jack’s 2 in Fort Morgan (just across from our condo rentals), you can watch the sunset as you eat on the deck. They have Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day in the downstairs Jacks Bar. You’ll also have fun at karaoke each Thursday and Saturday starting at 8 p.m. After a late night, you can drive (or walk) to Tacky Jack’s 2 for a hearty breakfast and a Bloody Mary, Mimosa, or some Irish coffee.

Come Crash With Us

After your fun night on the town, you’re going to need a place to crash. That’s where we come in. Here at Sunset Properties, our beach houses and condos are the perfect vacation rental solution for your fun night out. Conveniently located, you’ll have no trouble at all getting to and from all the best nightlife and events. And, during the daytime, you’ll be just minutes from the beach! So, check out our available rentals and see for yourself the kind of quality comfort you can afford! Then, contact us to reserve your stay!

December 9, 2016

Must-Have Beach Items for Your Beach Vacation

Planning a beach vacation? There are a few basics you’ll need, and we can help you remember them on your list! These must-have beach items will help you have the best time at the beach possible. Nobody wants a sunburn! And, how do you keep the kids entertained? Follow our suggestions, and you’ll be good to go on your next beach adventure.

Make sure your next incredible beach experience doesn’t go awry! Here at Sunset Properties, we’ve got you covered. These great suggestions are just the start, too. Check out our recommended things to do, and your vacation will reach another level!

1. Sunscreen
The sun can be deceptive in that it can burn you, even on a cloudy day. Therefore, applying sunscreen thoroughly and often will protect your vacation and your skin for years to come. There are plenty of sunscreens available. From natural to some that aren’t great for your skin. And, there is also the option of wearing sun-blocking clothing. Wearing protective swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are all great ways to insure the health of your skin at the beach.

2. Sunglasses
Ever spent a day at the beach without sunglasses? Your eyes hurt and colors aren’t quite as vivid afterward. You get a headache and can even feel woozy. Bring UV-rated sunglasses with you to the beach to avoid these consequences and enjoy all of your day!

3. Swimsuit
When considering a swimsuit, you want something you feel comfortable in, but also that blocks the sun. The most important thing is to not forget it! Put it on your list! And, if you do forget to pack it, there are plenty of great shops in the area to find a new one.

4. Cooler/Drinks/Snacks
During the summer especially, the beach will be hot and windy. Combine those factors with the salty air, and you have a recipe for dehydration. So, it’s important to bring hydrating drinks with you. Bottled water is the best option for the beach. A couple of important regulations to observe: most beaches disallow glass containers on the beach. During some months, alcohol is not allowed, either. When it comes to snacks, be sure to pick up your trash and toss it in the available beach trash recepticles!

5. Towel and Bag
How many times have you gone to the beach with what you think to be must-have beach items in tow, just to find that you’ve brought too much stuff to carry! In this instance, a beach cart or tote bag are the perfect solutions. Another important thing to consider is the need for something to sit on. Under an umbrella, the sand may take a while to cool down. Nonetheless, a beach chair or towel to sit on will make your beach experience that much better.

6. TOYS – If you have little ones, beach toys are always a good plan. Even just a simple bucket and shovel to make a sand castle will go a long way towards keeping kids entertained and happy on a warm sunny day. You might also want to consider a small, inflatable pool for tiny guys. This will give them a chance to splash in the water, but not the worry of actually being in the waves.

Stage Your Beach Day at a Nearby Rental

The advantage of having a vacation rental near the beach is that, in the event you forget something, you can just run back to get it. Also, after a long day walking on the sand and playing in the sun, you won’t have to travel far to find relaxation and some air conditioning. So, check out the available beach houses and condos from Sunset Properties! Our rentals are the perfect solution because they are ideally located just near the beach. You’ll love the vibes our condos give out, and you’ll love being in the middle of everything. So, why wait? Contact us today to reserve your stay!

April 18, 2016

18th Annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic

Are you ready for a new adventure? Join the top anglers in the country and lots of cheering fans at the 18th Annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic. This event takes place out of the marina at The Wharf. The events start on the 18th of May and go through the 22nd. You can keep track of your favorite team and check often for their weigh-ins. The fishing starts at noon on the 19th and goes until weigh in on at 11 AM on the 22nd. There is a Weigh in on Saturday also on Saturday from 6 until 10 PM. So come enjoy all the fun activities at The wharf and then see if your favorite team won the big prize! Below are all the details from the Orange Beach Billfish Classic Website.

First of the Gulf Coast tournament season and the kickoff tournament of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship series. The Orange Beach Billfish Classic was formed in 1998 for the express purpose of providing financial support for organizations that speak effectively for all recreational fishermen. The OBBC quickly became a top event on the Gulf Coast tournament circuit and serves as an important fundraiser for The Billfish Foundation and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). In 2011, over $50,000 was donated to these organizations, bringing the total contributed over the history of the tournament to over $500,000.

The OBBC is the country’s only non-profit billfish tournament with 100% of all net profit donated to qualified 501(c)(3) conservation organizations. The OBBC is an all-volunteer effort so there is no overhead to deduct from the financial support that’s provided to our conservation beneficiaries.

Beginning in 2013, The Wharf Marina Entertainment Complex hosted the Orange Beach Billfish Classic for the first time, and hosted the tournament again in 2014 and 2015. Over the course of the four day event, the crews, anglers and participants enjoy a series of fun and food-filled events, with a Captain’s Meeting on Wednesday evening and culminating with an awards brunch on Sunday morning. The organizers look forward to a big turnout this year in order to continue to support the organizations that fight for our resources.

“I’d like to take a minute to personally invite everyone to join us for the 2016 Orange Beach Billfish Classic,” Dorland said in a recent interview. “Our staff will welcome you with open arms and we’ll all do our best to show you what a great experience this event has become, from the great fishing to our world-famous Gulf Coast hospitality. Come fishing with us this year — you won’t be disappointed.”

Interested participants are welcome to contact Dorland personally at (251) 402-8190 for more information.

Orange Beach Billfish Classic schedule of events is as follows.
Wednesday, May 18th• 4-11 pm: Registration and Optional Cash Awards open under the big tent • 6 pm: Cocktails and Hors d ’Oeuvres • 7 pm: Dinner • 8-11 pm: Optional Cash Awards Pot Party 2016

Schedule Of Events Thursday, May 19th • 10:00 am: Mandatory Captain’s Meeting under the big tent • 10:30 am: Boats may leave The Wharf through Perdido Bay to Perdido Pass • 12 noon: Boats may leave Perdido Pass. Any boat choosing to leave through Sailboat Bay may not leave The Wharf Marina until NOON, May 19th • 12 noon: Fishing Commences Friday, May 20th • 7-10 pm: Weigh in at The Wharf Saturday, May 21st • 6-10 pm: Weigh in at The Wharf Sunday, May 22nd • 9-11 am: Tournament Awards Breakfast

April 11, 2016

Delta Wildlife Boat Eco Tour

A don’t miss trip for nature lovers big and small take a Delta Safari! This charter departs daily from Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores and tours the scenic and historical and Mobile Delta system. You can learn local history enjoy beautiful scenery and learn about our unique ecosystem and the animals that live here on this family friendly hour and a half trip.

Experience the swamps of the lower Mobile-Tensaw Delta on this highly rated wildlife tour. This is the “must do” tour for all avid lovers of nature and its creatures when visiting Mobile, Alabama. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is Mobile’s biggest jewel – If you do nothing else, take this trip!

TOUR COST: Adult: $19.99, Child (6-15): $14.99, Under 5: FREE.

DEPARTS: Daily. Charters available 7 days.
LENGTH: 1.5 hours. Reservations suggested.

BOOK NOW! Click For Calendar

As we float among the open Marsh watching for a variety of wildlife including Alligators, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Heron, Cormorant, Pelicans, Nutria and more, learn about these unique animals of the swamp and how they live. Commentary includes points on the history, geology, ecology and characters of the Delta, as well as Alabama State Lands mission in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and the ‘Forever Wild’ program.

Perfect for children of all ages, Delta Safaris operates over 100 school field trips annually – we know kids and welcome yours aboard. For Children 5 and Under, please email us after booking and we will add their FREE tickets to your booking.

All commentary provided by experienced Delta Nature Guides.

Includes: The best eco-tour in Alabama, showing off the best delta eco-system in the USA. As seen in National Geographic – Adventure Magazine, Southern Living Magazine and on National Morning Shows.

Operates: Additional tours are offered on busy days. This public tour operates 5 days a week from February 15 – December 31st each year. From January 7 – February 14, it operates on Saturdays and Sundays only. Closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Private Group Charters available year round. Book Online above, Call: (251) 259-8531 or Email: info@5RDS.com for more information.

Delta Safaris is the only State of Alabama authorized Concessionaire offering tours of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Bottle Creek Indian Mounds and Champion Cypress. We believe in a Leave No Trace policy, in educating and preserving these amazing jewels for future generations.

Policies & Disclaimers:
Cancellation Policy: Rainchecks will be provided in the event of inclement weather. Unsafe passage call will be made by Captain on day of event. All other cancellations require 24 hour notice for refund.

What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, cameras and binoculars. Packed food and drink is welcome on board – no glass containers please.

Should I Tip?: Tips are not required but are graciously received. Our guides strive hard to educate and entertain. Please let your guides know how they did.

Cancellations: Rainchecks will be provided in the event of inclement weather. An unsafe passage call will be made by Captain on day of event. All other cancellations require 24 hour notice for refund.

Be sure to call and book your trip to enjoy this unique trip with your family!

April 4, 2016

12th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

May 5th until the 8th enjoy all of the fantasy and adventure that follows hot air balloons. I know as a child it was such a special even to get to see even one hot air balloon floating along. In early May you have a chance to see up to 30 hot air balloonists from across the country floating through and around our area to celebrate the 12th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Of course It is not just balloons that are at this festival. The big events are as follows.
May 5 – Balloon Glow at Tanger Outlets from 6pm – 7pm
May 6 – Festival Grounds from 2pm – 10pm (open to public)
May 7 – Festival Grounds from 9am – 10pm (open to public)
May 8 – Enjoy the balloons from afar as they soar through the sky! (NOT open to public)
This is just a taste of what is happening at the balloon festival that weekend.

Take a look at all the fun you and your family can enjoy. Information provided by The Foley Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, May 5

Balloon Glow at Tanger Outlets in Foley, Alabama. Come get up close and personal with 10 hot air balloons as they light the sky! Talk to pilots and crew and see the inside of balloons!
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Friday, May 6

Color Dash 5k. Run under 40 balloons and get colorful! Run begins at the Chamber office and ends at the Festival Grounds! Learn more and register today by clicking here. Also check out where to park.
Registration begins at 6:00am Race starts at 7:00am
Festival Grounds open to the public
2:00pm
Disconnected K’9s Frisbee Dog Show presented by Papa John’s
3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm
Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting). Walk inside a hot air balloon!
5:00pm – Dusk
Tethered Rides. Purchase tickets here to go up in a hot air balloon! (weather permitting)
Dusk
Balloon Glow and Mass Ascension! Watch the balloons glow and soar through the night sky! (weather permitting)
Dusk
Have fun with the kiddos at the carnival that will be available all day! (rides for the whole family!) Purchase your tickets early by clicking here.
2:00pm – 10:00pm
Live Music featuring Mustache The Band! Check out their band here.
8:00pm – 10:00pm

Saturday, May 7

8:00am – 10:00pm
Arts & Crafts Vendors, Retail Vendors and Food Vendors (open at 8am for Color Dash 5k runners only. Open at 9am to public)
8:00am – 10:00pm
Disconnected K’9s Frisbee Dog Show presented by Papa John’s, Faulkner State, Global Marketing Solutions and Bon Secour Fisheries
10:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting). Walk inside a hot air balloon!
5:00pm – Dusk
Tethered Rides. Purchase tickets here to go up in a hot air balloon! (weather permitting)
Dusk
Mass Ascension! Watch the balloons all take off at the same time! (weather permitting). Check out all the balloons and their pictures by clicking here.
Dusk
Have fun with the kiddos at the carnival that will be available all day! Purchase your tickets early by clicking here. (open at 8am for Color Dash 5k runners only. Open at 9am to public)
Live Music featuring The Molly Ringwalds! Check out their band here.
8:00pm – 10:00pm

Sunday, May 8

Unfortunately the grounds are not open but we would encourage you to be on the lookout for the balloons in the sky!
7:00am
Balloons Fly
7:00am
Cote’s Music Factory (formally known as the Bamaboys Band)
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Dancing Story Lady (provided by “The Melting Pot”, a multicultrual experience presented by the Snooke Youth Club and a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts)
2:00pm – 2:50pm
Winners from BCCA Baldwin Star Search (provided by “The Melting Pot”, a multicultrual experience presented by the Snooke Youth Club and a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts)
1:15pm – 1:45pm
Snook Youth Club Angel Bells and Fiddlers (provided by “The Melting Pot”, a multicultrual experience presented by the Snooke Youth Club and a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts)
1:00pm – 1:15pm
Color Dash Runners end at the festival grounds. Grounds open ONLY to those who ran!!
8:00am
9:00am
Festival Grounds open to public
Arts & Crafts Vendors, Retail Vendors and Food Vendors
2:00pm – 10:00pm
Festival Grounds close
10:00pm
Check out these other fun things going on…
Tara McMeans with Design Print Promote designed our beautiful 2016 poster and t-shirts. Click here to view and purchase merchandise. She will be onsite both days signing posters and shirts as well as painting the scenery. Come meet the artist!

Our VIP tent is new and beautiful with incredible appetizers from Wolf Bay Lodge Foley, a full bar and beautiful new furniture. Also, don’t miss out on meeting John and Johnna from 97.5 WABD Cumulus Radio. Our VIP tent is sponsored by: Cumulus Radio, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, Meyer Vacation Rentals and Southern Linc Wireless. Click here to purchase passes.

Check out some really cool trucks provided by Southern Comfort!

Want to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy yourself? No worries, we have a gaming truck that is over 50′ long and has all your kids’ favorite games inside. For a small fee, drop the kids off and let them enjoy their favorites; from x-box, wii, x-box 360 and more!

Kewl Kites will be joining us this year! Check out their HUGE kites and come to the festival both days to watch them fly!

Our interactive balloon, provided by Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Company and our very own Balloonmeister Tommy Rachel and powered by the Foley Fire Explorers, will be at the Festival Grounds both days. Walk inside the balloon and get great pictures!

March 12, 2016

Rainy Summer Vacation

It is that time of year We are getting tons of calls from people planning their summer vacation. It is also the time of year for us to get tons of rain. Unfortunately, travel insurance does not cover if you have a rainy summer vacation , but just because its rainy does not limit your fun things to do in the area. We wanted to give you a few hits and helpful tips over the next few weeks so you will be completely prepared for your trip no matter what happens. This week I just wanted to talk to you about an alternate plan.

You never know from one day to the next what will happen on your vacation so the biggest tip is to be FLEXIBLE… Flexibility will save hurt feelings, and bad attitudes from taking over the trip. A little extra planning will allow for seamless transitions if it rains or if your group has just had enough sun for that week. Lucky you are on the Gulf coast it is the place to be when its rainy outside!

If you are just a group of adults looking for some great activities when it rains on your vacation. Everything from shopping at the outlet mall or beach souvenir stores to Local cultural experiences at one of the many theaters or museums in the area. Of course there is always a choice of movies and we have two movie theaters in the area The Cobb Pinnacle Theaters, and Carmike Cinemas at the Wharf.

When it rains on your summer vacation and you are planning for the ever-board teens that are here with you try Blond Johns for all of their surfing dreams. Or if surfing and skating are not on their radar and movies or shopping is not their thing visit Adventure Island they have indoor laser tag and an arcade. Or you could try Arena Next Play at the Wharf, or the indoor arcades at Waterville, or The Track.

Children have the most selections by far on rainy summer vacation days. So when planning if you have little ones all you need to know is what they are interested in. Of course just like above there are movie options shopping and arcades. But specifically for kids or anyone interested in science or animals check out the Esturairum at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The Esturarium is just a quick ferry ride away over to Dauphin Island. If you are up for a little bit of a car ride take a day trip to Mobile or Pensacola. In Mobile those science lovers in the family would enjoy The

href=”https://www.exploreum.com/”>Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. With rotating exhibits throughout the year this is a fantastic place to spend the day for the entire family.

Our all time favorite spot to direct families to is the Naval Air Station in Pensacola Museum. It is free to the public although they always accept donations. The museum has more planes that you can see in a day in every corner and even hanging from the ceiling. History surrounds you at every turn and even in the cafe. They have flight simulators, cockpit trainers, and a virtual flight deck. Not to mention the Blue Angel’s practice here. The 325-seat giant screen theater features the latest in state-of-the-art motion picture projection. The theater has upgraded from 70mm film projection to stunning premium laser-illuminated 2D projection system boasting full 4K resolution—nearly 9 million pixels on-screen—the first of its kind installed in an institutional theater.

So no worries! There is plenty to do on rainy summer vacation it just takes a little planning ahead. You will be sure to have the best vacation no matter what the weather happens to do while you are on vacation.

March 5, 2016

Springbreak Gulf Shores

Spring Break Gulf Shores, 2015 the police chief made the very public and highly publicized statement “I want to make sure everyone understands the rules. A popular misconception exists that the city is more concerned with your spending than your safety or the quality of life for residents and law abiding visitors alike. This is not true and GSPD is willing to prove it to potential law breakers.” 2016 along the Alabama Gulf Coast only builds on this idea and ordinances that were enacted last year to keep the Alabama Gulf Coast the family friendly vacation destination it strives to be.

In 2016 not only will all uniformed personnel be on duty for the entire spring break holiday season but they will also be supported by plain clothed officers, sheriff’s deputies, fire and emergency medical personnel. This small army of law keepers will be an unwavering presence on our sugar white sandy beachs.

The cities have also given new authority to property managers to evict any problem makers under new city ordinances. The police and sheriff departments will be backing up any property manager that needs help evicting those making our beautiful beaches non family friendly.

Along with these new peace keeping and safety ordinances the cities have also enacted new measures to keep picturesque beaches clean. The new clean campaign is called “Leave only Footprints.”

Take it all back with you tents, umbrellas, chairs, and especially trash. Tons of new trash can will encourage you to recycle or throw away all trash. Go to cleanisland.org for more information.

Join us on the Alabama Gulf Coast! Enjoy our beautiful beaches and amazing beach houses or breathtaking views for one of the thousands of condos. Please treat this terasure better than you would your own home so it is here to enjoy for years to come.

February 26, 2016

The 24th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival

Are you looking for a fun Saturday event? Of Course it needs to have something for everyone in the Family! Well look no further. Take the entire family out to The 24^th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival. Not only will you have fantastic seafood but there is also a craft show, fun games and activities for kids and a classic Car Show. This entire event is held annually and is the to raise money for the Association’s major fundraiser to support sports-related activities in our community, specifically youth baseball, softball and T-Ball. Proceeds are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, insurance, and pay for expenses of officials and sponsor clinics.

The Festival remains the same full day of delicious food, 85 arts & crafts vendors and music for the whole family. The festival includes a silent auction, food booths, car show featuring antique, classic & hot rod vehicles, a Kids Zone with climbing wall, activities & more.

– 85 Arts & Crafts Vendors

– Food Booths

– Musical Entertainment

– Military Display & Memorabilia

– Open Car Show

– Silent Auction

– Kids Zone with Activities & More

Dates & Times

Feb 27, 2016 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location

4830 Main St.Orange Beach, AL, 36561

From I-10 – Take Exit 44, Gulf Shores Parkway, and head south. Just north of Foley turn left onto the Foley Beach Express. The distance from the beginning of the Expressway to Orange Beach is 14 miles. The toll for the Expressway is $3.50 per car. After going over the bridge, the Expressway ends at Hwy. 180, Canal Road and The Wharf. Parking will be on both sides of the Expressway. Follow signs for parking directions.

From I-65 – Take Exit 37, Gulf Shores Parkway, and head south. It is approximately 50 miles from I-65 to Orange Beach. Just north of Foley turn left onto the Foley Beach Express. The distance from the beginning of the Expressway to Orange Beach is 14 miles. The toll for the Expressway is $3.50 per car. After going over the bridge the Expressway ends at Hwy. 180, Canal Road and The Wharf. Parking will be on both sides of the Expressway. Follow signs for parking directions.

From Pensacola – Hwy. 98 – Follow Hwy. 98 from Pensacola. Just east of Foley, turn left onto the Foley Beach Express. The toll for the Expressway is $3.50 per car. After going over the bridge the Expressway ends at Highway 180, Canal Road and The Wharf. Parking will be on both sides of the Expressway. Follow signs for parking directions.

Admission

Admission is free.

Event Info

The 24th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival is a major fundraiser for the Orange Beach Sports Association to support sports-related activities in our community, specifically youth baseball, softball and T-Ball. Proceeds are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, insurance, and pay for expenses of officials and sponsor clinics. The Festival is a full day of delicious food, 80 arts and crafts vendors, military memorabilia and music for the whole family. This is an alcohol-free event. The festival includes a silent auction, car show featuring antique, classic and hot rod vehicles, a Kids Zone with climbing wall, inflatables and games and a children’s performance pavilion.

Contact Us

PHONE: (251) 981-1524

WEBSITE: https://www.obparksandrec.com

February 19, 2016

Leave Only Footprints – Keep Alabama Beaches Clean!

As a child growing up just over the state line in the Pensacola area of Florida I remember a similar idea of leaving only your footprints behind. As I’ve gotten older I’ve always wondered why Alabama Beaches didn’t have the same signs for all the beach goers. The beaches across Alabama are implementing a similar plan and it is called Leave only Footprints!

The leave only Footprints, works off of the idea that, “you must be change you want to see in the world”. With that idea in mind and with the direction of U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the cities and areas of the Alabama Gulf Coast have enacted several new rules regarding litter and items on the beach.

1. Personally owned structures and equipment left on the beach an hour after sunset will be removed by the beach patrol.

2. Avoid walking on beach vegetation. Plant roots hold together the fragile dunes.

3. Keep the natural ecosystem intact by avoiding the removal of shells, driftwood or other items you may find during your island explorations.

4. Explore away from bird nesting areas. Nests may be located in the ground and camouflaged to resemble the surrounding environment, so please watch your step!

5. Consider the best type of transportation to see the island: your feet! Walking is not only a great form of exercise, but it’s an eco-friendly way to experience the Alabama Gulf Coast.

New Trash Cans and Recycle containers will be all along the beach to help keep trash and recyclables off of the beach and out of the water. Keeping Alabama beaches clean and safe for all of its inhabitants and visitors.

Each year more than 5 million visitors travel from across the nation and the world to enjoy the turquoise water and white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Come, stay, play and enjoy the striking beauty and laid-back lifestyle of our 32 miles of sugar-white sand. We simply ask that you take with you all those happy beach memories . . . and leave only your footprints.

The Leave Only Footprints program exists to ensure it stays that way for generations to come. Will you join us?