Sunset Properties’ Becky Is Heading Back To School

Our beloved office manager Becky has started out on a new adventure.  She told me it was always her dream to earn a college degree!  We think Becky is wonderful as is but this is her dream and Sunset Properties owners try to support our dreams as much as possible.  After much searching and discussion with the powers that be, Becky has begun her classes at Columbia Southern University! 

Columbia Southern is one of the nation’s first completely online universities, established to meet the demand for alternatives to the traditional university experience. All degree programs are offered completely online, giving you the flexibility to fit your education around career and family commitments.

 With CSU, Becky can take schedule shifting and time management conflicts out of the equation. Open enrollment and self-paced programs make rearranging her life to attend a class or take a test a thing of the past.  With Becky’s unpredictable schedule and multiple jobs, CSU is a perfect fit for her to advance her career and knowledge. With CSU’s 24-hour access to course assignments, online forums, web lectures, interactive software, and audio and visual examples she is excited about the opportunity to earn her degree.

Becky is spending her evenings and early mornings reading and studying and her coursework and taking test.  In not to terribly long she will have an Associates Degree in Business with an emphasis in Travel Tourism.  So now she will have the knowledge she has earned in real life and the book knowledge she is gaining to make your stay one of you favorite memories.   We are so proud of our Becky!  Be sure to cheer Becky on as she works toward her Dream!!!

May in Pictures from Sunset Properties!

We wanted to share the happenings this past May in a different way! We hope you enjoy these photos! See you soon…

Fishing at Sunset
Fishing at Sunset
Sterling at Lego land
Sterling at Lego land
Marietta's Party
Marietta's Party
Manta Rays migrating down The Dunes beach
Manta Rays migrating down The Dunes beach
Lauren And Tyler
Sterling and Mickey
Sterling and Mickey
Becky and Tony  at Graduation
Becky at Tony's Graduation
Some of the biggest fish caught we've seen in some time
Some of the biggest fish caught we've seen in some time. Thanks Kendall!
Jim showed us one of the beautiful benefits of fishing
Jim showed us one of the beautiful benefits of fishing
Tara and Teresa at The Hangout Music Festival
Tara and Teresa at The Hangout Music Festival

 

Tara at The Hangout Music Festival

How To Live In Ft. Morgan

At least once a week, someone tells me they are hoping to move to this area.  They love the Country at the Beach!  It is one of their life goals to live here!  There are a few things to consider, however, before you make the move.  Ideas that you must embrace and make your own to really be a part of the Ft. Morgan Community.

First, you must really like sand!  It gets everywhere, on everything, and is just simply everywhere.  You must truly think of sand as your friend.  It has created your beautiful beach and without it things just wouldn’t be the same in your favorite place to walk, fish, swim, relax and play.  So say it with me.  I love SAND!  Just keep repeating that.  Okay, now that you have that simple basic truth down, you have let go of the idea that your new home will be immaculate and sand free,  you are well on your way to embracing the relaxed lifestyle of island life.  I’m  not saying embrace filth!  I’m saying that it is not an end of the world crisis if a little sand is around.

Take a deep breath, that first one is really the hardest one!  Okay now look at your cell phone, tablet, maybe even laptop.  Hug your wireless device.  Pay lots of attention to it.  Spend all the time you could possibly want with your wireless device where you live now!  Once you get to Ft. Morgan they will be used less, and at times useless!  Not to mention in constant harms way.  With water all around and sand everwhere, these things tend to have a short life here.  If fact people have so much fun without them (once they are used to the idea they don’t work well) that they forget them.  I mail back or have people turn more cell phones into lost and found each year.

Slow Down enjoy the sunset
Slow down enjoy the sunset

The real trick to living here is taking everything in stride!  Remember all things happen for  reason.  If it rains one day at the beach, you notice the locals love it!  That’s because it doesn’t happen often and we know how much our area needs it.  The wind blows so hard you feel sand blasted and that’s ok!  This is one of the natural ways the beach is cleaned.  There is seaweed everywhere on the beach and now its down your swim suit because you wanted to swim.  The seaweed is important to our local sea creatures, it acts a nursery to our beaches, and it helps build our protective sand dunes when it washes on shore.

Are you seeing a theme here???  Start enjoying the things around you and let go of the things that are a part of the modern world.  In this place of remote beauty we hold on tightly to our natural world and history and don’t take much else really seriously!  We use our precious time to enjoy family, friends,  sunsets, food, fishing and fun.  If this still sounds good to you, pack your bags!  Bring your necessities and don’t forget your comfy clothes and shoes!  We’ll see you soon.

Princess Half Marathon

SSP Half MarathonThe Sunset Properties Princesses are at it again! The weekend of February 25th Karen, Tara, Katie and Gwen headed to Disney World to participate in the Disney Princess Half Marathon.

While this race is a lot of fun, participants get to take photos with the Disney characters as they run the course–but in reality, the main reason for participating in this race is to raise awareness and funds for leukemia, lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease.

This year’s run was a little more special to us because we ran in honor of one of our condo owner’s, Mrs. Adryn Davis. Mrs. Davis a beloved wife, mother, sister, and daughter lost her battle with leukemia earlier this year. Our hope was to take this trip to celebrate and honor the life of Mrs. Davis who was a true Princess in our eyes!

For more news about the Disney Half Marathon or Sunset Properties, please follow our blog or call use at 1.888.877.9270!

2011 Sunset Properties Photo Contest Winners

We wanted to say a special Congratulations to our Winners and Honorable Mentions for our 2011 Photo Contest. We appriciate your time an efforts in entering this contest and sharing your beautiful memories and great talent! Enjoy these great photos below.

1st Place: Jessica Mooney ” Baby Jake”

Jessica Mooney - Baby Jake

2nd Place: Jennifer Hill – ” Crab Hunting”

Jennifer Hill - Crab Hunting

3rd Place: Angela Allred – “Fishing Lesson”

Angela Allred " Fishing Lesson"

Honorable Mentions in no particular order

Amanda Snipes Family Beach Photo
Amanda Snipes- “Family Beach Photo”

Christie Arthur - Mr. GQ
Christie Arthur – “Mr. GQ”

Kevin Ware Sunset From Pier
Kevin Ware – ” Sunset from Pier”

Toni Fahler - Lucy buried in the sand
Toni Fahler – ” Lucy buried in the sand”

Surf Beagle

As most of you know we have a dog friendly beach in Ft. Morgan and a dog in our office most days!  Skyler, is our office Beagle / greeter / boss.  We all tend to work our schedules around what the dog needs during the day, and he is spoiled to say the least!  We really think that he is of the opinion, that people come to the office just to visit with him.  Skyler is not just a lazy lump looking for the next snack or belly rub though.  He loves the beach and trying to catch the birds is one of his favorite past times and he is a great surfer.  All we have to say is “lets surf” and Skyler is ready to go!   Check out our Surf Beagle in action!

SSP 1st Annual Photo Contest

2011 Summer Photo Contest

Win a $ 300.00 gift certificate!

We have an exciting announcement to make. Sunset Properties  is holding our first annual Summer Photo Contest giveaway,  and  everyone is  invited to enter.  So, make sure you spread the word to your friends and family.

Details for the giveaway are simple. Email us at  Contest@SunsetProperties.comwith your favorite “beach vacation” picture and a maximum of five sentences describing it. Submissions will be processed within  three  business days of receiving. Any photo submissions posted on the Sunset Properties Facebook wall will be deleted—your official entry has to be emailed to us.

The winning entry will receive a $ 300.00 gift certificate towards a stay with Sunset Properties. There is also a 2nd prize gift certificate of $100.00 and a 3rd prize gift certificate of $50.00.Pictures don’t necessarily need to be posed. We want GREAT pictures and GREAT stories. If you want to know how we define GREAT keep reading. There is a two picture entry limit per person, per email address so make sure you pick the best pictures you have.  Here are examples of GREAT picture ideas/themes:

This is a BEACH themed contest!!!  Beach Fun, Beach Views, Beach wildlife, Gulf Shores Fun,  I think you guys got the Theme.  So send us your beach photos!!!!

Please no other cities or photos that do not obviously show you are at the beach or at a Gulf Shores land mark or hot spot.

  • A funny picture of your family playing at a Gulf Shores water or amusement park on vacation
  • A beautiful sunset as seen from the balcony of your condo or house in Ft. Morgan
  • Your family at the beach during your 4th of July getaway
  • Anything that’s cute, fun or pretty at the beachThe best photos will be the ones that make us laugh, cry, sigh, move us, or make us want to be in at the Beach.

Are you convinced you should win? We’ll be posting entries in an album on our Facebook Fanpage entitled “2011 Summer Photo Contest.” Please encourage your friends and family to “Like”their favorite picture.  In order for a photo to be in the contest it must be submitted to us via email so we can place it in our contest photo album on our Facebook page. The amount of “likes” will be considered in our decision making for the winners. So participants should spread the word to friends and family and ask them to “like” their pictures. Ultimately, our office staff will choose the final winners.

The contest starts on July 1, 2011 and ends on July 31, 2011 @ 11:59 pm. Winners will be announced via Facebook on August 8, 2011.   We’re excited to see the entries!

Click here for Official Rules!

Brandiwine, A great way to unwind

One of our favorite past times is dinner every other Thursday at Tequila’s and Listening to the music of Brandiwine.  We were introduced to Eric and Brandi through our maintenance man Jim Merrick who is their sometime guitar player.  Brandi and Eric always add fun and merriment to our evenings, when we are trying to relax after a busy day.  It is great to live in and work in a community where people are so talented and love to share their gift.  Brandi has an absolutely spellbinding voice and their music ranges from Heart to Hank Williams. 

When your are out this summer be sure to schedule your Thursday night for Tequila’s and Brandiwine!  You won’t regret this great time with new friends, enjoying yummy Mexican and music that puts you in the vacation spirit.  You will walk away feeling like a local.

Yes, We Have A Beach

Because we are just near the end of the island and not on Beach Boulevard in the heart of Gulf Shores, many people don’t realize that we even have a beach.  The question “Do you have a beach there?” keeps us constantly laughing.  I wanted to take a moment to tell you about “OUR” beach here in Fort Morgan AL.

Not only do we have a beautiful white sandy beach that rivals anything you will find in the heart of Gulf Shores,  we are only a mile and a half or so from the end of the island.  That means beyond the 1000 feet of private beach in the Dunes Community there is another mile and a half of beach  to explore, fish off of, and make memories on with your family.  Some of my favorite memories over the last five years have been on that beach.  It is quiet and secluded, even at our busiest time of the year.  There are always new shells and other beach treasures to find and with such a huge stretch of beach there are plenty for everyone.

Did I mention the sunsets and sunrises?  Spectacular!!!!  Not to be missed.  Waking up early before anyone else to enjoy the beach is one thing to put on your agenda.  This early morning trip will change your perspective.  If you get there early enough you are just in time to see the sea turtle patrol looking for mamma sea turtle tracks.  If you get to see these gentle giant’s tracks, it is something you will never forget.

So in a word, “YES”  we are on the beach, you should come check it out!  Take a look at the beach sneak preview I made for you then give me a call!  We have a spot for you!

New BIG house for big family fun, Sun Down!!!!

This home is located in Ft. Morgan only 18 miles West of Gulf Shores. It offers the complete Island experience. Enjoy the tranquility of the ocean with awesome views from one of several decks.  Warm tropical colors, comfy seating and beds for your large family, is sure to encourage all sorts of family fun.  Take a look around this beautiful home!
Sundown photos The home has 3250 Sq. Ft. with three levels which provide plenty of space for family and friends to gather. The large, open floor plan allows plenty of space for everyone to eat play and relax together comfortably. Head off to the nearby historic Ft. Morgan for a very interesting day in the lives of the solders that served in the Civil War. You can also explore the beach; watch the dolphins play or head across the street to Gulf Shores Marina for fresh seafood a cold drink and the most beautiful sunset in the world. The vacation your family spends in this home will be the one everyone remembers for years to come. This house rents only Saturday to Saturday  during the Summer and Spring…..if you are looking for a Fall or Winter you need a shorter stay please call 888-877-9270 or email!