Attractions – Page 6 – Sunset Properties Blog

July 31, 2019

The Best Places to Picnic in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

So you want to spend a day out in about enjoying the natural scenery in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. We, at Sunset Properties, know your indoor accommodations are important, but now you’re ready to just get outdoors. You’ve got your comfy walking shoes on, applied some insect repellent and sunscreen and you’re looking for ideas. Here are six easy-to-access places that you should drive to, then get out of your car and enjoy a little of our island paradise on foot. Take your family and a picnic basket filled with fresh local Alabama Seafood and make memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Wade Ward Nature Park

Located just off the sidewalk along Highway 59 in Gulf Shores near Scoop’s Ice Cream, Wade Ward Nature Park is one of our favorite places to explore. With free public parking nearby on East 1st Street, accessibility for the whole family is easy. You’ll enter the park area as you cross a wooden boardwalk bridge and under a pavilion. The walkway is an elevated boardwalk that sits above the wetlands below. It’s an easy walk and you’re almost guaranteed to have great views of alligators, heron, and other coastal wildlife. In the marshes, you’ll find an array of plant life indigenous to this type of ecosystem. Bring along your camera! Wade Ward Nature Park is part of our Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Migrating birds are often spotted here. Your whole family will enjoy this outing where you’re sure to see plants and animals unlike any in your own front yard north of our beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Established in 2003, Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is actually seven trails in one. It is made up of over 15 miles of trail paths and passes through six distinctly different ecosystems in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and around Gulf State Park. A fun trail destination is Boulder Park. You will find giant boulders perfect for kids to climb. It is located next to the Pavilion and Butterfly Garden; about 1½ miles from the Catman Road trailhead on Highway 161. Rock climbing venues along our Alabama Gulf Coast are uncommon, but this one’s sure to please. For a complete map of all the trails to explore along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail follow this MAP link. In the meantime, don’t miss an opportunity to bring your kids to Boulder Park for some memorable outdoor fun!

Orange Beach Waterfront Park

Located on Canal Road to the east of Doc’s Seafood, Orange Beach Waterfront Park is a great place for a family outing. With pavilions and restrooms and an unmatched view of Wolf Bay, your whole family will enjoy an afternoon here. Be sure to walk out on the 400-foot-long fishing pier to get the absolute best view possible! While alcohol is not allowed in Orange Beach Waterfront Park, pets are! Remember to visit this family-friendly, exceptionally clean outdoor park when you’re planning to get your whole family out for an afternoon of sightseeing and picnicking opportunities.

Fort Morgan Beaches

What blog about natural walking trails and outdoor family venues would be complete without mentioning the serene beaches of Fort Morgan? Most island guests are accustomed to seeing the clean, swept, sandy white beaches in front of condos and places like The Hangout in Gulf Shores. While those beaches are always nice and welcoming, the undeveloped beaches of Fort Morgan are some of our favorites. The dunes are a little more covered with sea oats and the island wildlife is often more visible. To get here, travel all the way to the end of Fort Morgan Road and enter the fort. Park near the restrooms and walk out the brick walkway to the beaches. At the end of the walkway, go left and head towards the Gulf of Mexico at Mobile Point or choose to walk to the right and explore The Mobile Bay side of this beach. If you need more reasons to visit Fort Morgan this summer, check out our blog about the Fort. And if you happen to look out across the water and see Dauphin Island bridge and wonder what’s over there, we’ll tell you: The Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Catch the Mobile Bay Ferry, which leaves from the entrance gates at Fort Morgan, to cross Mobile Bay and extend your nature outing around this area by including a trip to the The Estuarium. You’ll be glad you did!

Romar Beach

Romar Beach, located nearly 7 miles from Highway 59 on Perdido Beach Boulevard, has been a local’s favorite Gulf access point for years. There is only a limited amount of free parking around this Alabama State Park beach access, but if you’re just looking to run out across the sand and put your toes in the water, you have to stop here at Romar Beach. Don’t forget to bring a picnic basket. This little stretch of public access is a great place to spread a blanket and have a snack. Many people have asked us about the name “Romar”. Romar is a combination of two last names: Roche and Martin. These two gentlemen were the first to build homes in this area of our island around 1924. Stop by and see for yourself what attracted them all those years ago! The years have changed, but the beauty of Romar Beach remains.

Lake Shelby

Lake Shelby is located inside Gulf State Park just off Perdido Beach Boulevard on Highway 135. This well-kept outdoor venue welcomes pets and people, alike. Pets, however, must be leashed. Lake Shelby is known for its wild alligator population and they are protected, so be aware if you choose to bring your fur babies. Leashing them is an absolute must and any type of feeding or molesting the gators is a crime. Fishing is also allowed in Lake Shelby. There are picnic areas, designated swimming areas and restrooms available, as well. Lake Shelby is a unique body of water in our area. It is considered a freshwater lake, even though it is so close to the Gulf. You’ll notice the color of the water is not like most other lakes you’ve seen, too. But it is safe for swimming and fishing. Freshwater bass, bream and crappie all live in Lake Shelby, along with trout and mullet. Be sure to visit this unique lake and adjoining park.

We’re glad you’re choosing to spend part of your summer with us in our island paradise. At Sunset Properties, we have several beautifully decorated and fully stocked beach homes around the island available for your family’s use.Imagine, Dunes 206 and Navy Cove 2113 are located just minutes from Fort Morgan. Lighthouse 607 is not too far from Lake Shelby. If you’re looking for a penthouse, check out Caribe C Penthouse 14. If none of these fit your vacation stay needs, email us atinfo@sunsetproperties.com or just give us a call 251.543.1370 . We will be happy to help you find the perfect beach home to make the indoor part of your beach vacation unforgettable!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

June 27, 2019

Things to do On July 4th in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

Things to do On July 4th in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

Here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, we love celebrating birthdays and our nation’s birthday is no exception! Welcome to our Island Paradise. We are so excited you’ve chosen to spend this Independence Day 2019 with us! We know you’re looking forward to the awesome fireworks display sponsored by The City of Gulf Shores on July 4, 2019 at 9PM, but what will you do until the fireworks start? Here are some suggestions on how to spend your Independence Day with your family:

Breakfast with Pirates and Princesses

This is a great way to start off any vacation day. Dress the kiddos (and Mom and Dad) in their best pirate or princess costume and stop by The Hangout located at Gulf Place in Gulf Shores for a great breakfast buffet with Pirates and Princesses. Costumes are not required, but are always fun! Breakfast is served from 8AM until 11AM. While you’re at The Hangout, you’ll most likely meet some of our local maidens and scallywags. Be sure to ask one of them to help you search for buried treasure on a guided treasure hunt. And bring your camera along, too. The photographs you’ll catch are sure the be the most valuable treasures of the day!

Midmorning Mini Golf and Ice Cream -Crustacean Style

After breakfast, be sure to head over to Shrimpy’s Mini Golf & Ice Cream located only a couple of blocks from The Hangout at 204 East 2nd Avenue. This super cute fishing village themed 18 hole mini golf course will be a bit of challenging fun for your whole family. We know its hot to play outside on the 4th of July, so that’s why we suggest mini golfing at Shrimpy’s in the morning. As soon as you’ve mastered all 18 holes, you can go inside to cool off with something delightfully frozen. Shrimpy’s is home to more than 20 flavors of ice cream. And the good folks at Shrimpy’s make a delicious Bananas Foster ice cream treat you’re sure to enjoy.

Lunch at Lulu’s

Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s in Gulf Shores , located at 200 East 25th Avenue in Gulf Shores, is more than just a great dining experience. It’s an entertainment experience, also. We don’t have to tell you how great the food is at Lulu’s. We know that by now, you’ve already heard. But did you know Lulu’s offers menu items specifically for folks with seafood and other allergies? Yep! They do. Just ask your server to tell you about it. While you wait for your table, you and the kiddos will love the arcade. If video games don’t appeal to you, load up on the sunscreen and head outside to the rope courses. There is a course for the tiny tots and one for bigger kids. Both are challenging and fun. If waiting for a table today doesn’t appeal to you, you’re in luck! Lulu’s has a “go online and get in line” option that will allow you to get your name on the waitlist from a “Beat the Wait” link on the website. So plan to have lunch at Lulu’s on the 4th of July and don’t forget to get one of their iconic t-shirts while you’re there.

Be Lazy and Cool All Afternoon

As the heat of the day takes over, all we want to do is be lazy. Why not do it in the Crystal Waters River at Waterville USA? This slow moving water ride will allow you to simply relax on your tube and float the ⅓ mile course around the park. This is a great way to cool off from the mid-summer heat while still enjoying the outdoors of our island paradise. While the kiddos enjoy the fast paced waterslides like the Screamin’ Demon and Rainbow Falls, the adults can just kick back and relax. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Maybe chilling in your own private cabana appeals to you. Rent your own space at Cabana Cove inside the park. Enjoy seating for up to eight people including two beach recliners. You’ll have a server assigned to your cabana and your server will bring your food and drink orders right to you. As a bonus, each cabana rental comes with two free beach towels that are yours to keep. That’s a pretty cool souvenir to take home after a fun afternoon enjoying one of the oldest, and yet most modern, theme parks in Gulf Shores.

Dine at Doc’s

After a long day that included everything from pirates to screamin’ demons, you’re gonna need a comfortable, casual place to have dinner. Give Doc’s Seafood Shack located on Canal Road in Orange Beach a try. For some of the best local seafood, the nicest servers and one of the most laid back atmospheres around, Doc’s is sure to please. If you like raw half-shell oysters or fresh fried shrimp, you’ll love Doc’s. Not a seafood lover? That’s okay! Doc’s serves fried chicken that’s so good, we’ve heard the Colonel is jealous. If you’d like to peek at their menu before you go, follow this MENU link for a look.

Finally Fireworks

The City of Gulf Shores will once again this year host a fireworks show unlike any other around. Beginning at 9PM, fireworks will be shot from the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. Fireworks will be shot from the southernmost end of the 1500 foot long pier making viewing from most any point in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach pretty amazing. For a great vantage point, find a spot on one of our State Park Beaches, or watch from your vacation home atBare Foot, Flip Flop or Ellie Fish II. If you’d like to stay a little more out of the hustle and bustle of Gulf Shores and just come into town for the day or to see the fireworks, check outSpunky Sandpiper, Imagine, Pelicans Rest and Wits Inn. All of these immaculate beach homes are fully stocked with linens and kitchen accessories, exceptionally clean, and ready for your arrival. Sunset Properties rental management company manages a wide variety of beach homes around the island, ranging from condos to houses with sleeping arrangements for up to 20 people. Many of our beach homes are dog friendly and we will be happy to recommend a great 4th of July outing for your fur baby, as well. We want your whole family to enjoy America’s Birthday Celebration.

As you plan your 4th of July Independence Day Celebration in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan, we hope you’re planning to stay with us at Sunset Properties.

Happy Birthday, America! God bless you!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

June 17, 2019

5 Fun Family Things to do in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

5 Fun Family Things to do in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

So you’re headed to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan for a week in June and you want to do some outside stuff with your honey and the kiddos. You’ve already been to The Track and, even though you love Waterville USA, you want to do something just a little different. Remember the old days when you went biking around the island with your parents? Looking for some ideas similar to that? Well, you’re in luck! We, at Sunset Properties know and appreciate the importance of spending quality time with those you love because we are a family-owned, family oriented company. Here are our suggestions for 5 Fun Family Things to do Together in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan while you’re vacationing in June.

Beach Volleyball

Ok, so you’re at the beach and the first thing you want to do is feel the sun on your shoulders and the sand between your toes, right? Well, why not turn those wonderful feelings into a fun family game of beach volleyball? There are a couple of nets around our island already set up and waiting for you to arrive. Bring your own ball, plenty of sunscreen and some cool water and you’re all set. For a list of suggested items to bring to the beach every day, check out blog about things to put in your beach bag. Volleyball nets are located at The Public Beach in Gulf Shores and at Cotton Bayou, a part of Gulf State Park, in Orange Beach. Gulf Shores is a great place to go watch the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship games held in May and it is a great place for us to all be beach volleyball champions all summer long!

Geocaching

Since 2000, the global hide-and-seek treasure hunt game of Geocaching has taken off. More and more places to hunt for treasures are being added all the time. Did you know you can search for treasures right here in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan? The Coastal Alabama Cashers have hidden lots of treasure boxes or “caches” around our island and they are just waiting to be discovered. Learn about our island and its ecosystem. Discover lesser traveled places and find treasures! What a great way to spend a summer day! To join the Geocaching craze, visit www.geocaching.com and sign up. It’s an easy-to-use fun free app. Kids and adults alike enjoy this interactive game. Your fist find is right off Fort Morgan Road! Make memories unlike any others. So set aside some time, open your app, load up the kiddos and head out for adventure. Explore our area in this unique way…and to quote Dr. Seuss: oh the places you’ll go!

Escape Room

One of the newest attractions on our island are the Escape Rooms. If working as a team to solve clues sounds like fun, you and your family will love the challenge of an Escape Room. This activity is one that will take the whole family working together to complete. There are several scenarios from which to choose. Some Escape Rooms allow younger children and some have age restrictions, so its best to use our links provided here to determine which family outing will work for yours. You’ll need to make reservations and choose your game scenario, so start by checking out Gulf Coast Escape Room for all the details of their Escape Room experiences. Another option is XIT Escape Room located at Pelican Place at Craft Farms. A third option is the Escape House located at Waterville USA. Located on the site of the world famous waterpark in Gulf Shores, the Escape House is sure to thrill your whole family. Make sure you add this fun family outing to your “to do” list this Summer 2019 while you’re vacationing along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Your whole family will enjoy this unique experience and you’re sure to take home some memories like no others.

Mini Golf

What is a trip to the beach without a game of mini-golf? It is one of the most economical and entertaining ways to spend some time playing with your family. There are several places to play mini-golf around our island. Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf is a fun course that is built with a pirate ship theme. Tiki’s Mini Golf and Bike Shack, located right next to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is also a favorite. Once known as Zooland Mini Golf, this course is a timeless classic for any tourist or local alike. A third option for mini golf is Adventure Island Mini Golf. Adventure Island is so easy to find. Just drive East on Beach Boulevard, toward Florida, and look for the big bright volcano across the street from the Gulf in Orange Beach. The kids will love the volcano and you will love the quality family time you all spend together. Another option for mini golf is The Wharf Mini Golf. Visiting The Wharf in Orange Beach is on most folk’s minds while at the beach, but did you know they have a mini-golf course? That’s right! So while you guys are shopping for the whole family, don’t forget to get in a round of family mini-golf!

Biking

Bike riding is always a great way to get the whole family outside and doing something together. Remember how much fun you had as a kid exploring our island with your parents? In the old days, we had to strap our bikes to the back of the station wagon and bring them down. Traveling with our bikes has become a bit easier now, but if you don’t want to haul your bikes to the Alabama Gulf Coast, we know where you can rent some for your outing. Visit Tiki’s Mini Golf and Bike Shack. This fun little Gulf Shores business has plenty of bikes to choose from. Another option for bike rentals is Beach Bike Rentals in Orange Beach. Along with all the entertainment and safety equipment you’ll need, like helmets, bells and baskets, Beach Bike Rentals has a wide variety of bike options. Look for choices like cruiser bikes, tandems, adult trikes, children’s bikes, pull behinds and other child carriers as listed on their website. Their website also shows in detail several suggestions for outings. Check out Beach Bike Rentals for help with planning your whole day touring our island with your family.

With so many things to do as a family along the Alabama Gulf Coast, you’re sure to find the perfect way to hang out with your peeps! And with so many great beach home rentals available from Sunset Properties, we know we can get you all set with your accommodations, as well. If you have a small family, check out Dunes 705. This adorable condo located near Fort Morgan sleeps up to six comfortably. If your family is a little larger, give 4 Shore a look! Located just off West Beach, this amazing home sleeps up to eleven folks! Sunset Properties is happy you’re coming to visit us and we cannot wait to meet your whole family!

www.susnetproperties.com

251.543.1370

May 30, 2019

5 Reasons to Visit Fort Morgan this Summer 2019

Located at the far west end of Alabama Highway 180, also known as Fort Morgan Road, stands one of Alabama’s oldest structures, Fort Morgan Historic Site. Constructed on the site of an outdated Fort Bowyer in 1819, Fort Morgan’s interesting history intertwines with today’s modernization. If you’ve never visited our beloved fort, The Summer of 2019 is a perfect time to go! If you’ve been there before, you should definitely plan a trip back soon. Here are five reasons why you should visit Fort Morgan Historic Site this summer:

1. Inexpensive Attraction

We know that when you go on vacation, everything seems to cost money. Often, we decide which activities and attractions we are going to do, based on the cost for the whole family to participate. If enjoying a whole day of family fun without breaking your budget, appeals to you, you’re in luck! Fort Morgan is one of the least expensive attractions on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The price of admission for adults is only $8 each and for kids and seniors it’s $5 each. So basically, a family of four can visit Fort Morgan, tour the site, visit the beach and stay all do for less than $40. That’s a deal! We suggest visiting Rouse’s Market located at the intersection of Fort Morgan Road and Gulf Shores Parkway and grabbing a few things for a picnic, then enjoy the scenic ride all the way to the fort.

2. Abundant Wildlife

Because Fort Morgan Historic Site is a protected area, it is surrounded by natural sea oat covered dunes and plenty of local wildlife. You will see seagulls, herons, sandpipers, sand crabs and different varieties fish. On warm summer days, dolphins swim and play just offshore in Mobile Bay. It is a treat to get to see them splashing around in the bay. Be alert and watchful for snakes and perhaps even an alligator or two. The beaches that surround the fort are home to several coastal plants and animals and several ecosystems can be observed.

If the heat of the day gets to you, go ahead and take a swim in the rolling waves of the bay. There is no lifeguard on duty, but swimming in Mobile Bay is a great way to cool off on a summer afternoon.

3. Living History Explained

All summer long the staff at Fort Morgan Historic Site will offer daily walking tours. Tours start at the fort museum and gift shop area and are led by knowledgeable staff members. If a scheduled tour isn’t your idea of enjoying this attraction, feel free to take a self-guided tour. When you pay your fees at the entrance gate, the attendant will provide you with a helpful brochure detailing specific facts about Fort Morgan. Do you think it’s too hot to tour the fort during the day? Well, we have a suggestion on how you can avoid the daytime heat and still visit the fort. On Tuesday evenings at 6PM all summer long, there will be reenactments and interpretive performances based on information about the lives of fort inhabitants from the 1800s. So if you choose to come to the fort at night, plan to take an actual step back in time and be surrounded by a living sample of 19^th Century coastal Alabama life.

4. Pets Allowed

If you choose to bring your dog with you on vacation, we know you’re looking for dog friendly attractions as well at dog friendly accommodations. Ellie Fish 2 in Gulf Shores is a fabulously decorated fully stocked beach home that welcomes guests with small dogs. Fort Morgan also welcomes leashed dogs with their owners during the hours of operation. In addition to traversing the fort grounds with you, your four-legged child can also enjoy Fort Morgan’s beach and museum. Please remember to keep your fur baby on a leash and to clean up after any potty outings.

5. Great Fishing

Are you looking for a quiet place to fish either from waist deep waters of the bay or right from the shore? Fort Morgan’s beaches and shallow areas just off shore are perfect places to fish! You’ll need to check with Outdoor Alabama to get your licenses to fish in the salt waters of Mobile Bay and The Gulf of Mexico, but once you get there, we’re pretty sure you’ll catch something that’ll make you smile. Mobile Point, the name of the area where the fort is located, is known for great fishing by locals and tourists alike. We’re letting you in on the secret. Check the local tide reports for the days you want to fish and visit one of our great local bait shops like Sam’s Stop and Shop or J&M Tackle in Orange Beach, and come fish at our fort.

This is just a short list of reasons to visit Fort Morgan this summer.

We’re sure once you get inside the historic stone gates of Fort Morgan, that you will make irreplaceable memories and find other reasons why you’ll want to keep Fort Morgan Historic Site on your “to-do” list when you visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Remember, Sunset Properties has beach homes available all along Fort Morgan Road, in Gulf Shores and in Orange Beach. Give us a call and let us help you get your vacation home reserved.

251.543.1370

www.sunsetproperties.com

April 8, 2019

Five Reasons Why You Should Come to the 2019 Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores

Guess what’s right around the corner! The world famous Hangout Music Festival is coming faster than we can believe! It’s almost that time again! We at Sunset Properties hope you are planning a trip down to visit our sugary white sandy beaches in May 2019. From May 17 until May 19, 2019, your favorite public beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama will be alive and rockin’ with some of the best entertainment anywhere on the planet! Each year, the festival tops the previous year. If you haven’t already made your plans to attend, here are Five Reasons Why You Should Come to the 2019 Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores and enjoy a stay with us while you’re in town:

1. THE HEADLINERS ARE TOP NOTCH

The 2019 Hangout Music Festival includes headliners from multiple genres of music. If you’re a fan of rap music, you’ll feel the bass drop for Cardi B. Travis Scott is also going to be present with his flows and rhymes. If you have a taste for something a bit more mellow, much like a laid back Pleasure Island weekend in the summer, Khalid has you covered with his smooth beats and similar R&B sound. How about something a tad more Indie? The Lumineers will also be gracing the stage with The Gulf of Mexico as a fabulous background. This awesome group known for “Ho Hey” is also famous for their acoustic songwriter sound. If you’re a fan of an Indie sound that has more of a new wave feel, Vampire Weekend will be just the group for you to see. The former school teachers turned bandmates never disappoint. Finally, if EDM is your style and you love electronica, the Norwegian DJ Kylo is sure to impress with his melodic beats. These are just a few of the top notch performers scheduled to delight festival goers in May 2019. For a complete list of scheduled entertainers, check out the festival LINEUP page.

2. SHUTTLES ARE AVAILABLE

The good folks at the Hangout Music Festival have thought of everything! They have arranged for shuttles to be available for festival goers. Besides the obvious resolution of not having to drive in all that traffic and find a great place to part, these SHUTTLES are best if you plan to indulge in adult beverages. With shuttle lines all over our island, a $50 pass to ride can save you the hassle of a possible DUI or accident or worse. If you’re wondering if we have a place for you to stay on or near a shuttle line, the answer is YES! Sunset Properties has rental homes available in Gulf Shores, like Pat-Ti-O, located so close you can walk to the festival and Beachview 223, just a little way down Beach Boulevard. Catching a shuttle is super easy! We have amazing properties in Orange Beach, too, like Caribe C Penthouse 14. If you’d rather stay on quiet Fort Morgan Road, we have lots of homes and condominiums at or near The Dunes. No matter where you choose to stay, you should go ahead and get that shuttle pass. That’s one purchase you won’t regret.

3. ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AMAZING

Like I said, Sunset Properties has amazing beach rental homes all over our island. Once you spend all day out in the warm May sunshine, you’re going to want a nice comfortable clean place to sleep. We have you covered! If staying near Fort Morgan appeals to you, check out these amazing homes in Navy Cove: Navy Cove 1207 (sleeps 6 groovy peeps), Navy Cove 2113 (sleeps 6 sunburned bodies) and Navy Cove 2114 (sleeps 8 folks who have danced their fanny packs off all day). Do those not sound like a place you and your crew want to stay? Need something a little bigger? Check out the Harbor House. It sleeps nine and comes with a private pier! Need more room? Sea La Vie sleeps 12 and guests have access to the indoor and outdoor pools at The Dunes condos. Are you bringing your fur baby with you? While you can’t take your dog to the festival unless your baby is your service animal, you can bring him or her along with you if you stay at one of our 25 dog friendly properties. We strongly recommend you look over our pet guidelines and maybe plan to leave your fur baby at a doggie daycare while you’re at the festival. After all, our fur babies need some play time, too. Give the nice folks at Paw Dogs Resort a call to make arrangements for your pup to hang out with some new friends!

4. YOUR FRIENDS WILL ALL BE THERE

Hangout Fest is a time for friends to gather and share some of the best music ever. It truly is a friends or family outing that everyone should experience at least once. With an estimated attendance of as many as 35,000 per day, even if your friends don’t come with you, chances are you’re going to make a few hundred new ones. We love it when families come to our island together and not only attend the Hangout Music Festival, but also experience as much of our island as you can squeeze in three days. Check out The Wharf while you’re in town. Stop by Lulu’s for some great food. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit our “little zoo that could” The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. And if you’re choosing to stay near Fort Morgan, why not take a walk on the quietest beach around? Come for the Hangout Festival, but be sure to check out all that our wonderful island home has to offer!

5. YOU’LL MAKE LASTING MEMORIES

If you’ve never experienced the world famous Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores and you ask someone who has this question: besides the music, what was your favorite part? We bet they’ll say “the memories”. Memories made at the beach can never be replaced by those made anywhere else. There is just something fun, exciting and even romantic about the beach. Couple that with an amazing music venue and hour after hour of your favorite musicians playing live in one of the largest outdoor concerts anywhere. How can you go wrong? We think you need to charge your phone, pack your flip flops, sunblock and shade, and come on down. When you get here, load up your SnapChat, Insta and Facebook with pic after pic of one of the best weekends you’ll probably ever have. If your friends cannot come with, at least they can see how much you’re having! Memories! Come to Gulf Shores and make some great memories!

At Sunset Properties, we want to be an important part of your Hangout weekend. We want to be part of your memories and we want you to feel right at home when you stay with us.

Contact us as soon as you buy your Hangout Tickets and reserve your favorite beach home. We know you’ll love staying with us and we hope to see you soon!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251-543-1370

March 4, 2019

7 Fun Things to do for Easter 2019 in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

7 Fun Things to do for Easter 2019 in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

Easter is a magical time for most kids. The Easter Bunny comes and brings baskets full of goodies and brightly colored eggs. You may want to attend a church service and spend the afternoon hiding eggs and eating wonderfully prepared feasts with your family. Easter truly is a happy holiday and most of us consider it the beginning of Spring. How can Easter get any better? Spend it at the beach! Join your friends in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan for Easter Weekend and make some of the best memories all year! If you’re wondering what to do at Easter at the beach, wonder no more! Here is a list of 7 fun things to do at Easter 2019 while you’re visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast:

Find lots of eggs at Lulu’s Easter Egg Dash

Our friends at Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s always have something fun planned. Easter is no exception! If an Easter Egg hunt is in your plans, you won’t want to miss this. The fun begins at Lulu’s on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019 with the arrival of the Easter Bunny. At 2PM, the dash begins! There will be egg hunts for all ages. All around Lulu’s famous Gulf Shores location, eggs will be hidden (some in plain sight) for the kiddos to find. This is one of the best ways to spend an Easter afternoon. After the dash, stay for the fabulous food Lulu’s has become known for!

Meet your friends at The Hangout’s Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach

If starting your day off with an Easter Sunrise Service is in your plans, then you will want to make your first stop at The Hangout in Gulf Shores. Known worldwide for The Hangout Music Festival, this hoppin’ fun local venue will host Gulf Shores United Methodist Church for a sunrise service beginning at 6:30AM on Sunday, April 21, 2019. The public is invited. What better way to welcome Easter morning than to have a sunrise service on the beach next to the Gulf of Mexico? After the service, stay for the Easter Bunny’s arrival at 9AM. Be sure to dress your kiddos up as bunnies. There will be a costume contest. The Hangout will be serving brunch from 7:30AM – 11AM. With so many fun things to do at The Hangout, we’re sure you’ll want to come for the Sunrise Service and then just Hang Out for a while!

Learn something new at the Coastal Alabama Bird Banding Project

How about spending a day learning about nature? The Coastal Alabama Bird Banding Project will take place at historic Fort Morgan for several days leading up to Easter. If you’d like to see this amazing project in person, plan on being at Fort Morgan on Saturday, April 20 between the hours of 8AM and noon. During this session, guests are able to see a personal view of some of Alabama’s spring migratory birds. These birds are banded and released so that their migration can be tracked. This is an outdoor event, so don’t forget to bring bug spray and sunscreen. A folding chair is also a good idea. With Easter being the beginning of Spring for most of us, attending this is a great way to kick off this wonderful season!

Fish in the Alabama Gulf Coast Slam Professional Fishing Tournament

This tournament is new to our area and runs through mid-May. There is no cost to enter if you’re on a registered vessel. Some restrictions do apply if you’re fishing from other boats or from the shores. This tournament is open to anglers of all ages and participants are welcome to fish from registered charter fishing boats or from personal watercraft. For more information contact The Alabama Gulf Coast Slam Professional Fishing Tournament at AlabamaGulfCoastSlam@gmail.com . This is sure to be one spring tradition you’ll want to repeat year after year!

Visit the Zydeco & Crawfish Festival

How about a little crawfish and Zydeco music to liven up your Easter Weekend? On Saturday, April 20 between the from 10AM – 6PM at Waterway Village in Gulf Shores, the 5th annual Zydeco & Crawfish Festival will be in full swing! You’ve never had crawfish and you don’t know what Zydeco is? Well, crawfish is about the yummiest, most seafoodish, non-seafood food you can eat! And Zydeco is the perfect music to enjoy while you savor one of the coast’s favorite boiled freshwater shellfish. And if dancing and eating crawfish is not quite what you had in mind for a wonderful Spring afternoon, how about a run? Enter the 5K/1 mile fun run that is a big part of this local festival. The festival is located under the Holmes (intracoastal waterway) Bridge, just off Highway 59 in Gulf Shores.

Check out the Flora Bama Easter Eggstravangaza

Did you know the kids can have a great time at The Flora-Bama? Well, they can? In fact, for Easter, the good folks at America’s favorite beach road house have a whole afternoon of fun planned just for the kiddos! Beginning at 1PM on March 31, there will be face painting and crafts for kids at the beach tent. At 2PM, all eyes will be on the sky at the Easter Bunny, himself, will skydive into the party! Then one of the largest Easter Egg hunts on any state line will begin. Participants must bring their own baskets. This is the one day each year there are more eggs on the beach than shells! Bring your camera, too. You will want to capture every minute of this unique and fun family experience.

Walk on the beach with your family

What beach trip would be complete without a beach walk with your family? The weather along the Alabama Gulf Coast in April is perfect for beach walking. Maybe you’ll find an amazing sea shell to take home. Maybe you’ll see dolphins playing just off shore. Maybe you’ll see fun shapes in the clouds. No matter what you see, take lots of pictures. With or without The Easter Bunny, Easter Sunday walks on the beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan are special.

We hope you will join us at Sunset Properties and plan to celebrate your Easter vacation week or weekend with us. We have so many rental properties to choose from, we are sure we have the perfect place for you and your family to stay! Remember to pack your sunshades, flip flops and sunscreen. Don’t forget your Easter baskets and cameras. And come on down to your favorite beach! Sunset Properties has your holiday vacation home ready for you to check-in!

Welcome to Spring on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Welcome Easter!

And welcome to you, our guests!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251-543.1370

January 8, 2019

Top 4 Things to do for Valentine’s Weekend 2019 in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

In just a few short weeks, Valentine’s Day 2019 will be here. It seems like we just put away our Christmas trees and we are already anticipating Cupid’s arrival! So you got your sweetheart some really great stuff for Christmas and your New Year’s Eve celebration was top-notch. You thought this would be your year to delight and amaze your sweetheart, but you’re at a total loss as to how to top the recent holidays. We can help! Plan a trip to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan, stay with Sunset Properties, eat some great food, enjoy chocolate and roses, and watch the sunset over The Gulf of Mexico. This year, Valentine’s Day is on a Thursday. We think that’s a perfect excuse to plan a Valentine’s Weekend Getaway to Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast. Come down on Thursday and stay until Sunday. We have some pretty great ideas on what you must do while you’re in town, too.

Here are four things any romantic must do for Valentine’s Day 2019 in Gulf Shores, along with the perfect places to stay while you’re here:

Eat some great seafood and sleep at Ellie Fish

First, for the food, we suggest Cobalt, Cosmos or CoastAL. All three of the restaurants offer outstanding food and have super nice staffs. Cobalt is located in Orange Beach on Perdido Beach Boulevard near the Caribe Resort. Cobalt’s menu features items like Tournedos of Beef, Peppercorn Encrusted Filet, and Grilled Gulf Shrimp & Grits. Oh Em Gee! Is your mouth watering or not? How about Cosmos? Cosmos is located on Canal Road in Orange Beach and their menu (not be outdone by anyone) features Chicken Roulade, Asian Glazed Tuna and Banana Leaf Wrapped Fish. And sushi! They have the best sushi anywhere! And let’s not forget CoastAL Restaurant. With their First Mates Platter, Boursin-Spinach Stuffed Chicken and Oyster selections, you simply cannot go wrong taking your First Mate out to eat at CoastAL. Don’t forget to get some ice cream at CoastAL’s ice cream shop right next door before you head to your vacation home: Ellie Fish.

Located in the Fort Morgan community, Ellie Fish sleeps up to twelve adults. It has four bedrooms and three baths. If you’re planning a romantic getaway with a couple of other couples, this would be the perfect place to stay! Ellie Fish has plenty of room to spread out and, when it’s time, have privacy. The covered porch is the perfect place to enjoy a warm toddy as you let the cool evening February breeze in. Bring a blanket, because it can get a bit chilly. But, hey, its Valentine’s, after all, and snuggling is expected!

Get your groove on and stay at Grand Caribbean 425

The Hangout is about the grooviest place in Gulf Shores. For some of the best drinks and one of the best Gulf views in town, you must take your sweetheart to The Hangout in Gulf Shores. Internationally known for being the home of The Hangout Music Festival, The Hangout has one of the best menus around. Their appetizer menu is just perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or as a light meal to compliment your favorite beverage. We suggest trying the strawberry daiquiri and Bacon Crab Dip. The dip is a cheesy, peppery, yummy concoction of crab and seasonings and strawberries are the fruit of love. This is perfect for a romantic break in any day!

Grand Caribbean 425 is so close to The Hangout, you can almost walk to your Valentine’s weekend home. Located right on Beach Boulevard, facing the Gulf of Mexico, Grand Caribbean 425 is a cozy, comfy condo that sleeps six. Grand Caribbean 425 has two full bedrooms and one and a half baths. It is tastefully decorated and is literally right across the street from The Gulf of Mexico. It is the perfect place for a cozy Valentine’s getaway or a family stay in the summer.

Delight in an amazing sunset and dream in Navy Cove 2113

Have you ever seen the sun set from the beach at Fort Morgan? Fort Morgan is the farthest west point on our little island and the sunset viewing is spectacular! Looking west toward Mobile County, you’re looking almost directly into the sun over The Gulf of Mexico or over Mobile Bay. The rays reach across the water and you can almost feel them touching your face as the sun sets into the horizon. Talk about a romantic moment! Grab your sweetie, a bottle of wine and a blanket. Then find a quiet spot to watch the sunset one evening while you’re down. After that, you can head on over to your vacation home at Navy Cove 2113. Navy Cove 2113 is located near Fort Morgan and has its own private boat slip and attached dock. How cool is that?! It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and sleeps up to six adults. Did I mention the view from your private balcony at Navy Cove 2113? You will have an amazing view of beautiful, tranquil Mobile Bay. This condo is tastefully decorated, cozy enough for two, but will accommodate a whole family if you and your sweetie bring others with you.

Enjoy roses, chocolate and rest at Rookery 3402

What Valentine’s Day would be complete without roses and chocolate? Do you need a fresh beautiful bouquet of roses for your sweetheart? The fine folks at Coastal Flowers and Design have you covered! They are located in Gulf Shores, but we encourage you to check out their website to view their extensive design options. Another great local florist, All Island Flowers, offers wonderful gift baskets, as well as beautiful floral arrangements. If you’re looking for something sweet for your sweetie, be sure to stop by the Chocolate Corner in Gulf Shores. They have ice cream, chocolate, shakes and smoothies. Just walk in and expect to “get your yum on!” Need a second choice for fabulous chocolates? Check out Kayden’s Candy Factory in Orange Beach. In addition to ice cream and chocolates, they have caramel apples. You really must get one of these and take it back home with you as a perfect souvenir of your romantic weekend on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. For a wonderfully romantic place to stay, check out Rookery 3402.

Rookery 3402 is a cottage with three bedrooms and two baths. It sleeps up to seven and is only a few steps from the Rookery tennis courts and private pool. Rookery 3402 has a little more privacy than the condos or larger home mentioned above. Is that what you’re looking for? If so, then Rookery 3402, a single family home, located just a tad off the beaten path, is only a short drive to the Gulf beaches. It is fully stocked with all you’ll need to make a perfect romantic dinner for two. Add some amazing flowers and a box of chocolates, and you’re all set to enjoy a perfect Valentine’s weekend getaway with your special someone.

We, at Sunset Properties, are big fans of Valentine’s Day. Sure, we enjoy Memorial Day, Christmas, and football season…and all the other holidays, too. But there is just something about that time of year when love is in the air that makes us all a little more happy than normal.

This blog contains a short list of suggestions we, at Sunset Properties, have to help make your Valentine’s weekend getaway super special. If you choose to book one of the vacations homes listed above from Thursday – Sunday, February 14-17, 2019 and mention this blog or use code #LOVE19, we will give you a 10% discount off your reservation. Some restrictions do apply.

For a more detailed list of romantic and fun things to do, check out or blog on the Top 10 Most Romantic Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We bet we’ve listed a few you haven’t thought of yet! Once you decide to bring your honey to the beach, give us a call. We will do all we can to help you make this Valentine’s Day your most special one yet.

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

January 3, 2019

7 Reasons Why You Should Skip New Orleans and Spend Mardi Gras on the Alabama Gulf Coast

7 Reasons Why You Should Skip New Orleans and Spend Mardi Gras on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Mardi Gras is Tuesday, March 5, 2019, and we, along the Alabama Gulf Coast, are already gearing up for our first big party of the year. Everyone knows the beach is a great place to spend New Years, Independence Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day, but did you know Coastal Alabama does Mardi Gras in a big way, too? That’s right! We do! Here in our island paradise, we have some of the best gumbo, brightest beads, and host the most family friendly Mardi Gras day anywhere. In short, we can laissez les bon temps rouler with the best of ‘em! We just prefer to do it in our flip-flops and shorts! As for the upcoming Mardi Gras Season, we have so much fun planned, we need to start early getting the word out. Here are seven reasons why you should skip New Orleans and spend Mardi Gras 2019 in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan:

Fresh Alabama Seafood makes the best gumbo

The term Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday. What better way is there to enjoy Fat Tuesday than with a bowl of some of the best gumbo anywhere? While we will agree that the first recorded references to gumbo were around 1803 in New Orleans, we strongly disagree when folks say the best gumbo is still found there. We actually believe we live where the best gumbo is made. Talented chefs at local restaurants like DeSoto’s, Doc’s, and Sea-N-Suds make gumbo that can challenge (and we think top!) any gumbo made anywhere in Louisiana. DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen, located just a block or so off West Beach in Gulf Shores, has some of the best gumbo around. DeSoto’s serves gumbo in a cup or a bowl. We suggest a bowl (because you’re gonna love the stuff!), and add a side of fried green tomatoes, too! Next, you need to try the gumbo at Doc’s. Doc’s Seafood Shack is located on Canal Road and its been there so long, we can’t even remember a time when it didn’t exist. A local favorite for many years (34 years to be exact) , the folks at Doc’s have perfected the art of making gumbo. They say they “have the best fried shrimp in the entire civilized world”. We think their gumbo is pretty alright, too! Sea-N-Suds Restaurant and Oyster Bar, located right on the Gulf in Gulf Shores, has been serving their amazing gumbo for over 40 years. We have been in love with it for just that long, too! They are so sure you will love their gumbo, they will actually give you a free cup with an entree. Check with them for details. Don’t just take our word for it, give our Alabama Seafood gumbo a try! You’ll agree fresh Alabama Seafood makes the best gumbo!

Beads are better if you can actually catch them

What does that mean? It means you have a much better chance of catching beads if half the folks who live south of Nashville are not blocking your view of the floats. Why would you drive all the way to Louisiana only to find yourself lost somewhere in a crowd of revelers five, six or maybe ten people deep? Because the crowds are smaller in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you can position yourself closer to the parade route. You can actually make eye contact with the masked revelers and, therefore, strongly increase your odds of catching more beads than you can comfortably wear. The goal of Mardi Gras for most folks is to catch a ton of beads. Come to our parades and get ready to collect your share. After all, beads are so much better if you can actually catch them!

We love you to the Moon(Pie) and back

Over 100 years ago, the Chattanooga Bakery started producing MoonPies. Made originally of graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows, MoonPies have become one of America’s favorite treats. MoonPies and Mardi Gras married up in Mobile in the early 1970s. Before then, revelers threw Cracker Jacks to parade goers. As you can imagine, getting smacked in the head with a sharp cornered box of popcorn and peanuts was no fun. A ladies’ parading group thought it would be safer and more fun to toss round, lightweight MoonPies. Those ladies started a tradition that is still going strong today. Now, in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, just like with our neighbor across the bay, MoonPies are a parade staple. Even though Chattanooga is some 425 miles away from Gulf Shores, locals have adopted the tasty round treat as a Mardi Gras must and we can honestly say, “we will love you to the MoonPie and back!”

Local folks are friendly

While I tease about “love” and “MoonPies” I am definitely not teasing when I say local folks are really friendly. Being from South Alabama, we say “yes ma’am” and “thank you” and “y’all come back again”. We don’t consider it (like some folks do) as talking “southern”. Instead, we just think its the right way to treat people. Treat folks with kindness and respect and they become more than just visitors to our little island paradise, they become a part of our extended family. We, at Sunset Properties, have grafted in quite a few of our guests. Some of our best family members are not technically related to us at all. Nevertheless, they liked our friendly disposition and we liked them right back. Locals are not only friendly folks, they might become some of your best friends anywhere!

Parade access is super easy

Have you ever tried to park on Bourbon Street? I guess the better question is: why would you try to park on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras? How about this: skip the whole thing and just come to Gulf Shores or Orange Beach and park literally right off our parade routes. With parking options all along the parade routes on Alabama Highway 59 and Beach Boulevard, parking is a breeze ( a sea breeze, even!). You won’t have to walk far from your car to get the best spot to stand as the floats pass by and your walk back to your car won’t exhaust you either. Another great thing about our parade parking, you start out and end up right near our best retail shops, restaurants and local pubs. The Original Oyster House Boardwalk, for example, right on Highway 59 has all three! And access to our Gulf Shores parade route from the boardwalk, is as easy as pie!

Accommodations are affordable

Affordable accommodations..now this is big deal, especially if you’re coming to the beach for more than a couple of days. While Mardi Gras is technically only on Tuesday, we believe in hanging out for a few days. After all, who goes to the beach just for one day? At Sunset Properties, we have several great properties to choose from. If you’d like to stay close the the Gulf Shores route, take a look at Beachview 223. If Orange Beach is more your style, check out Moorings 414. Looking to stay a little off the beaten path where the scenery is fabulous, but the pace is a tad bit slower? Check out My Sunshine, Big Pelican and Sundown. Our accommodations are tastefully decorated, spacious enough for your whole family and affordable so that you can enjoy your Mardi Gras week or weekend in our area without killing your entertainment budget.

The beach is your backdrop

With thirty-two miles of sugary white sandy beaches, the Alabama Gulf Coast should not only be your first choice for summer vacations, but for Mardi Gras, as well. We love to have fun on Pleasure Island and our beaches make any day a great day! While you’re in town getting a jump start on your summer tan, be sure to take some time to visit the Alabama Gulf State Park Pier and Pavilion, located in Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores. Visit our public beach areas in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The days are getting longer and the sea oats are starting to rustle in the spring breezes. Summer is right around the corner and you can feel the happiness in the air. Mardi Gras is a fun time of each year, but there is something super special about it when the beach as your backdrop.

So what are you waiting on? Get your sunblock, shades, flip flops together. Grab a big ole bag to carry all your throws home in, and come on down! Plan on spending Mardi Gras on the Alabama Gulf Coast and plan to stay with Sunset Properties. We are ready to help you “let the good times roll!”

Come for Mardi Gras, stay for Spring Break!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251-543-1370

December 11, 2018

10 Coastal Alabama Holiday Outings That Make Great Family Traditions

Christmas traditions vary all around the world. In Alabama, they vary from county to county. And they can even change from city to city. Here along the Alabama Gulf Coast, we have a few local traditions we love and we wanted to share some of them with you. For example, don’t be surprised if a Christmas Dinner includes some amazing Seafood Gumbo made with fresh Alabama Gulf Shrimp. Our pecan pies are usually made with Baldwin County Pecans we picked up and shelled ourselves earlier in the year. Most of us yell Roll Tide or War Eagle, even on days when our teams are not playing. We will hug you when we see you at church and we will hug you when we see you at the mall. And it is completely acceptable to wear flip-flops, even on Christmas Day around here, as long as your mother approves. We have some pretty great events open to the public going on, as well. If you’re our guest this holiday season, we want you to know: you’re invited! Here is a list of 10 Coastal Alabama holiday outings that make great family traditions:

Get a picture with Santa at The Wharf

Santa arrives at The Wharf in Orange Beach on November 17 and he will be there every weekend until Christmas Eve for visits and pictures. Everyone has a Christmas List. So get your wishes together and bring your whole family to The Wharf to visit Santa and tell him what your heart desires.

Watch the Lighted Boat Parade

The Nautical Night of Lights, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores’ annual Christmas lighted boat parade will be held on the evening of December 8th. The boats will depart Lulu’s in Gulf Shores around 5PM and travel our beautiful back bays around to the Flora-Bama. If you can’t make it to Lulu’s or the Flora-Bama, find yourself a nice spot along any of the bays. Bring a blanket and a snuggle buddy and prepare to watch one of the best nautical Christmas parades in all of Alabama.

Come watch us perform at The South Baldwin Community Theatre

This holiday season, the local actors of The South Baldwin Community Theatre are performing “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on December 7-9 and 14-16. Show times vary and this is a ticketed event. A lot of rehearsing has gone into making this one of the best performances ever. Please come! Contact the nice folks at the theatre box office to reserve your seats.

Ride through the Nights of Lights at The Hank

Each year, the good folks at Hank Aaron Stadium set up a drive-thru Christmas lights display called Nights of Lights. This is one of the few in our area. Fix yourself a thermos of hot chocolate. Pack some Christmas cookies and take a short trip to Mobile to experience this one-of-a-kind light display set to music. Kids and adults alike love this wonderland adventure!

Have pancakes with Santa at Erie H. Meyer Center

What better way to start off a day than to have breakfast with Santa? This annual event will be held Saturday, December 15 at 8 AM at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores. A full breakfast will be served and pictures with Santa will be available. The cost is $5.

Ice Skate at The Wharf

A new island tradition is to go ice skating at The Wharf. This seasonal ice skating rink will be open from November 23- January 10. This is a family outing that no one should miss. After all, how many times can you say you can actually ice skate in a beach town?

Visit a Merry Downtown Owa

Downtown Owa has been decorated for Christmas. Don’t miss a chance to walk through this merry little downtown located in Foley just off the Beach Express highway. We are so glad to have our own amusement park just a few short minutes from our beautiful sandy white beaches.

See the Christmas lights at Bellingrath Gardens

Each year, Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile is all lit up with the Magic Christmas in Lights. With more than 3 million lights, this is one walking tour everyone should experience. Magic Christmas in Lights is open from November 23- December 31.

Spend New Year’s Eve Day at Lulu’s

A family friendly New Year’s Eve day event is planned for Lulu’s in Gulf Shores. One of our favorite parts of the day is the beach ball drop. Hundreds of brightly colored beach balls will be dropped from the ceiling at Lulu’s. This is something kids of all ages love!

Polar Bear Dip at the Flora-Bama

On New Year’s Day, plan to gather with several hundred folks and participate in the annual Polar Bear Dip at the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar. This event is one your whole family will enjoy. Stay for a traditional New Year’s Day lunch following a chilly run in to The Gulf of Mexico.

At Sunset Properties, we are all about traditions because we know the importance of family. We are a family-owned, family-run rental management company. Our whole staff is one big family, kin or not. We also have several guests who have been grafted into our Sunset Properties Family. We love each of you!

We want to wish all of y’all, old friends and new, a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holiday seasons. We appreciate the relationships we formed or continued 2018 and we are looking to seeing you again in 2019. Blessings and Peace!

251.543.1370

www.sunsetproperties.com

November 20, 2018

5 Great Ways to Watch Dolphins Play

Dolphin watching is a great way to spend an afternoon. Because dolphins are thinking mammals, they can put on quite a show for onlookers. Dolphins are actually small whales and the most common type of dolphin found along the Alabama Gulf Coast is the bottlenose dolphin. They can be seen just off shore in the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay and in the back bays that surround Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Dolphins are a protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, so getting too close to them in not advised.

However, we know 5 Great Ways to Watch Dolphins Play in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan without causing them any harm:

From the Sunny Lady

The Sunny Lady, docked at The Wharf in Orange Beach, offers dolphin tours daily. With wheelchair accessibility, the Sunny Lady is a great option for anyone to get a close up view of dolphins in our back bays. The Sunny Lady is 65 feet long and has three decks for viewing. There are also restrooms and indoor and outdoor seating. The crew of the Sunny Lady will offer snacks and drinks during the cruise. Cruises last an hour and a half. The Sunny Lady departs two or three times daily from The Wharf. Be sure to check out their website for times and prices.

From the beach at Fort Morgan

Did you know you can watch dolphins right from the beach at Fort Morgan? That’s right! After taking a tour of the famous fort located on Mobile Bay, be sure to walk the beautiful beaches that wrap the fort. Keep an eye out toward the horizon and you’re sure to see a few dolphins schooling and playing in the waters of the bay. If you’re staying with Sunset Properties at one of the wonderful beach homes located in The Dunes subdivision, you may be able to sit on your deck or balcony and watch dolphins right from there.

From the Mobile Bay Ferry

How about visiting Dauphin Island on board the Mobile Bay Ferry? This trip takes around an hour and leaves from Fort Morgan. While you’re riding the ferry across the bay, be sure to watch for dolphins. The dolphins are familiar with the ferry’s path and often swim right alongside it. Keep your camera handy because you will certainly want to snap a few pictures to share on your favorite social media outlet. When you reach Dauphin Island, don’t forget to visit the Mobile Bay Estuarium. You will love seeing all the marine life housed there. And on your way back to Fort Morgan, you’ll get a second chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat.

From the Gulf State Park Pier

Great for more than just fishing, the Gulf State Park Pier is a wonderful place to observe sea animals. With almost 2 miles of rail space from which to watch sea life, the pier is a local favorite for family outings. Dolphins can often be seen in the warm waters of The Gulf of Mexico just off shore near the pier. While you’re out on the pier, be sure to visit the concession stand and treat yourself to some ice cream or a soda. Snacks always make dolphin watching more fun!

From a personal watercraft

Ever rented a waverunner while you’re vacationing along the Alabama Gulf Coast? Did you know you could take a dolphin tour right from one? Yep! This is one more great ways to see dolphins. Alabama Extreme Watersports offers a dolphin tour from a Waverunner. You can take a guided tour of the back bays or Orange Beach. Viewing our local marine life from a safe distance, you should be able to get some great pictures. Contact the good folks at Alabama Extreme Watersports for schedules and tour times. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to view dolphins.

As locals, we at Sunset Properties, love giving quick hints to our guests and potential guests. We love dolphin watching and we know the suggestions we listed here are great ways to watch them. We also love helping guests find the perfect vacation home to fit both their wants and needs. We have vacation rentals available to fit almost any budget and we can house almost any number of guests. From two to twenty folks, we are ready to help you find your perfect vacation home or homes. We have homes with WiFi and many are pet friendly. We have beach front homes and homes nestled along a quiet golf course. We have one bedroom condos and penthouses and all in between available. We are pretty sure we can help you locate your ideal beach vacation home.

As you make your vacation plans, give us a call at 251.543.1370 or contact us right from our website www.sunsetproperties.com and we will do our best to help you get your vacation stay planned. And after you’ve finished watching the dolphins in the way that appealed to you, drop us a line and let us know how your experience was!