Category: Blog
2018 New Year’s Resolutions you can keep!
Have you made your 2018 New Year’s Resolutions yet? Lose ten pounds. Join a gym. Save more money. Learn a new trade or skill. Read more. Ugh. Those sound more like punishments than resolutions!
How about this instead:
With the new year rapidly approaching and everyone making New Year’s Resolutions for 2018 that seem nearly impossible to keep, we, at Sunset Properties, suggest making resolutions that are fun, memorable and attainable.
In short, make resolutions you can keep!
Resolve to:
- Take a nap on the beach
Stretch out on a comfy beach lounge chair under a big colorful umbrella and let the sounds of The Gulf of Mexico lull you to sleep.
- Wear flip flops all day
Spend a whole day shopping in shoes that pop when you walk. SanRoc Cay in Orange Beach and Pelican Place in Gulf Shores offer superior retail therapy options. Flip flops welcome!
- Leave your phone and tablet turned off
Let the only calls you hear be the ones seagulls make to each other.
- Walk a nature trail
Take a leisurely stroll along one of Gulf State Park’s fabulous nature trails and just unwind within your surroundings.
- Cast a line from a pier
Watch a bobber dance in the waves from Alabama’s 1540 foot long Gulf State Park Pier. Fishing licenses are available online and day permits are available right from the pier office.
- Visit a Fort
Listen for the sounds of soldiers’ conversations from centuries ago you tour historic Fort Morgan. Built in 1812, Fort Morgan is surrounded with some of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Alabama.
- Ride a ferris wheel
Enjoy an amazing view from atop the ferris wheel at The Wharf. Check out the concert schedule for the Amphitheatre at The Wharf, as well. One of your faves may be playing soon!
- Eat oysters
Add some Tabasco, salt, and lemon to top off your raw or fried oysters at Doc’s Seafood Shack in Orange Beach or Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores.
- Take a dolphin cruise
Book a day or evening trip out on the water and watch dolphins play. Sunset Properties has a program called Xplorie, where when you stay with us you receive one free ticket everyday during your stay to some of the local attractions, one of them being Cetacean Cruises.
- Volunteer
Participate in the Alabama Coastal Cleanup in September or The Annual National Shrimp Festival in October and make new friends who love the beach just as much as you do.
Don’t these sound so much better than the traditional resolutions we’re supposed to make? We think so, too!
We, at Sunset Properties, want to welcome you to the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2018 where resolutions are enjoyable, memorable and even relaxing. Happy New Year and we’ll see you soon!
5 Things to consider when deciding to rent a Beach House or Condo for Spring Break 2018
Your family has decided you’re going to visit the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast and enjoy our sugar white beaches for Spring Break 2018, but you can’t decide if you’d like to stay in a condo or a beach house.
Location/View
Location. Location. Location. We’ve all heard the term. What does that mean here? The location of your condo or beach house often determines the view. High rise Gulf Coast Condos tend to offer better views of The Gulf of Mexico and/or Mobile Bay than beach homes located in beach neighborhoods. However, there isn’t a much better view than the one you get from a deck of Gulf Front beach house. Our homes are located throughout Pleasure Island in South Alabama. Rentals are available in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Historic Fort Morgan. No matter which you choose, you are only steps away from the Sugar White Sands of Alabama’s most beautiful beaches.
Parking/Elevators
“I wish parking was closer to our vacation front door. This parking lot is huge!”
Most beach houses offer parking right under the house or in the adjacent yard. Alabama Gulf Coast beach houses, by design, are built up on pilings or piers to prevent flooding during tropical rain storms. Most do not offer elevators. Instead they only have stairs leading up the main living floor. Taking vacation supplies and luggage can be a challenge.
Beach front condos, Mobile Bay front condos and beach view condos, on the other hand, have large parking lots. Typically, luggage carts are available and elevators are usually present, so taking people and luggage up to your vacation front door can be very easy.
Personal Space vs Price
Beach condos are usually compact versions of larger homes. If personal space is a factor in your choice, a beach home may be your best option. Usually, beach homes offer more square footage than their smaller compact counterparts. Condos tend to be more economical than beach houses, however, if you are planning to split rental costs between two or more families, a beach house may just fit the bill. When choosing the beach vacation destination home that will best fit your family’s needs, keep in mind Sunset Properties has rental houses and condos that offer a variety of choices, design layouts and pricing.
Extra Comforts
If certain vacation amenities like having a pool only steps from your home-away-from-home is a must, a condo will usually fit the bill. Most condo complexes offer pools, fitness rooms, saunas and even a lazy river either on the ground level or the roof. Beach houses, however, are single family homes and typically don’t have these adjacent to the house. Beach houses are usually a part of a beach community and have a shared pool and/or fitness area within the neighborhood. WIFI, DVRs, TVs, stereos and other entertainment comforts are available in most condos and beach houses.
Fur Baby on Board
Is your fur baby coming with you? Both beach condos and beach homes allow pets. Usually a pet deposit is required and pet size restrictions can be a factor. If bringing your fur baby with you to the beach is a must, your options are open for both condos and beach houses.
If you’re still having trouble deciding which accommodation will best suit your family, email us at [email protected] or give us a call 251.543.1370. One of our vacation rental experts will be happy to help you!
Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Other Fun Things to Do on Dauphin Island
Take the 40-minute ferry ride from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island and discover a whole new world full of incredible experiences for the whole family. On Dauphin Island, you’ll find the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Fort Gaines, Shell Mound Park, and more! Explore the subtropical oasis that is Dauphin Island and see for yourself the adventure day that will be one of the highlights of your trip to Alabama’s Gulf Coast!
Are you looking for the most incredible experiences on Alabama’s Gulf Coast? Then, you’ve come to the right place! Here at Sunset Properties, we consider ourselves experts when it comes to all things Gulf coast. So, check out our recommended activities and get the ball rolling on your next adventure!
You’ll Love These Great Things to Do on Dauphin Island
Audubon Bird Sanctuary
Cost: Free!
Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk.
The Audubon Bird Sanctuary features 137 acres of maritime forests, including marshes, dunes, lakes, swamps, and beaches. As a result, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island is home to 420 of the 445 officially documented bird species in Alabama, or 95% of documented bird species. Its three-mile-long trail system is recognized as a National Recreational Trail, and it’s an exciting way to discover the island. Come, explore with the whole family!
Fort Gaines
Cost: Adults $6 (ages 13+) | Children $4 (ages 5-12)
Hours: Open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June – August; Group tours by appointment only.
The Fort is famous for Admiral Farragut’s infamous line, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” at the Battle of Mobile Bay at Fort Gaines. This pre-Civil War brick fortification is home to original cannons, kitchens, a blacksmith shop, and tunnels. The kids are sure to love the guided tours. Plus, living history performers in period-correct replica uniforms interact with the Fort’s guests! Come while you can because, due to shoreline erosion, Fort Gaines is considered one of the Eleven Most Endangered Historic Sites in America.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Cost: Adults $11 | Children (ages 5-18) or students with ID $6 | Seniors $9 | Group rates available
Hours of Operation
Both adults and children will enjoy the interactive exhibits and visual displays at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab! You’ll definitely want to check out the Living Marsh Boardwalk, the Mobile Bay Gallery, Barrier Island, Billy Goat Hole Gallery, the Touch Tanks, and the Weather Station. Be sure to grab a souvenir from the gift shop before you go!
Shell Mound Park
Come, explore the fascinating shell mounds! What are shell mounds? Scientists believe these shell mound are possibly the remains of Native American oyster roasts from A.D. 1100-1500. These incredible relics to Native American life in the area are a great reason to visit Dauphin Island! Plus, explore 11 acres of plant species on this “subtropical natural wonder.” It’s maintained by the Alabama Marine Resources Division.
Ferry Schedule
Single ferry, departing Dauphin Island
8:00 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. |3:30 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m.*
Single ferry, departing Fort Morgan
8:45 a.m. | 10:15 a.m. | 11:45 a.m. | 1:15 p.m. | 2:45 p.m. |4:15 p.m. | 5:45 p.m. |7:15 p.m.*
Second ferry, departing Dauphin Island
8:45 a.m. | 10:15 p.m. | 11:45 a.m. | 1:15 p.m. | 2:45 p.m. | 4:15 p.m. | 5:45 p.m.
Second ferry, departing Fort Morgan
9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 3:00 p.m. | 3:30 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m.
*These hours only run during daylight savings time.
Take an Adventure Day from the Best Place to Stay on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
Dauphin Island is the perfect place to take a family adventure during your beach vacation! When you’re planning your vacation to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, check out the available condos and beach houses from Sunset Properties. You’ll love the comfort and proximity to the beach each of our properties affords. So, contact us today to book your beach getaway!
Girls' Getaway to the Gulf
Aching for some serious girl time? Need to catch up with friends and just relax? About to break out into “Girls just wanna have fun”? Head to Fort Morgan, Alabama, and enjoy a girls’ getaway on the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast. From fine dining and relaxing spas to great shopping and beach fun, there are plenty of things to make your time with the girls memorable! Here are just a few ideas for a girls’ getaway to Fort Morgan, Alabama.
Pamper yourselves.
Can you think of a better way to spend a girls’ day out than getting massaged, primped, and pampered? Hit up one of the area spas to give yourselves some much-needed unwinding time. Some spas in and around Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores include:
Massage Therapy of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
3645 Gulf Shores Pkwy. Suite 109
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-223-7838
https://www.beach.massagetherapy.com/
Fusion Spa Salon
4778 Main Street
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-224-4247
https://fusionspasalonaveda.com/
Emerald Coast Esthetics, Inc.
1574 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-752-3223
https://www.eceagelessbeauty.com/
The Spa at the Beach Club
453 Beach Club Trail
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
866-348-9112 or 251-224-2772
https://thebeachclub.spectrumresorts.com/spa/
Play in the sun.
Of course, there are tons of fun things to do at the beach, especially when it comes to outdoor activities. Take walks on the beach, set out a beach chair and soak up the sun, take a dip in the water, go on a dolphin cruise, go deep sea fishing, visit historic Fort Morgan, or take a walk along the many beautiful nature trails.
Shop ‘til you drop.
Just down the road from Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores offers tons of fantastic shopping. There are outlet shops, high-end boutiques, and shops boasting one-of-a-kind gifts. If you want to do some shopping but are looking for a little more than the beach stores, check out:
SanRoc Cay
27267 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-981-5423
Pelican Place at Craft Farms
3800 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-3638
Original Oyster House Boardwalk
701 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Tanger Outlet Center
2601 S. McKenzie
Foley, AL 36535
251-943-9303
The Wharf in Orange Beach
4830 Main Street
Orange Beach, AL 36561
877-942-7325
251-224-1000
Wine and dine.
Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores boast a wide variety of restaurants to meet any tastes. You can grab a quick bite to eat, indulge with dessert, or dress up for a night on the town and a fancy dinner. Some top picks in the area include:
- Tacky Jack’s 2 – just across the street from our condos!
- The Hangout
- Original Oyster House
- Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s
- Shrimp Basket
- Mikee’s Seafood Restaurant
- Louisiana Lagniappe at SanRoc Cay
- King Neptune’s Seafood Restaurant
- DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen
- Cobalt the Restaurant
- Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar
Be Dolphin SMART
Gathering crowds and pointing fingers often mean one thing on the beaches of Fort Morgan – a dolphin sighting! It’s so exciting to see dolphins traveling through the waters along the Gulf Coast, especially when they’re “performing” for the crowds. You may see them splashing, circling, playing, jumping, or flipping out of the water. They truly are beautiful and magnificent creatures, and we must keep them safe in order to continue enjoying them. Being dolphin SMART is about knowing how to react around dolphins for the safety of yourself and the animal.
The Dolphin SMART program was created in Key West, Florida, and promotes responsible dolphin viewing. You can enjoy the dolphins, but at a safe distance! The acronym “SMART” is an outline of basic dolphin etiquette. SMART stands for:
Stay at least 50 yards from dolphins
Move away slowly if the dolphins show signs of disturbance
Always put your vessel engine in neutral when dolphins are near
Refrain from feeding, touching, or swimming with wild dolphins
Teach others to be Dolphin SMART
In October 2008, Orange Beach, Alabama, hosted its first Dolphin SMART training session. The hope is to create a safe and healthy environment for the dolphins in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach.
Dolphin viewing in and around Fort Morgan
If you want to spend the day, or just a few hours, out on the water, check out these area dolphin cruises and tours. The professionals guiding these trips are sure to provide you with a fun and scenic day – hopefully with lots of dolphin sightings! If you’re out in the water along the beaches of Fort Morgan or Gulf Shores, remember to follow the proper etiquette. It will ensure the safety of these wonderful animals and of yourself and your family!
Fins and Family Fishing Charters
4170 Spinnaker Dr. Unit 1223i
Gulf Shores, AL
251.979.2691
https://www.finsandfamilyfishing.com/
Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports
29603 Perdido Key Drive
Orange Beach, AL
251.980.5222
https://www.florabama.com/
Dolphin Fun Dolphin Cruises
27844 Canal Road
Orange Beach, AL
251.971.1893
https://dolphincruises.net/
Cetacean Cruises*
25991 West Perdido Avenue
Orange Beach, AL
251.550.8000
https://cetaceancruises.com/
*Certified Dolphin SMART business
Fun for Snowbirds in Gulf Shores
While summer is the most popular time to visit Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores, the winter months also offer plenty of events and fun for snowbirds! Parades, art exhibits, tournaments, and exciting series fill the Gulf Shores calendar, providing tons of entertainment for guests in our Fort Morgan condos and beach houses! Check out some of these events for snowbirds during your winter at the beach!
What: Winter Camellia and Cold Hardy Annual Displays
When: Now – February 28
Where: Bellingrath Gardens
Bellingrath Gardens is beautiful year-round, with fantastic winter displays featuring Camellias, ornamental kale, pansies, violas, cabbages, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, primrose, and more! Stroll the 65 acres and take in the beauty of a Southern estate.
What: Acrylic Painting (Beginning and Intermediate classes available)
When: Now – March 30
Where: Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Art Gallery
Learn more about acrylic painting from professional artist Kathleen Tucker during classes this winter. Each class is $40 with all supplies included.
What: Pottery, Hand-building and Glazing
When: Now – February 11
Where: Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Art Gallery
Anne Webb, professional potter, will offer her expertise during classes this winter. The six-week course is just $160 with all supplies included.
What: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
When: January 9 – February 13
Where: Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Art Gallery
Professional artist May Lou Nicolai’s six-week class will encourage students to explore a new way of thinking and drawing. The six-week course is $130.
What: Prayer Shawl Group
When: every Tuesday from now – March
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores
Snowbirds who love knitting and crocheting will appreciate peaceful Tuesday mornings with the Prayer Shawl Group. Participants can make shawls for themselves, as gifts, or for those in need while enjoying some time with like-minded people.
Along with many events, the areas in and around Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores offer many clubs for snowbirds. There are state-specific clubs where people can gather with those from home, and there are snowbird luncheons held often!
Snowbird Potluck Luncheons
260 Clubhouse Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Located at 200 E 25th Avenue in Gulf Shores, AL:
Illinois Snowbird Club
Indiana Snowbird Club
Ohio Snowbird Club
Minnesota Snowbird Club
Located at 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd in Orange Beach, AL:
Iowa Snowbird Club
Missouri Snowbird Club
Located at 27235 Canal Rd in Orange Beach, AL:
Wisconsin Snowbird Club
Located at 25311 Perdido Beach Blvd in Orange Beach, AL:
Pennsylvania Snowbird Club
North Dakota/South Dakota Snowbird Club
Located at 26189 Canal Road in Orange Beach, AL:
New York Snowbird Club
Located at 344 W 19th Avenue in Gulf Shores, AL:
Michigan Snowbird Club
Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast
While many consider New Orleans the hub of Mardi Gras in the U.S., you might be surprised to learn that it actually began in the Gulf Coast town of Mobile, Alabama. Mardi Gras has been celebrated with parades, balls, food, drinks, and overall revelry for years…and that tradition continues today. Not too far from Gulf Shores, this celebration is unlike any other, and it offers something for both adults and children.
One great thing about staying with us in Fort Morgan while you’re here for the Mardi Gras celebration – you can avoid the crowds when you want, but join in on the fun anytime! If you’re heading to Gulf Shores for Mardi Gras, read on to see what’s in store for you.
The Mardi Gras parades in Mobile features a huge lineup of guests, including many local groups and societies. The parades will run from Friday, January 30, until Tuesday, February 17, with exciting events each day. Groups will parade through this Gulf Coast town with their best float work, offering tons of entertainment along the way. Each day, many of the groups will also host balls to celebrate Mardi Gras. While some balls are by invitation only, some groups sell tickets to the public, so you can join in on the fun! Another interesting part of Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast is the throwing of MoonPies®. It’s a long-standing tradition at the parade that children will especially love. Of course, there will be plenty of other booty tossed out, so get ready to take home some fun mementos.
For more information about Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebrations, check out cityofmobile.org. Here you’ll find parade routes, schedules, and more. You can also visit the Mobile Carnival Museum and learn all about the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama!
If you want to celebrate Mardi Gras but want to stay a bit closer to Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan, LuLu’s will be hosting its 3rd Annual Birds of Paradise Mardi Gras Ball on February 11. Admission is $60 and the celebration will include a buffet dinner, open bar, and entertainment by The Tip Tops! It’s just for those 21 and over, and it’s sure to be a fun night to remember. For more information, call 251.967.LULU (5858) or go to www.lulubuffet.com. The “Krewe De Lu Roux’s Mardi Gras Ball” will be one event you won’t want to miss!
The Battle of Mobile Bay
Built in the aftermath of the War of 1812, Fort Morgan was designed to protect the port of Mobile and the shipping channels of Mobile Bay from attacks. It would be 30 years before the fort would be needed for defense. Then, on August 5, 1984, Fort Morgan sealed its place in history. A fleet of four ironclad monitors, led by U.S. Navy Admiral David Farragut, approached the fort for an attack. The lead ship, the U.S.S. Tecumseh, was hit by a torpedo and sunk. It was then that Admiral Farragut said the famous line, “Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!”
Although their fleet seemed to be battered and defeated, they pushed through before coming up against the Confederate ironclad C.S.S Tennessee. The C.S.S Tennessee fell to the Union Navy, and eventually Fort Morgan was taken by Union troops as well. In 2014, the fort commemorated the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay with a touching reenactment, a surrender ceremony, and a salute to the colors.
Today, the fort in Fort Morgan, Alabama, offers self-guided tours, reenactments, tours, and field trips. There is even a museum and gift shop! The fort is a fascinating place, with batteries, tunnels, cannon, lookout points, and recreation opportunities. From young kids to adults, it will entertain and impress! It’s a fantastic way to spend a day in Fort Morgan, Alabama.
Museum & Gift Shop
The Fort Morgan Museum holds thousands of artifacts, donated and recovered, that represent the history of the fort, Mobile Point, and Mobile Bay from the War of 1812 to World War II. It is in the shape of the Citadel that once stood in the middle of the fort, and it’s the location for the education for Fort Morgan State Historic Site. The museum features letters from colonels, sections of the C.S.S. Gaines, and artifacts from the U.S.S. Tecumseh and U.S.S. Philippi.
The gift shop inside the museum offers books, prints, jewelry, and Fort Morgan memorabilia. Guests can even get their Lighthouse Passport Books stamped for a small donation! Also inside the gift shop is the United States Lighthouse Society Official Stamp with the Fresnel Lens.
Recreation
Offering opportunities for birding, boating, hiking, fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the beach, Fort Morgan is more than just a military point. Guests can explore the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, the nearby Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, or the lovely bayside beach. They even encourage taking driftwood as souvenirs!
Hours & Admission
Sunday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed for the Christmas holiday, December 25 and 26
Closed New Year’s Day
Tuesday Twilight Tours – June 3 through July
Adults – $7
College students (with ID) – $5
Seniors (65+) – $5
Military (active with ID), plus one – FREE
Military (reserve, retired, or veteran with ID) – FREE
Children (ages 6-12) – $4
Children (under 6) – FREE
Family (2 adults and 2 children under age 12) – $18; $3 for each additional child
*Admission prices include parking and access to Fort Morgan, the Fort Morgan Museum, beach, and picnic areas.
3…2…1…Happy New Year!
New Year’s Eve is time to celebrate the past year and welcome in a new one. It’s a time for families and friends to gather, reminisce, and let loose! If you’re looking to mix it up this year, check out the New Year’s Eve events on the Gulf Coast. Located just a short drive from Fort Morgan, these parties are the perfect way to end 2014 at the beach.
NYE Hangout Peace Out
$35 in advance, $50 VIP
Where: The Hangout in Gulf Shores, AL
When: December 31 at 9 a.m. until January 1 at 2 a.m.
Featuring live entertainment by Kristy Lee and Dirt Road Revival, The Mulligan Brothers, and The Hussy Hicks, the NYE Hangout Peace Out is sure to be a blast. Spend the evening on the Gulf Coast listening to great live music, chowing down on a midnight buffet, and enjoying a balloon drop (with Hangout Music Fest tickets). End the night with a champagne toast by the beach! You can get tickets online, so buy them before they sell out!
8th Annual Noon Year’s Eve
Where: LuLu’s in Gulf Shores, AL
When: December 31 at 10 a.m.
A New Year’s Eve celebration appropriate for the entire family, LuLu’s 8th Annual Noon Year’s Eve features games, great food, and live music. Instead of a countdown at midnight, LuLu’s celebrates with a countdown at noon, complete with kid-safe fireworks and a beach ball drop! There will be face painting, games for kids, clowns, a sand castle contest, and more. Call Lulu’s at 251.967.LULU for more information.
New Year’s Eve Bash
Where: Flora-Bama
When: December 31
Celebrate with the party of the year at the New Year’s Eve Bash at Flora-Bama. The party will feature live music on all three stages throughout the entire night, along with champagne, party favors, and food. Tickets are $35 for people 21 and older, and $45 for people 18-20.
New Year’s Eve | Baytowne Countdown
Where: The Village of Baytown Wharf
When: December 31 at 7 p.m.
A free New Year’s Eve event for families, the New Year’s Eve Baytowne Countdown will end the year with a bang! Celebrate the end of 2014 and usher in 2015 as you dance and watch a fantastic fireworks display over the lagoon at midnight! What a way to spend New Year’s Eve at the beach!
Reeling in the New Year
Where: The Wharf
When: December 31 from 5 p.m. until 12 a.m.
Featuring live entertainment by Dee Jay Silver and 4 Barrel Funk, the New Year’s Eve celebration at The Wharf is a fun street party with fireworks, the Marlin Drop, and family activities. It’s free to the public and offers something for everyone – a kids’ area, live music, and an adults-only area. From 10 a.m. – 12 a.m., kids can enjoy ice skating in Palm Plaza ($10 for two-hour skate session; $12 for two-hour skate session and Ferris wheel ticket). The kids’ area will be open from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. and feature face painting, bouncy houses, a gyro machine, a mechanical bull, and Holiday SPECTRA playing at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. Adults can hang out in The Miller Lite Beer Garden by Marlin Circle on Main Street or upgrade the New Year’s Eve experience with VIP tickets to the Jim Beam Kentucky Fire VIP Club. VIP tickets are $90 and include: access to a lounge area with club seating in the Palms, hors d’oeuvres, complimentary beer, wine, and mixed drinks, party favors, and more!
With so many fun things for kids and adults to enjoy during New Year’s Eve at the beach, you’ll want to start planning your trip to the Gulf Coast now! While you’re planning, check out our beach houses and condos that offer tons of amenities to enjoy before you head out for the night. On New Year’s Day, you’ll have a comfortable place to wind down.
Holiday Events at the Beach
The holidays are all about family and fun, and Christmas vacations at the beach are no different! Fort Morgan is a scenic and relaxing place to spend the holidays. You can sit back and enjoy the gorgeous beach views or sink your toes in the sand during morning walks. But you don’t have to be a total beach bum to enjoy Christmas at the beach. Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and surrounding towns offer jam-packed community calendars, hosting holiday events throughout December.
Christmas Shows
Your little princess will love Cinderella (Enchanted Edition) at the South Baldwin Community Theatre beginning December 5. On December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14, watch Rodgers & Hammerstein’s timeless fairy tale come to life! On December 8, head to the Foley Civic Center for the Baldwin Pops Christmas Concert: Frozen Christmas – a free Christmas concert for the whole family! And Christmas with the Nelsons comes to the Erie Meyer Civic Center at 7 p.m. on December 9, taking guests on a digital sleigh ride with live vocals and hilarious stories of the Nelsons’ family Christmases.
Santa Claus is coming to town!
December 11 boasts one of the biggest holiday events when Santa Claus comes to town! SanRoc Cay in Orange Beach, Alabama, will welcome Santa and invite children to get photos taken with Santa and his elves with Vacation Beach Portraits. Until December 21, you can also have Winter Wonderland photos with Santa taken at The Wharf – just $10 per photo! Find more Santa fun on December 13 at Tea with Santa at Villaggio Grille at The Wharf or the Santa Drop at Flora-Bama! On December 13, LuLu’s will welcome Billy Claus, the big brother of Santa Claus, who will be on hand to take photos and take kids’ letters from the letter writing station to his brother in the North Pole! At dusk, the Nautical Night of Lights Boat Parade will begin, so there will be plenty for both children and adults to enjoy. On December 20, kids can have another chance to meet Santa before he heads back to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas Eve. A hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, bacon, and eggs will be served before it’s time to take photos with Santa! Admission is just $5, and children under three years old are free!
More holiday fun
If you need to pick up some Christmas gifts, be sure to stop by the Merry Market at The Wharf from December 12-13, where you’ll find unique gifts, handmade arts and crafts, and fine art pieces. Admission is free, so you could spend hours browsing here. Get in the holiday spirit with horse and carriage rides at The Wharf on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21. As you ride, take in the beautiful holiday lights and decorations!
Interspersed throughout these exciting holiday events are karaoke and open mic nights at area restaurants and bars, so you can belt those holiday tunes all you want! Lulu’s will feature new live entertainment throughout the holiday season, and local restaurants will feature some of your favorite holiday foods. Round out your Christmas at the beach with the Christmas Potluck at Flora-Bama – complete with turkey and ham. Those attending are encouraged to bring a covered dish to share, making the potluck feel so much more like a family affair! What a wonderful way to spend the holidays during your vacation to Fort Morgan!
