Events – Page 4 – Sunset Properties Blog

October 2, 2019

Four Fall Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

We know when you plan your vacation to the Alabama Gulf Coast, visiting our sandy white beaches is always at the top of your list. We get it. Everyone loves listening to the sounds of the waves hitting the shore and watching the seagulls play overhead. In the summer, the beach is all abuzz with swimmers, surfers and watercraft riders. There are so many things to do right there on the beach, you may not think about anything else. But what about when the fall comes? Trips tend to be shorter and the beaches are not quite as busy as they are in the summer. What is there to do in the fall when you only have a couple of days to enjoy South Baldwin County? We want you to know about Four Fall Festivals you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. From seafood, to wildlife, to some of the best music and art anywhere, fall festival season down here is just getting started! You really need to come on down to Coastal Alabama, stay with Sunset Properties and check these out:

Alabama Coastal BirdFest

The 16th Annual Alabama Coastal Birdfest: A Birding & Nature Festival will be held October 2-5, 2019. BirdFest showcases great bird- and nature-watching spots all around Baldwin and Mobile counties, including Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island, Weeks Bay, Gulf Shores, and more. BirdFest offers excellent bird and nature watching experiences for both experts and novices alike. Festival goers can expect to see a wide variety of coastal and migratory birds, alligators, dolphins and an array of local wildflowers. Many BirdFest activities are ticketed, however there is one event that is free to the public. In addition to the different ticketed locations of this festival, a Bird and Conservation Expo is planned for Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Fairhope campus of Coastal Alabama Community College in the Halstead Amphitheatre. This outdoor expo is free to the public and everyone is invited. The 16th Annual Alabama Coastal Birdfest is a production of The Weeks Bay Foundation and proceeds will benefit this local conservation group.

Annual National Shrimp Festival

A production of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, The 48th Annual National Shrimp Festival is planned for October 10-13, 2019 at the public beach area in the heart of Gulf Shores. The Shrimp Festival, a locally produced and nationally recognized festival celebrating one of our favorite crustaceans, continues to be volunteer-driven. Dozens of locals come together and collaborate to produce one of the best food, music, arts and crafts festivals anywhere. This year’s music lineup is sure to please all who attend. Look for musicians to be performing on two stages. Groups expected to perform include: The Tip Tops, Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster, and the Velcro Pygmies. There will be tribute bands celebrating the music of Def Leppard, Elvis and AC/DC. Local faves Tophat & Jackie, Brent Burns and Elaine Petty are also scheduled. Be sure to check out the fine arts area featuring local and national artisans. And don’t forget the food. As is tradition, we expect to have shrimp in all kinds of recipes. We love our Alabama Gulf Shrimp and hope you will try some while you’re here. The Annual National Shrimp Festival is free to the public. For guidelines on what you can bring into the festival site or for shuttle stop locations, check out their website. We will see you there!

Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Spirits & Beer Weekend

If you thought the Annual National Shrimp Festival was the last thing going on this fall along the Alabama Gulf Coast, think again! We have a couple of more festivals you need to try! Join several of your besties at the Hangout in Gulf Shores November 1-2, 2019 for the 12th Annual Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Spirits & Beer Weekend. This ticketed event is slam full of all the things we love about Gulf Shores: beachfront, seafood, music, good friends and fun! While not every oyster will give you a pearl, you’re sure to make a treasure chest full of memories when you meet your friends at the Hangout in early November. There will be restaurant tastings, celebrity chefs cooking and craft beer sampling. You can expect cocktail demos and an oyster shucking contest. There will be a champagne lounge and a tailgating experience. In addition to all this, there will be live music right on site! Your ticket covers so much, we can’t even list it all here. But you can check it all out for yourself on the Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Spirits & Beer Weekend website. Everyone knows the Hangout is always a great place to…well…hang out…but when they do a festival, they do it up right! Be sure to put this weekend on your calendar and stay with Sunset Properties while you’re in our neighborhood. We have several condos and beach homes that are really close to the Hangout and we are sure we can find you the perfect place to stay!

Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival

Since 1984, the good folks at The Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store have produced the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. This eleven-day multi-venue event will take place November 7-17, 2019 in both Alabama and Florida along our beautiful Gulf Coast. Named for a beloved night watchman at the Flora-Bama, the late Frank Brown, this festival celebrates people who otherwise might not get public recognition. This unique festival allows seasoned song-writers and up-and-comers alike, the opportunity to showcase their talents. Because this festival “moves” from venue to venue, festival goers not only are exposed to a variety of songwriting talent, but also get to experience the best our coastal communities have to offer in food and drinks. This year the Southeast Tourism Society has named the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival one of the Top 20 STS Events in the Southeast for November 2019. With great venues like The Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store, the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach, Lucy Buffet’s Lulu’s in Gulf Shores and the Sandshaker at The Wharf, we are inclined to agree. We can’t wait to see songwriters like Mac Davis, Dean Dillon and Mark Dreyer perform. For a list of all songwriters represented, check out their website.

The summer may be over down here along our Alabama Gulf Coast, but the fun sure isn’t! We hope to see you this fall. Whether you’re just coming down for one of our great festivals or to stay for a couple of weeks, we at Sunset Properties are anxiously awaiting your arrival! We have condos and beach homes located in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. We have vacation rental properties that will sleep from 2 to 22 and everything in between. Want to bring your fur baby with you for your fall getaway? We’ve got you covered on that, too! So go ahead, plan your festival outing and plan on staying with us at Sunset Properties.

Happy Fall, Y’all!

We’ll see ya soon!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

August 21, 2019

Top 10 Ways to Destress in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan for Labor Day Weekend 2019

With Labor Day 2019 right around the corner, we know you’re probably trying to squeeze in one last summer beach vacation getaway. At Sunset Properties, we are ready for your arrival. Not only are we looking forward to you coming to visit us along the Alabama Gulf Coast, we have ten great ideas how to spend your Labor Day 2019 stress-free and without laboring at all!

Relax under a beach umbrella and read a book

How does stretching out one last time this summer on a beach chair, book in hand, as you relax to the unmatched sounds of the waves of The Gulf of Mexico sound? To us it sounds pretty good! Be sure to pack your sunscreen. We know it’s late in the season, but you can still catch a pretty bad burn if you’re not careful. So pack your favorite novel, your cozy towel, and come on down to Gulf Shores, stay in Dunes 401, located in the Fort Morgan community, and you beach relaxation moment is only a few steps away!

Watch the sun rise and set from your own beach home balcony

Maybe you’re an early riser. Why not enjoy a hot cup of coffee as you watch the sun come up over The Gulf from your own private balcony in Indies 603? Maybe you’d rather sleep in. We get it. After all, you’re on vacation. Well, be sure to watch one of the last summer day’s sunsets with an amazing view of Perdido Pass and Alabama Point from Caribe C Penthouse 14. With a view unlike any other on the island, this penthouse with its exquisite decor is perfectly placed for amazing views any time of day.

Stroll the boardwalks at Wade Ward Nature Park

The boardwalks at Wade Ward Park, located over an amazing wetland area in the heart of Gulf Shores, provide a place for a relaxing stroll. You’ll be able to become a part of your surroundings while walking safely above any wildlife that could seem threatening. This city park is located only about five minutes from your vacation home Lighthouse 607. So getting here won’t create any stress, either.

Watch the tide ebb and flow under the Gulf State Park Pier

The Gulf State Park Pier has almost a half mile of railing and the view underneath changes almost minute-by-minute. We’ve heard about people who have glass aquariums or fish bowls in their offices for stress relief. We suggest taking a walk out on our pier to enjoy an unmatched view of the best natural open aquarium anywhere: The Gulf of Mexico. You’re almost guaranteed to see schools of fish swimming in the waves no matter what time you go visit the pier. For extra entertainment, make it a night trip. The waves lapping against the pier make a sound that is soothing to not only your ears, but also to your mind, body and soul. Couple that with the feel of the night air along the Alabama Gulf Coast, and we believe you’ll forget all about labor of any sort.

Watch the boats travel through Perdido Pass

Just steps from Caribe C Penthouse 14, is Perdido Pass. This is one of our favorite fishing spots. But if fishing seems too much like work to you, just find a bench and watch the boats go in and out from our back bays. We’ve also seen sea turtles swim by and you may even catch a glimpse of a manatee or two. This is definitely a relaxing way to spend a few lazy hours while you’re in Orange Beach.

Watch the sunset over Mobile Bay

From your deck at Navy Cove 2113, you’ll have a spectacular view of the sunset over Mobile Bay. Why not fix yourself a cold beverage and just sit back on your private deck and watch the summer sun’s rays fade away into the bay. As the summer draws to an end, the sun’s rays seem to soften and stretch across the bay in a way you can only see this time of year. Make plans to stay in one evening and see for yourself.

Watch the dolphins play at Orange Beach Waterfront Park

Have you ever been to Orange Beach Waterfront Park? This is a great place for a family picnic and to spend an afternoon enjoying the outdoors. You can also walk out on the pier and you might be able to see dolphins playing just off shore in Wolf Bay. With clean public restrooms and a large kids area, this family friendly local park is a great place to relax and unwind. There is no charge to use the park and everyone is welcome.

Kick back and float in your beach home’s pool

We cannot forget about this special way to relax and recharge. All of our condominium beach homes have pools on site. Many of our beach houses have pools available in their communities and a couple of our homes have private pools attached to them. Check out Dream, Kiva and Sip N Sea to see what a luxury beach home with a private pool looks like. Talk about a great way to spend a few hours before you have to return to work. Bring your float and kick back and let the gentle rolling waters of your nearest pool wash away your stress.

Walk your fur baby at Unleashed Dog Park in Orange Beach

We know walking your fur baby at home is relaxing. Why not bring your furry kiddo to the beach with you and walk him or her at Orange Beach’s own doggie park: Unleashed? Sunset Properties has several homes that allow small dogs with some restrictions, so bringing your four legged friend on your weekend vacation can be stress-free, too!

10. Shell hunt on Fort Morgan Beach

For some of the best treasures the Gulf can provide, we suggest walking Fort Morgan Beach. Because the waves of the Mobile Bay are softer and gentler than those the Gulf produces, we often find larger shells and sand dollars on Fort Morgan Beach. Remember, any artifacts you may uncover belong to the Fort and cannot be removed, but shells, sand dollars and the like are yours to take home. These make wonderful natural souvenirs and will help you remember your trip for many years to come.

We at Sunset Properties, know your last beach weekend this summer is important to you. We want you to have a relaxing 2019 Labor Day Weekend. We are proud to offer clean, fully stocked beach homes to fit any need and are ready to make your reservation with you.

If you need us during your stay, we have two office locations on the island to serve you. You can also reach us by phone, text and email. It is our goal to make your Labor Day getaway, just like any other vacation with Sunset Properties, as stress-free and pleasant as possible. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

www.sunsetpropertie.com

251.543.1310

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

May 20, 2019

Father’s Day 2019 – Gulf Shores – Great Places to Dine and Bushwacker Crawl

Father’s Day 2019 – Gulf Shores – Great Places to Dine and Bushwacker Crawl

Father’s Day 2019 is coming up and you’re planning a weekend getaway to the beach in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan to celebrate Dad. What an awesome idea! Weekends seem to fly by down here, and we tend to spend so much trying to decide where to eat and what to drink that time can just get away. Sometimes in haste, we can make bad decisions and end up regretting our choices. To help you make your food and beverage choices easy, I decided to put together this blog highlighting some of my local faves.

Here are some great places to dine during Father’s Day Weekend 2019 and then go on a Father’s Day Bushwacker Crawl.

Breakfast

To begin with, let’s begin at the beginning of the day with breakfast. And no breakfast blog is complete without mentioning Hazel’s Nook. Hazel’s Nook, located at the intersection of Fort Morgan Road and Gulf Shores Parkway, has been nestled right there under those ancient oaks serving breakfast since we actually can’t remember when. They have been there, no joke, somewhere in the neighborhood of 60 years. And you don’t make it in a small beach town that long unless you’re doing something right. Hazel’s Nook does breakfast right! If a hot, home cooked breakfast buffet featuring fresh eggs served with a side of grits and home fries, great coffee, a fun staff, and a local place that has stood the test of time appeals to you, then you need to take Dad to Hazel’s Nook while you’re here. And by the way…yes, the eggs really are that fresh and yes, there really was a Ms. Hazel! Hazel’s Nook is located, like I said, in a great place. It’s not too far from West Beach near 4 Shore, a fabulous beach home that’ll sleep up to eleven people! This West Beach home is located in Gulf Shores not far from another can’t-miss breakfast spot: The Ruby Slipper Café. And since you’ll be here for two mornings, I can’t leave them out of this blog, either. Unlike Hazel’s, The Ruby Slipper Café, located on Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach, is not a buffet style restaurant. Instead, it’s a go-inside, sit-down and relax-and-chat kind of place. When you first arrive, you’ll find the staff is so accommodating while you wait. And you’re probably going to have to wait for a few minutes for a table. But do it! It’s worth it! So, once you get your table, what do you order? Choosing what to have at The Ruby Slipper is challenging for all of us. That’s why I always seem to settle on thePeaceMaker. This appropriately named breakfast entrée allows you to “make peace” with your tummy and mind and just have two entrees in one! I like the Eggs Cochon paired with the Shrimp Boogaloo Benedict. These are two totally different breakfast entrees and they go great together. And don’t forget to have a couple of cups of their coffee. I prefer at least one of those to be an Irish Coffee, but that’s just me. Their coffee tastes like NOLA in a cup. It’s some of the best I’ve ever had, and I drink a lot of coffee! If you’d like something sweet for breakfast, try the Bananas Foster Pain Perdu. This is an island favorite and it’s hard to make a trip down here and not have Bananas Foster at least once. If Dorothy, herself, found her way to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan, she’d definitely find herself dining at The Ruby Slipper. Don’t miss an opportunity to treat Dad to The Ruby Slipper while you’re in town! There may be no place like home, but Dad will certainly thank you for taking him out for breakfast at two or our beach home faves: Hazel’s Nook and The Ruby Slipper Cafe.

Lunch

Located on Fort Morgan Road about five minutes from Navy Cove 2113, Dunes 705 and Dream, Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill is a great place to go for lunch. The service is outstanding, the drinks are refreshingly chilled, and the food is amazing. While Sassy Bass is a great place to take the whole family for dinner, I strongly suggest trying them for lunch, as well. The atmosphere is great for families or a couple of friends just hanging out. Dine inside or on their screened porch. The super friendly staff will be happy to seat you where you’re comfortable. And their menu item choices are sure to please anyone. With food for both land and sea lovers, there is something for everyone at Sassy Bass. Their burgers are piled high with perfectly cooked beef and smothered with the freshest of toppings. Their seafood po-boys are literally overflowing with seafood and toppings, and their hand cut fries are a comfort food like none other. If you choose to have a salad, try the vinaigrette dressing. It is zippy sweet summery taste of yum and it seems to make the taste of the veggies sort of pop. I can’t let their slaw go without mentioning either. If you like the old timey Pool Room Slaw, you are going to love Sassy Bass’s slaw. It is served in a quarter cup size side cup, but you’re gonna want a whole-big-ole-bowl of it. And, if an adult beverage appeals to you, try one of their signature fishbowl drinks. I’d love to make a recommendation on which one, after all, there are quite a few. But I just can’t choose one fave. They are all great! If non-alcoholic drinks are your choice, they have plenty of those to choose from, too.

Dinner

We covered breakfast and lunch. So, what about dinner? Or as we affectionately call it in South Alabama: supper. Where are you going to take Dad for supper? Suppertime down here at the beach is one of our favorite times of the day. It’s a time when we all sit down together and talk about our day. Dinner is usually around 7PM or so, but supper can happen most any time after lunch. If you choose to stop mid-to-late afternoon and eat, then it’s Lupper! But, no matter what you choose to call it, just make sure you call Fin & Fork in Orange Beach and make a reservation for it. While reservations are not required, I do suggest making one. This place is so good and so conveniently located on Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach not too far from Grand Caribbean 215, they are packed most all the time. You can choose to eat outside at a picnic area, on their screened-in porch or inside the restaurant. Regardless of which area you choose, try the grouper. It’s not called “Local’s Favorite Grouper” for nothing. You’ll get a huge helping of fresh panko (that yummy bready stuff they put on fish) covered grouper topped with a mushroom and crab sauce that’s been placed delicately and deliciously inside a cabbage leaf. Oh-Em-Gee! It’s one of the prettiest plates of food that’ll ever be laid in front of you and the taste is just as Oh-em-gee-able. You’ll probably just sit there and admire it for a minute before you taste it. If you’re like most, you’ll have the urge to snap a picture of it and Facebook post it. But try to refrain. Posting your food on Facebook, according to most millennials, is so last year. But then…. there’s always SnapChat! Picture this: alongside your grouper, you’ll get these perfectly seasoned whole green beans and whipped Yukon gold mashed potatoes. The sweetness of the potatoes and the zingy-ness of the green beans is a perfect pairing for the fish. If your Dad is more of fried fish guy, try the Whole Fried Snapper. Our Alabama Gulf Coast is famous for our great Snapper Seasons, and Fin & Fork is celebrated for their Whole Fried Snapper. Also, while you’re there, order some Sushi. You might not expect to get great Sushi in Orange Beach, but you will! Fin & Fork has a great Sushi Chef preparing Sushi to order. Take Dad to Fin & Fork for his Father’s Day Dinner, Supper, Lupper or all three. He’ll thank you for it!

Bushwacker Crawl

No trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast is complete with a Bushwacker. So why not take Dad on a Father’s Day Bushwacker Crawl? (which, by the way, I just invented for this blog!) Why do we affectionately call it a “crawl”? Well, when you have your first Bushwacker, the answer is not so obvious. But by the time Dad tries all three Bushwackers I suggest here, he might need some help walking. Hence the name: crawl. Remember, someone sober must drive Dad so he can enjoy his outing. If everyone in your group wants to try these, I strongly suggest you plan ahead and contact a taxi to drive you. Uber and Lyft are not available in our area, but this link will give you lots of choices for local drivers. While we love our Bushwackers down here, safety is always our first concern. Drink responsibly and let someone else drive! For your first stop, take Dad to Anchor Bar & Grill located off Canal Road on Wilson Boulevard in Orange Beach. I say start your crawl here, because they make unique and specialty Bushwackers. While most Bushwacker bartenders use rum, the good folks at the Anchor Bar & Grill use Vodka. It’s a great twist on an old favorite and they are soooo good! And, by the way, so is the view from Anchor Bar & Grill. It overlooks beautiful Terry Cove in Orange Beach. While you guys enjoy your first taste of frozen goodness on your Father’s Day Bushwacker Crawl, you’ll get to watch seagulls play and maybe even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two. You’re also almost guaranteed to see our local pirate ship that docks right outside the Anchor Bar & Grill at Hudson Marina. Maybe you could even squeeze in a Pirate Cruise while you’re down. Your second stop on your Father’s Day Bushwacker Crawl needs to be Flippers Seafood & Oysterbar located at Bear Point Marina, just a bit down Canal Road from The Keg (which is a great place to highlight in another blog!) Bushwackers at Flippers are worth the drive. While you’re there, go ahead and have some oysters on the half shell, too. Oysters go so good with Bushwackers! Flippers has a wonderful full menu. If raw oysters aren’t your thing, I know there is something on their menu that will make your tummy smile! The last place I’ll suggest for a great Bushwacker is Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores. Head back from Flippers toward Gulf Shores on Canal Road, and just keep going. Right where the road makes a sharp (really sharp!) left, you’ll find Tacky Jacks. Tacky Jacks overlooks the intracoastal waterway. I’d like to suggest an appetizer to go with your Tacky Jacks Bushwacker, but everything on their menu is a winner. So, I’ll leave this one to you. By now, you should know why we call this little outing a crawl. While I hope you guys are having a great time on your Father’s Day Bushwacker Crawl, I can’t stress enough the importance of a sober driver and the willingness of locals in the transportation industry to help you out. Don’t drink and drive. But if you’re having a good time on this little crawl, and want to keep it going, check out our blog on 5 Best Bushwackers to give you some suggestions on a couple more places to try!

I hope this blog helps make your decisions on where to take Dad for food and drink easier than you expect. You know, at Sunset Properties, we celebrate families. We are a family owned, family-oriented company. We are flattered that you are planning to spend a weekend with us celebrating your Dad this Father’s Day 2019 with us and we hope you’ll plan a week later this summer to celebrate your whole family and stay with us again!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

Have a safe and happy Father’s Day Weekend and Summer 2019!

“Drinking and Driving – A Threat to Everyone. Every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This amounts to one death every 51 minutes. Driving drunk is never OK. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.” CDC

May 2, 2019May 2, 2019

Four A-MAY-ZING reasons to visit Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan in May 2019

Spring is folding into summer and down here along the Alabama Gulf Coast, May is a wonderful month to visit our Island Paradise. The flowers are in full bloom, everything is new and fresh, and our sugar white sandy beaches and rolling tides of the Gulf of Mexico just seem to welcome summer in a way nowhere else can. We have shaken off the cold of the winter, restocked our shelves, brightened up our beach homes and our staffs are ready to greet you. Come on down to the Alabama Gulf Coast and stay with us at Sunset Properties. We, like the warm early summer sun, are ready for your arrival! There are four fabulous weeks in May and here are Four A-MAY-ZING reasons you need to be on the Alabama Gulf Coast in May:

1. Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival May 2-4, 2019

For fifteen years, locals and guests alike have looked to the skies on the first weekend in May to see amazingly colorful hot air balloons drifting brilliantly in the sun. A rainbow filled thrill for everyone, the Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is an event you won’t want to miss. Be at the Tanger Outlet Mall in Foley on the evening of Friday, May 2 and see the balloons glow from 6-8PM. It’s an almost magical to see these towering balloons illuminate the horizon with their giant gas flames. Meet the balloon crews and teams who make this all possible. Bring the kids and watch their eyes light up with wonder! Then be sure to visit the festival grounds on Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd and 4th, for a full weekend of fun. There will be a carnival, food vendors, tethered balloon rides, a the Disconnected K9 Dog Show, and the fabulous bands Dr Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster and Werewolf the legendary 80s cover band are scheduled to perform. This 15-year old Alabama Gulf Coast even is one that continues to grow and thrill attendees. Don’t forget to contact Sunset Properties to book you amazing accommodations and don’t miss your chance to come out and make some great memories that will last a lifetime!

2. Mother’s Day May 12, 2019

Can’t seem to swing a beach trip to see the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival? What about Mother’s Day? Most of us celebrate our Moms every day. We know that she alone is the person who always has our back. She’s always been our friend, our cheerleader, our taxi driver and the one who always has great advice. When we were kids, she helped us balance on skates, kissed our knees when we fell and skinned them, and gave us ice cream to help the hurt go away. As we became adults and our life challenges changed, so did Mom’s help. But she’s the one who never lets us down. For someone who has done so much for us, how do we ever even begin to show her how much we appreciate her? What’s a great way to celebrate Mom on Mother’s Day 2019? Why not bring Mom at the beach this year? Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan are three of her favorite places. How about instead of the same-old, same-old easy-peasy card and chocolate, why not give Mom a Mother’s Day Memory she will always cherish? Bring Mom to the Alabama Gulf Coast, stay in one of Sunset Properties’ fabulous beach homes, treat Mom to some delightfully mouth-watering Fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood and shop in some of the best retail venues in the whole state. What are you waiting for? You know this is a great idea! Mother’s Day is special anywhere, but make your Mom’s weekend extra special by spending it with us, here at the beach. Contact Sunset Properties and mention code MOTHER19 for a special discount offer on some beach homes. Go ahead! Be Mom’s hero, just like she’s always been yours!

3. Hangout Music Festival May 17-19

Maybe you can’t get down here for Mother’s Day and the Hot Air Balloon Festival is not the kind of festival you had in mind. Well, in that case, you won’t want to miss the annual Hangout Music Festival which rocks the public beaches in Gulf Shores from May 17-19, 2019, with a kick-off party scheduled on Thursday, May 16. With a band line-up like no other and music that lasts from 11-11 each day, you will have a blast with your besties as you celebrate mid-May on the beach while your favorite live music plays. Hangout Fest is a gated, ticketed event and the tickets usually sell out, so if you’re planning on coming, you probably need to act quickly to ensure your spot. If you need some help planning your Hangout experience, check out our blog 5 Tips to Make Your Hangout Festival Experience Super Groovy for some great ideas. And if you need a place to stay, we can help with that, too. Sunset Properties has several beach homes near the Hangout venue. Call or email us and we’ll help you find just the perfect place for you.

4. Memorial Day May 27

So you were saving the best for last? The a-MAY-zing fun continues along the beaches here all month long. Memorial Day Weekend is the last weekend in May, but it’s the first weekend of Summer at the Beach! The kiddos are finally out of school and you’re planning to come to the beach for the unofficial summer kick-off week, Memorial Day 2019. Awesome! We are so glad you’re choosing to spend your first summer vacation week with us! At Sunset Properties, we have several wonderful beach homes to choose from and here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, the summer fun ramps up on Memorial Day! And here in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, we have great attractions for your whole family. The kiddos will love Waterville USA , The Track and Adventure Island . Your whole family will love The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. With great places to dine like King Neptunes, Cobalt and Doc’s Seafood Shack, you won’t have to worry about cooking. But if you choose to prepare your own meal, shop Rouses Market and then enjoy a fully stocked kitchen in any of our supremely decorated beach homes. If you want to bring your fur baby, you’re in luck! We have quite a few dog friendly homes to choose from and we even can recommend a wonderful locally owned doggie daycare Sea Paws Dog Resort so your fur baby gets to enjoy vacation, too.

Vacation. Ahhh….just saying that word makes us smile. May, here in our Island Paradise is truly a month for a vacation. Whether you choose a quick weekend getaway vacation, or a week long stay with us, we are truly excited to know you’re coming. If you need any help making your reservations or have questions about any of our wonderful beach homes, please call or email us. We are always ready to assist our guests. Don’t wait! Our homes fill up fast all month long, so call us now! Get ready to plan your own A-MAY-ZING vacation and we will see you soon!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

April 18, 2019

5 Things You and Mom Must Do for Mother’s Day in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

5 Things You and Mom Must Do for Mother’s Day in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

So you’ve decided to take Mom to the beach for Mother’s Day Weekend 2019, but you’re not sure what to do or where to stay. It is going to be a short quick trip so you’re in need of a little advice. To make the most of your time here, you need a plan. We, at Sunset Properties, have a few great ideas and we know you and Mom will make some great memories.

1. Ride our Ferris Wheel

As soon as you get to our Island Paradise, you will most likely see the Ferris Wheel at The Wharf in Orange Beach. With the top gondola towering at an astounding 112 feet high, The Ferris Wheel at The Wharf is truly one of our favorite island landmarks. It is the largest Ferris Wheel in the Southeast. Day or night, The Ferris Wheel welcomes guests to ride one of its 24 gondolas. It can hold up to 140 people at a time. Even if you’ve ridden our Ferris Wheel before, you will definitely want to make it one of your planned stops while you and Mom enjoy Mother’s Day Weekend on the Alabama Gulf Coast. While you’re at The Wharf, don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the many fine retail shops. Mom will love a new fun outfit from Sand Dollar Lifestyles or a nice cold daiquiri from Island Time Daiquiris. In addition to all the other great things to do at The Wharf, they have a great summer concert series lined up, too. Bryan Adams will play at The Wharf Amphitheatre on Friday night May 10th. While you and Mom are at The Wharf, why not take in a great concert? The weather is perfect in May for outdoor shows and we know you’ll have a blast!

2. Eat at Cobalt

With so many great places to dine around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, how to do you choose? We suggest trying Cobalt, The Restaurant in Orange Beach. Located next to The Caribe under the Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach, not only is the food great, but so are the views! With menu items like yellowfin tuna and grilled chicken, how can you go wrong? Oh, and did I mention their delicious desserts? You must try the bread pudding or triple layer chocolate cake! Mom will certainly thank you for this special Mother’s Day meal! Sunset Properties has two great penthouses available for reservations at The Caribe right next to Cobalt. For a Mother’s Day Stay Mom won’t soon forget, consider reserving Caribe C Penthouse 14 or Caribe B Penthouse 4.

3. Enjoy a Flora-Bama Bushwacker

How can you have a weekend at the beach and not have a Bushwacker? No other island drink is like a Bushwacker and with several great places to have one, how do you choose? We recently published a blog about our favorite local Bushwackers, but if we have to choose just one, we suggest visiting the Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store and trying theirs. A Bushwacker is a frozen drink that consists of several liquors usually mixed with chocolatey goodness and topped with a cherry. Located on the Alabama/Florida State Line, the Flora-Bama is known worldwide for great Bushwackers, unmatched entertainment, cold beer and fresh oysters. There is always a great band playing and the service is second to none. One of America’s oldest roadhouses, the Flora-Bama is not just a local bar, its a local landmark! Moms are always welcome and we can’t think of a better time to share one of our favorite local beverages with your Mom than on her special day. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures while you’re there. A visit to the Flora-Bama anytime is always the right time to make memories!

4. Shop at SanRoc Cay

With so many great retail venues to shop, how do you decide? From The Tanger Outlets in Foley, to the great shops at Pelican Place, to a plethora of local island shops, the choices are vast. We want to suggest you check out SanRoc Cay for Mother’s Day. Located across from the beach in Orange Beach, SanRoc Cay is a unique shopping and entertainment district. You will love spending the day with Mom here. With upscale boutiques like Sweet Dreams and Blue Lagoon Swimwear, Mom is sure to find herself the perfect Mother’s Day gift here. When Mom is all shopped out, be sure to visit Louisiana Lagniappe for some great food! After lunch, how about taking Mom out on the water for a charter trip? Contact the good folks at SanRoc Cay Marina for details on charters and rentals. SanRoc Cay is so much more than just a shopping venue. It is a place to spend the whole day with Mom making memories that will last long after you’ve gone back home.

5. Sunbathe on Fort Morgan Beach

If you’ve never been to Fort Morgan Beach, you are certainly missing out on a great local experience. The gently rolling waves of Mobile Bay that kiss the beach of Fort Morgan are perfect for floating, swimming and sunbathing. Fort Morgan Beach surrounds our famous fort and then stretches around from Mobile Bay to meet the Gulf of Mexico in front of The Dunes condominiums and The Dunes subdivision. To avoid the business of the public beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, many locals and guests alike choose to pass their lazy beach days on the beaches of the Fort Morgan area. Because you’re planning to try out these hidden gems located near the end of Fort Morgan Road, why not stay there, too? Dunes 407 is a tastefully decorated one bedroom, two bath condo that sleeps up to six people, and it is perfect for a Mother’s Day weekend getaway. The Dunes faces the Gulf and has a private beach. If you’d prefer to stay on Mobile Bay, check out Navy Cove 2113. This two bedroom, two bath condo comes with a private boat slip. Want to see a complete list of available beach homes? Visit SunsetProperties.com and use code MOTHER19 for a special offer on some homes. What better way is there to spend Mother’s Day weekend than in a great waterfront beach home? We simply cannot think of one!

With all that Mom has done for us, it seems so little just to celebrate her one day a year. We suggest celebrating Mom all year long, but if you have to squeeze it all into one weekend, we hope you will take our suggestions and make Mom’s weekend extra special. Come on down to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Come stay with us at Sunset Properties. Our beaches are beautiful and our waterfront views are spectacular. Our entertainment districts are welcoming and our southern hospitality unsurpassed. Our accommodations are superb and our pools are sparkling. All we’re missing is you, and of course, Mom. Join us at Sunset Properties this year for Mother’s Day as we celebrate our Moms and help you celebrate yours!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

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 21, 2019

5 Amazing April Family Outings You Must Do in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

5 Amazing April Family Outings You Must Do in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

Have you ever thought about visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast in April? Spring Break is over and summer hasn’t quite yet arrived. The beaches are warming up and the Gulf is usually quite serene. Flowers are blooming all around our island paradise and the sugar white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan are definitely calling your name! There is so much to do here in the Spring. It’s hard to list them all, but here is a list of

5 amazing April family outings you must do when you’re down our way:

1. Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Spend a day with your family walking or running the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. With seven trails that traverse six different eco systems across fifteen miles, the trail has something for the whole family. Be sure to visit the Pavilion and Butterfly Garden this spring. Covered in brightly colored flowers, the garden is a butterfly haven. Stop in at the pavilion and relax in the swing. Be sure to bring your camera and take lots of pictures. Memories made on the trail are meant to be shared! Not too far from the trail, just down Fort Morgan Road, is Dream. Dream is a seven bedroom, seven bath brand new Gulf front beach home. Complete with its own pool, Dream is the place to stay if you’re looking for a quiet evening and a relaxing swim after a long walk through the trail. This tastefully decorated, fully stocked beach home truly is a dream come true. We know you and your family will cherish all the memories you make this April in Gulf Shores and we know you will love staying with Sunset Properties in our newest rental, Dream.

2. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is one of our favorite outing spots any time of year. It is especially nice in the spring. The weather is just perfect and the animals are quite active. While you’re at the zoo, but sure to check out the Gulf Coast Mining Company. This fun new attraction at The Little Zoo That Could features old fashioned mining. After the water washes away your sandy mixture, you’ll find gemstones, arrowheads and other fun items to take home with you. What a great way to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs! Family pictures with animals make great keepsakes photos! You simply cannot go wrong with a day outing to our local zoo. Each time you go, you’ll see and experience something new. Located about ten minutes from the zoo, is Grand Caribbean 215. This two bedroom, two bath condo faces The Gulf of Mexico on Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores. After you and your family have enjoyed your zoo outing, you can walk right across the street to enjoy an afternoon on our pristine white sandy beaches. Who knows? You may just be able to add some colorful sea shells to your already wonderful collection of natural souvenirs.

3. Orange Beach Waterfront Park

Located on Canal Road in Orange Beach, Orange Beach Waterfront Park is a kid’s outdoor paradise! Parents will love it, too! Designed for the whole family and overlooking Wolf Bay, Orange Beach Waterfront Park features a kid’s park area and an amazing 400 foot long pier. There is no cost to enter the park and no reservations can be made. The park has grills, pavilions and restrooms for public use. This is truly the perfect place to plan a nice April family cookout or picnic. About ten minutes away from the park, Enclave 206 is located on Beach Boulevard. It is a three bedroom, three bath Gulf front condo that sleeps eight. Enclave 206 has plenty of room for your whole family to spread out. This is the perfect place to come home to after you’ve spent a day outside in the beautiful April sun.

4. Gulf State Park Pier

Another great family venue located near Grand Caribbean 215 is our Alabama Gulf State Park Pier. The State Park Pier has an amazing 2448 feet of rail space. That’s a lot of room for fishermen! There is also indoor seating for concessions. The pier is open all day every day, but there is a small fee to enter. There are comfort stations and a bait shop. Whether you visit the Gulf State Park Pier just to sight see or fish, you will enjoy one of the best views of The Gulf of Mexico as you gaze over the pier rails to see the water and wildlife below. Have some ice cream and take lots of pictures. This is one family outing your whole family will enjoy. Take a sneak peak of the pier by clicking on their webcam here. Spring is one of the best times to walk out on the pier. The sea breeze is nice and the weather is warm. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique family venue!

5. Hummingbird Zipline Course

Thrill seekers who visit the Alabama Gulf Coast in April will love The Hummingbird Zipline. Located at The Wharf in Orange Beach, the Hummingbird Zipline will thrill everyone! With speeds up to 30 miles per hour and heights up to 115 feet, this Alabama Gulf Coast attraction remains one of our all time favorite outdoor activities. The zipline tour takes about two hours and flies over protected wetlands, the intracoastal waterway and even the bays that surround The Wharf. What a great way to see nature! Another great way to see nature is from the deck of The Boathouse, located on Fort Morgan Road. This uniquely designed beach home is a venue all on its own. The Boathouse has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and is a dog friendly beach home. It is located right on Mobile Bay and has unmatched views. So when you’re done zipping around at The Wharf, come on home to your own special spot in a beach home like no other.

The weather in April in Gulf Shores is amazing! Orange Beach is begging to be visited and Fort Morgan is just a short drive away. Go ahead, plan a weekend getaway to our fun little beach paradise. The crowds are smaller than in the summer and the Spring Breakers have all gone back to school. Pack up the kiddos and even bring your dog to one of our many dog friendly beach homes and don’t miss an opportunity to experience our beach in the Spring. And, hey, if the April Showers start, we, at Sunset Properties, have a blog for that, too! We’ll 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

February 21, 2019February 21, 2019

Top 10 Favorite Things To Do During Spring Break 2019 in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan

With Spring Break 2019 just around the corner, isn’t time you started making your family spring break plans? Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan are perfect places to spend a week sharing fun times with you family and making memories that will last long after this Spring Break Week 2019 is gone. The Alabama Gulf Coast is full of family friendly entertainment venues and we, at Sunset Properties, love hosting guests. With so many attractions to choose from, folks often ask us for our personal faves.

Here is a list of our Top 10 Favorite Spring Break Activities.

Get back to nature

After being cooped up inside for the cold winter months, getting outside in the Spring is usually on everyone’s mind. Here along the Alabama Gulf Coast, we love the outdoors, too. Our Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great outdoor place to visit on a sunny Spring day. With so many animals to see in our “Little Zoo That Could” we urge you to set aside at least a whole afternoon for your visit. Wear comfy shoes and clothes, because our zoo is a walking attraction. Located right in the heart of Gulf Shores, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is open year-round, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Recently, The Gulf Coast Mining Company was added to the zoo. This is a gemstone mining attraction and it is fun for the whole family. Visit the zoo, make some great pictures and take home a beautiful gemstone souvenir!

Enjoy some arcade time

Remember back in the 80s when everyone hung out at the mall arcade? We loved the flashing lights and loud music and joystick challenges that lay before us! Seems those fun times are somewhere in our past. How about this? While you’re on Spring Break 2019 with your kids, why not let your own inner kid come out? Down here in our island paradise, we still love a good video game challenge and the excitement of the flashing lights and great music! You can find all of that at a couple of very cool local arcades: Adventure Island and Fat Daddy’s Arcade . Both of these entertainment venues are located in Orange Beach. Adventure Island is so much more than just your typical arcade. While they do house some of the best video games anywhere, they also are home to go-karts, laser tag and a mini-golf course. Adventure Island is super easy to find. Just ride along Beach Boulevard until you see the big volcano. It is the only volcano on our island, so you won’t have to look too hard to find it. Can’t get enough arcading at Adventure Island? Well, trek on over to Fat Daddy’s Arcade. With over 80 arcade games, including claw challenges, Deal or No Deal and the big wheel, there is something for your whole family to enjoy. Follow Fat Daddy’s on Facebook for special offers and when you get down here, don’t miss a chance to go! For great games and exciting prizes, both Adventure Island and Fat Daddy’s Arcades are definitely two of our faves! Just down the road from these fun arcades is Enclave 206. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath condominium is located right on the Gulf in Orange Beach. Once you’re family has played all the video games possible, you’ll be happy to drive just a short way to your vacation home where you’ll find a beautifully decorated, fully stocked home that has both an indoor and outdoor pool. We loved arcades back in the 80s, and we still enjoy the thrill now and then, but some days, we just want to relax beside a pool and enjoy the sounds of the beach.

Hangout near the public beach

The Hangout has been a favorite local beach spot since we can’t remember when, and it still tops our list of groovy things to do. The face of The Hangout has changed over the years, but the vibe is still the same. Stop by for easy-to-have fun and great food. Located right at the public beach in Gulf Shores, The Hangout, home of The Hangout Music Festival, is nearly impossible to miss. Known for their famous festival in May, great adult beverages and awesome menu, The Hangout is actually a very family friendly place to go. Your whole family will enjoy putting toes in the sand while eating in the picnic area. Kids will love the Wish Wall, foam party and sand pit. Adults will love the fact that the service is top-notch and food is awesome. We know you’ve driven by the big yellow Hangout sign many times. Why not stop, go in, and relax a little. Give it a try. You’ll thank us for the suggestion.

Drive hard and go fast

Driving in between Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan can be a bit challenging for adults. With some many places to go and so many things to do, we tend to spend a great deal of time in our cars. Why not let the kids drive for a while? Located just north of the Intracoastal Waterway bridge on Gulf Shores Parkway, The Track- Gulf Shores is a great place to do just that. Let your young folks take the wheel in a super cool go-kart that is sized perfectly for them. The Track is a fun and challenging course for kids and adults alike. With rides ranging from The Wild Woody to the Kiddie Karts, there is a perfectly sized track for everyone. The Track also offers a Sky Coaster and Spinning Coaster. There is also a great arcade and mini-golf course. With so many fun things to do at this one venue, The Track is sure to be a great way to spend a whole spring break day.

Chill out with some good ice cream

After all the thrill seekers in your family have been entertained, why not slow down a bit for some fabulous ice cream? Matt’s Homemade Alabama Ice Cream, located on Gulf Shores Parkway near the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, is a great place to stop and chill for a bit. With 40 flavors to choose from, your whole family will love Matt’s Ice Cream. From banana splits to waffle cones, stop by Matt’s and create your own unique favorite Gulf Coast Ice Cream treat. Another one of our favorite ice creams shops is Callaway’s Creamery. Just a little off the beaten path on East 2nd Street in Gulf Shores, the folks at Callaway’s Creamery serve ice cream with a twist. They start out with liquid ice cream mix and pass it through liquid nitrogen for flash freezing. Not only is this ice cream a treat for your tongue, it is entertaining to watch them make it. They have plenty of flavors and “toss ins” like fruit and candy. Stop by Callaway’s Creamery and create the perfect ice cream treat to fit your taste. They also have sugar free and keto friendly ice cream, too, so everyone can enjoy a tasty treat at this cool place.

Get some sand in your shorts

With 32 miles of pristine shoreline, of course spending a day at the beach will be on our list of favorite things to do. After all, that is what draws us down to our beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast in the first place, right? How about staying in a fabulous beach house right on the Gulf? USA2 is a 5 bedroom, 5 bath home that sits directly on the beachfront. Talk about a fabulous vacation home with an amazing view! Imagine walking right down from you living room and onto the sand. The sand that covers the beaches that surround us are sugary while quartz crystals. You’re sure to find plenty of shells to collect, seagulls to entertain you and waves to play in. You also will find sea oats growing in our dunes. While it may be tempting to play in the oats or even pick them, please don’t. They are a protected plant and they help hold the dunes in place. Instead, take your blanket or your favorite beach chair and get close to the lapping waves and just relax with your favorite book or music. Please leave all glass containers in your vacation home and bring only paper or plastic with you to the beach. Also, remember that the sun in March here along our Alabama Gulf Coast can burn winter skin very quickly. Wearing sunblock, shades and hats, along with limiting your sun exposure, are always good ideas. For more ideas on what to pack in your beach bag, check our beach bag blog. We hope you enjoy your time in the sun on the sand, but please remember to take down your tents and remove all your trash when you go. While you make take home a little sand in your shorts, please “leave only footprints” on the beach at the end of each day.

Eat some great local seafood

We have so many great places to eat around here, it is hard for us to narrow it down to just a couple. But for Spring Break 2019, we encourage you to give Doc’s Seafood Shack and Mikee’s Seafood a try. Doc’s Seafood Shack is located on Canal Road in Orange Beach. Locally owned since 1984, Doc’s Seafood Shack has been an island staple and favorite among locals. They have some of the best shrimp you’ll ever eat. Do you like raw oysters? Doc’s has you covered. Cold beer and excellent service are what you can expect when you dine at Doc’s. Doc’s has a great kids’ menu, too. Mikee’s, like Doc’s, also offers all these things. That’s why we recommend you try them both while you’re visiting us for Spring Break. Mikee’s Seafood is located on East 2nd Avenue in Gulf Shores. With affordable menu items ranging from po-boys to pastas and great appetizers coupled with an awesome kids’ menu, Mikee’s is a great place for the whole family to eat.

Play a round of golf

Everyone loves a round of golf, right? With so many great golf courses around the Alabama Gulf Coast to choose from, how do you decide where to go? With choices like Craft Farms and The Peninsula, how do you pick just one? We actually have a couple of suggestions that will appeal to your whole family. How about Pirate’s Island and Tiki’s Mini Golf? Sure our fabulously kept professional courses like Craft Farms and Peninsula are always great, but how about trying mini golf for Spring Break fun this year? Pirate’s Island Mini Golf is located on Gulf Shores Parkway right across from The Track. When you spot the only landlocked pirate ship in our area, you’ll know you’re in the right place. Pirate’s Island Mini Golf has been a fun family place to go for many years. Whether you choose to play in the day or after dark, your whole family will have a blast, Matey! Does golfing under very old oaks appeal to you? If so, Tiki’s Mini Golf is where you need to be. Located on Gulf Shores Parkway near The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Tiki’s not only offers mini golf, but also bike rentals. If you’ve never pedaled your way around our island, give it a try! See our island at a slower pace as you take a self-guided bike tour with your family and we are sure you’ll see a few things you missed while driving in your car. We encourage you to take a bike ride down beautiful Fort Morgan Road. Near the fort is Indies 410. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath condominium is waiting for you and your family to arrive. With plenty of room for everyone, Indies 410 is a perfect place to call “home” for Spring Break 2019. So come by bike or come by car, but don’t miss the opportunity to experience this amazing beach home!

Ride a Ferris wheel

The highest place on our island cannot be reached driving a conventional car. You can’t get there on a bike or even roller skates. But you can get there from Main Street at The Wharf. The highest place on our little island paradise is the top of the Ferris Wheel at The Wharf. Open daily, the 112 foot tall Ferris wheel has become one of our local favorites. With 24 gondolas, this fabulous landmark can hold up to 140 people at a time. Plan a day at The Wharf during Spring Break 2019. There is always something fun happening on Main Street. Be sure to check out Spectra, an amazing light and laser show each night. The Wharf recently added The Hummingbird Zipline. Fly over this part of our island on one of the best ziplines anywhere. And don’t forget to check out The Amphitheatre at The Wharf. This March, we are expecting Luke Combs and the Zac Brown Band to perform.

10. Get a cool tee

What Spring Break would be complete without a cool t-shirt to take back home? Most all restaurants offer great souvenir t-shirts. Certainly, The Hangout has a great selection and you may want to shop Souvenir City and get a personalized airbrushed shirt, but we have a couple of faves we want to tell you about. Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s in Gulf Shores not only has great food, including food for those with shellfish allergies, but they have great shirts, too. With so many colorful and fun tees to choose from, everyone in your family will want to get a shirt from Lulu’s. And of course, there’s Tacky Jacks. Tacky Jacks has been offering up one of the best breakfasts on our island for years. In addition to their well-known food and bushwackers, Tacky Jacks definitely needs to be on your t-shirt radar.

We are glad you’re coming to spend Spring Break 2019 with us here on the Alabama Gulf Coast. If you haven’t made your Spring Break reservation yet, what are you waiting for? We at Sunset Properties have many great vacation homes to choose from. We have condos, houses, and penthouses available still for much of the Spring Break Season, but they are filling up fast. Give us a call and let us help you find the perfect family vacation home for you!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370