Events – Page 5 – Sunset Properties Blog

January 3, 2019

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

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

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

Fresh Alabama Seafood makes the best gumbo

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

Beads are better if you can actually catch them

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

We love you to the Moon(Pie) and back

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

Local folks are friendly

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

Parade access is super easy

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

Accommodations are affordable

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

The beach is your backdrop

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

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

Come for Mardi Gras, stay for Spring Break!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251-543-1370

December 26, 2018January 3, 2019

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2018 in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2018 in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

With Christmas only a short time ahead and a brand new year following quickly just behind, you’re probably already thinking about where you’ll be when the ole clock strikes midnight on December 31. Why not make some amazing memories with you family or just your sweetheart right here on the Alabama Gulf Coast? We are proud to have some of the best night spots anywhere in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and we, at Sunset Properties, hope you will make plans to visit one or all of them on New Year’s Eve 2018.

The Wharf

The Wharf is so much more than just a shopping mall. It is an entertainment district unlike any other we’ve found. It’s like a mini-city located inside one of our favorite beach towns, Orange Beach. We all know what Main Street at Disney looks like, but have you ever spent New Years on Main Street at The Wharf? With attractions like one of the the largest Ferris Wheels in the southeast and a seasonal ice skating rink just a few minutes from The Gulf, holidays at The Wharf are unmatched. This year you can expect to find kids activities beginning at 11 AM and ending at 9 PM. Bring the kiddos out to see the confetti drop at noon, stay for face painting, a bouncy house and even a mechanical bull, along with so much more! Adults can expect to have a blast, too! Live music begins at 7PM and lasts til midnight, when the best fireworks show on our island will blow you away! With coffee shops and dress shops, fireworks and music, food and fun; with a giant marlin drop at midnight, it should come as no surprise, that we recommend spending some or all of your New Years Eve at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

Lulu’s

Lucy Buffet’s Lulu’s in Gulf Shores is an entertaining place to go all year, so the fact that we recommend it for New Years fun should come as a shock to no one. With great food, fabulous beverages and actual cool stuff for the kids to do, Lulu’s in Gulf Shores should be on your short list of places to visit holiday season! The New Year’s Eve Celebration at Lulu’s starts at 10AM on December 31st and lasts all day til 3PM. What’s different about New Year’s Eve at Lulu’s? We for starters, their beach ball drop. Have you ever been under a beach ball drop? Not just one beach ball, hundreds of colorful beach balls drop from the ceiling at Lulu’s at noon on New Year’s Eve. Just to be there to see that should be in your plans! Along with that super fun event, there will be face painting, live music, sand castle building and crafts. And lets not forget Lulu’s great food! It’s the holidays and what is a must-have dessert in the south during the holidays? Bread pudding! Lulu’s has bread pudding with a wonderful twist: they make theirs with Krispy Kreme brand donuts. If that doesn’t make your mouth water, your tongue must be dead! Lulu’s also has menus to accommodate folks with allergies to gluten, shellfish, eggs, dairy and more. If a family friendly, affordable event is what you’re looking to do for New Year’s Eve, go to Lulu’s. We think you’ll be glad you did!

The Hangout

Everyone who has ever been to the heart of Gulf Shores knows The Hangout is a groovy place to go! You may have heard about the world famous Hangout Music Festival, but did you know they also host fabulous New Year’s Eve events? That’s right! They have a family friendly event that starts on December 31st at 2PM and lasts for five hours. At The Hangout, on New Year’s Eve afternoon, your family can enjoy a yummy buffet, movies on a big screen, hair braiding, football playoff previews, and a colorful balloon drop with prizes in every balloon. This is truly a fun event for the whole family! With the public beach right in front of The Hangout, what better way is there to watch the last sunset of 2018? After the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t stop! Evening events at The Hangout are geared more toward adults. Beginning at 2PM and lasting til at least midnight, The Hangout will provide a buffet, complimentary champagne at midnight, a balloon drop with great prizes and, of course, football playoff previews on TV. So get a group of your favorite kiddos together to enjoy the afternoon events at The Hangout and stay with your adult friends to ring in the New Year in the heart of your favorite Small Town with a Big Beach!

Flora-Bama

If an adult-only New Year’s Eve is more your thing, you have to get to state line before the calendar flips! New Year’s Eve in one of America’s most celebrated road house bars The Flora-Bama Lounge Package & Oyster Bar is like nothing you’ve ever done before. The celebration and music will begin at 7PM and last until 3AM on New Year’s Day. For one all-inclusive ticket, you’ll get an all-you-can-eat buffet starting at 7PM an lasting until around midnight, breakfast sandwiches starting at midnight, champagne, party favors and music music music! We strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance. This party is a big party and folks come from all over to be at the Flora Bama when the clock strikes twelve! Tickets can sell out and we don’t want you to miss out, so if this party on the beach sounds like something you will enjoy, go ahead and get your tickets now! And don’t forget to come back to the Flora-Bama at noon on New Year’s Day 2019 for the Annual Polar Bear Dip. Join a couple of hundred of your next best friends for a dip in The Gulf of Mexico followed by a traditional New Year’s Day lunch of black-eyed peas, cornbread and ham.

Cosmos or Cobalt

So you don’t really care about face painting and fireworks. You rode the Ferris Wheel back in the summer and climbing a rock wall just isn’t your idea of ringing in the New Year. Instead you have a nice romantic evening in mind. Or maybe you just want to have a really great dinner with your family. You want to get dressed up in your favorite new holiday clothes and go out to eat where a friendly, professional staff serves you amazing food that makes your eyes shine and your mouth happy. We totally understand. For you, we suggest Cobalt, The Restaurant located on Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach or Cosmos Restaurant & Bar located on Canal Road. Both of these wonderful restaurants have special menus planned for New Years Eve. During the summer, reservations are not customary for these places. However, for New Years Eve, reservations are not only accepted, but strongly encouraged. A limited number of walk-in guests will be seated, but we can’t stress enough how important a reservation for December 31st will be. Seating will begin at 4PM and the last guests will be seated at 9PM. A full bar will be available and you can expect specially prepared menu items like a seared filet or creme brulee. We know champagne is the drink of choice for New Year’s Eve, but you are on Island Time and you can never go wrong with a great rum drink. At Cosmos, try Momos Rum Runner and at Cobalt, try a Dragonfly. If you’ve eaten at either or both of these great dinner spots during the summer, expect something totally different for New Year’s Eve. At Cosmos and Cobalt they believe a special night deserves a special menu and they are creating one only available on this date.

We know how you choose to send out the old year and ring in the new one is an event as individual and exceptional as you are. We have given you a list of our five favorite ways to do it and we hope one of these works for you! Don’t forget to check out our list of New Year’s Resolutions You Can Keep and when you’re planning your vacations, large or small, in 2019, give us a call at 251-543-1370 or hit us up online at info@sunsetproperties.com. We will be thrilled to help you find just the perfect vacation home to fit your needs.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from all of us at Sunset Properties and we wish for your family much joy and prosperity in 2019.

Come back and see us again real soon!

November 28, 2018

5 Great Places to Stay at the Beach for Christmas 2018

So you decided to take a Christmas Vacation this year. You’re not sure where to go. You have five nights available for your vacation and you want to drive there, but where? Where do you go? We have a great idea for you: Come to the beach! The Alabama Gulf Coast is only about 6 hours away from Atlanta, Jackson, Birmingham and we’re even closer to New Orleans, so why not come stay with us?

You have the whole family to think about, and, of course, you can’t leave your fur baby at home, Time is short, so you need some last minute ideas. We have you covered. Here is a list of 5 great places to stay, some fun things to do and great places to eat while you’re in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan for Christmas 2018.

Spunky Sandpiper

Located in the Fort Morgan community, the Spunky Sandpiper is an exquisitely decorated three bedroom, two bath home that sleeps up to 12. Dogs weighing 50 pounds or less are also welcome, with some restrictions. You will love the way Spunky Sandpiper is laid out, with plenty of room for your whole family and a well stocked kitchen. You will also love the great view you have of Mobile Bay. What better way to spend a comfortable Christmas morning than to sit on your private deck and watch the ships pass on the bay as you sip your coffee or hot chocolate? With the average daily temperature in Gulf Shores ranging from 62-68 degrees around this time of year, who can resist the opportunity to escape the bitter cold north of the coast and enjoy a milder Christmas morning? While you’re in Gulf Shores, be sure to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Our “little zoo that could” is open every day all year except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Zoo will be open on Christmas Eve, but they may close early, so give them a call just to be sure the animals aren’t already opening their gifts from Santa when you guys want to stop by!

Gentle Winds East B4

Gentle Winds East B4 is a great condo located just off Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores. If you’re planning to leave your pets at home and bring up to 8 people, this condo facing Gulf State Park may just be the perfect Christmas vacation destination home for you! This lovely one bedroom, one bath unit is convenient to just about anything you want to do while you’re staying on our island. Want to go to The Hangout for some music and fun? From Gentle Winds East B4, you’re just a short walk away. How about eating breakfast at the Ruby Slipper? If you have never tried one of their amazing eggs Benedict dishes, you are really missing out! The friendly, professional staff at the Ruby Slipper, along with their fabulous breakfast menu items and mouth-watering cocktails, make this one breakfast stop you shouldn’t miss! How about going to the Flora-Bama for their Christmas Day Potluck Lunch? The good folks at The Flora-Bama will provide the main dish for your Christmas Day Lunch and they ask that you bring a side dish or dessert. There will be music starting at 11AM and lunch will be served at 1PM. This is an annual family friendly event and everyone is welcome!

Dunes 607

Have you ever considered staying in a condo in the Fort Morgan community? Think about this: Dunes 607 is a one bedroom, two bath super cozy condo at The Dunes on Fort Morgan Road. Located right across the road from Tacky Jacks 2, The Dunes condos have a wonderful indoor pool and jacuzzi hot tub right on the ground floor. With a great view of The Gulf of Mexico from your private balcony and an amazing view of Mobile Bay right out your other door, you cannot go wrong bringing your family of 6 to The Dunes 607 for Christmas. You say you want a White Christmas? I say you’re only a short walk away! On Christmas Day, you can easily enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches of Fort Morgan. And don’t worry, Santa loves the beach, too! And he stops at The Dunes every year, so he won’t pass you by! Santa also loves Tacky Jacks 2! We want you and him to know that they’ll be open for most of the days you’re in town. They won’t be open on Christmas Day and they’ll only be there about half a day on Christmas Eve, so if you’re planning to go on Christmas Eve, be sure to stop in early and grab some great food and a bushwacker. If you’re planning to cook while you’re in town, you’re in luck! Dunes 607 has a fully stocked kitchen, so plan a quick trip to Rouses and you’re all set!

Indies 410

Next door to The Dunes on Fort Morgan Road is a fabulous condominium called The Indies. Indies 410 will be the perfect Christmas vacation home for your family of 8. This beautiful three bedroom, three bath home located just off the Gulf is one you should not miss! With a wrap around deck, your views of The Gulf of Mexico from Indies 410 are spectacular. Why not plan to make yourself a hot toddy, put on your snuggly Christmas PJs and favorite fuzzy boots and sit out on your balcony and watch for Rudolph to come flying across The Gulf? Doesn’t that sound like a great way to spend one of the happiest nights of the year? While you’re in Gulf Shores, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to take your family ice skating. You read that right. You can visit the beach and ice skate all in the same day! The Wharf in Orange Beach has a seasonal ice skating rink and everyone loves to hang out there. This holiday tradition is one locals and guests alike enjoy. The Christmas lights at The Wharf are pretty great, also. Make a point to visit after dark so you and your family can enjoy all The Wharf has to offer this holiday season.

Sip N Sea

Are you looking for a Christmas vacation home all dressed up with a pretty red bow? Well, how about a beautifully decorated Christmas Tree, instead? Sip N Sea is a gorgeous beach home that is nothing short of stunning. Located in Fort Morgan, this four bedroom, four and a half bath home sleeps up to 16 guests. There is plenty of room for, not only a Christmas family vacation, but a Christmas family reunion! Bring your whole family to Sip N Sea and enjoy this grand little slice of pure island paradise! With breathtaking views of The Gulf of Mexico and two decks that will let you easily find Orion in the December sky, you are sure to love this home. The kitchen is extremely well-stocked, there are enough beds for everyone and there are plenty of TVs to catch your favorite Hallmark Channel holiday movies or football games. Sip N Sea has more than enough room for the whole family to spread out or cozily spend time together. Staying here is absolutely a Christmas Wish come true! Did we mention the Christmas Tree? That’s right! With your five night stay, Sunset Properties will provide a specially decorated and well lit Christmas Tree for you to put your presents under. Santa will love stopping by for milk and cookies as he makes his Christmas Eve trip. And you and your family will make Christmas Beach Memories like you’ve never done before.

Now you know where to stay and what to do while you’re visiting The Alabama Gulf Coast for Christmas 2018. What are you waiting for? There are Christmas shopping specials you’ll miss if you don’t get down here soon. There are seafood dinners calling your name! There are only a few sunsets left to watch in 2018 and we, at Sunset Properties, are ready for your arrival. Call us at Sunset Properties at 251.543.1370 or email us at info@sunsetproperties.com to make your reservations today. You holidays can be happier and your Christmas merrier if you spend it with us at the beach. Give us a call today! We literally have the front door key to your happiest holiday vacation ever!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

November 7, 2018

5 REASONS TO PLAN A GIRLS WEEKEND AT THE BEACH

So you and your soul sisters are daydreaming about a weekend getaway. You’re thinking you might like to take a weekend and get away from everyday life, but you’re not sure where to go and what to do. You’re not even completely convinced you should take a mini-vaca, but you think it might be fun. We think it’s time you “take the plunge” and let yourselves get away and have some fun at the beach!

Here are 5 Reasons to Plan a Girls Weekend at the Beach in Gulf Shores:

Take a break

You have all worked all year taking care of your husbands or boyfriends, the kids and your jobs. You’ve given just about as much as you can give to them all, and you’re actually a bit tired. You know you need a break from your everyday responsibilities, clients, contracts and time clocks. You looked in the mirror and said to yourself: it’s about time I did something for me! You got together with your sister friends and y’all all agree you need just a couple of days of barefooted fun. What better place to take a break than the beach in Gulf Shores? After all, it’s only a short road trip away!

Let someone else cook

Sure, you love to cook. Preparing a culinary masterpiece is something you’re proud of. You take pictures and share your fabulous creations with your besties on social media. But why not let someone else cook for you? Why not just sit a cozy table surrounded with your favorite advice-givers and gossip-partners, share a bottle of wine (or two) and let someone else serve you for a bit? The Alabama Gulf Coast is packed with fabulous places to do just that!

With so many great choices for seafood, steaks, pizza and burgers in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, you’re sure to find the perfect place . For great seafood, try local faves CostAL or King Neptunes. Want a delicious steak? Check out Cosmos for great food and a super friendly staff. Hungry for a big ole seafood pizza? You must visit Papa Rocco’s! How about some gumbo sure to make your mouth happy? Sea-n-Suds is the place for gumbo. Would you like a yummy cold Bushwhacker to sit beside your meal? Flippers has one of the best Bushwhackers on our island! What’s the best part about all this? You won’t have to cook or clear the dishes! All you have to do is enjoy!

Shop and buy stuff for yourself

We understand. Sometimes you just want to shop and buy things for yourself. Sometimes you just need to indulge your inner shopping Queen Beast! Retail therapy at its finest is all around. You and your besties could spend a whole day at SanRoc Cay in Orange Beach just shopping and chatting. Pelican Place in Gulf Shores is also a great place to spend some time. And you cannot forget Main Street at the The Wharf in Orange Beach. Along with these fabulous shopping centers and malls, there are also lots of smaller boutiques and shops all along Gulf Shores Parkway and Beach Boulevard.

Kick off your shoes and kick up your heels

After a day of shopping and beach combing with your tribe, you want to sing along with a band and do a little dancing. Well, you’re in luck! The Flora-Bama, our favorite road house is just a few minutes away. If you planned your mini-vaca for late fall, you might even get to enjoy The Frank Brown Songwriters Festival. There is always someone singing and dancing there!

Another great place for food, spirits and laughter is Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s located in Gulf Shores. Another fun place to spend an evening is Live Bait. With fabulous cocktails, great music you can sing along with and a unique appetizer menu, Live Bait has been an island favorite for years. Oh, and don’t forget to get a tee shirt from each place you all visit! What a great way to have a cool souvenir collection and remember one of the best weekends ever!

Stay in an amazing beach home

You don’t know where to stay. We can help with that! At Sunset Properties, we have just the perfect mini-vaca spot for you and all your girls! If you all want to stay together, we have the perfect beach home for you! We have beach homes like SEA LA VIE and IMAGINE that sleep 10-12 guests comfortably. If you’d like to reserve a penthouse condo for your girls weekend, check out Caribe C Penthouse 14. Talk about luxury!! Or maybe you’d all like an individual condo, but want to be in the same building. The Dunes and The Indies will probably be perfect for your group. With one, two and three bedroom condos available, finding the perfect condos in the same building shouldn’t be too hard. When we tell you amazing accommodations are waiting, we aren’t kidding. All of our beach homes come with plentifully stocked kitchens, comfy beds and amazing deck or balcony views of our beautiful island. Do you have that one bestie who simply cannot leave her fur baby at home? Not a problem! We have several homes that allow dogs to stay with their owners! We even have a beach home located near a golf course for the golfers in your group! At Sunset Properties, we have a home for just about anyone!

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your girls weekend in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan with Sunset Properties! Go ahead, give us a call! We are ready to help you move your daydream into reality!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251-543-1370

October 16, 2018October 16, 2018

5 REASONS TO ATTEND THE 2018 FRANK BROWN INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITERS’ FESTIVAL

Fall has reached the northern Gulf Coast and that means it is time to attend the 2018 Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival. Locals know this 11 day event, held November 8-18, 2018, is the one of the best things that happens around here all year. We love the Shrimp Festival, please don’t get me wrong, but the Songwriters’ Festival is a whole different kind of festival and one we know you’re sure to love once you experience it.

You’re probably asking: Who is Frank Brown? Or What is the festival about? The festival, which highlights both up-and-coming singer/songwriters as well as those who are more seasoned and perhaps even Grammy winners, is named for Mr. Frank Brown. Mr. Frank was the night watchman at the Flora-Bama for 28 years before he retired at the age of 91. He was a man of high morale character and one who loved the music at the Flora-Bama.

If this hasn’t peaked your interest and given you reason enough to check out this cool event, here are our top 5 reasons we believe YOU should experience the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival.

You get to meet the people who wrote your favorite songs

We all have that one favorite song. You know that song…the one that when it comes on the radio you actually turn up the volume really high and sing along. You probably think your favorite performer wrote the song, and, in some instances, they did. But often times the writers of your favorite lyrics are not the ones who sing them on the radio. Often times, the writers are lesser known folks, at least to the general public. You might think you’d have to go to Nashville to meet some of these talented individuals. I have great news for you! The good folks at the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival know who the best songwriters are and they invite them to perform for us, right here along the Alabama Gulf Coast and surrounding areas. The performance line-up changes every year, but you may have an opportunity to enjoy your favorite song performed by the person who penned it. How cool is that?

You can visit venues as diverse as the performers

Another cool thing about this unique festival experience is the venues change and are as diverse as the festival goers. With so much talent in one small geographical area, the need for lots of places to perform is evident. With that, you have lots of choices of locations where you’d like to enjoy the events. Locations vary from everyone’s favorite beachside roadhouse the Flora-Bama Lounge and Package where the festival began and the Bushwackers are world-famous, to Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s in Gulf Shores where the t-shirts are as happy and fun as the dining experience. Bill-E’s Old 27 Grill in Fairhope, where the performers are serenaded by Bill-E’s Small Batch Bacon is also scheduled to host performances. For a totally different musical experience, visit the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach during the festival. The acoustics in this beautiful center overlooking Wolf Bay are amazing! How about watching festival performances at a local church? St. Andrews by the Sea- A Community Church located on Fort Morgan Road is a host site. For a complete list of the 20+ venues where performances are scheduled, check out the Venue Page of the festival.

You can enjoy fabulous coastal dinners and

beverages

A few of the venues we have already listed are known for their great food and beverages. The Flora-Bama has some of the best seafood on any state line! Lulus’s in Gulf Shores offers not only an amazing menu as listed, but they also will prepare special meals for patrons with shellfish and seafood allergies. How cool is that?! Old 27 Grill never disappoints with their amazing burgers and ice cold beer. Other great places to eat that area also festival venues include the Sunset Cork Room Restaurant and Wine Bar where your favorite wine and their fabulous grouper or blackened chicken breast are a perfect match. While you’re enjoying the festivities, give Pirate’s Cove a try! Also known for wonderful bushwackers and fat, juicy, sloppy, yummy hamburgers, Pirate’s Cove is a fun outing for couples and families alike.

You are showing your support for veterans and

newcomers to the music industry

To be a writer of any sort is a challenge and a craft. To be a songwriter, takes a special kind of gift turned skill. Knowledge of the language, coupled with the perfect rhyme, and the placement of each exact word to tell a story that touches someone, is undeniably a gift only a few select folks have. By visiting the venues of the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival, you are not only going to come away with a new appreciation for these gifted individuals, you are showing them your support just by going. Some writers are Grammy winners and some are just getting started on their journey, but all of them appreciate public support. Go the festival to for the great feeling you’ll get by attending, but know your being there is making someone else happy, too.

You become a part of history in the making

This is the 34th year of the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival. For thirty-four years, our coast has been honored to host hundreds of writers, singers and musicians. For 34 years, we have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the artists who shape our music airways. We know you will feel a deep sense of awe once you’ve experienced the festival for yourself. We actually know of no one who has ever attended this festival who didn’t come away with a new perspective on songwriting and the historical importance these guys play in our everyday lives. Come for the music. Come meet the artists. Come be a part of history.

At Sunset Properties, we are pleased to recommend local events to our guests and website visitors. Because we are blessed to be “locals”, we get to enjoy all that our Alabama Gulf Coast has to offer. We are also pleased to host any guests who plan to come and enjoy the Songwriters’ Festival. We have rental properties located in Orange Beach, near the Flora Bama and only a short drive to the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach . We would love for you to stay in one of our beautiful condos in Gulf Shores, just a short drive from Lulu’s or any venue in Baldwin County. And we have lots of homes located on beautiful Fort Morgan Road, just a short drive from St. Andrews Church. We, at Sunset Properties, are just as versatile as the songwriters and venues, themselves. Give us a call and let us help you find your perfect vacation home for your festival stay.

www.sunsetproperties.com 251.543.1370

August 14, 2018August 14, 2018

10 Things to Know About the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores

The Annual National Shrimp Festival has been a staple event in Gulf Shores in October for almost 50 years. This year’s festival dates are October 11-14. Each year, the Gulf Shores Public Beach area is packed with artists, musicians and festival goes expecting to have a fun-filled family weekend. Each year, festival planners bring their A-Game and this year is sure to be no exception. Whether you’re staying with Sunset Properties at Pat-Ti-O or Beachview 223 right in the heart of Gulf Shores or at Just Write in the Fort Morgan community, here are a few tips to make your Shrimp Festival Adventure a fun one:

Bring your camera

There is so much to see at the Shrimp Festival. You won’t want to miss a single memory. From the wonderful musical groups performing on the stages around the venue, to the fun sand castle contest going on along the beach, there will be so much to do and see. You and your family will want lots of picture to take home to show your friends or to post to your favorite social media account. A camera is a must for this year’s Shrimp Festival.

Leave pets at home

Many of our rental properties are dog friendly places. We encourage you to check out our list of places to stay where your pet is welcome. Please know, however, the Shrimp Festival is not a place for pets. If you’re not comfortable leaving your fur baby in your rental unit, reach out to the good folks at Sea Paws Dog Resort, a local doggie daycare. Reservations to play may be necessary, so give them a call to get all the details on what you need to bring so your dog can have a day out while you and your family enjoy the festival.

Plenty of cold drinks available

October days on the Alabama Gulf Coast can get pretty warm. There will be plenty of cold beverages available all throughout the Shrimp Festival venue. From water, to sodas to lemonade, you’re sure to find your favorite drink available. For those of you over 21, adult beverages are also available inside the venue. Please enjoy adult beverages responsibly. If you must drive back to your vacation home, please don’t drink. If you really want to let your hair down and have a few beers, please call one of our fine taxi services to take you back to your vacation home.

Entertainment is non-stop

This year, country music recording artist Joe Diffie will be headlining at the Shrimp Festival. Local favorites like Tophat & Jackie, The Tip Tops, Brent Burns and Kristy Lee are also scheduled to perform. On Sunday, there will be a church service provided by Liberty Church. Check out the Entertainment Lineup for specifics, and rest assured there will certainly will be something for everyone to enjoy on the stages at the 2018 Annual National Shrimp Festival.

Fine Artists are unmatched

As you walk through the Fine Arts section of the Shrimp Festival, you will see museum quality hand created items from paintings, to photography to pottery. With the artist personally present a the festival, you will be able to not only enjoy the creations, but chat with the creators. This is a great place to find Christmas gifts for those folks who have everything. There are so many one-of-a-kind pieces, shopping for that hard-to-shop-for person will be a breeze!

Crafters have fun affordable wares

Sometimes fine art pieces can be a bit pricey. Maybe you want to buy a handmade gift but you don’t have a huge budget or a lot of room in your car to take it back home. Don’t miss the Arts and Crafts section of the festival. You are sure to find just the right handmade gift. No factory made items are allowed in this section of the festival. Just like in the Fine Arts area, all crafts are handmade and the craftsmen and crafts-ladies are right on site to talk with your about their wares. Sometimes half the fun is finding out what skills it takes to create such fun and unique pieces of art.

Souvenirs are one-of-a-kind

Because the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is the leading entity producing the Shrimp Festival, they have the best souvenirs. Be sure to visit one of their booths and get an official tee shirt or koozie. There is only one Annual National Shrimp Festival and only one place to get the official souvenirs: right on site during the festival dates.

Kids have a special area

There is always something cool and fun for the kiddos! From the Sand Castle contest to The Kids Area, your little mermaids and pirates will have a great time at the festival, too. And don’t forget about enjoying the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast Beaches while you’re in town. Gulf Shores has some of the prettiest beaches in the world and we hope you will allot some of your weekend time to just enjoy the sugary white sand that wraps our shoreline.

BRATS shuttles are the best way to get there

There are plenty of ways to get to the Shrimp Festival, but parking in the festival venue is probably not an option for most folks. Baldwin Rural Area Transit Service, our county’s own public transportation service, is available to pick up and drop off festival goers from several locations around the island. We suggest riding BRATS. It is convenient, inexpensive and the drivers are some of the nicest folks around! For a complete list of BRATS services and fees, please check their website.

There’ll be lots of Shrimp! Shrimp! And More Shrimp!

And you cannot forget to have some shrimp while you’re in Gulf Shores! Famously named for the cute little pink crustacean, The Annual National Shrimp Festival is home to some of the best shrimp around. You’ll find fried shrimp, boiled shrimp and grilled shrimp. You’ll see shrimp on a stick and shrimp with veggies or fries. Come hungry and plan to stay for a day and enjoy on of the best festivals anywhere!

If you’ve never been to the Annual National Shrimp Festival, you’re definitely missing out. If you’ve never stayed with Sunset Properties, you should give us a try, too, for your next visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast. With rentals in Orange Beach like Moorings 414 and Grand Caribbean 215, you can’t go wrong. How about staying in Gulf Shores at Light House 607 or Peninsula 401 ? Or if you’d prefer to stay in the Fort Morgan community, check out Navy Cove 2113 or Southern Comfort. No matter where you choose to stay for your Shrimp Festival Weekend getaway, we at Sunset Properties know we have the perfect rental accommodations for you and your family!

www.sunsetproperties.com

241.543.1360

July 31, 2018July 31, 2018

10 Fun Family Late Summer Things to Do at The Beach

So your summer’s almost over and you are taking the kiddos to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan one last time before you have to get back to PTA, homework and, of course, football. But what do you do? When you guys came down to the Alabama Gulf Coast and stayed with Sunset Properties earlier this year, you did it all, right? You hit all the great spots: Waterville, The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Adventure Island. So what’s left?

Here are ten great family outings that you must do before everyone goes back to school:

Dine with pirates and princesses

“Arrgh, Matey! Pass me them there eggs,” might be what you hear when you having breakfast at The Hangout with pirates and princesses. These unusual characters can be found most mornings at this local spot. Have you ever dined with pirates before? Most folks haven’t. But, trust me on this, you’re in for a treat! This summer at The Hangout, you can have breakfast with these infamous folks from the High Seas. Come dressed in your best costume, enjoy some great food and stay for the treasure hunt. This is a really cool way to start off any late summer day in Gulf Shores. Contact the groovy staff at The Hangout for exact times and dates of this unique breakfast experience.

Enjoy a live play

Remember The Lion King? Everyone loves The Lion King! Bring the whole family to see a live production of this timeless classic at the South Baldwin Community Theatre. With several show times in August, there is sure to be one to fit your vacation schedule. This production features bright costumes, great music and, of course, your favorites from the jungle including Simba and Rafiki. If you enjoyed the animated version (and who didn’t, right?!) this live version is sure to take it to the next level. Tickets are limited, so you will need to grab those as soon as you decide to put this fun outing on your “must do list”!

Dance in the streets

The Wharf hosts the biggest street party on the island. Enjoy island life outside in the evening summer breeze when DJ Matt and mascot Starla the Starfish get the party started around 7 PM on Saturday nights. There are contests and prizes at this summertime event. With all kinds of retail shops and restaurants right in front of you, once you get to The Wharf, you won’t want to leave before you see and do it all! So throw on your boogie shoes or your favorite flip flops and head on over to Main Street at the Wharf and dance the night away with your whole crew.

Take a segway tour

Coastal Segway Adventures offers 2-hour guided Segway® Personal Transporter tours through the beautiful Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. The Trail features seven pathways through six different ecosystems totalling a 15 mile outing. For two hours, your guide from Coastal Segway Adventures will lead you through the trail and talk about what you’re seeing all around. We can’t think of a better way to enjoy nature in Gulf Shores than to explore your way through Gulf State Park. Make sure you bring your insect repellent and sunscreen. Oh, and don’t forget your camera. You’ll probably see plants and animals not found in your own backyard!

Visit a Nature Center

Speaking of Gulf State Park, have you ever been to the nature center at the campground on Lake Shelby? The nature center is a living museum of plants and animals that are native to our Alabama Gulf Coast region. The good folks at the nature center want to create awareness about the plant and animal life in our area. As much as this is educational, it is entertaining. It’s a fun hands-on learning experience unlike any other around. Through this kind of personal connection with nature, the staff there hopes to encourage others to share the same love for our environment that they have. Don’t just visit Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, then leave without seeing this. Stop by our little nature center and become a nature-loving part of our extended family!

Have a family date night

Who says “date night” can only be for couples? We think Family Date Nights are amazing, too! But what do you do for a Family Date Night? Gather up your whole crew and head on over to the Gulf State Park Pier. It is great for way more than just fishing from. Did you know that you can walk out on the pier even if you’re not fishing? Yep! It’s a great little walk, too! The pier is 1540 feet long and 20 feet wide and features indoor seating as well as rail seating. Here’s a fun fact: they have Blue Bell ice cream in the concession store. This outing may not be as flashy and sparkly as some of the others you and your family go on, but how great would it be to just get some ice cream, find a nice peaceful spot, sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of The Gulf of Mexico as the waves roll around underneath you? Sometimes the simplest things make the best memories.

Check out some cool fireworks

There is always something cool going on at The Wharf. In addition to being your Saturday night boogie spot, come to The Wharf on Monday nights all summer to catch some great fireworks! Sparks after Dark Fireworks has become a summer tradition at The Wharf. Find your spot on Main Street before 8:45 PM and get ready to watch the skies light up in all kinds of fabulous colors. Be sure to follow this link for more details on this weekly fireworks show. We definitely don’t want you to miss this!

Be a groupie

All summer long, Pelican Place at Craft Farms is hosting their annual Sounds of Summer Event. Every Saturday night from 6:00-8:30 PM bring your lawn chair and see a free concert. What better way is there to start your own groupie “career” than at a free outdoor concert at the beach? This is a family friendly event, so the kiddos can officially become concert groupies, too! There will be food and other vendors on site, so all you really need to bring is a lawn chair or a blanket. Expect to see some of the best entertainment around and we are pretty sure you won’t be disappointed!

Walk on water

Ever thought about walking on water? Wouldn’t it be great if you could just strike out across a body of water and not sink? Well, now you can! Lucy Buffett’s Lulus now hasl Water Walkers. A water walker is an inflatable sphere that you can get inside of and actually walk across the water without getting wet. You can run, roll, flip and flop inside your Water Walker and enjoy seeing down through the water with a whole new perspective. While you’re at Lulus, you’re probably going to want to stay for a while and enjoy some of the best seafood on the island, so set aside a couple of hours for this adventure.

Marvel at the Blue Angels

Oh my goodness! Have you ever seen the Blue Angels in action? This is thrill like none other. Grown ups and kids alike love watching from the ground as the Blues fly overhead, barely missing each other in the air. You will find yourself saying the word “wow” out loud before you even know it. The Blue Angels practice at the museum at NAS Pensacola on just a select few days each year. But you’re in luck, they should be in the air at least one of the days while you’re down this way. Practices last almost an hour and admission is free. With some careful planning, you can schedule your outing to include meeting these amazingly skilled Navy pilots and maybe even getting their autographs. Who wouldn’t want to get a Blue Angel’s autograph? They truly are the heros and stars of the American skies.

Using this list as a guide, we know you’re sure to enjoy your late summer stay in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. But what if you’re not quite ready to make this your last beach trip for the year? Well, here are two more reasons you need to come back to the Alabama Gulf Coast before the holidays: The Annual National Shrimp Festival and The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival.

Don’t forget to contact us at Sunset Properties and make all your reservations early! We still have a few rentals available in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan during these festival times, but keep in mind, our island tends to be pretty full of out-of-town folks who attend both of these and we don’t want you to miss out! Book early and ensure you get the perfect vacation home for your family’s needs. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you get on your way to having a perfect later summer vacation!

www.sunsetproperties.com

Phone 251.543.1370

info@sunsetproperties.com

February 21, 2018February 27, 2018

7 Things to Know About The Orange Beach Festival of Art 2018

There is so much to do while you’re vacationing with Sunset Properties in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. The wonderful vacation homes and pristine beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast call to your spirit all year long. Spring is an especially nice time to visit our area and enjoy the welcoming beaches and soothing waters of The Gulf of Mexico. Along with all the year-long attractions that we never seem to tire of, The Orange Beach Festival of Art, held in March, is one event you won’t want to miss.

Here are 7 things to know about The Orange Beach Festival of Art 2018 to help make your outing a fun and memorable one:

Dates and Location

For more than 40 years, this arts festival has been an island staple and a local family favorite. Mark your calendar for March 10-11, 2018 and plan to attend the Orange Beach Festival of Art 2018.

The setting for this festival is unmatched. Held at Waterfront Park located at 26389 Canal Road and nestled among the hundred year old oaks that line Wolf Bay, this year’s event features not only the fine art mediums, but performing arts, as well. The Orange Beach Festival of Art will be open from 10-5 on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday.

Artists

Expect to see potters, watercolorists, glass blowers, wood carvers and textile artists, just to name a few. This is a juried show with spaces for 100 artists so you can be sure you’ll see the best of the best artists displaying and selling their wares. Musical guests including Lisa Zanghi, Roman Street, Three Bean Soup and Strickly Isbell are scheduled for Saturday. Island Youth Band, Poarch Ninjas, and All Star Band are slated to perform on Sunday.

Admission and Parking

Admission to the festival is free, but there is no vehicle parking on site. All parking for the Art Festival will be located at the Orange Beach Sportsplex on Williams Silvers Parkway. Baldwin Regional Area Transit Service (BRATS) will provide a shuttle service and will offer rides to the festival site throughout the entire two-day event. Why walk when you can catch a ride and get dropped off right at the festival site? A daily BRATS pass can be purchased for $5. If you prefer to ride your bike to the festival, there will be an area for bicycle parking within the festival grounds. You are encouraged to bring your own bike lock.

Family Friendly

All of us here along the Alabama Gulf Coast love family friendly events. This festival is no exception! A Kids Art Alley will open at noon on Sunday. Your little guys and girls will get the opportunity to have some hands-on fun while you all enjoy your weekend outing. The newly renovated Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach will also be open. This 10,000 square foot art gallery is definitely an island attraction worth a visit. Adjacent to the gallery, you’ll want to check out the Hot Shop and Clay Studio. Throughout the year, the Coastal Arts Center offers classes in glass blowing and pottery.

What to Wear

The average high temperature in Orange Beach in March is 71 degrees. That’s a perfect shorts-and-flip-flop-perfect-day if there ever was one! You’ll need to bring some sunscreen, too. It’s probably a good idea to thrown on a ball cap and your shades. While it is not nearly as hot as the summer sun, the springtime sun’s rays in our area can quickly burn winter skin.

Volunteer Opportunity

If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity while you’re vacationing, the staff at The Orange Beach Festival of Art may be looking for you. For more information on volunteering, visit Festival Volunteers. Volunteers will receive a tee shirt and a special gift from the Clay Studio, while supplies last. Please remember to register with the festival folks if you’re planning to donate 4 or 5 hours of your time to help make this event continue to be the first class festival it is.

Snacks, Potties, ATMs

Festival planners will have food booths on site and have sodas and snacks available. Restrooms will be conveniently located, as well. You’re should also plan to take a look at the festival merchandise stand while you’re visiting the venue. We’re sure they will have the perfect tee for each member of your family. Forgot your cash? No problem! ATMs are also scheduled to be available.

Spring is truly a magical time on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Azaleas and oleanders adorn yards and streets. Sea oats are starting to reach new leaves toward the sun. And the animals are starting to come out from their winter habitats. If you haven’t ever visited our beach neighborhood in the spring, now is the time to do it. Plan on staying with Sunset Properties in one of our stylishly decorated and fully stocked condos or beach houses located in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We even have pet friendly rentals available, so you can bring the whole family! With so many options available, we know we have your perfect vacation home ready.

We look forward to helping you make your March 2018 Beach Reservation and to seeing you at The Orange Beach Festival of Art 2018.

February 12, 2018February 14, 2018

Top 10 Most Romantic Things To Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

One of the most romantic places on earth is the beach. Beaches offer a natural ambiance unmatched by any other venue. The beaches that wrap the Alabama Gulf Coast are no exception. The sugary white sandy beaches that stretch 32 miles along the Alabama Gulf Coast are a remarkable site. Just beyond the dunes covered with sea oats blowing in the Gulf breeze, the lapping waves of the Gulf of Mexico kiss the shore. Whether you prefer long walks into the sunset holding your sweetheart’s hand or a brisk jog at dawn before your morning coffee, for romance, you’ve come to the right place!

Have you made your reservation yet? Let’s start there! For an incredible view of the beaches of Fort Morgan, check out The Dunes or The Indies. Consider Beachview 223 if you want to stay in Gulf Shores. Would you prefer Orange Beach? Check out Moorings 414. Sunset Properties also has beach homes and cottages available if that’s your preference. Truly, the beach is for lovers and these condos are sure to please!

But what do you do if you want to kick it up a notch? What can you and your sweetie do to make something that’s already great just a tad bit better? Well, we have a few suggestions that we believe might make your romantic getaway one neither of you will soon forget.

Here are 10 Romantic Things to do while you’re staying with Sunset Properties in Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores or Orange Beach:

1 SAVOR A GOURMET DINNER

You drove all this way down to the coast and you’re too tired to cook. It happens. We know and we understand. You want to rest, relax, unpack and enjoy your time with your honey. How nice would it be to have a gourmet meal available or a bag of snacks and fruit waiting on your when you arrive at your beach home? Orange Beach Concierge Services located at The Wharf offers both. If you’d like to have your dinner prepared, they have an extensive list of menu items including lasagna, New Orleans dishes, salads and seafood to choose from. In addition, they offer grocery shopping and will deliver your groceries right to your condo or beach house.

If you’d rather go out for dinner, we suggest Wolf Bay Lodge located in Orange Beach. The folks at Wolf Bay Lodge have been preparing local seafood dishes since 1973. With menu items like lump crab cakes, rib eye steaks, and oysters rockefeller, you cannot go wrong with a dinner from Wolf Bay Lodge.

2 STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES

There isn’t a much more romantic gesture than giving your true love a bouquet. It really doesn’t matter if your prefer roses or a pretty vase of mixed seasonal flowers, we know just who to call to arrange your delivery.

The talented staff at Flowers by the Shore has been serving the Gulf Coast for over 20 years. Check out their website for pictures of their colorful bouquets, cut flowers, fine wines and gift baskets. Order early and have your special arrangement ready to be delivered when you arrive.

Another option for flowers and gift baskets is All Island Flowers. Browse their website to see the most popular floral arrangements currently trending on the Gulf Coast. They also offer a great selection of snack and fruit baskets ready for delivery.

3 FEED YOUR SWEET TOOTH

You have a craving for something sweet and you don’t know where to go. Visit the Chocolate Corner located near the intersection of Fort Morgan Road and Gulf Shores Parkway for delicious homemade butter fudge, pecan caramel paws, gourmet truffles and other chocolates. And we have to mention their barks. They have the best barks! From Sea Salted Almond Bark to Peppermint Bark to their famous Beachy Bark, they have you covered. They also serve Blue Bell Ice Cream, Frappuccinos, fruit smoothies and espresso. Stop by and try a treat or two, your whole mouth will thank you.

If you happen to be on Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach, stop by Kayden’s Candy Factory for so “oh-my-goodness-yummy” treats! From truffles, to fudge, to coconut clusters to caramel apples, Kayden’s has something for everyone’s sweet tooth. They also serve ice cream and shakes. Gift boxes available, as well, and we know you’ll want to grab one of those to take back home.

4 WATCH THE SUN SET FROM THE SKY

Have you ever seen the sun set from 500 feet above the ground? What an amazing site! Contact the folks at Orange Beach Helicopters and book your evening outing. You’ll fly over the beaches and waters near the Caribe Resort for about 30 minutes as you watch the sun’s rays fade and the evening’s darkness take over. This ride is a special way to end a day of romance or begin an evening of enchantment.

Ever considered skydiving with your sweetie? The good folks at Lost Bay Helicopters, a veteran owned and operated Gulf Shores company that leaves out of Jack Edwards National Airport in Gulf Shores, will fly you up and allow you to skydive down. You don’t have to skydive if you choose to ride with these guys, but if you want to give it a try, skydiving could be a lot of fun! Beach tours and special occasion tours are also available. Contact them for reservations and details.

5 PAMPER YOURSELVES

You’re at the beach. You just went skydiving with your sweetie, took some amazing pictures on the way down, and now you need to relax a bit. It’s time to book a couples’ massage or salon outing. It’s time to pamper yourselves. To have a massage right in the comfort of your own beach house, contact Austin Massage Therapy located on Gulf Shores Parkway in Gulf Shores. They have a 5.0 rating from TripAdvisor and, with an appointment, they will come to you. If you’re in Orange Beach, visit Spas of Eden for a day of pampering. They offer facials, skin, nail and hair services from their location at Palm Pointe Shopping Plaza. Serenity at the Beach, located in Orange Beach, features Aveda products. For deep tissue or hot rocks massages, check out this lovely salon. If your romance happens to lead to a marriage, they also offer wedding services.

6 DELIGHT IN A DOLPHIN CRUISE

You’ve heard about dolphin cruises. Your friends have been out on the bays and coves that surround Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to see the dolphins up close, but you haven’t. Well, it’s time to take the plunge, so to speak. While you can’t swim with the dolphins when you book an outing on The Southern Rose, you will surely see a few swimming alongside. This double-decker cruiser has both inside and outside seating. Choose from an open-air view or an air conditioned one. Cruises last from one to two hours and there is a snack bar on the boat offering sodas, chips, wine, beer and other snacks. We know you will have a delightful time watching some of our area’s most playful and friendly local wildlife.

7 LET OUR LOCAL THEATRE CAPTIVATE YOU

You don’t have to be in NYC to see a great live performance. Gulf Shores is home to the South Baldwin Community Theatre. That’s right! You and your honey can experience a well directed, tastefully staged, live play right here. Our actors are locals from all around South Baldwin County and, though we’re probably a little biased, we believe they are every bit as good as those guys in the big cities. The theatre is located at 2022 West 2nd Street in Gulf Shores. Upcoming plays this year include: Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Snow White Variety Show, and Disney’s The Lion King Jr. Give them a call. The box office folks are waiting to make your reservation now!

8 WISH UPON A STAR

It is so hard to see the stars when you’re surrounded by city lights. We often miss meteor showers, too. They happen all year long, but we’re just too busy to even notice them. How about doing a little star gazing while you’re in our neighborhood? Grab your sweetheart, you favorite blanket and something cool to sip on. Then kick back and watch the night sky from a perfect vantage point: the beach. Let the sound of the Gulf waves lull you into relaxation, while the sky flickers and dances with the natural lights of the stars, planets and meteors. EarthSky.org provides a list of all the meteor showers and their visibility times. We suggest paying special attention to the Leonid, Orionid and Perseid Meteor Showers. Those star shows are usually pretty awesome! Oh, and don’t forget to make your wish!

9 CREATE YOUR OWN SOUVENIR

Creating something together is a great way to make a special memory. Visiting an art gallery is also a great way to spend a day. Why not do both in one place? The Coastal Art Center of Orange Beach, located on Canal Road, is a 10,000 square foot art gallery overlooking Wolf Bay. The center itself is a sight you won’t want to miss. This art center is not only a gallery, but also a place to create. Visit The Hot Shop and make your own blown glass sculpture or visit the The Clay Studio to create a personal piece of pottery. Instructional classes on watercolor painting, mixed media and acrylic are also available throughout the year. We know the quality time you spend together here, coupled with the personal treasure you make and take home, will make an imprint on your heart that will last a lifetime.

10 PHOTOGRAPH YOUR MEMORY

Your stay has been an amazing one. You’ve made some great memories and you know the time is coming when you’ll have to go back to your busy job and home life. Why not take a professional snapshot of your trip back with you? Sure your phone takes nice pictures, but wouldn’t you love to have a professionally done, beautiful portrait reminder of your special romantic getaway hanging in your family room? The good folks at Chasing the Son and Sun Shots Photography can work with you in an effort to get you exactly the portrait you want. They will meet you at your desired location and make every effort to get the exact pictorial memory you can see in your mind’s eye. Both of these local companies offer extensive information about their services on their websites and, as you’ll see, their photography is wonderful!

Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan towns and beaches are spectacular all year long. Any time is a great time to visit them. Sometimes, though, we know the best time to go is when you’re celebrating the love you share with someone special. We also know planning a romantic getaway can be a challenge and we hope these ideas are helpful. We, at Sunset Properties, will be happy to offer any assistance we can when you contact us to make your accommodations reservation and we’re looking forward to seeing you when you arrive.

When you visit, we ask that you leave only footprints. However, when you leave, we hope you take home romantic memories that will last a lifetime.

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

February 7, 2018February 27, 2018

5 Tips To Make Your 2018 Hangout Festival Experience Super Groovy

Take a great beach, add some fabulous live music, sprinkle with about 40,000 of your closest friends and what to you get? The Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama! This annual music festival is held at The Hangout located at the intersection of AL Hwy 59 and Hwy 182. The festival spills over into the public beach area of Gulf Shores, and comes complete with food & drinks, old & new friends, music, and plenty of beach time! The Alabama Gulf Coast will be rocking May 18-20, 2018, and you won’t want to miss it!

Get your ticket early

To get into this three-day, music-filled festival, you’re gonna need a ticket. Tickets are available for purchase now. Tickets quantities are limited, so get yours before they’re all gone! Both general admission and VIP ticket options are available directly from the Hangout Festival. Folks under 17 years old will be admitted with a ticket, but will require adult supervision by someone at least 21 years old. Little guys and girls under 5 years old get in free with an adult ticket-holding parent or guardian.

Know your music

The Hangout Music Festival Lineup for all three days has already been set. Talk about some great artists! Each year we say, “It just can’t get any better!” and then they do! We are so excited to see these bands perform on our own beach! Headlining acts expected to perform are The Killers, The Chainsmokers, and Kendrick Lamar. Check out 2018 Hangout Music Fest Lineup for a complete list of musicians and bands.

Park your car and ride a shuttle

Why drive when you can park and ride? There is no parking available at the festival site, but shuttle lines will be set up to help festival goers get around easily and safely. Shuttle lines include: North Line – Pelican Place (parking available); West Line – Pier 33, Waves, West 13th (pick up and drop off only); East Line – Gulf State Park Pavilion (parking), and numerous stops along Hwy 182 for pick up and drop off including one at The Gulf Restaurant. Other stops are also available. For a complete list and a link to purchase a shuttle pass, visit this link: Hangout Fest Shuttles.

For other transportation options, visit our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism website or call 1-800-745-SAND.

Stay in a great beach home

The Hangout Festival has just about everything you need to have a fun-filled weekend at the beach, except a place to sleep. Unfortunately, you can’t camp out on the beach. But, no worries! We have your weekend getaway vacation home waiting! Beachview 223 is just a short walk away from the festival grounds. Check it out. It is literally almost next door to The Hangout venue! Other great options for easy festival access are Island Sunrise 468 and Lighthouse 607. These beach condo homes sleep from 3-8 guests comfortably. Would you rather have your own beach house? Check out Pat-Ti-O ! This super cozy beachfront home sleeps 10. It is just a couple of miles from the festival, and with the West Shuttle Line, you should have no problem getting to the festival with ease!

Prepare for your beach weekend

When you go to the Hangout Festival, there are a couple of other things you should be aware of. Food, drinks and water will be available onsite, so you won’t need to pack a lunch. No outside food will be allowed. Bring a water bottle and get it refilled as you need to while you’re inside the festival. You can bring your small backpack (20” x 15” x 13”) or fanny pack, but expect it to be searched by festival security. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Bring a hat, shades and a beach towel or blanket. And your phone. Bring your phone. We know you’ll be instagramming like crazy and texting your buddies all the great shots and videos from your weekend.

The Hangout Festival weekend will be here before we know it. Tickets are limited. Accommodations choices are still great. The weather on the Alabama Gulf Coast in May is perfect! Your friends are already making their plans! What are you waiting for?

Come for the music. Stay for the beach. And take home memories that can only be made in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama. We at Sunset Properties are looking forward to your arrival!

www.sunsetproperties.com

Or call 251.543.1370