Top 5 Ways to Spend New Year’s Eve on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Top 5 Ways to Spend New Year’s Eve on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Any day at the beach is a good day, but New Year’s Eve is a great day to be on the Alabama Gulf Coast!  There are so many fun things to do as you say “so long” to 2017 and “hello!” to 2018.  The hard part won’t be finding a place to go to take your family or meet some friends.  The tough part will be deciding which place to choose!   As you plan your annual countdown to midnight, consider these five options:

#5  Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s

The fun starts at 10 AM at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores.  For those of you who are not looking for a late New Year’s Eve Celebration, but an early one, this is for you!   Grab your camera, throw on your shades and flip flops, and bring the kiddos to Lulu’s early on December 31.  They will be getting ready for their massive Beach Ball Drop at noon.  Expect kid friendly events and lots of entertainment for the whole family.  Oh, and about the flip flops, you might want to bring along some warm shoes, too, just in case!

#4 Moon Pie Drop in Mobile

Yep!  You read that right!  There is a giant 600 pound Moon Pie that shines over downtown Mobile on New Year’s Eve and it drops at exactly midnight!  If you’ve experienced an Alabama Mardi Gras, you know the significance of the Moon Pie in Mobile.   However, if you’ve never seen the giant pie in the sky, you’re in for a treat that can only be rivaled by catching the real thing during carnival season.  This is the 10th year for this fun event where you can expect to see fireworks, hear live music and get some great local food and drinks as you look forward to all that 2018 has to offer.  This event is fun for families, friends and couples, alike.

#3 Marlin Drop at The Wharf

If seeing a Moon Pie lowering over the Port City isn’t your idea of an amazing way to  ring in the New Year, how about seeing a giant Marlin lower at The Wharf?  The Wharf in Orange Beach is known for its fabulous lights, amazing ferris wheel, superior retail shops,  and superb resturaunts all year long.  Seeing it all aglow with holiday lights while listening to the sounds of live music is a celebration no one should miss!  Plan on attending kid friendly activities early in the evening and adult-centered fun as midnight draws near. Get ready to raise your glass and welcome 2018 as you watch The Wharf’s own Giant Marlin lower as the clock ticks down.

#2 The Flora-Bama

How about spending New Year’s Eve at the best bar on any state line?  The World Famous Flora Bama Lounge located on the AL/FL state line will be hosting their annual New Year’s Eve bash.   With live music on three stages, a buffet from 7-midnight and party favors, this is sure to be one for the record books!  The Flora-Bama New Year’s Eve Bash is a ticketed event and it will most certainly sell out, so if you’re planning to attend this celebration, buy your tickets early! Sunset Properties rents two Penthouse Condos at the Caribe, which is only a half mile away from the Flora-Bama! 

#1 The Hangout in Gulf Shores

We round out our countdown of the top 5 things to do for New Year’s Eve on the Alabama Gulf Coast with one of Gulf Shores’ own original beach destinations:   The Hangout.  Located at the intersection of Highways 59 and 181 in the heart of Gulf Shores, The Hangout will be hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration for both families and adults.   Bring the wole family and come early for movies, face painting and a balloon drop.   Or wait a little later for the 21 and up celebration to enjoy a delicious buffet, complimentary midnight toast and balloon drop with great prizes.

If you have a little too much fun and decide you don’t need to drive yourself back to your condo or beach house, remember to call one of our taxi services to take you home.  Before your head out, check out www.gulfshores.com and search Taxi for a list of our fine transportation service companies.  We want to have a great time celebrating, but we also want you to arrive safely back at your vacation home when the party’s over. We also rent a studio condo directly across the street from the restaurant and one just a couple of blocks down! 

Wherever you choose to spend the last day of 2017, as long as you’re on the Alabama Gulf Coast,  we’re sure you’re in for a day and night filled with great food, music, laughter and lots of happy beachgoers.  Happy New Year from all of us locals on the Alabama Gulf Coast!  We hope your 2018 is filled with sunny days, perfect waves and a little sugar white sand between your toes!

5 Things to consider when deciding to rent a Beach House or Condo for Spring Break 2018

Your family has decided you’re going to visit the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast and enjoy our sugar white beaches for Spring Break 2018, but you can’t decide if you’d like to stay in a condo or a beach house.

Location/View

Location.  Location.  Location.  We’ve all heard the term.  What does that mean here?  The location of your condo or beach house often determines the view.  High rise Gulf Coast Condos tend to offer better views of The Gulf of Mexico and/or Mobile Bay than beach homes located in beach neighborhoods.  However, there isn’t a much better view than the one you get from a deck of Gulf Front beach house.  Our homes are located throughout Pleasure Island in South Alabama.  Rentals are available in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Historic Fort Morgan.  No matter which you choose, you are only steps away from the Sugar White Sands of Alabama’s most beautiful beaches.

Parking/Elevators

“I wish parking was closer to our vacation front door.  This parking lot is huge!”

Most beach houses offer parking right under the house or in the adjacent yard.  Alabama Gulf Coast beach houses, by design, are built up on pilings or piers to prevent flooding during tropical rain storms.  Most do not offer elevators.  Instead they only have stairs leading up the main living floor.   Taking vacation supplies and luggage can be a challenge.

Beach front condos, Mobile Bay front condos and beach view condos, on the other hand, have large parking lots.  Typically, luggage carts are available and elevators are usually present, so taking people and luggage up to your vacation front door can be very easy.

Personal Space vs Price

Beach condos are usually compact versions of larger homes.  If personal space is a factor in your choice, a beach home may be your best option.  Usually, beach homes offer more square footage than their smaller compact counterparts. Condos tend to be more economical than beach houses, however, if you are planning to split rental costs between two or more families, a beach house may just fit the bill. When choosing the beach vacation destination home that will best fit your family’s needs, keep in mind Sunset Properties has rental houses and condos that offer a variety of choices, design layouts and pricing.

Extra Comforts

If certain vacation amenities like having a pool only steps from your home-away-from-home is a must, a condo will usually fit the bill.  Most condo complexes offer pools, fitness rooms, saunas and even a lazy river either on the ground level or the roof.  Beach houses, however, are single family homes and typically don’t have these adjacent to the house.  Beach houses are usually a part of a beach community and have a shared pool and/or fitness area within the neighborhood.  WIFI, DVRs, TVs, stereos and other entertainment comforts are available in most condos and beach houses.

 

Fur Baby on Board

Is your fur baby coming with you?  Both beach condos and beach homes allow pets.  Usually a pet deposit is required and pet size restrictions can be a factor.  If bringing your fur baby with you to the beach is a must, your options are open for both condos and beach houses.

 

If you’re still having trouble deciding which accommodation will best suit your family, email us at info@sunsetproperties.com or give us a call 251.543.1370.  One of our vacation rental experts will be happy to help you!

What You Need to Know About the Dauphin Island Ferry

When you visit the Gulf Coast of Alabama, you’ll find that not everything you want to see is accessible by car or foot. Thankfully, the Dauphin Island Ferry makes it possible to explore beyond the beach! The ferry is on the route of the Mobile Bay Ferry and stops at Fort Morgan. Here we’ll cover the basics of the Dauphin Island Ferry!

The Dauphin Island Ferry is a great way to get to some of the things that make our area so great! You’ll find Dauphin Island and much more when you download our free Vacation Guide! Here at Sunset Properties, we’re just steps from the Dauphin Island Ferry stop at Fort Morgan and just minutes away from the best things to do along Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

The Dauphin Island Ferry Information You Need

As a part of the Mobile Bay Ferry schedule, the Dauphin Island Ferry operates as an extension of the Alabama Department of Transportation. So, the ferry is entirely professional, reliable, and safe. They operate on a schedule dependent on demand, which means one to two vessels operate seasonally.

2017 Ferry Schedule

Single Ferry

Depart Dauphin Island

8:00 A.M. | 9:30 A.M. | 11:00 A.M. | 12:30 P.M. | 2:00 P.M. | 3:30 P.M. | 5:00 P.M. | 6:30 P.M.*

Depart Fort Morgan

8:45 A.M. | 10:15 A.M. | 11:45 A.M. | 1:15 P.M. | 2:45 P.M. | 4:15 P.M. | 5:45 P.M. | 7:15 P.M.*

* These departures will only operate during Daylight Savings Time.

Second Ferry

Second Ferry scheduled Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Depart Dauphin Island
8:45 A.M. | 10:15 A.M. | 11:45 A.M. | 1:15 P.M. | 2:45 P.M. | 4:15 P.M. | 5:45 P.M.

Depart Fort Morgan
9:30 A.M. | 11:00 A.M. | 12:30 P.M. | 2:00 P.M. | 3:30 P.M. | 5:00 P.M. | 6:30 P.M.

Where Can You Board the Ferry?

Fort Morgan Address
110 State Highway 180
Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Dauphin Island Address
111 Bienville Blvd
Dauphin Island, AL 36528

How Much Does It Cost?

Vehicles
Autos, pickup trucks, vans and RVs under 21 feet with one driver: $16.00
Motor homes and 5th wheels 21 to 40 feet with one driver: $35.00
Motorcycles with one rider: $10.00
Each additional passenger per vehicle (Covers all same-day rides.): $5.00
All trailers or boats under 21 feet, add: $12.00
All trailers or boats OVER 21 feet, add: $18.00

Pedestrians
Adults (Covers all same-day rides.): $5.00
Children under 6: Free
*Bicycles are no extra charge.

Frequent Floater Discount Card
$140.00 (10 rides for one vehicle – under 21 feet and driver. Good for one year.)

The Best Place to Stay is Just a Mile Away from the Ferry

Plan your stay right here at Sunset Properties, and you’ll be just a mile from the ferry! Our beautiful condos and beach houses are the perfect spot for your next beach getaway to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Browse our available properties and see for yourself how memorable a vacation here can be! With all the great things to do you’ll find in our free Vacation Guide, you won’t run out of incredible memories to make. So, contact us today to book your summer getaway to the Gulf Shores of Alabama. You’re going to love it here!

12th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

Balloon_Festival0
May 5th until the 8th enjoy all of the fantasy and adventure that follows hot air balloons. I know as a child it was such a special even to get to see even one hot air balloon floating along. In early May you have a chance to see up to 30 hot air balloonists from across the country floating through and around our area to celebrate the 12th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Of course It is not just balloons that are at this festival. The big events are as follows.
May 5 – Balloon Glow at Tanger Outlets from 6pm – 7pm
May 6 – Festival Grounds from 2pm – 10pm (open to public)
May 7 – Festival Grounds from 9am – 10pm (open to public)
May 8 – Enjoy the balloons from afar as they soar through the sky! (NOT open to public)
This is just a taste of what is happening at the balloon festival that weekend.

Take a look at all the fun you and your family can enjoy.  Information provided by The Foley Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, May 5

Balloon Glow at Tanger Outlets in Foley, Alabama. Come get up close and personal with 10 hot air balloons as they light the sky! Talk to pilots and crew and see the inside of balloons!
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm17653977852_96b456f226_c

Friday, May 6

Color Dash 5k. Run under 40 balloons and get colorful! Run begins at the Chamber office and ends at the Festival Grounds! Learn more and register today by clicking here. Also check out where to park.
Registration begins at 6:00am Race starts at 7:00am
Festival Grounds open to the public
2:00pm
Disconnected K’9s Frisbee Dog Show presented by Papa John’s
3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm
Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting). Walk inside a hot air balloon!
5:00pm – Dusk
Tethered Rides. Purchase tickets here to go up in a hot air balloon! (weather permitting)
Dusk
Balloon Glow and Mass Ascension! Watch the balloons glow and soar through the night sky! (weather permitting)
Dusk
Have fun with the kiddos at the carnival that will be available all day! (rides for the whole family!) Purchase your tickets early by clicking here.
2:00pm – 10:00pm
Live Music featuring Mustache The Band! Check out their band here.
8:00pm – 10:00pm

17050418414_0e2cbce9b7_cSaturday, May 7

8:00am – 10:00pm
Arts & Crafts Vendors, Retail Vendors and Food Vendors (open at 8am for Color Dash 5k runners only. Open at 9am to public)
8:00am – 10:00pm
Disconnected K’9s Frisbee Dog Show presented by Papa John’s, Faulkner State, Global Marketing Solutions and Bon Secour Fisheries
10:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting). Walk inside a hot air balloon!
5:00pm – Dusk
Tethered Rides. Purchase tickets here to go up in a hot air balloon! (weather permitting)
Dusk
Mass Ascension! Watch the balloons all take off at the same time! (weather permitting). Check out all the balloons and their pictures by clicking here.
Dusk
Have fun with the kiddos at the carnival that will be available all day! Purchase your tickets early by clicking here. (open at 8am for Color Dash 5k runners only. Open at 9am to public)
Live Music featuring The Molly Ringwalds! Check out their band here.
8:00pm – 10:00pm

Sunday, May 8

Unfortunately the grounds are not open but we would encourage you to be on the lookout for the balloons in the sky!
7:00am
Balloons Fly
7:00am
Cote’s Music Factory (formally known as the Bamaboys Band)
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Dancing Story Lady (provided by “The Melting Pot”, a multicultrual experience presented by the Snooke Youth Club and a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts)
2:00pm – 2:50pm
Winners from BCCA Baldwin Star Search (provided by “The Melting Pot”, a multicultrual experience presented by the Snooke Youth Club and a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts)
1:15pm – 1:45pm
Snook Youth Club Angel Bells and Fiddlers (provided by “The Melting Pot”, a multicultrual experience presented by the Snooke Youth Club and a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts)
1:00pm – 1:15pm
Color Dash Runners end at the festival grounds. Grounds open ONLY to those who ran!!
8:00am
9:00am
Festival Grounds open to public
Arts & Crafts Vendors, Retail Vendors and Food Vendors17468590078_c4e2cb04e4_c
2:00pm – 10:00pm
Festival Grounds close
10:00pm
Check out these other fun things going on…
Tara McMeans with Design Print Promote designed our beautiful 2016 poster and t-shirts. Click here to view and purchase merchandise. She will be onsite both days signing posters and shirts as well as painting the scenery. Come meet the artist!

Our VIP tent is new and beautiful with incredible appetizers from Wolf Bay Lodge Foley, a full bar and beautiful new furniture. Also, don’t miss out on meeting John and Johnna from 97.5 WABD Cumulus Radio. Our VIP tent is sponsored by: Cumulus Radio, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, Meyer Vacation Rentals and Southern Linc Wireless. Click here to purchase passes.

Check out some really cool trucks provided by Southern Comfort!

Want to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy yourself? No worries, we have a gaming truck that is over 50′ long and has all your kids’ favorite games inside. For a small fee, drop the kids off and let them enjoy their favorites; from x-box, wii, x-box 360 and more!

Kewl Kites will be joining us this year! Check out their HUGE kites and come to the festival both days to watch them fly!

Our interactive balloon, provided by Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Company and our very own Balloonmeister Tommy Rachel and powered by the Foley Fire Explorers, will be at the Festival Grounds both days. Walk inside the balloon and get great pictures!

Springbreak Gulf Shores

Spring Break Gulf Shores, 2015  the police chief made the very public and highly publicized statement “I want to make sure everyone understands the rules.  A popular misconception exists that the city is more concerned with your spending than your safety or the quality of life for residents and law abiding visitors alike. This is not true and GSPD is willing to prove it to potential law breakers.”  2016 along the Alabama Gulf Coast only builds on this idea and ordinances that were enacted last year to keep the Alabama Gulf Coast the family friendly vacation destination it strives to be.

In 2016 not only will all uniformed personnel be on duty for the entire spring break holiday season but they will also be supported by plain clothed officers, sheriff’s deputies, fire and emergency medical personnel.  This small army of law keepers will be an unwavering presence on our sugar white sandy beachs.1457151021133

The cities have also given new authority to property managers to evict any problem makers under new city ordinances.  The police and sheriff departments will be backing up any property manager that needs help evicting those making our beautiful beaches non family friendly.

Along with these new peace keeping and safety ordinances the cities have also enacted new measures to keep picturesque beaches clean.  The new clean campaign is called “Leave only Footprints.”

Take it all back with you tents, umbrellas, chairs, and especially trash.  Tons of new trash can will encourage you to recycle or throw away all trash.  Go to cleanisland.org for more information.
20160304_220810
Join us on the Alabama Gulf Coast!  Enjoy our beautiful beaches and amazing beach houses or breathtaking views for one of the thousands of condos.  Please treat this terasure better than you would your own home so it is here to enjoy for years to come.

Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Animal fun at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Home to over 500 exotic animals, including wolves, leopards, lions, tigers, primates, bears, birds, and reptiles, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a haven for animals, a petting zoo, an aviary, a fun family-friendly attraction, and an educational experience all

Baze and the Goat
Baze and the Goat

in one. It was opened in 1989 as Zooland Animal Park. In 1991, the Ward family donated the 17 acres that the zoo now sits on and created the Zoo Foundation, Inc. Along with the animal encounters, animal exhibits, aviary, reptile house, and petting zoo, the park is now made up of wide pathways, a shaded picnic area, a gift shop, and concessions (seasonally).

While guests love meeting the animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the zoo’s primary mission is to provide an educational experience for guests. Throughout the week, zoo employees and volunteers offer

IMG_0952
The biggest bunny EVER!

free educational programs and presentations that teach about the importance of conserving resources and land for these animals. They believe that when people get the opportunity to meet these animals close up, they can find more appreciation for them. It’s a community outreach program that the people at the zoo are very passionate about.

Kale and the kangaroo
Kale and the kangaroo

The animal encounters are easily the most popular part of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, offering unique family fun. Animal encounters allow kids and adults to get up close and personal with animals they would likely never come across in real life. Be adventurous and try an encounter with kangaroos, lemurs, reptiles, or tigers! The animal encounters are closed during the winter, but they resume again in early spring. Just be sure to check the rules for each encounter, as different attire is required for the safety of guests.

 

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

1204 Gulf Shores Parkway

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Contact information

251.968.5732 (main line)

251.968.5731 (information line)

info@alabamagulfcoastzoo.org

 

Hours

Open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily (last guests admitted at 3:30 p.m.)

Open every day during the year, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day

 

Admission prices

Adults (12-54) – $11 plus tax

Seniors (55+) – $9 plus tax

Children (3-11) – $8 plus tax

Children (2 and under) – FREE  

*Group rates are also available, and reservations are required at least 48 hours before the visit. Call for more information.

If you’re looking for some family fun in Gulf Shores, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great option. Spend a few hours meeting the animals and learning more about them!

 

July 4th Fireworks Shows in Gulf Shores for 2015

July 4, 2015 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Annual Community Events
The Wharf in Orange Beach
4830 Main Street

Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-224-1000
Website
July 4th featuring: Fireworks Spectacular at 8:45pm SPECTRA: at 8:30 pm; 9pm; 9:30 and10pm, Face painter, bouncy houses

9:00 PM
Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Gulf Shores Public Beach

Dates & Times
July 4, 2015 9:00 PM
Location

Gulf Shores Public Beach
City of Gulf Shores, 101 East Beach Blvd. Gulf Shores, AL, 36547
Admission
Free to public.
Event Info
The City of Gulf Shores will celebrate the Fourth of July with a stunning fireworks display, beginning at 9 p.m. on
Saturday, July 4.

“We are excited about continuing our rich Fourth of July tradition and invite all locals and visitors to celebrate with us at the Gulf Shores Public Beach,” said Programs and Events Manager, Brigette Reynolds.

According to organizers, the fireworks will be shot from a barge stationed due south of the West 2nd Street beach access point.
“All public beach areas will provide spectators with an incredible, front row seat,” said Reynolds. “We can’t thank Cassity Brothers Construction enough for their help in securing the barge for us to put on this wonderful show.”
In addition to the fireworks, Sunny 105.7 FM will be broadcasting a patriotic musical element that will coincide with the show.

For more information about the City of Gulf Shores’ Fourth of July fireworks, contact the Special Events Division at 251-968-1174.
Contact Us
PHONE: 251-968-1174
WEBSITE: https://www.gulfshoresal.gov

New Year’s Eve Activities in Gulf Shores

Join us for New Years for plenty of fun family activities. As the final days of 2013 wind down, it is time to look forward to all that 2014 holds. And there’s no better place to ring in the New Year than here in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. From kid-friendly to decidedly adult, we have a full lineup of year-ending fun!

The clock strikes twelve twice on December 31 and the folks at LuLu’s picked the first one for their party. Noon Year’s Eve is a midday blast featuring up and coming musical guest Caroline Kole.

Night owls have plenty of options to choose from. The Flora-Bama’s New Year’s Eve Bash is your invitation to party before making those pesky resolutions. The Hangout will be rocking and raving with the 2014 Masque Rave New Year’s Eve Party. Or take the party to the street for the New Year’s Eve Street Party at The Wharf where you can enjoy free family-friendly options or purchase a VIP ticket for adult beverages. And if you prefer a more natural setting, head to the New Year’s Eve Beach Bash at Gulf State Park Pavilion with campfires, s’mores and live music. This first-time event is the result of a partnership between the City of Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park and the City of Orange Beach, and will officially kick off the statewide celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Alabama’s State Parks.

Noon Year’s Eve
Dec 31, 2013
Location
LuLu’s, 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Think your year couldn’t possibly get any better, just wait and see what LuLu’s has in store to help you end the year with a bang. LuLu’s Annual Noon Year’s Eve party is pure excitement around every corner. From delicious food, sandcastle building contest, arts & crafts, live music, zoo animals, face

painting, wow I could just go on and on but wait there is one thing I forgot to mention… To count it down to noon we celebrate with kid friendly fireworks and a huge beach ball drop. Just take a look at the pictures from last year and plan your vacation to make sure you don’t miss this incredible event. See you there !!!
Admission: Free to the Public
Contact Us
Phone: 251-967-5858
Website: https://www.lulubuffett.com

Flora-Bama’s New Year’s Eve Bash
Dec 31, 2013 6:30 PM
Location
Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar
Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, FL 32507

The Flora-Bama really gets down on New Year’s Eve. Blow it all out before making those pesky resolutions. Live music on all three stages will be rockin’ until the party stops. Food, party favors and champagne flow all night help bring in the New Year the Flora-Bama way.

Tickets include:
• Free Food from 7pm – until
– Royal Reds, Shrimp Alfredo, Jambalaya, Fish Bites, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Quarter Burgers, Grilled Veggies, Sweet Potato Fries, Dinner Rolls, Dessert – Cheesecake Slices, & Dessert Bites.
• Free Breakfast Sandwiches out of the Gift Shop Bar starting at 12:30am
• Free Champagne
• Party Favors
• Live Music on Three Stages
– Main Room: 6:30pm Perdido Brothers, 10:30pm Shawna P & Earthfunk Tribe
– Bama Dome: 7:00pm Big Muddy, 10:30pm Mulligan Brothers
– Tent Stage: 6:30pm Foxy Iguanas, 10:30pm Nick Sturms Band

Admission: General admission tickets in advance are $40 and $45 the day of the event for adults ages 18 and up. VIP Tickets are available for $100. Those ages 18 to 20 will be charged a $10 cover at the door in addition to each ticket price.
Contact Us
Phone: 850-492-0611
Website: https://www.florabama.com

2014 Masque Rave New Year’s Eve Party
Dates & Times
Dec 31, 2013 9:00 PM
Location
The Hangout
The Hangout, 101 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542-

The Hangout presents 2014 Masque Rave New Year’s Eve Party with free masks, red carpet, photo booth, free midnight buffett, champagn toast, with special musical guest; Kristy Lee and DJ Tony Skratchere. The party begins at 9:00 p.m. Advance tickets are $25.00, limited VIP tickets are $50.00.
Admission: Advance tickets are $25.00, limited VIP tickets are $50.00.
Contact Us
Phone: 251-948-3030
Website: https://www.thehangout.com

New Year’s Eve Street Party at The Wharf
Dates & Times
Dec 31, 2013 7:00 PM
Location
The Wharf, 4830 Main Street, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Celebrate the New Year with The Wharf’s Annual New Year’s Eve Street Party.
Enjoy FREE family-friendly festivities like live music, fireworks, and our Marlin Drop while we countdown to midnight!

Enjoy the VIP experience this New Year’s Eve! For $75, you’ll get access to an exclusive VIP lounge area located at The Palms will feature premium views of the fireworks, bands and Marlin Drop. Hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, softdrinks and a cash bar will also be available. Purchase your ticket now at The Wharf Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Admission: Free or Enjoy the VIP experience this New Year’s Eve for $75
Contact Us
Phone: 251-224-1000
Website: https://www.launchthewharf.com

New Year’s Eve Beach Bash
Dec 31, 2013 8:00 PM
Location
Gulf State Park Pavilion
Gulf State Park Pavilion, 22250 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
About
Gulf Shores will close out its holiday season by ringing in 2014 with the New Year’s Eve Beach Bash at the Gulf State Park Pavilion. The event kicks off at 8 p.m. and festivities on the beach include a large bonfire, campfires with s’mores and a live DJ, while Top Hat and Jackie will be providing live entertainment under the pavilion. The evening will be highlighted by a spectacular fireworks display from the Gulf State Park Pier at 10 p.m. followed by a second show to ring in the New Year at midnight. This first-time event is the result of a partnership between the City of Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park and the City of Orange Beach and will officially kick off the statewide celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Alabama’s State Parks.
Admission: Free
Contact Us
Phone: 251-968-1172
Website: https://www.gulfshoresal.gov

Beach Wedding Ideas and Suggestions!!!

Okay Ladies, get out your note pad, break out your dream board!  We are going to give you some beautiful and unique beach wedding ideas and suggestions.  These are things that if you start early enough you will have plenty of time to gather these cute ideas for your wedding. 

Suggestion #1 – Plan your wedding for a week day.  Most houses rent from Saturday to Saturday during the spring and summer so if you are planning your beach wedding for that time of year a mid-week wedding or Friday night wedding is the most cost effective way to go.  It will cost you a pretty penny to add just one or two extra nights to have a Saturday wedding. 

 Suggestion #2 – Have a wedding planner in the area.  It is so difficult to plan a wedding from a distance.  It is great to have someone in the area that can make sure your venue and all of your wedding details are progressing as they should while you are north of the shore. 

Suggestion # 3 – You are coming to the beach a simple beach theme is completely appropriate.  You have beautiful surroundings that do not need lots of embellishment.  Save money on decor and use it for your honeymoon!

Suggestion # 4 – Have a rain and bad weather alternative.  We just had a very minor tropical storm come through this area.  We always plan for the worst but hope for the best.  Unfortunately the wedding that was supposed to be over the weekend had to be shifted and all the out of town guests moved their reservations to another time because of the threat of a storm.  Often we truly do not know how bad a storm will be until the last minute.  So have a plan ready so everyone coming knows what will happen, just in case.

Suggestion # 5 – You are coming to the beach, the more laid back you can be and plan for everything the smoother everything will go.  People are coming to see you get married but they are also coming for a beach getaway.

wedding tote
wedding tote

 

Okay now for the fun stuff some ideas!!!!  I’ve seen the trend go the way of more somber colors in the last year or two.  Lots of tan, taupe, beige and gold or silver with an accent color of coral, blue or green.  We do see the colors in nature reflected in weddings often!
  

Wedding Papers
Wedding Papers

Such as in photos you will see the bride used a natural canvas color with tan, gold and navy blue accents.  All of her things had an antique feel.  She even included mismatched antique china for her reception meal.  Honey bees were particularly special to her and the groom as he is a beekeeper. Bees, and honey had a starring role in thank you gifts and on all invites, and programs.  She also tied in antique linens and ribbons, and buttons.  The flower girl wore a dress with hundreds of flowing ribbons that fit right in. 

Wedding Thank You Gifts
Wedding Thank You Gifts

In the natural canvas and tan tote that was a take home gift for guests a couple of personalized bottles of water.  Honey flavored and bee themed and specialty chocolates.  Guest also took home cozies that were navy blue with the Bride and Grooms gold monogram with Honey bee included.  Also, small paint brushes were included to brush the beach sand off of the visitor’s feet. 

wedding napkins
wedding napkins

Even the napkins were an antique floral pattern monogrammed in navy with the Bride and Grooms initials.  Off white and tan lace made an appearance in any available decoration and attached to any paper given to a guest.  One of the ideas we had never heard of was a “wine box.”  This was a beautiful wooden box that the bride and groom put a letter in each and a bottle of their favorite wine.  This box was sealed by the bride and groom with a gold nail each and hammered in by a gold hammer.  This only to be opened by the bride and groom if they think they are ready to not be married at some point.  It was an antique Wedding welcome gifts 2beach wedding and one of the loveliest we have seen.  As I mentioned with a little planning and time all of the simple things she used would be easy to collect and put together to make a truly unique beach wedding.