Fun Things Going On In Gulf Shores

We are so proud of Gulf Shores and hope it is your favorite place just like it is ours!  Gulf Shores is fortunate to have nabbed one of fifteen finalist slots in Budget Travel’s America’s Coolest Small Town Contest! We’d love to win, of course, and that means we’ll need people to vote so the whole country knows about our cool destination. Your role couldn’t be more simple – vote daily and include this link (https://bit.ly/VxUcfd) in your communications via social media channels, and help push us to #1. Contest ends Feb. 15.

Part of why Gulf Shores is our favorite place is because our environment is important to everyone who lives and works here.  One of our newest adventures in this area is An Artificial Reef!   As you may have seen or heard via The Weather Channel’s video clips and promotions, the sinking of the Lulu by our local Reef Wranglers is set to air Feb 12th at 8 pm. Lulu’s is planning a viewing party that evening – please call them if you would like more details.  I know we are planning to watch and can’t wait to see our new reef grow.

Other fun nature lover adventures this winter include Guided Nature Walks at the Bon Secour Refuge.  Come join us and learn about the plants, wildlife, ecology, and history found on the refuge.Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge will be offering free guided Nature Walk tours on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week starting on January 15th 2013 and continuing until February 28th 2013. The tours are free to the public however a reservation is required. The tours are limited to 12 people per tour and will consist of a 1-2 hour walk. The tours will start at 9:00am on Tuesday and Wednesday and 8:00am on Thursday.We request at least 24 hours notice for cancellations. We encourage you to bring binoculars but they are not necessary to enjoy the tours. Restroom facilities are available at the refuge office and on the Pine Beach Trail.
Admission: Free to the Public

 Of course there are these and so many more adventures to have in Gulf Shores this time of year.  You just have to look for something that fits your interests.  Weather its painting , hiking or enjoying a parade there is something for you to enjoy in Gulf Shores.
See you soon!!!

It is Time for a Girl’s Getaway!!!!

I don’t know about you but I am ready for a break.  Thankfully, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I can’t wait.  Between the election , the looming fiscal cliff, the hurricane in the North East and one national scandal after another good new doesn’t come along nearly often enough.  My personal plan is to spend at least some of my little bit of time off helping the economy!  We don’t have much to spend but I will be looking for  few special things for those I love.  My Plan is to not only hits the Black Friday Sales, but do A little unconventional shopping as well let me give you and your girlfriends a few great ideas!

If you and your girlfriends are heading this way to do some shopping this is the best time and one of the best places areas to shop.  We have your traditional stores that are all over the country but we also have Tanger Outlets where you can find almost anything you want if you are shopping for fashion or for your home.

Tanger offers great coupons and they are having a Midnight Madness Sale starting Thanksging night.  I may spend a little time at the outlets but my shopping tends to be a little less traditional.

I like to give and get gifts of experiences, maybe a romantic dinner, or a glass blowing, or painting class.  The Alabama Gulf Coast is a treasure trove of experience gifts to give.  My Dad is history buff, and my Mom loves genealogy.  I know some great places to send both of them.  There are museums where I can find the perfect book for dad or maybe even get him involved with volunteering for an archeology dig in the area.  I think a day trip for my mom to the Creek Indian Reservation in Atmore will help her to add some much needed information to our family tree.

My sister in law is starting a new career now that her boys are all in school and she is in need of a little wardrobe update.  I think I am going to get her the biggest bang for her buck.  There are tons of resale shops across the area.  A gift certificate or two or a preloaded debit card, maybe even cash would be great for her and of course a baby sitter for her and a shopping buddy.

For my little nephews, I think either movie tickets or zoo tickets, although they are big fans of toys like every other little boy.

Maybe a little online shopping for that.  For my brother well he is a little more tricky.  A planned guys night for him and buddies, or brother in law or a trip golfing with some friends.  My husband is the most tricky of all.  He is kind of techie but loves new experiences too!  So I think I will be getting him something for his current technology and maybe a great new sweater or scarf and well I don’t know but I’ll figure it out.

In this area there are tons of unique stores, outlets, thrift stores, antique stores and specialty shops.  Basically you can find anything you are looking for in this area for everyone on your list!  So pack up your shopping shoes, your girl friends and your beach towel.  Knock out your shopping and then relax and enjoy the rest of your girls getaway in the sun!

LA Adventures: A Guide To Lower Alabama

A walk on the beach, glass blowing, animal adventures an shrimping intrepid journalist, Jordan Rayne, was intent on discovering all that south Alabama had to offer.   I believe Rayne accomplished this feat in just a few days!  The trip started with a promise to keep everything about Lower Alabama a secret,  the recent article highlighting Rayne’s trip appeared in the American Airlines in flight magazine American Way.  This beautiful article highlights hidden treasures and local hot spots.  One of the hidden treasures highlighted is Sunset Properties!

We certainly loved the article as it mentioned so many of our favorite places and things to do.  We were completely surprised that we were mentioned in this article and humbled by the recommendation.  Take a look at Rayne’s adventure for yourself.

We hope to share our secret with you soon!

Hurricane Isaac Aug. 29 10 am

We had a few updates from the beach.  All properties seem to fine a t first glance.  Our maintenance guys were able to get through the high water to take a look at things.  The power is back on for now at the end of the island and Becky will be in touch with you if you are coming in today.  Isaac has stalled a bit so we still have highwater on the road for a little longer.  Be sure to check out our Facebook fan page for current updates at  https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sunset-Properties/5872428286

Thanks to Becky, Jim, Mark & Kathy for all of your above and beyond work during the storm!

Hurricane Isaac Aug. 28, 4 PM

Hi Everyone,

This is your update for Tuesday Afternoon.  At this time all of our staff are in their personal homes or with family.  We are seeing bands of heavy rain and wind come by every 3 to 4 hours north of the beach.  Below is a message from the beach!

Isaac is still predicted to hit near New Orleans as a Catagory 1 after 8 PM this evening. Be sure to visit Face book for Videos and updates!  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunset-Properties/5872428286

We still plan to be back in full swing in the office by Thursday morning!  See ya soon guys!

Low Cost & No Cost Gulf Shores Activities

It is so nice to see the spring break visitors back in the area this year.  So far it has been fantastic weather and looks to remain that way through this season. We wanted to give you a few ideas about low cost or no cost activities in that you and your family can enjoy while you are here!

The closest one to our area is actually Ft. Morgan!  You should check out this amazing fort if you haven’t yet.  It’s architecture is simply beautiful and it’s history is so interesting.  You could make a day of it and visit it’s sister on the other side of the bay on Dauphin Island.  It is only $5 to walk on the ferry and the cost to get into the forts is only $5 for adults.  Not only do you get some great history lessons but a beautiful ferry ride as well!

If you are more of an outdoorsy kind of person are you in the right place!!! We have multiple walking trails to enjoy in the Ft. Morgan area that are free.  You can also stop by the Bon Secour Wild Life refuge and get some great information and see some really neat displays of local wildlife.  It is all ther for you and your family to explore and enjoy.  If you are up for a little drive you could go to Orange beach and there are bike trails for you and your family to enjoy in this area. There are days of trails and miles of beautiful beach to enjoy. All of them are free!!!  Don’t forget your sunscreen and water.  Have fun hiking!!!

Finally, one of our favorites is to send folk over to the National Aviation Museum in Perdido, just to the west of Pensacola.  It is a little bit of a drive but worth it!  This museum has some of the most amazing exhibits you will ever see!  If you have kids (especially boys) or an airplane enthusiast you don’t need to miss this!  Don’t miss the I max theater.  Great shows are guaranteed.  There Is no cost to get in but they do accept donations.  There is a cafe on site and a great gift shop if you are looking for some special gifts.  This is  DON’T MISS on your trip!

Sunset’s Princesses Run for a Cause

Tara, Katie, Karen and Gwen from our Sunset Properties staff ran in the Disney Princess half marathon this past February 28th. We try as a staff to support different charities and causes that benefit our local community. This race was a little different for us though. We traveled to Walt Disney World to participate in the Disney Princess half marathon in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Not only was this race extremely fun but it supported a cause that is very close to our hearts. We ran this race in honor of a condo owners son Mark Henderson who beat lymphoma and in memory of Clint Bobe who we lost in 06 from lymphoma. We had a wonderful time, and it was great to get away with just the girls to celebrate life and have fun outside of the office. We are hoping to make this an annual trip!

Tara, Katie, Karen, and Gwen
Tara, Katie, Karen, and Gwen