Category: Vacation Hints
The Indies or The Dunes, Which is Better???
I get this question daily. Guest call in wanting to know, ” Really which one is better?” Both buildings have things that I love and maybe some things that I would change. I’ll tell you about them from my point of view and hopefully this will help you make an informed decision about where your next stay will be.
Let’s start with The Dunes she is the matriarch of The Dunes Community. The first building here and the anchor of this last little community on the island. The Dunes was finished in 2001 and the owner have had the option to be a rental condo from the beginning. The Dunes Building sits about 300 yards from the edge of the Gulf and every condo its beautifully calming waters. This building has a westerly facing view of the gulf which allows for sunset views from virtually every balcony in the building. Over time the community has grown and some of the views have become obstructed. with homes. You do still have a great water view from the pool deck and if you are on the 3rd floor and above. This building was built on a Dune so it naturally sits well above sea level and has had no storm damage to speak of in the years it has been open. In fact this building is one of the safest places to be!
Lets talk interior!!! The Dunes has seven floors of condo with 10 condo units on each floor with the exception of the 1st floor which has 8. The first floor also houses an office for Sunset Properties, a fitness center, sauna, His and Hers restrooms, and an indoor pool. The interior of most of the condos still have the original Formica counter tops and white cabinets. However, we are beginning to see owners upgrade their cabinets to the more modern granite counter tops and install new cabinets. Now that the building is getting a little older most of the owners are putting efforts into upgrading their interiors as well. New furnishings and paint through out!
Each floor includes one bedroom, two bath condos, two bedroom, two bath condos and three bedroom, two and a half bath condos. The one bedroom, two bath condos have master bedroom with an attached bath, a set of bunk beds built into the hallway, with a bath across from them. A full size kitchen, living area that over looks the Gulf, and a washer and dryer. Most of the one bedroom condos also have a sleeper sofa. These condos sleep up to six and are a great option for small families or couples on a budget.
The two bedroom two bath condos also sleep up to six. The master still has an attached bath but instead of being located at the entrance of the condo the Master bedroom in a two bedroom is located on the Gulf side of the condo with its own balcony door. The two bedroom condos have a second bedroom near the front door which has a Bay view if you are on the 3rd floor or above. this second bedroom also has an attached bath. these condos also have the full size kitchens, washer and dryer, and living area that over looks the Gulf! The two bedroom condos are great if you have multiple couples traveling or just want a little more space to spread out!
The three bedrooms truly are the show places of the building. Located on the east and west end of the building these condo have gorgeous sweeping views of the end of the island multiple balconies, and plenty of space for everyone in your party! The master bath room has private toilet shower area away from the sink and vanity. The bathroom is attached to the master bedroom which has its own balcony and balcony door. The other two bedrooms share a large bath that is situated in the hall and attached to one of the rooms. Both of the extra bedrooms are located at the north side of the building so they overlook the bay. The living area has a large balcony that gives a great space for the entire family to enjoy the Gulf view. There is an additional half bath off of the living area just past the washer and dryer closet. The full kitchen is the most open off all of the condos sizes and there is a great bar area for people to realx or just have breakfast.
The Dunes has ample parking for multiple vehicles and even a place to store your boat at the ends of the parking area. The Dunes requires parking passes at different times of the year. be prepared to pay for the $12 passes for your vehicles. Dogs of 35 pounds or smaller are welcome at The Dunes in pet friendly condo units, but not in th pool area, and you must leash and pick after your dogs at all times you are outside of the condo. If you are staying at the Dunes you have access not only to The Dunes indoor out door pool but also The Dunes Community pool about halfway to the beach. Over all the Dunes is a fantastic family friendly place to stay!
The Indies was finished in 2005 and also has 7 floors. The Indies has some very strict policies that you should be aware of prior to booking. It is not pet friendly! Also, The Indies has as they call it a “No Sharing Policy”! This means simply that they do not share their amenities with the rest of the community. The guest staying at at The Indies only have access to the amenities at The Indies because of this policy. They also have parking passes just as The Dunes does but they are $22.00 per pass. You also do not have boat storage at The Indies. You will need to plan ahead and set up boat storage at the marina across the street, as your boat will be towed from the Indies parking lot.
The Indies is a great building! It has a beautiful roof top terrace for sunning, complete with lounge chairs. The pool deck has multiple pools for The Indies guests. You have a sunning pool, that waterfalls into the regular condo size pool. The association has converted one of the hot tubs into a kiddie pool and there is also another traditional hot tub. There are plenty of lounge chairs on the pool deck to soak up the rays while on vacation. There are also multiple fitness centers for your use. The first door on your left as you enter the breeze way is the security guard office and business office. this is where you can pick up your wrist bands for swimming at the pool and any extra parking passes you may need. The Indies condos have large garden tubs, and shower combination. All of the units of The Indies face directly south toward the Gulf of Mexico. The Indies sits on top of a parking garage which put it well out of the way of storm water as well. The parking garage has limited parking. Do not assume it is ok to park ther most likely your condo does not have a parking place. Most of them do not!
This building has one, two and three bedroom condos as well just ina little different situation than the Dunes. Where The Dunes has mostly one bedroom condos, The Indies has mostly 3 bedroom condos.
The Indies also has a three bedroom, three bath condos which are located on the east and west end of the building. These large end units are considerably larger than the 3 bedroom, 2 bath condos in the interior of the building. The large three bedroom, three bath end condos have fantastic wrap around balconies. These balconies allow beautiful views on the west end you can even catch the sunsets. Because this building looks directly south you can tell the sun is setting but you cannot see it from most condos. The view is still beautiful with Indies sitting equally back from the water you can see the gulf from each room third floor and above.
The interior three bedroom, two bath has a master bedroom that over looks the Gulf while the other rooms are sit on the north side of the condo. The mast bedrooms have their own bath while the other two bedrooms share a hall bath. The living area has a beautiful view of the Gulf out the main patio door. The condos all have granite counter tops and the majority have stainless steel appliances in their full size kitchens. The large hallways allow easy access for those who may need wheelchair accessibility this is not a benefit that The Dunes has. There are not pull bars or roll in showers in these condos, however.
The two bedroom two bath condos look toward the gulf through their main sliding glass door. Just in side the door is the main living area and the fully equipped kitchen. The Master bedroom also has its own door that allows access to the balcony and a private bathroom. The second bedroom also has its own bath and is located at the north end of the condo with a window that looks toward the bay.
The building only has a hand full of one bedroom condos and each of these only has one bath. The bedroom in these condos is located on the north side of the building. these condos also have bunk beds in the hall. Most of the one bedroom condos sleep six which means they are wonderful for small families. The one bedrooms are located in the middle of the building. They all have a similar balcony that looks toward the gulf with a door that leads in the main living area. The living area and the kitchen are one shared space in all of the condos. This condo is a great choice for those who want to stay close to their conod and want the upgrades that came with this building from the beginning.
My hope is that with knowledge you can make an informed decision about whihc condo building would be best for you and your family when you com on your beach vacation! See you soon!
What To Do At The Beach, When It Rains!!!!
You traveled hundreds maybe even a thousand miles to take a vacation at the beach, and its RAINING!!!! Ugggg, the kids are getting stir crazy, good grief you are getting stir crazy! What are you going to do??? Watching the rain is definitely something to see from your balcony but for most it can only keep occupied for so long. So what do you do???
Don’t panic! There is plenty to do! First, take an inventory of your groups interests? Do have kids interested in science, shopping, art, planes, animals, nature? If you kids are interested in any of these there are things to do in the area!
Before you head to the beach also check out the website www.gulfshores.com they have a list of area activities! Well the easiest of these is probably shopping, Tanger Outlet is 40 minutes away. Just jump in the car and find some great deals. Happy hunting!!! If your guys are with you there are several hunting , camping, outfitter stores for them as well.
For your animal lovers there are so many places to go! My favorite is the Estuarium. Drive your car down to the ferry and turn left once you get off the ferry. It is only about a half a mile from the to the Estuarium. The Estuarium is a sea lab run by Auburn University where students come to study through out the year. There is also a section for the public to learn all about the local area and marine wildlife.
Just a few miles away on Ft. Morgan road is the Bon Secour Refuge office. In this office there are all sorts of information and displays to capture and enthrall the minds of your young nature lovers. For the young hunters in your family take a trip to Summerdale and visit the Spearhunting Museum. You are guaranteed a great time and maybe even a lesson in throwing a spear.
For your little scenic lovers, The Estuarium, and Refuge office are close stops that would entertain. If you are willing to go a little farther try The Explorium in Mobile! This is a fantastic place to spend the afternoon. The exhibits change regularly check out the website to see what is showing for the time you are here.
In the heart of Gulf Shores there are several different souvineer shops. Each shop has an airbrush artist. Take your artistic child to design his or her own shirt on a rainy afternoon. Be sure to let them use the camera and catch some beautiful shots from their point of view.
Definently don’t panic all of things mentioned above and much more to do at the beach when it rains. Don’t forget the rain usually passes in just a few hours and with a little planning you have made some great unique memories with your children!
See you soon guys!
How to have the perfect Beach Vacation
You can’t plan for everything and often times the unplanned things are what turn vacations into memories that last a lifetime. So of my favorite beach memories are when things went a little wrong. As I child instead of catching fish I caught a fire worm!
This is not at all what we wanted to catch but it is the one of the most fun memories I have fishing. It still makes me love fishing. Not for the fight of it but for the beauty of what will come out of the water. It is always an adventure.
Then I think about the time I got sunburned so badly and the wind was blowing really hard so we got sand blasted too. But the water was perfectly clear and we could pick up huge shells we could see rightbelow us. It is always the crazy things that give you the best laughs or most vivid memories when you look back.
So how do you have the best most perfect vacation. My suggestions are do some planning but roll with the wacky unplanned things as well.
1. Plan an adventure or two.
2. Try some new or differnet food
3. Learn a little history
4. Be Brave, try something new don’t let fear hold you back from an amazing adventure!
5. Don’t count out the cheesy stuff The cheesy goofy tourist stuff is popular for a reason!
6. Also don’t count out the simple stuff. sometimes a day in the sun listening to the waves or just a walk on the beach is just what you need.
7. Mostly comfy shoes, and comfy clothes. ! night out in fancy clothes and uncomfortable shoes.
8. Family time is always a plus! Get as much as you can. Cook together, play together, adventure together!
9. Rest! It is no fun to come back from vacation tired and in need of another vacation.
10. Take some pictures and let everyone tell you their favorite parts of each day. Don’t forget to write it down.
Most importantly, if things don’t always go as plan try not to loose your cool. You are here to have fun. It is never fun for kids to see their parents yelling nor is it a great example to embarrass or belittle the person you are dealing with. Get to the beach make some memories! We’ll see you soon!
Fresh Market Seafood
So you are at the beach and love to cook! You don’t mind eating out but you can cook seafood as good or better than any restaurant so where do you go to get your fresh seafood??? Fresh Market Seafood is a family seafood business owned and operated by the Wallace Family. The Wallace family is one of the oldest families in the area. It was the Wallace’s who founded the Lagoon fishing village in 1861 located just a few miles from the market. The Wallace’s have been local area fishermen and shrimpers for generations. Owner, Hal Wallace, his Father, Johnny and several cousins catch the bulk of the shrimp sold at Fresh Market Seafood. Our Seafood is hand selected, and only the best quality is sold in the market.
Be sure to check out their website to get current pricing on seafood and what is in season right now. They carry everything from Popcorn to Royal Red’s in shrimp, there is always a variety of seasonal fish, Crabs whole, claws, or lump meat, Oysters, and lots of other treats and don’t miss the gumbo, it is the best in the area!!! Fresh Market now has three locations. The original on Hwy 59 on your way to the beach on the west side at the corner of County Road 10. The second location on Ft. Morgan Rd. between the Chevron and Ocean’s restaurant. The newest location is in Orange Beach! Give them a call to find out which location is closest to you 251-955-5550.
Fresh Market also has everything you need to prepare for your next fishing trip. If you need bait, poles, tackle, something to entertain the kiddos, or the spices to cook your catch Fresh Market is your place.
They cater as well. if you like your seafood cooked when you get it or you have a party to feed. Call them ahead and they will have your order ready for you! Get ready for some yummy seafood!
Indies 410 Beautiful Sunset Views!!!
We rent several different sizes of condo but in the Indies there are a few that are quite a bit larger. We rent a couple of these large Indies condos. One is one the east end and has a city view and the other is one the west end and it has a Sunset View! The west end condo is Indies 410 it sits on the end of the 4th floor of the Indies building. Not only is this condo a beautiful mix of cozy and kid friendliness it has some of the most gorgeous views on the island.
This condo sleeps eight comfortably. Each bedroom has its own bath attached. The bathattached to the twin bedroom is a bath shared by the living room which is the first bedroom to your left as you walk in the front door. If you continue straight down that happy you will find yourself in the living room. The tan sofas and dining room set welcomeyou and your family to come and relax. While the beautiful kitchen behind you has everything you need to make wonderful meals together. The master bedroom has a king size bed with a large garden tub and separate shower. The third bedroom has a queen sized bed and there is a shower only in this bathroom.
The balcony is definitely the showplace in this balcony! You have beautiful views of the bay and the Gulf from this wraparound balcony. Our Favorite part of this condo you have a view that is ideal for taking sunset pictures, or just enjoying a quietevening with your sweetie watching the sunset.
The living room has a little secret in it! There is a sleeper sofa for a couple of extra friends! You can view Indies 410 here! This beachy condois large enough for you and your friends or you can bring the grandparents along for a beach vacation. Either way you are sure to enjoy a great stay in its comfy, beach setting with the amazing views just out the window! Keep in mind this great big beautiful condo only books for seven night stays. If you need a shorter stay just give us a call we are happy to help you find the perfect fit!
Sunday at Behind The Pines
Every Sunday you have a chance to hear one of our local treasures, Brandiwine, not just once but twice. Sunday mornings starting at 11 Brandi sings along with Jim, Eric and Luther and of course the crowd sings along at a gospel brunch until 2. They are sure to preform your favorites along with all the great classic gospel songs. You can get the best bloody mary, a fantastic breakfast and hear Brandiwine sing crowd favorites for Sunday Gospel Brunch. Breakfast choices are traditional brunch and southern fare such as Eggs Benedict, and Steak and Eggs.
Sunday evening the crowd and the music amps up a step or two with Sunday Blues at behind the Pines. Brandiwine sings Blues and is accompanied by our own head of maintenance Jim. Blues starts at 4 and goes until close. Come by have a ” Nookie” burger, home fries or the best Shrimp and Grits in the south. The dance off your dinner with blues that will get you moving. Take a sneak peek at Brandiwine!
Money Saving Tips
All individuals are feeling the strain of the economy–so, with much less expendable income in most people’s pockets, extras like hobbies, going out to eat, and traveling to Fort Morgan, AL are often sacrificed. If you still want to vacate without busting your budget, think blue and white, as in the sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast. There are always free or low-cost events and activities for every age, and we have a few vacation ideas to save you even more money!
- Skip hotels–Stay in a Condo – Renting a private Fort Morgan cond, as opposed to a hotel room, might sound like it would be much more expensive. A condo, however, can save you money in a couple of different ways. First, if your rental has a kitchen, you can cut back on eating out. You can grab some groceries once you get to town, and stock the kitchen with all your favorites. If you don’t feel like laboring at the stove each morning, get quick fixes like cereal and frozen waffles. If you’ll be out all day, you could even pack some sandwiches for a picnic lunch–there is no shortage of locations to picnic in Fort Morgan. Lastly, if you are traveling in a large group, you can get better prices renting a beach house or three bedroom condo rental.
- Shoulder Season–Stay during low season –If you’re willing to vacation in off season, you can save a lot of money. Rates are already cheaper when it is less busy, and Sunset Properties offers even more money-saving deals during this time. If you can be flexible about your travel plans, you can get much better deals.
- Keep an eye out for specials – Much different than our competitors, Sunset Properties loves to offer flash sales and discounts on our Facebook fan page. Follow us on our page and you may be able to sneak away for pennies on the dollar!
- Stay Away from it all – One of the best things about visiting the beach and Fort Morgan is it’s quaint, secluded atmosphere. Something of a novelty these days around tourist destinations, Fort Morgan has embraced this label and the tourists love it. Fort Morgan, in reality, is just a short drive from Gulf Shores but far enough way from everything to enjoy the coasts major attraction…the beach. Did we mention laying out all day and playing in the ocean is free?
An Awesome Day-Excursion to Dauphin Island, AL
An Awesome Day-Excursion to Dauphin Island, AL
Traverse Mobile Bay by Ferry and Arrive on a Fun, Island Getaway
by Mike Turner | July 26, 2011
Here is a great, day trip that will be a boat load of fun (literally) for the entire family.
It begins with a family style breakfast at Hazel’s Nook in Gulf Shores. Pancakes, yup, Waffles – yup, and my favorite- made to order omelets. (Bacon, onions, cheddar cheese, and salsa for me please).
Next, is a stop at the local store to stock up on munchies, water, soda, and sunscreen for the day of adventure, followed by a leisurely 25 mile drive down State Road 180 (West Fort Morgan Rd.) to the Dauphin Island Ferry Terminal. The Ferry runs every 45 minutes, and here is a link for specific times, etc. https://www.mobilebayferry.com/schedule.html
Cost runs $30 for a car plus $10 per passenger over the age of 12. If you want to save some dough, you can park at the terminal and walk on or take a bicycle with you for $5. I have taken the bike route and it was a blast. Or if you have a Harley, you can grab a round trip ticket for $8. But you need to plan ahead and take some rain gear, just in case. Dauphin Island is very bike/motorcycle friendly.
The boat ride is a treat in itself, taking in the sights of other boats, maybe a tanker, or perhaps if you are lucky a dolphin playing in the boat’s wake.
As you arrive onto Dauphin Island, you feel like you have been transported back in time. It is 17 miles long and ¾ of mile wide barrier island that is parallel to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a sleepy, fishing village with tons of charm, miles of undiscovered beaches, quaint eateries, and another great attraction – The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, home to the State of Alabama’s Marine Science Institute. https://www.disl.org/
Here you will find a treasure trove full of adventure. Huge aquariums, touch-tanks, The Living Marsh Boardwalk, and Weather Station.
At the west end of the beach, there are vendors providing umbrellas, jet ski rentals, parasailing, water slides and certified lifeguards, clean restrooms and showers. Entrance fees are $2 to park, and $3 for each person over the age of 12. No alcoholic beverages, pets, glass or grills are allowed however.
There is also the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, https://www.dauphinisland.org/bird.htm Dauphin Island has been recognized as one of the ten most globally important sites for bird migrations. The Sanctuary includes more than 150 acres of maritime forest, marshes, and dunes, including a lake, a swamp and a beach. It is located on the Eastern end of the Island and has walking trails and boardwalks in which to experience this unique natural treasure. Migrating birds utilize this area after their long flight across the Gulf from Central and South America to rest up before heading on. They also utilized the Sanctuary as their final feeding and resting area before their return flight. (And you thought the Atlanta Hub was busy).
And if that isn’t enough to do, don’t forget to check out Fort Gaines for an awesome view of Mobile Bay, and you can image yourself as a sentry watching out for enemy ships!
Have fun!
Body Surfing in Ft. Morgan
Have you ever been surfing? What about Body surfing? There is a big difference between the two but both are worth trying. If you want to start out on easy waves Ft. Morgan is the place to try. Of course, surfing is standing on a surf board riding a wave. Body surfing is using your body like a surf board and riding a wave in. My boss took a great video body surfing in Ft. Morgan. Give us a call to book a trip and try out your surfing skills.
Tiki Beach, Luxary Gulf Front home Beautiful view
We have a gorgeous new home called Tiki Beach. It is located just to the east of The Dunes community and it is a walk out the back door on to the beach home. Luxury at every turn, this home is a joy to be in because comfort was key in every purchase. With 6 bedrooms and 5 baths you have enough room for your entire party. You have 3 master bedrooms with views of the gulf. The other 3 rooms you have a queen bed and then two rooms with bunk beds. One has two sets of bunks and the other a single set of bunks. This home sleeps 16 people total. With sweeping views and limited visitors to that area, this is the perfect house for your getaway. Take a look at the sneek preview! Sneak Peek of Tiki Beach
