Thanksgiving on the Beach!

Hey Friends! Thanksgiving can be the perfect holiday to make new family traditions. It doesn’t really matter where you are or what you are eating as long as you are gathering with your family. This could be the perfect opportunity for the family to get together and enjoy a new family tradition without the stress of making sure that everything is right. Bring the family down and just relax and let someone else do all the hard work!

Hangout Fest is hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 am- 4 pm. The price for adults is $32.99 and for children 5-10 it is $14.99. Children under 5 eat free! They are taking reservations for time slots and will be paid at the restaurant. The menu is full of classics as well as Gulf Shores Gumbo and Housemade Pie. What a perfect opportunity for the cook of the family to get to enjoy their meal too! Make a new tradition by spending it with friends and family at The Hangout.

This is Alabama will be presenting a Coastal Half Marathon on Saturday 26 in Orange Beach. There is a 1 mile fun run and a 5K that will be taking place. Click here for more info about this awesome event!

Come hang out at the Flora-Bama on Thanksgiving for a potluck dinner! They will take care of the Turkey and Ham, but ask that you bring a side dish! This event is free for everyone and they ask that they have your potluck dish in the tent by 12:30 and they begin serving at 1 PM. This is their way of giving back to the community and being able to celebrate with their guests and staff!  

We have plenty of larger properties to sleep the whole family! We have a 5 bedroom Duplex in Fort Morgan that sleeps 10 called Deans Dunes. This property has a full kitchen just in case you do want to make the perfect Thanksgiving meal for the family. It also faces the gulf so you can enjoy the sound of waves crashing at night. Golden Yona is another property we have that sleeps 10. It is a 4 bedroom 4 bathroom duplex also in Fort Morgan. This home is also is just 2 houses down from the community pool! If you are looking to be closer in town check out Phoenix West II 2606! This is a 3 bedroom condo that sleeps 12 overlooking the gulf. These are just a few of the properties we have available. Give us a call at 251-543-1370 or check us out at www.sunsetproperties.com .

The Orange Beach Wharf

Have you missed the concert scene? Being able to listen to your favorite band or artist perform the song you have listened to for years is a feeling you just can’t describe. Or, you get to town and realize there’s a concert playing near you and you just go. Then, the next day you’re back at the beach getting a tan. If these sound like things you’re interested in you should check out The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, AL. On their lineup this year you will see names like Dierks Bentley, Phish, Jimmy Buffet, and Morgan Wallen.

Check out our two condos at The Caribe for a place to stay! Caribe B Penthouse 4 is a 3 bedroom condo with a beautiful view overlooking the bay. While Caribe C Penthouse 14 has a view of the gulf! Bring the family and enjoy the amenities that the caribe has to offer. 6 pools total, 2 water slides, fishing docks, tennis courts, a putting green, and even his/her saunas. Cobalt is located right next to the condos and has some of the best food you could imagine! If you plan on eating there make sure you get there early or the wait may be long. If you don’t feel like waiting for a table at the actual restaurant you can check out the poolside Cabana Menu. The best part is that it is located only 15 minutes from The Wharf! Perfect for those that are wanting to shop, explore, or see a concert. Plus, if you just want to stay in you can always check out all the cool things the Caribe has to offer.

For a full list of concerts and events at The Wharf click here!

2022 New Year’s Resolution You Can Keep: Make Your Mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast

With the new year rapidly approaching, many of our friends and guests are all deciding what resolutions they are going to make and the ones they intend to keep.  Here along our Alabama Gulf Coast, we are in the same boat, so to speak, as you are (although we frequently fish off our boats, but that’s “a whole nother story” as we say).  Are we going to lose weight, read more, take up a hobby or just spend more time with our families?  Seems Covid robbed so much time from us all, family time is at the top of many of our lists.  I have a suggestion, why not make your mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2022?  We all want to leave our ‘mark’ somewhere without causing damage or harm, and here are five ways to do just that that range from temporary to a lifelong presence.

Write Your Name in the Sand

Leave Only Footprints is a phrase you’ll see all over while you’re visiting Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan.  This is a focused effort to keep our island as beautiful for tomorrow as it is today.  We clean up after ourselves, don’t leave unsightly messes on our beautiful beaches, don’t graffiti up our walls, and we help each other out when we need to.  But we all want to make a mark on our area, right? We want to let folks know we were here.  And most of us want more than a headstone to make that statement. How about you?  Want to make a mark on our island that no one will be unhappy with?  We have a couple of ideas.  One way is to write something in the sand.  Just above the tide line, use your big toe and scribble something profound like “Jack loves Dianne” or “Killroy was here”.  Or maybe just write your own name, the year, and circle it with a big heart take a quick Snap*, and you now have the best cover picture on Facebook*.  With a Gulf front beach home managed by Sunset Properties, writing your name in the sand is so easy, you can create a new one every day.  Check out Boardwalk 1085Castaways 3B or Carpe Diem for amazing opportunities to step right out of your beach vacation home and write your name in the sand.  The views inside these units are pretty nice, too.  I am thinking you’ll find more than one opportunity to share pictures on Facebook!

Hang A Dollar at the Flora Bama

Another way to leave your mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast is to write your name on a dollar bill and hang it on the wall at the Flora-Bama.  Have you ever been to the World Famous Flora-Bama?  If you have, you already know what a cool place it is.  If you haven’t, you’re definitely missing out.  In spite of what you may have heard, The Flora-Bama is a family friendly place each day until 6:00 PM, then, at 6:00 it becomes an adult hangout.  If you haven’t yet signed your name on a dollar bill and hung it on the wall at this great American Roadhouse located on the Alabama-Florida state line, you should put that on your 2022 resolution list.  And, if you’re looking for a great place to stay near the Florida-Alabama line, you should check out Caribe B Penthouse 4.  This amazing penthouse condominium is any beach vacationer’s dream home! It sits high above the back bays of Orange Beach and is only minutes from the Flora-Bama.  This condo is family friendly and there is so much to do on the Caribe property.  If writing your name in the sand is still on your list, you’ll find easy access to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico about two minutes away.  Gulf State Park’s Alabama Point is almost right across Perdido Beach Boulevard from The Caribe.  Whether you’re planning to make your mark on a beach covered in sugar white sand or write your name on a dollar and hang it on a wall (or both!), we’ve got the perfect beach home ready for you!

Sign the Guestbook at the Welcome Center

There are two Welcome Centers nearby.  The Gulf Shores Welcome Center is located on Gulf Shores Parkway across from The Track.  Beautifully constructed and filled with brochures containing tons of local information and some of the best Southern Hospitality you’ll find this side of Birmingham, the Welcome Center in Gulf Shores is definitely worth a look.  Stop in, sign the guestbook, meet someone nice and find out all about our island.  There is a second welcome center in Orange Beach.  Located on Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach, the Orange Beach Welcome Center is equally as inviting as its sister property in Gulf Shores.  Making your mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast is as easy as signing a guest registry.  But, while you’re inside these centers, be sure to pick up a few rack cards and make a family plan that includes visiting some place new.  Each year, new business and attractions come to our area.  We are sure that while you’re in our welcome centers, you will discover something new to do!

Get a Library Card

Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to amazing libraries.  The Thomas B. Norton Library is located at 221 West 19th Avenue in Gulf Shores.  This is near the intracoastal bridge.  This library is as modern as they come and library cards for visitors to our island paradise are easy to get.  If you need to use a desktop computer, get a copy made or want to borrow one of the latest best sellers, the good folks at Thomas B. Norton Library can fix you right up. If your vacation home is Colony Club M6 be sure to stop by the library in Gulf Shores and sign your name to a library card application. You’re not only staying close to lots of retail opportunities, but you’re only about five minutes away from some amazing opportunities you can find only at a library!   But, what if you’re staying in Orange Beach at Phoenix I 1083  and you don’t want to drive to Gulf Shores?  No problem!  The Orange Beach Public Library located at 26267 Canal Road in Orange Beach offers library services second to none in our state.  For years, this library has excelled in offering programs and services for the whole family.  So, go ahead, make your mark on our island by getting yourself one of the best souvenirs around:  a library card!

Buy Your Own Piece of Paradise

For years, each of us traveled down here to the Alabama Gulf Coast on vacation and said, “one of these days, I’m gonna get my own place here.”  Well, “one of these days” came for us, and it can for you, too!  There are a variety of properties available to purchase year round and we at Sunset Properties are not just in the rental management/vacation home business, we are in the “let us help you buy your vacation home” business, too!  The process is easy really.  We learn as much as we can about our clients, then we keep our eyes and ears open and help them find and buy the exact right beach home.  What better way to make your mark on our area than to sign your name to a deed and actually own your own personal piece of paradise?  I’ll tell you:  none!  Become a local! Make that a resolution in 2022!   It’s as simple as reaching out to us and allowing us to find you your perfect place.  All that’s left after the paperwork is done, is your signature.  So go ahead, make a plan to make your mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2022 by buying yourself a beach home.  And, if you choose to use a rental program to help you with expenses, we are absolutely ready to help you do that, too!

There are truly many ways you can make your own mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2022, either as a guest or a parttime or fulltime resident.  At Sunset Properties, we are always happy to see our guests come visit us, but when they become our neighbors, we really celebrate!  It’s time to make our resolutions for 2022, and we hope you’ll put us on your list.  Go ahead, make your mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and let us help you do it the right way!  See you soon!  Happy New Year from all of us at Sunset Properties.

251.543.1370

info@sunsetproperties.com

www.sunsetproperties.com

How to Plan the Best Day at Fort Morgan Beach in Alabama

Fort Morgan Beach in Alabama

When you plan a trip to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, a day or two at the beach will always be first on your list of things to do. But, don’t go to just any beach when you’re down here. Fort Morgan Beach in Alabama offers the best all-around beach experience with many great features and benefits you just can’t find at the other beaches in the area. So, make your vacation plan to spend a day at Fort Morgan Beach in Alabama.

Are you in search of the most incredible experiences for your vacation to Alabama’s Gulf Coast? Then, you’ve come to the right place! Here at Sunset Properties, we have all the inside information you need to have the best vacation ever! So, download our free Vacation Guide today and don’t miss out on the best Alabama’s Gulf Coast has to offer!

How To Enjoy the Best Vacation at Fort Morgan Beach in Alabama

There are many great ways to enjoy the beach in Fort Morgan! It’s not just all bumming around on the sand. Although, that is a big part of enjoying any beach day! Here are some of the best ways to enjoy your beach day at Fort Morgan Beach in Alabama.

  • You can bring Fido with you! Fort Morgan Beach is one of the few pet-friendly beaches here in coastal Alabama! Why board your furry family member when you can enjoy the pet-friendly beach together? Pair that with a pet-friendly vacation rental, and you’re in for a furry, fun vacation!

  • Say, “Hello!” to local wildlife! The Fort Morgan area is biologically rich and diverse. It’s full of many different species of birds, sea turtles, dolphins, and more! You may encounter sea turtles in the early morning or head out on a dolphin tour to see the playful creatures in their natural habitat. No matter how you see them, you’ll make a memory that will last a lifetime!

  • Take a fishing adventure! The waters near Fort Morgan Beach in Alabama are alive with incredible fishing opportunities for the professional angler or amateur alike. Almost as abundant, fishing charters are commonplace and await your reservation to make a memory you’ll never forget!

  • Explore local culture and cuisine! When you’re on the coast, you have endless options for local seafood and fare. That’s not a privilege to take lightly! Check out the best restaurants in the area, enjoy the teeming nightlife, and catch great local music. What’s not to like?

  • Live it up in a beachy vacation rental! There are many great Fort Morgan beach houses and condos rentals available for your beach adventure! Most are just a few steps away from the beach, too! You’ll love the easygoing, beachy vibes!

The Best Fort Morgan Beach Houses and Condos for Your Beach Vacation

Plan your adventure to Fort Morgan Beach in Alabama and stay with us at Sunset Properties! Our beautiful beach houses and condos are the perfect match for your beach vacation needs. And, they’re just steps away from the beach! So, browse our Fort Morgan rentals and see for yourself what kind of beautiful memories you can make. Then, contact us today to book your Fort Morgan beach getaway! And, if you’re still searching for great experiences for your trip, then download our free Vacation Guide, too!

What You Need to Know About the Mullet Toss

Mullet Toss

Every year, all kinds of folks flock to the Alabama-Florida state line for the wacky Mullet Toss competition. It’s a day full of flying fish, fun, food, contests, and sunshine for all people, mullets, and seagulls. The fish-throwing contest takes place smack-dab on the Alabama-Florida state line. Planning to take part? Here’s what you need to know about the Mullet Toss!

Are you looking for the most fun experiences on Alabama’s Gulf Coast? Then, you’ve come to the right place! That’s because here at Sunset Properties, we’re the experts when it comes to all things Gulf Shores. Check out our free Vacation Guide and see for yourself the incredible experiences that can be yours!

Mullet Toss Need-to-Know’s

What is a mullet toss, you may ask? The ceremonious, plentiful mullet is one of the more populous fish indigenous to the Gulf Coast area. It is the only fish with a gizzard and is fabled to possess mystical powers. It is known as bait fish on the east coast, but it is also a local delicacy here. The party that is the Mullet Toss consists of contestants throwing the no-longer-living piscine projectile from a 10-foot circle in Alabama. The airborne “delicacy” then flies across the state line and into Florida. Or into the crowd depending on the fish thrower’s aim and grip on the slippery fish, of course. The fun activities, music, and food are a great way to blow off some steam and have a good laugh at the same time.

For those concerned with the livelihood of marine life, the participating mullet are no longer alive, but, according to multiple accounts, do remain very friendly! After their generous sacrifice, the fish are then donated to the local avian menu. This is absolutely one of the don’t-miss events in the area!

How Much Does it Cost?

A paltry $15 buys you the chance to launch your favorite fish and garners you a nifty souvenir t-shirt, as well! Plus, 1st Place gets a trophy, a Flora-Bama gift certificate, and, according to the event, “any other junk [they] can find laying around.” The best part? A contribution of your fish-flinging fee goes toward local youth charities! Here are a few easy rules to keep in mind while you’re there!

  • You will toss approximately one whole mullet (roughly 1 lb.) across the Florida/Alabama state line.
  • To participate, you must submit a registration form at the beach.
  • $15.00 Entry Fee. You will receive your new favorite Interstate Mullet Toss t-shirt.
  • During your toss, no gloves or sand on mullet to improve grip is allowed.
  • Mullet will be picked out of the water bucket. After you throw, retrieve your mullet and toss it back into the bucket.
  • Mullet will be thrown from a 10′ circle down a designated alley.
  • No stepping out of the circle during your throw and follow through or you will be disqualified.
  • Throwing your mullet out of bounds will result in an automatic disqualification.
  • DON’T MISS! One chance only to qualify for finals.
  • There are six finalists in both the men’s and women’s divisions each day.

Toss Your Mullet Into the Sunset

Aim for the best place to stay on Alabama’s Gulf Coast when you’re tossing your mullet! Here at Sunset Properties, our condos and beach houses are the perfect fit for whatever reason you’re here. You’ll love their proximity to the beach, quality, and comfort. So, check out our available rentals! Then, when you’re ready to book, contact us! We are eager to accommodate you, and cheer you on, during your Mullet Toss adventure. For the best experiences in the area, Mullet Toss and otherwise, download our free Vacation Guide today!

What are the Best Pet Friendly Beaches in Alabama?

When you plan your visit to the Gulf Shores of Alabama, there’s no need to worry about boarding your furry friends! Besides, it’s expensive anyway. Just bring them to the beach! There are plenty of great options for your pup to sniff, explore, and have fun at the pet friendly beaches in Alabama! You’ll never see those sad puppy dog eyes as you leave again when you come to coastal Alabama. But, where are the best pet friendly beaches? Read on to find out!

Want to know more about the best things to do near Sunset Properties? Then check out our Local Activities page  today! It’s full of the best ideas to make your visit the vacation of a lifetime. And, with all the great activities, you’ll be sure to please the whole family, including Fido!

The Best Pet Friendly Beaches in Alabama

Fort Morgan, Alabama
Head west out of Gulf Shores and you’ll eventually run out of land. This is where Fort Morgan sits, at the tip of Mobile Point. It’s also the first of our best pet friendly beaches in Alabama! Fort Morgan allows your furry friends to play on the public beaches as long as they are on a leash. You can access the city’s public beaches from inside the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. At the end of the peninsula near the Fort Morgan State Historic Site grounds, you have access to the beach through an unnamed access road. The other point of entry is just past the refuge visitor center and just off of Mobile Street. Parking there is on a first-come, first-served basis. Also of note: the Fort Morgan State Historic Site property does not allow dogs.

Dauphin Island, Alabama
Away from Gulf Shores and three miles south of the mouth of the Mobile Bay is the barrier island of Dauphin Island. The island’s beaches are pet-friendly and open to the public year-round! There is a small fee during the spring and summer, and dogs must remain on leash on the beach. Again, parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and you may re-enter the park as many times as you like during the same day by furnishing your ticket. Dogs are only allowed on Dauphin Island’s public beaches. The West End Beach Park on the west side of the island does not.

Other Great Places to Take Your Dog

Unleashed in Orange Beach Dog Park
Unleashed in Orange Beach Dog Park has separate fenced-in areas for all sizes of dogs. Training stations, water stations, and plenty of benches with shade make this the perfect mid-day stop for your pup to run free! Open daily for free from sunrise to sunset.

Gulf State Park
What better way to get both you and your pup out than to explore Gulf State Park? Hike along the pristine dog-friendly trails and see nature up close! Dogs must be leashed at all times in the park, including in the campgrounds. The best part? The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby is the perfect place for your pooch to explore the water. The dog park is to your immediate left when you enter the parking lot. For just a $2 daily pass, it’s the perfect way to let your dog explore!

Pet Friendly Rentals to Go with Your Pet Friendly Vacation

You can’t take your dog on vacation with you if you don’t have a pet-friendly place to stay! Here at Sunset Properties, we have the most comfortable pet-friendly vacation rentals in the area. You and your pup will feel like you’re at home when you stay with us. So, check out our pet-friendly options and contact us today! We’re eager to accommodate you and your pooches every need so you can have the best vacation!

18th Annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic

Are you ready for a new adventure?  Join the top anglers in the country and lots of cheering fans at the 18th Annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic.  This event takes place out of the marina at The Wharf.  The events start on the 18th of May and go through the 22nd.  You can keep track of your favorite team and check often for their weigh-ins.  The fishing starts at noon on the 19th and goes until weigh in on at 11 AM on the 22nd. There is a Weigh in on Saturday also on Saturday from 6 until 10 PM.  So come enjoy all the fun activities at The wharf and then see if your favorite team won the big prize!  Below are all the details from the Orange Beach Billfish Classic Website.

First of the Gulf Coast tournament season and the kickoff tournament of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship series.  The Orange Beach Billfish Classic was formed in 1998 for the express purpose of providing financial support for organizations that speak effectively for all recreational fishermen. The OBBC quickly became a top event on the Gulf Coast tournament circuit and serves as an important fundraiser for The Billfish Foundation and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA). In 2011, over $50,000 was donated to these organizations, bringing the total contributed over the history of the tournament to over $500,000.

2014- Triple Crown trophy
2014- Triple Crown trophy

The OBBC is the country’s only non-profit billfish tournament with 100% of all net profit donated to qualified 501(c)(3) conservation organizations. The OBBC is an all-volunteer effort so there is no overhead to deduct from the financial support that’s provided to our conservation beneficiaries.

Beginning in 2013, The Wharf Marina Entertainment Complex hosted the Orange Beach Billfish Classic for the first time, and hosted the tournament again in 2014 and 2015. Over the course of the four day event, the crews, anglers and participants enjoy a series of fun and food-filled events, with a Captain’s Meeting on Wednesday evening and culminating with an awards brunch on Sunday morning. The organizers look forward to a big turnout this year in order to continue to support the organizations that fight for our resources.

10361061_634166736676009_1355216962380415182_n“I’d like to take a minute to personally invite everyone to join us for the 2016 Orange Beach Billfish Classic,” Dorland said in a recent interview. “Our staff will welcome you with open arms and we’ll all do our best to show you what a great experience this event has become, from the great fishing to our world-famous Gulf Coast hospitality. Come fishing with us this year — you won’t be disappointed.”

Interested participants are welcome to contact Dorland personally at (251) 402-8190 for more information.

Orange Beach Billfish Classic schedule of events is as follows.
Wednesday, May 18th• 4-11 pm: Registration and Optional Cash Awards open under the big tent • 6 pm: Cocktails and Hors d ’Oeuvres • 7 pm: Dinner • 8-11 pm: Optional Cash Awards Pot Party 2016

Schedule Of Events Thursday, May 19th • 10:00 am: Mandatory Captain’s Meeting under the big tent • 10:30 am: Boats may leave The Wharf through Perdido Bay to Perdido Pass • 12 noon: Boats may leave Perdido Pass. Any boat choosing to leave through Sailboat Bay may not leave The Wharf Marina until NOON, May 19th • 12 noon: Fishing Commences Friday, May 20th • 7-10 pm: Weigh in at The Wharf Saturday, May 21st • 6-10 pm: Weigh in at The Wharf Sunday, May 22nd • 9-11 am: Tournament Awards Breakfast

 

Delta Wildlife Boat Eco Tour

A don’t miss trip for nature lovers big and small take a Delta Safari!  This charter departs daily from Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores and tours the scenic and historical and Mobile Delta system.  You can learn local history enjoy beautiful scenery and learn about our unique ecosystem and the animals that live here on this family friendly hour and a half trip.

Experience the swamps of the lower Mobile-Tensaw Delta on this highly rated wildlife tour. This is the “must do” tour for all avid lovers of nature and its creatures when visiting Mobile, Alabama. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is Mobile’s biggest jewel – If you do nothing else, take this trip!

TOUR COST: Adult: $19.99, Child (6-15): $14.99, Under 5: FREE.20160328_165924
DEPARTS: Daily. Charters available 7 days.
LENGTH: 1.5 hours. Reservations suggested.

As we float among the open Marsh watching for a variety of wildlife including Alligators, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Heron, Cormorant, Pelicans, Nutria and more, learn about these unique animals of the swamp and how they live. Commentary includes points on the history, geology, ecology and characters of the Delta, as well as Alabama State Lands mission in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and the ‘Forever Wild’ program.

Perfect for children of all ages, Delta Safaris operates over 100 school field trips annually – we know kids and welcome yours aboard. For Children 5 and Under, please email us after booking and we will add their FREE tickets to your booking.

All commentary provided by experienced Delta Nature Guides.

Includes: The best eco-tour in Alabama, showing off the best delta eco-system in the USA. As seen in National Geographic – Adventure Magazine, Southern Living Magazine and on National Morning Shows.

Operates: Additional tours are offered on busy days. This public tour operates 5 days a week from February 15 – December 31st each year. From January 7 – February 14, it operates on Saturdays and Sundays only. Closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Private Group Charters available year round. Book Online above, Call: (251) 259-8531 or Email: info@5RDS.com for more information.

Delta Safaris is the only State of Alabama authorized Concessionaire offering tours of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Bottle Creek Indian Mounds and Champion Cypress. We believe in a Leave No Trace policy, in educating and preserving these amazing jewels for future generations.

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Policies & Disclaimers:
Cancellation Policy: Rainchecks will be provided in the event of inclement weather. Unsafe passage call will be made by Captain on day of event. All other cancellations require 24 hour notice for refund.

What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, cameras and binoculars. Packed food and drink is welcome on board – no glass containers please.

Should I Tip?: Tips are not required but are graciously received. Our guides strive hard to educate and entertain. Please let your guides know how they did.GS Sunset

Cancellations: Rainchecks will be provided in the event of inclement weather. An unsafe passage call will be made by Captain on day of event. All other cancellations require 24 hour notice for refund.

Be sure to call and book your trip to enjoy this unique trip with your family!

Rainy Summer Vacation

It is that time of year  We are getting tons of calls from people planning their summer vacation.  It is also the time of year for us to get tons of rain. Unfortunately, travel insurance does not cover if you have a rainy summer vacation , but just because its rainy does not limit your fun things to do in the area.  We wanted to give you a few hits and helpful tips over the next few weeks so you will be completely prepared for your trip no matter what happens. This week I just wanted to talk to you about an alternate plan.

You never know from one day to the next what will happen on your vacation so the biggest tip is to be FLEXIBLE…  Flexibility will save hurt feelings, and bad attitudes from taking over the trip.  A little extra planning will allow for seamless transitions if it rains or if your group has just had enough sun for that week. Lucky you are on the Gulf coast it is the place to be when its rainy outside!

If you are just a group of adults looking for some great activities when it rains on your vacation.  Everything from shopping at the outlet mall or beach souvenir stores to Local cultural experiences at one of the many theaters or museums in the area.  Of course there is always a choice of movies and we have two movie theaters in the area  The Cobb Pinnacle Theaters, and Carmike Cinemas at the Wharf.  

When it rains on your summer vacation and you are planning for the ever-board teens that are here with you try Blond Johns for all of their surfing dreams.  Or if surfing and skating are not on their radar and movies or shopping is not their thing visit Adventure Island they have indoor laser tag and an arcade.  Or you could try Arena Next Play at the Wharf, or the indoor arcades at Waterville, or The Track.

Children have the most selections by far on rainy summer vacation days.  So when planning if you have little ones all you need to know is what they are interested in.  Of course just like above there are movie options shopping and arcades.  But specifically for kids or anyone interested in science or animals check out the Esturairum at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The Esturarium is just a quick ferry ride away over to Dauphin Island.  If you are up for a little bit of a car ride take a day trip to Mobile or Pensacola.  In Mobile those science lovers in the family would enjoy The

Rainy Summer Vacation ideas
Rainy Summer Vacation ideas

href=”https://www.exploreum.com/”>Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center.  With rotating exhibits throughout the year this is a fantastic place to spend the day for the entire family.

Our all time favorite spot to direct families to is the Naval Air Station in Pensacola Museum.  It is free to the public although they always accept donations.  The museum has more planes that you can see in a day in every corner and even hanging from the ceiling.  History surrounds you at every turn and even in the cafe.  They have flight simulators, cockpit trainers, and a virtual flight deck.  Not to mention the Blue Angel’s practice here.  The 325-seat giant screen theater features the latest in state-of-the-art motion picture projection. The theater has upgraded from 70mm film projection to stunning premium laser-illuminated 2D projection system boasting full 4K resolution—nearly 9 million pixels on-screen—the first of its kind installed in an institutional theater.

So no worries!  There is plenty to do on rainy summer vacation it just takes a little planning ahead.  You will be sure to have the best vacation no matter what the weather happens to do while you are on vacation.

 

 

The 24th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival

Are you looking for a fun Saturday event?  Of Course it needs to have something for everyone in the Family!  Well look no further.   Take the entire family out to The 24th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival.  Not only will you have fantastic seafood but there is also a craft show, fun games and activities for kids and a classic Car Show.  This entire event is held annually and is the to raise money for the Association’s major fundraiser to support sports-related activities in our community, specifically youth baseball, softball and T-Ball.  Proceeds are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, insurance, and pay for expenses of officials and sponsor clinics.

The Festival remains the same full day of delicious food, 85 arts & crafts vendors and music for the whole family. The festival includes a silent auction, food booths, car show featuring antique, classic & hot rod vehicles, a Kids Zone with climbing wall, activities & more.

– 85 Arts & Crafts Vendorssky and cobra

– Food Booths

– Musical Entertainment

– Military Display & Memorabilia

– Open Car Show

– Silent Auction

– Kids Zone with Activities & More

Dates & Times

Feb 27, 2016   10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location

4830 Main St.Orange Beach, AL, 36561

From I-10 – Take Exit 44, Gulf Shores Parkway, and head south.  Just north of Foley turn left onto the Foley Beach Express.  The distance from the beginning of the Expressway to Orange Beach is 14 miles.  The toll for the Expressway is $3.50 per car.  After going over the bridge, the Expressway ends at Hwy. 180, Canal Road and The Wharf.  Parking will be on both sides of the Expressway.  Follow signs for parking directions.

From I-65 – Take Exit 37, Gulf Shores Parkway, and head south.  It is approximately 50 miles from I-65 to Orange Beach.  Just north of Foley turn left onto the Foley Beach Express.  The distance from the beginning of the Expressway to Orange Beach is 14 miles.  The toll for the Expressway is $3.50 per car.  After going over the bridge the Expressway ends at Hwy. 180, Canal Road and The Wharf.  Parking will be on both sides of the Expressway.  Follow signs for parking directions.

From Pensacola – Hwy. 98 – Follow Hwy. 98 from Pensacola.  Just east of Foley, turn left onto the Foley Beach Express.  The toll for the Expressway is $3.50 per car.  After going over the bridge the Expressway ends at Highway 180, Canal Road and The Wharf.  Parking will be on both sides of the Expressway.  Follow signs for parking directions.

Admission

Admission is free.

Event Info

The 24th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival is a major fundraiser for the Orange Beach Sports Association to support sports-related activities in our community, specifically youth baseball, softball and T-Ball. Proceeds are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, insurance, and pay for expenses of officials and sponsor clinics. The Festival is a full day of delicious food, 80 arts and crafts vendors, military memorabilia and music for the whole family. This is an alcohol-free event. The festival includes a silent auction, car show featuring antique, classic and hot rod vehicles, a Kids Zone with climbing wall, inflatables and games and a children’s performance pavilion.

Contact Us

PHONE: (251) 981-1524