Beach – Page 4 – Sunset Properties Blog

December 5, 2022December 5, 2022

Holiday Festivities on the Beach!

Happy Holidays Friends! Sunset Properties hopes that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and we hope that in the coming weeks you have a wonderful Christmas as well. With all the holiday cheer in the air here are a few events to help you celebrate the holiday spirit!

Running now through December 29, The Baldwin County Bicentennial is hosting a Holiday Lights Drive- Thru and Christmas Festival. The show starts at 5:00 PM and ends at 9:00 PM. Folks can expect to see the likes of Santa, Mrs. Claus, Cindy Lou Who and even the Grinch! They will be having games for the kids, a rolling petting zoo, and train rides through the park. Beignets and Hot Chocolate will be available for purchase ( please bring cash).

The Wharf will be having their 3^rd annual Holly Days on Main Festival on December 10^th and 11^th from 10 AM to 5 PM. You can expect to find fun for the whole family! Children’s Activities, Wreath Making, Dance Performances, a Lighted Boat Parade, and even a Santa Pub Crawl! While the kids play make sure you get your Christmas shopping checked off your list. There is always plenty to choose from when you go to a festival at The Wharf! For a list of the schedule click here. Make sure you come out and show your support and make next year their 4^th annual!

Who doesn’t like free movie night? Lulu’s is hosting Dinner and a Movie on Lulu’s Beach every Tuesday in December. Movies like Frosty, Polar Express, and Home Alone are on the agenda for the upcoming weeks. They will be serving complimentary popcorn, cookies, and hot chocolate. Make sure you bring a blanket or chairs to sit in as seating is limited. Tell your little one to look for the Lulu’s Elf after the movie to win a prize!

For the athletic crowd, Flora-Bama will be doing a “Make it to the Line” Run/ Walk on December 17^th. Their slogan is “Run, jog, walk, or crawl to the line at our 4 mile run/walk and 1 mile fun run.” The kind of energy we all have nearing the end of the year! There will be complimentary food and beverages available to participants immediately following the race. Registration is $30 and to the first 400 people includes a souvenir race shirt.

Looking to come down to the Alabama Gulf Coast? Look no further than Sunset Properties for your perfect Vacation Rental. Whether you’re looking for a quaint condo or to bring the whole family down, we have you covered. Ocean House II 2301 Is a 3 bd/3 bath ocean front unit that sleeps 9. This unit has new granite countertops and sinks along with new tile throughout the unit! Looking to bring the whole family? Dream is a house located in the Dunes Subdivision in Fort Morgan. This house has a private pool with a waterfall! It sleeps 16 people and has 7 bedrooms. If you need something a little smaller Beach Time may be perfect for you. It’s a 3 bedroom house that sleeps 8 located in Gulf Shores on the lagoon.

Give us a call or send us a text at 251-543-1370. Or visit our website at www.sunsetproperties.com.

November 30, 2022November 30, 2022

New Years on the Gulf Coast

Hey Friends! We have a few awesome events to ring in 2023 this year around the Alabama Gulf Coast. What sounds better than spending the day with your family ringing in the new year and then heading over to the Flora-Bama on Sunday for the Polar Plunge? If you don’t want to jump in you can always just watch!

For the little ones we have Lulu’s Noon Years Eve. The celebration starts at 10 am and will be centered around being kid friendly! Lulu’s will be having a sand-castle contest, face paining, live music, and even a countdown at noon with a beach ball drop. This will be so much fun for kiddos and their families to attend!

The Wharf will be hosting Reelin’ in the New Year starting at 5 pm- 11:59 pm on Saturday December 31^st! They will have a street party hosted by Pepsi, WKRG News 5 + Miller Light. It will be family friendly but also adult centered! They will be having a marlin drop at midnight and finishing with a firework finale! Come on out and bring the fam for a night full of memories!

There will be a New Years Eve Gala at Heron Point beginning at 8 pm- Midnight. This is a ticketed event put on by the Pleasure Island Junior Woman’s Club. There will be a cash bar, silent auction, and live music! All of the funds raised go towards clothing students in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley schools. They are also accepting Silent Auction items for the event, so if you have items to donate they need them!

To end the weekend we have the Annual Polar Bear Dip at the Flora- Bama on Sunday, January 1^st! Come out and take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico and make a new family tradition. Goes that fully submerge in the Gulf will get a free draft beer and New Year’s Eve lunch!

Looking to come down to the Alabama Gulf Coast? Look no further than Sunset Properties for your perfect Vacation Rental. We have properties of all kinds. Some Properties we have include a beautiful beach front condo in Gulf Shores Townhome 22. Wake up to the sounds of the gulf and the picture perfect white sands for the weekend. If you are looking to be near enough to walk to the festival we have a 3 Bedroom house called Happy Clam located just over half a mile away! We have a new pet friendly option called Beach Time that is around 2.1 miles away from the festival location. The house is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house that now accepts small pets! Give us a call or send us a text at 251-543-1370. Or visit our website at www.sunsetproperties.com.

August 19, 2022August 19, 2022

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!

May 18, 2021

Top 10 Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan for Memorial Day Weekend 2021

Flexcation. Workcation. Schoolcation. Staycation. Vacation. With so many variants of the word, we thought you might want to try a Maycation! How about doing it for Memorial Day Weekend 2021. Extend your weekend stay out just a bit and kick off summer the right way: in beautiful Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan, Alabama. Looking for something fun to do while you’re staying with us, check out these ten suggestions:

1. Go Shelling

Shelling is something we’ve all done for years as we visited the beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. What is Shelling? Simply put, it is the act of collecting sea shells. The beaches that surround our island are varied and wonderfully decorated with so many different shells. Finding two alike is usually a challenge. While no two are exactly alike, there are similarities. Mollusks, animals like clams and oysters, who live inside shells, create their shell homes by using calcium carbonate. Similar mollusks create similar looking shells. These shell homes grow with the animals as the animals get larger. However, the shells are never actually alive. When the animal dies, the shell is left behind. We ask visitors to our beautiful Gulf coast beaches to be mindful of animals who are still living in their shells. When you’re shelling, please do not take ones with marine animals living inside. Instead, look for the empty ones. Most days, you’ll find lots of abandoned clam and oyster “houses” all up and down our beaches. Stop by one of our Alabama Gulf Coast Visitor Centers for more information on shelling.

2. Tour the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Dine at the Safari Club

How many times have you driven past the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and thought about stopping? Well, this should be the year you stop in! But we need to remind you, the zoo moved! It is now located at its new home at 20499 Oak Road East in Gulf Shores. Instead of being located on the island, the zoo moved just a bit inland. Actually, it’s only about ten minutes north of the intracoastal bridge, just off Gulf Shores Parkway (Alabama Hwy 59). Did you notice we tell distance in time? It’s kind of a locals thing. You’ll get used to it! Anyway, this new location allows our “Little Zoo That Could” for many years, be all it can be… today! Did you know our zoo is home to over 300 animals? In fact, more than 20 of those are listed on the endangered or threatened species lists. Preservation of our wildlife and our surroundings is so important to us all. That brings us to The Safari Club. You’ll want to stop in and dine at this unique restaurant that is Alabama’s first certified “Green Restaurant”. But what’s an eco-friendly restaurant without a great menu, right? The good folks at The Safari Club have one of the most mouth-watering menus around! Go ahead, take a peek here and plan your Memorial Day Weekend outing to include not only a visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, but also to one of our favorite dining spots, The Safari Club.

3. Enjoy a Dolphin Cruise

Dolphin cruises are one of the most entertaining ways to spend a weekend afternoon! This unusual outing is something most people cannot do where they live. So, while you’re visiting our little piece of paradise here on earth, be sure to book your family a dolphin cruise. Most dolphin cruises leave out of marinas in Orange Beach. The friendly folks at our Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Tourist Bureau can help you make an educated decision on which kind of cruise will work for your family and your schedule. Some dolphin cruises are sunset cruises. Some are in glass bottom boats. And some are just a couple of hours out in a boat watching these super smart, very entertaining mammals play in our back bays. No matter which dolphin cruise you choose, be sure your phone battery is charged! You’ll want to take lots of pictures or even a few videos.

4. Visit the Gulf State Park Pier

The world famous Gulf State Park Pier is open! It was damaged last year during Hurricane Sally and has been under reconstruction ever since, but the first 725 feet of our favorite public pier is now ready for your visit. Covid prevention restrictions remain in place and the number of guests who can use the pier at one time is lower than we are all accustomed to. But to a real fisherman (or fisher lady) this absolutely does not matter. Any chance to fish off the pier is worth not passing up! Folks who just want to walk out on the pier and get a view of the Gulf unlike any other on the island are also welcome. Again, the number of pier visitors at any one time is limited, so you may have to wait a bit for folks to come off this amazing, suspended walkway, but we assure you it’s worth the wait! Looking down over the waves of one of the most powerful bodies of water on earth is quite awe inspiring. You’ll be able to see lots of fish, rays and maybe even a small dolphin or two. Be sure to plan your visit to our Gulf State Park Pier while you’re in Gulf Shores for Memorial Day Weekend 2021.

5. See the Fireworks at Owa

Speaking of awe inspiring, have you ever seen the fireworks at Owa? Owa, our Alabama Gulf Coast’s own family amusement park venue, is planning to have an amazing fireworks show on the night of Saturday, May 29, 2021. Owa is located in Foley at 1501 South Owa Boulevard, about fifteen minutes north of the intracoastal bridge. It’s really not that far past the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo if you go there by way of Gulf Shores Parkway. If you get to the Tanger Outlets, though, you went too far. It’s super easy to find Owa from the Foley Beach Express. You can see it just off that highway. No matter how you get to Owa from your Sunset Properties beach home, you’re sure to enjoy the fireworks show. But don’t just go for the fireworks. Owa is one of the nicest family entertainment venues anywhere. Go for the day! The amusement park has rides for the whole family. The big kids will love the Rollin Thunder coaster. The little guys will laugh and giggle as they ride The Tea Cups. And, with so many great places to eat at Owa, the whole family will enjoy this Memorial Day adventure!

6. Eat Breakfast at The Ruby Slipper Cafe

One of the best ways to start off one of the best days of your 2021 Memorial Day Weekend is to have a great breakfast. One of our favorite places to enjoy a blend of Coastal Alabama hospitality and New Orleans cuisine is The Ruby Slipper Cafe. This family friendly restaurant in Orange Beach has one of the most varied menus this side of Lake Pontchartrain. In fact, you’d have to drive west about 198 miles to get a breakfast that compares with The Ruby Slipper Cafe. What should you order? The Peace Maker is a favorite choice. With this, you get your choice of two eggs benedict mini meals. This is a must-try for someone who has a hard time making up their mind. Kids will love eating here, too! The Cinnamon Swirl Pancake is usually a hit with the under-18 crowd. And while we don’t suggest overindulging in adult beverages so early in the day, we do suggest trying at least one. A Ruby Mimosa is not only a pretty drink sitting beside your Peace Maker, it’s also delicious.

7. Attend a Church Service at the Flora-Bama

Speaking of adult beverages, did you know your favorite coastal roadhouse has church services each week? That’s right! The World Famous Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store holds weekly worship services on Sundays at 9:00AM and 11:00AM. Yes. Church. In a bar. Under a tent. And, yes, you are invited. This is probably one of the most unique Bible studies and praise music experiences you’ll ever have. Put Central Church at Flora Bama on your list of things to do while you’re in our area. And if you go one time, we’re pretty sure you’ll want to go back again. Attend with an open mind. And leave with a blessed heart. What a great way to start off your summer season and what a great Memorial Day memory to take home.

8. Race Around The Track

Ahhhh…The Track. Just as you’re about to cross the Holmes (intracoastal) Bridge onto our little island home in Gulf Shores, you’ll see a huge go-kart park off to your left. The Track. It’s big. It’s fun. And it’s fast. The Track looks like a place just for kids. But don’t let looks fool you. The Track was built with the whole family in mind. If you’ve never raced your kids around a go-kart track, you’re missing out on some of the funniest memories you could ever make! And after your second grader pulls ahead of you in that last curve, and leaves you in her dust, you’ll definitely want to go inside the arcade and cool off. Have a soda, win a few arcade games. (It’ll help build your ego back up after being smoked by an 8-year-old in a pink go-kart!) Collect your tickets and choose your favorite prize option. When we tell you, The Track is for the whole family, trust us. When we tell you it’s genuinely fun, trust us again. You all are sure to have a family adventure like no other and make unmatched memories here.

9. Take a Sand Castle Building Class

So we know no trip to the beautiful white coastline that borders Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is complete without at least one sand castle construction. Most of us take our little yellow dollar store buckets to the beach and work for hours and construct something that looks like…well, an upside-down bucket. Despite our most determined efforts, we somehow lack the engineering skills we need to construct a bona fide, award-winning sandcastle. What if we told you there’s a class for that? Yep! There are a few experts around our island home who will show you how to make something remarkable out of sand. While you’re visiting with us and staying in your welcoming Sunset Properties beach home, your whole family can take a sandcastle building class from our friends at Sand Castle University. The good folks at Sand Castle U will meet you and your family on the beach and give you expert lessons on how to build the perfect sand art creation. You’ll need to register online. Follow this link to Sand Castle University to get your group class set-up. Then get ready to experience something uniquely beachy this Memorial Day.

10. Get a Family Photo

One of the most important things you can do this year is take a family photo. 2020 and

Covid -19 were terrible. Between lockdowns and sickness and the seemingly endless restrictions that kept us away from our loved ones, we all experienced some kind of loneliness. Thankfully, this year seems to be moving more toward happy times and happy memories. We want to remind you to take pictures. Take lots of pictures with your family. Those smiling sun kissed faces need to be photographed. Professional beach portraits are always a good idea. We suggest giving our friends at Chasing the Son Photography a call. They will treat you like they’ve always known you. They will meet you at the beach and help you and your family get the finest possible shot. Capturing memories is what they do all day every day. These experts treat their clients like family, and they tend to make quite a few friends along the way.

While having the perfect beach vacation home makes any trip wonderful, we at Sunset Properties, want to help you have one of most pleasurable vacation experiences imaginable. Whether you’re staying in one of our Alabama Gulf Coast Luxury Beach Homes, a one, two or three bedroom beachy condos or a perfectly placed Mobile Bay front home with a boat slip, we know what you do away from your paradise address is just as important as where you sleep. Knowing where to go, how long it takes to get there, and having some idea of what to expect when you arrive is always helpful. We hope you will consider staying with us for Memorial Day Weekend 2021. Starting your Maycation is just a phone call away!

Welcome Guests! Welcome Summer!

Be sure to check out our dog friendly homes, we welcome your Fur Babies, too!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

June 6, 2020June 6, 2020

Ten Important Things to Bring on Your Beach Vacation in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan This Summer 2020

With all the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, we know you are wondering about your long awaited and eagerly anticipated beach trip to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. If you’re wondering what to bring, you’re not alone. Many of you have called and asked us at Sunset Properties and Anchor Vacations what to bring. While we are happy to make suggestions on the phone, we thought we’d just post a blog to help you guys out. We pride ourselves on providing you, our guest families, with well-stocked beach vacation homes. Having said that, however, there are still a few things you’ll need to bring from home to ensure you have the best possible beach experience during this Covid-19 cautionary time.

Here is a list of our ten important things to bring to the beach this Summer 2020:

Your Family

Pack up as many members of your tribe as you can fit into your vehicle and come on down! The weather on our little island home is perfect and the rolling waves of theGulf of Mexico are spectacular. Can’t find a boarding spot or doggie hotel for your fur baby? No worries! Bring him or her, too! More than 25 of our beach rental homes are dog friendly (with some restrictions) and your four-legged friend is just as welcome as any other member of your family. If you get here and need a local dog sitter, just reach out to the good folks at Sea Paws Dog Resort. They will love on your furry family members while you’re out doing human things. As you embark on your vacation rental search, check out our dog friendly home named Sea Turtle, a delightfully decorated beach home in the Bay to Breakers Community in Fort Morgan. This magnificent home features six bedrooms and five full baths (and 1 half bath) and sleeps up to 17 humans and 2 dogs. Like we said, pack up all your family members and come on down.

Sunblock

We think bringing sunblock goes without saying for most folks, but we always list it anyway. A bad sunburn can quickly ruin a great vacation for everyone! Our local hospital is accustomed to treating folks with burned skin, and we have complete confidence in the good folks at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, but we hope you won’t have to visit them while you’re here. While the FDA recommends an SPF of at least 15, the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) recommends a sunscreen with at least an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. Sunblock is available in many stores around our island if you forget to pack it before you leave home. Just remember to apply and reapply it all day long while you’re out enjoying our island paradise. Even if it’s cloudy, apply sunblock. Take it from us Locals, you can still get a pretty bad burn on a cloudy day.

Shades

And pack your sunshades. Protecting your eyes is always important, especially at the beach. The sunlight creates glare off large bodies of water and things that reflect its light. For example, our beautiful sandy white beaches can cause glare on bright days. Glare is actually defined as sunlight that hinders sight. It’s not a good thing. Protecting your eyes, however, is always a good thing. In addition to eye wear, think about adding a visor or ball cap to your bag. These will help shade your eyes and the delicate skin on your face. Remember to bring shades that protect against UVA and UVB rays, just like your sunblock will do for your skin. And remember the kiddos! They need shades, too!

Toilet Paper

We urge you to bring toilet paper. Your condo or beach home will have a starter roll in each bathroom. To elaborate, Dunes 204 is a one bedroom, two bath condo overlooking the pool in The Dunes condominiums near Fort Morgan. This home, with its super comfy sofa and fun bunk beds, will have toilet paper in each bathroom, but will likely not have extra rolls for you. And keep in mind: our housekeepers do not restock that for you during your stay. Even before the pandemic and Covid -19 issues that we have all faced this year, we asked our guest families to bring toilet paper from home. It is more important this year than ever that you guys do that. Pack your extra toilet paper along with all your other personal toiletries. While our local grocery retailers have done a great job of keeping us stocked with toilet paper, we all know there can be shortages.

Your Favorite Foods and Snacks

Do you have something special you like to snack on? We all do! We suggest you pack your favorite snacks for your trip to visit us in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. Again, our local grocery retailers like Rouses Market in Gulf Shores have done a great job of keeping their shelves stocked for locals and guests alike, but with the uncertainty that seems to be going on all around us, you cannot go wrong bringing your favorite non-perishable foods from home. All of our vacation destination homes feature fully stocked kitchens. Take a look at the pictures of Shellchase. In addition to the updated kitchen, you will find pictures of five bedrooms. This home has sleeping accommodations for 12 people. This home also has plenty of outside living space, too. Whether you will be enjoying your snacks on the private beach, in front of the TV or in your own personal deck space, we know you’ll love all that Shellchase has to offer!

A Beach Blanket

Social distancing is still important to us along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Beach blankets, for the most part, provide a space large enough for a few of the same family members to enjoy sunning and watching the waves safely together. Our Safer at Home guidelines for the state of Alabama, encourage a six foot space between non-related families. Enjoying your own beach blanket will be a great way to help you determine proper spacing. We want everyone to enjoy their trip to our beautiful beaches and stay healthy both here and when you get back home.

Your Phone, Camera and Selfie Stick

Most of us have become dependent on social media to keep us up to date on local happenings and current events including our friends’ lives. Just as we have come to rely on Facebook*, SnapChat* or Instagram* to help us keep up with our friends, they use it to see what we’re up to, as well. Don’t forget your phone, camera and selfie stick. We know you will find lots of opportunities to share how much fun you’re having while you’re in our neighborhood and we know you’ll want to post the best pics you can. What better way to record your memories of your days and nights of fun in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan than by sharing them on your social media? You’ll want to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the Ferris Wheel at The Wharf and eat breakfast at Ruby Slipper Cafe. All of these will give you great opportunities for some fun pics!

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is something everyone needs these days. Be sure to pack some for your beach trip. We encourage you to remember what the CDC recommends about handwashing and sanitizing. For a refresher course, follow this link to the CDC website for their latest recommendations. You will most likely find sanitizer available in some of our retail shops and restaurants, but it’s always good to have a small bottle of your own with you. And you might as well go ahead and pack a face covering or cloth mask. While many of our retailers are not requiring you to wear one to enter their business, you can’t go wrong by sticking one in your purse or backpack, just in case. Be sure to pack one for each member of your family. As of now, face coverings are not required on the beach areas or to use our pools or swim in the Gulf, nevertheless, having one handy is a great way to be prepared.

Beach Towels

When you lease a vacation rental home from Sunset Properties, you will arrive to find meticulously sanitized bathrooms stocked with bath towels, wash cloths and kitchen towels for your whole crew. It will not, however, have any beach towels. We strongly suggest you bring at least one beach towel for each person in your group. We ask our guests not to use our linens on the beach or at the pool. Brightly printed, happy themed beach towels are a great way to display your personality on the beach and at the pool. Your beach home will have a washer and dryer, so you’ll be able to do your laundry while you’re staying with us. Be sure to bring your favorite laundry detergent, too.

Patience

And lastly, don’t forget to pack your patience. We know you and the kiddos are super excited to be going to the beach. This year, the excitement is especially strong because we have all been cooped up inside for much of the spring. But the simple fact is, there are only a couple of ways to reach our Alabama Gulf Coast by car and they will most likely be heavily congested. Expect delays. But don’t think of them as delays. Think of them as opportunities to make memories with your family as you travel. Take a few minutes and stop and visit our neighboring cities on your way down. Maybe plan a stop at Buc-ees in Loxley or Tanger Outlets in Foley to break the drive. Maybe even stop and have a roll thrown at you at Lambert’s Cafe. After all, you’re on vacation and the best part of your trip is literally just ahead!

At Sunset Properties and Anchor Vacations, we are so glad to invite you back to your vacation home! We know once you get to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan, all your troubles will just float away with the Gulf breeze. No matter what’s going on in the world around us, the waves of the Gulf are always calming, the pristine white sandy beaches are always inviting, and your company is always welcome. So, go ahead, pack up the family (don’t forget furry Miss Speckles and friendly Mr. Spot!), gather a few necessities, and come on down! Your perfect vacation home is just a call or click away!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

*Facebook and Instagram are owned by Facebook, Inc.

*SnapChat is owned by Snap, Inc.

April 18, 2016

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.

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.

“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

February 26, 2016

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 24^th 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 Vendors

– 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

WEBSITE: https://www.obparksandrec.com

February 19, 2016

Leave Only Footprints – Keep Alabama Beaches Clean!

As a child growing up just over the state line in the Pensacola area of Florida I remember a similar idea of leaving only your footprints behind. As I’ve gotten older I’ve always wondered why Alabama Beaches didn’t have the same signs for all the beach goers. The beaches across Alabama are implementing a similar plan and it is called Leave only Footprints!

The leave only Footprints, works off of the idea that, “you must be change you want to see in the world”. With that idea in mind and with the direction of U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the cities and areas of the Alabama Gulf Coast have enacted several new rules regarding litter and items on the beach.

1. Personally owned structures and equipment left on the beach an hour after sunset will be removed by the beach patrol.

2. Avoid walking on beach vegetation. Plant roots hold together the fragile dunes.

3. Keep the natural ecosystem intact by avoiding the removal of shells, driftwood or other items you may find during your island explorations.

4. Explore away from bird nesting areas. Nests may be located in the ground and camouflaged to resemble the surrounding environment, so please watch your step!

5. Consider the best type of transportation to see the island: your feet! Walking is not only a great form of exercise, but it’s an eco-friendly way to experience the Alabama Gulf Coast.

New Trash Cans and Recycle containers will be all along the beach to help keep trash and recyclables off of the beach and out of the water. Keeping Alabama beaches clean and safe for all of its inhabitants and visitors.

Each year more than 5 million visitors travel from across the nation and the world to enjoy the turquoise water and white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Come, stay, play and enjoy the striking beauty and laid-back lifestyle of our 32 miles of sugar-white sand. We simply ask that you take with you all those happy beach memories . . . and leave only your footprints.

The Leave Only Footprints program exists to ensure it stays that way for generations to come. Will you join us?

November 27, 2015

Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, offers lots of fun things to do, from geocaching, biking, and days on the beach to golfing, fishing, and exploring the nature center. Open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., you could spend the entire day exploring here! The two miles of gorgeous beaches offer room to kick back in a chair, throw a Frisbee or football, or splash around in the Gulf. Beyond the beach, enjoy recreational activities, the Nature Center, and more.

Nature Center

A nice place to cool off and meet some interesting critters, the Nature Center at Gulf State Park is home to native plants and animals. The “living museum” aims to teach people about caring for the environment and its many living things. It’s open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and entrance is $1 per vehicle into the campground area.

Fishing & Education Pier

The pier at Gulf State Park has 2,448 feet of fishing space along the rails. You’ll find trash cans, lights, and bench seating, as well as some great chances to catch some fish. There is even an indoor seating and concession area, as well as a retail store where you can get tackle and souvenirs. The pier is also wheelchair accessible.

Refuge Golf Club

Set in the scenic Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Refuge Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole championship course designed by Earl Stone. It features 6,593 yards of landscaped courses, along with a driving range, putting green, and pro shop. It’s open from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. seven days a week with reasonable daily fees. Play 18 holes for $24.99 ($21.24 for seniors and $12 for children) or nine holes for $14.99 ($12.74 for seniors and $10 for children). Cart fees are $9 and $15 for nine holes and 18 holes, respectively.

Hiking, biking, beach fun

There are 15 miles of trails in Gulf State Park, spanning Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. Trails feature a variety of terrains, providing opportunities for people of many skill levels to bike, walk, and run.

Dog-friendly fun

Gulf State Park is dog friendly in several areas! As long as your well-behaved four-legged friend is leashed, you can bring him or her along on the trails and at the picnic area. You can even unleash pets at the Dog Pond at Lake Shelby, where they can run, play, and swim. The dog park is on the west end of the parking lot below the Gulf Adventure Center. Just be sure to check the rules before heading over.

April 18, 2013

Portabella’s, A Don’t Miss Resturant in Foley!

After a very long day two, stressed out women were on a hunt for some great dinner! We decided to give a new place a try and it was the perfect decision. This hole in the wall restaurant holds up to it’s name. It is not fancy on the inside or overlooking the water or some serene park but it doesn’t matter. The inviting atmosphere and friendly local staff make you feel at home in the newly renovated restaurant.

Portabella’s is located in the heart of historic Foley on hwy 59 on the east side of the road. Almost at the end of the historic district it shares a building with the Foley Fish Company. There is parking in front and just to the South of the building. As you enter the glass front doors you can enjoy a view out the large plate glass windows in front that have a view of 59 and all of the comings and going in town.

As we came in our friendly waiter welcomed us in and offered us nay table in the place. He brought us menu’s and some great sweet tea. After we perused the menu for a while we decided to each get a salad and to share a pizza. Not just a basic pizza we actually asked for a half meat and half what was most closely called a supreme pizza. I got the Spinach Salad with the house green onion vinaigrette dressing. This salad was beautifully fresh spinach, feta cheese, olives, pecans, and a little red onion and the dressing. I could have had just a giant plate of this salad and been very very happy. It was a fantastic flavor combination and I will absolutely get it again! My mom who came to dinner with me got a basic house salad that was mixed greens, cheese, bacon, tomato and croutons. She loved her salad as much as I did.

Now for the main dish our pizza! It was a beautiful 14 inch pizza half covered in meat. It is called The Lion! Sausage, pepperoni, ham, bacon, and prosciutto on top of this pizza worthy of the carnivore . It was unique in that the meat was all amazing not the norm that you would get on a chain meat Pizza. The other half of our pizza was a “Foley.” The “Foley” includes peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, pepperoni, sausage. Again with beautifully fresh veggies and uniquely fresh meat the “Foley”only honors this community with it’s goodness.

There is always a soup of the day, great salad menu. Sandwiches with the same beautiful ingredients that were on our pizza and even healthier lighter choices. Oh, and pasta! I am going to try some pasta sometime soon. So as you are coming in on that shopping day you make to Foley, don’t miss Portabella’s. Instead of sitting in traffic pull over and have a great dinner at this don’t miss yummy Italian jewel to our community.