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.

 

 

It’s Almost Spring Break!!!!

This year is flying bye.  Ok kids, Spring Break is upon us!!!!!  Have you made your plans yet???  Now is the time!  I know if you are basically anywhere north of the Gulf Coast you have had a very cold wet winter and you are probably ready for some lovely sunshine.

Maybe some warm days and a trip to the beach?  Now is the time to book.  we are just two weeks away from our first Spring Break visitors arriving and we have set some specials!  If a fishing trip is in your future either off the beach or from a boat Ft. Morgan is the place to be!

Just some fun family time is exactly what your want for Spring Break.  Relaxing on the, beach playing in the water, or enjoying the local nature it all can be done here in Ft. Morgan.  It is bird migration time and are flowers are already blooming!

Stay 3 nights in a 1 bedroom condo only $599.00
Stay 3 nights in a 2 bedroom condo only $699.00
Stay 3 nights in a 3 bedroom condo only $799.00

Stay 5 Nights in a 1 bedroom condo only $899.00
Stay 5 Nights in a 2 bedroom condo only $999.00
Stay 5 Nights in a 3 bedroom condo only $1099.00

Stay 7 nights in a 1 bedroom condo only
$1199.00
Stay 7 nights in a 1 bedroom condo only
$1399.00
Stay 7 nights in a 1 bedroom condo only
$1499.00

Give us a call to book today and then grab your little guys and head our way!  we look forward to helping you plan your trip!

Fun Things Going On In Gulf Shores

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

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

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

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

Christmas To Mardi Gras At The Beach!

Each year we decorate our office and Christmas tree in a very beautiful and frankly elaborate way not only for us but our neighbors, friends and guests.  To me it is fun to have the lights up and all of the decorations.  I get to really enjoy Christmas even though I am rarely at home to see my own tree.  After the New Year rings in our tree converts to a Mardi Gras tree.  I didn’t realize many people do not know anything about Mardi Gras.

So for a very brief explanation Mardi Gras!  It was brought to the U.S. By the French.  This is a celebration of, well, excess!  This is a holiday that grew from a Catholic celebration of having rich food and celebrations prior to giving up those things for lent. The Mardi Gras tradition actually started just across the Bay in Mobile.   It has changed greatly over the years and morphed into months of balls given by societies or Krews and Parades. Locally, we typically have a Mardi Gras Parade in each city until you get to Mobile where they have days of parades and the kids get out of school to enjoy the festivities. Mardi Gras Activities are Family Friendly at the beach.  So if you have a weekend to getaway come down and enjoy the parades around town.  At the Sunset Properties office we are much more relaxed we have our pretty tree and we never turn down sweets around here!  We hope to see you soon.  Below is the parade schedule for the area!

LuLu’s Krewe De Lu Roux Mardi Gras Ball
Feb 6, 2013 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
LuLu’s at Homeport Marina

Mystical Order of Mirams Parade
Feb 8, 2013 6:30 PM
Begins at Wintzell’s

Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Parade
Feb 9, 2013 5:30 PM
Begins at Wintzell’s and ends at Zeke’s Marina

Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade
Feb 12, 2013 10:00 AM
Begins at Hwy 59 from bottom of Intracoastal Canal Bridge and ends at Main.

Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade
Feb 12, 2013 2:00 PM
Begins at Wintzell’s and ends at Hwy 161, Orange Beach

LuLu’s 9th Anniversary Celebration and Mardi Gras Boat Parade
Feb 12, 2013 3:00 PM
Intracoastal Canal-Begins at The Wharf and ends at Lulu’s.

Christmas At The Beach!

I am crazy about Christmas.  My tree is already up at home and I am really enjoying decorating our office slowly.  Our very beachy area has one fun event after another for locals and visitors to the Gulf!   A list of some of my favorites is below.

 COASTAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 5, 2012

To get the whole scoop on Coastal Christmas, please visit www.alabamacoastalchristmas.com
Nov 12 – Dec 12  Santa’s Helper | Toy Drive
Nov 27 2012 Christmas Tree Lighting at The Wharf
Nov 29 Christmas Market by Delta Kappa Gamma @ Lester’s in Orange Beach
Nov 29 Gulf Shores Christmas Open House
Nov 30 – Dec 2 Junior USTA Tournament
Nov 30 Holiday Open House
Nov 30 Taste of the Islands
Dec 1 Sail with Santa on Wild Hearts
Dec 1 Christmas Angel Breakfast
Dec 1 Pics With Santa
Dec 1 Dinner Party
Dec 1 Gulf Shores Christmas Parade & Beach Celebration
Dec 2 – Dec 10 Nativity Open House
Dec 2 Chris-myth Busters
Dec 2 Children’s Christmas Musical- GSUMC
Dec 2 Handel’s Messiah
Dec 7 Sail with Santa on Wild Hearts
Dec 7 Edward Jones Holiday Open House
Dec 7 “Light Up the Arts” on the Coast
Dec 8 Santa Drop at the Flora-Bama
Dec 8 Sail with Santa on Wild Hearts
Dec 8 5K Jingle Bell Run
Dec 8 Cookie Extravaganza
Dec 8 Merry Market at The Wharf
Dec 8 Billy Claus Arrival at LuLu’s
Dec 8 Wharf Christmas Open House
Dec 8 Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
Dec 9 Christmas Concert at GSUMC
Dec 11 Santa Claus at the Orange Beach Public Library
Dec 12 Friends of the Library Christmas Open House
Dec 13 Chamber Holiday Open House
Dec 14 Sail with Santa on Wild Hearts
Dec 15 Sail with Santa on Wild Hearts
Dec 15 Breakfast with Santa
Dec 15 Santa’s Sleigh Pet Portraits BARC! Fundraiser
Dec 16 CLC Kids Program
Dec 21 Sail with Santa on Wild Hearts
Dec 22 Sail with Santa on Wild Hearts
Dec 25 Christmas Potluck
Dec 29 Flora-Bama Make it to the Line Run/Walk
Dec 31 – Jan 1 Flora-Bama New Years Eve Bash
Dec 31 Noon Year’s Eve
Jan 1 Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip
Jan 1 Hangout/Kiwanis/Gulf Shores Polar Bear Dip

The Blue Angels Are Coming Home

Our favorite High Fliers are heading home this week!  The Homecoming Air Show is held at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, on Friday and Saturday, November 2 and 3, 2012. Gate admission is free. Gates open at 8 am each day.The show begins at 9 am, with the Blue Angel Flight Demonstration Team scheduled to fly around 2 pm. The Blue Angel pilots do sign autographs after the show. Over 100,000 people are expected to view the show daily. Visitors are directed to the air field parking from both gates, but are encouraged to use the shuttle parking lot to avoid very long walks. Buses will make the rounds, taking patrons to and from the air show site. The show includes static displays of aircraft of all types, food, beverage and vendor booths, virtual reality experiences and other attractions that make this show a favorite excursion for folks from all over the country. There will be a Kids’ Zone, virtual games and bungee jump to entertain children of all ages. For those who have never attended an air show, be advised the aircraft can be VERY noisy and young children need protection for their ears. It can also be windy on the tarmac and layers of clothes are recommended. Patrons may bring blankets and chairs, however, no coolers, backpacks, food, drinks or pets are allowed. (Baby and infant needs are allowed – but no glass bottles) Small camera and diaper bags are allowed but subject to search. A handicap area is set aside for wheelchairs and an accompaniest only.
Admission: Gate admission is free. Bleacher seating is available for pricing and to buy tickets visit Blue Angels Website .  https://www.naspairshow.com/