April Showers bring May flowers. We’ve all heard that. Though it probably won’t rain every day while you’re spending your April Vacation week with Sunset Properties along the Alabama Gulf Coast, you can expect rain at least one day or maybe a day and a half while you’re here.
A cool soggy beach is not much fun, so what do you do while it’s raining at the beach?
1 Enjoy some fresh Gulf Seafood.
You can’t very well fish in the rain, but you can still get some fresh Gulf Seafood. Shop for fresh off-the-boat shrimp, fish, oysters and more at Fresh Seafood in Gulf Shores. This locally owned seafood market has been providing locals and visitors with the freshest Gulf Seafood at some of the best prices around. Your Sunset Properties vacation condo or beach house has a fully stocked kitchen ready for you to prepare a delicious seafood meal for your family right in the comfort of your own home-away-from-home.
2 Shop a local favorite for cute jewelry and henna tattoos.
Island Girl Jewelry & Souvenirs located in Gulf Shores. Island Girl is a locally owned, unique beach shop offering year round services such as henna and temporary tattoos, hair braids and hair wraps. They also have a large selection of t-shirts, beach hats, souvenirs, cute and trendy clothes, boho-style and magic silk wrap skirts.
3 Visit Pelican Place at Craft Farms.
Anchored with big box stores Target, Books-A-Million, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Publix, Pelican Place is located on Alabama Highway 59 north of the Holmes Bridge. This trendy mall also hosts several boutiques and smaller chain retail stores. In addition to the fabulous retail therapy you’ll get at Pelican Place, you’ll want to stop and enjoy a wonderful meal and a cocktail while you watch the rain shower pass.
4 Take in a movie.
Located at Pelican Place is Cobb Pinnacle 14 , a local favorite for the latest movie releases and wonderful popcorn! If it’s still raining and you’ve shopped till you’re about to drop, stop by Cobb Pinnacle 14. With closed caption, assisted listening, and descriptive narration available on most films during most show times, everyone can enjoy a popular film.
How about visiting a museum or three?
5 Check out the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum.
Located on John Snook Drive behind The Orange Beach City Hall Complex, this local favorite is just a few minutes from the beach. This inviting little historical building was originally built as a school in the early 1900s, but now houses artifacts relating to Orange Beach’s fishing heritage and Native American roots.
6 Gulf Shores has a Museum, too.
The Gulf Shores Museum is located on West 19th Avenue in Gulf Shores. This historical building is home to both permanent exhibits relating to island life and houses seasonal rotating exhibits. Much like the weather down here, the carefully chosen displays located within this museum change frequently.
7 So does Fort Morgan!
The Museum at Fort Morgan is home to a whole lifetime of memories. Artifacts dating back to when the fort was first occupied to current day exhibits will keep you intrigued for an afternoon. In addition to the historical aspect of the Fort Morgan Museum, there is also a quaint little gift shop area. After your explore all that this museum has to offer, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir.
8 Spend some quality family time in The Factory.
The Factory in Gulf Shores is one of Gulf Shores’ premiere indoor attractions. The Factory features over 50 large trampolines, foam pits and an arcade. There is also a Ninja Course located inside. There is a rock climbing wall and trick trampolines, too. Surely there is something for everyone to do at The Factory. Located at 18948 Oak Road West in Gulf Shores, The Factory is a great place to go play around whether it’s raining or not!
9 Enjoy some indoor recreation.
The David L Bodenhamer Recreation Center in Gulf Shores has racquetball courts, indoor pools, and a full service fitness room. This state of the art facility welcomes island guests and locals alike. Day passes are available. There is a complimentary fitness towel service and a game area. The Bodenhamer Center is ADA accessible and is open from 5:30 AM until 9:00 PM on weekdays and from 8:00 AM -6:00 PM on Saturday and 1:00 PM -6:00 PM on Sundays. It is conveniently located at 319 West 19th Avenue, about two minutes from the Gulf Shores Museum.
10 Chill out with some tasty ice cream.
Scoops ice cream shop located on Alabama Highway 59 in Gulf Shores is a must for any vacationer. Scoops has been a staple in Gulf Shores since 1980. You don’t make it in a small town for that many years unless you truly have something great to offer. Scoops ice cream is definitely a treat! From banana splits, to malts, to milkshakes, to just a scoop of your favorite flavor, this little ice cream shop is sure to brighten any rainy day!
When the rain stops, we hope you enjoy your visit outside to our sugary white sandy beaches and all the attractions Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have to offer. For a list of several outdoor activities, check out our blog on New Years Resolutions you can keep!
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