You’re all packed and headed to south Alabama to visit your favorite beach home on the Alabama Gulf Coast. You know you have a five hour trip ahead of you and your kiddos will get restless in the car. How many times have you heard “are we there yet?” What if you plan a stop on the way? Why not take a few minutes to let everyone out of the car, stretch your legs, get some food and take a break from the trip? Here are five places we suggest stopping for a break on your way to you Sunset Properties beach home:
- Buc-ees
Have you ever been to a Buc-ee’s before? Chances are, if you’ve visited Texas, you have. However, there is only one Buc-ee’s in Alabama. Conveniently located just off Interstate 10 on the Beach Express near Loxley, Alabama, is the only Buc-ee’s in our great state. Located some 460 miles from the next nearest Buc-ee’s this store, this is one place you won’t want to miss. The first thing you’ll notice is the large number of gas pumps. The second will probably be the prices. Buc-ee’s is very competitive with gas prices, and chances are, you’ll find gas a few cents a gallon cheaper here than anywhere nearby. But don’t just stop for gas. Go inside. With clean restrooms, a friendly staff and great food, Buc-ee’s is surely a place worth stopping by. They offer food and beverage choices from made-to-order hot food, to a super coffee bar, to an Icee selections second-to-none. Buc-ee’s has something for everyone. Try the brisket sandwiches! This little taste of Texas right here in Alabama is something no beef lover should miss. But more than food, Buc-ee’s is a great retail shop, too. If you forgot your swimsuit, Buc-ee’s has you covered! Need camping gear or a great cooler? Check out their selection of outdoor supplies. How about a gift for your friend back home? They have that, too. And does your little traveler need a new toy? Buc-ee’s has a great selection of souvenir toys and gifts. So, if “are we there yet?” needs a “yes” answer, stop in at Buc-ee’s and be amazed by this new retail venue. Once you get back in your car, you’re less than an hour away from your beach home.
- Burris Farm Market
Have you heard about Burris Farm Market’s milkshakes and cobblers? Located on Alabama Highway 59 (Gulf Shores Parkway) in the heart of Loxley, Burris Farm Market has been a staple for fresh fruits, veggies and plants for years. But you can’t stop in at Burris’s without having some hot peach cobbler or a made-to-order strawberry milkshake. Fruits and vegetables sold here are mostly locally grown and are always fresh. Your Sunset Properties beach home has a fully stocked kitchen, so why not stop at Burris Farm Market and get some fresh veggies to pair with local Alabama Seafood? While your kiddos are enjoying their milkshake break, you can take some time to stretch your legs and peruse their extensive fresh selection. After a milkshake and shopping break, you only have about forty-five minutes left on your trip to your beach home. This little last part of the trip should be a bit easier with smiling kiddos in tow.
- Groovy Goat
We know OWA is probably on your short list of things to do while you’re in our area. But why not stop by the Groovy Goat at OWA on your way to your Sunset Properties beach home and take a break from the road? The Groovy Goat has a full menu and lots of beverage choices. This unique restaurant also has 40 arcade games to keep the kiddos occupied while you rest yourself. Located at 106A S. OWA Boulevard in Foley, taking a break here will allow everyone to just chill out for a few minutes. The kids will love their first glimpse of OWA and you will be able to catch your second wind before you finish the drive to your beach home. The Groovy Goat is about ten minutes from Gulf Shores. You’re almost to your vacation home so stay a few minutes at The Groovy Goat and just unwind for a bit.
- Pirate’s Cove
Hey Matey! Have you thought about stopping at a beach front venue and having one of the best cheeseburgers anywhere on your way to your beach home? If that sounds tempting, travel about fifteen or twenty minutes from Foley on county road 95 in Josephine (near Elberta), to Pirate’s Cove Marina and Restaurant. When you arrive, you’ll probably sit outside overlooking the water. Directly across the bay, is Orange Beach. Many locals travel to Pirate’s Cove by boat. Their fabulous cheeseburgers and Bushwackers are local faves. Taking a break from the trip at Pirate’s Cove will give the kiddos a first glimpse at the sand and water they’ve been talking about all the way down. It’ll give the adults time to breathe in the fresh air that you’ve been longing for ever since your made your vacation reservations. Don’t forget to get yourself a Pirate’s Cove can hugger. After all, you’re on vacation already. Why not make your first souvenir be a cool one?! When you guys leave Pirate’s Cove, you’re about thirty minutes from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
- Tanger Outlets
How about a little retail therapy to break up the monotony of the road? In addition to being one of the best retail shopping centers on the Alabama Gulf Coast, Tanger Outlets in Foley is a great place to stop, stretch your legs, find clean restrooms and get something to eat. With more than 70 stores, everyone is sure to find something at Tanger Outlets. Stop in for a great pizza at Bella’s Pizza or have some mouth watering sushi at Rock N Roll Sushi. Walk around the property and explore stores like Kate Spade New York, Nike Factory Store and St. Nick’s Knife Factory. You’ll also find a Ralph Lauren Factory Store, a Yankee Candle Outlet and Kay Jewelers Outlet, and many more stores. For a complete list of stores in our Tanger Outlets click here. After you’ve taken a little break at Tanger Outlets and you’re ready to finish your trip to your beach home, you can ride easy. You only have about fifteen minutes and you’ll be in Gulf Shores.
We, at Sunset Properties, are looking forward to your arrival. We know that last hour or so of a trip to your vacation can be a bit trying. Everyone’s tired of spending time in the car and everyone is in need of a short break from the road. We hope you will try some or all of these uniquely local spots either on your way to your beach, while you’re staying with us, or on your way out. Enjoy your summer and thank you for vacationing with Sunset Properties!
And if you happen to be in the market to purchase your very own beach home, please email John at info@sunsetproperties . He’ll be happy to show you around!
251.543.1370
