11th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, May 2nd!

Don’t miss the 11th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival! This annual event brings balloon enthusiasts from all over the country to participate in the glow and host rides for event goers. This is one of our favorite events in the area and something we always try to make time to enjoy. Be sure to enjoy the prizes and sales at Tanger Outlet in Foley on the 30th of April from 7 to 8:30 in the evening. On May 1st at the Foley Sports Complex enjoy a carnival, Crawfish boil, Live music, Arts and crafts, and tethered rides at Dusk.

Dates & Times
May 2, 2015 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location

Foley Sports Complex, 18507 US Highway 98 West, Foley, AL 36535
Event Info
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Tanger Outlets Kickoff and Glow Event
Hot Air Balloon Glow, Four Day Super Sale, Spin the wheel for free prizes

FRIDAY, MAY 1
2 PM – 10 PM Foley Sports Complex
Carnival by Mitchell Brothers Carnival
2:00-10:00 pm
World Famous Disc Connected K-9 Frisbee Dog Show
Crawfish Boil
Arts, Crafts and Food
Live Entertainment: Sugarcane Jane 5:00-7:00 pm
Tethered Rides at Dusk
Live Music Headliner: Chee Weez 8:30-10:30 pm
Hot Air Balloon Glow at Dusk

SATURDAY, MAY 2
6 AM – 10 PM
Foley Sports Complex
Carnival by Mitchell Brothers Carnival 2:00-10:00 pm
World Famous Disc Connected K-9 Frisbee Dog Show
Crawfish Boil
Arts, Crafts and Food
Live Entertainment: JERI 2:00-4:30 pm
Live Entertainment: Rhythm Intervention 4:30-7:00 pm
Tethered Rides at Dusk
Live Music Headliner: Escalade 8:30-10:30 pm
Hot Air Balloon Glow at Dusk

Contact Us

PHONE: 251-943-3291

WEBSITE: https://www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com

Address
18507 US Highway 98 West
Foley, AL 36535

Contact

251-943-3291

Vacation Special for Mother’s Day 2015!!!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY from Sunset Properties. Join us at the beach this Mother’s Day weekend two nights only $299.00 in a 1 bedroom, 2 bath condo that sleeps up to 6 people!!! You deserve a getaway for taking care of everyone in your life so drop a hint to your loved ones and then let them take care of you in the sunny weather at the beach. Fort Morgan is the perfect quiet getaway for your family or just you if you want a getaway by yourself! Be sure to take advantage of this special before we booked up!

We look forward to celebrating with you! See you soon.

Bringing Baby to the Beach???

As I move closer to when my little one is due my mind is wandering to the beautiful weather outside and how I will get ready to take my sweet little boy down to the beach once he is old enough to go. I grew up on the beach going with my family and friends as often as possible when I was a child. We certainly didn’t have the high end of everything to protect us but we absolutely had a fantastic time and have wonderful memories from every childhood trip to the beach. I remember my dad setting up a parachute with a long bamboo pole in the middle and stakes around it to protect us from the sun while we played near or in the water. We always had fishing pole, and sunscreen most of the time we camped out and had an amazing amount of fun. But I certainly remember getting some terrible sunburns as a child and that is a terrible thing to happen on vacation so I wanted to give you a few hints to keep you little ones safe, burn free, and with lots of happy beach memories.

There are some fantastic new products for kids now that were not available when I was a child in the 70’s and 80’s to help keep them from being sunburned. The first is clothing with SPF. You can get hats, shorts, shirts and swim suits with a great SPF to help protect your little ones from the sunburns. Be sure to look for the proper sunscreen for your little ones as well this will give you that little bit of extra protection. Apply sunscreen before you head out to the beach and often while you are in the sun! When I was a child my parents were creative with the sun protection. Notice my little brothers turban or cloth diaper to protect his little head.

Make a safe spot for your little one to enjoy the water too. When my brothers and I were kids my parents dug us a little lagoon just past the major break in where the water washes on to the beach. They made a small wall with an opening for some water to wash in then closed it up so we weren’t trying to fight with the waves as they came in. Or if they left it open it was just a small bit so a trickle of water could get in to our little pool area. I have seen mothers bring small blow up pools down to the beach they fill those with beach water and put them near the water and under the shade so the little ones can enjoy the beach but not be over whelmed by waves and too much sun.

Instead of a parachute which is awesome if you are up for the work! You can now rent umbrellas and chairs so you don’t have to worry about taking lots to the beach beyond your sunscreen and a bag with snacks and sunscreen. I remember everyone carried an armful of things when we went to the beach but we had a fantastic time most of the time. I have a few extra suggestions of things to throw in that beach bag to help keep your little ones cool calm and collected.
1. Inexpensive beach toys, dollar store is perfect for these! Something to build a sand castle and pour and sift, sand and water will keep them busy for hours.
2. A plastic zipper bag for treasures. I would suggest something that will trap smell just in cast they pick something that is still alive and you don’t find it right away!!!
3. Baby powder will help get all pesky sand off as you head in for the evening.
4. SUNSCREEN, don’t forget it!
5. Flip flops for the walk back if they are walkers.
6. Wagon to pull them in if they are not walking.
7. Hats, sunglasses, clothing with SPF material.
8. Water, fruit, cooler, to stay hydrated.
9. White Vinegar, just in case jellyfish are nearby. Even broken parts of them can cause stings.
10. Trash bags. For diapers or trash you may make. You always want to leave the beach cleaner than it was when you got there.
11. Camera for those irreplaceable candid moments in the sun!

A visit to the beach with little ones can be fun and educational for all involved just remember to tap in to that inner boy scout or girl scout and BE PREPARED! This will make your trip so much more enjoyable and memorable! See you at the beach!

Haunted Fort Morgan!!!!

My boss recently forwarded me a blog recounting the experiences of people who have visited Fort Morgan and had supernatural experiences. These experiences included hearing voices and noises, seeing apparitions and lights, and having doors slam or reliving long over battles as they exit the Fort. The most common experience was an uneasy feeling or a feeling of dread or fear. I for one and very

skeptical of these experiences! Not to discount anyone’s personal experience as we all are on very individual journeys that are make up who we are and are built on an individually unique history for each person. I for one have never had anything even close to what these people are describing. Far from feelings of dread or fear the feelings that I experience here are mostly ones of peace, joy and contentment, and restfulness. This area has a long history of battle and lives lived in difficult circumstances. The end of the island was long inhabited by a native population prior to the military presence which began early in the 1800’s.

The natives were adept at living in this harsh climate but the settlers who came with the military struggled with the constant storms and lack of fresh water. They did thrive however after utilizing several fresh water springs in the area and fortifying the structures to withstand the seasonal storms that pummel the peninsula.

Unfortunately, many lost their lives as this was a military installation and battles were inevitable. Some lost their lives in naval battles while some were lost in accidents or in battles near the fort. People have mentioned seeing soldiers, slaves who built the unique star shaped Fort, and even spirits of women who may have lived at the fort with the officers.

As I mentioned I have never had experiences like this when exploring the beaches or the Fort in the decade I have lived and worked in this area. I have heard echoes that were a surprise but were explained and doors closing because of the constant high winds that pop up any time of the day and night. I have even seen lights there were unexplained by the average visitor. The locals know some are boats in the bay and some are from the light house beacon that flashes through periodically. The weather also adds to the mystery of the area. The island near the fort is only about half a mile across so more often than not in the winter months we get fog that will hang over the end of the island for days at a time. It seems more like you are vacationing in the old movie Brigadoon than it does a beach vacation. My husband chalks the other worldly experiences to the drinking habits of the visitors and the distance between the local “watering hole” to Fort!

No matter your beliefs or experience whether they are peaceful, sunny like mine or a little creepy and exciting like some of the visitors to our area Fort Morgan they are all worth a visit! Check out our specials and make your way to the Alabama coast this year. Spring is almost over so we have some great last minute deals. Summer is booking fast and the days are full of

sunshine here and the nights well you might get a little fright or you could experience the most breathtaking sunset you have ever seen off of the end of the peninsula. Fall weather is PERFECT the crowds are small and the prices are low and you can’t get a better time to visit! Looking for ward to seeing you soon or hearing your ghost stories from your visit to Fort Morgan!!!!

Preserve at Soldiers Creek NEW Partnership!!!!

We are so excited to announce a new partnership with Preserve at Soldier’s Creek Golf Club! What does this mean for you? Well if you are a golfer this is for you! All you have to do is contact us at the Sunset Properties office and we can book a reservation for you for only $49.00 total for a morning or afternoon tee time!

Give us a call for this special offer only through Sunset Properties!!!! We look forward to seeing you and making your tee times for this Spring.

The Orange Beach Festival of Art

Mar 14, 2015 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Other Dates: 3/15/2015

Dates & Times
Location
Waterfront Park
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Admission
Free to public.
Event Info
The Orange Beach Festival of Art is held each year on the second week-end of March. Come and See Visual Arts, Fine Art and Crafts, Glass Artists, Potters, Painters, Sculptors, Watercolorist, Textile Artists, and Wood Artists. There will also be a Kid’s Art Alley, a culinary arts court featuring local fare and a music and songwriter’s stage. Public parking is located at The Wharf in Orange Beach and shuttles will be provided for $2.00 each way. No public parking will be available on site. For a complete schedule visit our website.

Jimmy Buffett is coming in April!!!

For the first time ever, The Amphitheater at The Wharf is pleased to welcome JIMMY BUFFETT AND THE CORAL

REEFER BAND to Orange Beach on Friday, April 24th!  Tickets go on sale next Friday, February 27th at 10am.  Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets,

Charge by phone at (800) 745-3000. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees. Sunset Properties has a special for you to come on down for the concert. Our one bedroom, 2 bath condos start at $299.00 total for 2 nights for this concert! Call before they are all gone!

2015 Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series

Grab your shoes and running gear and come on down to the beach. March 1st starts the Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series. All avid runners get ready for beautiful sunrises, gulf breezes, bridge runs, and amazing views as you run half marathons all over the Gulf Coast. Join Mindy our guest blogger at the race or follow her at her blog Road Runner Girl. She gives the best updates and goals for each race! We are so thrilled to count her as part of the Sunset Properties Family!

The Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series returns to Gulf Shores! Beautiful course, great support, awesome finisher medals, spectacular views, nearly world famous post race party at Lulu’s! Don’t miss the fun, register today!
Mar 1, 2015
Location

LuLu’s at Homeport Marina

PHONE: 850 325.0131

WEBSITE: https://www.gulfcoasteventgroup.com

Congratulations, John Bobe, on the Trulia Top Agent Award!!!

Congratulations to John Bobe who received Trulia’s Top Agent Award. This is based on client reviews, ratings and sales in 2014. John is not only one of the owners of Sunset Properties, he is one of our Brokers and a Real Estate Agent. So while you are here on your sunny vacation and are considering a beach property of your own just give us a call 251-543-1370! John will offer a no hassles sales list or meet and show you whichever property that interests you.

Girls’ Getaway to the Gulf

Aching for some serious girl time? Need to catch up with friends and just relax? About to break out into “Girls just wanna have fun”? Head to Fort Morgan, Alabama, and enjoy a girls’ getaway on the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast. From fine dining and relaxing spas to great shopping and beach fun, there are plenty of things to make your time with the girls memorable! Here are just a few ideas for a girls’ getaway to Fort Morgan, Alabama.

Pamper yourselves.
Can you think of a better way to spend a girls’ day out than getting massaged, primped, and pampered? Hit up one of the area spas to give yourselves some much-needed unwinding time. Some spas in and around Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores include:

Massage Therapy of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
3645 Gulf Shores Pkwy. Suite 109
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-223-7838

https://www.beach.massagetherapy.com/

Fusion Spa Salon
4778 Main Street
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-224-4247

https://fusionspasalonaveda.com/

Emerald Coast Esthetics, Inc.
1574 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-752-3223

https://www.eceagelessbeauty.com/

The Spa at the Beach Club
453 Beach Club Trail
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
866-348-9112 or 251-224-2772

https://thebeachclub.spectrumresorts.com/spa/

Play in the sun.
Of course, there are tons of fun things to do at the beach, especially when it comes to outdoor activities. Take walks on the beach, set out a beach chair and soak up the sun, take a dip in the water, go on a dolphin cruise, go deep sea fishing, visit historic Fort Morgan, or take a walk along the many beautiful nature trails.

Shop ‘til you drop.
Just down the road from Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores offers tons of fantastic shopping. There are outlet shops, high-end boutiques, and shops boasting one-of-a-kind gifts. If you want to do some shopping but are looking for a little more than the beach stores, check out:

SanRoc Cay
27267 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-981-5423

Pelican Place at Craft Farms
3800 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-3638

Original Oyster House Boardwalk
701 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Tanger Outlet Center
2601 S. McKenzie
Foley, AL 36535
251-943-9303

The Wharf in Orange Beach
4830 Main Street
Orange Beach, AL 36561
877-942-7325
251-224-1000

Wine and dine.
Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores boast a wide variety of restaurants to meet any tastes. You can grab a quick bite to eat, indulge with dessert, or dress up for a night on the town and a fancy dinner. Some top picks in the area include:

  • Tacky Jack’s 2 – just across the street from our condos!
  • The Hangout
  • Original Oyster House
  • Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s
  • Shrimp Basket
  • Mikee’s Seafood Restaurant
  • Louisiana Lagniappe at SanRoc Cay
  • King Neptune’s Seafood Restaurant
  • DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen
  • Cobalt the Restaurant
  • Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar