Come join us for a 4 day Super Sale during the Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival weekend that begins on Thursday, June 12. Come enjoy hot air balloon displays which will fire up for a Glow Event at dusk that evening. Take advantage of special opportunities to spin our
prize wheel and a chance to win store merchandise, gift cards, carousel rides and other prizes. Free Shuttle Service in the East back parking lot behind Nike Friday, June 13th and Saturday, June 14th from 2pm – 10pm. You don’t want to miss this weekend filled with fun family events and specially priced merchandise.
The Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will kick off at Tanger Outlets beginning at 7:00 p.m. on June 12th with a hot air balloon display and children’s entertainment. Hot air balloons will fire up for a Glow Event at dusk. Be certain to take advantage of special opportunities to spin our prize wheel with a chance to win store merchandise, gift cards, carousel rides and other prizes.
On Friday morning, June 13th, at 6 a.m. hot air balloons will begin to take flight from Tanger Outlets Foley during a special media event, weather permitting. Once the balloons are in flight, stay and shop our super sale!
*The Balloon Glow is weather and wind permitting.
This is such a beautiful chance to make some memories with Dad find some good deals and maybe even take a ride in a Hot Air Balloon! What an experience to hod on to with the one you love. This is a don’t miss area event. Be sure to take some picture!
Enjoy unencumbered luxury in this privately owned 3 bedroom, 2 bath condominium. It features breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, resort pool and gorgeous sunsets from the over-sized balcony. Free wireless internet access.
The interior of the unit has been professionally decorated is truly peaceful with every upgrade from granite counter tops to tile flooring. The kitchen is open to the family room and is incredibly well
appointed. High-end appliances include; cordless phones, high-speed internet, dishwasher, microwave, stove/cook top, washer/dryer, coffee maker, toaster, blender, mixer, gorgeous dish and glassware and all of the cookware you could ever need, nothing has been overlooked! A unique espresso pub table
comfortably seats six to eight without crowding the room. Kick back after a day at the beach and enjoy the 42-inch TV/DVD while relaxing on the comfortable L -shaped sofa. The master bedroom boasts top of line furniture with king mattress and gorgeous boutique bedding. The guest room with its queen bed features beautiful rich furniture and upgraded bedding. The third bedroom has two top of the line twin
beds TV, DVD/VCR with front plugs for easy access to connect all your games. With these three rooms, this unit only sleeps 6 total! Come visit Ft. Morgan and stay in this beautiful condo where you can relax and forget about your responsibilities if only for a few days. Give us a call to book this amazing condo. It is a secret worth sharing!
What’s a vacation to Fort Morgan, Alabama without some groovy live music? The restaurants and nightlife of Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores, Alabama were practically designed for live entertainment, with ocean views and a salty breeze that will melt all of your worries away. If you find yourself on the Gulf Coast for a beach vacation this summer, take the time to check out these great live music venues!
Tacky Jacks 2 Located on Fort Morgan Road, Tacky Jacks 2 has long been a favorite of vacationers in the area. With dishes like fish burritos, shrimp and grits, and seafood salads, it is easy to see why! The oceanfront location offers diners an opportunity to watch the sun set over the water while friendly staff makes everyone feel right at home. They feature Karaoke every Thursday and Saturday starting at 8:00pm, so make time to check out this local favorite!
LuLu’s This large oceanfront bar and restaurant offers fun for both kids and adults alike! This establishment caters to a crowd that enjoys live music, with performers kicking off at 5:00pm every day. Try their blackened shrimp quesadilla or crab melt – we promise you won’t be disappointed! In the summer, you can enjoy two live bands every day – one on the outdoor pavilion and one in the restaurant. Their live music is always free, so don’t hesitate to come see what they are all about!
The Hangout A great place to dance, grab a frozen drink and some delicious food, The Hangout is one of the best live music venues in the area. They features one to two live musical acts every day, catering to everyone from country fans to contemporary hits. Join them on their Countdown to The Hangout Festival every Saturday now until May 10th! Try their bacon wrapped sea scallops or their fresh catch of the day – yum!
Papa Rocco’s Fast service and casual dining is what Papa Rocco’s specializes in! If you call yourself an oyster aficionado, you don’t want to pass up the chance to dine here – this restaurant has been voted best raw oysters for eight years in a row! Join them for live music every night – after sunset is when this eatery really picks up! Try their shrimp pizza or oysters alfredo for a tasty dinner your taste buds will thank you for.
Some of the biggest names around regularly visit Gulf Shores, Alabama at The Amphitheater at The Wharf. This venue has brought in some of the hottest names in today’s music, from Taylor Swift to Widespread Panic! Arrive by boat or car and enjoy a great evening of live music at this venue.
Catherine Mitas
Social Media Specialist
Cabins For You
A quiet secluded beach paradise! Relax and let warm ocean breezes surround you in our beautiful three bedroom three bath condo. We have a heated pool
Living Room 410
and are only a short walk to the beach. You will be amazed by the beautiful sunsets and ocean views from your wrap-around deck. The peaceful memory that will stay with you forever will be the long walks on sugar sandy beaches. No crowds, just privacy and family fun. Come swim in the pool or the Gulf of Mexico and come back from your vacation rejuvenated. This great Condo has wireless internet access and unlimited long distance too! At the marina across the street you will be able to book a charter boat for the fishing
King in master bed in 410
trip of a lifetime or just to buy bait to fish off the piers. You can have your fresh catch grilled or fried at the Tacky Jacks restaurant located at the marina. There is also a convenience store for your convenience.
The condo has one of the largest living areas you can have in a condo. The 3 Bedroom , Bath condo is great for a crowd. The master bedroom has a King size bed and a bath that includes a garden tub and a stand in shower.
Bedroom 2 Twins 410
The second bedroom has a queen size bed. The bath attached to this room has a stand in shower. The third bedroom has 2 twin beds and the bathroom is shared with the living area. There is a shower bath combo for this bathroom. This condo also has a sleeper sofa for a couple of extra friends.
*This property rents by the week (7 nights arriving Saturday)from March until September, This is a Saturday only check-in during these months..Please call with questions before booking a shorter stay. Queen Bedroom
Imagine your vacation with the entire family in a high end condo overlooking the Gulf. This awesome condo has three bedrooms and two baths. The master bedroom has a luxurious king bed and
private bath with a garden tub. You also have a private entrance to the balcony from the master bedroom. There is also a queen bed and two twins;
sectional has a pull out queen sleeper sofa. Designer fabrics and custom bedding and drapes make every room beautiful and comfortable for each member of the family. Professionally decorated upscale furnishings everything needed for a comfy and plush stay including feather and
down bedding and pillows (same as Ritz Carlton Pillows). There are T. V.’s and DVD’s in all rooms. We provide a few games, movies and books. The kitchen is fully stocked. There is a table that seats 6 and a 3 more spaces at the bar just in case some friends stop by. Oh and if you want to eat out on the balcony there is a table for 4 to enjoy the sunset or just enjoy the view of the dolphin playing just off shore! This condo has a washer and dryer in the unit. There are also all small and large appliances in the condo as well so you will have everything you need to make some great meals for your family and friends. There are two grills located to the west of the Indies building for your
outdoor cooking enjoyment. Golf lovers will enjoy Golf at one of the many professional and challenging courses in the area. The top area attraction of course is the famous white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico which are only about 300 yards from your condo. Once you put your toes in this special sand no other beach will be able to compare. We look forward to seeing you soon!
April 24 of this year the new flag and flag pole at The Indies was dedicated to SSGT Don Franklin Worley for his service in Laos during the Vietnam War.
SSGT Worley, was part of a secret project that was not recognized until the 90’s by the federal government.His remains were never returned to his family nor were any of those who served with him.Finally as a recognized Veteran, SSGT Worley was honored with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his bravery and service in Laos.
SSGT Worley is the father of Mark Worley one of the contract maintenance men who works at The Dunes, The Indies, Navy Cove, and in The Dunes Subdivision through Sunset Properties. Mark was 10 and his brother Greg was 6 and sister Tammy was 4 when their father was lost at war. Mark is now part of our
family here in Fort Morgan and The Indies board led by Mr. Lee Hicks wanted to honor this fallen hero.This ceremony brought together owners, workers and management from the different individual entities in our community.It was truly a community building service.Mark worked for years petitioning to have his father recognized by the government and to have his name added to the Vietnam Memorial Wall.
In the Ceremony hosted by Lee Hicks an Indies owners the flag was raised to half-mast as he spoke of the war and SSGT Worley’s service and family. Another owner, in the subdivision, Robert Vaughan, played his bugle in honor of SSGT Worley at this sunset ceremony.
A head stone was placed at the bottom of the flag pole in memory and honor of SSGT Don Worley.Please take a moment to pay your respects to SSGT Don Franklin Worley next time you are here as part of the Dunes Community!
Plaza West the little shopping center about 3 miles to the east of The Dunes Community. This little plaza has always been a staple of our community but recently it has changed hands and lots of new improvements have been made!!! We are excited to announce That the store still has all you need as far as emergency items and missing meal necessities. They also have tons of new souvenir items. A new sandwich shop in the back makes Plaza West the place to stop and shop in Fort Morgan.
Souvenirs
Where you can get all your necessities and some great food. Sassy Bass moved into Plaza West about a year ago and they have been a great addition to the Fort Morgan Community. Not only do they off great food at all different times of the day they also encourage and support local musicians at weekly Jam sessions. Earlier this year the owners of Sassy Bass bought out the former owners of the convenience and liquor stores located in Plaza West and have improved them for all of our visitors.
A common question asked of me is where can we go shopping nearby? I typically tell people how to get the souvenir shops in Gulf Shores and the Tanger Outlet Malls. Now I can send our visitors just 3 miles down the road to Plaza West. They have a new beautiful variety of T- shirts, and beach towels
Beautiful T-Shirts
for those looking for traditional souvenirs. For the more unusual and artistic collectables this is still the place to look they have a beautiful selection of serving dishes and statues of your favorite beach creature. Don’t forget to let the kids come pick their choice of mementos. They can pick from games and puzzles to just about anything depicting our beloved sea turtles. You don’t have to travel 20 miles or more to find the perfect reminder of your trip.
If you are looking for the makings of an evening cocktail or just a beer to take to the beach. The plaza West Liquor store has everything you need. You name your drink and the helpful staff will point you in the direction of what you need. Do you need a suggestion for a great tropical drink? They can certainly help you there as well, just ask!!! Don’t forget you ID when coming to shop for that special drink the staff checking you out will not forget to ask!
Great choices!
The newest addition to Plaza West is a sandwich shop. This little sandwich shop is located in the back. Stop in on your way in to your vacation rental and pick up sandwiches for dinner or grab your favorite sandwiches to take down to the beach. This newest addition will certainly add ease to your trip and get everyone just what they are looking for.
Plaza West was always first and foremost the home of a great convenience store. Weather you need basic kitchen supplies, missing food items, something to protect you from or help you on your way to healing after a sunburn or some basic medication for any not feeling so great Plaza west has it. They have all these thing and so much more. Including all you may need for a fishing trip or and adventure hunting for crabs or keeping an eye out for sea Turtles at night on the beach.
Like I said Plaza West is the place to go for all you may need on your beach trip. Be sure to try Sassy Bass for a great meal any time of the day! We are so excited about the new additions and changes to our local conveniences.
American Fun is ideal for any family vacation. This is a great two story house, close to the Dunes Community Pool. There is plenty of room for the family in this 1,600 Sq Ft 3 bedroom, 3 bath duplex. As you enter the house you will notice the spacious living room
Living Room
with ocean colored walls and modern furniture. The couch is a sleeper sofa for those friends or kiddos that join at the last minute. The adjoined dining area has a table for 6 with additional seating at the kitchen bar. The fully stocked, fully equipped kitchen with full size appliances is perfect for cooking your favorite seafood dishes at meal time.
lavender room
The floors are tiled throughout except for the bedrooms. Right off of the kitchen is the “lavender” room that has a King size bed and access to a bathroom shared with the common area. Upstairs to the left is the kid’s room with a bunk bed that has a twin on top and a full bed on bottom and a full private bath. The Gulf facing Master bedroom has a King bed with its own private bath as well as access to a balcony. This balcony gives you a great view of the gulf just past the house across the street. This is the perfect place to watch the sunset with your sweetie. Each room has
kids room
its own TV. This home sleeps up to 9 total including the sleeper sofa. Only a few minutes walk from the beach and the subdivision pool this house is set up for a fantastic family vacation! This house also has underneath parking. As a guest of the Dunes
Master Bed Room
Community, you have access to the Dunes Community pool and hot tub as well as the Dunes Condo pool, hot tub, sauna, and work out facility. This home does not have internet access. This house rents from Saturday to Saturday during the spring and summer, but is available for shorter stays outside of these times. Give us a call for pricing on less than weekly stays!
Come visit the historic Fort Morgan, Alabama and enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico–Fort Morgan is located a short drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Sand, surf, and sick tunes! Get ready for the Hangout Music Fest 2014!
Instead of cranking up your iPod while you lay around on the beach by yourself, imagine spending the weekend rocking out LIVE with The Black Keys, The Killers, Outkast, Jack Johnson, The Avett Brothers, The Flaming Lips, Wiz Khalifa, Zedd, Childish Gambino, Amos Lee, Tegan and Sara, Capital Cities, Fitz and the Tantrums, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Ingrid Michaelson, and tons of your other favorite groups! At the Hangout Music Fest, you can do all that and more.
Featuring some of today’s hottest artists performing on the gorgeous white beaches of Gulf Shores, AL, the Hangout Music Fest is three days of awesome live music that brings more than 35,000 beach bums and music lovers together for a weekend of dancing and soaking up the sun. You can eat, drink, dance, sing, and hang out while awesome bands rock your flip-flops off! Tickets sell out quick, so go online today to get your weekend passes for May 16th – May 18th.
The Hangout Music Fest is in the heart of Gulf Shores, so you’re walking distance to bars, restaurants, and shops. Between shows, you can take a break for a bite to eat, grab some more sunscreen at Alvin’s Island, pick up beach towels at Surf Style, or check out one of the beachfront bars. If you couldn’t possibly peel yourself from the music, stick around the festival grounds. You’ll find plenty to eat (including vegan and vegetarian grub) and drink at the bars and snack stands along the beach.
Soak up the sun, keep your feet in the sand, and spend the weekend partying with your friends and favorite bands at this one-of-a-kind music festival! For the weekend’s full lineup, go here.
What should I bring?
SUNSCREEN! The last thing you want to do is spend the weekend looking (and feeling) like a cooked lobster! Don’t forget blankets, beach towels, your camera, and an empty water bottle or Camelbak for refilling over the weekend.
Where should I stay?
We have tons of awesome condos and beach houses for rent with access to indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, grills, and of course, the beach! If you want to party all day and relax or get away from the crowds at night, check out our rentals here!
More Hangout Music Fest info:
General Admission $229
3 day festival access
6 stages of music
Re-entry all weekend
VIP $999
VIP viewing areas at 2 stages
Access to Thursday Night Kickoff Party
Private AC bathrooms
VIP swimming pools
Shaded VIP Grove
Complimentary snacks & drinks
Complimentary beer, spirits & win
Super VIP $1,599
All VIP amenities
Meals by celebrity chefs
AC dining room
Elevated viewing area with hot tubs at main stage
Golf cart transportation at Festival Concierge Service
As you may know birds are a BIG part of our lives in this area. The Alabama Gulf Coast is a critical stopover point as migratory birds return from Central and South America. The bird banding station opens before dawn each day and; operations usually cease between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., depending on the flow of birds.
Hummingbird up close
Bring a lawn chair, binoculars and inquisitive mind but leave the pets at home. No fee for observing the bird banding, but there is a small entrance fee for entering the Fort property. We try to participate in the banding activities each year at least once in the Spring and Fall. We have our share of Bird adventures here at Sunset Properties each season rescuing birds that just exhausted from their journey or flown into our office or the buildings we manage somehow. This last season we had a Cardinal, a Thrush and a Humming bird in our office.
Other Dates: 4/6/2014, 4/7/2014, 4/8/2014, 4/9/2014, 4/10/2014, 4/11/2014, 4/12/2014, 4/13/2014
Fort Morgan Fort Morgan, 51 State Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
The Specials Arrival is a BALD EAGLE BABY!!!! This baby is in Gulf State Park, although its exact location is kept secret for its protection. The Park’s naturalist Kelly Reetz and her husband Roger Reetz provided some wonderful information about Bald Eagles for all you! I have seen its parents soaring through out the area. It is a beautiful sight to see in our quiet area.
Watch Duty
Bald eagles may have numbered half a million in the U.S. prior to European settlers
The Bald Eagle is found only in North America, generally in coastal areas or near large inland lakes and rivers that have abundant fish and shores with large trees. Bald Eagles are usually seen soaring on flat wings, flying with strong, slow wing beats, or perching in trees adjacent to water. They are opportunistic feeders – scavengers at times, predators at others. When scavenging, they are often seen on the ground or on the bank of a river or other body of water. Sometimes they steal food from other raptors. When hunting, they swoop down to the
Feeding time
water or ground with feet thrust forward to snatch their prey. The undersides of eagle’s feet are rough, and keep the fish from slipping from the eagle’s grasp.
Eagles can fly up to 40 m.p.h. and can dive at speeds up to 100 m.p.h.
They can live 30 years or more in the wild.
Male bald eagles are smaller than females. Same is true for most raptors.
Eagles mate for life and return to same nesting territory year after year. Each year, they add more material to the same nest making it larger. The world record nest: 9 feet across, 20 feet deep, and weighed over 2000 pounds!
Baby Bald Eagle
Incubation ~ 35 days and both the male and female incubate the eggs.
1 – 3 young are hatched and usually fledge (leave nest) after 10 – 12 weeks. They will stay around the parents to learn hunting, and flying skills.
Bald eagles develop the characteristic white head and tail feathers by 4 – 6 years of age.
When they are 2 – 4 years old, they are referred to as the “Dirty mechanic” phase because of the sporadic white feathers that don’t follow a set pattern.
Baby Close Up
Bald eagles had not nested in Alabama since 1949, so the Bald Eagle Restoration Project began in 1984. As part of this project, 91 juvenile eagles were released between 1985-1991. Since Eagles will nest in the area where they learn to fly, this project successfully reintroduced eagles to Alabama. According to DCNR counts in 2006, Alabama had 77 nests confirmed statewide! Now, there are over 100 nests statewide (confident estimate). Winter count last year estimates between 700 to 1000 eagles wintering here!
On June 28, 2007 the Interior Department took the Bald Eagle off the endangered species list! However, they are still under protection from the “Migratory Bird Treaty Act” and the “Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act”.
Source: www.outdooralabama.com
Thank you Kelly and Roger Reetz and Alabama Gulf State Park for all of your help!
