Author: sunset

Christmas is just around the corner and we find ourselves being extra crafty with all of our treasurers we found at the beach throughout the year. What do I mean by treasurers? Drift wood, Sea Shells, and the occasional sea star. Our hope is to give you some great ideas of crafty things to do with those treasures you brought home from the beach. This year we made some beautiful center pieces and a Christmas tree this year. We look forward to showing you the crafts. Check out the video at the end of this post that will walk you through making the Christmas tree.

Items Needed: Your Beach Treasures (Drift wood, and sea shells), Scissors, clear mono-filament fishing line, small inexpensive ornaments in your choice of color a hot glue gun and hot glue sticks.
To begin you need to clean your treasures. Drift wood is usually sandy and often smells and sometimes shells have creatures in them and usually sand as well. The easiest way to fix this is a simple bath. I suggest cleaning them with a hose on concrete. You do not need a powerful spray on your hose. You are simply wanting to clean not take apart your treasures. A powerful spray will damage the wood and could break your shells. If you find out you have an animal in your shells a container with bleach for 24 hours will remove this creature. Just be sure to rinse it well in clean water.
Once your all of your items are clean they need to be completely dry. This may take as much as a week depending on the humidity of your area. I suggest letting it dry outdoors in the sun. This will get rid of any smell your wood may have.
Once your wood is dry it is time to start. You need a hard surface like hard a kitchen counter or table but be sure to put something over it to protect it from hot glue and being scratched by the shells and wood. To save yourself some time I would organize your wood and shells into size smallest to largest. Also, I would cut lengths of fishing line into foot long pieces. Cut two times the number of driftwood pieces you have.
Now it is time to start tying. You can use the knot that you would think would work best for you. We tied a simple loop and then a double knot on top. However, if you like another type of knot use it by all means. You need to tie a piece of fishing line on each end of each piece of driftwood. Be sure to leave a long tail on each one. This long tail will be tied to the next smallest piece of driftwood above later in this project. Tie each end of each piece of drift wood. Finish off the knot with a dollop of hot glue. Once each piece of hot glue is dry go ahead and repeat the tying by connecting the long tails to the next smallest piece. The smallest tail can be your hanger or you can actually hang it from the smallest piece of driftwood. Once all of the tails are connected finis those knots off with a hot glue as well. This will lock your knots in place and keep the line from slipping.
We put seashells on our driftwood trees as ornaments along with small inexpensive plastic ornaments. I have seen it made with antique ornaments which is just as beautiful. Just keep in mind the shells can be heavy so those knots you tie with your fishing line on the driftwood need to be really good, and sealed with hot glue.

Now you need to tie fishing line to the ornaments and glue it to the shells be sure to have a pencil or a tool to use to push your fishing line into the glue. Leave a tail on the ornaments as well, you can always trim off any excess later. The glue will be very hot and can burn you. Once your ornaments are dry you can glue them to the
Once you have all your driftwood tied and glued and all your shells tied and glue you can glue everything together. I turned my driftwood tree upside down. So you can see the messy glued side. I spaced the ornaments out how I liked them on each branch. Now you are ready to glue. Be sure to not leave the strings too long the goal is to have them hang. Put a dollop of glue down and use your pencil to push your fishing line or ribbon into the glue. Do everything on one branch. And let it dry for a few minutes. Once they are dry you can cut off the excess line. Then go to the next limb down and so on. I suggest doing one at a time to avoid burning yourself with the hot glue and to avoid cutting the wrong line when trimming excess hang over fishing line.

You are almost done. You need to find a place to hang it! I would not suggest a door. Just because it could damage your door or break your creation. We used one of the removable adhesive hangers that don’t leave a mark on the wall. I used a second one just the adhesive part to put the starfish above it. You can find starfish at your local craft or big box store. Send us your pictures of your creations. We really want to see your ideas of what to do with you beach treasurers.

Each year we have tons of visitors come down and learn the history of our area. We had no idea it is also memorialized in Washington, D.C.! Our owners here at Sunset Properties are avid travelers and recently made a trip to D.C. to see the sights. They came upon this memorial to the Battle of Mobile Bay.

The battle went down as follows. According to letters stored in the Navies official records. “Under the early light of dawn, Union Adm. David Farragut began his attack on Mobile Bay, Alabama. Aware of the danger near Fort Morgan, Farragut ordered his captains to stay to the “eastward of the easternmost buoy” because it was “understood that there are torpedoes and other obstructions between the buoys.”¹ Unfortunately, the lead ironclad, the USS Tecumseh, unable to avoid the danger, struck a mine and sank into the oceans depths. Yet, against all odds, the seasoned admiral ordered his flagship, the Hartford, and his fleet to press forward through the underwater minefield and into Mobile Bay.

Although Farragut was a champion of the “wooden navy,” he agreed to include four new ironclad ships modeled after the USS Monitor in his attack fleet. It was widely believed that these warships were unsinkable. But the Tecumseh indeed sank that summer morning, August 5, 1864, unexpectedly killing the majority of its crew and demonstrating the deadly effects of advances in technology such as the torpedo. For in the words of one Confederate soldier reminiscing on the ill-fated ship, “She careens, her bottom appears! Down, Down, Down she goes to the bottom of the channel, carrying 150 of her crew, confined within her ribs, to a watery grave.”¹
¹Official Records. Navies, vol. 21, 398.
²”Fort Morgan in the Confederacy: Letter by Hurieosco Austill.” Alabama Historical Quarterly, vol. 7, no. 2, (Summer 1945), 256.

Visitors can explore the grounds of historic Fort Morgan. Several time a year guides and actors will explain how the Spanish used Fort Morgan in the 1500’s, then rebuilt it in the early 1800’s as protection against Native Americans. While standing atop the fort with a view of the once-embattled bay, visitors can imagine the summer of 1864 when Confederate and Union naval forces fought for control of the harbor entrance. You may even hear the echo of Admiral David Farragut’s immortal words, “Damn the torpedoes; full speed ahead!”

A living history program is conducted daily during the summer. Candlelight fort tours are held Tuesday evenings in the summer. Children’s Day Camps offered various time during the summer.
Eight miles across the bay on Dauphin Island, more history was written at Fort Gaines, which also battled – and was overtaken by – Union forces. A ferry shuttles across the bay during the day, linking the two fortresses once joined in a common cause.

Museum open 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily
Fort open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays in June and July (weather permitting)
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Admission: $7 for adults, $5 seniors (65 and older) and students, $4 for children 6 – 12, Free for active duty, veterans and children under 6. Family Pass: $18 for 2 adults/2 children. Call for group rates.
Information in this blog was gathered from The National Parks Services web site and The Gulf Shores.com website.

We hope You can join us soon to enjoy this beautiful historical treasure in Fort Morgan, Alabama. Give us a call for a great special!

Did you know that Sunset Properties has a ski condo in Park City, Utah.  This beautiful condo is a 3 Bedroom, 4 bath ski in, ski out property.  The ski lift is 20 yards from the back door of the condo.  You can see more about the ski condo here!  This condo is located at the Silver Star Resort in Park City.  No matter the season This resort has beautiful view at every turn. Just a few steps from the back door is Silver Star Ski & Sport where Todd, Tallulah and Vidalia will get you ready for all the fun Park City has to offer.

The Silver Star Development is a unique place, almost hidden, but well worth it once you’re here.  About a mile from the main base area of Park City Mountain Resort, the main entrance is off of Three Kings Drive behind the 10th green of Park City Golf Club.  Silver Star Ski & Sport is located within the Silver Star Development,  located in the plaza area of the Silver Star Development right next to the Silver Star chairlift and at base of the  Spiro and Armstrong trail heads.  For those of you that are familiar with Park City.  Here is a map that will point you in the right direction to Silver Star Ski & Sport.

Silver Star Ski & Sport bring the fun to all outdoor activities you want to try!!! Todd and his girls Tallulah and Vidalia come into the shop each day ready to outfit any one who walks through the door for an adventure.
Todd can fit you in skis and any ski gear you need from the basic beginner to the technical and advanced skier. His wide variety of skis, poles, snowboards, helmets and gear will keep you safe, warm and ready for your favorite winter activity. The fun doesn’t end for Todd and the puppies when the snow goes away.

The disappearance of snow just means new gear comes out! Todd can have you ready to do everything from trail riding to just biking leisurely through the city. He can even customize your bike for your fuzzy four legged friends to join in on the fun.  Or fix up your old beat up bike and make it new again! Silver Star Ski & Sport loves to help everyone get active from kids to the young at heart Todd and his team can find the perfect equipment for you to explore Park City and the surrounding mountains and trails in comfort.  Safety is key for Todd and his staff.  They will be sure you have the perfect gear, helmets, padding and clothes to stay warm dry and make sure you are in one piece after the fantastic adventure of your choosing.

Silver Star Ski & Sport sponsors sporting events that range from Biking and Skiing event to even rodeos and triathlons.  Todd is ready to support and help anyone to get active and healthy.  If you ask him he’ll tell you he is just all bout the fun!  Anyone who brings their dogs to work daily has to be about the fun, right!!!  Wen need to share some more of the pictures of those sweet girls.

These pups are ready for any adventure and we look forward to seeing their new adventure photos on Facebook.  Check out Todd the girls and even more fun here at the Silver Star Ski & Sport Face Book page. 

Did I mention the fun does not stop with bikes and ski gear?  As you can see the girls are all about water sports too.  Silver Star Ski & Sport have a great selection of Paddle boards for you to enjoy on the lakes or if you are brave maybe even a river in the area.  He has rentals or can sell you paddle boards, a paddle, a wet suit, and even tie downs for your car.

If you are looking for fun in Park City, Utah you need to go see Todd, Tallulah, and Vidalia at Park City Ski & Sport!  They bring the fun no matter the activity.  Be sure to ask about Team Onion Gear and pet the girls for me!
Happy Thanks giving to everyone out there we here at Sunset Properties have a wonderful, restful, day full of blessings, great food and fun.  See y’all soon!

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the best place to come to prepare for the holidays!  If you are just needing a holiday getaway, or if you are trying to find something unique for everyone on your list the Alabama Gulf Coast has it all just waiting for you.  Below is a list of holiday activities including parades, tournaments, Christmas craft Bazaars, special shopping and Dining events, and Musicals of all sorts.  We are going to attempt to go to many of these so you can see all that our area has to offer for the holidays.  Keep an eye out on facebook and here on the blog for updates.  Don’t forget  if you need a special rate we have on e for you.  Call today to book your winter beach getaway!

 Nov. 16 – Season of Joy Light Show Premiere at The Wharf

Celebrate the season with SPECTRA, The Wharfs sound and light spectacular, each evening on Main Street. The immersive experience will spark the spirit of the holidays in the hearts of kids of all ages! Date: November 16, 2013 Time: 6:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Website: https://alwharf.com
Location: The Wharf Orange Beach, Alabama
Contact: 251-224-1000
Date/Time Details: Nightly at 6pm & 7pm Holiday hours may vary
Fees/Admission: FREE

Nov. 19 – Sip & Shop

Join us for an evening of shopping, refreshments, food & fun! Treat yourself with a glass of wine or a delicious meal and fabulous offers from participating merchants. Jump-start your holiday shopping at the Sip & Shop. Either way, don’t miss the fun at these Wharf locations: Seaside Shoes, Rejuvenations Med Spa, Isle of Bama Toys, Villaggio Grille, The Southern Grind Coffee House and Paradise Fruit Wines & Accessories. Grab a girlfriend and stop in at each spot as we roll out the red & green Christmas carpet for you. Plus, sign up to be registered to win a grand prize package that will make you, or someone on your ‘NICE’ list, smile!
Date: November 19, 2013
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Participating Merchants located at The Wharf in Orange Beach: Seaside Shoes, Rejuvenations Med Spa, Isle of Bama Toys, Villaggio Grille, The Southern Grind Coffee House and Paradise Fruit Wines & Accessories
Date/Time Details: Tuesday, November 19th from 5pm until 8pm or later!
Fees/Admission: Free to attend, visit each location for their special offers.

Nov. 22 – Jan 1 Holiday Skating

Monday – Friday 4PM – 10PM
Saturday & Sunday 10AM – 10PM
Hours vary during holiday season
Date: November 22, 2013
Website: https://alwharf.com
Location: The Wharf
Contact: 251.224.1000
Date/Time Details: Varies
Fees/Admission: $8 for 2 hour skate rental, including skates
$10 includes the above + Ferris Wheel ticket

Nov 29 – Jan 1 Coastal Christmas Holiday Season

WHAT IS COASTAL CHRISTMAS?  It’s a growing — and glowing — collection of existing
and new holiday events designed to showcase our Coastal Baldwin region as the perfect destination for holiday travel and shopping opportunities. Many businesses, local organizations and governmental entities have come together to bring you this new annual event series.
Date: November 29, 2013
Website: https://alagulfcoastchamber.com/pages/CoastalChristmas/
Location: Alabama Gulf Coast towns
EMail: Info@alagulfcoastchamber.com

Nov. 29 – Dec 22 Pictures with Santa! at The Wharf

Please see below for 2013 schedule:
November 29 Friday 4-8
November 30 Saturday 12-8
December 1 Sunday 4-8
December 3 Tuesday TBA
December 5 Thursday 4-8
December 6 Friday 4-8
December 7 Saturday 12-8
December 8 Sunday 4-8
December 12 Thursday 4-8
December 13 Friday 4-8
December 14 Saturday 12-8
December 15 Sunday 4-8
December 19 Thursday 4-8
December 20 Friday 4-8
December 21 Saturday 12-8
December 22 Sunday 4-8
Date: November 29, 2013
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Website: https://alwharf.com
Location: The Wharf
Orange Beach, AL
Contact: 251.224.1000
Fees/Admission: $10 for photo and frame

Nov. 29 – Dec 31 Magic Christmas in Lights

The holiday tradition continues as Bellingrath Gardens and Home celebrates Magic Christmas in Lights. Stroll through over 3 million sparkling lights and over 950 displays throughout the 65 acre Garden estate. The Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and poinsettias encompass the Gardens. Nightly choral performances are held on the South Terrace of the Bellingrath Home. A fun family event for everyone, guests can also have their photographs taken with Santa and find the perfect holiday gift can be found for that someone special in Bellingrath’s magnificently stocked Gift Shop.
Date: November 29, 2013
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://www.bellingrath.org/mcil.html
Location: Bellingrath Gardens and Home
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road
Theodore, AL 36582
Contact: 800.247.8420 or 251.973.2217
EMail: bellingrath@bellingrath.org
Date/Time Details: Friday, November 29 through Tuesday, December 31. Nightly from 5PM to 9PM. Closed December 25th.
Fees/Admission: Magic Christmas in Lights Only: Adults (13 and older): $15.00; Children (Ages 5-12): $7.00 & Children 4 and Under: FreeMagic Christmas in Lights and Bellingrath Home Tour: Adults (13 and Older): $24.00; Children (Ages 5-12): $13.00
& Children 4 and under: Free

Nov. 30-Dec. 30 – “The Light Before Christmas”

on the IMAX giant screen / National Museum of Naval
Aviation / Noon / $8.75 / 850-453-2025

Nov. 30 – Kaiser Realty Coastal Half-Marathon and 5K Run

OB Sportsplex

Dec. 1 – Pictures With Santa

PICTURES WITH SANTA at the COTTON BAYOU BEACH ACCESS
2 – 5 PM
$20 DONATION (INCLUDES FULL IMAGE RIGHTS)

PROCEEDS GO TO FUND YOUTH MISSION TRIPS
Great for Christmas cards!
Date: December 1, 2013
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Website: https://www.orangebeachumc.org
Location: Cotton Bayou Beach Access in OB
Contact: Brady Haynes 205-213-9222
EMail: bradyatobumc@gmail.com
Date/Time Details: Saturday, December 1st
2-5pm
Fees/Admission: $20 donation (includes full image rights)

Dec. 1-7 – NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship 

OB Sportsplex

Dec. 2 – 5th Annual Luxury Wine Pairing

Sunset Cork Room / 6:30pm

Dec. 1 – Gulf State Park Coastal Christmas

Photos with Santa Claus, food, Christmas projects for the kids, Christmas Carols.
Date: December 1, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Gulf State Pavilion
Gulf Shores, AL
Date/Time Details: Sunday, December 1, 2013
6 pm – 9 pm

Dec. 3 – Orange Beach Tree Lighting at the Wharf

Join us as the City of Orange Beach hosts its Official Tree Lighting at the Wharf. This free event is open to all ages. Community groups will have hot chocolate, arts and crafts and cookie decorating booths. Santa will arriving on a fire truck!
Date: December 3, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Marlin Circle at the Wharf
Contact: Angela Bateman, City of Orange Beach, 251-981-6629
EMail: abateman@cityoforangebeach.com
Date/Time Details: Tuesday, Dec 3, 2013/5:30-7pm
Fees/Admission: Free Event

Dec. 3 – A Christmas Musical Celebration starring Brian Gurl

Date: December 3, 2013
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://www.gulfshoresal.gov
Location: Erie H. Meyer Civic Center
EMail: ldethloff@gulfshoresal.gov
Date/Time Details: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Show begins at 7 p.m.
Fees/Admission: Free Admission – Tickets available by calling 251-968-1174 or at the Gulf Shores Activity Center Box Office (260 Clubhouse Drive).

Dec. 5 – Holiday Open House at K McElroy Salon

Enjoy refreshments, you can mingle with our guests, meet our team, take a tour of the salon and spa and get a head start on your holiday shopping!
Date: December 5, 2013
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: K McElroy Salon 2305 East 2nd St. Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Contact: (251) 968-3737
Date/Time Details: Thursday, December 5th 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Fees/Admission: No Admission

Dec. 5 – Classical Christmas Concert

Concert featuring Victor and Megan Andzulis, presented by the Marjorie Younce Snook Public Library.
Date: December 5, 2013
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Summerdale Municipal Complex
Contact: Yolanda Devine Johnson
EMail: Yolanda@jdevinecompany.com
Date/Time Details: Thursday, December 5th, 7:00pm

Dec. 6 – Light Up The Arts

Coastal Arts Center Open House: Hot Shop glass blowing; Clay Studio demo’s; whimsical lighted gallery exhibit; gift shop featuring glass, clay, jewelry and art; refreshments by Shipp’s Harbor Grill.
Date: December 6, 2013
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Website: https://www.coastalartscenter.com
Location: Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach
Contact: Art Center: 251-981-2787
Date/Time Details: 5:00 – 8:00
Fees/Admission: -0-

Dec. 6 – City of Gulf Shores Christmas Parade & Beach Celebration

The Gulf Shores Lighted Christmas Parade will feature lighted festive floats from around the region followed by a stunning lighting ceremony and celebration at the Gulf Shores Public Beach.
Bring the whole family to the picnic area at Gulf Place to have their picture taken with Santa & enjoy refreshments, crafts, a live nativity, and entertainment.
Free Admission.
Reserve your spot in the Gulf Shores Christmas Parade by following the link below & submitting an online application.
https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/paraderegistration
The Gulf Shores Christmas Parade & Beach Celebration is a part of the Coastal Christmas campaign.
Date: December 6, 2013
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://www.gulfshoresal.gov
Location: Gulf Shores Public Beach
Contact: Blake Phelps
Date/Time Details: December 6, 2013
4:00 p.m.
Fees/Admission: FREE

Dec. 6, 7, 8. 13, 14 & 15 – “Nuncrackers – The Nunsense Christmas Musical” / South Baldwin Community 

 

Theatre / $15-$18 /  968-6721 or https://www.sbct.biz

Dec. 6 – Mystical Order of Mirams 7th Annual Taste of the Island

Orange Beach Events Center, The Wharf / 6pm

 

Dec. 6 – Interactive Wines Dinner at The Beach Club

Coast Restaurant / 6:30pm

 

Dec. 7 – The Christmas Angel Breakfast

GSUMC Auditorium / 9am / Free / 968-2411 for reservations

Dec. 7 – Billy Claus at Lulu’s

967-LULU / Free

Dec. 7 – Annual Christmas Ornament Painting

You get to choose your own ornament, paint it, have cookies and coco, face painting, letters to Santa and get your picture taken in Santa’s photo booth! Reservations are not needed. We can’t wait to see you all again this Holiday Season *Photo booth brought to you by Flash Time Photo Booth
Date: December 7, 2013
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Life’s A Canas SanRoc Cay 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd, Suite C103 Orange Beach, AL 36561
Contact: John Grant Gordon (251) 981-7770
EMail: johngrant@lifesacanvasob.com
Date/Time Details: Saturday, December 7th 12:00pm-3:00pm

Dec. 8 – Dec 16 First Baptist Church Orange Beach Nativity Open House

The FBC family welcome our neighbors, friends, and visitor to share our love of Jesus and celebrate the season of His birth through the art of nativities. Over 75 nativities will be displayed for all to enjoy in a casual open house atmosphere.
Date: December 8, 2013
Location: First Baptist Church Orange Beach 4773 Bay Circle & Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561
Contact: Vivian Hanich
EMail: vlhanich@hotmail.com
Date/Time Details: 12/8 – 12/16 9 AM – 3 PM daily
Fees/Admission: free

Dec. 8 – HANDEL’S MESSIAH

Gulf Shores UMC Presents “Messiah” on Sunday, December 8, 2013
Written by: Louise Hawley
The stirring choruses of Handel’s “Messiah” will again launch the holiday season for the Gulf Shores community with a 2:30 PM performance on Sunday, December 8th by the Choral Society of Pensacola at the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, 1900 Gulf Shores Parkway.
Under the baton of musical director Xiaolun Chen, featured soloists will include: Carla Connors, soprano; Wanda Brister, mezzo-soprano; Leo Day, tenor; and Patrick Jacobs, bass-baritone; along with the 60-member Choral Society singers. The performance will be accompanied by the Choral Society Orchestra, featuring members of the Pensacola Symphony.
Concert tickets may be purchased at the church office any weekday from 9AM to 4PM with reserved seating for $20 and general admission for $15. Call 251-968-2411 for more information or please view the church website at www.gulfshoresumc.org.
Organized as the Pensacola Oratorio Society in the fall of 1935 for its first presentation of “Messiah,” 2013 marks the choral group’s 78th consecutive annual performance of this timeless masterpiece. Be a part of this moving experience; purchase your tickets today.
Date: December 8, 2013
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Website: https://www.gulfshoresumc.org
Location: GSUMC – Sanctuary
1900 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL
Contact: Church Office 251-968-2411
Date/Time Details: Sunday, December 8th
2:30 pm
Fees/Admission: General Admission: $15
Reserved Seating: $20

Dec. 12 – Coastal Christmas Stroll

Enjoy the wonderful facilities that the City of Orange Beach has to offer. Many City facilities including the Senior Center, Library, Wind and Water Learning Center and Coastal Arts Center will be holding Open House and many other fun activities.
Date: December 12, 2013
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: City of Orange Beach facilities
Contact: Carolyn Vines, City of Orange Beach Senior Center Coordinator, 251-981-3440
EMail: cvines@cityoforangebeach.com
Date/Time Details: Thursday, Dec 12, 2013/4:30-7pm.
Fees/Admission: Free Event

Dec. 12 – City of Gulf Shores Christmas Open House

The City of Gulf Shores hosts its annual Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 12.
Free Admission. For more information contact the Special Events Division at 251-968-1172.
Christmas Open House is a part of the Coastal Christmas campaign.
Date: December 12, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Website: https://www.gulfshoresal.gov
Location: Erie Meyer Civic Center, David L. Bodenhamer Center, Thomas B. Norton Public Library, Gulf Shores Museum, South Baldwin Community Theater
Contact: Blake Phelps
EMail: bphelps@gulfshoresal.gov
Date/Time Details: December 12, 2013/6:00 p.m.
Fees/Admission: FREE

 

Dec. 14 – 28th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

Parade begins at Lulu’s and proceeds east on the Intracoastal Waterway to Zeke’s Marina / 5:30pm-8:30pm.

Dec. 13-14 – USSSA Fall Alabama State Baseball Tournament

OB Sportsplex

Dec. 15 – SanRoc Cay’s Rockin’ Christmas Open House

SanRoc Cay / 1pm-6pm

Dec. 19-21 – Gulf Shores High School Basketball Christmas Invitational Tournament

Gulf Shores High School

Dec. 21 – Breakfast with Santa

Erie Meyer Civic Center / 8am-10:30am / $4; 3 and under free

Dec. 31 – Noon Year’s Eve Party 

Lulu’s 10am-? / Free / Countdown at noon with kid-friendly fireworks and beach ball drop. Many activities are available for the children.

Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve Bash

The Wharf / 7pm-11pm

Jan. 1 – Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip 

12pm

I am so excited to introduce you to the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fisherman’s Market. On one of our many weekend explorations of our area my husband and I visited the new Farmers and Fisherman’s Market. This market is located in Foley, on county road 20. If you turn east on County Road 20 this market is located about 2 miles down and just behind Wolf Bay Lodge. This trip was actually a surprise from my husband, I love farmers markets!!! So this was a fantastic surprise. When we arrived I was completely taken aback. This new market practically sparkled it was so new and clean.

The market is set up in stall form. The farmers and other vendors can literally back their trucks up to their stall set up a table and place their produce out for sale. We saw everything from beautiful locally grown in season veggies. These included tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, collard greens, green beans, bell peppers, apples, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, satsumas, and hot peppers of all sorts.
We got a few squash, and some mini pumpkins. This produce is fresh from the farm just picked the day before or even that morning. The market requires this last minute picking process to bring only the freshest produce to you and your table. Local plants are also everywhere you look. We have produce farmers and we have just plant farmers that simply grow flowering plants or even fruit and vegetable plants to resell. You had dozens of beautiful choices if you are looking for something special for the nature lover in your family.

This Farmers Market is not just a farmers market alone. It is also a Fisherman’s Market as well. This means that some of our best local fishermen bring their daily catch in for you to pick up and enjoy. Local fresh caught fish of seasonal favorites, crab, and of course SHRIMP!!! Shrimp is a delicacy in
this area and you can of course get some of the best here at the Farmers and Fisherman’s Market. This day There were only two vendors at the market but from what I understand there are typically a few more. These vendors have local markets in the area and we can vouch for the freshness of their catch.

Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fisherman’s Market just doesn’t do this market justice. This market also has some beautiful art vendors. The day we visited there were two beautiful jewelry vendors. One made product from old silver ware pieces. Mr. Quinley’s designs are unique and made with love.
Each piece is made by hand and weather it is pounded flat cut short or twisted into a creature this jeweler is sure to please the lady in your life. There are even great key rings for that special guy in your life or even a new driver.
He makes traditional rings, bracelets, and also does two piece bracelets and monogrammed bracelets. Some of my favorites were the one made out of flattened serving pieces and they were made to mimic some of our beautiful sea life. This jewelry can be found at the Southern Bling stall.

The Mari Mae Collection was just a few stalls down and included handmade jewelry and quilts. The quilts were lovely and came in a variety of colors and sizes. She had everything from full bed size quilts to small table toppers and even hot pads. She also had handmade seashell jewelry.

This was probably my favorite booth. They shells were locally found and strung with brilliantly selected beads to make truly one of a kind pieces. I can’t wait to peruse her jewelry more and get some gifts for friends.

The pottery vendor is a booth set up by Joe & Louise Verhoestra. They make the famous hurricane crosses that we have sold in our office for years. She has some lovely platters, and statues butterflies, angels and sea life and of course some great items to show pride in your favorite team. I love the fish bone chimes, and the hurricane crosses have been a favorite for years. This is another great place to do some great holiday shopping while in town.
The Farmers and Fisherman’s Market is turning into a one stop shop.

You can’t miss the homemade bath products by Martha Lundy. She specializes in hand made soaps, bath salts, sugar scrubs, hair products, lotions, candles, even some jelly. She uses all natural ingredients to make her environmentally safe and wonderful smelling products. If you are trying to avoid using sulfates and all of the harmful things that many of our soaps put in the environment and even on our skin, Ms. Lundy’s products are absolutely something you need to try. I used her stick lotion just once on my elbows and they are still so soft. Great gift ideas for everyone in the family and so much more are available at Farmers and Fisherman’s Market.

Finally, on our way out we came across baked goods. Actually more than baked goods! Full meals were available. There were several vendors that offered breads, cookies, cakes, as well as soups, and sandwiches. The friendly ladies at SHMILY (See, How, Much, I, Love, You) Tree Bakery Café had a huge variety of baked treats for you to take on to your condo or just enjoy lunch while you were there. These ladies even cater special events and make wedding cakes!

Our sourdough bread was a wonderful treat with soup at home later that evening. Another great more than a Farmers Market find.
The visit to the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fisherman’s Market is one that I will absolutely repeat. IN fact my husband and I are intending to make a weekly or maybe bi-monthly visit. We will be buying fresh local veggies, fruit, baked goods, bread, and fish, for our table in the future. We are so excited about this fantastic new resource in our area. I will keep you up to date as the market expands to add a Meat Market and Hydroponics farm and local furniture maker in 2014.

They have even loftier goals for 2016 of a kitchen and canning facilities, local farmer’s table restaurant, and retail produce shop. Oh and for those of you looking for a beautiful rustic wedding venue. They will soon be able to offer the farmers market as a wedding venue as well. Be sure to add the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fisherman’s Market as a stop on your list of places to visit in the area. We’ll see you soon!

Another fantastic reason to visit the beach during the fall each year, on top of the no crowds and perfect weather, is all of the festivals. It seems there is a new one every weekend somewhere in the community. This year I am making an effort to go to as many as possible! My wonderful husband has agreed to suffer through them with me even though he is not a fan of big crowds. He does love German Sausage so I try to pick the day or time for each festival that is the least crowded.

For the Elberta German Sausage Festival we found the earlier the better is best to go. The Festival actually started at 8 AM. I probably could have talked my husband into breakfast German sausage but we chose to sleep in a bit that Saturday. We made it to Elberta by 10:30 AM or so. Elberta is a small town like you see in the movies with a pretty main street and a children’s park. This town is one of two between Foley and the Florida state line. The town is maybe 10 minutes from Foley, to the east toward Florida on State Hwy 98. This means it is about 45 minutes to an hour from Fort Morgan. It is totally worth every minute of the drive though.

Just a few notes; bring cash, and walking shoes, (I suggest closed toes shoes for maneuvering in the crowd because of the loose dirt everywhere.) You may have to pay to park you can find a few parking spots here and there that are not paid, we chose the Post Office. It was just a couple of blocks walk down to the festival grounds. If you have kids pay to park close because traffic progressively worsens throughout the day. They did have an option this year to pay for sausage with a debit or credit card. This was the extra-long line to wait for your wonderful sausage. The sausages were $5 each and the same no matter if you bought a large number.

Once we got to the grounds we realized the festival was set up in the park and town square. To the west they were grilling the sausage filling the air with the most amazing scent. It made our stomach growl just smelling it. To the north side of the square the other food vendors were set up. Blooming onions, Funnel Cakes, Italian Ice, Cotton Candy, and lemonade to just name a few of the things you can add to your sausage meal. The vendors were near the middle of the square with all sorts of arts and crafts. In the very center were live musicians playing in the gazebo while people danced around it in the park. It was very fun and all I could do not to grab my husband and dance too.

We did a little exploring prior to getting our sausages and explored some of the vendor booths. There was everything from a booth with unique cell phone covers, to bird feeders and lamps made from recycled glassware, homemade baby quilts, and anything an Alabama Fan could want. One of my favorite booths was an artist who made unique creations from old car license plates from across the country. They were so unique and colorful! There were also some local politicians out campaigning, and local wildlife conservation groups and local food and honey. It was everything you would think a small town festival would be.

We ran in to a couple of people we knew as we explored the booths of hand-made jewelry, wind chimes and knitted and crocheted scarves. At this point we decided to stop and wait in the sausage line. We waited about 10 minutes and slowly moved toward the open window where the wonderful people of Elberta put together each person’s sausage order individually. She asked us how many we wanted and if we wanted them to go or with sour kraut. A sweet local with a smile for us and the camera!

We enjoyed out Sausage dogs each with our chosen condiments from the condiment station. Then we walked through and enjoyed the rest of the vendors and got a couple of Christmas presents. Just before we headed home we got a Funnel Cake. My husband had never had one before so this was a special treat for him. Over all this was such a fun day for the two of us.

It was a lot like we were dating again. My recommendation is if there is a festival, especially if it is a German Sausage Festival. This is, “a do not miss” amazing fall festival. See you soon.

We have taken lots of calls today and spoken with lots of vacationers who are supposed to come in this weekend.  Everyone is concerned about the storm and if the can make it down for the weekend.  Truly we just do not know at this point.

We will know more tomorrow and I will update everyone at this time.  For now we are happy to move your reservation if you would like!  However we are asking everyone to wait to make any BIG decisions until we know more tomorrow.  Below is what the city is telling us, and the current weather here is very rainy and overcast.  But tomorrow it could be sunshine again!!!  Please give us a call if you have any questions!!!  See you soon.