The First Gulf Shores Food Truck Festival is coming!

Hey Friends! Coastal Alabama Food truck & Craft Beer Festival is coming to Gulf Shores November 12-13! The event begins at 11 A.M and ends at 6:00 both nights. Admission is free, but you have the option to preorder discounted drink tickets at the link here. You can expect to see around 20 of the most popular trucks and more than 30 national, regional and local craft beer trucks will also be there.

This event will be fun for the whole family! They plan to have a DJ and lawn games for people to enjoy. Make sure you bring lawn chairs/ blankets to sit on.  Food Trucks like That’s What Cheese Said, Texan B’s BBQ, Wrap it up, and so much more. For a list of all the trucks and breweries coming click here. You can’t have a festival without a Kona Ice truck showing up either! Come out and try something new or stick to what you know, but its always nice to have options! There will be a few artisans out as well like Watercolor Villa and Southern Hemp Creations. Let’s show them some love and give them a reason to keep coming back year after year!

Need a place to stay? Sunset Properties has you covered! We have options like Boardwalk 584, Campbell Cottage, and Dolphin Villas 606 available! Boardwalk 584 is a one bedroom unit that is located above Sea N Suds! Castaways 3B is a two bedroom 2 bath that is directly gulf front. This unit sleeps 6 and has the BEST view!  We have a brand new property to our program called Dolphin Villas 606! It is a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo that is 5 minutes from the festival! Give us a call or send us a text at 251-543-1370 or check out our website www.sunsetproperties.com.

Freedom Fest Weekend in Orange Beach

Hey Friends! Cars, Live Music, Raffles, and Patriotic Spirit. What more could you ask for from a weekend at The Wharf? Freedom Fest is rolling into The Wharf on September 30th to October 2nd. They are going to be putting on a heck of a show for everyone. Free live music from iHeartRadio, door prizes that include a 50/50 drawing, and even fun for the kids! There will be a vendor area set up with a giant variety of food. Things like Barbecue Ribs, Crawfish, Burger, and Philly Cheesesteaks are just a few of the items on the list!

Bama Coast Cruisin’ is setting up September 29- October 1st from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. If you like cars this is the car show to come to! They will be set up and down Main Street showing off everything from antique trucks to classic hot rods. There’s still time to register your car and have everyone check your car out as well!

There are two ticketed events over the weekend. You can purchase tickets at Ticketmaster for both events. The first one being ZZ Top with special guest Jeff Beck at The Wharf Amphitheater on Friday night! This is going to be a great concert. On Sunday, The Wharf and Freedom Fest will be hosting a benefit concert for Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to family members of fallen and disabled service members. The headliner is John Rich of Big&Rich! The show will start at 1 p.m. with two speakers. One being Ben Walborn, a former U.S. Navy Blue Angel and the next is Kevin Lacz. Kevin is the author of “The Last Punisher” and served with Chris Kyle “The America Sniper.”

Looking to come down and need a place to stay? Look no further than Sunset Properties. Come check out our beach front condos and get a taste of heaven while you are in town! Live the life of luxury while you are here by staying at our Phoenix I 1108 property. It is a 3 bedroom 2 bath end unit condo that has beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Don’t need something so big? We have a one bedroom one bath beach front condo called Boardwalk 584 that would be perfect. This unit over looks Sea n Suds and is within walking distance of most activities in Gulf Shores. Give us a call or send us a text at 251-543-1370 and let us find you the perfect place to stay!

Late Summer Fun on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Hey Friends! Summer may be ending for the kids but for the locals it is still in full swing! Beach days, long nights, and summer fun can all be found happening on the gulf coast for at least another month. Plus, one of the best things about coming to visit now is the crowds are almost gone. If you find one you shouldn’t be waiting long! Here is a few events coming up that are family friendly. Come on down and bring the kids for the weekend! Or, leave them home and have a parents getaway. We won’t tell them!

We have a few events coming up in the weeks to come. One of them being the 2022 Sunset Series that meets on most Thursdays beginning at 6 p.m throughout September on the Town Green! Bring the family out and enjoy a live band while watching the white sand beaches and waves break in the background. Make sure you bring your lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on!

Orange Beach Freedom Fest is coming up at the end of the month September 30th- October 2nd! They have a lot of events planned for the weekend including a car show, stuff for the kids, food, special speakers, and even a concert! The weekend is sure to be filled with patriotic spirit as they have a US Navy Blue Angel and a US Navy Seal who served with “American Sniper” Chris Kyle. There will also be a musical performance by Bruce Smelley and they will close the day with a concert with John Rich from Big & Rich! The majority of the weekend is free but if you would like to see the concert and special speakers you do have to purchase a ticket through Ticketmaster. Tickets start at $20 and proceeds benefit Folds of Honor. They provide educational scholarships to families of fallen and disabled service members.

The National Shrimp Festival is coming to town October 6th- 9th! This event annually has over 300,000 people coming from all over the United States. They have lined up over 100 hours of musical entertainment, 200 booths of fine arts and crafts, and of course food from 50 local and regional vendors! Locals and Snowbirds alike all look forward to this even year after year. Come down and enjoy good food, good music, and good company here on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Looking to come down for to the Alabama Gulf Coast? Look no further than Sunset Properties for your perfect Vacation Rental. We have properties of all kinds. Some Properties we have available for the National Shrimp Festival include a beautiful beach front condo in Gulf Shores Townhome 22. Wake up to the sounds of the gulf and the picture perfect white sands for the weekend. If you are looking to be near enough to walk to the festival we have a 3 Bedroom house called Happy Clam located just over half a mile away! We have a new pet friendly option called Beach Time that is around 2.1 miles away from the festival location. The house is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house that now accepts small pets! Give us a call or send us a text at 251-543-1370. Or visit our website at www.sunsetproperties.com.

The Orange Beach Wharf

Have you missed the concert scene? Being able to listen to your favorite band or artist perform the song you have listened to for years is a feeling you just can’t describe. Or, you get to town and realize there’s a concert playing near you and you just go. Then, the next day you’re back at the beach getting a tan. If these sound like things you’re interested in you should check out The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, AL. On their lineup this year you will see names like Dierks Bentley, Phish, Jimmy Buffet, and Morgan Wallen.

Check out our two condos at The Caribe for a place to stay! Caribe B Penthouse 4 is a 3 bedroom condo with a beautiful view overlooking the bay. While Caribe C Penthouse 14 has a view of the gulf! Bring the family and enjoy the amenities that the caribe has to offer. 6 pools total, 2 water slides, fishing docks, tennis courts, a putting green, and even his/her saunas. Cobalt is located right next to the condos and has some of the best food you could imagine! If you plan on eating there make sure you get there early or the wait may be long. If you don’t feel like waiting for a table at the actual restaurant you can check out the poolside Cabana Menu. The best part is that it is located only 15 minutes from The Wharf! Perfect for those that are wanting to shop, explore, or see a concert. Plus, if you just want to stay in you can always check out all the cool things the Caribe has to offer.

For a full list of concerts and events at The Wharf click here!

Day Trips to take from Gulf Shores

Hey friends! Have you done all the beach days you can handle? Are you a little burnt but don’t want to sit in the condo by yourself? Well, load the family up and take a day trip! I have a few options that are great for kids and adults alike. The cool thing about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is that they are surrounded by beach towns that are unique in their own ways! Aquariums, Sea Turtle Conservations, Historical Districts, and soooo much more.

Pensacola, FL is about 33 miles from Gulf Shores and boasts an astounding amount of history in their small little town. You can spend the day exploring downtown Pensacola where they have shops, bars, and museums! You can even take a tour of the historical district and learn about the heritage. If museums aren’t your thing be sure to check out Palafox, St. where the shopping is plentiful. Plenty of places to stop and snack at and even a chocolate store to curb your sweet tooth! Once you get done shopping, head over to the beach and eat at one of Pensacola Beach’s best seafood restaurants, Peg Leg Petes. Come grab a bushwacker, listen to the live band, and let the kids play on the playground while you wait!

If you venture a little further down Hwy 98 to Navarre you will find a Sea Turtle Conservatory! This houses turtles that are either injured or cannot be released back into the wild. Sweet Pea is one of their turtles that cannot be released back into the wild because she was caught in a marine net as a baby. Their slogan is, “Giving Sea Turtles More Tomorrows.” The current hours of the Conservation area is Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m- 4 p.m. Along with the sea turtle enclosure, they have an outdoor turtle enclosure as well!

Are you in the Fort Morgan area? Take the Mobile Bay Ferry over to Dauphin Island for the day! Dauphin island is fun for all ages! It is only about a 30 minute ride and you can even bring your car with you! They have an amazing hands-on aquarium that you can take the kids to visit. If you plan ahead a little you can even take an excursion to see how they care for the

animals. Is the aquarium not your thing? Go deep sea fishing for the day! Go reel in a Red Snapper or an Amberjack and send us a pic!

Fourth of July Festivities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Hi Friends! Summer is in full swing for our Sunset Properties crew here on the Alabama Gulf Coast! With that being said, that means Independence Day is right down the road. We have a plethora of activities for kids, tees, and adults. With a Freedom Run at the Florabama, camel rides at The Wharf, and finishing the night off with fireworks! Bring the kids down for memories you both won’t forget.

Starting at 7 a.m on July 4 The Wharf is hosting a Shark Run 5K. For the folks that want to participate but don’t want to run they are also hosting a 5K competitive walk or a 1 mile fun run. The starting location will be in front of the Sand Dollar Lifestyles near the main entrance fountain. Once you get done running your tail off The Sandshaker is hosting the awards and after-party! Participants will receive free refreshments and cold beverages at The Sandshaker. Registration starts at $20 for the fun run and $39 for the 5K if you register online. With that you will receive a custom T-shirt and an award medal!

From 5 p.m- 9 p.m, The Wharf is hosting a street party! They will have activities for the kids as well as live music for everyone to enjoy. They will have a rock wall, surf simulator, bounce houses, and so much more! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride a camel? Well, July 4th is the night to find out. Head over and check out the Camel Rides ($5)! To end the night they will be having an 11-minute long firework show starting at 8:45 p.m!

The Flora-Bama is starting their activities July 2nd this year. They are kicking things off with their 2nd annual “Freedom Run” which features 2 courses. One is a 4 mile course and the other is a 1 mile fun run/walk. Make sure you wear your most festive red, white, and blue attire! The run will begin on the North side of Perdido Beach Blvd. and finish back at the Flora-Bama. Register online and pick up your packet July 1st 4p.m-6 p.m or July 2nd 6 a.m-7:30 a.m. with the race starting at 8 am.  Included in your registration fee is a T-shirt, Medal, 1 food ticket, and 2 drink tickets!  On July 4th , they will be celebration the nations birthday with live music and finishing the night with fireworks!

For those that just want to see the Fireworks Gulf State Park will be setting off fireworks at 9 p.m from the fishing pier. The website states, “the eastern area of the Gulf Shores Public Beach and the Gulf State Park are the best places to watch the firework show from.” Be sure to bring your radio along as 105.7 Sunny Radio provides a musical element that goes along with the show!

Summer Concerts at The Wharf

Have you missed the concert scene? Being able to listen to your favorite band or artist perform the song you have listened to for years is a feeling you just can’t describe. Or, you get to town and realize there’s a concert playing near you and you just go. Then, the next day you’re back at the beach getting a tan. If these sound like things you’re interested in you should check out The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, AL. On their lineup this year you will see names like Dierks Bentley, Phish, Jimmy Buffet, and Morgan Wallen.

Check out our two condos at The Caribe for a place to stay! Caribe B Penthouse 4 is a 3 bedroom condo with a beautiful view overlooking the bay. While Caribe C Penthouse 14 has a view of the gulf! Bring the family and enjoy the amenities that the caribe has to offer. 6 pools total, 2 water slides, fishing docks, tennis courts, a putting green, and even his/her saunas. Cobalt is located right next to the condos and has some of the best food you could imagine. It’s popular so make sure you show up early! If you don’t feel like waiting for a table at the actual restaurant you can check out the poolside Cabana Menu. The best part is that it is located only 15 minutes from The Wharf! Perfect for those that are wanting to shop, explore, or see a concert. Plus, if you just want to stay in you can always check out all the cool things the Caribe has to offer. Interested in taking a Dolphin Cruise? Check out the Caribe Marina for all things boats. They have dolphin cruises, bay cruises, and even private charters!

For a full list of concerts and events at The Wharf click here!

6 Things to do when you get rained out

So, you came to the beach and spent a few days in the sun and now you either A. Need a Sun break or B. It decided to rain for a few hours. If it’s rain, don’t worry, it doesn’t normally stick around for long! But, here’s a few things to do in the meantime;

1. Shop Til’ you Drop at Tanger Outlets

The tanger outlets are nice if you are wanting to get some shopping in while you are in town! They have stores like Kate Spade, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, and so many more. Once you get tired of shopping there are so many places surrounding the outlets with places to eat.Lamberts is “home of the throwed rolls” and is almost always a must stop for many families. It is so much fun for the whole family.

2. Take the kids to The Factory

The factory is a jump park located in Gulf Shores. Not only can they jump around in a room full of trampolines, but they also have a climbing tower that is 30 feet tall! If those aren’t your thing either they have an arcade room where you can play endless amounts of games, a flight simulator, and even a batting cage! They really do have something for the whole family!

3. Bring home customized luxury At High Cotton Bath Co. you can customize your own personal fragrance for lotions, scrubs, and oils. Not only can you choose the fragrance you want, but you can also choose the color as well! They have a large variety of fragrances to choose from. Includes some “wannabe” scents, so if you have a perfume you like you may can get lotion to match it! If you need to update your loungewear be sure to check out their selection made from bamboo that keeps you cool while you sleep.

4. See a Movie at the Wharf Is your family always quick to see movies as soon as they hit the theaters? The Wharf has an AMC movie theatre right in the middle of their shops. It has the perfect shops if you are needing to get souvenirs for people back home. So, while half the family sees a movie the other half can shop and eat!

5. Give yourself the gift of ultimate relaxation The Magnolia Float Spa is a zero gravity floating experience that helps to relieve stress, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep! You get into the tub and free float for 1 hour while your body decompresses from all the stress of making sure your family’s vacation is perfect. To really get the full benefits they recommend adding on a massage to the beginning of your float. Don’t worry about how you’re going to get ready after your float. They provide all the amenities you need, so all you need to bring is yourself! Totally stress free. The Magnolia Float Spa is by appointment only, so make sure you give them a call before hand.

6. Put your skills to the test with an escape room Come and visit Breakaway the #1 Escape room in Orange Beach, AL. With 5 different rooms to choose from it shouldn’t be hard to find something everyone will like! You have an hour to escape before its game over for your group. Escape rooms are great for bigger families for large groups since you can take up to 10 people with you. Do you think your group has the brains for this immersive experience?

Head to Gulf Shores for a Romantic Valentine’s Day You’ll Never Forget!

By: Raven Hunter

            When was the last time you and your spouse got away without the kids? And I don’t mean to buy Christmas presents. If it’s been a while, then Sunset Properties is ready to make a private, romantic getaway possible for you and your sweetheart. Get someone to watch the kids and make your way down to Gulf Shores for a Valentine’s Day weekend to tell the grandkids about!

Dunes Condo Rentals

            The first thing you’re going to want to know about how to make this magical weekend happen is where you and your honey are going to stay. Fortunately, you’re only going to need space for the two of you! No worrying about if the place you’re looking at has enough space for the kids or how the two youngest are going to get along sharing the bunkbed room. It’s just a quiet place for you two to get away this time, and Sunset Properties has you covered at Dunes! Sunset Properties owns many highly rated one bedroom condo rentals in this wonderful complex that they’re ready to offer you and your spouse for a weekend of feeling the love this Valentine’s Day!

            These rentals come with full kitchens, access to the community pool, a washer and dryer, and a gorgeous view of the beach. Once you and your honey step through the doors to your Dunes condo rental, you may never want to leave!

Valentines Dances

Beyond long walks on the beach, there are many things for couples to do in Gulf Shores this Valentine’s Day weekend, including some dances! On February 11th, the Gulf Shores Recreation Department is holding a Valentines Dance & Chocolate Affair at the Erie Meyer Civic Center. For only $20 per person, you and your sweetheart can enjoy a night of music and dancing with a pasta and chocolate bar! What’s more romantic than going back to your high school days of flirting and fun with a little sophisticated twist this time? You have to pre-register for attendance, though, so don’t miss this opportunity to fall in love all over again!

If you and your person are looking for a more relaxed environment, The Hangout is the place for you to be! On February 12th, the Hangout is hosting their own Sweetheart Dance for the two of you to have a great time. From 6-8 pm, you and your spouse can enjoy dancing to live music and games offered by the wonderful people at the Hangout. This restaurant is a local favorite, so they’ve been making people’s evenings for years! Why not let them create the perfect casual atmosphere for you to make memories with your sweetheart that you’ll cherish for years to come?

Dinner For Two

            Let’s get down to the real reason you guys are trying to take this trip: alone time. The day after your fun night of dancing, when you’ve slept in late at your secluded rental and used your kid-free time to just relax however you and your partner choose, you’re going to want to find somewhere to enjoy dinner, just the two of you.

            If you guys are the creative types in the kitchen, then Dunes is definitely ready for you. As mentioned before, the rentals come with full kitchens, so you’ll have lots of room to cook up a Valentine’s Day meal that you two can share in your condo’s beautiful dining room while enjoying some peace and quiet and adult conversation. Rouses Market and Target are both conveniently located just over on Gulf Shores Parkway, so you can head over there to get your ingredients. Why not make a game of it by setting a price limit or adding a theme? The possibilities are endless to make this simple Valentine’s dinner a real adventure!

            If you’d rather have someone do the cooking for you, Gulf Shores is packed with great restaurants that will give you and your partner the couples time you need to unwind this Valentine’s Day. Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill is just up Fort Morgan Road from Dunes and offers fresh options of all kinds, from pizza to their fresh seafood. The place also has an awesome market and gift shop, so you can grab a souvenir for the kids, or just for you two! If you guys are looking for a calmer atmosphere, then head down further to Sassy Bass Island Grill, where you’ll get the same quality with a more ambient setting to enjoy the gorgeous view of Gulf Shores beaches.

We hope to see you this Valentine’s Day in Gulf Shores to get some time just for you and your partner. If this sounds like exactly the place for you, click over to Sunset Properties website to take the first step in making your romantic Valentine’s Day weekend happen!

Welcome Home with Sunset Properties Rentals and Lulu’s Gulf Shores

This long after the holidays, I bet you’re missing that “at home” feeling that comes with gathering around the fire — or maybe your AC – with your family to just relax. I know I am! You might be looking at the calendar counting down the days to the next holiday, wondering if you can get a good deal if you start booking and planning now. Well, I have good news! You don’t have to wait! Sunset Properties and the Gulf Shores area are ready to make you feel right at home for a quick getaway that will give you the exact refreshment you need to make it to the next holiday season! 

Sunset Properties House Rentals

Okay, I know you’re probably ready to pipe up and ask me, “How am I supposed to feel more at home on a vacation?” And that’s a fair point. While we over here at Sunset Properties can’t do anything to replace the home you share with your family, we can give you the chance to get away from the stressful demands of everyday life to a place where your whole family is welcome and can feel comfortable. Two of the highest rated house rentals in Gulf Shores, Out of Office and Sea Turtle, are ready to provide that space for you. Out of Office is a three bedroom house that comes equipped with a fully stocked kitchen, a beautiful dining room, and a relaxing living room with a TV and beautiful view. Enjoy some calming family time on the couch without having to think about those bills on the table that have to be paid or that report you’re going to have to revise in the morning. If you and your family do get the itch to go for a walk or enjoy the beach life that Gulf Shores has to offer, there are multiple ways you can access the beach from Out of Office, so no worries about long walks or car drives. Best of all, Out of Office is pet friendly! Every member of your family is truly welcome, even the furry ones. 

Sea Turtle offers similar amenities to Out of Office, but this house rental comes with six bedrooms and can easily sleep seventeen! So, if you’ve got a large family who likes a lot of space or you’re teaming up with friends for this homey vacation, we’ve got you covered with all of the room you could need for everyone to be comfortable. Sea Turtle also has a large deck perfect for enjoying the beautiful view the rental offers. This house is also pet friendly, but there are some limitations, so make sure you read the description thoroughly before booking. 

These are just two locations that can make your family feel comfortable and welcome while still providing a getaway. Click over to Sunset Properties’ rental search to find the spot that’s right for you and your family – and when you do, make yourself at home. 

Lulu’s Gulf Shores

This past holiday season, I made a discovery of a holiday staple that before I tried it sounded like a prank: oyster stuffing. I had no idea that people were putting oysters in stuffing, but when I tasted it, I was pleasantly surprised by the tang it gives to the classic homey taste of southern dressing. And that’s coming from someone who doesn’t like oysters. 

I think that that homelike comfort was a result of Lucy Buffett’s recipe. If you’re not familiar with Lucy Buffett’s story, she is famous singer Jimmy Buffett’s sister and an Alabama native who after a long time in Hollywood returned to the South to bring the joys of her upbringing to her community with her restaurant, Lulu’s. Lulu’s has a few great locations, but the Gulf Shores location has a myriad of events and activities to bring the whole family together. Take the kids over to have a cute, colorful hair braid put in or let everyone get matching henna tattoos! Lulu’s also has an arcade for the whole family to play in while you’re waiting for a table or for some after dinner fun. It’ll be just like playing together at home, only here you can earn prizes! If you’ve got a outdoors-loving, adventurous crew on your hands, you can head out to the Mountain of Youth to enjoy a three-story ropes course. Race each other to the top or just give each other the courage to get up onto the high levels. After spring of 2020, little ones can climb on Munchkin Mountain, so get some pictures of your younglings braving the elements for some special sibling bonding time. 

With all this talk of the things to do at Lulu’s, I’ve almost forgotten that it’s also a restaurant. Lulu’s not only serves great food, but they’ve also crafted menus for the dietary needs for almost everyone. In addition to the main menu which includes all of the staples like Lulu’s Famous Seafood Gumbo and Crazy Sista’s Crab Dip, Lulu’s Gulf Shores has allergy friendly menus that cater to those with dairy, egg, gluten, shellfish, soy, and seafood allergies and those who observe a vegan diet. Lulu’s offers options for everyone, and they want you and your whole family to feel safe and welcome eating with them. With all that Lulu’s has to offer, you and your crew may feel tempted to stay all day. And why not?!

Sometimes, we need to get away from our physical homes where our work and chores and family disagreements happen to really get back to the heart of having a home, which is being with and taking care of the people you love. Even if you just book a rental for a day or two for your kids’ long weekend to have a fun day at Lulu’s or take a walk on the beach, don’t wait until the summer or winter break to make some time to just “be.” None of these days you’re going to get back, so make sure you take time to just enjoy them.