Fall at the Beach!!!

Have I mentioned that Fall is the best time to be at the beach? I know that summer is warm and the kids are out of school, and spring is great and sunny and not too hot! But Fall has the best of both of those and then some.  In the fall season at the beach it rarely rains, the skies are a beautiful sunny blue, and the days are warm while the nights get increasingly cooler.  You can enjoy the beach with virtually no crowds and the prices are nothing short of outstanding.  There are the same great restaurants and live music, shopping, high flying patriotic shows, and wildlife but we get to enjoy it during the fall in very special ways!

We have the fall migration of  birds and butterflies south, a million little jewels flying through our area all at once.  You can enjoy the new song stylings of amazing song writers throughout the area during the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival.  Don’t miss the Blue Angels Homecoming show, it will make your heart soar with patriotic pride. There are festivals and events almost every weekend along the beautiful Gulf Coast for you and your family to enjoy.

Coming up is the Elberta German Sausage Festival Oct 29th. Held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The best German Sausage you have ever tasted! Made from a secret recipe developed by the founding fathers of Elberta, AL. This is the only place you can get the real thing! Arts & crafts, live music, carnival rides, baked goods & more. Don’t forget to visit the Bier Garten for a large selection of imported beers.

Nov. 2nd starts the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship. Eight hopeful seeds will square off in quarterfinal action before the field narrows for Friday’s (November 4) semifinals. Championship play is scheduled for Sunday, November 6 at 2:00pm and will be broadcast live. Don’t miss the action!
Admission: $5.00 adults, $2.00 Students

The 4th Annual Oyster Cook Off on Nov. 5th! Join us on the beach and watch teams from restaurants, businesses, and individuals along the Gulf Coast compete to see who wins best oyster bragging rights for the entire year along with cash and prizes! The oysters are provided to the teams to prepare three ways: Oysters Rockefeller, Cajun Oysters and Create-Your-Own Raw.
Admission: Free to the Public and tasting tickets are $1 each. If you are interested in registering your team to compete please download the application online at www.thehangoutal.com. The entry fee is $250 per team and must be paid in full no later than October 15th.

The Frank Brown Song Writers Festival is coming up from Nov. 10th -20th. The festival provides an atmosphere to promote all writers, whether they had written hit songs which made people open their eyes and view the world in a different way or they are aspiring writers and musicians who knew they could do the same but needed a forum in order to get their music out to the world.

The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 11 & 12, on board Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Admission is FREE and the gates open at 8 am each day. The show includes static displays of aircraft of all types, food, beverage and vendor booths, virtual reality experiences and other attractions, including a Kids’ Zone, Sony Playstation II gaming area and bungee jumping. Home Depot will also have a Kids Workshop Area with craft projects. The air show begins at 9:45 am, with the Blue Angels slated to fly around 2 pm. The pilots will sign autographs after the show. There is also a night air show on Friday evening.
Visit the Museum’s display area at the air show and climb into our Blue Angel F/A-18 Hornet. Check out other historic aircraft from the Museum’s collection including a F-14 Tomcat, a F-4 Phantom and a HU-16 Albatross. Don’t miss our special guest appearance of a P-38 Lightning.
Visitors are encouraged to use the back gate off of Blue Angel Parkway to enter the base. Patrons may bring chairs, but no coolers, backpacks, food, drinks or pets will be allowed. A handicap area is set aside for wheelchairs only. For those who have never attended an air show, be advised that the aircraft can be VERY noisy and young children need protection for their ears. It can also be windy on the tarmac and layers of clothes are recommended.

Admission: Gate admission is free. Bleacher seating is available for $5 per person. Because of pre-sold reserved seating for large groups, bleacher seats are usually sold out before noon on Friday and before 11 am on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time and must be ordered before noon on Friday, Nov. 7. Groups of 50 or more can purchase bleacher seating for $3 per person.

Bellingrath Gardens a must see when you visit the Beach

We’ve talked about this several times in the past, but we wanted to call attention to one of the most beautiful sites to see in the area. We visited their website and found this useful information. This is a definite “must see” for anybody with a green thumb!
Bellingrath Gardens

If you decide to venture over to Dauphin Island via the Mobile Bay Ferry, be sure to head on over to Mobile to smell the flowers at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. The garden features 65 acres of fragrant flowers that bloom year-round.
Belingrath Rose
Bellingrath Gardens and Home was the creation of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bellingrath. The Gardens were first opened to the public in 1932 while a national garden club meeting was taking place in Mobile, Alabama. Mr. Bellingrath placed an ad in the Mobile newspaper announcing that anyone who would like to see the spring garden could do so free of charge. After an overwhelming response, the couple decided to keep the gardens open year-round beginning in 1934. Throughout the year, this 65-acre garden estate is in full bloom with camellias in the winter, azaleas in the spring, roses in the summer, chrysanthemums in autumn and Magic Christmas in Lights during the holiday season.
Bellingrath Christmas
In addition to the self-guided walking tour through the gardens, you can also enjoy a 45-minute cruise aboard the Southern Belle, and a tour of the 10,500 square foot home with its original furnishings. You can experience the Bayou Boardwalk, Mirror Lake, the Great Lawn, the Asian-American Gardens. Don’t forget to stroll through the Butterfly Garden and view the formal garden terraces. For more information, visit https://www.bellingrath.org/home/ for events, admission rates and hours of operation.

147th Commeration of the Battle of Mobile Bay

The 147th Commemoration of the Battle of Mobile Bay will be held at Saturday, August 6 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the park at the end of Fort Morgan Road (AL Hwy. 180). Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6-18 and free for children under 6. (Active duty military and families also admitted free.)

To read more about the history of this event, see our feature article: No “Petty” Battle

The Commemoration: Lots of Reasons to Attend!

Michael Bailey, cultural resource coordinator at Fort Morgan, said events at the park are growing in significance leading up to the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay in 2014. So far this year the fort has marked other Civil War-era events such as the peaceful seizure of Fort Morgan from the federal government by Alabama troops in January.

Bailey said the schedule for Aug. 6 is as follows:

·        8:30 a.m. – Raising of colors (the Confederate Second National Flag, which flew in August 1864)

·        10:30 a.m. to noon – Drilling and firing artillery (32-pounder and 6-pounder)

·        9:30 to noon – Rifle firing by reactors

·        1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Second round of artillery firing

·        3:30 to 4 p.m. – Second round of rifle firing

·        4:30 p.m. – Lowering of flag

Throughout the day will be living history exhibits of soldiers and laundresses, along with two non-firing artillery pieces. Also, guides will give oral histories of the Battle of Mobile Bay.

The Mobile Bay Ferry will operate all day between Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. A concession stand will sell hot dogs, snacks and drinks throughout the day.

For more information, call the Fort Morgan Museum at 540-7127.

To get there:

From Mobile  (or take ferry — https://www.mobilebayferry.com/— from Dauphin Island)

–  Take I-10 E toward Pensacola – go 16.5 mi

– Take exit #44/LOXLEY/BAY MINETTE onto N HICKORY ST(AL-59 S) toward Gulf – go 28.6 mi

–  Turn Right on HWY 180 – go 19.9 mi

–  Arrive at the center of FORT MORGAN, AL

From Pensacola

–  Take FL 292 W to Alabama line – go 19.8 mi

–  FL 292 W becomes AL 292 W – go 10.6 mi

–  Turn Right on Gulf Shore Parkway (AL-59) – go 1.1 mi

–  Turn Right on HWY 180 – go 19.9 mi

–  Arrive at the center of FORT MORGAN, AL

Thanks Coast360.com for the info on this fun event!

Ft. Morgan Beach Update July 21st

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day on the beach.  Today the water is the clearest I’ve seen it in years.  You can see everything on the bottom from seashells to fish swimming by.  It is so great to see families enjoying the beach and water this summer.  Today the water is great!  The temperature is great!  Everyone is having fun!  Where are you????  Give us a call to book today?  Check out our Beach update 7/21/11  See you soon!

Tennis Time at the Beach!

For all of you tennis fans, Gulf Shores is now part of the Alabama Tennis Tour.  This means there are outstanding courts within 20 minutes of your vacation spot.  Oh, and did I mention they are, FREE!!!!  Gulf Shores has an immaculate 5000 square foot state of the art facility right in the heart of town.  These courts are located at the George C. Meyer Tennis Center which is on West 2nd Street, just behind the Post Office. 

This Center boasts 12 hard surface courts, 6 Rubico courts, 4 covered courts, and 2 open.  There is seating for 150 and the courts are lighted so you can enjoy evening games and bring your cheering section along.  There are also covered pavilions a tennis lounge, restrooms, and observation decks. 

The hours of operation are as follows; courts are open 7 days a week 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. The Tennis center is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5p.m.  So pack your rackets don’t forget your tennis shoes, and get ready to enjoy cool gulf breezes while you play a match or two. Special thanks to Pam Livingston for the great photos!!!

Great Charter Fishing out of Ft. Morgan

Since we are surrounded by water, fishing no matter where the venue is one of our most popular activities.  The Gulf Shores Yacht Club and Marina hav fishing charters leaving daily that are in shore and off shore.  You can fish for whatever is in season with the experienced Captains and you are guaranteed to have a great time!  Take a look at the Miss Carli, one of the beautiful boats you can enjoy on your charter trip!  See you soon…      

Gulf Shores Marina at Ft. Morgan

 

                              Did you know there is a beautiful dock store and Marina within walking distance of the Dunes and Indies Condos. This store has your basic necessities for a condo stay and anything you need for a trip on the water.  Not to mention it is one of the few places in the area that has Ft. Morgan souvenirs.  Not only is this a great little convenience store but his is where you book charters for the Fort Morgan Yacht Club and Marina.  In shore and off shore charters leave daily and throughout the day for fishing adventures.  When booking a charter the expert staff can help you find just the right captain for you and your group.  If you have time definitely try to plan a fishing trip leaving from the Gulf Shores Yacht Club and Marina.  You will absolutely come home with the best fish stories and the fish to boot!  Follow your feet across the street that’s where your adventure begins!

Father’s Day Fun at the Beach!!!

Father’s day is always a great weekend to travel to Gulf Shores!    Of course fun in the sun is why most people come to Gulf Shores, but visitors usually take an evening or two and visit the local attractions or the outlet malls.  This year be sure to take some time off of the beach and catch the Balloon Festival in Foley.   There are lots of Family Friendly events, sales, and contests to participate in throughout the Foley and Gulf Shores area for your family to enjoy.  Be sure to come down for the fun.   

Balloon Festival Sidewalk Sale

06/16/2011 to 06/19/2011
Come join us for a 4 day super sidewalk sale during the Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival weekend. The super sidewalk sale begins Thursday, June 16, enjoy a hot air balloon display which will be fired up for a glow event at dusk. Take advantage of special opportunities to spin our prize wheel and a chance to win store merchandise, gift cards, carousel rides and other prizes. You don’t want to miss this weekend filled with fun family events and specially priced merchandise.

Balloon Festival Glow Event & Family Extravaganza

06/16/2011 to 06/19/2011

Come join us June 16th-19th for an event filled week-end and super sidewalk sale.

On Thursday, June 16th, the Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will kick off here at Tanger Outlet beginning at 7:00 p.m., with a hot air balloon display and children’s entertainment. Hot air balloons will fire up for a glow event at dusk.   Then the famous Babin Entertainment group will provide great children’s entertainment and will be handing out free glow necklaces and bracelets while supplies last.  Be certain to take advantage of special opportunities to spin our prize wheel with a chance to win store merchandizes, gift cards, carousel rides and other prizes. 

On Friday morning, June 17th, at 6:30 a.m. hot air balloons will begin to take flight from Tanger Outlet Center during a special media event, weather permitting.  Once the balloons are in flight you can plan to stay and shop our super sidewalk sale. 

Also on Friday, beginning at 10 a.m. we will host the Rising Stars talent show for the Junior (15 and under) division and Saturday, June 18th for the adult (age 16 and up) division. (A panel of judges will select the top three contestants in each division. The first place winner of each division will be awarded a cash prize in the amount of $200, second place $100 and third place $50. The top three contestants in each division will be invited to compete for “Best of the Fest” on stage at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. The audience will assist the judges in selecting the winner of that evening’s performance. )   For more details on how to sign up for the talent show call 251-943-5590 or apply on line at www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com.  Limited space is available so apply now.

For those who may not want all the spot light but still love to sing, you and your family can have fun singing and making your very own  music video with our interactive singing machine and video recorder Saturday until 4:00 p.m.  The only exception will be during our talent contest.

Our DJ will keep the party moving and invite you to join in with family and friends dancing to the macarena and electric slide. 

So plan now to join us Fathers Day Weekend! 

*This event is weather and wind permitting.

 

Fort Morgan, where history comes alive!

About a mile from our office stands Fort Morgan, a fort that was actively used off and on from its construction in 1834 until it was finally decommissioned in 1946 and turned over to the wonderful state of Alabama.  This beautifully designed fort served to protect the bay of Mobile and the Alabama coast while it was in use.

As you can see the Fort was designed to be  beautiful and function as a military fort.  Today Fort Morgan is a living history lesson to all who visit.  With it’s romantic air and interesting stories about battles and the thousands of people who lived there through the years, Fort Morgan is a don’t miss on your list of to-dos while vacationing in Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan Alabama.  The entry fee is minimal and discounts are offered for seniors and children.

You get a sense of the history associated with the fort even before you go inside with all of its outlying structures from different time periods and  beautiful stonework.  Fort Morgan is currently cared for by the state and national park system. At different times throughout the year you can see civil war reenactments and take candlelight tours.  All of the events are fun to attend and can offer your family a great history lesson.  Because it is such a beautiful setting over looking the bay people often have destination weddings at Fort Morgan.  Carve out an afternoon to take a tour of Ft. Morgan while you are here, it will  be a memory making experience!