Attractions – Page 4 – Sunset Properties Blog

May 31, 2022May 31, 2022

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!

May 25, 2022

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?

April 20, 2022April 20, 2022

6 Reasons to Plan a Girls Weekend Getaway!

When was the last time you took a vacation with your best friends? If you’re on the edge of making a decision maybe this list will help! What better way to relax than sit with your toes in the sand and listen to the waves crash against the shore?

Here are 6 Reasons to Plan a Girls Weekend at the Beach in Gulf Shores:

1) Take a break

After spending the last two years in a global pandemic, everyone is in need of a girls weekend to reset so you can be the best version of yourself. You have been everyone else’s caretaker, making sure your family survived and made it through a global pandemic. You know you need a break from your everyday responsibilities, clients, contracts and time clocks. Where the only thing you have to worry about is what time the sun sets. What better way to celebrate than to take your girlfriends and head to the Alabama Gulf Coast for a weekend on the beach!

2) Let someone else cook

Being able to go out and enjoy someone else’s cooking is something we don’t always get to appreciate! But, when you’re on vacation and able to sit back and relax, it becomes a treat. With all of the great restaurants Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan have to offer, it probably isn’t easy to pick! We have something for all kinds of eaters. For seafood, try local faves Cobalt, TinTop or Sassy Bass. Want a delicious steak? Check out Cosmos for delicious food and a super friendly staff. Hungry for a big ole seafood pizza? You must visit Papa Rocco’s or Cricos! How about gumbo to make your mouth happy? Sea-n-Suds is the place for gumbo. And the best part is that someone else is on dish duty tonight!

3) Shop for yourself

Sometimes it’s hard to forget we need new things too! What better place to look for new clothes and souvenirs than Main Street at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Retail therapy is one of the best things especially when you’re on vacation! You could dedicate a whole day to just exploring SanRoc Cay in Orange Beach or Pelican Place in Gulf Shores. We also have a huge Tanger Outlet for those seeking bargains! All of these places have great boutiques and shopsl. So, once you’ve gotten too much sun for the day, go ahead and take a shopping trip!

4) Kick off your shoes and kick up your heels

After a day of shopping and beach combing with your tribe, you want to sing along with a band and do a little dancing? Well, you’re in luck! The Flora-Bama, our favorite roadhouse, is just a few minutes away. If you planned your mini-vaca for late fall, you might even get to enjoy The Frank Brown Songwriters Festival. There is always someone singing and dancing there!

Another great place for food, spirits and laughter is Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s located in Gulf Shores. A fun place to spend an evening is Live Bait. With fabulous cocktails and great music, you can sing along while sampling their unique appetizer menu. Oh, and don’t forget to get a tee shirt from each place y’all visit! What a great way to have a cool souvenir collection and remember one of the best weekends ever!

5) Visit the Spa

Who doesn’t like to be pampered sometimes, and what better time than when you’re with your favorite people? Spend the day having some of your favorite treatments done at The Beach Club Spa in Fort Morgan . They have a wonderful selection of everything from massages, facials and even hair services! To relax even further you may want to try out their Aromatherapy Stress Fix Massage. It features “Swedish and Deep Tissue massage with lavender infused auroras to calm the senses.” What a wonderful way to finish off your relaxing vacation! Locals love Austin Massage where you may find yourself melting into the table.

6) Stay in an amazing beach home

You don’t know where to stay? We can help with that! At Sunset Properties, we have just the perfect mini-vaca spot for you and all of your girlfriends! If youl want to stay together, we have the perfect beach home for you like SEA TURTLE and GOLDEN YONA that sleep 10-17 guests comfortably. If you’d like to reserve a penthouse condo for your girls weekend, check out Caribe C Penthouse 14. Talk about luxury!! Or, maybe you’d prefer an individual condo, but want to be in the same building. The Dunes and The Indies will probably be perfect for your group. The Dunes and Indies offer one, two, and three bedroom condos, so finding the perfect one shouldn’t be hard! All of our properties come with stocked kitchens, beautiful views, and comfy beds. Do you have that one bestie who simply cannot leave her fur baby at home? Not a problem! We have several homes that are pet friendly and allow dogs to stay with their owners! We even have a new condo called Pleasant Greens with a beautiful view of Kiva Dunes Golf Course! At Sunset Properties, we have a home for just about anyone!

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your girls weekend in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan with Sunset Properties! Go ahead, give us a call! We are ready to help you move your daydream into reality!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251-543-1370

March 3, 2022March 3, 2022

What the PEOPLE Are Saying About the Most Popular Rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan

By: Raven Hunter

If you’re new to the vacation rental game, or even if you’ve been at it for a while, you probably know what it’s like to be faced with dozens, maybe hundreds of rentals on any given website and have no idea which one fits best for your vacation. I know it can be time consuming and taxing combing through all of the options, ascertaining their amenities, and trying to fit each person’s interests to the perfect rental for your next beach vacation. That’s why I found the highest rated Sunset Properties rentals that had the most buzz in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan and figured out what previous guests liked so much about them to help you narrow down your search.

Gulf Shores – Lighthouse 607

Starting in Gulf Shores, Lighthouse 607 has an average rating of 4.5 stars, and people had the most to say about it in 36 glowing reviews. A recurring praise for this luxury rental was centered around the optimal space provided by the two bedrooms and bunkbed room. Each bedroom comes equipped with a king-sized bed, so whether you and your spouse are looking for room to spread out or you need some extra space to squeeze in a few of the kiddos, Lighthouse 607 has more than enough room. Multiple guests were excited about the bunkbed room having a door rather than a curtain because it kept noise out of the room after the kids had gone to bed. Enjoy some adult time and conversation with no fear of waking the kiddos after bedtime! Many guests testified to having big families stay in the rental or to their kids being able to bring friends and still stay comfortably. Lighthouse 607 is perfect for that big trip where everyone is invited!

In addition to space, Lighthouse 607 also comes with a lot of extras that renters thought made the stay worthwhile. Many people loved the jacuzzi tub in the master bath and access to the two large pools and two hot tubs. This rental offers means of relaxation for people of all ages! People were also impressed by the large balcony accessible from both the living room and the master bedroom. This amenity allowed for these guests to enjoy the equally praised view of the beach, which is just a boardwalk trip away from the rental. Flashlights, boogieboards, and nets are also included as extras, giving the kids and grownups every opportunity to make the most of the easy beach access. After the beach fun, Lighthouse 607 is ready and waiting for the renters to use the fully stocked kitchen and wind down with some of the rental’s family games! For those who don’t feel like cooking, iconic restaurants like Sea n Suds and the Hangout are right nearby!

If I’ve sold you on Lighthouse 607, you better hurry. Many renters stated that they would rent again, had already booked their next stay, or even extended their initial stay! People are rushing back to Lighthouse 607, so go ahead and place your dates while you have the chance!

Orange Beach – Grand Caribbean 215

One of Orange Beach’s most popular Sunset Properties rentals, Grand Caribbean 215, offers a relaxing getaway for families just looking for some calming time together at the beach. The trend in the twenty reviews placed on this rental is praise of the condo’s cleanliness and comfort. When people’s favorite thing about a rental is the atmosphere, you know you’ve got the perfect place to relax and unwind. The location of Grand Caribbean 215 furthers the opportunity for relaxation this rental offers as it’s right across the street from the access to Cotton Bayou State Park. Most guests were appreciative and impressed by this aspect, but one reviewer did express frustration of having to cross the street with a young child. If you have young children and don’t want to take your car to the beach, then you may want to consider one of Sunset Properties venues closer to the beach accesses. Otherwise, enjoy the crosswalk interlude to your rejuvenating experience in one of the most beautiful beaches Orange Beach has to offer.

Grand Caribbean’s location continues to minimize renters’ stress by being centrally located between grocery and shopping areas. Former guests were ecstatic about this feature, and it’s no question why! The last thing you need on a restful family vacation is to run out of or realize you’ve forgotten an essential and are miles from the nearest store. This rental was also praised for having an easy check-in/checkout process, so no front desk nightmares for these renters! The general consensus on Grand Caribbean 215 seems to be that it’s the perfect environment for much needed R&R.

Fort Morgan – Out of Office

As Sunset Properties’ top rated rental in Fort Morgan, Out of Office has provided past renters with everything necessary for family vacation fun! Almost every review praised the rental for close proximity to the water, and many people enjoyed walking on the pier to experience the local wildlife. One family even saw dolphins! A few renters also made use of the rental’s extra kayaks, taking beach fun to a whole new level. And, once the sun goes down, Out of Office also comes with crab traps! This rental offers everything necessary for families to enjoy beach time at any time of day.

When the beach becomes too much, Out of Office also comes equipped with extras for family fun that doesn’t involve even leaving the property. Former guests were thrilled with the grills and fully stocked kitchen with everything they needed for indoor or outdoor family mealtime. Renters also loved the board games and cornhole set up, so the fun just continues! However you and your crew kick back, Out of Office is where you want to be for your next family vacation.

In addition to all of these amenities, a common theme throughout reviews on all of these properties commended the Sunset Properties management for being friendly and attentive during the rental process. This stellar customer service is also on display in the review section of all of these rentals in management’s engaged replies to renters’ comments. Even on the rare occasion that there was a complaint, management was gracious and responsive. These renters know firsthand that there’s nothing to fear in turning to Sunset Properties for your next getaway, so click or call to start your journey with them today!

January 31, 2022January 31, 2022

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!

January 21, 2022January 21, 2022

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.

December 15, 2021December 15, 2021

There’s So Much To Do at Christmas at OWA!

At this point in the holiday season, many of us are approaching the dreaded Christmas vacation planning rush. You know the feeling. You’ve been too caught up in work or bills or whatever commands your attention this time of year to plan any fun Christmas trips or events, and then suddenly you look at the calendar and it’s mid-December. You rush to the computer to find something to do with your family this season as everyone’s off-time approaches, but everything you find has already been done, has already passed, or is too soon for you to have time to plan for it. Before you give up the ghost and spend your Christmas budget getting yourself a new computer, take a look at OWA’s website and browse the recurring events that Christmas at OWA has to offer all the way through the end of December.

OWA’s entertainment venues are split up into two main locations, the Park at OWA and Downtown OWA, and both places have holiday events and opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Here are just a few options to help you decide how to plan your itinerary for this year’s vacation!

The Park at OWA

The Park at OWA is an amusement park on the OWA property that offers super fun rides, challenging games, and delicious concessions for all ages! The park doesn’t offer many specific holiday events; however, the Last Chance Season Pass Sale runs from December 10-23. If you take advantage of this sale, you can gift your whole family with passes to the Park at OWA for the entire year of 2022 plus some bonus dates in December 2021! So, not only can your crew enjoy the park fun this year, but the gift just keeps on giving into the next.

Downtown OWA

If you’re looking for some exciting or chill events for your family to just enjoy together, then Downtown OWA has more than enough options to suit your vacation needs. If you’ve got kiddos, then you’re going to want to make a stop or several in the North Pole. I know, the North Pole in southern Alabama sounds a little far-fetched, but if you can get past the warm weather, you’ll have no shortage of holiday fun and memories to enjoy with the younglings.

First, take them over to Mrs. Claus’ Crafty Christmas to become Honorary Elves for the day! They’ll get the whole elf experience by baking cookies and decorating Christmas ornaments. Each child will get to keep an ornament for your tree and receive their own honorary elf certificate for your scrapbook, so you’ll walk away with plenty to commemorate this family vacation.

If you visit on a weekend, make sure to take the kids to Storytime with Santa’s Elves! This fifteen-minute story time will give you a chance to take a break and unwind in between your holiday adventures while you listen to Santa’s elves read some classic Christmas stories. The stories start at the top of the hour at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 23, so take the opportunity to get cozy with your kiddos at least once while you’re here. You may decide to go back a few times to hear other stories!

The North Pole at Downtown OWA also gives you the quintessential North Pole Experience with photos with Santa and Christmas crafts. Don’t miss this chance to build your holiday spirit!

Downtown OWA offers many other events for the family as well, like the Holiday Tree Show or the Tinsel Tones caroling. If all of this sounds too good to pass up, click on over to Sunset Properties to find one of the best rentals in Gulf Shores for you and your family to stay in, and let the holiday fun begin.

December 13, 2021December 13, 2021

2022 New Year’s Resolution You Can Keep: Make Your Mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast

With the new year rapidly approaching, many of our friends and guests are all deciding what resolutions they are going to make and the ones they intend to keep. Here along our Alabama Gulf Coast, we are in the same boat, so to speak, as you are (although we frequently fish off our boats, but that’s “a whole nother story” as we say). Are we going to lose weight, read more, take up a hobby or just spend more time with our families? Seems Covid robbed so much time from us all, family time is at the top of many of our lists. I have a suggestion, why not make your mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2022? We all want to leave our ‘mark’ somewhere without causing damage or harm, and here are five ways to do just that that range from temporary to a lifelong presence.

Write Your Name in the Sand

Leave Only Footprints is a phrase you’ll see all over while you’re visiting Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. This is a focused effort to keep our island as beautiful for tomorrow as it is today. We clean up after ourselves, don’t leave unsightly messes on our beautiful beaches, don’t graffiti up our walls, and we help each other out when we need to. But we all want to make a mark on our area, right? We want to let folks know we were here. And most of us want more than a headstone to make that statement. How about you? Want to make a mark on our island that no one will be unhappy with? We have a couple of ideas. One way is to write something in the sand. Just above the tide line, use your big toe and scribble something profound like “Jack loves Dianne” or “Killroy was here”. Or maybe just write your own name, the year, and circle it with a big heart take a quick Snap*, and you now have the best cover picture on Facebook*. With a Gulf front beach home managed by Sunset Properties, writing your name in the sand is so easy, you can create a new one every day. Check out Boardwalk 1085, Castaways 3B or Carpe Diem for amazing opportunities to step right out of your beach vacation home and write your name in the sand. The views inside these units are pretty nice, too. I am thinking you’ll find more than one opportunity to share pictures on Facebook!

Hang A Dollar at the Flora Bama

Another way to leave your mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast is to write your name on a dollar bill and hang it on the wall at the Flora-Bama. Have you ever been to the World Famous Flora-Bama? If you have, you already know what a cool place it is. If you haven’t, you’re definitely missing out. In spite of what you may have heard, The Flora-Bama is a family friendly place each day until 6:00 PM, then, at 6:00 it becomes an adult hangout. If you haven’t yet signed your name on a dollar bill and hung it on the wall at this great American Roadhouse located on the Alabama-Florida state line, you should put that on your 2022 resolution list. And, if you’re looking for a great place to stay near the Florida-Alabama line, you should check out Caribe B Penthouse 4. This amazing penthouse condominium is any beach vacationer’s dream home! It sits high above the back bays of Orange Beach and is only minutes from the Flora-Bama. This condo is family friendly and there is so much to do on the Caribe property. If writing your name in the sand is still on your list, you’ll find easy access to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico about two minutes away. Gulf State Park’s Alabama Point is almost right across Perdido Beach Boulevard from The Caribe. Whether you’re planning to make your mark on a beach covered in sugar white sand or write your name on a dollar and hang it on a wall (or both!), we’ve got the perfect beach home ready for you!

Sign the Guestbook at the Welcome Center

There are two Welcome Centers nearby. The Gulf Shores Welcome Center is located on Gulf Shores Parkway across from The Track. Beautifully constructed and filled with brochures containing tons of local information and some of the best Southern Hospitality you’ll find this side of Birmingham, the Welcome Center in Gulf Shores is definitely worth a look. Stop in, sign the guestbook, meet someone nice and find out all about our island. There is a second welcome center in Orange Beach. Located on Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach, the Orange Beach Welcome Center is equally as inviting as its sister property in Gulf Shores. Making your mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast is as easy as signing a guest registry. But, while you’re inside these centers, be sure to pick up a few rack cards and make a family plan that includes visiting some place new. Each year, new business and attractions come to our area. We are sure that while you’re in our welcome centers, you will discover something new to do!

Get a Library Card

Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to amazing libraries. The Thomas B. Norton Library is located at 221 West 19th Avenue in Gulf Shores. This is near the intracoastal bridge. This library is as modern as they come and library cards for visitors to our island paradise are easy to get. If you need to use a desktop computer, get a copy made or want to borrow one of the latest best sellers, the good folks at Thomas B. Norton Library can fix you right up. If your vacation home is Colony Club M6 be sure to stop by the library in Gulf Shores and sign your name to a library card application. You’re not only staying close to lots of retail opportunities, but you’re only about five minutes away from some amazing opportunities you can find only at a library! But, what if you’re staying in Orange Beach at Phoenix I 1083 and you don’t want to drive to Gulf Shores? No problem! The Orange Beach Public Library located at 26267 Canal Road in Orange Beach offers library services second to none in our state. For years, this library has excelled in offering programs and services for the whole family. So, go ahead, make your mark on our island by getting yourself one of the best souvenirs around: a library card!

Buy Your Own Piece of Paradise

For years, each of us traveled down here to the Alabama Gulf Coast on vacation and said, “one of these days, I’m gonna get my own place here.” Well, “one of these days” came for us, and it can for you, too! There are a variety of properties available to purchase year round and we at Sunset Properties are not just in the rental management/vacation home business, we are in the “let us help you buy your vacation home” business, too! The process is easy really. We learn as much as we can about our clients, then we keep our eyes and ears open and help them find and buy the exact right beach home. What better way to make your mark on our area than to sign your name to a deed and actually own your own personal piece of paradise? I’ll tell you: none! Become a local! Make that a resolution in 2022! It’s as simple as reaching out to us and allowing us to find you your perfect place. All that’s left after the paperwork is done, is your signature. So go ahead, make a plan to make your mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2022 by buying yourself a beach home. And, if you choose to use a rental program to help you with expenses, we are absolutely ready to help you do that, too!

There are truly many ways you can make your own mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2022, either as a guest or a parttime or fulltime resident. At Sunset Properties, we are always happy to see our guests come visit us, but when they become our neighbors, we really celebrate! It’s time to make our resolutions for 2022, and we hope you’ll put us on your list. Go ahead, make your mark on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and let us help you do it the right way! See you soon! Happy New Year from all of us at Sunset Properties.

251.543.1370

info@sunsetproperties.com

www.sunsetproperties.com

November 17, 2021November 17, 2021

Reasons to Head to Gulf Shores, Alabama for Your Thanksgiving Vacation

Thanksgiving seems to be one of those holidays that has unique implications for every family that celebrates it. For some, it means piling in the car to traverse to a large family get together, for others it’s an intimate dinner at home with family or friends, and for many it’s an annual rotation of all of the above. But what if we could take Thanksgiving outside of the home and intermix the best of both beach vacation time and family holiday time? Well, fortunately, Sunset Properties and businesses out in Gulf Shores, Alabama are working to make this possible! Give me a chance to tell you why mixing up your traditions (and possibly creating some new ones) could be exactly what your family needs this holiday season!

Possibility for Cost Distribution

You’ve probably looked at some of Sunset Properties’ larger luxury homes and thought, “That’s nice, but not a chance on our budget.” I can’t speak to your personal budget, but I can say that costs can be mitigated by sharing them with your family. How long has it been since everyone in your family got to be together on the holiday? Probably since you all had your own families, right?! It’s just so hard nowadays to find times that everyone’s available all at once, and you never know when you’re going to be able to afford that big vacation. But, if everyone in the clan can squeeze a few days off for Thanksgiving weekend, the kids will already be out of school and every family unit can split the cost of the flat rate to lessen the financial burden on everyone. Take advantage of some of Sunset Properties’ 15+ guest rentals and grab some family vacation time that’s kind to everyone’s expense budget!

Less Pressure

Now that we’ve established that vacationing in a Sunset Properties rental in Gulf Shores could allow for more people to be included at a lower price, we can also figure that this destination could alleviate the stress of other aspects of the holiday, too! For example, you no longer have to worry about hosting anyone in your house. Now, instead of making up a map of where everyone is going to sleep and having arm wrestles for who gets the floor, you can let everyone choose their rooms and move on to vacation fun! Many Sunset Properties rentals also come with fully-stocked kitchens, so you’ll have everything you need to tag team your family Thanksgiving feast! And, since it’s not anyone’s personal kitchen, there will be no worries about letting someone else use your favorite skillet or mixer. It’s new territory for everyone, so let the different family units come together and blaze a new pathway to your favorite part of the holiday.

To take even more of the pressure off, The Hangout offers an option for people who don’t feel like cooking to enjoy all that a traditional southern Thanksgiving dinner has to offer! The Hangout is hosting Thanksgiving Dinner on November 25 from 11 am to 4 pm. Adults eat for $29.99, kids 5-10 eat for $14.99, and your little ones under 5 will eat for free! This event offers reserved time slots for families to enjoy delicious Thanksgiving delicacies with a little bit of Gulf Shores flair. Register today to reserve your slot and add some seaside spice to this year’s Thanksgiving meal.

You Can Still Enjoy the Beach!

I know most people don’t associate winter weather with walking out on the beach, feeling the cooler air blow in from the gulf, but hear me out here. In Alabama, it doesn’t really get as cold as it does in more northern parts of the country. We’re generally lucky if it stays in the mid 60’s for more than a few days at a time by late November. So, even if you’re not wanting to get in the somewhat chilly water, you and your family can still enjoy a nice walk with a beautiful view, and the kiddos can build sand castles (or sandmen!) as a memorable pastime. Gulf Shores beaches are open all year, so don’t miss the opportunity while you’re down here for your family Thanksgiving get together!

As you can see, there are many benefits to meeting up with your family on Gulf Shores gorgeous coast this Thanksgiving. Don’t wait! Those luxury rentals won’t stay open forever, so secure your spot this Thanksgiving weekend for unforgettable family memories on the most beautiful beaches in the Emerald Coast.

July 12, 2021

What to do if a Hurricane Threatens Your Gulf Shores Vacation Fun

Now that the Alabama Gulf Coast is open for business and we are all rebounding from last year’s pandemic closures, we know you are ready to book your beach vacation getaway or flexcation soon! Your friends at Sunset Properties want you to make the most of your beach vacation experience. We want you and your family to enjoy all the great restaurants and attractions available here on our Alabama Gulf Coast. We want you to dip your toes in the welcoming waters of the salty Gulf of Mexico and enjoy listening to the seagulls chatter and watching the dolphins play in our back bays of Orange Beach. We want you to enjoy walking on our sugary sandy white beaches in front of the Hangout in Gulf Shores. We hope you get to go boating and fishing and parasailing in Mobile Bay, if those things appeal to you. But we also want you to be prepared just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Here are some tips on What to do if a hurricane threatens your vacation fun in Gulf Shoes, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan:

Know where you are

Keeping up with exactly where you are on a map is so important. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico tropical weather, whether you’re dealing with a tropical storm or a hurricane, may not affect all parts of the Gulf Coast with the same severity. What can be considered a major storm in one area of the Northern Gulf can be little more than a rain event just a few miles away. Know where your vacation home is in relation to any severe weather that may be in the expected or affecting the Northern Gulf Coast. Just because there is tropical weather in The Gulf of Mexico doesn’t necessarily mean your vacation has to be altered. Sometimes, all it means is there is no swimming allowed in The Gulf for a day or so due to rip currents/tides. And if that’s the case, you will still have a great time staying with Sunset Properties. Most of our vacation homes have pools either right on site or only a short walk away.

Know exactly what you’re dealing with

Tropical weather can appear in several different forms. The ones that seem to catch our ears here on the Alabama Gulf Coast are tropical storms and hurricanes. What’s the difference? As defined by www.weather.gov a tropical storm is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph (34 to 63 knots). And a hurricane is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds of 74 mph or greater (64 knots or greater). Both usually only last a day or so. It’s the strength of a storm that determines whether our island roads and businesses remain cautiously open or have to close temporarily for safety. While no one likes to deal with tropical weather, knowing what you’re dealing with will make things more manageable. And understanding that when authorities determine the situation is severe enough to ask residents and guests to leave or delay returning to our island home, we all must comply.

Be weather aware

Weather reports are often available a week or so out and it’s a good idea to check out our local weather within a couple of weeks of your arrival. Not only will this help you plan what to bring to wear, but it can give you an idea if severe weather is possible or likely during your vacation. While we love to say it’s always “sunny and 75 here” sometimes, we have to admit, it’s neither sunny nor seventy-five. We urge you to get a weather app for your phone that will allow you to not only track out local weather here in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, but will also allow you to get alerts that follow you while you’re in our neighborhood. Sometimes the weather at The Dunes near Fort Morgan is perfectly sunny under breezy blue skies, while the weather in Gulf Shores at Lighthouse 607 or Harbor House 30 can be rainy and over in Orange Beach, at Seaside Beach and Racquet 2104 or Caribe C Penthouse 14, they may be looking at the brightest rainbow in memory.

Buy travel insurance

When you book with Sunset Properties, long before you check in to Navy Cove 2113 or Hangar Outer, we will offer you the option to purchase travel insurance. Get it. Go ahead and purchase the insurance. You insure everything else important in your life, why would you not insure your vacation? This is the one big leisure expense you saved for and planned on all year. Make a small investment in travel insurance and guarantee yourself a financially secure vacation. For details on all the different travel insurance options, take a look at our blog detailing reasons you really do need this.

Develop a Plan B

All business savvy folks have a Plan B, just in case Plan A falls through. Great vacation planners do this, as well. We cannot overstress the importance of purchasing travel insurance. You save all year for your beach vacation; the kids are so excited and hyped up; you have your four legged baby all vaccinated and ready to roll, then you realize the weather will just not cooperate with your plans. If you cannot check into your vacation rental because it is simply not available, check with Sunset Properties about rescheduling for a different date. Call as soon as you know you cannot arrive on time! Do not delay notifying our staff with this request. With some restrictions, this may be an option. Also, try not to get fixated on only one of our great properties. Be sure to look at all of our inventory, just in case you have to change your beach home address. While this may never happen to you, and we sincerely hope it doesn’t, it is always good to have your Plan B in place. After all, no one likes an unfamiliar, unexpected vacation surprise. Book your favorite home, but go ahead and take a look at all we have available, and decide which of our amazingly family and dog friendly beach homes could be your second or third choice.

Expect the unexpected

Expect the unexpected and plan for it. No one likes that guy Murphy who has all those gloom and doom (if-it-can-go-wrong—it-will-go-wrong) “laws” and we are convinced he is related to Mayhem, because he seems to pop up at the most inopportune times. We don’t like him and most of our guests don’t care much for him either. But there’s no harm in preparing for the worst. While none of us can stop a hurricane or a tropical storm, we can at least prepare. And tropical weather or not, it is always a good idea to throw in a rain poncho when you’re coming to your beach home. While it doesn’t rain all day every day during the summer months along the Alabama Gulf Coast, it usually rains for a few minutes, most days. Be prepared for afternoon showers as you enjoy your stay with us. Ponchos and flip-flops are totally normal in our neighborhood!

Understand your cancellation or rescheduling options

We know that sometimes you just have to cancel or reschedule your vacation. Things come up. While we do our best to accommodate our guests and make changing plans as easy as possible, we hope our guests will do their part, as well. Ask your reservationist for specifics on rescheduling your trip if the need arises. Know your options. There may be fees associated with this and the property you were initially hoping for may or may not be available for your new dates. Get all the details when you make your initial booking. We, at Sunset Properties, are only a click or call away and we will be happy to help you understand all of the options that are available to you when you make your reservation.

Consider changing your destination city

If vacation home choices in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan become unavailable during your scheduled time, how about considering visiting an alternative location? Sunset Properties also has a lovely vacation home in Park City, Utah. While Park City is obviously a long, long way from the Alabama Gulf Coast, our vacation home Silver Saddles is as spectacular a home as you have come to expect from us. It is a three bedroom, three and a half bath 2,000 square foot ground floor condo located in this beautiful mountain resort area. Vacations in Park City, in both summer and winter, are memorable! Rescheduling your summer trip away from the Gulf of Mexico and visiting Park City, located about thirty miles from Salt Lake City, Utah, may just be one of the best vacation decisions you and your family ever make!

If you have questions or need suggestions on what to do while you’re staying with us on the Alabama Gulf Coast, check out or blog on Romantic Things to Do in Gulf Shores or Things to do With Your Kids in Gulf Shores. We live, work and play right here in beautiful south Alabama and we would love to offer suggestions on how to make the most of your time in our area. And if a summer stay in the stunning Utah mountains appeals to you, we can help you get your Park City vacation set up, also! See you soon!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370