Indies 410 – The Perfect Condo For a Crowd

A quiet secluded beach paradise! Relax and let warm ocean breezes surround you in our beautiful three bedroom three bath condo. We have a heated pool

Living Room 410

and are only a short walk to the beach. You will be amazed by the beautiful sunsets and ocean views from your wrap-around deck. The peaceful memory that will stay with you forever will be the long walks on sugar sandy beaches. No crowds, just privacy and family fun. Come swim in the pool or the Gulf of Mexico and come back from your vacation rejuvenated. This great Condo has wireless internet access and unlimited long distance too! At the marina across the street you will be able to book a charter boat for the fishing

King in master bed in 410

trip of a lifetime or just to buy bait to fish off the piers. You can have your fresh catch grilled or fried at the Tacky Jacks restaurant located at the marina. There is also a convenience store for your convenience.

The condo has one of the largest living areas  you can have in a condo.  The 3 Bedroom ,  Bath condo is great for a crowd.  The master bedroom has a King size bed and a bath that includes a garden tub and a stand in shower.

Bedroom 2 Twins 410

The second bedroom has a queen size bed.  The bath attached to this room has a stand in shower.  The third bedroom has 2 twin beds and the bathroom is shared with the living area. There is a shower bath combo for this bathroom.  This condo also has a sleeper sofa for a couple of extra friends.
*This property rents by the week (7 nights arriving Saturday)from March until September, This is a Saturday only check-in during these months..Please call with questions before booking a shorter stay. Queen Bedroom

Indies 604 the perfect spot for your family!!!!

Imagine your vacation with the entire family in a high end condo overlooking the Gulf. This awesome condo has three bedrooms and two baths. The master bedroom has a luxurious king bed and

private bath with a garden tub. You also have a private entrance to the balcony from the master bedroom. There is also a queen bed and two twins;

sectional has a pull out queen sleeper sofa. Designer fabrics and custom bedding and drapes make every room beautiful and comfortable for each member of the family. Professionally decorated upscale furnishings everything needed for a comfy and plush stay including feather and

down bedding and pillows (same as Ritz Carlton Pillows). There are T. V.’s and DVD’s in all rooms. We provide a few games, movies and books. The kitchen is fully stocked. There is a table that seats 6 and a 3 more spaces at the bar just in case some friends stop by. Oh and if you want to eat out on the balcony there is a table for 4 to enjoy the sunset or just enjoy the view of the dolphin playing just off shore! This condo has a washer and dryer in the unit. There are also all small and large appliances in the condo as well so you will have everything you need to make some great meals for your family and friends. There are two grills located to the west of the Indies building for your

outdoor cooking enjoyment. Golf lovers will enjoy Golf at one of the many professional and challenging courses in the area. The top area attraction of course is the famous white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico which are only about 300 yards from your condo. Once you put your toes in this special sand no other beach will be able to compare.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

Plaza West And Sassy Bass The one Stop Shop for All You Need!

Beach Supplies
Beach Supplies

Plaza West the little shopping center about 3 miles to the east of The Dunes Community. This little plaza has always been a staple of our community but recently it has changed hands and lots of new improvements have been made!!! We are excited to announce That the store still has all you need as far as emergency items and missing meal necessities. They also have tons of new souvenir items. A new sandwich shop in the back makes Plaza West the place to stop and shop in Fort Morgan.

Souvineers
Souvenirs

Where you can get all your necessities and some great food. Sassy Bass moved into Plaza West about a year ago and they have been a great addition to the Fort Morgan Community. Not only do they off great food at all different times of the day they also encourage and support local musicians at weekly Jam sessions. Earlier this year the owners of Sassy Bass bought out the former owners of the convenience and liquor stores located in Plaza West and have improved them for all of our visitors.
A common question asked of me is where can we go shopping nearby? I typically tell people how to get the souvenir shops in Gulf Shores and the Tanger Outlet Malls. Now I can send our visitors just 3 miles down the road to Plaza West. They have a new beautiful variety of T- shirts, and beach towels

Beautiful T-Shirts
Beautiful T-Shirts

for those looking for traditional souvenirs. For the more unusual and artistic collectables this is still the place to look they have a beautiful selection of serving dishes and statues of your favorite beach creature. Don’t forget to let the kids come pick their choice of mementos. They can pick from games and puzzles to just about anything depicting our beloved sea turtles. You don’t have to travel 20 miles or more to find the perfect reminder of your trip.
If you are looking for the makings of an evening cocktail or just a beer to take to the beach. The plaza West Liquor store has everything you need. You name your drink and the helpful staff will point you in the direction of what you need. Do you need a suggestion for a great tropical drink? They can certainly help you there as well, just ask!!! Don’t forget you ID when coming to shop for that special drink the staff checking you out will not forget to ask!

Great choices!
Great choices!

The newest addition to Plaza West is a sandwich shop. This little sandwich shop is located in the back. Stop in on your way in to your vacation rental and pick up sandwiches for dinner or grab your favorite sandwiches to take down to the beach. This newest addition will certainly add ease to your trip and get everyone just what they are looking for.
Plaza West was always first and foremost the home of a great convenience store. Weather you need basic kitchen supplies, missing food items, something to protect you from or help you on your way to healing after a sunburn or some basic medication for any not feeling so great Plaza west has it. They have all these thing and so much more. Including all you may need for a fishing trip or and adventure hunting for crabs or keeping an eye out for sea Turtles at night on the beach.
Like I said Plaza West is the place to go for all you may need on your beach trip. Be sure to try Sassy Bass for a great meal any time of the day! We are so excited about the new additions and changes to our local conveniences.

Are You Ready for Some Good Old American Fun???

American Fun is ideal for any family vacation.  This is a great two story house, close to the Dunes Community Pool. There is plenty of room for the family in this 1,600 Sq Ft 3 bedroom, 3 bath duplex. As you enter the house you will notice the spacious living room

Living Room
Living Room

with ocean colored walls and modern furniture. The couch is a sleeper sofa for those friends or kiddos that join at the last minute. The adjoined dining area has a table for 6 with additional seating at the kitchen bar. The fully stocked, fully equipped kitchen with full size appliances is perfect for cooking your favorite seafood dishes at meal time.

lavender room
lavender room

The floors are tiled throughout except for the bedrooms. Right off of the kitchen is the “lavender” room that has a King size bed and access to a bathroom shared with the common area. Upstairs to the left is the kid’s room with a bunk bed that has a twin on top and a full bed on bottom and a full private bath. The Gulf facing Master bedroom has a King bed with its own private bath as well as access to a balcony.  This balcony gives you a great view of the gulf just past the house across the street.  This is the perfect place to watch the sunset with your sweetie. Each room has

kids room
kids room

its own TV.  This home sleeps up to 9 total including the sleeper sofa.  Only a few minutes walk from the beach and the subdivision pool this house is set up for a fantastic family vacation!  This house also has underneath parking.  As a guest of the Dunes

Master Bed Room
Master Bed Room

Community, you have access to the Dunes Community pool and hot tub as well as the Dunes Condo pool, hot tub, sauna, and work out facility. This home does not have internet access. This house rents from Saturday to Saturday during the spring and summer, but is available for shorter stays outside of these times. Give us a call for pricing on less than weekly stays!

Come visit the historic Fort Morgan, Alabama and enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico–Fort Morgan is located a short drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Hangout Music Fest 2014!

Sand, surf, and sick tunes! Get ready for the Hangout Music Fest 2014!

Instead of cranking up your iPod while you lay around on the beach by yourself, imagine spending the weekend rocking out LIVE with The Black Keys, The Killers, Outkast, Jack Johnson, The Avett Brothers, The Flaming Lips, Wiz Khalifa, Zedd, Childish Gambino, Amos Lee, Tegan and Sara, Capital Cities, Fitz and the Tantrums, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Ingrid Michaelson, and tons of your other favorite groups!  At the Hangout Music Fest, you can do all that and more.

Featuring some of today’s hottest artists performing on the gorgeous white beaches of Gulf Shores, AL, the Hangout Music Fest is three days of awesome live music that brings more than 35,000 beach bums and music lovers together for a weekend of dancing and soaking up the sun. You can eat, drink, dance, sing, and hang out while awesome bands rock your flip-flops off! Tickets sell out quick, so go online today to get your weekend passes for May 16th – May 18th.

Tara at HangoutThe Hangout Music Fest is in the heart of Gulf Shores, so you’re walking distance to bars, restaurants, and shops. Between shows, you can take a break for a bite to eat, grab some more sunscreen at Alvin’s Island, pick up beach towels at Surf Style, or check out one of the beachfront bars. If you couldn’t possibly peel yourself from the music, stick around the festival grounds. You’ll find plenty to eat (including vegan and vegetarian grub) and drink at the bars and snack stands along the beach.

Soak up the sun, keep your feet in the sand, and spend the weekend partying with your friends and favorite bands at this one-of-a-kind music festival! For the weekend’s full lineup, go here.

What should I bring?

SUNSCREEN! The last thing you want to do is spend the weekend looking (and feeling) like a cooked lobster! Don’t forget blankets, beach towels, your camera, and an empty water bottle or Camelbak for refilling over the weekend.

Where should I stay?

We have tons of awesome condos and beach houses for rent with access to indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, grills, and of course, the beach! If you want to party all day and relax or get away from the crowds at night, check out our rentals here!

 

More Hangout Music Fest info:

 

General Admission $229

  • 3 day festival access
  • 6 stages of music
  • Re-entry all weekend

 

VIP $999

VIP viewing areas at 2 stages

Access to Thursday Night Kickoff Party

Private AC bathrooms

VIP swimming pools

Shaded VIP Grove

Complimentary snacks & drinks

Complimentary beer, spirits & win

 

Super VIP $1,599

All VIP amenities

Meals by celebrity chefs

AC dining room

Elevated viewing area with hot tubs at main stage

Golf cart transportation at Festival Concierge Service

 

For more info about the Hangout Music Fest, go to hangoutmusicfest.com.

 

Bird Banding Spring 2014, Brings a Special New Arrival!!!

As you may know birds are a BIG part of our lives in this area.  The Alabama Gulf Coast is a critical stopover point as migratory birds return from Central and South America. The bird banding station opens before dawn each day and; operations usually cease between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., depending on the flow of birds.

Hummingbird up close

Bring a lawn chair, binoculars and inquisitive mind but leave the pets at home. No fee for observing the bird banding, but there is a small entrance fee for entering the Fort property.  We try to participate in the banding activities each year at least once in the Spring and Fall.   We have our share of Bird adventures here at Sunset Properties each season rescuing birds that just exhausted from their journey or flown into our office or the buildings we manage somehow.  This last season we had a Cardinal, a Thrush and a Humming bird in our office.

To get more information about the Spring Bird Banding events you can contact.  https://www.hummingbirdsplus.org

Admission to Fort is charged. Banding is FREE.

Apr 5, 2014

Soar
Soar

Other Dates: 4/6/2014, 4/7/2014, 4/8/2014, 4/9/2014, 4/10/2014, 4/11/2014, 4/12/2014, 4/13/2014

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan, 51 State Highway 180 West, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

 

The Specials Arrival is a BALD EAGLE BABY!!!!  This baby is in Gulf State Park, although its exact location is kept secret for its protection.  The Park’s naturalist Kelly Reetz and her husband Roger Reetz provided some wonderful information about Bald Eagles for all you! I have seen its parents soaring through out the area.  It is a beautiful sight to see in our quiet area.

 Watch Duty
Watch Duty

 

Bald eagles may have numbered half a million in the U.S. prior to European settlers

The Bald Eagle is found only in North America, generally in coastal areas or near large inland lakes and rivers that have abundant fish and shores with large trees. Bald Eagles are usually seen soaring on flat wings, flying with strong, slow wing beats, or perching in trees adjacent to water. They are opportunistic feeders – scavengers at times, predators at others. When scavenging, they are often seen on the ground or on the bank of a river or other body of water. Sometimes they steal food from other raptors. When hunting, they swoop down to the

Feeding time
Feeding time

water or ground with feet thrust forward to snatch their prey. The undersides of eagle’s feet are rough, and keep the fish from slipping from the eagle’s grasp.

Eagles can fly up to 40 m.p.h. and can dive at speeds up to 100 m.p.h.

They can live 30 years or more in the wild.

Male bald eagles are smaller than females.  Same is true for most raptors.

Eagles mate for life and return to same nesting territory year after year. Each year, they add more material to the same nest making it larger.  The world record nest: 9 feet across, 20 feet deep, and weighed over 2000 pounds!

Baby Bald Eagle
Baby Bald Eagle

Incubation ~ 35 days and both the male and female incubate the eggs.

1 – 3 young are hatched and usually fledge (leave nest) after 10 – 12 weeks. They will stay around the parents to learn hunting, and flying skills.

Bald eagles develop the characteristic white head and tail feathers by 4 – 6 years of age.

When they are 2 – 4 years old, they are referred to as the “Dirty mechanic” phase because of the sporadic white feathers that don’t follow a set pattern.

Baby Close Up
Baby Close Up

Bald eagles had not nested in Alabama since 1949, so the Bald Eagle Restoration Project began in 1984.  As part of this project, 91 juvenile eagles were released between 1985-1991.  Since Eagles will nest in the area where they learn to fly, this project successfully reintroduced eagles to Alabama.  According to DCNR counts in 2006, Alabama had 77 nests confirmed statewide! Now, there are over 100 nests statewide (confident estimate). Winter count last year estimates between 700 to 1000 eagles wintering here!

On June 28, 2007 the Interior Department took the Bald Eagle off the endangered species list! However, they are still under protection from the “Migratory Bird Treaty Act” and the “Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act”.

Source: www.outdooralabama.com

Thank you Kelly and Roger Reetz and Alabama Gulf State Park for all of your help!

 

Blue Dolphy West, Where Your Best Vacation Ever Starts!!!

Make this year’s vacation the one you talk about for years to come!!! It all starts on the comfortably spacious front deck.

Front Deck View
Front Desk View

This deck is a great outdoor area for family meals or afternoon relaxation. As you walk in the front door, you will find a cozy living area which creates a relaxing comfortable vacation retreat.

King Size Bed
King Size Bed

This beautiful home sleeps up to 12 so you can bring the entire family and maybe even a friend or two. The master bedroom with its comfy king size bed and warm tropical colors, large garden tub, and freestanding shower, is a private getaway within this beach house. The double sink vanity and large walk-in closet are just a bonus for the lucky guests in the master bedroom.

Queen Bedroom
Queen Bedroom

The first floor queen bedroom also has warm and inviting colors with bedding that mimics the beautiful scenery that is just out the front door.

Living and dining areas
Living and dining areas

With a full bath attached, this is another great room for a couple, just want to get away for a bit.  The first floor also features the fully stocked kitchen and living room, with plenty of seating for everyone, whether it’s time to eat or time to relax.

Bunk Room
Bunk Room

Out the front door you have beautiful view of the beach and the water only 200 yards walking distance on the quiet Dunes Subdivision roads.  It is only a 5 minute walk to the beach or you can even drive it you are carrying lots of things.  The parking is first come first serve!  Also, keep in mind as a guest of Sunset Properties you can call for the golf cart shuttle during the summer busy season.  The shuttle runs from 9 until 5 and will pick you up and take you back to your home away from home.

Queen Bed
Queen Bed

Up the stairs to the right you will find a room with 2 sets of colorful bunk beds and flat screen TV, a perfect spot for the kiddos. Down the hall is another bedroom with a Queen sized bed and a view of the Gulf.  The two upstairs bedrooms share a full bath.

https://www.sunsetproperties.com/Rentals/7/Fort-Morgan-Beach-House-Blue-Dolphy-West/
This is a great duplex that is 3rd tier in THE DUNES Subdivision.  It is a spacious floor plan with a very large living room and kitchen. This house has wireless internet and also a nice shaded wooden picnic table on the ground level deck area under the house.  As a guest of the Dunes Community, you have access to two pools (Community and Dunes Condo), two hot tubs, a dry heat sauna, and a work out facility.  Give us a call to book: 251-543-1370.  THIS IS A PET FRIENDLY PROPERTY.  If you are bringing a dog you must call to book.

 Picnic Table Under House
Picnic Table Under House

Dunesberry is Where Your Fun Begins

Dunesberry This great 2 story beach duplex is about a block from the water and has ample space, 1,600 Sq. Ft., 10ft. Ceilings, and 3 bedrooms with private bathrooms for each.  Bright beachy colors and art work are throughout this property.  The owner is a professional artist whose work can be seen on the walls and cabinetry. The homes location is just a few doors down from the pool in the Dunes Subdivision and a short walk to the beach.  Dunesberry is only 150 yards from the water’s edge through a beautiful beach community.  The main rooms have tile floors while the bedrooms have carpet. The main floor bedroom shares the bath with the living room. This bedroom has two sets of bunk beds enough for 4 little ones. The second floor has two bedrooms each with their own bath. The master bedroom has a King size bed and a small TV, the other bedroom has a full size bed also with a small TV. This home comfortably sleeps 8.

There are private decks off the living room and master bedroom.  From these private decks you have a view of the beach between houses across the street or off to the west towards the end of the island.

You can certainly see the sunset from the decks.  From this vantage point you not only see the beautiful wildlife on the beach but also the unique animals that make their home in our sand Dunes.  We have had guests see red foxes, coyotes, and bob cats from this house’s deck.  Of course all of those mentioned above and beautiful aquatic wildlife can bee seen on our beaches.  Keep an eye out for dolphin, manta rays, sea turtles, pelicans, sea gulls and bald eagles while you enjoy your stay in fort Morgan.  This home does offer wireless internet. It has underneath parking and even has an outdoor shower! Guests love to walk or ride their bikes across the street to the marina for lunch or dinner or for a charter fishing trip.

The historical Ft. Morgan is just a mile away. Dunesberry rents from Saturday to Saturday during the Spring and Summer but it is available for shorter stays outside of these times. Give us a call for pricing on less than weekly stays! THIS IS A PET FRIENDLY PROPERTY. If you are bringing a dog you must call to book over the phone.

Brick and Spoon, “A Must Try” Orange Beach Restaurant!

I had heard Brick and Spoon was a great place to go and it was on my list, but last week my boss insisted that me and a few staff members go and try this fantastic restaurant! So, Alex, Jane and I left a little early one morning and met at Brick and Spoon. This lovely new restaurant is located on the north side of Canal Road in Orange Beach just a few miles past The Wharf.

We walked in to a clean and simple atmosphere Black furniture highlighted by a single bright flower at each table and the bar partially partitioned from the rest of the restaurant with black plantation shutters from floor to ceiling. The wall size mural and big open windows make the restaurant open and inviting. It reminded me a bit of an English pub atmosphere.

This restaurant has unusual hours for one near the beach. It is only open from 7 until 3 in the afternoon. Their motto is “We’re serving a complete, high-quality southern experience for those who want accessible, affordable alfresco dining.” We were greeted by Eric the owner at the front door and he introduced us to our server and took us to our seat, he joined us later to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and our food. He told us little about his preparation to get ready to open.

He and the staff cooked everything on the menu for a little over a month to get the food perfect before their opening. They opened in July of last year and have been going strong ever since. Currently they offer live music on Sunday during brunch.

Let me get to the food!!! Their menu is a Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Menu with a great list of yummy cocktails and made to order Bloody Mary’s. I stuck with my traditional cup of Hot Tea for breakfast but my co-workers tried the made to order Bloody Mary, and a Mimosa.

The Brick and Spoon specializes in Bloody Mary’s with an entire menu dedicated to ordering your perfect drink! Alex made hers have a peppered rim, with Tabasco, horseradish, a dill pickle spear, a blue cheese stuffed olive, pickled green beans, a piece of smoked sausage, and a cheddar cheese cube. Jane’s mimosa looked wonderfully fruity.

Each of us ordered something to our liking and each order came with a side. I chose breakfast tacos made from a fried wonton shell scrambled eggs, chorizo, lettuce sour crème, cheddar cheese and Pomme frites, and the best mango salsa I have ever tasted. I chose to have fresh fruit on the side, simple and beautiful fresh grapes, and melon. This is my new favorite breakfast in town folks!!!

Jane had Chicken Florentine Eggs Benedict. This is grilled chicken on an English Muffin with creamed spinach, garlic, poached eggs and the house hollandaise. All of our meals were large enough to bring some home but Jane was the only one who actually brought home leftovers this day. I like my eggs a little more done than what Jane likes but her meal still looked wonderful with her mimosa and a side of fruit.

Alex had a Ham and 3 cheese omelet! This meal included her omelet which had ham, smoked Gouda,Jack and Cheddar cheeses, with grits on the side. Alex enjoyed her Bloody Mary with her omelet meal. Over all were all more than satisfied we were thrilled with our wonderful meals and even bought a treat to everyone else at the office.

The office enjoyed Beignets with blackberry creme in the middle. They were being fought over by our Maintenance staff and bosses. Next time I need to get a few more! This is a don’t miss restaurant, plan a day in orange beach and enjoy “The Brick and Spoon.”

Come Enjoy Some Dancing in The Rain

We have added several new homes to our rental pool this season and Dancing in the Rain is the largest of those new additions.  Dancing in the Rain is the other side of Bama Breeze a popular five bedroom, three and a half bath home on the southeast side of Sandy Lane.  Dancing in the Rain is also 5 bedroom 3.5 baths and it sleeps up to 14 people.  This home is three stories of beach fun and comfort.  Each room is bright and colorful with a tropical theme.   When you walk into the front door of our vacation home we want you to feel right at home. You’ll see a beautiful, tropical, great room area with plenty of comfortable seating.

The living room has a queen pull-out sofa, loveseat, large chair with ottoman, and additional chairs for extra seating. You’ll also find a large TV, DVD player, VCR, stereo, movies, and books. The dining area has a large table and a bar with seating for up to 12. There’s a fully equipped kitchen with everything you will need for those meals you might want to prepare if you decide to stay in.

Service for up to 12. This level has the master bedroom with a king bed, TV, and large private bath. You’ll also find the half bath and laundry room on this level. The main level deck is just out the back door, complete with plenty of seating and tables for the whole group. Here you’ll find a gorgeous view of the Gulf of Mexico and the neighborhood turtle habitat. Take the staircase up to the second level where you’ll find another three bedrooms with queen beds and TVs, and two full baths.

There’s a balcony a little smaller than the bottom deck with seating to view the beautiful gulf. Take another staircase up to the third level where you will find the fifth bedroom complete with four twin beds, including daybed with trundle underneath, TV and DVD player. There’s a balcony on this level as well just a little smaller than the second level with it’s own gorgeous view of the gulf and beach.

Once you’ve taken all the stairs back down to the main level, you’ll see another set of stairs that lead down to the door to the parking garage area. There’s parking for up to five small vehicles or four large ones.

There’s a BBQ grill and hose for washing off sand in this area. The neighborhood pool is just a few steps away from the front of the house. The beautiful Fort Morgan beach is a very short walk away, down the pavement and to the boardwalk. This area is such a quaint, family oriented place. Perfect for a quiet family get-away to the beach. • Fitness Room / Equipment: Access to fitness room located in Dunes condominiums. • Parking: Parking underneath for up to 5 vehicles. • Garage: Parking garage underneath house. Central heating and air • Iron & Board • Hair Dryer • Clothes Dryer • Washing Machine • Towels Provided • Linens Provided • 6 TVs located thru-out home.

• Direct TV. • • Stereo • DVD Player • Books • Games • Video Library Landline with free local and long distance. Free Wifi Access to two hot tubs, one at the community pool, the other at the Dunes condominiums. Two community pools . Large deck for the whole family. Two additional balconies on the second and third levels. Large Front porch with seating, as and a Outdoor Grill.

The Dunes subdivision is located in the Fort Morgan area of Gulf Shores. Our house, ‘Dancing in the Rain’, is located on the second tier from the beach, with a gorgeous view of the Gulf of Mexico. Right in the back, between the first two tiers is a huge turtle habitat, where you will see turtles, frogs, and lots of birds. Enjoy nature on the beach. The boardwalk to the beach is just a short walk away.

You’ll see miles of sparkling, beautiful gulf waters, and white sand that feels like cushion under your feet. You’ll feel the breathtaking breeze coming off the ocean waters. So amazing on your face. Rent a chair and umbrella or take your own, and just sit there and view the awesomeness of God’s beautiful creation. Take a walk, hunt seashells, take a dip in the ocean, or just soak up the sun. The main thing – RELAX. When you want a different setting, go back up to the pool and enjoy a relaxing swim or just lay around in a lounger and read a book or take a nap –RELAX.