Category: Vacation Hints

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We have had LOTS of rain this year.  We have also had lots of requests for things to do at the beach when it rains.  Alex and I found a fantastic way to be creative, and spend an afternoon or evening making a one of a kind souvenir with your family! 

Recently, several members of the Sunset Properties staff took a group painting class.  You have probably heard of these classes.  You go as a group and everyone paints the same picture with direction from the staff and typically you have a glass of wine or something. 

There is a fantastic place in Orange Beach with a family friendly painting that is perfect for kiddos and couples alike.  If you and the children need something to do on a rainy day why not paint a great beach painting or a tropical fish painting, or maybe even a favorite part of the beach.  The fantastic staff at Life’s A Canvas, will help you and your children create a beautiful picture that you couldn’t find at a souvenir shop.  The best part of this experience is you get family time and you make something memorable from your vacation. 

This all may sound very intimidating, but it is not!  You are painting a picture with direction from helpful teachers.  They tell you what colors to use, where to start and take you step by step through the picture.  They even tell you how to mix colors and what paint brushes to use when.  It is an amazing feeling to walk in and have a blank canvas and walk out with a beautiful picture that you painted.

Alex and I tried our hand at painting recently and had a great time, and came home with a masterpiece, at least to us!  The class was on Wednesday evening.  Wednesday’s are their “Unwind Wednesday’s”!  During these classes the Tiki Bar is open if you are interested in purchasing an adult beverage.  I had a Black Cherry soda, so drinking is certainly not required!  This class is full of local regulars and they played the newest radio hits while you paint.  This night was a mix of kind of club music and popular pop songs.  Other nights they play a more laid back selection. While children are always welcome the staff does recommend maybe choosing another night for a more kid friendly experience.  The artists who come to paint Wednesday, come to unwind from their week. 

We both chose a beverage and the class started shortly after that.  The artist began giving directions on how to mix colors and exactly where to start on the canvas.  As we walked through the steps of the painting it began to appear.  We were in a room of about 20 women and everyone was having a great time.  Between steps we took a little break to allow for dry time.  During this dry time we had a chance to look at all of the beautiful art for sale and jewelry that they had throughout the shop.  If you are looking for some great unique jewelry this is the place to shop.  We shortly jumped back into the painting.  The entire night everyone in walked around and encouraged everyone else about their painting.  It was a wonderfully encouraging experience with great music and lots of laughter and fun. 

If it is rainy while you are here do not miss this opportunity to paint with your family or friends!  I think you should work it in to your schedule rain or shine because it is such a unique experience!  What a perfect way to capture your memories at the beach.  Take a few hours and paint them yourself.  Classes start at $35 a person and this includes all of your supplies and a canvas.  Life’s a Canvas is open daily at 10 am until 9 pm.  You are welcome to bring whatever food and nonalcoholic beverage you would like.  Or if you need catering suggestions give them a call.  They do book classes and special parties and if you book a party they will give you a little bit of a price break.  The best part to me is you can bring the kiddos and they can paint too.  If kids are under 12 it is only $30 and again this includes all of your paint and supplies.  There are special days set aside as family days for painting, typically Sunday starting at 2. 

Life’s A Canvas is a don’t miss while you are here!  Be sure to leave a couple of hours open to create!

Blue Angels Fan Experience

Every Wednesday

Don’t miss the Blue Angels Fan Experience at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Meet the Blue Angels and get autographs each Wed. at 11:30 a.m. Continue your experience with “The Magic of Flight” on the IMAX® giant screen, “Ride with the Blues” in a HD motion-based simulator, and receive your own commemorative Blue Angels dog tag for a discounted price of only $12 (Wednesday only).

Other Wed. specials include buy one dessert, get one dessert free at the Cubi Bar Cafe and 10% off all clothing (excluding clearance items) at the Flight Deck Museum Store. Blue Angels autograph sessions are always FREE.

Click here for more info on the Blue Angels Fan Experience.

FREE Autograph Sessions Every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

Blue Angels Fan Experience
Every Wednesday – Just $12

IMAX® + Simulator + Blue Angels Dog Tag and Chain

• Enjoy the IMAX® Experience of “The Magic of Flight”
• Take a Motion-Based Simulator “Ride with the Blues”
• Get your own commemorative Blue Angels Dog Tag and Chain

Plus at the Cubi Bar Cafe buy one dessert, get one dessert free and the Flight Deck Store is offering 10% off clothing (excluding clearance).

Harbor House is absolutely the best place to go if you want a private little getaway to fish and enjoy sunsets.  This little two bedroom two bath, house sits right on the water and was just completely redecorated and new flooring was installed!

Harbor House is a warm and welcoming two bedroom,  home that sleeps nine people comfortably.  Located on the Ft. Morgan peninsula, directly on Mobile Bay, this beautiful home is also only 300 yards away from the Gulf of Mexico with its warm and breezy sugar white sandy beaches.  With its great location and private pier with lights and a fish cleaning station, this quaint house is perfect for the whole family, including the avid fisherman of the bunch.

https://www.sunsetproperties.com/Rentals/18/Fort-Morgan-Beach-House-Harbor-House/

This home has a wrap around covered deck that overlooks Mobile Bay and allows for awesome sunrise and sunset views.  Be sure to enjoy an evening on the deck watching the dolphins swim into the sunset. The large well stocked kitchen is perfect for the family that loves to cook.  This kitchen will come with everything you need and then some to prepare amazing meals with you family.
The master bedroom has a wonderful King size bed to add to your comfort.  The second bedroom has a queen bed.  If you have a few extra people there are two sleeper sofas and a roll away bed.  For your convenience, this house also has two full size bathrooms, a washer and dryer, and dishwasher. Bring your boat or your jet ski…there is plenty of room for both!
Don’t miss out on this piece of paradise!!!!  Give us a call to book today!

We have noticed over the years that visitors just about can’t function without their cell phone lap top or tablet. The time of coming to the beach and being disconnected is coming to the end rapidly. As a company we are trying to meet the needs of visitors to this area by creating an app. It is simply called Sunset Properties you can find it in your app store on any device. Look for our logo!

Ok you may be thinking why a beach vacation rental company would need an App. We let me explain!!! Fort Morgan is a beautifully unique and well amazing destination. There is amountain of information that we give guests just to make a reservation as many of your know!!!

We wanted to give you access to all of the information about fun things to do, places not to miss, upcoming activities, specials, what to bring and what to do before you go, along with access to photos to all of our properties. This one little app can answer almost every question a guest may have 24 hours a day. You need your Wi Fi password? It is on the app. You need to get to urgent care? You can find directions and phone number on the app. Do you want to know the best place to see the sunset? The coordinates are on the app. Need to let us know about a problem? You can send us a message through the app. You can find the surf conditions and weather updates. It does all of these things and SOOO much more.

It is our hope that this app will make your life easier and put access to our area at your finger tips. Oh, and there is another benefit to having this app. We post fantastic specials for just our App users. Take a minute and download this App you won’t regret it!!! We look forward to seeing you soon!

I have said it before and will say it again Fall is my favorite time at the beach.  The weather is perfect.  The crowds are small unless you are coming to Shrimp Festival!  There are amazing things to see and do constantly between the festivles and all the comings and goings in nature. I wanted to take some time and share some of my favorite fall memories with you.

I have fantastic memories of spending entire weekends in crystal clear water diving for whole seashells just off shore with some of my best friends.  I think back about chasing piles of blue crabs through water with nets and filling up buckets with them for dinner.  We laughed and squeeled like little kids it was so much fun.  Watching the first little baby sea turtle poke his nose through the sand on a moonlit night.  Then suddenly that one special spot on the beach was boiling with a hundred baby sea turtles who immediately began marching to the safety of the water.  Humming birds sneaking in through an open door in the office because the weather was so nice we wanted to leave the doors open.  Watching the tireless team of Bird Banders weigh and measure someof the most beautiful creatures that visit or little piece of the island.  Then getting to let the bird go from my hand for it to continue on its southern migration.  At night watching metor showers from the quiet darkness of the beach.

My new favorite is Fall memory is enjoying the cooler weather with my husband.  Walking hand and hand down the shore exploring all the way down to Fort Morgan and back.  I get a chance to show him my favorite things and share childhood memories.  It is always such a special time for us.

Please join us this fall at the beach with your girlfriends, on a fishing trip, or just you and someone special!   You will make wonderful memories for a lifetime.  We hope to see you very soon!!!

Play it Safe

The beaches within Orange Beach, Gulf Shores andGulf State Park have adopted the following flag system
to alert beach goers of surf conditions. Flags are posted at all public beach areas and conditions are monitored
throughout each day. Please remember that the absence of red flags does not assure safe conditions. On Gulf Shores city beaches, it is illegal to enter the water when the double red flag is being flown.

The Dunes Beach has recently adopted this flag system as well.  Our flag system is a little difference, If all is safe to go in the water there will be an American Flag flying.

As always if you have questions ask someone.  We are happy to help.  Just keep in mind American Flag safe to play Red Flag stay away.