Everyone is on a budget these days.  Many times vacation gets pushed to the back burner of priorities or does not happen at all.  We wanted to give you some helpful hints and secrets about where to find the best deals so you can make the most of every dollar while you are on vacation!

1. Plan Ahead.  Many companies will give deals on booking rates, (like the same as this year, or a certain percentage off), if you book while you are here this year and even allow you to put a smaller deposit down if you will plan ahead.
2. Last Minute Deals!  This is for those who didn’t get to plan ahead or who are looking for a getaway at the last moment.  I mean the LAST MINUTE.  If you are coming that week or within 7 days of booking your reservation many places will give you a great deal especially in the summer to get the rooms filled.
3. Look for featured properties.  If a property is featured many times it is because it is new or maybe needs to be rented for whatever reason.  Call the company or owner and they will tell you more about this amazing featured property for a special rate!
4. Come in the off Season!  If you are coming to the beach maybe try coming in early May or October, or September.  Even the winter is beautiful but a little cooler.  You can get a great deal there are almost no crowds and the beach is still beautiful and the weather is not so hot.
5. Look for the events to come see at the beach, Concerts, Shrimp Fest, Sec Fest, Hangout Fest, many companies will offer special deals to book during those times.  Some even offer tickets!
6. Ask if paying a certain way can get you a better deal?  If cash is king or a company prefers a credit card it does not hurt to ask you may save a few dollars.
7. Go off of the beaten path.  Look for the places that are not in the heart of everything, maybe a few miles away or even 20 miles away but still on the beach.  You will have fewer people to contend with and prices are better to draw in the renters.  You have a little further to go for the amusement parks and shopping, but when you come back to your condo or house you are away from it all!
8. Look for specials to celebrate unusual events to go on vacation.  Look for Back to school Specials, or After Christmas or Thanksgiving specials.  Especially in the Gulf Shores area the rental companies try to partner with the special shopping events that go on at the Outlet malls so you can a great deal on rentals to coincide with these sales.
9. Become a Social Media stalker, companies want to raise their awareness on social media outlets.  They hold contests, Flash sales, and offer specials that you cannot see anywhere else because they are trying to advertise in the most efficient way possible.  Watch your favorite destinations like a hawk because these specials pop up out of the blue and are gone in an instant.
10. Look for deals on restaurants, and amusement parks, and even shopping with the companies you rented from, at the local convention and visitors bureau, and even on the website for that special place you want to go.
11. There is always a deal.  Ask, call, look online talk to friends there is always a deal out there you just have to be patient enough to find it!

For all of your nature lovers, dolphin fanatics, little fishers, or young ecologists the day excursions are for you!  The Dolphin Island Sea Lab is a research facility run by Auburn University.  This lab also hosts the Estuarium which is a hands on, up close experience for visitors to our area.

Salt Marsh Field Excursion

Salt marshes may not be as beautiful as a beach to some, but they are a fascinating coastal wetland and a critical part of the estuarine ecosystem. After meeting outside the Estuarium, we’ll travel by bus from the Estuarium to the Dauphin Island salt marsh to explore the salt marsh ecosystem.

Dates: June 21, June 27, July 5, July 9,

Salt marshes may not be as beautiful as a beach to some, but they are a fascinating coastal wetland and a critical part of the estuarine ecosystem. After meeting outside the Estuarium, we’ll travel by bus from the Estuarium to the Dauphin Island salt marsh to explore the salt marsh ecosystem.July 16, and August 1, 2013
Time: 9:45 am to 12:15 pm

You’ll learn about nature’s needle, oysters and oyster drill, the unusual chemistry of marsh muds, the role marshes play in producing seafood for us to enjoy and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to use seine nets, yabby pumps and sieve boxes just like a marine scientist! (Please no collecting as we want our marsh to stay healthy.)

Because of the danger posed by sharp oyster shells, participants need to wear closed-toe shoes that tie or strap on, such as old tennis shoes. Please no flip-flops, Crocs or rubber boots as they get ‘eaten’ by the marsh mud. Showers and changing facilities will be available after the marsh trip. We also recommend sunscreen, a hat, water to drink camera (if you like), binoculars (if you like), extra dry clothes to change into afterwards, a towel, and a plastic bag for muddy items. Due to sharp shells, pointy plants, and other potential dangers, we do not recommend this trip for pre-school children.

Recommended items: sunscreen, hat, dry clothes, towel, plastic bag for muddy shoes/clothes, water
Suggested items: camera, binoculars

Beach, Dune and Forest Excursion
Dates: June 20, June 25, July 2, July 11,
July 17, and July 30, 2013
Time: 9:45 am to 12:15 pm

It’s not just sand and water – the beach is a thriving habitat with a dynamic dune system and fascinating plants and animals. After meeting outside the Estuarium, we’ll walk through the Audubon Bird Sanctuary’s maritime forest, then on to the dunes and beach

You will learn about worms that live in the beach sand, clams that burrow using water jets, plants that Indians used for medicines, the benefits of an intact dune system and more. We’ll bring hand lenses, critter containers and hand nets, so we can get up close and personal with the flora and fauna.We’ll walk about a mile and a half, and feet may get wet, so participants should wear comfortable walking shoes they don’t mind getting wet. We also recommend sunscreen, a hat, camera (if you like), binoculars (if you like), bug spray and water to drink.

Recommended items: sunscreen, hat, bug spray, water
Suggested items: camera, binoculars

Take a little time to enjoy some of our beautiful history while at the beach.  With an amazing history and fantastic guided tours Historic Fort Morgan should be on your list of places to visit while in Gulf Shores.

Completed in 1834, Fort Morgan was active during four wars — the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World Wars I and II. The fort is most famous for its role in the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay. Union Admiral David Farragut damned the torpedoes and went full speed ahead to win the battle. The massive fort contains more than 40 million bricks and pays tribute to the skilled masons, many of whom were enslaved African Americans.

The fort features an active living history program that interprets all the military periods and holds an annual event commemorating the Battle of Mobile Bay.  Since 1834 Fort Morgan has stood as the guardian of Mobile Bay.

The military site and National Historic Landmark is located 22 miles west of Gulf Shores. During the Civil War on August 5, 1864, Fort Morgan played a key role during the Battle of Mobile Bay before surrendering to Union forces after a two-week siege. Alabama’s largest permanent military post between 1900 and 1923, the fort served during the Spanish-American War and World Wars I and II.

A third system masonry fort constructed between 1819 and 1834, the 479-acre site contains concrete artillery batteries constructed between 1895 and 1904, and historic military buildings dating from 1899 to 1910. A museum details the American military history of Mobile Point from 1814 to 1945. Exhibits feature weapons, uniforms, letters, photographs, and personal items of soldiers who served at the fort.

Salute to American Independence Thursday, July 4, 2013

At Fort Morgan on Thursday, July 4th, uniformed interpreters representing different periods of the fort’s history will salute America’s Independence at Fort Morgan with artillery firing, special tours, and Civil War weapons demonstrations. Hours for this event are 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.

2013 calendar

Tours Daily at Fort Morgan
Call (251) 540-7127 to schedule. Seasonal guided tours are available daily June through August at 10:00 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Except Wednesdays

Twilight Tours on Tuesday’s in June and July- the War in 1863 – Evenings

Commemoration of the 149th Anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay and Siege of Fort Morgan

Saturday, August 3, 2013

All scheduled events are included in the regular price of admission unless otherwise noted.Please call (251) 540-5257 to confirm dates and times of scheduled events. Copyright © 2013Fort Morgan. Fort Morgan is a property of the Alabama Historical Commission, the State of Alabama Historic Preservation office.

Dates & TimesJun 14, 2013 – Jun 16, 2013

It has been a blustery day today with tropical storm Andrea hitting land today near Tallahassee.  The weather today reminded me of the show “Reef Wranglers” that comes on the weather channel.  It is about a local company, “Walter Marine”, that sinks artificial fishing reefs and memorial reefs off the coast of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Pensacola.

You see the weather in this area is subject to change at any moment.  The gentlemen who do this work of creating reefs always say the weather is unpredictable in this area and they are certainly telling the truth.  The weather was beautiful today
despite the closeness of the storm but the waves were too dangerous to get in the water.  Everyone is enjoying themselves this week though and things should be back to normal beach weather tomorrow!

Recently, The Reef Wranglers set “The Lulu” to rest just off the coast of Gulf Shores / Orange Beach.   This is the first local reef that I am aware of that was sponsored by a local business and the community as a whole.  We are very excited about this addition to our local wildlife.  This reef will be great for fishing and diving for our diving enthusiast.

We wanted to share some great videos with you of the sinking of our newest local attraction, The Lulu!  We hope you enjoy the video.  Give us a call if you are ready to make your vacation plans we are running some great specials!

We have so many new things in going on the the Gulf Shores area we wanted to make sure you guys were in on the FUN!

Waterville, our local water park has added a new slide to the FUN.

This is a racing slide where you and all of your friends can race each other. It is called the Dune Racer and up to 6 people can race down the slide at one time!  They call it the Dune Racer because it is taller than a Sand Dune!   Be sure to try it on your trip to Waterville.

The University of Alabama, is thrilled to announce that 2013 marks the tenth anniversaryof bringing professional musical theatre to Gulf Shores. In June 2013, SummerTide Theatre will present Jubilee – Songs of and about Alabama. Running Friday, May 31through Friday, June 28, 2013, performances are Tuesday to Sunday evenings at 8:00PM.

Paying homage to the great musical heritage of Alabama, Jubilee is a riveting compilation of songs about or invoking the “Heart of Dixie” state. From blues and country to rock and gospel, the state of Alabama has played a central role in the development of America’s musical legacy. Jubilee showcases the rich and varied musical flavors, from the foothills of the Appalachian mountains to the white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast. 

Jubileewill run Friday, May 31 to Friday, June 28, 2013, with performances every Tuesday through Sunday evening at 8:00PM. Tickets may be purchased, starting in April 2013, by visiting the SummerTide online ticketing system or by calling The University of Alabama Box Office at 205/348-3400. Tickets prices are $20.00 for adults, $15.00 for children under 12. More information on group rates, theatre location and on-site theatre box office hours will be available later in 2013.

Phoenix Rising: Judgement Day by William W. & J. A. Johnstone

The newest book in a trilogy about the Fort Morgan area.

This is a fictional story about the collapse of the American society and what the locals in Fort Morgan do to uphold the American society in their little part of the world.  Take a look at the promotional video on Phoenix Rising to learn more about about this thrilling series.

Endless Summer is located in the most impressive row of Gulf Front Homes in Gulf Shores & Fort Morgan.  This incredible beach home was completed in the summer of 2006.   Endless Summer’s elevator will carry you to each of the 4 levels.

Endless Summer’s decks surround all three levels facing the Gulf and bay side of the home. The views from this house are incredible! If you must work or simply want to surf your laptop while gazing out at the view, wireless DSL is throughout. The architecture of this home is magnificent: 10 ft. Ceiling Heights; 8 ft. Interior Doors; Tile & Heart Pine Flooring; Two Color Kitchen Cabinets with Granite Tops; Maytag Stainless Steel Appliances; Dual Sinks & Dual Dishwashers; 48″ & Two Drawer Refrigerators; Wet Bar with Ice Maker, Wine Chiller & Decorative Sink. The bathrooms in this incredible home features travertine slab bath counters; 4′ x 6′ .  Air Jetted Garden Tub & Shower Stall With dual body sprays; double shower stall with rain head & body sprays. To accommodate all 6 baths, the home contains two 80 Gallon water heaters. Guests of

Endless Summer have access to 2 pools and 2 hot tubs and a fitness center.  This property was formerly known as East Meets West and while the shell of the house is still there and FANTASTIC the furnishings are completely different.  This house is comfortable, with all new and very classicly designed furnishings.  The decks overlook the Gulf and the secluded Fort Morgan Beach.   There is sleeping for 16 in this home.

One of the most important features to this home in our opinion is the that is handicapped accessible.  This home has an elevator for your family member who may need the lift or just to get your groceries up to the kitchen!

There is a bedroom with it own private bath that is completely equipped for a family member with special needs.  This bath is equipped with a roll in shower, roll under sink, a taller toilet and pull bars in all necessary places.   From the elevator you have easy beach access by a board walk.  We are happy to answer any questions you may have!  So if something comes to mind give us a call.  This home is in the process of being decorated.  It currently has a  King , 3 queens, two sets of bunk beds, and a bunk bed with a double bed on the bottom and a twin bunk on top.  Be sure to  look at our website for more photos of this beautiful home.

Beach accessibility on the Alabama Gulf Coast is no longer a dream – Beach Power Rentals can make it happen.

The motorized beach wheelchairs will take you to the water’s edge.  their unique, beach wheelchairs have a heavy duty aluminum frame, a heavily padded adjustable seat, conventional wheelchair joystick controls, fold-up arm rests, infinitely adjustable foot-rests, rear anti- tip wheels, automotive style seat belts, built in umbrella stand, an optional 8 ft. umbrella, and our chairs can accommodate any one from 50 pounds to 350 pounds.  Now going to the beach is no longer a spectator sport for individuals tat are injured or disabled.

Their custom-made motorized beach wheelchairs are made from a welded aluminum frame with numerous adjustments, and comes with a padded, comfortable seat that partially reclines. They do not take credit for inventing the motorized beach wheelchair. There are several manufacturers on the west coast who build and sell similar powered beach wheelchairs. The major difference between them and us is that they sell their new beach wheelchairs for $7000–$10,000 and we rent our used beach wheelchairs for $40 to $60 per day. Beach wheelchair rentals allow a much greater number of beach vacationers to enjoy getting to their beach getaway.

There is nothing like a day at the beach in one of our fantastic motorized beach wheelchairs. Their powered beach wheelchairs afford the disabled beach vacationer the mobility to access the beach with ease. Now you don’t have to watch all of the fun on the beach from the condo. Our beautiful beach sand is sugar white once again and awaits your arrival.How they got started! After retiring to the beach in March of 2004, Jerry started having problems with fatigue. In June of 2005, he was diagnosed with ALS, or, Lou Gehrig’s Disease. As his health declined, his ability to get to the beach became increasingly difficult.

While he was still able to walk he modified a fisherman’s cart by adding Wheeleez tires and PVC so that it was converted into an easy to push or pull beach cart. Soon thereafter, he added wheelchair motors and controls so that he could carry a large load with minimum effort.

Note the fordable umbrella wings, which eliminate the need to bury the umbrella pole in the sand, and they fold back when not in use.

As the legs began to weaken, Jerry started working on a beach wheelchair. Using PVC pipe and the knowledge he gained from building the electric beach cart, he was able to build a beach wheelchair prototype powered and controlled with electric wheelchair components.

Once the design was complete, he hired someone to build a metal frame. This new frame eliminated inherent PVC weakness, lowered the center of gravity and made the beach wheelchair more stable.

Before completing our full year and the beach wheelchair rental business, our chairs began rusting. We knew then that our beach wheelchairs had to be built with aluminum.  After a great deal of trial, error, and testing we came up with what you see below.

The beach wheelchair on the top was custom built for one of our customers who uses it as a camping chair or an all-terrain chair.

The beach wheelchair pictured next to the multicolored beach umbrella below is an all-terrain beach wheelchair. It is just as happy off-road as it is on the beach. This is due to the nature of the tires with which it is equipped. We almost exhausted every available tire type while researching and testing this chair.

These incredible motorized beach wheelchairs evolved over a five year period while we were renting and maintaining our beach wheelchair rental fleet. We have gained so much knowledge and insight during this process. As a result, we consider our motorized beach wheelchairs to be the finest available and we think that you will too after you experience a day in the Mercedes Benz of motorized beach wheelchairs.