Sunset Properties Blog – Gulf Shores

September 24, 2018October 2, 2018

5 Places to Dine if You Have Seafood Allergies in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

More and more people are developing allergies to shellfish. While most folks love to come to our beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast, there is that question: where can I eat if I’m allergic to seafood? We, at Sunset Properties, did a little research and we have five restaurant suggestions for those of you who want to be able to enjoy dining out without worrying about having a shellfish reaction while you’re vacationing in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan:

Cobalt, The Restaurant

Located in Orange Beach, Cobalt is one of our favorite places to dine out. The atmosphere is one everyone should experience while vacationing on our island. Always let your server know you or someone in your dinner party has an allergy just as a precautionary measure. But because all entrees are cooked to order, Cobalt is our first suggestion for those of you with seafood allergies. Order something from the grill, like their amazing Ribeye or Free Range Breast of Chicken. Maybe you’d like to create your own pizza. Give it a try at Cobalt. We think your mouth will thank you!

Lulu’s

Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s is always a fun place to go. With way more things to do besides just enjoy a good meal, most folks have Lulu’s in mind when they think about dining out in Gulf Shores. Good news for those of you with shellfish allergies: you can eat at Lulu’s, too! After you’ve played in the arcade and swung from the ropes, you’ll be ready to enjoy some of the best food anywhere. Just let your server know you have seafood allergies and they will accommodate accordingly. So go for the fun, stay for the food, take in some great music and enjoy a whole evening at Lulu’s. And don’t forget to get a t-shirt before you leave. Lulu’s has some of the trendiest shirts around!

Amelia’s Deli

A local favorite for more years than I can count, Amelia’s Deli can sometimes be overlooked by island guests. Please don’t miss a lunch meal at Amelia’s. Especially if you have shellfish allergies, you must stop in. The friendly staff and fresh sandwiches and soup will give you three reasons to come back again and again. And you must try a slice of one of their oh-so-delicious cakes! Most folks think of seafood and eating right on the beach when they come to our little island paradise, but Amelia’s is a treat any day! Located on East 2nd Street in Gulf Shores, in a little strip mall, Amelia’s is so convenient to just about anywhere you happen to be lodging. And if you want enough food to feed a whole bunch of folks, call the good folks at Amelia’s! They cater, too.

Hog Wild Beach & BBQ

You don’t really much think about having barbeque when you’re on a beach vacation. But, hey, you are in Alabama, right? In south Alabama, we love our barbeque. Hog Wild Barbeque located on Gulf Shores is sure to be a hit with your family. A word of caution: they do fry seafood and french fries together. So stay away from the fried items on their menu. Stick with the barbeque plates, or go all out and try the Tantrum then add some good old fashioned homemade “tater” salad and mac & cheese and you’ll be in hog Heaven! We can’t say enough good things about this place. TripAdvisor gives them 4.6 stars, so don’t just take our word for it, try the place many of your friends recommend, too. Can’t get out to visit them at the restaurant? That’s ok! They deliver! Just log onto their website to place your order.

The Diner

Located in Gulf Shores, The Diner offers a unique dining experience. Would you like a big ole juicy cheeseburger, cooked to order, with all the toppings set alongside some corn or green beans? How about a hamburger steak and a trip to a super fresh salad bar? This is the place for you! The Diner in Gulf Shores serves breakfast, too. For those of you with shellfish allergies, this just may be answer you’re searching for. A word of caution: they do fry seafood with french fries, so you’re going to want to stay away from fried food while eating at The Diner. Even though you may not be able to have fries, you really must try some of their delicious desserts and ice cream! After all, what’s a trip to a real American diner without a milkshake or pie?

We know finding places to eat along the Alabama Gulf Coast can be challenging if you have allergies to our fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood. We want you to know that your well-being matters to us at Sunset Properties. Always please remember to check with any restaurant before you order to make sure you have no risk of reaction, but we found these to be good suggestions for you. Also, keep in mind, we have two great grocery stores nearby Rouse’s Market and Publix and all of our condos and beach homes come with fully stocked kitchens. If cooking for yourself is on your list, check out the kitchen in Dunes 608, in the Grand Caribbean 425 or in Indies 708. Need more room? Boathouse or Grace or Navy Cove 2114 just might be the perfect vacation home for you!

Call us at Sunset Properties and we will be happy to make recommendations to get you into the right vacation home to fit your needs.

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

September 3, 2018October 2, 2018

5 Best Places to Watch a September Sun Set in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan

September sunsets, when the sun’s rays seem to stretch across The Gulf of Mexico, long and slow across the water, can be some of the most spectacular all year. To see a late summer sunset on the Alabama Gulf Coast is truly a treat! At Sunset Properties, we get asked all the time: where’s a good place to watch the sun go down? While the public beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are always great places to watch an Alabama day end, we have a few more suggestions of places to check out if you’re hoping to see an amazing September Sunset.

Sea-N-Suds

Do you like seafood gumbo? How about a cold beer? Do you like eating outside watching The Gulf waves ebb and flow? Put the beer beside the gumbo and add the fabulous Gulf view and you have a perfect evening at Sea-N-Suds! For 43 years Sea-N-Suds has been a Gulf Shores favorite. We think it should be a state landmark! If you’ve never eaten at Sea-N-Suds, you’re so missing out. If you’ve never have tried their gumbo, you need to put that on your list of must-do-things! This unique restaurant is located only about five minutes from Beachview 223. If watching the September sun sink below the horizon is in your vacation plans, you really should do it from the deck at Sea-N-Suds while you lazily eat a bowl of yummy gumbo and sip a cold beer.

Alabama Point Beach

Located just three-tenths of a mile past the Perdido Pass Bridge on the AL Highway 182 (Beach Boulevard) is Alabama Point East, a part of Gulf State Park. The sand peninsula that forms Alabama Point East is a great place to go to watch the sun go down. With plenty of parking, boardwalk access to the beach and an unmatched view of The Gulf, Alabama Point East is a great place to end a fun day at the beach. If you’re staying with us at Grand Caribbean 425, you already have a great view. However, just for fun, go ahead and check out the sunset from the beach just a few minutes away from your condo.

Fort Morgan Beaches

We can’t say enough about the beauty of the beaches of the Fort Morgan community. For our guests who choose to vacation in Sea Turtle, USA 2, or The Dunes or The Indies, you already know the amazing views that your vacation home has. However, for sunsets, you are doubly blessed! Facing West from your favorite chari on your private beach, you have one of the best views on our island to watch the sun’s rays change colors as they shorten. Be sure to bring a flashlight, too. After the sun disappears, you’ll need your flashlight to do some great beach crab watching!

On the waters of The Alabama Gulf Coast

Watching a sunset from on board a vessel is always a cool thing to get to do. Book a sunset cruise on the Wild Hearts and expect to see a sunset like you’ve not seen before. The reflection of the setting sun on the waters of The Alabama Gulf Coast is a vision never duplicated. If you’re staying with us in Orange Beach at Caribe B Penthouse 4 or in Gulf Shores at Grand Caribbean 215, catching a ride on Wild Hearts is so easy! It leaves out of the back bay of Orange Beach , which is just a short drive away. Each day has something a little different to see on our island and each sunset memory is uniquely perfect. Contact the good folks at Wild Hearts to make your reservation and bring along your camera! You’ll probably see some dolphins, too.

Gulf State Park Pier

So everyone knows the pier is a great place to go fishing, but what about sunset watching? Yep! It’s perfect for that, too! Whether you’re staying nearby at Pat-Ti-O or a little farther away at Dunes 709, you’re sure to enjoy watching a late summer setting sun from the pier. The Gulf State Park Pier is open 24 hours, so even after the sun sinks for the day, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like and enjoy the evening from the pier. The sound of the waves hitting the pier pilings is so relaxing. We can’t think of a better way to end a perfect day in Gulf Shores.

Septembers on the Alabama Gulf Coast are usually pretty quiet. Most folks have traveled back home to go to school and back to work before the holidays. We think this is the perfect time to visit our island. If you haven’t made your plans to visit in September, what are you waiting for? Here is your invitation to experience Island Life in late summer! We believe the best way to enjoy a September Sunset starts by reserving your vacation home with a rental management company named for Sunsets! Contact us at Sunset Properties today!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

August 14, 2018August 14, 2018

10 Things to Know About the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores

The Annual National Shrimp Festival has been a staple event in Gulf Shores in October for almost 50 years. This year’s festival dates are October 11-14. Each year, the Gulf Shores Public Beach area is packed with artists, musicians and festival goes expecting to have a fun-filled family weekend. Each year, festival planners bring their A-Game and this year is sure to be no exception. Whether you’re staying with Sunset Properties at Pat-Ti-O or Beachview 223 right in the heart of Gulf Shores or at Just Write in the Fort Morgan community, here are a few tips to make your Shrimp Festival Adventure a fun one:

Bring your camera

There is so much to see at the Shrimp Festival. You won’t want to miss a single memory. From the wonderful musical groups performing on the stages around the venue, to the fun sand castle contest going on along the beach, there will be so much to do and see. You and your family will want lots of picture to take home to show your friends or to post to your favorite social media account. A camera is a must for this year’s Shrimp Festival.

Leave pets at home

Many of our rental properties are dog friendly places. We encourage you to check out our list of places to stay where your pet is welcome. Please know, however, the Shrimp Festival is not a place for pets. If you’re not comfortable leaving your fur baby in your rental unit, reach out to the good folks at Sea Paws Dog Resort, a local doggie daycare. Reservations to play may be necessary, so give them a call to get all the details on what you need to bring so your dog can have a day out while you and your family enjoy the festival.

Plenty of cold drinks available

October days on the Alabama Gulf Coast can get pretty warm. There will be plenty of cold beverages available all throughout the Shrimp Festival venue. From water, to sodas to lemonade, you’re sure to find your favorite drink available. For those of you over 21, adult beverages are also available inside the venue. Please enjoy adult beverages responsibly. If you must drive back to your vacation home, please don’t drink. If you really want to let your hair down and have a few beers, please call one of our fine taxi services to take you back to your vacation home.

Entertainment is non-stop

This year, country music recording artist Joe Diffie will be headlining at the Shrimp Festival. Local favorites like Tophat & Jackie, The Tip Tops, Brent Burns and Kristy Lee are also scheduled to perform. On Sunday, there will be a church service provided by Liberty Church. Check out the Entertainment Lineup for specifics, and rest assured there will certainly will be something for everyone to enjoy on the stages at the 2018 Annual National Shrimp Festival.

Fine Artists are unmatched

As you walk through the Fine Arts section of the Shrimp Festival, you will see museum quality hand created items from paintings, to photography to pottery. With the artist personally present a the festival, you will be able to not only enjoy the creations, but chat with the creators. This is a great place to find Christmas gifts for those folks who have everything. There are so many one-of-a-kind pieces, shopping for that hard-to-shop-for person will be a breeze!

Crafters have fun affordable wares

Sometimes fine art pieces can be a bit pricey. Maybe you want to buy a handmade gift but you don’t have a huge budget or a lot of room in your car to take it back home. Don’t miss the Arts and Crafts section of the festival. You are sure to find just the right handmade gift. No factory made items are allowed in this section of the festival. Just like in the Fine Arts area, all crafts are handmade and the craftsmen and crafts-ladies are right on site to talk with your about their wares. Sometimes half the fun is finding out what skills it takes to create such fun and unique pieces of art.

Souvenirs are one-of-a-kind

Because the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is the leading entity producing the Shrimp Festival, they have the best souvenirs. Be sure to visit one of their booths and get an official tee shirt or koozie. There is only one Annual National Shrimp Festival and only one place to get the official souvenirs: right on site during the festival dates.

Kids have a special area

There is always something cool and fun for the kiddos! From the Sand Castle contest to The Kids Area, your little mermaids and pirates will have a great time at the festival, too. And don’t forget about enjoying the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast Beaches while you’re in town. Gulf Shores has some of the prettiest beaches in the world and we hope you will allot some of your weekend time to just enjoy the sugary white sand that wraps our shoreline.

BRATS shuttles are the best way to get there

There are plenty of ways to get to the Shrimp Festival, but parking in the festival venue is probably not an option for most folks. Baldwin Rural Area Transit Service, our county’s own public transportation service, is available to pick up and drop off festival goers from several locations around the island. We suggest riding BRATS. It is convenient, inexpensive and the drivers are some of the nicest folks around! For a complete list of BRATS services and fees, please check their website.

There’ll be lots of Shrimp! Shrimp! And More Shrimp!

And you cannot forget to have some shrimp while you’re in Gulf Shores! Famously named for the cute little pink crustacean, The Annual National Shrimp Festival is home to some of the best shrimp around. You’ll find fried shrimp, boiled shrimp and grilled shrimp. You’ll see shrimp on a stick and shrimp with veggies or fries. Come hungry and plan to stay for a day and enjoy on of the best festivals anywhere!

If you’ve never been to the Annual National Shrimp Festival, you’re definitely missing out. If you’ve never stayed with Sunset Properties, you should give us a try, too, for your next visit to the Alabama Gulf Coast. With rentals in Orange Beach like Moorings 414 and Grand Caribbean 215, you can’t go wrong. How about staying in Gulf Shores at Light House 607 or Peninsula 401 ? Or if you’d prefer to stay in the Fort Morgan community, check out Navy Cove 2113 or Southern Comfort. No matter where you choose to stay for your Shrimp Festival Weekend getaway, we at Sunset Properties know we have the perfect rental accommodations for you and your family!

www.sunsetproperties.com

241.543.1360

August 7, 2018

5 REASONS TO LIST YOUR VACATION PROPERTY WITH A LOCAL RENTAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY

So you bought your first vacation rental property. Congratulations!! We, at Sunset Properties, are very excited for you. It’s a pretty cool thing to be able to own a second home in a vacation paradise and be able rent it out to guests when you can’t be there. Renting your vacation home to tourists can help pay the mortgage, HOA fees and maintenance costs. It’s really a win-win situation. But how do you go about doing it? Most of us have rented a vacation property before. We decided to take a trip, called up someone, booked a place and went on vacation. It’s likely that you rented a place in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan before you bought yours. That whole rental process looks easy enough. Just market the property. Find some renters. Fill out some paperwork. And tah-dah! The rent money rolls in! Right? Maybe. But what if you’re wrong? What if there are factors you haven’t considered? What if issues with your vacation property arise and you can’t quite tackle them from your home? Then what?

Here are 5 Reasons to list your vacation rental property with Sunset Properties instead of trying to rent it out on your own:

We Have Experience

Experience goes a long way. We have been in the vacation rental management business on the Alabama Gulf Coast since 2001. A lot has changed since 2001, but our commitment to our clients and staff has not. Our clients are the reason we strive so hard for excellence. Our staff is our client’s first impression of us. Because of this unyielding commitment to excellence, our staff has been extensively trained. We attend meetings, classes, and seminars with others in the rental management industry to discover best practices and apply them to our business. We have faced a few interesting scenarios in the last 17 years. Some of them turned out to be serious and some quite funny. The thing is, if you would have told us back in 2001 about some of the unexpected things we’ve managed since then, we probably would have said: no way! But we’re here to tell you: yes way! Crazy, unexpected things happen! We have gained invaluable experience by resolving a variety of issues. Experience comes from doing and learning and doing again. We want to offer you our experience and hopefully save you from having to deal with some of the goofy unexpected things we have. We’ve learned a lot these past 17 years and we continue to learn with each passing day.

We Know Our Area and Our Market

We know you already love our island paradise. Why else would you have bought a second home here? But do you know our area? I mean really know it? We can honestly say we do. Sunset Properties is a member of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber , our local chamber of commerce. We are also a partner of our Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. We maintain these affiliations so our owners and guests don’t have to. We partner with other local businesses to ensure our whole island benefits. By allowing us to manage your rental property, you get the benefits of these partnerships without having to do anything. It is these relationships that allow us to know our market, as well. We know what marketing trends are working and which ones are obsolete. Additionally, we are in constant communication with other island businesses keeping ourselves current on local events. We actively participate in the events that attract guests to our area. We not only want to manage your rental property once guests arrive, we want to help be the catalyst that draws them here. Again, you benefit without having to do anything.

We Know Our Clients

Because we are a small local family-owned company, we really do know our clients. We form relationships with them long before we see them face to face. We know them by name. Many times we know several of their family members’ names before they even arrive to check in. We begin to build a rapport the moment they reach out to us to inquire about any of our properties. We are available to our guests and can be reached through our website or by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We don’t ignore calls or email. We consistently call or email back if a message is left. If you’ve tried to manage your own vacation rental, you know people sometimes start looking for vacation homes late in the evening and sometimes in the middle of the night. This can be a real challenge. We have an overnight team and we are ready to respond. We respond in a timely manner and begin building lasting relationships right from the start. These relationships often last for years. Often they branch out beyond that first guest to their friends and family. Many of our clients have been our clients since 2001. Many of them are not just our clients, they are our friends.

We Know Our Maintenance and Cleaning Teams

Things break and things need cleaning. It is part of managing a vacation home. When you are managing your vacation home remotely, you can ask someone else to make necessary repairs or to clean your property. You pay a contractor to do these things and you believe they’re done. That is until your guest calls and they don’t have enough towels or sheets or the coffee maker is broken. Then what do you do? You’re hours away and who do you call? Do you refund some of your rental money to your guest? No matter how you manage to resolve it, it is not a good situation. At Sunset Properties, we know our maintenance team and we know our cleaning team. We are close enough to each vacation home to be able to go see if the requested tasks were completed. Remember our commitment to excellence? This is also true with how we maintain the vacation rental properties we manage. If a guest has an issue with a property we manage, we handle it immediately. If your vacation home needs a repair, we make sure it’s done in a timely manner. Your guest is our client and we want everyone involved to be satisfied.

We Know How to Help You Make Money

The last point we want to make is we know how to help you make money. If you take all the previous points and add them together, you get a steady rental income. That income can help you offset the costs of owning a vacation property. Isn’t it time you started making some money off your investment? We’re ready to help you do just that. We will market your vacation home to an age appropriate renter. We will allow pets if you want pets in your home. We will make sure your home stays in good repair and is kept clean between guests. We will keep an open line of communication with you, just like we do with our tourist clients. We will work with you to make sure your unit is available when you want to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast. We want you to be as satisfied with our services as our guests are. And we want you to make money.

Managing a vacation rental home can be as fun and rewarding. If you’re doing it on your own and are successful, we applaud you! If you’re doing it on your own and are a little stressed out, we invite you to give us a call. At Sunset Properties, we believe owning a vacation rental home should be a pleasant experience. We love what we do and we are ready to show you.

So go ahead, reach out to us. Let’s just have a conversation about how we can help you. Let’s talk about what your wants and needs are and how, together, we can meet them. And you can rest assured your vacation rental home will be in good hands because at Sunset Properties, we treat your investment as if it were our own.

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

July 31, 2018July 31, 2018

10 Fun Family Late Summer Things to Do at The Beach

So your summer’s almost over and you are taking the kiddos to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan one last time before you have to get back to PTA, homework and, of course, football. But what do you do? When you guys came down to the Alabama Gulf Coast and stayed with Sunset Properties earlier this year, you did it all, right? You hit all the great spots: Waterville, The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Adventure Island. So what’s left?

Here are ten great family outings that you must do before everyone goes back to school:

Dine with pirates and princesses

“Arrgh, Matey! Pass me them there eggs,” might be what you hear when you having breakfast at The Hangout with pirates and princesses. These unusual characters can be found most mornings at this local spot. Have you ever dined with pirates before? Most folks haven’t. But, trust me on this, you’re in for a treat! This summer at The Hangout, you can have breakfast with these infamous folks from the High Seas. Come dressed in your best costume, enjoy some great food and stay for the treasure hunt. This is a really cool way to start off any late summer day in Gulf Shores. Contact the groovy staff at The Hangout for exact times and dates of this unique breakfast experience.

Enjoy a live play

Remember The Lion King? Everyone loves The Lion King! Bring the whole family to see a live production of this timeless classic at the South Baldwin Community Theatre. With several show times in August, there is sure to be one to fit your vacation schedule. This production features bright costumes, great music and, of course, your favorites from the jungle including Simba and Rafiki. If you enjoyed the animated version (and who didn’t, right?!) this live version is sure to take it to the next level. Tickets are limited, so you will need to grab those as soon as you decide to put this fun outing on your “must do list”!

Dance in the streets

The Wharf hosts the biggest street party on the island. Enjoy island life outside in the evening summer breeze when DJ Matt and mascot Starla the Starfish get the party started around 7 PM on Saturday nights. There are contests and prizes at this summertime event. With all kinds of retail shops and restaurants right in front of you, once you get to The Wharf, you won’t want to leave before you see and do it all! So throw on your boogie shoes or your favorite flip flops and head on over to Main Street at the Wharf and dance the night away with your whole crew.

Take a segway tour

Coastal Segway Adventures offers 2-hour guided Segway® Personal Transporter tours through the beautiful Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. The Trail features seven pathways through six different ecosystems totalling a 15 mile outing. For two hours, your guide from Coastal Segway Adventures will lead you through the trail and talk about what you’re seeing all around. We can’t think of a better way to enjoy nature in Gulf Shores than to explore your way through Gulf State Park. Make sure you bring your insect repellent and sunscreen. Oh, and don’t forget your camera. You’ll probably see plants and animals not found in your own backyard!

Visit a Nature Center

Speaking of Gulf State Park, have you ever been to the nature center at the campground on Lake Shelby? The nature center is a living museum of plants and animals that are native to our Alabama Gulf Coast region. The good folks at the nature center want to create awareness about the plant and animal life in our area. As much as this is educational, it is entertaining. It’s a fun hands-on learning experience unlike any other around. Through this kind of personal connection with nature, the staff there hopes to encourage others to share the same love for our environment that they have. Don’t just visit Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, then leave without seeing this. Stop by our little nature center and become a nature-loving part of our extended family!

Have a family date night

Who says “date night” can only be for couples? We think Family Date Nights are amazing, too! But what do you do for a Family Date Night? Gather up your whole crew and head on over to the Gulf State Park Pier. It is great for way more than just fishing from. Did you know that you can walk out on the pier even if you’re not fishing? Yep! It’s a great little walk, too! The pier is 1540 feet long and 20 feet wide and features indoor seating as well as rail seating. Here’s a fun fact: they have Blue Bell ice cream in the concession store. This outing may not be as flashy and sparkly as some of the others you and your family go on, but how great would it be to just get some ice cream, find a nice peaceful spot, sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of The Gulf of Mexico as the waves roll around underneath you? Sometimes the simplest things make the best memories.

Check out some cool fireworks

There is always something cool going on at The Wharf. In addition to being your Saturday night boogie spot, come to The Wharf on Monday nights all summer to catch some great fireworks! Sparks after Dark Fireworks has become a summer tradition at The Wharf. Find your spot on Main Street before 8:45 PM and get ready to watch the skies light up in all kinds of fabulous colors. Be sure to follow this link for more details on this weekly fireworks show. We definitely don’t want you to miss this!

Be a groupie

All summer long, Pelican Place at Craft Farms is hosting their annual Sounds of Summer Event. Every Saturday night from 6:00-8:30 PM bring your lawn chair and see a free concert. What better way is there to start your own groupie “career” than at a free outdoor concert at the beach? This is a family friendly event, so the kiddos can officially become concert groupies, too! There will be food and other vendors on site, so all you really need to bring is a lawn chair or a blanket. Expect to see some of the best entertainment around and we are pretty sure you won’t be disappointed!

Walk on water

Ever thought about walking on water? Wouldn’t it be great if you could just strike out across a body of water and not sink? Well, now you can! Lucy Buffett’s Lulus now hasl Water Walkers. A water walker is an inflatable sphere that you can get inside of and actually walk across the water without getting wet. You can run, roll, flip and flop inside your Water Walker and enjoy seeing down through the water with a whole new perspective. While you’re at Lulus, you’re probably going to want to stay for a while and enjoy some of the best seafood on the island, so set aside a couple of hours for this adventure.

Marvel at the Blue Angels

Oh my goodness! Have you ever seen the Blue Angels in action? This is thrill like none other. Grown ups and kids alike love watching from the ground as the Blues fly overhead, barely missing each other in the air. You will find yourself saying the word “wow” out loud before you even know it. The Blue Angels practice at the museum at NAS Pensacola on just a select few days each year. But you’re in luck, they should be in the air at least one of the days while you’re down this way. Practices last almost an hour and admission is free. With some careful planning, you can schedule your outing to include meeting these amazingly skilled Navy pilots and maybe even getting their autographs. Who wouldn’t want to get a Blue Angel’s autograph? They truly are the heros and stars of the American skies.

Using this list as a guide, we know you’re sure to enjoy your late summer stay in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. But what if you’re not quite ready to make this your last beach trip for the year? Well, here are two more reasons you need to come back to the Alabama Gulf Coast before the holidays: The Annual National Shrimp Festival and The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival.

Don’t forget to contact us at Sunset Properties and make all your reservations early! We still have a few rentals available in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan during these festival times, but keep in mind, our island tends to be pretty full of out-of-town folks who attend both of these and we don’t want you to miss out! Book early and ensure you get the perfect vacation home for your family’s needs. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you get on your way to having a perfect later summer vacation!

www.sunsetproperties.com

Phone 251.543.1370

info@sunsetproperties.com

July 25, 2018August 7, 2018

Top 10 Ways to Avoid the Mid-Summer Heat in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan

Welcome to your mid-summer vacation to vacation on the Alabama Gulf Coast. You have chosen a perfect time to come down, right before school starts back, when the Gulf Coast is in full swing! There is so much to do around our island paradise, but we know it can get pretty warm in the middle of the day in July and August. The Gulf is usually a wonderful 82 or 83 degrees and the pools are always just right. But with average high temps hovering around 83 degrees during July and August, coupled with our usual humidity, the mid-day summer heat can maybe make you a little cranky. You love hanging out on the beach, I mean, who doesn’t, right? But what do you do in the middle of those rare days when it seems like it’s just too hot to hang out? Here is a list of ten ways to cool off while you’re vacationing with Sunset Properties in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan in July and August:

1 RIDE A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

Did you forget and leave your personal watercraft at home? No worries! You can rent a jet ski and a go pro from Alabama Extreme Watersports right here on the island. How much fun would that be? Jet skis are the perfect way to beat the heat by riding on the water. Maybe striking out on your own in unfamiliar waters doesn’t feel comfortable to you. Then how about trying a waverunner dolphin tour with about 4 of your friends? The good folks at Alabama Extreme Watersports will take you on a guided tour of the waters of Orange Beach. Seeing dolphins is always a great thing, but seeing them from a waverunner is sure to be a thrilling outing everyone!

2 VISIT A MUSEUM

Did you know our island is home to three unique local museums? If the weather feels too hot outside, stop by and cool off inside the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum, originally built at a school house in the early 1900s, now houses a wonderful collection of artifacts relating to Orange Beach’s fishing heritage and Native American roots. The Gulf Shores Museum , another local favorite, hosts permanent collection of items relating to island life and our island’s history, as well as a rotating exhibit that changes often. Maybe you’ve stopped by before? Stop in again! Chances are you won’t see the same thing you saw last time. Our third museum is the Museum at Fort Morgan and has artifacts dating back to when the fort was built on display. This museum also has a wonderful little gift shop, so plan some extra time stay and shop for a bit! There are so many cool things to see at the these three venues. You’ll enjoy the family outing and, as a bonus, you guys will probably learn something you didn’t already know about your vacation home.

3 CHECK OUT THE REC CENTER

The David L Bodenhamer Recreation Center in Gulf Shores has racquetball courts, indoor pools, and a full service fitness room. This state of the art facility welcomes island guests and locals alike. Day passes are available. Reservations are not required. There is a complimentary fitness towel service and a game area that kiddos just love. The Bodenhamer Center is ADA accessible and open every day. This is a great place to go any time of the year! The climate is always perfect inside the rec center! It is conveniently located at 319 West 19th Avenue, about two minutes from the Gulf Shores Museum.

4 PLAY LASER TAG

Have you ever played laser tag? Arena The Next Level takes laser tag to “a whole nother level” (as we say down here) . Located at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Arena The Next Level, is a perfect place to take the whole family. Everyone can play laser tag in this 4000 square foot indoor arena showcasing a super cool sci-fi laser tag arena with lights, sounds and lasers.

And while you’re at Arena The Next Level, you must give Bazooka Ball a try, too. This electronic glow-in-the-dark combat game features two inch round foam balls that can be shot out of low impact toy guns and travel up to 100 feet. Come inside to get away from the midday heat and stay for the afternoon!

5 SPEND A DAY AT WATERVILLE

No matter where you’re staying in Gulf Shores, you’re only about ten minutes away from Waterville USA, the island’s only water park. Enjoy the day outside minus the feel of the heat while you play your way through Waterville’s 12 water attractions including The Flowrider, Jet Scream and Screamin’ Demon. In addition to water rides and slides, you’re going to want ride the Cannonball Run roller coaster, play in a fabulous arcade, and bungee jump on the trampoline called The Trampoline Thing. Waterville is also home to some of the fastest go-karts around. Waterville also hosts an Escape House mystery game. This is an inside game that your whole family can play together! Plan on spending a whole day at Waterville and enjoy the summer without scorching in the heat. Once you get there, you won’t want to leave.

6 SPLASH AROUND AT OWA

Owa, the Alabama Gulf Coast’s newest entertainment venue is located in Foley. In addition to Owa’s 21 thrill rides, super cool arcade and great places to eat, they recently added a splash pad for the kiddos! Wacky Waters is a 9500 square foot splash pad that features everything from a super tall water dump bucket, a water dome and 15 other splashy and cool attractions. Wacky Waters was most likely built with kids in mind, but adults love it, too.

7 ENJOY SOME RETAIL THERAPY

One of the best ways to avoid the midday heat, is to go inside a great store and shop. We know you’re going to be looking for that perfect souvenir to take back home for yourself or someone special. Stop inside one of the many boutiques scattered around our little island paradise. With great venues to shop like SanRoc Cay in Orange Beach and Pelican Place at Craft Farms, the midday heat will be the last thing on your mind. Shopping at The Wharf at Orange Beach or taking a thrilling ride on the Ferris Wheel will make the whole family happy. Don’t forget about The Shops at The Boardwalk in Gulf Shores next to The Original Oyster House where your whole family can take a break and enjoy some fresh seafood and a tall, cold beverage. You may even see an alligator or two just below the boardwalk. Have your camera ready. While our local wildlife doesn’t mind pictures, feeding or provoking them is not ever advised.

8 CATCH A MOVIE

Have you ever noticed how good movie theatre popcorn tastes? And those little boxes of chocolate covered raisins? And nacho chips with all that gooey, yummy cheese? Why not cool off with a great snack and a current movie release? Cobb Pinnacle 14 , located at Pelican Place, is one of our favorite places to go when it’s just a little too warm outside to hang out on the beach. Watching a movie is always a special memory. Often we think things like, “I saw that movie at this place” or “I was fourteen the first time I saw that movie.” Why not make a special memory your whole family will hold onto? With so many great summer releases to check out, stopping by Cobb Pinnacle 14 is a perfect way to pass an afternoon. With closed caption, assisted listening, and descriptive narration available on most films during most showtimes, everyone can enjoy a popular film. You’ll be in a nice cool movie theatre, making a great memory, and enjoying some of the best popcorn around. We say “that’s the ticket!”

9 CHILL OUT WITH SOME ICE CREAM

Scoops ice cream shop is one of the coolest places around. Literally! Located on in the heart of Gulf Shores, Scoops should be on your “to-do” list whether it’s hot outside or not. Scoops has been serving locals and guests alike in Gulf Shores since 1980. The truly have some of the best ice cream around and some of the best service, too. Scoops ice cream is real treat! From banana splits, to malts, to milkshakes, to just a scoop of your favorite flavor, this little ice cream shop is sure to put smiles on everyone’s face. So when you’re headed south on Gulf Shores Parkway, don’t just drive by. Stop in Scoop’s and cool off the old fashioned way…with some delicious vanilla ice cream and the perfect toppings!

10 SCORE HIGH ON YOUR FAVORITE VIDEO GAME

We can’t say enough about how much fun you’ll have at Adventure Island, located on Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach This is seriously one of the best arcades around. This inviting is also home to a rock wall and a roller coaster simulator If you’re not wanting to spend too much time inside, Adventure Island has you covered on that, too. Outside, you’ll find mini golf, go-carts, bumper boats and paddle boats. Everyone loves bumper boats! Adventure Island is not too hard to find, either. Just look for the only volcano in Orange Beach. Once you see the volcano, you’ll know you’re only minutes away for hours of fun.

So we’ve given you a short list of fun and cool things to do while you’re on vacation in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. We know sometimes the heat can be a bit overwhelming, but your vacation can still be a boat load of fun! If you’d rather not venture out away from your condo, remember the pristine pools at The Dunes in Fort Morgan and The Grand Caribbean in Gulf Shores are always perfect. The lazy river that atop the Caribe in Orange Beach and the saltwater pool at The Indies in Fort Morgan are easily accessible family favorites! If you’re looking for a beach house, contact us at Sunset Properties. We have several of those, too, and we can help you find exactly what you’re looking in exactly the right spot.

We are glad you’ve chosen to vacation on the Alabama Gulf Coast with Sunset Properties.

We hope this is your “coolest” trip ever!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

info@sunsetproperties.com

July 8, 2018

Top 5 Best Places for Breakfast and Brunch in Gulf Shores

Good morning from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan! You’re on Island Time now and your day started a little later than it does at home. But its all good! Yesterday, you guys had a great time exploring your Alabama Gulf Coast beach vacation paradise and you stayed up passed your bedtime last night just trying to make your first day of vacation last a little longer. Today, the Gulf of Mexico is perfect, the pristinely white beach is calling your name, and you have big plans for Day Two of your stay. We get it. We really do! You want to make every second count. But right now you’re hungry. Its mid-morning and your stomach is telling you: Hey, you, its time to eat! But eat where? Sure, there’s Waffle House. And they are always open and they have really good food. But why not try something different? Why not try something you can’t get at home?

Here is our recommendation for The Top 5 Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan.

Tacky Jacks 2 in Fort Morgan

If you like less crowded beaches, chances are you’ll be staying in the family-friendly Fort Morgan community with Sunset Properties. If you’re staying in The Dunes or The Indies or perhaps at the pet friendly Blue Bay House, you won’t have to drive more than about 5 minutes to enjoy one of the best breakfast spots on the island: Tacky Jacks 2. Located at Fort Morgan Marina, Tacky Jacks 2 serves breakfast every day until 10:30 AM. If you arrive just a little after breakfast ends, you’re also in luck! With a huge variety of menu items, Tacky Jacks 2 has everything from ribeyes, to mahi, to tuna dip, to gumbo. How about a slice of peanut butter pie? Pie for breakfast?! Absolutely! Go ahead and have a bushwhacker with your pie! And order something cold and non-alcoholic for the kiddos! Why not? You’re on vacation! Enjoy!

Bills by the Beach in Gulf Shores

Are you staying Lighthouse 607 or Island Sunrise 468 in Gulf Shores and you don’t want to drive over to Fort Morgan? You’re in luck, too! Bills by the Beach, located at 300 West Beach Blvd, has become famous for their outstanding Bloody Mary cocktails. Their Bloody Marys are so good they were actually called “The Best Bloody Mary in Alabama” by www.onlyinyourstate.com . Just picture it: a tall, cold, not-too-spicy Bloody Mary with a skewer containing a slider, some boiled shrimp, Conecuh sausage and fresh veggies topping it off. Its like having a whole breakfast in a glass! But if you need something on a plate to sit beside your Bloody Mary, try their steak and eggs or their delicious pancakes topped with banana foster. Talk about mouth watering yum! Brunch is served at Bills by the Beach daily from 9AM until 2PM.

The Ruby Slipper Café in Orange Beach

How about a taste of New Orleans right here in Orange Beach? Located at 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd near Grand Caribbean 425, The Ruby Slipper Café has an award winning menu and great choices for the whole family. The kiddos are sure to love the cinnamon swirl pancakes paired with Orange Juice. Mom and Dad will enjoy The Peacemaker which is a choice of two benedicts. Try the Chicken St. Charles or the Shrimp Boogaloo. You’ll thank us later! Have you ever had a Bacon Bloody Mary? Probably not one like this. The creative folks at The Ruby Slipper use bacon in their Bloody Marys unlike any other we’ve ever had. And man-oh-man is it good! If you like Bloody Marys, you must give this a try! So far the reviews are outstanding.

The Southern Grind at The Wharf in Orange Beach

The Southern Grind is not your everyday “same-ole, same-ole” coffee shop. It is great coffee plus so much more! With a fun family atmosphere and a menu to match, The Southern Grind is definitely a must-do for breakfast. Located at The Wharf, one of Orange Beach’s most popular venues, The Southern Grind features seating inside and outside. Eating outside on early summer mornings in Orange Beach is a real treat! What’s also a treat is their Belgian Waffles topped with strawberries, whipped cream and a raspberry drizzle. This mouth-watering dish is served with a side of bacon, sausage or ham. This is really popular with most kiddos! More than just coffee, The Southern Grind also hosts local gatherings, parties and socials. Breakfast is served every day until at least 11 AM. Come by for the coffee, stay for the fun!

Hazel’s Nook in Gulf Shores

Hazel’s Nook, located at the intersection of Gulf Shores Parkway and Fort Morgan Road, has been a breakfast staple in Gulf Shores since 1957. Truly no vacation to the Alabama Gulf Coast is complete without at least one stop at Hazel’s Nook. Not only does this landmark restaurant have one of the best Southern breakfasts on the island, the service has always been excellent, too. With a small-town diner feel, you’re sure to enjoy some of the best food the island has to offer. As soon as you walk in you can smell the yummy goodness! Traditional menu items like bacon, eggs, grits and biscuits can be found on the breakfast buffet each day from 6:30AM until 11:00AM. And how about a great cup of coffee? They have it! So if you’re staying at Peninsula 401, head towards Gulf Shores on Fort Morgan Road. Go straight through the intersection of Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores Parkway, and look to your left. You can’t miss Hazel’s Nook. With great food, fresh coffee, and smiling faces, these guys have mastered the art of helping island guests and locals alike start the day off right!

There are quite a few places to have breakfast and brunch around our island. This is a short list of our faves. We hope you stay long enough to try them all! We at Sunset Properties are always happy to recommend great places to play, eat and shop to our guests. Do you have a favorite you’d like to recommend? Leave us a note in our comment section below and we may just feature your suggestion in one of our future blogs.

www.sunsetproperties.com

251-543-1370

June 27, 2018June 27, 2018

TOP 11 THINGS TO PUT IN YOUR BEACH BAG

If you’re anything like me, you’re a list maker. I make lists all the time. All kinds of lists. Everything from “to do” lists, to grocery lists, to lists of goals I have not reached. One of the most important lists you can use when you’re planning a day or a week at the beach in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan is a list of things to include in your beach bag. Staying at the beach is the easy part. Sunset Properties makes sure of that. Remembering what to take, on the other hand, is a little more tricky. First, I suggest you invest in a good, sturdy, but not-too-heavy beach bag and use the following list as a guideline of things you should include:

SUNSCREEN

Using sunscreen while you’re on the Alabama Gulf Coast beaches is an absolute must! The sun’s rays reflect off our sugary white sandy beaches and The Gulf of Mexico making skin exceptionally vulnerable to burning. The CDC recommends a minimum sun protection factor of 15. I say the higher the number, the better! It is also a good idea to reapply sunscreen after you’ve been out on the beach for a half hour. Don’t forget to cover the tops of your feet and ears. I can’t think of a worse place to sunburn than on the tops of my feet! Our local hospital sees extra cases of accidental sun poisoning during the summer months. Over exposure can happen faster than you realize and you don’t want to spend your vacation in an emergency room. Its easy to run out on the beach from Pat-Ti-O or USA 2 with just your happy thoughts of enjoying the day and forget to put sunscreen on and take some with you. Remember to cover all exposed skin with at least 15 SPF during the day so you can enjoy your sunburn-free nights, as well.

BEACH TOWEL

Get a good beach towel. Get a towel big enough for you to stretch out on while your toes are playing in the sand. Get one big enough to wrap up in once your day out is done. If you forget to pack yours, beach towels are available for purchase in shops all around Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. Most hotel and condo managers prefer that guests not take their towels to the beach. If you forget to bring one from home, your new towel will make a great souvenir to take back with you!

SHADES

Don’t forget to protect your eyes while you’re out. You’ll be surprised how many people forget to take sunshades to the beach. The sun can be almost blindingly bright in summer months and even on clear days in the winter, too. Whether you’re staying at Dunes 304 or at Moorings 414, a good pair of UV blocking shades are a must for your beach bag, if you aren’t already wearing them when you head out.

WATER

Pack some cold bottled water. Packing at least one bottle of water per person is a good idea. You can dehydrate out in the sun or swimming in The Gulf before you realize it. I like to freeze bottles of water and let them thaw while I’m enjoying the beach and The Gulf. Small coolers with ice and water are also great to carry along on your outing. Remember, glass is never good on the beach. On some beaches, it is prohibited. Plastic water bottles or cups are the way to go.

BOOK

The beach is a great place to catch up on reading. Whether you prefer paper or electronic reading, this is the time to do it. The relaxing sound of the waves and feeling of the breeze coming off The Gulf make reading on the beach enjoyable. Enjoying your book from beside the lazy river at The Caribe C Penthouse 14 is just as relaxing as being down on the sand. So don’t forget your favorite novel or People magazine and get ready to enjoy your outdoor reading space.

MUSIC

You’re probably going to want to listen to your favorite music while you’re relaxing in the sun. I know I do. Don’t forget to pack your radio with fresh batteries. Have all your music stored on your iPhone? That’s great! Maybe you have a Bluetooth speaker or headphones? Don’t forget to put those in your beach bag, too. Remember to bring along a waterproof case or cover and a battery life extender. When you’re done enjoying the sand for the day, you will probably want to stop and swim at your pool at Island Sunrise 468 or Indies 501.

CAMERA

Is your favorite camera on your phone? If so, great! If not, don’t forget to grab your camera. So many times we hear about folks who missed the perfect vacation photo opportunity because they forgot to bring their camera or phone with them. Check your memory card and batteries and pack this in your bag, too. Get ready to take some awesome pics of your outing. Don’t forget to share them on Facebook or Snapchat. Everyone loves to see great pics of the beach!

For a perfect view of the beach, check out the view from Dunes 709 when you make your reservation.

LIP BALM

Often overlooked and forgotten, lip balm with a high SPF like 50, is so necessary. Your lips will sunburn faster than you realize. Everyone in the family needs their own lip balm and everyone needs to use it. If this isn’t part of your everyday routine at home, don’t forget to make it part of your beach routine. Sunburn lips are no fun.

SNACKS

Snacks! Don’t forget to pack some healthy snacks. I bring fresh fruit or veggies in a ziplock. A nice cool snack can be so refreshing after you’ve spent some time out in the sun. Not into healthy snacks? How about some Cheetos? You’ll be surprised how yummy these cheesy snacks are on the beach. I actually think everything tastes better on the beach, but Cheetos are a personal favorite. Oh, and seagulls love them, too. I definitely do not recommend feeding seagulls. Once you do, you will have made friends for the whole day. Seriously, they will not want to leave once you share your Cheetos with them. And who can blame them? Cheetos are the best!

MONEY

While I don’t recommend bringing a lot of cash to the beach, it is a good idea to have ten or fifteen dollars handy or maybe just take your debit card. There is almost always something you find that you’d like to buy while you’re out for the day. Maybe some ice cream or a tall cold beverage from one of the local beach bars sounds good. In any case, it is a good idea to have just enough buying power to cover that little unexpected expense that’s sure to pop up. Don’t forget to bring your driver license along, too. And of course, you’ll need to bring your room key or key card. If you have trouble with your room key or need any help at all while you’re staying with us, stop by one of our office locations or contact us at info@sunsetproperties.com or just give us a call. We will be happy to help you!

TRASH BAG

You’ll see “leave only footprints” reminders all around the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Leaving trash on the beach is not cool. No one likes to visit a dirty beach. Keeping our beach clean is everyone’s responsibility. I suggest bringing a small plastic grocery store bag to collect your personal trash from the day in and drop it in one of the many large trash cans located near the road. Leave your footprints, but please take your trash with you when you go.

Welcome to the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast Beaches!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370.

June 27, 2018

Top 10 Ways to Avoid the Mid-Summer Heat in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan

1 RIDE A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

2 VISIT A MUSEUM

3 CHECK OUT THE REC CENTER

4 PLAY LASER TAG

5 SPEND A DAY AT WATERVILLE

6 SPLASH AROUND AT OWA

7 ENJOY SOME RETAIL THERAPY

8 CATCH A MOVIE

9 CHILL OUT WITH SOME ICE CREAM

10 SCORE HIGH ON YOUR FAVORITE VIDEO GAME

We are glad you’ve chosen to vacation on the Alabama Gulf Coast with Sunset Properties.

We hope this is your “coolest” trip ever!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

info@sunsetproperties.com

June 13, 2018June 27, 2018

TOP 10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A BEACH DESTINATION WEDDING IN GULF SHORES, ORANGE BEACH OR FORT MORGAN

So you just got engaged and you’re looking for the most perfect place on earth to have your wedding. Most will agree the beach is indeed at the top of a very short list of amazing places. Whether the beach is made of stones, pebbles, or soft sugar white sand like the 32 miles along the Alabama Gulf Coast, the beach is undeniably a place where Cupid can usually be found. Love seems to blossom and thrive among the sea oats and palms that grow in coastal environments. With seagulls serenading from overhead and the occasional dolphin school splashing just off shore, the beach is definitely romantic by nature. Having your wedding ceremony in this perfect outdoor chapel will take a little planning, but it is not out of reach.

Here are ten reasons why you should make the beach your wedding destination location::

1 A BEACH WEDDING IS ROMANTIC AND NATURALLY ELEGANT

The beach is simply romantic by nature. There’s nothing quite like spending a day on the warm sand, feeling the Gulf breeze on your skin as the waves kiss the shore. It’s a bit like a fairy-tale venue, but its located right here in Alabama. Who wouldn’t want to say “I do” in such a special place with the Gulf of Mexico as the perfect backdrop? Whether you’re planning to hold your ceremony on a beach in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan, be sure to check to see if there are any reservations or permitting requirements. There are a few guidelines for using Alabama State Park beaches. They aren’t unreasonable, but brides-to-be should definitely start here when making plans to hold a wedding ceremony on a state park beach. If you plans include holding a wedding on a private beach near your beach house or condo, you should first check with your rental management company and be sure to follow their guidelines. Sunset Properties will be happy to quickly get you in touch with the right folks when you stay with us.

2 YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER WILL CAPTURE SOME FABULOUS PICTURES

They say there’s a time and place for everything under the sun. Beach weddings are no exception! You already know the beach is the perfect place for your destination wedding, but what about the timing? And the sun? Although there is actually no bad time to take pictures at the beach, great photography often depends on lighting. And what is a better form of lighting than the sun? Whether you’re wanting a morning, mid-day or evening wedding, we want your wedding photos to be amazing! To help make sure your pictures reflect all the love you and your partner share on your special day, contact the good folks at Sun Shots Photography or Chasing the Son Photography. They will work with you to determine your goals for your wedding album. They will meet you at the beach or your location of preference and make every effort to capture your memories just the way you want them done.

3 OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE IS SIMPLE AND CLERGY ARE AVAILABLE

Because Bay Minette is the Baldwin County Seat, our courthouse is just a short drive from our fabulous beaches. Licenses are issued Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00AM and 3:00PM. It’s a good idea to check out all the guidelines on getting a marriage license in Baldwin County, Alabama by following this marriage license information link. Do you need a minister? With so many churches around the island, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan are sure to be home to a minister or clergy member who will fill your need. For a list of local churches, check with churchfinder.com or contact our Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau to find the perfect person to lead your ceremony.

4 AWARD WINNING CATERING IS JUST A CLICK AWAY

You can’t plan a wedding without planning a reception. And what’s a great reception without great food? Orange Beach Concierge and Chef David Pan area ready to help you. Chef Pan, First Place winner of the 11th Annual National Shrimp Festival Restaurant Challenge, and his team are not only local favorites, but favorites among island guests, as well. In addition to winning the Restaurant Challenge, Chef Pan and his team will host the 47th Annual National Shrimp Festival Wrap Up Party. Need a place to hold your rehearsal dinner or reception? Check with Tillie at Orange Beach Concierge. They have an event space at The Wharf that just may be the perfect venue for your gathering.

5 ACCESS TO THE BEACH BY CAR OR AIR IS EASY

With Interstate 10 about 30 miles away and Interstate 65 only about 60 miles away, accessing the Alabama Gulf Coast by automobile is pretty easy from just about anywhere. Once you exit off an interstate, Gulf Shores Parkway (AL Hwy 59) and the Baldwin and Foley Beach Express Highways make getting onto our island a breeze. Did you know we have an airport, too? Yep! That’s right. Gulf Shores is home to a wonderful airport. If your favorite mode of transportation is by air, Jack Edwards International Airport may just be your first stop in our area. No matter how you get here, we know that once you arrive with your special day just ahead of you, you will not be disappointed. Will you need transportation once you get here? Limousine and taxi services are available on our island. Contact Luxury Limo if you need an elegant ride for you or your wedding party. If a not-so-formal mode of transportation is what you desire, consider any one of fine taxi services .

6 YOUR DRESS CAN BE AS FORMAL OR AS LAID BACK AS YOU ARE

One of the most special things a bride does in preparation for her wedding day is choose her dress. So many times, her dress sets the tone for the whole affair. One of the coolest things about a beach wedding is you dress can be as individualized as you are and your wedding will still be perfect. What do I mean? Well, if a formal wedding is what you’re heart is wishing for, then you’re in luck. Reach out to one of our local wedding planners, get your chairs and red carpet aisle scheduled and wear that spectacular formal gown as you cross a beautiful Alabama beach like a princess on your way to meet her prince. If your style is a bit more laid back and you’d rather be barefooted on the warm sand as you say your vows with your sweetheart, well, that will work great, too! About the only thing I haven’t seen (so far) is a mermaid wedding. Would you like to have a mermaid wedding? If that appeals to you, again I say: the beach is the perfect destination wedding location to make your special dream come true!

7 FLOWERS AND WEDDING DECORATIONS ARE AVAILABLE LOCALLY

While the beach, itself, sets a perfect backdrop for a fantasy wedding, you’re probably going to want to dress it up (even if only just a tad bit) with some flowers and maybe a few candles. You’ll probably want to get some gift baskets for your wedding party or special guests, too.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to some of the most talented florists anywhere. The skilled staff at Flowers by the Shore has been serving the Gulf Coast for over 20 years. Check out their website for pictures of their colorful bouquets, cut flowers, fine wines and gift baskets. The staff there is so accommodating! After all, you don’t stay in business for 20 years in a small town if you don’t have excellent customer service.

Another option for flowers and gift baskets is All Island Flowers. Browse their website to see the most popular floral arrangements currently trending on the Gulf Coast. If you want to add a little color to your special day, either of these florists should be able to get you just what your heart desires.

8 ENTERTAINING YOUR GUESTS AT YOUR RECEPTION IS A BREEZE

So you have the perfect reception in mind. You secured your venue or outdoor space and you have the caterer all lined up. What about the music? Sure a live band would be great, but if that’s not quite the option you were looking for, how about a live DJ? Gulf Shores’ own Damon Collins – Event Disc Jockey has been entertaining wedding parties for over 20 years along the Gulf Coast. As an owner of three FM radio stations, he has the experience to help make your event fun and entertaining. And boy does he bring the music! He has more songs in his music library than most of us can count. He also offers a karaoke option and is very easy to work with. Lighting and speakers are all provided. Check out his interactive website and, go ahead, start to choose your special music for your special day.

9 YOUR HONEYMOON STARTS THE MOMENT YOU SAY “I DO”

Think about it. Your honeymoon really does start the moment you say “I do”. No traveling required. You’re already here! And you’re married to your best friend in the whole world! Most people have their weddings somewhere else and drive to the beach for their honeymoon, but you made the great decision to do it all in one place. You chose to share your special beach destination wedding with your guests and now it’s time for you and your spouse to have your special time together. Sunset Properties has an extensive list of rental properties available for your stay both before and after your wedding. Would your whole wedding party like to stay together? Check out Wit’s Inn or Fort of Fun or Sea Turtle . These amazing beach homes sleep from ten to twenty people comfortably. Would you prefer your guests stay in the same building but not in the same home? Consider reserving several condos at The Dunes or The Indies. But what about your own special place for after your wedding? We have a couple of suggestions for that, too. Of course you could reserve your own private one bedroom condo at The Dunes or The Indies. You might like Beachview 223 or Moorings 414. If you’d rather spend your first week as a married couple in a beach home instead of a condo, give Rookery 1902 and the Boathouse a look. Need more suggestions? Just contact us directly at info@sunsetproperties.com and we will be happy to help!

10 YOUR BEACH DESTINATION WEDDING IS MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU MAY THINK

So I’ve given you a list of reasons why you should hold your beach destination wedding in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan or Orange Beach. You’re probably saying, “That all sounds nice, but what about my budget?” I know every wedding has a budget and every bride and her family face those issues. What if I were to tell you that your Alabama Gulf Coast Beach Destination Wedding may be more affordable than you think? Consider this: no matter where you say your vows, you’re probably going to hire a caterer, buy some flowers, and plan a reception with a special venue and entertainment. You have to buy a marriage license and you’re probably going on a honeymoon. I propose to you that with careful planning that you can have it all right here in south Alabama and you can have the wedding of your dreams. If checking out all the links in this blog seems like too much work, I have one more suggestion: Gulf Shores Wedding Chapel. This wonderful little venue located in north Gulf Shores has it all. Maybe all you need to do is contact the good folks here, let them guide you in your planning, and dress up, show up, and get married.

Planning a wedding is a stressful time for any bride. Destination weddings can be a challenge for anyone. Here in Gulf Shores, Alabama, however, we are ready to help you make your special day an amazing dream come true. At Sunset Properties, we are interested not only in making sure your accommodations are perfect for you and your wedding guests, we also want your wedding day and honeymoon stay to be the absolute best they can be. If you’re looking for some memorable romantic things to do while you honeymoon with us, check out our blog Top 10 Most Romantic Things to do in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan for suggestions.

From all of us at Sunset Properties, congratulations on your engagement and we look forward to seeing you on your happy day!