Sunset Properties Blog – Gulf Shores

September 14, 2022September 14, 2022

Late Summer Fun on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Hey Friends! Summer may be ending for the kids but for the locals it is still in full swing! Beach days, long nights, and summer fun can all be found happening on the gulf coast for at least another month. Plus, one of the best things about coming to visit now is the crowds are almost gone. If you find one you shouldn’t be waiting long! Here is a few events coming up that are family friendly. Come on down and bring the kids for the weekend! Or, leave them home and have a parents getaway. We won’t tell them!

We have a few events coming up in the weeks to come. One of them being the 2022 Sunset Series that meets on most Thursdays beginning at 6 p.m throughout September on the Town Green! Bring the family out and enjoy a live band while watching the white sand beaches and waves break in the background. Make sure you bring your lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on!

Orange Beach Freedom Fest is coming up at the end of the month September 30th- October 2nd! They have a lot of events planned for the weekend including a car show, stuff for the kids, food, special speakers, and even a concert! The weekend is sure to be filled with patriotic spirit as they have a US Navy Blue Angel and a US Navy Seal who served with “American Sniper” Chris Kyle. There will also be a musical performance by Bruce Smelley and they will close the day with a concert with John Rich from Big & Rich! The majority of the weekend is free but if you would like to see the concert and special speakers you do have to purchase a ticket through Ticketmaster. Tickets start at $20 and proceeds benefit Folds of Honor. They provide educational scholarships to families of fallen and disabled service members.

The National Shrimp Festival is coming to town October 6th- 9th! This event annually has over 300,000 people coming from all over the United States. They have lined up over 100 hours of musical entertainment, 200 booths of fine arts and crafts, and of course food from 50 local and regional vendors! Locals and Snowbirds alike all look forward to this even year after year. Come down and enjoy good food, good music, and good company here on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Looking to come down for to the Alabama Gulf Coast? Look no further than Sunset Properties for your perfect Vacation Rental. We have properties of all kinds. Some Properties we have available for the National Shrimp Festival include a beautiful beach front condo in Gulf Shores Townhome 22. Wake up to the sounds of the gulf and the picture perfect white sands for the weekend. If you are looking to be near enough to walk to the festival we have a 3 Bedroom house called Happy Clam located just over half a mile away! We have a new pet friendly option called Beach Time that is around 2.1 miles away from the festival location. The house is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house that now accepts small pets! Give us a call or send us a text at 251-543-1370. Or visit our website at www.sunsetproperties.com.

August 19, 2022August 19, 2022

The Orange Beach Wharf

Have you missed the concert scene? Being able to listen to your favorite band or artist perform the song you have listened to for years is a feeling you just can’t describe. Or, you get to town and realize there’s a concert playing near you and you just go. Then, the next day you’re back at the beach getting a tan. If these sound like things you’re interested in you should check out The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, AL. On their lineup this year you will see names like Dierks Bentley, Phish, Jimmy Buffet, and Morgan Wallen.

Check out our two condos at The Caribe for a place to stay! Caribe B Penthouse 4 is a 3 bedroom condo with a beautiful view overlooking the bay. While Caribe C Penthouse 14 has a view of the gulf! Bring the family and enjoy the amenities that the caribe has to offer. 6 pools total, 2 water slides, fishing docks, tennis courts, a putting green, and even his/her saunas. Cobalt is located right next to the condos and has some of the best food you could imagine! If you plan on eating there make sure you get there early or the wait may be long. If you don’t feel like waiting for a table at the actual restaurant you can check out the poolside Cabana Menu. The best part is that it is located only 15 minutes from The Wharf! Perfect for those that are wanting to shop, explore, or see a concert. Plus, if you just want to stay in you can always check out all the cool things the Caribe has to offer.

For a full list of concerts and events at The Wharf click here!

August 8, 2022August 8, 2022

Day Trips to take from Gulf Shores

Hey friends! Have you done all the beach days you can handle? Are you a little burnt but don’t want to sit in the condo by yourself? Well, load the family up and take a day trip! I have a few options that are great for kids and adults alike. The cool thing about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is that they are surrounded by beach towns that are unique in their own ways! Aquariums, Sea Turtle Conservations, Historical Districts, and soooo much more.

Pensacola, FL is about 33 miles from Gulf Shores and boasts an astounding amount of history in their small little town. You can spend the day exploring downtown Pensacola where they have shops, bars, and museums! You can even take a tour of the historical district and learn about the heritage. If museums aren’t your thing be sure to check out Palafox, St. where the shopping is plentiful. Plenty of places to stop and snack at and even a chocolate store to curb your sweet tooth! Once you get done shopping, head over to the beach and eat at one of Pensacola Beach’s best seafood restaurants, Peg Leg Petes. Come grab a bushwacker, listen to the live band, and let the kids play on the playground while you wait!

If you venture a little further down Hwy 98 to Navarre you will find a Sea Turtle Conservatory! This houses turtles that are either injured or cannot be released back into the wild. Sweet Pea is one of their turtles that cannot be released back into the wild because she was caught in a marine net as a baby. Their slogan is, “Giving Sea Turtles More Tomorrows.” The current hours of the Conservation area is Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m- 4 p.m. Along with the sea turtle enclosure, they have an outdoor turtle enclosure as well!

Are you in the Fort Morgan area? Take the Mobile Bay Ferry over to Dauphin Island for the day! Dauphin island is fun for all ages! It is only about a 30 minute ride and you can even bring your car with you! They have an amazing hands-on aquarium that you can take the kids to visit. If you plan ahead a little you can even take an excursion to see how they care for the

animals. Is the aquarium not your thing? Go deep sea fishing for the day! Go reel in a Red Snapper or an Amberjack and send us a pic!

July 27, 2022July 27, 2022

Dog Friendly locations on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Hi Friends! Bringing your pet to the beach doesn’t have to stop at the house you’re renting. Sunset Properties has a great selection of pet friendly homes that you can visit! Just a few options we have are Tortuga Bay, Happy Clam, and Eden’s Waters. Check out our website for a complete list of our pet friendly rentals. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have done a great job trying to be more pet inclusive! For a full list of restaurants that have outdoor seating and welcome pets click here. In the meantime, check out this list of places we think are great!

Gulf Shores Dog Park

Gulf Shores Dog Park is open everyday from Sunrise to Sundown! They even have a designated area for dogs that are under 25 pounds! They do have a few rules so make sure you check out their website before visiting.

Fort Morgan Beach

Fort Morgan is known for their pet friendly beaches! So, bring the family and head down to the beach for a week of memories no one will forget.

Dog Pond at Lake Shelby

The Dog pond at Lake Shelby is located in Gulf State Park at the picnic area. Pawrents are welcome to bring their furry friend and play in the water while also enjoying the state park! Check out their website for more details.

The Wharf

The wharf invites you to bring your furry friends while you shop, dine, and relax with family. They are allowed to roam wherever you do as long as they are under control! Most restaurants have outside tables for you to enjoy dinner with your pups.

Cobalt

Not only does cobalt have awesome food and a great view, but they also have outdoor seating for you to bring your dog!

Tacky Jacks

Tacky Jacks is fun for the whole family. With three locations you are always near a Tacky Jacks, and you can get there by land or water. Come enjoy the views of the water while your kids play and you and your pup hangs out at the table eating good food and maybe even hearing some live music!

A few safety tips for you and your pup while you are out and about enjoying nature!

Make sure they are up to date on Vaccines
Watch the temperature!
Bring your pups essentials (i.e water bowl, leash, doggie poop bag, towel)
Watch for Marine life (not just sharks but jellyfish too!)

July 1, 2022July 1, 2022

Fourth of July Festivities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Hi Friends! Summer is in full swing for our Sunset Properties crew here on the Alabama Gulf Coast! With that being said, that means Independence Day is right down the road. We have a plethora of activities for kids, tees, and adults. With a Freedom Run at the Florabama, camel rides at The Wharf, and finishing the night off with fireworks! Bring the kids down for memories you both won’t forget.

Starting at 7 a.m on July 4 The Wharf is hosting a Shark Run 5K. For the folks that want to participate but don’t want to run they are also hosting a 5K competitive walk or a 1 mile fun run. The starting location will be in front of the Sand Dollar Lifestyles near the main entrance fountain. Once you get done running your tail off The Sandshaker is hosting the awards and after-party! Participants will receive free refreshments and cold beverages at The Sandshaker. Registration starts at $20 for the fun run and $39 for the 5K if you register online. With that you will receive a custom T-shirt and an award medal!

From 5 p.m- 9 p.m, The Wharf is hosting a street party! They will have activities for the kids as well as live music for everyone to enjoy. They will have a rock wall, surf simulator, bounce houses, and so much more! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride a camel? Well, July 4^th is the night to find out. Head over and check out the Camel Rides ($5)! To end the night they will be having an 11-minute long firework show starting at 8:45 p.m!

The Flora-Bama is starting their activities July 2^nd this year. They are kicking things off with their 2^nd annual “Freedom Run” which features 2 courses. One is a 4 mile course and the other is a 1 mile fun run/walk. Make sure you wear your most festive red, white, and blue attire! The run will begin on the North side of Perdido Beach Blvd. and finish back at the Flora-Bama. Register online and pick up your packet July 1^st 4p.m-6 p.m or July 2^nd 6 a.m-7:30 a.m. with the race starting at 8 am. Included in your registration fee is a T-shirt, Medal, 1 food ticket, and 2 drink tickets! On July 4^th , they will be celebration the nations birthday with live music and finishing the night with fireworks!

For those that just want to see the Fireworks Gulf State Park will be setting off fireworks at 9 p.m from the fishing pier. The website states, “the eastern area of the Gulf Shores Public Beach and the Gulf State Park are the best places to watch the firework show from.” Be sure to bring your radio along as 105.7 Sunny Radio provides a musical element that goes along with the show!

June 22, 2022June 22, 2022

For the Vacationer with a Sweet Tooth

At Sunset Properties we are ALL about dessert! We put together a list of all our favs and HAD to share it with y’all.

1. Hope’s Cheesecakes
If you are into specialty cheesecakes then this is the place for you. They have everything you could ever imagine! They have special flavors of cheesecakes along with key lime pie. Just remember that they are closed on Sunday and Monday!

2. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pie from The Original Oyster House
This peanut butter pie has been the source of many a family fight in our household. If you decide to order one for a family function make sure you get extras! If you don’t you will have family members crying asking, “ There’s not anymore?” If you fall in love with this recipe like we have, you’re in luck, they have the recipe online! Follow this link and watch the YouTube video they have on how to make it.

3. Scoops Ice Cream
Scoops Ice Cream is a must stop for kids, adults, and everyone in between! Regular ice cream, milkshakes, cookies, and even handcrafted chocolates. They have a bunch of super cool flavors like Snick-A-Ripple, Cotton Candy, and Banana Pudding! For a full list of flavors you can visit their website!

4. The Yard Milkshake Bar
The Yard is known for their eccentric over-the-top milkshakes. If you have ever wanted a milkshake with a full cupcake, a piece of cheesecake, a donut, or a cookie on top. They have three June specials going on right now with Creamsicle Cheesecake, Taste the Raindough, and On Cloud 9. These are definitely a treat that you will be telling people about for months to come, and you even get the souvenir glass to take home!

5. Deep South Cake Company
Are you celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or a celebration? This is the place to get that last minute cake or cupcakes! Caramel cupcakes, red velvet cake, s’mores cookies, and caramel cakes are a few of the things that you will see on their menu. All of their goodies are to die for, and if you don’t believe us just check out their reviews! They’re open Tuesday- Saturday 10 am-5 pm so make sure you get by before they close!

Looking for a last minute condo reservation before June 30th? We have a fill in the gap special going on that’s got some awesome prices on it! We have properties like Caribe B Penthouse 4, Indies 101, and Ocean House 2202! Check out our website for pricing and then give us a call from 9 am-4 pm and let us see what’s available for you!

June 14, 2022June 14, 2022

5 Souvenirs to bring home from the beach

1. Hermit Crab and Sand/SeaShell Jar
What’s more fun than bringing a pet home from vacation? Especially one that’s low maintenance with a painted shell! Hop on over to Alvin’s Island and find the hermit crabs and any accessories you may need. Or, if you want something you don’t have to feed and take care of you can get a seashell jar. Which is just a jar of sand and seashells from the beach that’s decorated so you know where it came from! They also have a great selection of t-shirts, beach toys, and other beach necessities!

2. T-shirt from The Flora Bama
The Flora Bama is the famous bar located on the Florida Alabama state line. This a must stop for a lot of people, including celebrities. Kenny Chesney even wrote a song about it! What would be cooler than a t-shirt from somewhere Kenny Chesney has been? There’s always something going on so check out the events page to stay up to date. Come hang out and drink a bush wacker from one of the best bars on the beach.

3. The Prosperous Pelican for pottery and hand made items
If you are more into bringing home souvenirs that you will either use or enjoy more definitely check out The Prosperous Pelican! They have handmade items and art from 60 different artists around town. They have anything from pottery to hand painted wine glasses.

4. The Hot Shop
The Hot Shop is the perfect place to pick up those Christmas gifts for the grandparents or in-laws. They have a whole gallery full of art that you can choose from including blown glass, paintings, and so much more! You can watch the artists create the blown glass daily Monday-Thursday (the artists do break from 12-1). You can even make an appointment and create your own blown glass.

5. Grab Dinner and a T-shirt from The Hangout
Great Music, Great for kids, and Great food. What more could you ask for? The Hangout is perfect for kids, teens, and adults. They have a little bit of everything. If your teens are always looking for the best place to take instagram worthy pics make sure to check out this blog for the best spots at the Hangout!

Still looking for a place to stay? Sunset Properties is running a “Fill in the Gap” special right now! Choose any gap in the existing reservations and get an awesome deal. We have openings in condos Boardwalk 1085, Crystal Tower 1406, Crystal Tower 502, and many more. It is good for reservations before June 30th, 2022, give us a call so you don’t miss out!

May 31, 2022May 31, 2022

Summer Concerts at The Wharf

Check out our two condos at The Caribe for a place to stay! Caribe B Penthouse 4 is a 3 bedroom condo with a beautiful view overlooking the bay. While Caribe C Penthouse 14 has a view of the gulf! Bring the family and enjoy the amenities that the caribe has to offer. 6 pools total, 2 water slides, fishing docks, tennis courts, a putting green, and even his/her saunas. Cobalt is located right next to the condos and has some of the best food you could imagine. It’s popular so make sure you show up early! If you don’t feel like waiting for a table at the actual restaurant you can check out the poolside Cabana Menu. The best part is that it is located only 15 minutes from The Wharf! Perfect for those that are wanting to shop, explore, or see a concert. Plus, if you just want to stay in you can always check out all the cool things the Caribe has to offer. Interested in taking a Dolphin Cruise? Check out the Caribe Marina for all things boats. They have dolphin cruises, bay cruises, and even private charters!

For a full list of concerts and events at The Wharf click here!

May 25, 2022

6 Things to do when you get rained out

So, you came to the beach and spent a few days in the sun and now you either A. Need a Sun break or B. It decided to rain for a few hours. If it’s rain, don’t worry, it doesn’t normally stick around for long! But, here’s a few things to do in the meantime;

1. Shop Til’ you Drop at Tanger Outlets

The tanger outlets are nice if you are wanting to get some shopping in while you are in town! They have stores like Kate Spade, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, and so many more. Once you get tired of shopping there are so many places surrounding the outlets with places to eat.Lamberts is “home of the throwed rolls” and is almost always a must stop for many families. It is so much fun for the whole family.

2. Take the kids to The Factory

The factory is a jump park located in Gulf Shores. Not only can they jump around in a room full of trampolines, but they also have a climbing tower that is 30 feet tall! If those aren’t your thing either they have an arcade room where you can play endless amounts of games, a flight simulator, and even a batting cage! They really do have something for the whole family!

3. Bring home customized luxury At High Cotton Bath Co. you can customize your own personal fragrance for lotions, scrubs, and oils. Not only can you choose the fragrance you want, but you can also choose the color as well! They have a large variety of fragrances to choose from. Includes some “wannabe” scents, so if you have a perfume you like you may can get lotion to match it! If you need to update your loungewear be sure to check out their selection made from bamboo that keeps you cool while you sleep.

4. See a Movie at the Wharf Is your family always quick to see movies as soon as they hit the theaters? The Wharf has an AMC movie theatre right in the middle of their shops. It has the perfect shops if you are needing to get souvenirs for people back home. So, while half the family sees a movie the other half can shop and eat!

5. Give yourself the gift of ultimate relaxation The Magnolia Float Spa is a zero gravity floating experience that helps to relieve stress, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep! You get into the tub and free float for 1 hour while your body decompresses from all the stress of making sure your family’s vacation is perfect. To really get the full benefits they recommend adding on a massage to the beginning of your float. Don’t worry about how you’re going to get ready after your float. They provide all the amenities you need, so all you need to bring is yourself! Totally stress free. The Magnolia Float Spa is by appointment only, so make sure you give them a call before hand.

6. Put your skills to the test with an escape room Come and visit Breakaway the #1 Escape room in Orange Beach, AL. With 5 different rooms to choose from it shouldn’t be hard to find something everyone will like! You have an hour to escape before its game over for your group. Escape rooms are great for bigger families for large groups since you can take up to 10 people with you. Do you think your group has the brains for this immersive experience?

May 4, 2022May 4, 2022

What Renovations Are Best For Your Rental Property

Ultimately, every rental property owner wants to maximize their profit. But in order to do so, there are several things that every rental property owner has to do to make this goal a reality. Investing in your first rental property can be intimidating at times, but it’s important to be open to renovations that will benefit your property.

Exploring funding options for your rental property and evaluating where improvements can be made, you can get a better sense of which renovations will be the most beneficial. Although almost every estate is unique, it’s important to consider a variety of upgrades that will generate the best resale value for your unique property.

Things to Consider

Conduct A Home Evaluation or Appraisal

The first step when considering the most optimal renovations is to accurately evaluate your property. Conduct a thorough walkthrough to determine what areas need the most revival. A home appraisal may also help to analyze the potential market value, along with identifying which parts of your property are the most run down. From there, you’ll get a better sense of the what upgrades will provide the most resale value.

Analyze Ways To Pay

Home renovations can be pricey, but by keeping the long-term value in mind, you can get the best return on your investment. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to pay for these projects. Two reliable funding options include finding the best credit card or personal loan. In your efforts, perform additional research to find the lowest interest rates possible.

Other ways to fund your renovations include using a home remodel loan or a home equity loan. A home remodel loan is an unsecured personal loan that you can receive from a bank or credit union. On the other hand, a home equity loan uses your current home as funding provided in a lump sum. This option often has lower interest rates than a credit card or personal loan. By analyzing the pros and cons of each of these funding options, you will find peace of mind when deciding which projects will generate the best returns. Below are some renovations that will help increase the value of your home one way or another.

What Generates The Best Returns?

A Kitchen Remodel

Conducting a minor kitchen renovation is one of the best ways to not only revamp your property, but to also add a personalized touch to the home. This type of remodel is quite popular amongst homeowners and rental property owners alike. Since the kitchen space is an essential part of your property, it is typically a focus for prospective buyers. By upgrading your kitchen space, you can recoup up to 70% of the cost of the renovation.

Some of these potential updates include: switching to modern cabinets, changing the flooring, and implementing a new kitchen island. Modern kitchen cabinets can be aesthetically pleasing, while also providing sufficient functionality. Changing the floor will also make your kitchen space more attractive and functional to walk through. Adding a new kitchen island in quartz or granite is a reliable way to add luxury to your property; these attractive patterns not only appeal to the eye but also provide a durable surface for cooking and other kitchen activities.

Vinyl Siding

Adding vinyl siding to your rental property can provide a variety of advantages. However, the main reason vinyl siding is a valuable option for homeowners is because it’s cost effective. For its lower price point, vinyl siding is surprisingly durable, which is why it’s become so popular. In terms of returns, you can recoup practically up to 68% back for the installation.

Additional benefits include increased home exterior protection, enhanced curb appeal, and reduced heating and cooling costs. Also, this material is practically maintenance free and eco-friendly. There is a large selection of styles, colors, and trims when it comes to implementing vinyl siding. The installation process is also relatively easy, however, if you do want to ensure best practice, try hiring a siding contractor to professionally install it for a fee.

Garage Door Replacement

When it comes to curb appeal, replacing your garage is one of the most popular ways to instantly improve your rental property. Not only does this provide reliable functionality when opening and closing your garage, but you can also use this space for insulation and storage purposes. Be mindful of garage door materials. Some popular features include steel, wood and plastic. Consider garage spring systems and insulation effectiveness when deciding which door is best. For the smoothest and safest installation, hiring a garage door installer is best practice.

This specific property renovation will retain a higher value than the previous two updates. At the end of the day, you could recoup approximately 94% of your initial investment. This project initially costs less, and you will retain practically everything you spent in the first place while improving the value of your real estate asset.

Although choosing the right renovations for your property is subjective, it’s equally important to consider which ones will provide the best return financially. Be proactive and decide which upgrades are the most ideal for your rental property. Using these general renovations tips will help increase the value of your home one way or another.

Interested in more advice for Rental Property Renovations?

Contact Sunset Properties at info@sunsetproperties.com for more information on what your property needs! Looking to sell? Contact John 251-979-4100