Gulf Shores – Page 8 – Sunset Properties Blog

March 12, 2016

Rainy Summer Vacation

It is that time of year We are getting tons of calls from people planning their summer vacation. It is also the time of year for us to get tons of rain. Unfortunately, travel insurance does not cover if you have a rainy summer vacation , but just because its rainy does not limit your fun things to do in the area. We wanted to give you a few hits and helpful tips over the next few weeks so you will be completely prepared for your trip no matter what happens. This week I just wanted to talk to you about an alternate plan.

You never know from one day to the next what will happen on your vacation so the biggest tip is to be FLEXIBLE… Flexibility will save hurt feelings, and bad attitudes from taking over the trip. A little extra planning will allow for seamless transitions if it rains or if your group has just had enough sun for that week. Lucky you are on the Gulf coast it is the place to be when its rainy outside!

If you are just a group of adults looking for some great activities when it rains on your vacation. Everything from shopping at the outlet mall or beach souvenir stores to Local cultural experiences at one of the many theaters or museums in the area. Of course there is always a choice of movies and we have two movie theaters in the area The Cobb Pinnacle Theaters, and Carmike Cinemas at the Wharf.

When it rains on your summer vacation and you are planning for the ever-board teens that are here with you try Blond Johns for all of their surfing dreams. Or if surfing and skating are not on their radar and movies or shopping is not their thing visit Adventure Island they have indoor laser tag and an arcade. Or you could try Arena Next Play at the Wharf, or the indoor arcades at Waterville, or The Track.

Children have the most selections by far on rainy summer vacation days. So when planning if you have little ones all you need to know is what they are interested in. Of course just like above there are movie options shopping and arcades. But specifically for kids or anyone interested in science or animals check out the Esturairum at The Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The Esturarium is just a quick ferry ride away over to Dauphin Island. If you are up for a little bit of a car ride take a day trip to Mobile or Pensacola. In Mobile those science lovers in the family would enjoy The

href=”https://www.exploreum.com/”>Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. With rotating exhibits throughout the year this is a fantastic place to spend the day for the entire family.

Our all time favorite spot to direct families to is the Naval Air Station in Pensacola Museum. It is free to the public although they always accept donations. The museum has more planes that you can see in a day in every corner and even hanging from the ceiling. History surrounds you at every turn and even in the cafe. They have flight simulators, cockpit trainers, and a virtual flight deck. Not to mention the Blue Angel’s practice here. The 325-seat giant screen theater features the latest in state-of-the-art motion picture projection. The theater has upgraded from 70mm film projection to stunning premium laser-illuminated 2D projection system boasting full 4K resolution—nearly 9 million pixels on-screen—the first of its kind installed in an institutional theater.

So no worries! There is plenty to do on rainy summer vacation it just takes a little planning ahead. You will be sure to have the best vacation no matter what the weather happens to do while you are on vacation.

February 26, 2016

The 24th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival

Are you looking for a fun Saturday event? Of Course it needs to have something for everyone in the Family! Well look no further. Take the entire family out to The 24^th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival. Not only will you have fantastic seafood but there is also a craft show, fun games and activities for kids and a classic Car Show. This entire event is held annually and is the to raise money for the Association’s major fundraiser to support sports-related activities in our community, specifically youth baseball, softball and T-Ball. Proceeds are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, insurance, and pay for expenses of officials and sponsor clinics.

The Festival remains the same full day of delicious food, 85 arts & crafts vendors and music for the whole family. The festival includes a silent auction, food booths, car show featuring antique, classic & hot rod vehicles, a Kids Zone with climbing wall, activities & more.

– 85 Arts & Crafts Vendors

– Food Booths

– Musical Entertainment

– Military Display & Memorabilia

– Open Car Show

– Silent Auction

– Kids Zone with Activities & More

Dates & Times

Feb 27, 2016 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location

4830 Main St.Orange Beach, AL, 36561

From I-10 – Take Exit 44, Gulf Shores Parkway, and head south. Just north of Foley turn left onto the Foley Beach Express. The distance from the beginning of the Expressway to Orange Beach is 14 miles. The toll for the Expressway is $3.50 per car. After going over the bridge, the Expressway ends at Hwy. 180, Canal Road and The Wharf. Parking will be on both sides of the Expressway. Follow signs for parking directions.

From I-65 – Take Exit 37, Gulf Shores Parkway, and head south. It is approximately 50 miles from I-65 to Orange Beach. Just north of Foley turn left onto the Foley Beach Express. The distance from the beginning of the Expressway to Orange Beach is 14 miles. The toll for the Expressway is $3.50 per car. After going over the bridge the Expressway ends at Hwy. 180, Canal Road and The Wharf. Parking will be on both sides of the Expressway. Follow signs for parking directions.

From Pensacola – Hwy. 98 – Follow Hwy. 98 from Pensacola. Just east of Foley, turn left onto the Foley Beach Express. The toll for the Expressway is $3.50 per car. After going over the bridge the Expressway ends at Highway 180, Canal Road and The Wharf. Parking will be on both sides of the Expressway. Follow signs for parking directions.

Admission

Admission is free.

Event Info

The 24th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival is a major fundraiser for the Orange Beach Sports Association to support sports-related activities in our community, specifically youth baseball, softball and T-Ball. Proceeds are used to purchase uniforms, equipment, insurance, and pay for expenses of officials and sponsor clinics. The Festival is a full day of delicious food, 80 arts and crafts vendors, military memorabilia and music for the whole family. This is an alcohol-free event. The festival includes a silent auction, car show featuring antique, classic and hot rod vehicles, a Kids Zone with climbing wall, inflatables and games and a children’s performance pavilion.

Contact Us

PHONE: (251) 981-1524

WEBSITE: https://www.obparksandrec.com

February 19, 2016

Leave Only Footprints – Keep Alabama Beaches Clean!

As a child growing up just over the state line in the Pensacola area of Florida I remember a similar idea of leaving only your footprints behind. As I’ve gotten older I’ve always wondered why Alabama Beaches didn’t have the same signs for all the beach goers. The beaches across Alabama are implementing a similar plan and it is called Leave only Footprints!

The leave only Footprints, works off of the idea that, “you must be change you want to see in the world”. With that idea in mind and with the direction of U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the cities and areas of the Alabama Gulf Coast have enacted several new rules regarding litter and items on the beach.

1. Personally owned structures and equipment left on the beach an hour after sunset will be removed by the beach patrol.

2. Avoid walking on beach vegetation. Plant roots hold together the fragile dunes.

3. Keep the natural ecosystem intact by avoiding the removal of shells, driftwood or other items you may find during your island explorations.

4. Explore away from bird nesting areas. Nests may be located in the ground and camouflaged to resemble the surrounding environment, so please watch your step!

5. Consider the best type of transportation to see the island: your feet! Walking is not only a great form of exercise, but it’s an eco-friendly way to experience the Alabama Gulf Coast.

New Trash Cans and Recycle containers will be all along the beach to help keep trash and recyclables off of the beach and out of the water. Keeping Alabama beaches clean and safe for all of its inhabitants and visitors.

Each year more than 5 million visitors travel from across the nation and the world to enjoy the turquoise water and white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Come, stay, play and enjoy the striking beauty and laid-back lifestyle of our 32 miles of sugar-white sand. We simply ask that you take with you all those happy beach memories . . . and leave only your footprints.

The Leave Only Footprints program exists to ensure it stays that way for generations to come. Will you join us?

February 4, 2016

Gulf State Park; Future Plans and Updates

Recently a community meeting was held to present the final plans for the updates for Gulf State Park. The community has been meeting for some time about the proposed changes to be made to the park with money received from the 2010 Oil spill that damaged the local wildlife and tourism industry. Some of the ideas have been very controversial, some are extremely welcome and needed changes. Overall the final plan appears to be s community enhancing project that will rival larger Nature preserves.

Some of the many changes proposed include rebuilding the Dune system in this area that is so protective to the island. A Convention Center will be added a little further back from the original conference center on the beach side of the refuge land. The hiking trail system will be expanded and part will be paved. Some of the streets in the park will be closed to cars and a tram system will be in place. The Camp ground will be expanded and improved. The golf course will be converted to an educational area, and much much more.

Take a look at the exciting future plans here at Gulf State Park

January 22, 2016

Mardi Gras Activities

January 8, 2016October 21, 2021

Golfing along the Gulf Coast

Alabama’s Gulf Coast boasts more than just beautiful sandy beaches and fantastic weather. Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and the surrounding areas are home to several of the state’s best and most beautiful golf courses. In fact, the state’s top rated course – Kiva Dunes – is located between Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores, just down the road from our beautiful beach houses and condo rentals.

The golf community in and around Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan is comprised of many wonderful golf courses, including four pristine and famous golf courses within the limits of Gulf Shores. Each offers challenging holes, stunning scenery, and a variety of landscapes. These beautiful courses offer unique and memorable golfing experiences, with most just minutes from the landmark of Fort Morgan.

Cotton Creek at Craft Farms

3840 Cotton Creek Circle

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

This course is the original Arnold Palmer signature design, offering challenge and Southern charm. It’s one of only two of Arnold Palmer’s Alabama projects, and it’s sure to impress. It features rolling fairways, rippling greens, dwarf Bermuda grasses, several lakes, and more than 7,000 yards from the tips.

Cypress Bend at Craft Farms

3840 Cotton Creek Circle
Gulf Shores, AL 36542

The sister course to Cotton Creek, Cypress Bend is the other Arnold Palmer masterpiece in Alabama. Year-round conditions are lush and green, making it a must-play course no matter when you visit Fort Morgan or Gulf Shores. It holds a 4 ½-star rating from Golf Digest and features “staggered tee boxes, sprawling bunkers, top-quality putting surfaces, and year-round lush conditions.” The lakes accented by cord grass offer a breezy, coastal feel at almost every hole.

Kiva Dunes

815 Plantation Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542

The number one rated golf course in Alabama, Kiva Dunes is truly stunning. It was designed by former U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate and is Alabama’s only beachfront golf resort. It has been named among Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Best Public Golf Courses,” and showcases the native sand dunes, lakes, and natural wildlife areas. The 7,092-yard course is secluded, seaside, and is convenient to the full-service clubhouse on site.

Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club

20 Peninsula Blvd.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Created by Earl Stone, this 27-hole course on Mobile Bay features more than 7,000 yards from the tees. It is located on 820 secluded acres, with the Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve on two sides of it. It has been consistently ranked 4 stars by Golf Digest, and it is home to an abundance of natural vegetation and lakes.

There are also several wonderful courses nearby, some of which were designed by famous golf pros!

Glenlakes Golf Club

9530 Clubhouse Drive

Foley, AL 36535

Lost Key Golf club

625 Lost Key Drive
Perdido Key, FL 32507

Rock Creek Golf Club

140 Clubhouse Drive
Fairhope, AL 36532

TimberCreek Golf Club

9650 Timbercreek Boulevard
Daphne, AL 36527

November 27, 2015

Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, offers lots of fun things to do, from geocaching, biking, and days on the beach to golfing, fishing, and exploring the nature center. Open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., you could spend the entire day exploring here! The two miles of gorgeous beaches offer room to kick back in a chair, throw a Frisbee or football, or splash around in the Gulf. Beyond the beach, enjoy recreational activities, the Nature Center, and more.

Nature Center

A nice place to cool off and meet some interesting critters, the Nature Center at Gulf State Park is home to native plants and animals. The “living museum” aims to teach people about caring for the environment and its many living things. It’s open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and entrance is $1 per vehicle into the campground area.

Fishing & Education Pier

The pier at Gulf State Park has 2,448 feet of fishing space along the rails. You’ll find trash cans, lights, and bench seating, as well as some great chances to catch some fish. There is even an indoor seating and concession area, as well as a retail store where you can get tackle and souvenirs. The pier is also wheelchair accessible.

Refuge Golf Club

Set in the scenic Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Refuge Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole championship course designed by Earl Stone. It features 6,593 yards of landscaped courses, along with a driving range, putting green, and pro shop. It’s open from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. seven days a week with reasonable daily fees. Play 18 holes for $24.99 ($21.24 for seniors and $12 for children) or nine holes for $14.99 ($12.74 for seniors and $10 for children). Cart fees are $9 and $15 for nine holes and 18 holes, respectively.

Hiking, biking, beach fun

There are 15 miles of trails in Gulf State Park, spanning Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. Trails feature a variety of terrains, providing opportunities for people of many skill levels to bike, walk, and run.

Dog-friendly fun

Gulf State Park is dog friendly in several areas! As long as your well-behaved four-legged friend is leashed, you can bring him or her along on the trails and at the picnic area. You can even unleash pets at the Dog Pond at Lake Shelby, where they can run, play, and swim. The dog park is on the west end of the parking lot below the Gulf Adventure Center. Just be sure to check the rules before heading over.

November 20, 2015

Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Animal fun at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Home to over 500 exotic animals, including wolves, leopards, lions, tigers, primates, bears, birds, and reptiles, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a haven for animals, a petting zoo, an aviary, a fun family-friendly attraction, and an educational experience all

in one. It was opened in 1989 as Zooland Animal Park. In 1991, the Ward family donated the 17 acres that the zoo now sits on and created the Zoo Foundation, Inc. Along with the animal encounters, animal exhibits, aviary, reptile house, and petting zoo, the park is now made up of wide pathways, a shaded picnic area, a gift shop, and concessions (seasonally).

While guests love meeting the animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the zoo’s primary mission is to provide an educational experience for guests. Throughout the week, zoo employees and volunteers offer

free educational programs and presentations that teach about the importance of conserving resources and land for these animals. They believe that when people get the opportunity to meet these animals close up, they can find more appreciation for them. It’s a community outreach program that the people at the zoo are very passionate about.

The animal encounters are easily the most popular part of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, offering unique family fun. Animal encounters allow kids and adults to get up close and personal with animals they would likely never come across in real life. Be adventurous and try an encounter with kangaroos, lemurs, reptiles, or tigers! The animal encounters are closed during the winter, but they resume again in early spring. Just be sure to check the rules for each encounter, as different attire is required for the safety of guests.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

1204 Gulf Shores Parkway

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Contact information

251.968.5732 (main line)

251.968.5731 (information line)

info@alabamagulfcoastzoo.org

Hours

Open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily (last guests admitted at 3:30 p.m.)

Open every day during the year, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day

Admission prices

Adults (12-54) – $11 plus tax

Seniors (55+) – $9 plus tax

Children (3-11) – $8 plus tax

Children (2 and under) – FREE

*Group rates are also available, and reservations are required at least 48 hours before the visit. Call for more information.

If you’re looking for some family fun in Gulf Shores, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a great option. Spend a few hours meeting the animals and learning more about them!

November 13, 2015

Food Crawl on the Gulf Coast Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan offer more than just seafood

You might think that your only option for food in Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan, Alabama, is seafood. And while seafood is delicious, and you probably do want to splurge on it while you’re at the beach and can get the freshest choices, the restaurant options in these Gulf Coast towns provide something for almost every taste. Take a virtual trip around the world as we show you some of the restaurants that represent a variety of cultures and tastes. You can satisfy your sweet tooth, grab a quick burger, fill up on Southern favorites, or splurge on a sushi dinner.

Seafood
Of course we can’t leave off seafood – it’s a staple here at the beach! Tacky Jack’s 2 is a great pick in Fort Morgan, and it’s just across the street from Sunset Properties. Along with a varied menu, Tacky Jack’s 2 will cook up the catch you bring in from the day’s fishing! Connected to the Gulf Shores Yacht Club & Marina, this local favorite promises to serve up fresh seafood. You can even sit outside, eat, and watch as the fishing boats head into shore for the day. The Original Oyster House has seafood and Cajun specialties (and an expansive salad bar), and DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen offers daily lunch specials starting at just $6. Other great seafood restaurants in the area include: Mikee’s Seafood, the Shrimp Basket, King Neptune’s Seafood Restaurant, and Cosmo’s (in Orange Beach).

Mexican
If you’re in the mood for tacos, burritos, chips and salsa, and your other Mexican favorites, try Tequila Mexican Restaurant, Cactus Flower Cafe, or El Toro Mexican Restaurant, all located along Gulf Shores Parkway.

Italian
Whether you want pizza, pasta, or calzones, Gulf Shores has a few great options. Stop by Papa’s Pizza or Crico’s Pizza & Subs on Gulf Shores Parkway, or head to The Wharf to try Villaggio Grille. Papa Rocco’s has pizza, oysters, and live music, and Old World Bakery offers dine in, carry out, and free delivery.

Sushi
Located on Canal Road in Orange Beach, Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar is worth the drive for great sushi. Enjoy an outdoor bar, unique boutique shopping, and a dog-friendly atmosphere on the patios. Aji Sai Asian Cuisine also has a wide variety of rolls made fresh (located at The Pelican Place at Craft Farms).

Southern
Because they’re located on the Gulf Coast, restaurants in Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan, AL offer the Southern classics. Dine on grits, cornbread, fried pickles, turnip greens, and all those other great Southern comfort foods at area eateries such as Original Oyster House, Bahama Bob’s Beach Side Cafe, LuLu’s, and The Hangout.

Breakfast
If you can bring yourself to get out of bed and away from the beach early enough, there are several great breakfast spots in Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores. Just across the street, Tacky Jack’s 2 offers mimosas, Bloody Marys, breakfast burritos, and more. Or you can head into Gulf Shores and get some coffee and treats at Cafe Beignet. Down the road in Orange Beach, Cobalt The Restaurant serves a breakfast buffet during spring and summer and a Sunday brunch year-round from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

April 18, 2013

Portabella’s, A Don’t Miss Resturant in Foley!

After a very long day two, stressed out women were on a hunt for some great dinner! We decided to give a new place a try and it was the perfect decision. This hole in the wall restaurant holds up to it’s name. It is not fancy on the inside or overlooking the water or some serene park but it doesn’t matter. The inviting atmosphere and friendly local staff make you feel at home in the newly renovated restaurant.

Portabella’s is located in the heart of historic Foley on hwy 59 on the east side of the road. Almost at the end of the historic district it shares a building with the Foley Fish Company. There is parking in front and just to the South of the building. As you enter the glass front doors you can enjoy a view out the large plate glass windows in front that have a view of 59 and all of the comings and going in town.

As we came in our friendly waiter welcomed us in and offered us nay table in the place. He brought us menu’s and some great sweet tea. After we perused the menu for a while we decided to each get a salad and to share a pizza. Not just a basic pizza we actually asked for a half meat and half what was most closely called a supreme pizza. I got the Spinach Salad with the house green onion vinaigrette dressing. This salad was beautifully fresh spinach, feta cheese, olives, pecans, and a little red onion and the dressing. I could have had just a giant plate of this salad and been very very happy. It was a fantastic flavor combination and I will absolutely get it again! My mom who came to dinner with me got a basic house salad that was mixed greens, cheese, bacon, tomato and croutons. She loved her salad as much as I did.

Now for the main dish our pizza! It was a beautiful 14 inch pizza half covered in meat. It is called The Lion! Sausage, pepperoni, ham, bacon, and prosciutto on top of this pizza worthy of the carnivore . It was unique in that the meat was all amazing not the norm that you would get on a chain meat Pizza. The other half of our pizza was a “Foley.” The “Foley” includes peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, pepperoni, sausage. Again with beautifully fresh veggies and uniquely fresh meat the “Foley”only honors this community with it’s goodness.

There is always a soup of the day, great salad menu. Sandwiches with the same beautiful ingredients that were on our pizza and even healthier lighter choices. Oh, and pasta! I am going to try some pasta sometime soon. So as you are coming in on that shopping day you make to Foley, don’t miss Portabella’s. Instead of sitting in traffic pull over and have a great dinner at this don’t miss yummy Italian jewel to our community.