41st Annual National Shrimp Festival

There are so many awesome things to love about fall in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. The days are still warm but not hot. The evenings are just right for a light jacket when you take that walk on the beach. The summer crowds are gone, and you can cruise right in to your favorite restaurant for fresh, local seafood.
Speaking of seafood, October also means it is time for the 41st Annual National Shrimp Festival. The shrimp festival starts Thursday, October 11th and will continue on until Monday the 14th.  For four glorious days, the fun will be at the main public beach in Gulf Shores with mouth-watering shrimp and other seafood treats as well as traditional festival favorites, fine art, crafts, live music on two stages, children’s activities and so much more.

There is also a 5 k you can participate in!  The history of the Annual National Shrimp Festival Run dates back to 1977. Having its start as a 5 mile race that started and ended at Bayou Village in Gulf Shores, AL. Over the years the race has made many transitions, even taking a temporary leave of absence in 2010.

The race is an officially sanctioned event of the Annual National Shrimp Festival, produced by the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce. Working with a strong group of dedicated volunteers, the 2012 Annual National Shrimp Festival 10K Run is planning the best event to date!

All net proceeds of the Run will be donated to Coastal Baldwin Education Enrichment, benefiting the local Gulf Shores & Orange Beach public schools. 

There is so much to do and see!  Be sure to book your condo soon.  See ya there!

Tennis Time at the Beach!

For all of you tennis fans, Gulf Shores is now part of the Alabama Tennis Tour.  This means there are outstanding courts within 20 minutes of your vacation spot.  Oh, and did I mention they are, FREE!!!!  Gulf Shores has an immaculate 5000 square foot state of the art facility right in the heart of town.  These courts are located at the George C. Meyer Tennis Center which is on West 2nd Street, just behind the Post Office. 

This Center boasts 12 hard surface courts, 6 Rubico courts, 4 covered courts, and 2 open.  There is seating for 150 and the courts are lighted so you can enjoy evening games and bring your cheering section along.  There are also covered pavilions a tennis lounge, restrooms, and observation decks. 

The hours of operation are as follows; courts are open 7 days a week 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. The Tennis center is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5p.m.  So pack your rackets don’t forget your tennis shoes, and get ready to enjoy cool gulf breezes while you play a match or two. Special thanks to Pam Livingston for the great photos!!!

Brandiwine, A great way to unwind

One of our favorite past times is dinner every other Thursday at Tequila’s and Listening to the music of Brandiwine.  We were introduced to Eric and Brandi through our maintenance man Jim Merrick who is their sometime guitar player.  Brandi and Eric always add fun and merriment to our evenings, when we are trying to relax after a busy day.  It is great to live in and work in a community where people are so talented and love to share their gift.  Brandi has an absolutely spellbinding voice and their music ranges from Heart to Hank Williams. 

When your are out this summer be sure to schedule your Thursday night for Tequila’s and Brandiwine!  You won’t regret this great time with new friends, enjoying yummy Mexican and music that puts you in the vacation spirit.  You will walk away feeling like a local.