Pet Friendly Vacations – Page 4 – Sunset Properties Blog

November 3, 2016

What are the Best Pet Friendly Beaches in Alabama?

When you plan your visit to the Gulf Shores of Alabama, there’s no need to worry about boarding your furry friends! Besides, it’s expensive anyway. Just bring them to the beach! There are plenty of great options for your pup to sniff, explore, and have fun at the pet friendly beaches in Alabama! You’ll never see those sad puppy dog eyes as you leave again when you come to coastal Alabama. But, where are the best pet friendly beaches? Read on to find out!

Want to know more about the best things to do near Sunset Properties? Then check out our Local Activities page today! It’s full of the best ideas to make your visit the vacation of a lifetime. And, with all the great activities, you’ll be sure to please the whole family, including Fido!

The Best Pet Friendly Beaches in Alabama

Fort Morgan, Alabama
Head west out of Gulf Shores and you’ll eventually run out of land. This is where Fort Morgan sits, at the tip of Mobile Point. It’s also the first of our best pet friendly beaches in Alabama! Fort Morgan allows your furry friends to play on the public beaches as long as they are on a leash. You can access the city’s public beaches from inside the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. At the end of the peninsula near the Fort Morgan State Historic Site grounds, you have access to the beach through an unnamed access road. The other point of entry is just past the refuge visitor center and just off of Mobile Street. Parking there is on a first-come, first-served basis. Also of note: the Fort Morgan State Historic Site property does not allow dogs.

Dauphin Island, Alabama
Away from Gulf Shores and three miles south of the mouth of the Mobile Bay is the barrier island of Dauphin Island. The island’s beaches are pet-friendly and open to the public year-round! There is a small fee during the spring and summer, and dogs must remain on leash on the beach. Again, parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and you may re-enter the park as many times as you like during the same day by furnishing your ticket. Dogs are only allowed on Dauphin Island’s public beaches. The West End Beach Park on the west side of the island does not.

Other Great Places to Take Your Dog

Unleashed in Orange Beach Dog Park
Unleashed in Orange Beach Dog Park has separate fenced-in areas for all sizes of dogs. Training stations, water stations, and plenty of benches with shade make this the perfect mid-day stop for your pup to run free! Open daily for free from sunrise to sunset.

Gulf State Park
What better way to get both you and your pup out than to explore Gulf State Park? Hike along the pristine dog-friendly trails and see nature up close! Dogs must be leashed at all times in the park, including in the campgrounds. The best part? The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby is the perfect place for your pooch to explore the water. The dog park is to your immediate left when you enter the parking lot. For just a $2 daily pass, it’s the perfect way to let your dog explore!

Pet Friendly Rentals to Go with Your Pet Friendly Vacation

You can’t take your dog on vacation with you if you don’t have a pet-friendly place to stay! Here at Sunset Properties, we have the most comfortable pet-friendly vacation rentals in the area. You and your pup will feel like you’re at home when you stay with us. So, check out our pet-friendly options and contact us today! We’re eager to accommodate you and your pooches every need so you can have the best 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

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.

April 12, 2013

American Fun, The Perfect Little House For Your Getaway!

This is a quaint two story house, close to the Dunes Community Pool, and NEWLY updated in 2012. There is plenty of room for the family in this 1,600 Sq Ft 3 bedroom, 3 bath duplex. The beach beckons to you from behind the houses just 150 yards away. You get sneak peaks of a view from both balconies and a really nice view off to the West of the Sunset.

American Fun 3

American Fun 4

As you enter the house you will notice the spacious living room with ocean colored walls and modern furniture. The couch is a sleeper sofa.

American Fun1

The adjoined dining area has a table for 6 with additional seating at the kitchen bar. The fully stocked, fully equipped kitchen with full size appliances is perfect for cooking your favorite seafood dishes at meal time. The floors are tiled throughout except for the bedrooms. Right off of the kitchen is the “lavender” room that has a King size bed and access to a shared bathroom.

American Fun 2

Upstairs to the left is the kid’s room with two twin beds and a full private bath. The Gulf facing Master bedroom has a King bed with its own private bath as well as access to a balcony. Each room has its own TV. This house also has underneath parking. As a guest of the Dunes Community, you have access to the Dunes Community pool and hot tub as well as the Dunes Condo pool, hot tub, sauna, and work out facility.

This house rents from Saturday to Saturday during the spring and summer, but is available for shorter stays outside of these times. Give us a call for pricing on less than weekly stays 1-888-877-9270!

April 4, 2013

Fishing In Fort Morgan

It is time to come Fishing!!! Fort Morgan is one of the areas favorite fishing destinations.
With the pass just at the end of the island, the Gulf on one said and the quiet waters of the bay on the other side of the island, I can see why our tiny little hidaway is the perfect place to some fish. March 15th was the start of the Alabama’s Gulf Coast for Pompano, Flounder, Mackerel, Whiting and a Cobia Tournament this tournament goes until April 30th. There are people out fishing everyday in this tournament vieing for the best catch. If you are a pier fishing enthausiest now is the time to be in Gulf Shores. Not only can you try for the largest fish but once you have it weighed and measured you can have it cooked to order by one of our great Fort Morgan resturants like Tacky Jacks or Sassy Bass.

There is another local tournament The Captian Hook Classic Fishing Tournament May 11th, 2013. This tournament added a new category this year of kayak fishing. So all of you kayak fishermen this is the tournament for you. It takes place here in Fort Morgan. Hurry and sign up soon so you can catch your next monster. Call us to book your fishing getaway today!

March 14, 2013

Bama Coast Cruise

Are old cars your thing? Do you need a beach vacation? I have a great idea for your next trip! Come down to Gulf Shores and visit the “Bama Coast Cruise,” April 25, 26 & 27, 2013. You can see all the classic cars you know and love in all different stages and styles of restoration. There will be live music, and vendors, a swap meet, and a cruise down the beautiful Alabam Gulf Coast.

As if all of this wasn’t enough to keep you entertained for three days, going on at the same time The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show will be taking place. Did I mention this was at, “The Wharf!” That means ladies if you are not exactly interested in learning about every little piece of each car in the show you could take some time and do some shopping just steps away at “The Wharf!”

We can off a special rate for 3 nights in a one bedroom that starts at $499.00 total. If you need a little more space we can offer you a two bedroom for $599.00 or a 3 bedroom for $699.00 total for three nights. Just give us a call to book today.

Be sure to stop by and cheer on Sterling and John in the Cobra! Sterling has a chance to win one of many prizes the top prize is a 1969 Rambler Beach Cruiser. When you stop by be sure to get your free Sunset Properties, FMA (Fort Morgan, AL) bumper sticker. We hope to see you there!

Location: 4671 Wharf Parkway West, Orange Beach, Alabama 36561

Dates and Times:Bama Coast Cruise will be open to the public (spectators) on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission for Spectators: $5.00 for Adults, Children 12 and under are Free!

Spectator Parking: Parking is free and plentiful at the Wharf Event Center!

March 7, 2013

HANGOUT FEST 2013

It is almost time for Hangout Fest 2013 grab your towel, sunscreen and some cash and head down to the Public beach in Gulf Shores for a fantastic line-up of artists, ready to entertain you all weekend long. There are a couple of things you need to know first!

Ticket Prices!!!

SHUTTLESPARKING
There is no parking at the festival, we encourage everyone to use our shuttle system.

Hangout Shuttles are the best option to avoid traffic congestion that occurs around the festival entrance. We’ve got these shuttles dialed in to offer you the fastest and easiest way to get to site!

And with the Golden Shuttle program you will have a chance to win awesome prizes including VIP upgrades and festival merchandise. All you have to do is get on the bus!

Shuttle Passes are ON SALE NOW!

How about a line up for the weekend! Check out who is joining us in Gulf Shores this year. Oh, and that blurred out one is Stevie Wonder!!!!

This year we are promised many surprises and new things one of them is a Art Contest!

So you have your tickets you have your shuttle passes you have your towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and cash. Wait a minute you need a place sleep. Unfortunately as fun as it sounds they police won’t let you sleep on the beach in Gulf Shores. We have an amazing deal for you though!!!

Stay 3 nights in a 1 bedroom condo only $599.00
Stay 3 nights in a 2 bedroom condo only $699.00
Stay 3 nights in a 3 bedroom condo only $799.00

Come for the party and enjoy the beach, don’t forget your camera, swimsuit and sunscreen! We will see you in MAY!!!

February 28, 2013

It’s Almost Spring Break!!!!

This year is flying bye. Ok kids, Spring Break is upon us!!!!! Have you made your plans yet??? Now is the time! I know if you are basically anywhere north of the Gulf Coast you have had a very cold wet winter and you are probably ready for some lovely sunshine.

Maybe some warm days and a trip to the beach? Now is the time to book. we are just two weeks away from our first Spring Break visitors arriving and we have set some specials! If a fishing trip is in your future either off the beach or from a boat Ft. Morgan is the place to be!

Just some fun family time is exactly what your want for Spring Break. Relaxing on the, beach playing in the water, or enjoying the local nature it all can be done here in Ft. Morgan. It is bird migration time and are flowers are already blooming!

Stay 3 nights in a 1 bedroom condo only $599.00
Stay 3 nights in a 2 bedroom condo only $699.00
Stay 3 nights in a 3 bedroom condo only $799.00

Stay 5 Nights in a 1 bedroom condo only $899.00
Stay 5 Nights in a 2 bedroom condo only $999.00
Stay 5 Nights in a 3 bedroom condo only $1099.00

Stay 7 nights in a 1 bedroom condo only
$1199.00
Stay 7 nights in a 1 bedroom condo only
$1399.00
Stay 7 nights in a 1 bedroom condo only
$1499.00

Give us a call to book today and then grab your little guys and head our way! we look forward to helping you plan your trip!

February 21, 2013

A Runner’s Paradise…Sunset Properties

NOTE: We have a guest Blogger for this post, Road Runner Girl, Mindy, joined us with her family and wrote a blog for us of her adventures. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!!!

This weekend we headed to the beach for a mini-vacation. You would think since we live on the Gulf Coast that we would visit the beach more often. But sadly we do not. I was super excited about getting in some rest and relaxation with my wonderful family!

We were staying at The Dunes Condos in Fort Morgan, AL. These condos are a part of Sunset Properties and are fabulous!

So after my long run, we headed south. It takes us a little over an hour to get there but it’s paradise once we are there! Before we made it to our destination we stopped to walk on the beach. Unfortunately it was super super windy (I’m talking 25 mph winds) and it was hard to enjoy the beach as much as we would have liked. It was also cold…and the wind made it colder. But we didn’t let the chill spoil our fun too bad. We still walked around, took some pictures, and collected some seashells.

The red and purple flags were flying. A red flag means the surf is dangerous and to swim with caution. A purple flag means there is dangerous marine life in the water. Hmmm…I was kinda glad it was too cold to swim. I didn’t want my boys going into the water with these flags flying!

After we had enough of the wind and cold we climbed back into the warm car and headed to Sunset Properties! Everyone was so excited!

Sunset Properties has several properties to choose from. They have two condominiums that overlook the Gulf of Mexico…The Dunes and The Indies. What’s really awesome about these condos is they have a gulf view from your room…and the front part of the building has a view of Mobile Bay. Sunset Properties also has a property located on a marina…Navy Cove…so you can park your boat and stay in luxury! They also have beach houses available that can sleep from 9 to 19 people. So you can find any type of beach front accommodations that you are looking for at Sunset Properties!

The Dunes building looks very “beachy!” It is a pinkish or coral color.

We were staying in a one bedroom condo that sleeps 6. It had two bathrooms. It had a fully equipped kitchen. There was even a washer and dryer! Perfect for my two boys and me and my hubby!

The condo was decorated soooo nice! It had a touch of home with a beachy feel. LOVE!!! As soon as we opened the door we were greeted by this cute display in the foyer. The boys loved the chair with the fish on top of each corner!

I absolutely LOVED the red couch in the living room area! I told Andy we needed a red couch!

The boys were so excited about getting to sleep in bunk beds. Of course we had a fight over who would sleep in the top bunk. A quick game of pick a number from 1-10 solved it…and Hayden won. The best part…each bunk had it’s own TV equipped with DVD players and game jacks! The boys stayed in bed the entire time we were inside the condo!!!

The master bedroom was gorgeous! And I LOVED the king size bed! Andy and I have a queen size bed at home so it was a luxury to us! And we enjoyed watching a movie in bed on the large TV.

Another favorite of the boys was the private balcony! It was a little cold to stay out there for long but the boys loved going out there and being able to see the gorgeous view of the beach and the pool below.

Most importantly the condo was super clean. The sheets and towels looked brand new. The floors didn’t leave dirty marks on my socks when I walked around (hey that’s important to me lol). Even the balcony door was spotless…no fingerprints or smudges anywhere! The kitchen counters, sink, stove, and refrigerator were spotless. I truly felt at home!

So what did we do on our beach vacation? That night we headed into Gulf Shores for some dinner. The boys wanted pizza so we ate at Papa’s Pizza. It was really good and we had a blast playing “I Spy” with the boys while we enjoyed our dinner. After dinner we headed back to the condo and the boys watched a movie in bed and so did me and Andy! Perfect relaxation!

After a wonderful night of rest (that bed was so comfy) I got dressed for a quick recovery run! I was a little sore from Saturday’s 12 miles but I couldn’t resist running along the beach! The scenery was breathtaking along the road! And the road was perfect for running! There isn’t a whole lot of traffic and there is a wide enough space on the side of the road for runners or cyclists.

You can see our condo behind me!

The condo is set back about 300 yards from the Gulf of Mexico so there is a nice little road to walk (or in the peak season you can ride their golf cart limousine) to get to the private beach. Well forget walking…I ran it! You can see The Indies condo building behind me and all the beach houses all around me. The Dunes community is so gorgeous!

Then of course I took my route out onto the actual sand. I’ve never run on the sand before…it is really hard lol! If it had been warmer I would have definitely run barefoot! It was awesome hearing the waves as I ran!

I ended up only running a mile…but it was the perfect recovery run. And I couldn’t have asked for a better place to run!!!

There are also several trails I saw along Fort Morgan Road. Next time I would like to check those out!

After my run we headed to explore Fort Morgan. Yes there is an actual Fort about 1.5 miles down the road from the condo! The boys had a blast exploring the fort and learning some history of our area!

Overall, our stay at Sunset Properties was amazing! We will definitely stay here again! And as a runner this is the perfect place to stay! You can run on the road, on trails, and on the beach!

I would love to bring some of my Sole2Soul Sisters here for a “run retreat!” It would be so much fun to relax and run in a different place!

If you are ever looking for somewhere to visit and stay on the Alabama Gulf Coast then definitely check out Sunset Properties! I know they will have what you are looking for! I highly recommend them!

In addition to their website, be sure to check out Sunset Properties on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+!

Disclaimer: I received a free night’s stay through Sunset Properties. I received no other compensation. All opinions in the above post are mine and mine alone!

Mindy

February 14, 2013

Top 5 Beaches or Cruise for your vacation???

Thanks to AL.com for the information on our beautiful area being rated as one of the Top 5 Gulf Coast Beaches. While we were celebrating this wonderful accolade the disabled cruise ship the Carnival Triumph was being towed past us at the end of the island carrying 4000 vacationers! Our hearts couldn’t help but be sad for them and what they have experienced during a time when they were supposed to be relaxing and making wonderful family memories.

Our hope is no matter where you choose to cavation that your trip is worry free and full of fun memories! When doing your considering consider our beautiful beaches in Ft. Morgan!!! Check out this great article below on why our beaches are not to be missed. Then give us a call and book your worry free vacation.

GULF SHORES, Alabama — Together, Baldwin County’s beach cities were named one of the top 5 “Best Gulf Coast Beaches” by the Travel Channel.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach were joined by Galveston Island State Park in Texas, West Ship Island in Mississippi, and two Florida cities, Destin and St. George Island.

On the Travel Channel’s website, it mentions how the Gulf Coast region has rebounded from the 2010 BP oil spill. “Today, the charming seaside towns and sugary white sands are again beckoning travelers with promises of emerald waters, brilliant white beaches, picturesque sand dunes with waving sea oats, excellent nature hikes and ample bird-watching,”

For Pleasure Island, the article says that for some Alabama may seem to play second fiddle to the Florida Panhandle. “Oh, but they should reconsider.” It highlights attractions such as Gulf State Park, and the popular public beach in Gulf Shores and mentions kid-friendly beach entertainment such as Adventure Island and Waterville USA.