The Fun Doesn’t End with Fat Tuesday

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

Happy Fat Tuesday! If you happen to be in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach this week, you’re in luck—plenty of Mardi Gras events are going on in the area today. Check out one of the various Mardi Gras parades taking place, or head over to LuLu’s for for the all-day LuLu’s Anniversary, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras Boat Parade.

Then the rest of the week is up to you: relax in your Orange Beach condo, take a stroll along the beach, hit the hot tubs and indoor pools, or play a round of golf. And if you’re not completely tuckered out from the day’s Mardi Gras festivities, there’s still much activity to partake in. Lunchtime bingo at The Hangout and live music at Tacky Jack’s and LuLu’s are some of the nightlife and music events you’ll find this week along the Alabama Gulf Coast, plus the 20th Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Antique Car Show is scheduled for Saturday, February 25th.

That’s what’s so great about the Gulf Shores area—there’s always something going on.

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It’s a Great Time of Year to Enjoy Nature

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

Know what kind of temperatures are forecasted for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach for the next week? 60s and 70s—not hot, not cold, and absolutely perfect for being outdoors. If I could just get down there for a few days, I know exactly what I’d do: explore some Gulf Coast nature.

Some of my favorite Gulf Shores nature attractions include the Gulf State Park, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (because you’re simply never too old for the zoo), and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. And if you visit the Wildlife Refuge on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between now and March 29th, you can go on a free guided nature tour—check out this and other Alabama Gulf Coast activities on the Brett/Robinson events calendar.

I just might have to take advantage of a free night special in the next couple of weeks. A few days in a beach-front condo, some nature excursions, a little golf, and maybe I can survive until spring!

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Need a Hotel on the Gulf Coast?

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

Sometimes a hotel just makes sense—like when you decide to attend an out-of-town wedding even though you’re going solo (as I did this past fall), or when you almost forget your wedding anniversary and make last-minute decision to bring your wife and kids to the Gulf for a few days as an anniversary present (as my brother-in-law is doing in a couple weeks).

But it’s only worth it if it’s the right kind of hotel—comfortable and convenient. Which is why it was practically a requirement that my brother-in-law book a room at one of the Brett/Robinson Phoenix All Suites Hotels. They’ll have the easiness that a hotel room offers. He and my sister will have their own bedroom (and the kiddos get the bunk beds). And they’ll have an actual kitchen, which is one of my favorite features of these Gulf-front hotels and which will allow him to prepare a special anniversary dinner (a sort of penance for nearly forgetting the date completely).

Here’s another situation where a room at the Phoenix All Suites Hotel is ideal: during the Hangout Music Festival. The Gulf Shores hotel is right on the site of this event. It’s a great way to take a break from all the activity without having to miss much—relax on the hotel balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and still hear the music.

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Mardi Gras Fans: Only One Week to Fat Tuesday!

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

One week from today marks a big day on the Gulf: Fat Tuesday. If you’re celebrating Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach on Tuesday, February 21st, you won’t be disappointed—parades, parties, and live music are all part of the day’s events.

The events actually begin this week and continue on to Fat Tuesday. There’s an Orange Beach Mardi Gras parade on Friday, and a couple more on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. On Monday there’s even a Kids Mardi Gras Parade at The Wharf.

But the real fun is on Tuesday: the Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade, the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade, and the Pleasure Island Mardi Gras Festival—live music, street performers, and a kids’ zone will be part of the festival. Then of course there’s the LuLu’s Anniversary, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras Parade event, which begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning and goes into the night. Expect to find live music, a boat parade, and a good Gulf Shores celebration at LuLu’s that day.

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Have You Seen the Lineup for the Hangout Music?

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

The lineup for the Hangout Music Festival is officially out, and I’m thrilled to see two of my favorite bands among the performers: Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dave Matthews Band. Ah, so many good, fun memories go along with their music. Can’t wait to see them live!

And they’re just one of the live performances—you can check out the lineup here. This is my favorite part when planning for the Hangout Music Fest—watching the growing list of performers who will make an appearance at this popular Gulf Coast music event. Tickets are going on sale Friday, February 10th at noon.

If you’re also looking for a place to stay, you might want to check out the Brett/Robinson Hangout Music Festival Package. Book a condo with them for the music fest weekend and get tickets to the event—planning doesn’t get any easier than that! Just call 800-211-7892 for more information.

Bring on the month of May!

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Don’t Let a Rainy (or Cold) Day Ruin Your Vacation

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

I can’t believe how awesome this weather has been lately. Spring fever’s been hitting me hard thanks to the mild temperatures—spring break can’t get her fast enough!

But in the back of my mind, I can’t help but think we’re going to pay for this early spring—perhaps in the form of a cold snap or nonstop rain the week of spring vacation. Luckily, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach is one of the best places, rain or shine (and cold or warm) for a beach vacation. Just check out this list of rainy day activities in case bad weather strikes.

Arcades used to be one of my favorite indoor activities—and maybe they still are! Adventure Island in Orange Beach has 100 arcade games, which (I know from experience) is enough to keep you busy when the weather is lousy. The place also has a rock wall and the Max Flight Simulator—a truly awesome experience!

Another favorite is the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. You might think that a week off from school doesn’t lend itself to finding fun at a bunch of science exhibits…but you would be wrong. The Exploreum is (in my opinion) one of the coolest attractions on the Alabama Gulf Coast. And then there’s the Science Center’s IMAX dome theater—definitely a must-see.

And if there’s one thing the area has plenty of, its museums. Whether you want to learn a little Gulf Shores history, explore the Orange Beach Indian culture, or get an up-close look at aviation, there’s a Gulf Coast museum just waiting for you.

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Putting Greens Are an Excellent Condo Amenity on a Golf Vacation

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

When you plan your golf vacation, is it strictly for pleasure, or is there a competitive edge in the works? Generally, when I play golf it’s for relaxation purposes—I’m simply not that good of a golfer to have more of an agenda than fun. But every spring, I head down to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach with several friends for a Brett/Robinson golf vacation. And when these particular friends are involved, there’s no denying the air of competition that follows us.

I struggle with my long game but often do alright with my short game. So I’ve come to rely heavily on one particular vacation feature: condo putting greens. Vacationing in a Gulf condo with this particular amenity (and actually using it to warm up before a round of golf) has, I strongly believe, made a big difference in how I fare against my friends during these golf getaways. And two of my favorite Brett/Robinson condos offer putting greens as an amenity—Gulf Shores Surf & Racquet Club in Gulf Shores and Phoenix on the Bay in Orange Beach.

I always push for us to stay at one of these two Brett/Robinson properties—not that I have to push too hard. Both are excellent Gulf vacation spots with multi-bedroom condominiums (perfect for a group situation). And what’s really cool is that both are boat-friendly—the Gulf Shores condominium has a boat launch and pier on the lagoon and the Orange Beach condo offers boat slips. This adds up to a really fun vacation when one person in the party has his own boat (as does one in our group).

I’ll enjoy the golfing no matter what—it’s golf on the Alabama Gulf Coast, what’s not to enjoy? But if I don’t manage to come out on top in our little group golf trip, I can still find solace in the boat outings we’re sure to take. And the condo pool, and the lazy river and everything else these condos have to offer.

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A Good Book Requires a Good Vacation

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

My sister gave me a book recently, claiming I’ll love it. I’m not really sure what makes her so certain of this—I hardly ever read. Really the only time I read is beach-side; it’s the only time I feel relaxed enough to absorb myself into a book. I myself am not that sure what kind of books I love.

But she gave it to me nonetheless, and she’s been relentlessly insistent that I should read this book. Now a tempting thought is forming: a three- or four-night Gulf Shores vacation. Because I truly enjoy reading when vacationing—but only when vacationing. I could take myself and my book down to the beach for a few days and spend some relaxing reading time by the Gulf, by the pool, or even on the Gulf-front balcony of my Brett/Robinson hotel room.

Or I could rent an Orange Beach condo and take advantage of the Brett/Robinson Mardi Gras special: three nights at a 20% discount or four or five nights with one night free (plus I’d get to attend the various Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Mardi Gras parades taking place between February 17th and 21st). It would be fun, relaxing, and I’d have that book read in no time.

I see no other solution to getting my sister off my back. Time to book a vacation!

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Ready to See the Gulf View from the Penthouse?

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

What if you could visit a waterfront penthouse for just $20? Well you can this weekend—as part of the 5th Annual “View from the Top” event taking place on Saturday. Just a visit, of course, not an actual overnight stay (sorry!). But you would get to tour various “uniquely decorated” penthouses on the Gulf, and a portion of the event proceeds will be donated to the Siren Scholarship Fund and Mary’s Shelter.

I’ve never actually stayed in a condo penthouse. The closest I’ve ever come to vacationing at the penthouse level was playing tennis on the penthouse tennis court at Phoenix West. What a view that was!  And what a feeling it must be to wake up on the top floor of an Orange Beach condominium, drinking a cup of coffee while looking out over the Gulf.

If I were going to be in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach this weekend, I would definitely go on this tour, both for its charitable nature and for the simple fun of viewing these unique penthouses. But since I won’t be in town this weekend, there’s only one way I’ll get to see this view for myself: vacation in a penthouse. My family is planning another Gulf Shores vacation/family reunion for this summer…I just might have to suggest we move the party to the top floor of our Brett/Robinson condominium.

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Places to Photograph in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

I recently sprung for this awesome new camera, and was really hoping that we’d have a repeat of last winter: lots of rare southern snow, an excellent setup for picture-taking.

Obviously, that hasn’t happened this year, and it doesn’t look like there will be snow anytime soon. Maybe I should take this winterless January as a sign and get myself to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach for some beach photography.

And as photogenic as the white-sand Alabama beaches are, they’re not the only picturesque draw of the area. Gulf Shores nature attractions like Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf State Park offer some very camera-friendly scenery (sand dunes, marshes, nature trails, to name a few) and wildlife. The Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail in Orange Beach is another prime nature spot—10 miles of nature and wildlife.

A Gulf Coast golf course could present an excellent photography situation as well. The greens themselves are scenic all on their own; golfing with a couple friends could make for a pretty cool action photograph.

And, of course, there’s the Gulf itself. I would love to get a shot of a sun setting over the water, or just cresting the horizon early in the morning. This should be easy enough to accomplish right from the balcony of my Gulf-front Brett/Robinson condominium. Now to plan a time to get down there…soon!

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