But since this whole thing is his plan, he’s working out the details, including where we stay. He decided on a three-bedroom condo at Phoenix VI, which is an excellent choice. I’ve stayed there before, and absolutely loved it…but I admit, I was a little sad that this vacation wouldn’t include a lazy river. I realized that this has become my condo amenity that I can’t vacation without. The last couple of years, I almost always choose Phoenix on the Bay or Phoenix West, both of which have lazy rivers (and tennis courts, and indoor/outdoor pools, and lots of other awesome amenities).

Saying that I “can’t vacation” without a lazy river is a little bit of an exaggeration, though, and Phoenix VI offers a few amenities that some others don’t—like a full basketball court and a racquetball court. And since I know what an athletically competitive person he is, I’m pretty certain this is why he picked this Orange Beach condo (I see a basketball tournament in my future).

That’s what I love about Brett/Robinson condos—the variety of amenities, from pools and hot tubs to barbeque grills and fully furnished kitchens to putting greens and even boat slips at a couple locations. With so much to choose from, vacations are never a disappointment.

If you haven’t made plans to be there, it’s not too late—true, general admission is sold out, but there’s always hope with Brett/Robinson’s Hangout Music Fest Package. Book your beach condo by May 17^th and get VIP tickets to the event. Spend the weekend listening to greats like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews Band, Jack White, and many, many other live performers while also enjoying the comfort and amenities of your Gulf Shores condo. Just call 800-211-7892 for more details on this package.

And if you simply can’t make it this week for the big event, no worries. There are plenty of other vacation packages and deals to take advantage of another time—maybe a fishing package is in order for this summer, or a golf vacation this fall. And don’t forget about the free night specials.

See you on the Gulf!

Because it just doesn’t get much better than Gulf Coast nature and wildlife. I could explore the beaches, lakes, and nature trails at Gulf State Park, or fish in the Gulf of Mexico off of the Gulf State Park Pier. For a little exercise, I could kayak at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center or bike along the marshes, swamps, and beaches of the Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail. The Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries are another favorite—excellent opportunities for viewing (and photographing for those who also enjoy this hobby) a variety of birds and habitats.

All I need to fulfill this nature itinerary are a few days at the beach. And I think a room at a Phoenix All Suites Hotel is a great idea—just me, my balcony overlooking the Gulf, and my plans with nature. Or maybe I’ll ask a friend to tag along—easy enough to do with a one-bedroom hotel with a sleeper sofa!

We booked a two-bedroom condo at Phoenix East, which three of us were going to share (the condo actually sleeps up to six people). We used to have a fourth member of our little group, but he hasn’t been able to attend the last few years due to work conflicts. This year appeared to present the same issue—until he called the day we left for the Gulf and informed us that he’d had a last-minute schedule change and he would be able to join us on our Gulf Shores golf vacation after all.

Of course we were all thrilled. It’s been several years since we’ve seen this particular friend, and we were able to spend the week once again with our original golf foursome. And with plenty of room in our Gulf-front condo, we were able to squeeze him in easily.

Plus, not only is four a nice round number for golf, it’s also an ideal number for activities like tennis, basketball, and racquetball—all of which are available at Phoenix East (and several other Brett/Robinson condominiums). Needless to say, a good time was had by all. Can’t wait to do it again next spring.

Like hearing music in the park? Me too. There are a couple Music at Meyer Park events scheduled in May (the first is this Thursday, May 10^th). And then there are “Rockin’ Thursdays” at The Wharf, which are just what the title says: live, rockin’ music at The Wharf every Thursday evening. You gotta love The Wharf (and the fact that this event is free). There are also a couple fun live performances taking place at LuLu’s this month.

But the big Gulf Shores music event that we are all eagerly awaiting is The Hangout Music Festival—and it will kick off in less than two weeks! You won’t find me anywhere else during those three days but on the beach listening to greats like Dave Matthews Band and Red Hot Chili Peppers, plus many, many other musical acts. The fun will officially begin at The Hangout Music Fest Kick-Off Party on Thursday, May 17^th—let’s get this party started!

Second, sign up for the Marine Aviation Centennial Celebration 5K Memorial Run taking place on Saturday, May 12^th. If ever you wanted to show some memorial spirit that goes beyond a long weekend, this is one way to do it. For one thing, you’ll get to pay tribute to marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen, past and present, by running with actual marines. In addition, you would be participating in an event that supports the Marine Aviation Memorial Tower being built at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Pensacola.

Run 3.1 miles with a purpose, enjoy a post-race party, and then kick back and relax in your Gulf Coast condo. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this month’s honorable holiday.

From now until May 30^th you can do just that simply by checking out Brett/Robinson’s Super Secret Hot Deals. Several vacation deals for various times through the month of May are listed. Maybe you’re seeking an Orange Beach vacation that falls during the upcoming Hangout Music Fest—try booking a one-, two-, or three-bedroom condo at Phoenix East at 20% off. Indoor and outdoor pools and a splash pad make this an excellent location when vacationing with kids.

Or maybe you’d specifically vacation at Phoenix on the Bay, maybe bring the boat down and dock it at one of the condo’s boat slips for a few days. If the vacation falls between now and May 8^th you can get a 30% vacation discount, or you can book a one- or two-bedroom Phoenix on the Bay condo for later in the month and receive 25% off your stay.

There are several discounted Memorial Day vacations as well, ranging from 20% to 30%. It’s going to be a hot one, so book that Gulf Shores & Orange Beach vacation and take advantage of condo pools, lazy rivers, and the Gulf!

And besides, there are some other very important issues to vote on—like your favorite Gulf Shores & Orange Beach water activity. Summer is right around the corner, vacation plans are in the works…you know you need to be thinking about what water activities you’ll most likely be engaging in.

You could keep it really simple—play in the waves of the Gulf, sit on the beach and simply listen to the sounds of the surf, float around lazily in the lazy river of your Phoenix condominium. All are excellent options for a hot summer day. Or you could venture away from your condo or hotel and check out some of the water-related Gulf Shores attractions, like Waterville USA, ABC Parasail, or CJ Watersports. And then there are cruises, fishing charters, and kayaking—personal favorites of mine.

So go put some fun into the thought of voting and check out the “Vote” section of OrangeBeachToday.com. Dining and shopping favorites are two other voting categories—start thinking about that vacation now!

But one great thing about Gulf Shores & Orange Beach is there’s always something going on, and if you can’t make it to the Mullet Toss weekend, no worries—there are plenty of other fun and interesting events coming up.

Like the Bands, Barks and Brews event at The Wharf. If you’re looking for a fun, family event and your dog is 100% part of the family, you’ll want to check this out. There will be a leash-free area, pet exhibits, food, live music, and even wiener dog races. This event is scheduled for the last Sunday of every month this summer.

Then next Saturday, May 5^th, is the Orange Beach Wine Festival—hors d’oeuvres, musical entertainment, a retail wine tent, and hourly wine cruises will make up this Orange Beach event. Also that weekend (Sunday, May 6^th) is the Good Life Ride to LuLu’s event. Participate in a 37-mile bike ride from Fairhope to Gulf Shores—or join in at the 18- or 7-mile mark.

And the local music and nightlife scene always has something going on, including Road to The Hangout, where up and coming musical artists get the chance to perform live at The Hangout. This event is scheduled for every Saturday through May 12^th, leading up to one of the most anticipated Gulf Shores music events: The Hangout Music Festival.

Any mother would enjoy any of these gifts alone. Now try combining all three and you’ve created a Mother’s Day not to be forgotten.

If this sounds like a good idea for the mom in your life, you might want to consider Brett/Robinson’s Celebrate with Mom at the Beach package. Book a two-night stay at one of the Phoenix All Suites Hotels (arriving on May 11^th or 12^th) for just $381.38 and get a bouquet of flowers and a $50 gift card to The Hangout.

I can easily imagine my own mom’s reaction to this gift: she’ll gush over the flowers and leave them on display all weekend, treat herself (and anyone else tagging along on the Gulf Shores weekend getaway) to a delicious dinner at The Hangout on the first night, then spend the rest of the weekend indulging in some Gulf Shores & Orange Beach shopping and reading a good book either by the hotel pool or from the Gulf-front balcony. I’m pretty sure she’d enjoy this gift; I’m certain she deserves it.