Coastal Currents - News & Events on the Gulf Coast

July 2012 - Beach Bargains & Insights

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Falling Prices
Imagine your favorite activities at your favorite resort destination in fall. Do you long for the golf, fishing, shopping, dining, water sports, concerts and beachcombing? Now is the time to book your getaway and get the 4th night free in condos or the 5th night free in houses for vacation stays starting August 11.

This is an added bonus to the Early Fall and Fall rates that are already significantly lower than peak summer season.

Things to Do
Plan your beach time around the events listed. Get more details at our Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Calendar of Events and Gulf Shores Music Calendar.

July

17, 24 Candlelight Tours, Fort Morgan Historic Site

20 Hot Glass Blowout, Orange Beach

20–22 Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo

21 Dukes of September at The Wharf Amphitheater, Orange Beach

August

2 Hot Glass Blowout, Orange Beach

2–4 Jennifer Claire Moore Professional Rodeo, Foley

4 Battle of Mobile Bay at Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island

6 Kelly Clarkson & The Fray at The Wharf Amphitheater, Orange Beach

17 Jason Mraz & Christina Perry at The Wharf Amphitheater, Orange Beach

24–26 SEC Beach Fest

September

2 Chicago w/Kool & The Gang at The Wharf Amphitheater, Orange Beach

15 Coastal Cleanup, Gulf Coast beaches

October

Miranda Lambert at The Wharf Amphitheater, Orange Beach

Special Events

Oct. 5–7 BayFest, Mobile

Oct. 6 Heart Walk, Heritage Park in Foley

Oct. 11–14 National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores

Nov. 2–3 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, NAS Pensacola

Nov. 8–18 Frank Brown Songwriters Festival, Orange Beach & Gulf Shores

Meyer is your beach vacation and concert connection.

Off the Beaten Path
Is the new HRH store, located across from Cobb Theater in Gulf Shores, a furniture store, a gift shop or a clothing boutique? You decide for yourself next time you visit. One thing for sure is you will like this new accessory to our area, especially if you are an Alabama or LSU fan.

Stop by on your next visit to the coast for a real treat for the eyes and a relaxed atmosphere complete with complimentary strawberry- and lemon-infused water and Southern hospitality from the friendly and knowledgeable staff. This new addition to our resort community is located at 3769 Gulf Shores Parkway (Hwy. 59) in the beautifully remodeled building formerly occupied by Island Interiors.

Beach and Beyond Tips.

1. Go to the beach - Even when swimming in the gulf waters is off limits, the relaxed feeling of being at the shore continues. Take a stroll or gather interesting shells. Feel like a kid again by building a sandcastle. Read the book(s) you can’t get to at home. Simply smell the salt air and feel the soft sands under your feet.

2. Go swimming - A few alternatives to gulf swimming include Lake Shelby at the Gulf State Park, a day-pass at Bodenhamer Center in Gulf Shores, or Waterville USA waterpark.

3. Go to the zoo - Experience our quaint Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo—“The Little Zoo That Could” as featured on the Animal Planet series—where you can see 290+ animals including lions, tigers, monkeys and exotic birds. For an extra fee, book an up-close encounter with lion cubs, lemurs, kangaroos and various baby animals.

4. Go antiquing - Step back in time when you visit the Foley antique stores that include Old Armory Antique Mall, Gift Horse Center and Antique Stalls and Hollis Ole Crush Antique Mall. There is even an antique rose trail that follows the old railroad line and is lined with antique heritage roses and an old-fashioned soda fountain at Stacey’s Drug Store.

5. Go play golf - Nine signature courses are located a short drive (pun intended) from the beach, where resort golf means vistas and terrain challenges not experienced on your home turf. Play a round or two of mini-golf with friends or family at Waterville USA, Adventure Island, The Track, Shrimpy’s, Zooland (yes, next to the zoo) or Pirate’s Island.

6. Go kayaking - The back bays, lagoons and rivers are excellent for watersports such as kayaking, and a wide variety of rental companies provide all the equipment you need for a fun water adventure just beyond the beach.

7. Go fishing - Orange Beach is home to the largest charter fishing fleet on the Gulf of Mexico, plus you’ll enjoy inshore charters, surf fishing, and pier fishing at the Gulf State Park on the 1,540-foot pier..

8. Go for the thrill - Choose your level of thrill at local attractions: Mountain of Youth (ropes course) at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina, the roller coaster at Waterville USA, Skycoaster at The Track, Ferris wheel at The Wharf, or go-carts at Waterville USA, The Track and Adventure Island.

9. Go birding - Birding by land and by water is very popular on our coast, and signage will guide you to the best birding opportunities. Follow the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail to 22 local spots—and be sure to bring your camera.

10. Go dolphin watching - A coastal retreat is not complete without a boating adventure to watch dolphins frolic in their natural habitat. You’ll find dolphin cruise opportunities at most marinas.