If you're new to Alabama, you may not be aware that Alabama includes oceanfront property. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach are directly on the Gulf of Mexico and amid some of the prettiest sand beaches on the planet. A popular snowbird destination, this area enjoys mild winter temperatures and off-season rental prices that will have you packing your bags when you see 'em!
The website www.VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals By Owner) features thousands of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area accommodations that are available for rent directly from the owners. With November through February prices the lowest of the year, a typical full month's rent costs about the price of a week's stay during peak season; similarly, a week's stay can run about the same expense as a summer weekend.
A few units as examples: (1) This Gulf Shores Plantation beachfront 1BR unit sleeps up to 6 and goes for $800 a month during off-season. Gulf Shores Plantation is located in the Fort Morgan area and features an indoor pool, a mile of private beach, and loads of other amenities.
(2) This Seacrest 1BR unit in Gulf Shores rents for $1,140 a week during summer months; but wintertime puts the price at a surprisingly lower $1,100 a month. Conveniently located and filled with all the conveniences of home, this high rise features direct oceanfront views and plenty of extras.
(3) Also oceanfront, this Sugar Beach getaway in Orange Beach is 2BR/2B and a real bargain at only $615 a month November through February.
(4) Bayfront or non-waterfront units go for even lower prices, with some units (utilities included in all my examples) going for less than some folks pay in heating expense if their home is in a colder part of the country.
Local restaurants offer low-priced lunch specials and entertainment venues also drop their prices for the winter. Desoto's lunch deals start at $6 and they and several other area eateries have even been offering gift certificates on www.Restaurant.com to save guests even more money; but never buy these or anything online without first checking www.RetailMeNot.com for a possible discount code - I've saved as much as 90% this way. I've recently seen these certificates as "Buy It Now" offers on www.eBay.com, too.
Admission to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is a steal at only $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, $7 for kids 3-12, and FREE for kids under 3. And who doesn't love nearby Foley's awesome shopping outlets? The whopping Tanger Outlets (you'll find printable discount coupons on the website) are just one draw; plus Foley is also home to the Gift Horse Restaurant with humongous daily lunch and dinner buffets sure to please any appetite - don't miss the fried biscuits. Two more fab Foley stops: the Riviera Cinema 12; and the best sandwiches, salads, and freshly baked sweet treats in town, Sweetie Pie's.
And let me add a further enticement for those of you who are fans of Southern Gospel music: February 2-4 the Gulf Coast Quartet Convention will take place at the Conference Center at the Wharf in Orange Beach. Groups will include The Hoppers; Jeff & Sheri Easter; Phil Cross; Tim Lovelace; HisSong; and many, many more. Kickoff is Thursday at 2pm and the big finale is around midnight on Saturday.
Can't make it in February? Then plan on attending the Gulf Coast Gospel Showcase March 1-3 with Gold City, the Chuck Wagon Gang, the Lefevre Quartet, and many more! Discount housing and ticket packages available; for more info for either of these events, visit www.LighthouseGospelProductions.com or email Paul@RomarBeach.org; or phone Paul at (251) 981-8960.
If you've never visited Fairhope, you've missed the jewel of Alabama and one of the most beautiful little cities in the entire South - and it's only a half hour away from Gulf Shores. Fairhope nestles on the shores of Mobile Bay and is small enough that you can easily walk from the city pier, beach, park, fountain, and rose garden to the downtown area. Year-round every street is flower-filled and picturesque. Down at the city pier there's fishing and boating the Yardarm Restaurant directly on the pier.
Shopping and dining venues are abundant in Fairhope and range from budget-minded to wallet-breaking. But even the most upscale of the upscale shops offers remarkable discounts, with many including regular discount sections year-round. Two downtown shops of particular interest: the Cat's Meow and M&F Casuals. Hertha's Second Edition, also downtown, features consignment clothing & accessories, reasonably priced and always with plenty of deeply discounted items. There are thrift stores and even a Burke's Outlet where the most penny-conscious shopper is sure to find a bargain.
Gulf Shores is also only minutes from the gorgeous little town of Magnolia Springs with Jesse's Restaurant & Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast).
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach are a short drive from Fort Morgan & the ferry over to Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, home of the Sea Lab Estuarium & more. Out on Fort Morgan Road you'll also find the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge, with miles of peaceful trails and great opportunities to see the Gulf Coast's creatures in their native habitat.
For more information about Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, visit their website. Or phone for info: (800) 745-7263.
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