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Perdido Beach Resort – Perfect last minute beach vacation

 

Perdido Beach Resort (PBR) is easily accessible and right on the Gulf of Mexico in beautiful Orange Beach, Alabama. Their tagline “The Gulf Coast Paradise” is right on the money, too, with twin towers offering luxury, full-service hotel accommodations and an unbelievable list of amenities.

 

The lobby is full of inviting furniture and luring attractions such as the lounge, sunken by a few steps down from the lobby floor, yet it feels secluded. A pianist lends charm to the nighttime atmosphere of the lobby as well, and you’re sure to see (and hear) him on your way to Café Palm Breeze or the upscale restaurant, Voyagers.

 

PERSONAL NOTE: We have a large family, so we opted for adjoining rooms (one courtyard and one double). We had a small fridge and microwave, plenty of closet space, comfy beds with crisp linens and a large bathroom with a shower/tub. The staff kept us in clean towels and awesome oatmeal soap daily, and they were careful not to bother us until we were ready to come out of hibernation. We had so much room which we really need on vacation…if you’ve ever traveled with multiple teens, you know what I mean.

 

One floor down from the lobby, you’ll find treats for the youngsters (and young at heart), in addition to beach and pool access. A game room for rainy days or lazy evenings is located here, and a fantastic pizzeria and ice cream shoppe, too! The pizza is so incredible…everything’s chopped fresh every single day…and an ex-large cheese pizza is only $12.50! You can actually afford to get dessert!

 

While food is fresh on our minds, let me mention Café Palm Breeze, where they serve the best breakfast buffet around. I have a 14-year-old eating machine (let’s call him Eli) and this was a BARGAIN! The breakfast buffet offers fresh fruit, waffles, bacon, eggs, an omelet station, grits, oatmeal, bagels, cereal, toast, yogurt…and so much more, plus it comes with a drink for $9.95 (adults) and $4.95 (children 12 and under).

 

Typically, poolside bars and delis are overpriced, pre-made sandwiches or pizza that leave you with a feeling of spending far too much for far too little. Not at Half Shell Grill, the poolside bombshell! Fresh green or fruit salads (for $3 - $6.50) are on the menu, as well as grilled cheese sandwiches ($4.25 and comes with fries), hamburgers (deluxe with cheese for $5.75 and comes with fries), or more tempting seafood faves like a popcorn shrimp basket (huge portion for only $8). You can also get ala carte items like French fries for only $1.75! It’s so perfect…jump out of the pool or come right off the beach, walk up to the window, and place your order. It won’t break the bank and you don’t have to get in the car.

 

And then there’s Voyagers…ah, reflection makes my stomach growl. The chef is purely genius and uses only the freshest local ingredients that will literally melt in your mouth. Now, keep in mind, this is not a bargain café. It is an upscale restaurant with high-quality wines, masterful appetizers, and entrees that are as beautifully plated as they are scrumptious. The ambiance isn’t bad either…let’s just say they were voted Most Romantic Restaurant on the Alabama Gulf Coast for a reason. My heart was won with the Wood Smoked Portobello Mushrooms (stuffed with Chirizo and then baked in a Tasso Cream Sauce)…while it was only an appetizer, it was fabulous…as was the She Crab Soup. Entrees include creations such as Rosemary Grilled Veal Chops, Rainbow Trout, Pecan Crusted Snapper, and Wasabi Crusted Shrimp. Oh, save room for dessert, by the way…and go for the bread pudding. Dine before 6:30 in the evening and receive 10% off of your check.

 

Lately, I’ve noticed that a cheap rate does not indicate a bargain by the time you pay to park, pay for access to the fitness center, pay for tennis court access, resort fees…the list seems endless. That is one of the things I LOVE about PBR and you will, too! Look at what all comes with your room rate:

The pools at PBR are extremely well-kept, and in fact, the pool area as a whole is refreshing and relaxing. There are plenty of lounge chairs and a hut with towels conveniently placed, out of the way, and yet amidst the pools. Half Shell Grill is only steps away and the bar is even less than that. While you’re there, say hello to John and Greg…you’ll be instant friends and feel like you walked into Cheers!

 

When noon rolls around, you’ll notice the one-man-band of Steve Taylor setting up under the gazebo. Steve is a Pensacola, Florida native who has been a mainstay at PBR since 1987. Steve describes his music as “atmosphere-enhancing, non-intrusive”…and I agree.

 

“This is my passion, but it’s not about me,” says Steve as he lingers in the background during a break between sets. “This place is so unique…it hasn’t changed with the times in terms of remaining friendly and relaxed.” And, don’t worry, Steve has no plans to retire, so you still are able to request a Jimmy Buffett favorite on your next trip.

 

Wandering down the private pier, the most pristine, sugary-white sand awaits. The stars must have been lined up just right when we visited because we had clear water with no seaweed, and gorgeous whitecaps rolling in. The definition of content is surely sitting on the white sand beach in a lounge chair with an umbrella. There’s something serene about closing your eyes and listening to the waves as they crash upon the beach. As you open your eyes, you realize how much of nature you can see: blue sky meets emerald waters meets sugar sand beach…amazing.

 

If you tire of your umbrella or just need to venture out, there’s certainly plenty to do. Your first call, however, should be to Ted Scarritt, owner and operator of Perdido Beach Service. This man has built a reputable business based on taking care of his customers with personal service and integrity. He’s great with kids and is able to help you choose an activity that will suit your family best. And, he’s a heck of a surfer himself (take a look at his web site)!

 

We selected a Hobie Cat sailboat ride over to another pier where the kids all enjoyed surf lessons.

 

“This was the most fun I’ve ever had at the beach,” said 17-year-old Taylor. Her friend, Sam, agreed and added, “I had no idea that in 30 minutes I could actually learn to get up on a surf board. It was so cool!”

 

Four-year-old Andrew also gave it a whirl, and while he may not have caught the biggest wave of the day, he probably had the most fun. He was thrilled to be doing big stuff like surfing!

 

If you’ve never been to Pirates Cove, then go…just to say you did. It’s said to be the place where Jimmy Buffett wrote “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and it’s really quite unique. Valued folk-art looking creations grace the walls and local dogs hang out to retrieve your leftovers. You’ll want to order, well, you know, a cheeseburger, and some onion rings, but don’t eat it all. You have to save something to toss to the dogs. You can get there by boat (the most fun way) or by auto.

 

Without sounding too much like a country song, nighttime is the right time to go out on a chartered sunset dolphin cruise. It’s just the perfect ending to a day at the beach. Grab some grub and call award-winning Capt. Ben Fairey to charter his yacht, the Necessity. If you get a good size group (15 or 20), it’s really not as expensive as you would think. And, it’s just so peaceful being out on the water while the sun is setting.

 

Additional charters (dolphin cruises and fishing), and corporate event planning is available through AAA Charters and Tracy Redding. She is able to pair your needs with the appropriate boat, captain, etc. She can even plan and provide the food for such outings...trust me, you'll love her turtle brownies! 

 

Families need vacations…they need to unwind and enjoy each other’s company…have water gun fights and eat junk food. Go for boat rides together and take surfing lessons…live a little. And while money dictates a lot of things, don’t let the lack of it steal your joy. You might not be able to stay for a week, but take a long weekend and head to Perdido. You can be on the sand in four hours (from Birmingham). Their summer rates might be a little more than a standard hotel, but keep in mind, you are on the gulf, and have all those FREE amenities that you pay for at most other resorts, so in the end, you’ve got a bargain.

 

PBR is currently offering a Labor Day special that saves additional money. Stay three consecutive nights from September 3 – 6, 2009 and save $90 based on double occupancy and other factors. See the web site for full details (http://www.perdidobeachresort.com/events/default.asp#item4 and click on Labor Day Special). When you make your reservation, let them know how you found out about them.

 

27200 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach, AL 36561

PHONE: 800-634-8001

Tell them Becky Beall sent you!

 

25328 Canal Road

Orange Beach, AL 36561

PHONE: 251-981-4807 or

251-978-5617

 

Captain Ben Fairey

Orange Beach Marina

Orange Beach, AL

PHONE: 251-747-5782

 

6664 County Road 95

Elberta, AL 36530

PHONE: 251-987-1224

 

One Call Does It All

Tracy Redding

251-948-2525