The Beach is Calling

May is the Month for Music on the Gulf Coast

No matter what month you visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Ala., there’s no shortage of live music. From mellow beach tunes to classic country and smooth rock n roll, the Gulf Coast has more than its share of great bands and musicians ready to rock out on any day or night of the week. But, if your trip to the coast happens to be in May, there are two annual events you may want to put on your itinerary.

The annual Hangout Music Fest is slated May 18 to 20 and will boast three days of music right on the sugar-white sand beaches of Gulf Shores. More than 60 bands are set to hit multiple stages with headliners like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews Band and Jack White. While general admission tickets are sold out, a few VIP and Super VIP festival passes remain. Festival lodging partners are also offering tickets with accommodations while supplies last. The festival opens at 11 a.m. and ends at 11 p.m., nightly.

If you’re in Gulf Shores Memorial Day weekend (May 26 and 27), don’t miss the annual LuluPalooza Weekend Music Fest. In its eighth year, the family-friendly, two-day event features free concerts by Eric Lindell, Honey Island Swamp Band, Dread Clampitt, Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars and more. Held at Lulu’s at Homeport Marina, there will be plenty of music, activities and great food for the young and young at heart. Music starts at 4 p.m., but you’ll want to arrive early and treat yourself to some of Lulu’s famous LA Caviar or a Cheeseburger in Paradise.

Not in the area on these dates? Don’t fret. If there’s one thing you can count on during your vacation to the Gulf Coast, it’s a steady lineup of live music. Take a peek at the Calendar of Events to get plan your itinerary.

Throw a Few Fish at the Annual Mullet Toss and Beach Party

If you’re looking for a little something different to do on your next visit to the Gulf Coast, head down to the Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar April 27 to 29, 2012 for a competition all its own. In its 28^th year, the annual “Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party” will hit the sand for a weekend of friendly competition and live entertainment.

Located on the Alabama/Florida state line, the star attraction consists of competitors throwing a mullet from Alabama across the state line into Florida. More than two decades of games have proven that tossing a slippery, wet fish more than just a few feet can be a difficult, yet entertaining task, and champions come back year after year to defend their title. The children’s toss will begin at 10 a.m. daily and the adults toss is at noon. Admission is $10 for ages 21 and older and $15 for those under 21.

The weekend of events doesn’t stop with the fish toss. Throughout the three days, there will be three stages of live music, beach games and great food.  The annual event is a fundraiser by the Flora-Bama for local youth charities, including an education and prevention program by the Community Drug and Alcohol Council. Each year, the event generates more than $20,000 in donations.

If tossing mullet isn’t for you, there are plenty of other activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. From charter fishing to shopping or just simply relaxing on the beach, come on down and enjoy what the Gulf Coast has to offer you.

From toddlers to teens, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has something for everyone

Teens and toddlers don’t always mix well when traveling, and age differences can sometimes be a challenge. However, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach boasts activities that appeal to the young, younger and the young at heart.

Crabbing on the beach at night is a fun activity for all ages. Grab a couple of flashlights, sand shovels and buckets and head out just after dark. Sand crabs are pretty fast, so you’ll have to move quickly. After a wave breaks, shine your light and you’ll see them scurry across the sand, burying themselves. Break out the shovel and start digging. Once your crab-hunting adventure is over, be sure to release them back to the water.

Head out to The Wharf and take a ride on the tallest Ferris wheel in the Southeast. Your teen doesn’t have to lose cool points with his or her friends by riding with you and the family. They can catch a ride on the cart before or after you. For $4 per person, the Ferris wheel is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the Gulf Coast.

Everyone loves the excitement of spotting dolphins, so while you’re here be sure to take the family on one of the many dolphin cruises available. Your youngest traveler will laugh with delight at the sight of the friendly creatures, and your teen will enjoy the sunshine, boating experience and fun atmosphere.

You can never go wrong with the area’s selection of family-friendly restaurants. Lunch or dinner at these establishments is truly an event. At The Hangout, you’ll find live music and an interactive DJ experience that appeals to all ages in the family. Do the limbo and learn the Cupid Shuffle while you wait on your order. Get a table by the sand, and watch your younger traveler play on the giant sand hill. Take a trip to Lulu’s and listen to the tunes of local musicians while your teen shows their skills on the ‘Mountain of Youth’ ropes course. Your little ones will love the sand area, furnished with buckets and shovels.

There’s no shortage of things to do when you visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Be sure to check out the area’s other attractions to help plan your trip.

 

10 Must-Dos When You Visit Orange Beach & Gulf Shores for Spring Break

1. Go to the Beach – we have miles of pristine beaches for you to enjoy. Typically this time of year the water is more than 70 degrees. If you feel like dipping your toes in, go right ahead.
2. Catch a big fish – experience the thrill of reeling in a salt-water sports fish by booking a tour with one of the many experienced charter fishermen in Orange Beach.
3. Go on Safari – 5 Rivers Delta offers pontoon boat safaris as well as canoe and kayak tours through the Mobile-Tensaw delta.
4. Go Geocaching – located between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park has the longest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico as well as a list of geocaching locations and hiking trails.
5. Catch a game – Gulf Shores is a premier destination for national sports tournaments. You have a great opportunity to scout talent and see the stars of tomorrow competing today.
6. Amaze the kids – the Exploreum in Mobile is a hands-on science museum for kids currently featuring Giant Insects.
7. Explore history – Step into seafaring life at the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum. h Located in an old school house it retains original furnishings and has numerous artifacts related to fishing and Indian life. Call for a tour – 251-981-8545. It is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 – 1 and by appointment to groups of five or more.
8. Enjoy live music – sway to the rhythm of the islands at one of several venues offering live music daily – LuLu’s Homeport in Gulf Shores , the Hangout or plenty of others.
9. Get a great deal – Tanger Outlets  in Foley bogles the mind and staggers the imagination with possibilities. In addition to the many stores and nearby restaurants, the center offers photos with the Easter Bunny each weekend in April.
10. Take in some beauty – Stop by the Orange Beach Art Center  to enjoy a free stroll through the gallery of emerging local artists. For a $20 donation you receive a free blown-glass ball as a lasting souvenir of your visit to the area.

Red Hot and New

Looking for something to warm you up on a chilly winter night? How about a fiery stage performance? The South Baldwin Community Theatre presents Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers starting Friday.

 This spicy play tells the story of Barney Cashman – an everyman who finds himself entangled in three amusingly failed seductions that take place in his mother’s apartment.

 Tickets for the show are normally $15 for adults and $12 for children but there will be a special benefit performance on January 13. Tickets for this show are $25 and proceeds benefit Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast. For more information about the benefit performance call 251-986-6200 or visit the Mary's Shelter website at:  www.maryssheltergulfcoast.org

 Show times for the performances are:

 Friday, Jan. 7 and Saturday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 pm

Sunday,  Jan. 9 at 2:00 pm

 Friday, Jan. 14 and Saturday, Jan. 15 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, Jan. 16 at 2:00 pm

 The South Baldwin Community Theatre is a non-profit organization founded in 1972 by the late Father Anthony Zogby, Nancy Holk Totman and the late Herb Anderson. Members of the SBCT group come from all walks of life; attorneys, housewives, teachers, doctors, etc., who combine their talents to bring a piece of the performing arts to the Alabama Gulf Coast.  

The South Baldwin Community Theatre

2022 West 2nd Street

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

(251) 968-6721

 

Your VOTE Counts - Check Out The Polls On The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Facebook Page.

Looking for the best seafood restaurant in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? Or, maybe you're wondering about the best place to get a burger and beer while you watch college football. You can see what others think by clicking the polls tab on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GulfShoresOrangeBeach. Even better - make your voice heard by voting for your favorite restaurant, area attraction, boat charter and more. You’ll find this cyber-age word-of-mouth is a great way to discover what other visitors to the area recommend.

The Facebook page also features up-to-the-minute Hot Deals & Packages, beach updates and a wealth of information posted on the wall and in the Calendar of Events. It’s time to join the 36,759 Facebook friends of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Visit www.facebook.com/GulfShoresOrangeBeach or go to www.gulfshores.com for more information.

Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip

Do you have what it takes to brave 50ish degree Gulf waters? Test your mettle as you make your resolutions. At high noon, take part in the annual Polar Bear Dip along the Florida/Alabama state line.

Join those who have made this an annual tradition.

Legend has it that this started as a dare between two New Year’s revelers. It has grown to an event celebrated by thousands, young and old, male and female. Some people just enjoy the people watching, some are there to show off. Decide for yourself whether this is an exhilarating way to embrace the new year or an extreme measure to fight off a hangover.

For more information call the Flora-Bama Lounge at 251-980-5118 or visit www.florabama.com.

Welcome Back! Snowbird Clubs In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Every winter, a special "species" of folks in their golden years flock to the Alabama Gulf Coast to spend the winter months in the sun. Affectionately called "Snowbirds," they come to enjoy the mild weather, miles of beaches, and special winter discounts on beach houses and condos.

During the winter months, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers Snowbirds a fantastic range of entertainment, shopping, festivals, concerts, golf, tennis and specialevents. There are also a number of community and activity centers in the area offering hobby programs, parties and other social events for seniors.

Over the years, a number of State Snowbird Clubs have been formed by those who enjoy forging friendships and socializing with others from their own home state. January is usually the month for "Welcome Back Snowbirds" meetings and breakfasts. For information about club membership, or to make reservations for upcoming breakfast events, see the club contact information listed below:

Illinois Snowbird Club: Contact Phyllis James, 251-981-6901 ext. 1+ 3078.

Indiana Snowbird Club: Contact Jo Strycker at 251-967-4444.

Iowa Snowbird Club: Contact Doris Wolf at 251-981-6901 ext. 5980.

Michigan Snowbird Club: Contact Chuck Parrott at 251-948-8235 or Jerry Wallace at 251-967-1489.

Minnesota Snowbird Club: Contact Larry Anderson at 251-968-3143.

Missouri Snowbird Club: Contact Rich Rose at 251-948-5833.

New York Snowbird Club: Contact Frank & Tracy Panczyszyn at 251-981-1246.

North Dakota/South Dakota Snowbird Club: Contact Nancy Kunkel at 605-661-8616.

Ohio Snowbird Club: Contact Gayle Hofacker at 251-540-7745.

Pennsylvania Snowbird Club: Contact Jerry Lindenmuth at 251-981-6824.

Senior Snowbirds: Contact Michael O’Rourke at 251-981-2493.

Wisconsin Snowbird Club: Call Ken Krouse at 251-967-2463.

For a full calendar of events coming up this winter, and to find winter lodging specials, go to www.gulfshores.com

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Take the Stress Out of the Holiday Season

“As the shoppers rush home with their treasures” rings true today more than when Silver Bells was first written. Overscheduled families often hustle through the holidays in such as stressful blur that they end up spending the holidays nursing colds or fighting off bronchitis. Make sure your visit is relaxing and restoring by keeping a few simple rules in mind:

1. Take time to enjoy doing nothing. Just sitting with your family by a roaring fire drinking hot chocolate has value. Your body, mind and spirit need time to unwind and declutter and quality time with the kids is much needed in these days of DSi’s and Kinects.

2. Take care of yourself. Be sure to take in plenty of fluids, especially fresh juice, take vitamins and maintain a healthy diet. Sweets and overindulgence are hallmarks of the holiday season but highly processed starchy and fatty foods can take a toll on your immune system. Keep them in balance with fresh fruit and vegetables.

3. Take a time out. Indulge in a spa bath with special salts and essential oils. Not only is the hot water relaxing and pleasing, the water and salts help detoxify your system and ease stressed muscles.

4. Take a short cut. Reduce the time you spend rushing around for the holidays by having a plan. Order online, have a specific list of stores you want to visit personally, be strategic about trips to the post office. The more organized you are approaching the season of giving the less likely you are to exceed your spending limit or struggle for parking.

5. Take notice. Do something special to commemorate the season. Go to the Nutcracker, take in a holiday show, work in a homeless shelter or even just go caroling. If you feel you are authentically experiencing the holiday, the season will be more naturally joyful and less stressful.

6. Take the pressure off. The holidays – like everything else in life – aren’t perfect. Don’t hold yourself and your family to an unattainable standard. A good gift is just as heartfelt as the perfect gift. If your son’s hair isn’t just so in the Christmas portrait, so be it. Your family and friends don’t expect perfection from you – don’t put that on yourself.

2011 Gulf Shores Entertainment Winter Series – Now You Can Order Online.

Enjoy a fantastic line-up of talent during the 2011 Gulf Shores Entertainment Winter Series at the Erie Meyer Civic Center. For the first time ever, you can order individual tickets or Season Series Packages online. A great value, Season Series Packages now include seven shows with front and center seating (excluding the Music Man and Celebration). Order today before tickets are sold out:

4 Troops. Four American soldiers sing on behalf of our brave troops. Jan. 17 & 18.

Chaplin – A Life In Concert. A one-man multi-media musical event. Jan. 24 & 25.

American Big Band. Features 20 musical performers in authentic costumes. Jan. 31 & Feb. 1.

The Kingston Trio. Enjoy acoustic classics like Tom Dooley and the Lemon Tree. Feb. 7 & 8.

Miss Patti Paige. The living legend herself performs your 50s and 60s favorites. Feb. 14 & 15.

Celebration Winds. For one night only -- classical, pop and Broadway tunes. Feb. 21.

The Music Man. For one night only and a special student ticket price – bring the family. Feb. 24.

Riders In The Sky. Authentic Western classics by these famous Grammy winners. Feb. 28 & Mar. 1.

Rhythm Of The Dance. Celtic Dance performed by the National Dance Company of Ireland. Mar. 7 & 8.

To order tickets online go to www.gulfshoresal.gov and click on Special Events. Or, call 251-968-1172 for more information. For other upcoming entertainment events, go to www.gulfshores.com.