The Beach is Calling

Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series and the Race to the Top of the Tower

Whether you are a sports enthusiast or just looking for some motivation to keep up your New Year’s resolutions, we have two events coming up that are sure to pique your interest.

2012 Race to the Top of the Stairs
On Thursday, January 19, the Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series weekend kicks off with an invitational stair race 33 floors to the top of the Turquoise Place Tower in Orange Beach for police, fire, EMS and military. The entry fee is $10 with 100% of the proceeds going to the Special Olympics of Alabama. If you are a member of the police, fire, EMS or military and want to be a part of this great fundraiser call 850-261-6171 for information on how to sign up.

For the rest of us, this is a great opportunity to be inspired by strength and stamina of those who work so hard to keep us safe. Come out to support the participants and watch a great competition. The race starts at 10:00 am.

2012 Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series
This race series features half marathons throughout the year along the Gulf Coast starting with a race in Gulf Shores on January 22. Runners get the opportunity to test their skills along some of the most scenic stretches of the Gulf Coast and we get the chance to cheer them on as they begin and end at LuLu’s at Homeport. Runners will loop underneath then cross over the intracoastal bridge to begin their 13.1 miles as they head to Gulf State Park for a loop around Lake Shelby and briefly to Perdido Beach Blvd. for a view of the Gulf.

The other races in the series include Pensacola Beach, Florida on April 15th and Mandeville, Louisiana on October 14th. Runners who compete in all three Gulf Coast Half Marathons in the 2012 series receive a limited edition GCHM Series sweatshirt. Additionally, they can compete to be named Series Champion. Times from the 3 events currently on the 2012 calendar will be averaged at the conclusion of the series. The fastest average time overall (M/F) in each age group will be named Series Champion. Prizes will be announced at the Gulf Shores race, January 22.

For more information, click here.

 

Sports Fanatics – This Weekend is For You!

Hey sports fans, if you are lucky enough to visit this week we have plenty to keep you busy. If football is your thing, you can come to several game-watching parties in the area. The Hangout offers football on big screens all weekend as does Tacky Jack’s in Orange Beach. For those of you who want to be a little closer to the action, consider the following tournaments taking place around town:

2011 Alabama State Tri-Level Tennis Championships - September 22 - 25

Over 300 athletes come together on the courts to compete to see who will take home the championship title. Games take place at 3 locations.

Johnnie Sims Park

2008 West 3^rd Street

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

 

Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club

20 Peninsula Boulevard

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

 

The Beach Club

925 Beach Club Trail

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

 

For schedules with locations, visit Alabama TA. For more information, call 251-974-2468.

2011 Gold Diamond National Exposure Tournament – September 23 -25

Over 30 teams are looking to shine for recruiters at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex this weekend. Come see the next big stars of college softball and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Games begin at 4:00 PM on Friday and at 8:30 AM Saturday and Sunday.

Gulf Shores Sportsplex

19025 Oak Road West

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

 

For more information, visit Exposure Tourneys or call 850-668-6136.

 

2011 MS Ride – Tour de Beach – September 24 -25

Watch competitors dig deep and keep going on this 150 mile race benefitting Multiple Sclerosis research. Show your support to the riders and to this worthy cause. Activities begin and end at the Hampton Inn in Orange Beach.

The Hampton Inn Orange Beach

2518 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach, AL 36561

 For details about the race visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or call 205-879-8546.

 

Thunder on the Gulf, October 6-9

Bored with NASCAR? We have an even bigger thrill for you! Thunder on the Gulf roars into town again October 6-9 and it will be bigger and better than ever! The pristine beaches of Orange Beach, Alabama will once again host the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA) World Championships. The "Thunder" of Thunder on the Gulf will take place for four days, with powerboats qualifying on the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico on Thursday and Saturday, and the championship racing on Friday and Sunday on the 6.8 mile liquid race course! The OPA World Champions will be crowned Sunday evening at the Awards Ceremony.

Saturday evening at 6 pm there will be a Boat Parade from Race Village at the State Park Pavilion to Main Street at the Wharf. The parade will wind around the Wharf and end in front of the new Orange Beach Event Center where you can take pictures of the boats and get autographs with the race teams. Following the boat parade there will be a Gala in the Event Center featuring entertainment by the Tip Tops, a silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

Race Village will be at the State Park Pavilion and will be jam-packed with excitement! It will be open to the public daily from 10 am - 8 pm. This family friendly event will allow you to watch monster race boats and their teams, let the kids play at the Kids Pavilion, purchase official race merchandise and check out the vendors. On Saturday there will be live entertainment at Race Village from Noon until 4 pm. Shuttles will be running from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to all racing venues.

VIP Passes allow access to Race Village and a special viewing area from the Hospitality tent located at the Island House Hotel where you can enjoy food and beverages Friday and Sunday from Noon until 4pm. The VIP Pass provides exclusive access to a special viewing area at Cobalt the Restaurant. All four days VIP fans can watch the cranes "SPLASH" the race boats in the Wet Pits at Caribe Resort from this special viewing area.  Passes also include invitations to the Pre-Parties to be held at Live Bait, the Flora Bama, and Happy Harbor on the Line, and free entrance to the Gala at the Orange Beach Event Center on Saturday, October 8th.

For accommodations during Thunder on the Gulf, check out these sponsored deals.

 

Upcoming Sporting Events

Maybe Mardi Gras festivities are not your cup of tea. If you are visiting and want to enjoy a little outdoor action away from the beach, we have you covered. For a very reasonable price – in some cases FREE - you can watch the sports stars of tomorrow as they compete for regional glory and possible scholarships. Take this opportunity to say ”You saw them when…” at these tournaments.

March 4 and 5 2011 Dolphin Classic Softball Tournament-Breast Cancer Awareness
Approximately 16-18 high school teams will compete in this tournament. Games begin at 4:30 pm on Friday and again at 9am on Saturday. The tournament is sponsored by South Baldwin Regional Medical Center to promote breast cancer awareness.
Gulf Shores Sportsplex - 19025 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores, AL
Price: $6 daily $10 tournament pass.
Phone: 251 968-4747

March 11 and 12 - 2011 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Classic Soccer Tournament
High school women compete in this two-day show down.
Orange Beach Sportsplex - 4385 William Silvers Parkway, Orange Beach, AL
Phone: 251 968-8719

March 11 - 13 2011 NAIA Gulf Coast Invitational Softball Tournament
Approximately 30 NAIA softball teams compete in this Gulf Coast Invitational, sponsored by Lester’s and Champs Restaurant.
Gulf Shores Sportsplex - 19025 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores, AL
Phone: 251 968-8719

March 14 – 16 2011 Gulf Coast Classic I Softball Tournament
Approximately 60 teams will compete in this tournament.
Orange Beach Sportsplex - 4385 William Silvers Parkway, Orange Beach, AL, 36561 and Gulf Shores Sportsplex 19025 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores, AL
Phone: 251-968-4747
Website: www.gs-hs.com

March 14 - 16 - 2011 Gulf Coast Classic Baseball Tournament
Over 28 high school teams compete to take home the Gulf Coast Classic championship title.
Gulf Shores Sportsplex - 19025 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores, AL
Phone: 251 968-4747
Website: www.dolphinbaseball.com

March 18 - 20 2011 Orange Beach Soccer Shootout
Perdido Bay Futbol Club proudly presents the Orange Beach Soccer Shootout for soccer teams ages U10-U18. This tournament is sponsored by Shipp’s Harbour Grill and Courtyard by Marriott.
Orange Beach Sportsplex - 4385 William Silvers Parkway, Orange Beach, AL, and Perdido Key
Price: $5.00 parking fee
Phone: 850 232-3671
Website: www.perdidobayfc.com

March 26 – 27 2011 USSSA Global Sports Baseball Beach Blast
Youth baseball players compete in the USSSA Beach Blast.
Orange Beach Sportsplex - 4385 William Silvers Parkway, Orange Beach, AL
Phone: 256 651-1686
Website: www.alabamausssa.org

March 26 – 27 2011 Pleasure Island Volleyball Tournament
Come check out volleyball at its finest as more than 60 youth teams compete!
Orange Beach Sportsplex - 4385 William Silvers Parkway, Orange Beach, AL, 36561 and Gulf Shores Sportsplex 19025 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores, AL
Price: Free to spectators
Phone: 251 609-3191
Website: www.pivc.org

 

This Is Football Country! Great Places To Watch The Games On The Alabama Gulf Coast.

A burger, a beer and grid-iron excitement – what could be better? From family-friendly restaurants overlooking the beach, to state-of-the-art sports bars featuring multiple screens, avid fans can always find a great place to watch pro and college football. Click on the websites below and check out these excellent menus:

Rafters Restaurant and Sports Bar at The Wharf. Call 251-224-6900 or visit www.rafterssportsbar.com.

LuLu’s at Homeport Marina. Call 251-967-LULU (5858) or visit www.lulusathomeport.com.

The Hangout: Call 251-948-3030 or visit www.thehangoutal.com.

Pink Pony Pub: Call 251-948-6371 or visit www.pinkponypub.net.

Ginny Lane Bar and Grill at The Wharf. Call 251-224-6500 or visit www.ginnylanebarandgrill.com.

Lester's Orange Beach. Call 251-974-2525. www.lestersorangebeach.com.

Tipseas Steam Shack. Call 251-981-8477 or visit www.tipseas.com.

Live Bait Restaurant and Live Bait At the Wharf. Call 251-974-1612 or visit www.livebaitrestaurant.com.

For other dining and nightlife options, go to www.gulfshores.com.

Upcoming Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission Events, Now Through November.

For comprehensive information about local sports events, the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission website (www.AlabamaGulfCoastSports.com) is an excellent resource for ticket information, special rates and more ways to make vacation planning easier. Coming up now through November:

Alabama State Senior and Super Senior Tennis Championships. 10/21 through 10/24. Free for spectators. Located at the City of Gulf Shores Tennis Facilities, Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club and The Beach Club. For directions and complete information call 251-974-2468 or visit www.alabamata.com.

USSSA Monster Bat Halloween Beach Baseball Tournament. 10/30 through 10/31 at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, 19025 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores. For ticket information call 256-651-1686 or email: alabamausssa@yahoo.com.

SEC Women’s Soccer Championship. 11/3 through 11/7 at the Orange Beach Sports Complex, 4389 Bill Silvers Road, Orange Beach. For ticket information call 251-981-PLAY or visit www.secsports.com.

Alabama Adult Combo Tennis State Championships. 11/4 - 11/7, free to spectators. For complete schedule and directions call 251-974-2468 or visit www.alabamata.com.

Inshore Fishing Association Redfish Tour Championship. 11/4 through 11/6, free to spectators. Weigh-ins held at the Caribe Resort in Orange Beach. Call 941-323-0078 or visit www.redfishtour.com.

Kaiser Realty Coastal Half Marathon, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run. 11/27 at the Orange Beach Sports Complex, 4389 Bill Silvers Road, Orange Beach. Call 251-974-4611 or visit www.team-magic.com.

Men's Soccer National Championships Friends & Family. 11/29 through 12/4 at the Orange Beach Sports Complex, 4389 Bill Silvers Road, Orange Beach. For complete information go to www.naia.com.

It’s Back On! Orange Beach Hosts The 8th Annual Thunder On The Gulf, October 12-17.

During the BP Oil Spill, organizers but this event on hold but The Gulf Coast Powerboat Association has just announced that the 2010 Thunder On The Gulf World Championship is back on. Starting October 11 through October 17, you and the family can watch amazing racing action, meet with the racers, and see these massive race boats up close and personal in the dry pits. VIP passes and complete details will be released soon at www.thunderonthegulf.com. The preliminary schedule includes:

VIP Pass Events begin on Wednesday October 13th through Sunday October 17th.

Race Party at the Happy Harbor Bar & Restaurant on Thursday Night, October 14th.

Dry Pits Will Be Open To The Public on Thursday, October 14th through Saturday, October 16th.

Practice in the Gulf will be on Thursday, October 14th and Saturday, October 16th.

Races in the Gulf will be on Friday, October 15th and Sunday October 17th.

If you'd like to sponsor the event or volunteer, go to www.thunderonthegulf.com and download the required form. For other upcoming events, go to www.gulfshores.com.

 

Awesome Resources For Jogging & Power Walking In Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Just because you’re on vacation, it doesn’t mean your personal fitness program has to fall by the wayside. The public parks of Gulf Shores and Orange beach offer great options for jogging, running and power walking.

The David L. Bodenhamer Center features a fantastic indoor running track. (Fees apply for the fitness and recreation facilities.) Located at 2008 West 3rd Street in Gulf Shores, call 251-968-1420 for more information.

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is great way to combine exercise with an exploration of historic points of interest dating back to the area's indigenous people and early settlers. The trail is open daylight hours only. To download a trail map go to: www.obparksandrec.com.

Gulf Shores Wetlands Nature Park offers walking trails, outdoor recreation, fishing ponds and more, located at 19025 Oak Road West in Gulf Shores.

The Orange Beach Waterfront Park overlooks beautiful Wolf Bay and features paved paths for jogging and walking. The park is located at 26425 Canal Road, in Orange Beach.

The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Fort Morgan Peninsula and offers hiking trails open seven days a week, daylight hours only. Located on Highway 180, signs are posted directing you to the trails. For more information, go to www.fws.gov/bonsecour.

For more fitness and recreation information, visit www.gulfshores.com.

Fishing For Fun Things To Do – Visit The Longest Pier On The Gulf Of Mexico.

What a marvel of engineering!  Spanning 1,540 feet long and 20 feet wide, the Gulf State Park Pier is the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico. It opened for the first time in July 2009 and was built to replace the pier destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The new pier features indoor seating in the concession area, an indoor retail area for tackle and souvenirs, and comfort stations conveniently placed at the pier’s midpoint.

Open for rail fishing with wheelchair access, daily fishing permits are reasonably priced and Alabama residents over 65 can fish without purchasing a permit. Kids are welcome but you’ll have to leave Fido at home because pets are not allowed. For complete information go to www.gulfshores.com or visit www.alapark.com.

Specialty Rentals Provide All The Comforts Of Home During Your Vacation.

 

From baby cribs and strollers, to water sports equipment, house wares and power chairs designed for the beach, you can find daily, weekly and monthly equipment rentals right here.

Baby Beach Rentals offers all the must-haves for the little ones plus free delivery, set-up and pick-up in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key. Items include: cribs and toddler beds; playpens; high chairs; strollers; car seats; baby gates; and other essentials. Call 866-955-BABY (866-955-2229) or (850) 485-8300. Or, visit www.baby-equipment-rentals.com.

Beach Bike Rentals features a choice of three-speed bikes, one-speed cruisers and tandem bikes built for two. Daily and weekly rentals include helmets, locks plus free delivery and pick-up in Ft. Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key. Located at 3311 E. 2nd Street, Gulf Shores, call 251-968-1770 or visit www.beachbikerentals.net.

Beach Power Rentals offers state-of-the-art motorized power wheelchairs designed specifically for the beach. Located at 11352 Kelly Lane, Gulf Shores, call 251-967-3729 or visit www.BeachPoweRrentals.com.

Gulf Shores Beach Rentals delivers beach gear, water sports equipment, bicycles, house wares, grills, kayaks, baby equipment and more. They also offer a grocery delivery service. Located at 3873 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, call 251-609-4577 or toll-free at 888-896-9854. Or, visit www.gulfshoresalbeachrentals.com.

Perdido Beach Services offers delivery to private homes and condos. Rental items include lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, kayaks, boogie boards and more. Located at 25328 Canal Road, Orange Beach, call 251-981-4807 or visit www.perdidobeachservices.com.

Orange Beach Bicycles rents bikes for the road, the beach plus hybrids, tandems and motorized bikes. Locks and helmets are included; delivery and pick up is free. Located at 25601 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, call 251-974-2025 or visit www.obbicycles.com.

Ike’s Beach Service rents beach chairs, umbrellas, full size cribs and beach wheelchairs, kayaks, high chairs, roll away beds and more. Located at 800 West Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, call 251-948-3757 or visit www.ikesbeachservice.com.

For additional information, go to www.gulfshores.com.

Photos from Ike's Beach Service website.