DISCOVER PLEASURE ALABAMA’S GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a wide range of accommodations, diverse attractions and exquisite cuisine, all set in an atmosphere that exudes the Eagle’s lyrics of that “Peaceful Easy Feeling”.
By Christi St. Laurent
Now is the perfect time to discover why Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are known as “Pleasure Island.” Travelers to this southern beach resort have compared it to Hawaii, Laguna Beach and the Bahamas. This breathtaking destination has much to offer – relaxation, fun and entertainment. In a day’s drive, you can awaken your senses as you step onto shimmering quartz white sand (Native Texans refer to it as “the good sand”) and enjoy the magnificent turquoise water.
RESORT DESTINATIONS
The Caribe the Resort, The Beach Club, and Turquoise Place Spectrum Resorts make reservations easy and completely stress free with a nice range of accommodations ranging from the “budget conscious” to the “put me in the lap of luxury” traveler. They provide 24-hour cancellation policy, affordable rates year round with peak rates only in the summer. You can completely pamper yourself in Orange Beach at the spacious Turquoise Place condominiums where you get all the comforts of home and then some. Watch the magnificent Gulf coast sunset from the outdoor hot tub on the private balcony your beautifully decorated 3, 4, or 5 bedroom suite. Each is fully equipped with indoor/outdoor kitchens, wet bar; even washers and dryers. Resort amenities include state of the art exercise area, spa appointments, air-conditioned poolside cabanas, Tiki bar and a 450-foot lazy river. The atmosphere and experience will have you booking your return stay before you get home.
EXPLORE
Sailaway Charters – Step aboard with Sailor Skip for an informative two hour nature cruise and get up close and personal with a variety of marine life as he pulls them aboard and into the aquarium. You will marvel at the baby puffers, play with squid and possibly get snorted on by a passing playful dolphin.
CRUISE
Cetacean Cruises – Cruise out to the Bay with Captain Bill Mitchell for an incredible dolphin experience you will not soon forget. It’s amazing to see the friendship bond between man and dolphin in such a beautiful, natural environment and you will come to understand why I now call Captain Bill “Dolphin Whisperer.”
RELAX
Sanroc Cay Marina – Whether you want to shop, dine at the local restaurants (Café Grazie, Louisiana Lagniappe), listen to live music (Hula Hula Tiki Bar), take a guided fishing trip with Reel Surprise Charters or just stick your toes in the sand, SanRoc Cay Marina has a little something for everybody. If you want to explore your creative side and enjoy interactive arts, then visit Beach Cite Studios, where you can paint, sculpt, make jewelry, dance, sing or take a culinary cooking class.
DISCOVER
Magnolia Springs, Alabama – Grandma Floy Michalka preserved her figs in jars, and Magnolia Springs preserved sweet southern charm in this historic location with original buildings and homes built in the 1800’s. The Magnolia River was once the highway for steamers and paddle wheelers and is currently the only river mail delivery route in the United States. The people who call Magnolia Springs home will wrap you in sincere hospitality and humble generosity. David Worthington found his life’s destiny in 1996 when he renovated the original 1897 Sunnyside Hotel and opened the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast.
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
Of course at the end of the day, it’s all about just relaxing, enjoying good food and having fun. If you’re looking for a casual beach experience with lots of food and drinks, waterfront views and live music where you can let loose with family and friends, then check out one of these local favorites; the Hangout, Lulu’s, Harbour Grill and Original Oyster House. If you’re feeling more in the mood for ambience, breathtaking views, fine dining, exquisite cuisine, great wines, all served up by some the area’s world renowned chef ’s, then spend some time at Cobalt, South Beach Bar & Grill, and Shipp’s Harbour Grill.
