Near Beach

Ever had a near beach experience? At Meyer Real Estate we use the term "gulf oriented" to describe properties near the beach and not fronting other water such as a bay or lagoon. Often this means a wonderful vacation spot with easy access to the gulf. An added bonus many times is a gulf view and the best news is the great value. One way to think about a beach vacation is that you are buying the view, so it pays to at least take a look at some of the near beach possibilities if budget is a priority. More and more upscale properties are now being constructed across the street from the beach. In Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan houses located one or two blocks, otherwise known as tiers, away from the gulf-front properties are very affordable. At Kiva Dunes golf course these homes front a world-class golf course with access to the gulf. Also at Lost Key Golf Club in Perdido Key Florida there are brand new luxurious condominiums on the golf course with gulf views. Mariner Lakes, Grand Carribean and Romar Lakes in Orange Beach are other examples of great near beach retreats. Click here for more gulf oriented properties. Our Alabama and Florida coast abounds with a wide variety of property locations, so I strongly suggest a near beach experience.

Fall Shrimp Festival

Thirty five years ago a group on individuals on our island (Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan and Orange Beach, Alabama) decided that after the summer season it was time for the locals to party. They created the Shrimp Festival which was a big beach party with music and food and a general great time in honor of the importance that the seafood industry plays in our part of the coast. As the fun grew bigger and more people decided to join the locals more music, food, fine arts crafts were added. Now the National Shrimp Festival is a must on the fall schedule for 200,000+ residents and visitors. It was recently named one of the top twenty events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society and one of the top 5 tourist attractions in the state of Alabama. It is still held at the end of the highway (59) where the beach (and the fun) begins and there is still no admission price. It begins on Thursday (Oct 12) and I'll be there to buy a "seafood pistol",which is a wonderful cajun delight. I'll step a few feet to the boardwalk and watch the waves and the people walking along the shore. There I'll eat my first course and decide what to try next whether more seafood or maybe some dessert. After visiting some of my favorite artists and possibly picking out a special watercolor print I'll make my way to the music area to enjoy the bands. In the past 25 years I've never missed the National Shrimp Festival and this year will be no exception. Click here if you want to know more.