Gulf Shores BOGO - Buy One Get One FREE December week Sale Ends July 31

I love a bargain and I love sharing the news when I find one. One of the best deals you will find on our beautiful Gulf Coast is the Meyer Vacation Rentals Christmas in July 7-day sale that is happening right now but ending in just a few days (7/31/12). During this sale you can buy one December week and get one FREE, valid for vacations December 1st through the 29th.

The island is gearing up to make this December a special one for visitors and residents with holiday activities throughout the area. The lighted boat parade is a favorite and this year it will be held on December 8 along the Intracoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach (Alabama). During the day on December 8th bring the family to witness the Santa Drop at Flora-Bama where the jolly guy jumps from a plane and parachutes to the beach or shop for last-minute gifts at the Merry Market at The Wharf. The evening before (Dec. 7) bring the gang to Orange Beach for a sleigh ride through the Backcountry Trail.

I will keep you informed as more events get added to the list of special activities for December. In the meantime don't miss this opportunity to capture a great deal. For example during this limited-time Christmas in July sale you can rent a three-bedroom condo for two weeks in December (12/1/12-12/29/12) directly on the gulf that sleeps eight for a total price of $1,237 including rent, taxes and fees. That's a savings of $1,059 and only around $88 per day for accommodations up to eight people. See what I mean about being a bargain?

There are so many things to do in December that you might not do in summer such as hiking, biking, golf, exploring historic sites, nature trails, birding sites and museums. You will love December at the beach. So hurry and call or click to get your two-week vacation set before the BOGO deal expires and I'll see you at the beach.

Going for the Gold at the London 2012 Olympics

Have you been following the U.S. Women's Soccer team? It's so exciting to watch their bid for Olympic Gold as they head into the London 2012 Olympics ranked #1 in the world.

Since CENTURY 21 is the official real estate company of U.S. Soccer, our team of sales professionals at CENTURY 21 Meyer Real Estate are on the edge of our seats as the U.S. Women's soccer team travels to Glasgow on Wednesday, July 25, two days prior to the Opening Ceremony at the Olympics, to face the team from France. The broadcast should air at 12 p.m. EST on either MSNBC or NBC Sports Network. Following that match they will face Columbia on Saturday (July 28) and North Korea the following Tuesday (July 31). We certainly hope to see them advance to the gold medal game on Thursday, August 9.

Our CENTURY 21 Smarter.Bolder.Faster television commercials will air during a variety of Olympic events on both MSNBC and NBC Sports Network. Join us in cheering on both the U.S. Women's Soccer team as they go for the gold and the U.S. Men's Soccer team in the Olympic matches that begin soon.

Relax at Six Lazy Rivers in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Last May my extended family from Birmingham joined me at the beach for a long weekend of fun together. I can tell you that we made amazing memories that I will always treasure. We rented a great condo at Phoenix West and loved all of the amenities, especially the lazy river. It was just what I needed to slow down my pace, take a long deep breath and feel the stress leave my life as I peacefully floated along the lazy river with my family.

There was even a really cool slide at one end of the lazy river. And after the kids asked a few times I tried it out - to their delight and mine. Of course all three kids and their mom and dad had a blast at the slide too.

There are actually six resorts featuring lazy rivers, so I compiled a list for you to consider on your next trip to Alabama's Gulf Coast:

Caribe Resort
Anticipate a resort experience designed to deliver fun for all and you’ll find what you seek at Caribe resort. Located on the upper-deck, in addition to other pools and waterpark-type slides, is an 18-inch deep lazy river that is 980-feet long and situated perfectly for great views of the Gulf of Mexico. Grab an inner tube and relax as you float along amid lush landscaping or gather with friends and family on the large sundeck surrounding this popular water feature.

Crystal Tower
Stroll across the area’s only air conditioned pedestrian bridge to discover the largest gulf side pool and lazy river anywhere on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Fabulous views of the sugar-white beach and inspiring Gulf waters will be yours from your relaxing vantage point at Crystal Tower while you drift freely on the lazy river.

Phoenix on the Bay I and Phoenix on the Bay II
Find both excitement and relaxation at Phoenix on the Bay I and Phoenix on the Bay II, where you can slide into a water-filled adventure. Treat the kids or feel like a kid again yourself when everyone takes a turn or two on the exciting waterslide. Then just relax and let the lazy river take you round and round the picturesque route overlooking the peaceful bay at Terry Cove.

Phoenix West
Escape to a beachside paradise at Phoenix West where the abundant amenities include a soothing lazy river equipped with a waterslide to add a little action to your world of water treats. You will feel the tension melt away as you gracefully glide along with the sights and sounds of the surf in the background.

Turquoise Place
Discover luxury when you arrive at your upscale Turquoise Place destination, a true resort complete with activities for the enjoyment of the entire family. Pause to savor these delightful experiences as you indulge yourself in the luxurious 450-foot lazy river overlooking the brilliant white sands and emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Wharf
Stimulate your senses at The Oasis at The Wharf, a water facility in a lush tropical setting that features three pools including a zero-entry pool, lagoon pool and lazy river complete with the excitement of a waterslide. Surround yourself with the soothing sounds of waterfalls, relax on the sandy beaches, and take relaxation to a new level on Hammock Island.

So now that you have the list, take your pick and I'll see you on a lazy river at the beach.

BeachFest 2012 - Kick-off Fall Football in (Beach) Style in Gulf Shores

I LOVE football, especially SEC football, which is a curiosity to some of my co-workers, but hey I was raised in the south where football reigns supreme in the fall. Events (even weddings) are planned around dates and times that our favorite SEC teams are playing. So I couldn't be happier about the first annual SEC BeachFest 2012 in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach August 23-26.

So here's the deal...not only will some of the most famous current coaches attend the event but some of the legends will be here too. Just look at the list:

Current SEC coaches featured at BeachFest 2012:
Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban
Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik
LSU Head Coach Les Miles

The SEC coach legends:
Pat Dye of Auburn
Gene Stallings of Alabama
Vince Dooley of Georgia
Phillip Fulmer of Tennessee

You can be sure that alumni will be present at all the headquarter restaurants to celebrate a football-focused Fanfare weekend at the shore.

There will be music at the beach (another favorite activity for me) featuring the B-52s and Dr. John, plus an additional concert at the Wharf. FanZone fueled by BP will include family and kids’ activities like a sand castle building competition, sports clinics with Legendary SEC Coaches, beach games, beach volleyball, touch football with SEC legends, a 5k run and one-mile fun run, alumni golf scramble and waffle breakfast.

How can you "get in the game" for this championship celebration? Event tickets, valued at $25, are complimentary for Meyer Vacation Rental guests. In addition to rental prices being lower than summer rates there is also a FREE NIGHT SPECIAL valid for stays 8/21/12-8/29/12. Get a 3rd night free in condos or 4th night free in houses allowing promotional rates(with promo code 12SECC).

My best advice is even though it's summer and you might not be in football mode yet, book now to position yourself strategically at your favorite condo or house for a winning BeachFest weekend.

Top 10 Beach and Beyond Vacation Tips for Gulf Shores

You plan for months to enjoy the sand and surf at your favorite beach in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, Orange Beach and Perdido Key. What do you do if red (warning) flags are flying one or more days and actual swimming in the gulf is prohibited? Here are my top 10 tips for the beach and beyond.

1. Go to the beach.
Even when swimming in the gulf waters is off limits, the relaxed feeling of being at the shore continues. Take a stroll or gather interesting shells. Feel like a kid again by building a sandcastle. Read the book(s) you can’t get to at home. Simply smell the salt air and feel the soft sands under your feet.

2. Go swimming.
A few alternatives to gulf swimming include Lake Shelby at the Gulf State Park, a day-pass at Bodenhamer Center in Gulf Shores, or Waterville USA waterpark.

3. Go to the zoo.
Experience our quaint Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo—“The Little Zoo That Could” as featured on the Animal Planet series—where you can see 290+ animals including lions, tigers, monkeys and exotic birds. For an extra fee, book an up-close encounter with lion cubs, lemurs, kangaroos and various baby animals.

4. Go antiquing.
Step back in time when you visit the Foley antique stores that include Old Armory Antique Mall, Gift Horse Center and Antique Stalls and Hollis Ole Crush Antique Mall. There is even an antique rose trail that follows the old railroad line and is lined with antique heritage roses and an old-fashioned soda fountain at Stacey’s Drug Store.

5. Go play golf.
Nine signature courses are located a short drive (pun intended) from the beach, where resort golf means vistas and terrain challenges not experienced on your home turf. Play a round or two of mini-golf with friends or family at Waterville USA, Adventure Island, The Track, Shrimpy’s, Zooland (yes, next to the zoo) or Pirate’s Island.

6. Go kayaking.
The back bays, lagoons and rivers are excellent for watersports such as kayaking, and a wide variety of rental companies provide all the equipment you need for a fun water adventure just beyond the beach.

7. Go fishing.
Orange Beach is home to the largest charter fishing fleet on the Gulf of Mexico, plus you’ll enjoy inshore charters, surf fishing, and pier fishing at the Gulf State Park on the 1,540-foot pier.

8. Go for the thrill.
Choose your level of thrill at local attractions: Mountain of Youth (ropes course) at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina, the roller coaster at Waterville USA, Skycoaster at The Track, Ferris wheel at The Wharf, or go-carts at Waterville USA, The Track and Adventure Island.

9. Go birding.
Birding by land and by water is very popular on our coast, and signage will guide you to the best birding opportunities. Follow the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail to 22 local spots—and be sure to bring your camera.

10. Go dolphin watching.
A coastal retreat is not complete without a boating adventure to watch dolphins frolic in their natural habitat. You’ll find dolphin cruise opportunities at most marinas.

HRH (Her Royal Highness) - a New Accessory in Gulf Shores

Want to find an unusual gift item, unique décor accessory, bathing suit or jewelry to complement your resort attire? Take a look at HRH (Her Royal Highness) in Gulf Shores for a different approach to accessorizing yourself and your home.

Is the new HRH store, located across from Cobb Theater in Gulf Shores, a furniture store, a gift shop or a clothing boutique? You decide for yourself next time you visit. One thing for sure is you will like this new accessory to our area, especially if you are an Alabama or LSU fan.

Stop by on your next visit to the coast for a real treat for the eyes and a relaxed atmosphere complete with complimentary strawberry- and lemon-infused water and Southern hospitality from the friendly and knowledgeable staff. This new addition to our resort community is located at 3769 Gulf Shores Parkway (Hwy. 59) in the beautifully remodeled building formerly occupied by Island Interiors.