Are We There Yet? Travel Tips for Visiting Gulf Shores Beaches

Are we there yet is a familiar phrase coming from the backseat (or maybe even the front seat) of your vehicle as you head to your beach destination in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and Perdido Key. It can be especially frustrating after a long trip from home to get close to the beach only to be slowed down by the traffic in the Foley area on heavy check-in days such as Saturdays and of course during the upcoming July 4th holiday.

So my TRAVEL TIP for you today is the FOLEY BEACH EXPRESS. This alternative route, which eliminates the traffic lights in Foley, is usually thought of as a faster route to Orange Beach utilizing the toll bridge ($3.50 toll). But it can also be a quicker route to Gulf Shores without crossing the toll bridge.

As you travel south on Gulf Shores Parkway a.k.a. Hwy. 59 south of Summerdale you will see large signs directing you to take a left turn at the traffic light to access the Foley Beach Express. Now there is actually a northern extension of the Foley Beach Express called the Baldwin Beach Express that will eventually connect to Interstate 10 and ultimately connect to Interstate 65. To access this extension turn left in Summerdale at County Road 32 and travel two miles then turn right on the Baldwin Beach Express which connects to the Foley Beach Express.

So at this point you may be wondering how to get to Gulf Shores from the Foley Beach Express without crossing the toll bridge. There are a couple of options.

Traveling south (toward the beaches) you can exit the Foley Beach Express by turning right at the traffic light at County Road 12 and traveling two miles, then turning left at the traffic light at Highway 59. Then you are back on course to continue south to your destination.

Or you can travel even further south on the Foley Beach Express and exit to your right just prior to the toll bridge when you see a sign pointing to Gulf Shores. From this road one left turn and then another right turn places you on County Road 4 and you will soon find yourself back at Highway 59 with Publix on the corner where you will turn left near the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge and soon be at your destination.

EXPRESS CHECK-IN TIP - If you want to avoid check-in at our office search for your next coastal condo or beach house by selecting an "Express Check-In" property. Using an electronic, keyless entry system for our express check-in properties we provide you an entry code valid for 3 p.m. check-in. And if the property becomes available sooner than 3 p.m. we will actually email or text an early entry code to you.

So I believe taking the Foley Beach Express can lessen your driving frustration and using our Express Check-in for your next Meyer Vacation Rental coastal condo or beach house can start your vacation sooner by eliminating the stop at our office. See you at the beach.

Get Glowing at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloons Fest Father's Day Weekend (June 15-17)

Rise early for a breathtaking sight as 50 hot air balloons silently glide through the air above the City of Foley with an occasional whoosh sound as the burners fire during the 8th annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival on Father's Day weekend (June 15-17). Later in the day enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the most unique festivals on our coast. You can almost feel the glow while watching this Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival video.

This is absolutely one of my favorite festivals because it is so relaxed and family-friendly. Since I'm a native of the area I love seeing the antique tractors and all of the arts and crafts. In fact a couple of years ago I bought a beautiful headboard made of reclaimed wood and ceiling tin from one of the event vendors.

My yearly agenda always includes a visit to the homemade ice cream booth, which is easy to find because you hear the sound of the John Deere motor churning this sweet treat.
In the evening I'm looking forward to finding a seat in front of the stage for the musical entertainment and this year one of my favorite bands, Dr. Zarr's Amazing Funk Monster will play at 8:30 on Friday evening. First I make my rounds to see the hot air balloons glow. I like the challenge of trying to photograph this beautiful sight by catching the fire glowing at just the right time.

As soon as I arrive I pick up the event schedule so I won't miss a performance of the incredible Disc Connected K-9 Frisbee Dog Show. These rescued dogs are not only amazing but they seem to be having so much fun too.

The event takes about 350 community volunteers to handle all the various duties and I already have my assignment for the weekend. My volunteer efforts will be rewarded with a souvenir t-shirt. But you don't have to volunteer to get a t-shirt since these and other souvenirs can be purchased to commemorate your trip to the festival.

Admission to the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is free with parking (all day) only $5 or a convenient shuttle ride from downtown Foley for $2 per person each way. The times for the event this year are:

Friday (June 15) from 2 - 10 p.m.
Saturday (June 16) from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday (June 17) from 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Select your perfect beach retreat while attending the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival and you will return home with a happy glow.

Coast Awhile in Gulf Shores for Father's Day

Do you know where your father will be on his special day? Why not at the coast. Father's Day is the perfect time to coast awhile at the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan or Perdido Key.

Is golf Dad's delight? Then he'll love our nine signature courses. A round of mini-golf is a relaxing way to unwind and establish bragging rights.

Whether your dad prefers a charter deep-sea fishing excursion, an inshore experience in the back waters, surf fishing or from the Gulf State Park pier, we have it all.

Father's Day weekend events include the 8th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in Foley (just north of Gulf Shores) that kicks off on Thursday (June 14) with a hot air balloon glow at Tanger Outlets.

Lots of choice properties are still available for Father's Day for a long weekend or week at the beach. Our 2-day and 3-day getaway deals offer savings from 22% to a FREE night on condos located on Alabama and Florida's beautiful shore.

What's Cool to Do Memorial Day weekend in Gulf Shores?

Whether to simply relax during your Memorial Day weekend or take advantage of some area activities is truly a tough decision because it's so much fun to do nothing at the beach. Above and beyond the usual golf, waterpark, mini-golf, fishing, dolphin cruises, parasailing and more, below is a list of a few extra added happenings for the holiday weekend in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan or Perdido Key:

Tanger Outlets just north of the beaches on Hwy. 59 in Foley has a Memorial Day Weekend Sale from May 25 through May 28.

Lulupalooza 2012 on May 26 & 27 is the 8th annual fun-filled Memorial Day weekend of music including the Geoff Achison, Honey Island Swamp Band, Eric Lindell, Lee Boys, Dread Clampitt, Bonerama and Roddie Romero & the Hub City All Stars.

Alabama Gulf Coast Farmers Market opens Saturday May 26 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Lake Shelby area of Gulf State Park offering locally grown fresh produce for purchase. The Farmers Market will be open each Saturday through July 14th.

Bands, Barks & Brews is a dog-friendly event hosted by Ginny Lane Bar & Grill at The Wharf in Orange Beach. You are encouraged to bring your friendly dog on a leash to enjoy free live music and good local beers. There will even be an artwork sale benefiting the Humane Society.

Even if you can't make it to the beach this weekend utilize our interior photos and virtual tours of all condos and houses to start shopping now for your next trip to your favorite shore.

Rise High Above the Beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for a New Perspective

Rising above it all is exhilarating when you fly high above the coast for a totally new perspective. Here's our bird's-eye view from a recent parasailing excursion. Without hesitation, we can tell you it's a blast!

You have never really seen our coast until you parasail 800 feet above the sugar-white sands and brilliant blue waters. That’s what we did this spring for market research. Now we can absolutely recommend that you try this form of high-flying freedom. Our parasail team at Chute ’Em Up Parasailing in Orange Beach (251-981-7673) was fabulous!

Although admittedly there was some anxiety as we pulled into Happy Harbor Marina to board the boat, quickly we were put at ease by Allen and Jack who greeted us at the dock. Captain Seth and Nolan made sure we knew all the safety info and were secured in our harness. The lift-off was a pure adrenaline rush that quickly turned into a state of bliss. The view was breathtaking, as you can see in the video. We definitely believe you should add this to your beach vacation to-do list.

There are lots of great observation points for watching parasailing if that's more your speed. Condos located near the Perdido Pass are excellent viewing stations since several parasail excursion providers operate in that area.

At Grand Pointe you can choose a gulf-front view or even a less expensive option overlooking Perdido Pass itself. Or if you can spend a week in paradise The Pass condos are upscale, spacious and have awesome views of the backwaters leading into Perdido Pass. I personally love the views from both Grand Pointe and The Pass and I believe you will too.

Kick Off Summer with Memorial Day Savings in Gulf Shores

Come to the beach this Memorial Day to honor those who have served, and enjoy a free 4th night to relax with your friends and family. For example, spend $1,137 for 4 nights in a 3-bedroom gulf-front beach condo that sleeps 6-8 and save $320.

Kick off your summer at your favorite beach where the sand is soft, the water warm and island activities as varied as you want them to be. Do you like an afternoon at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, a dolphin cruise, deep-sea fishing, a round of golf, or mini-golf and go-carts in the evening after a delicious seafood meal? Memorial Day is the ideal time to create those precious memories.

Use promo code 12MEM for a free 4th night in condos and houses. For example: Unit 202 Gulf House is a 3-bedroom gulf-front condo in Gulf Shores costing $1,137 for four nights when you take advantage of the Memorial Day special, saving you $320. Of course there are many more choices in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key and Fort Morgan where you’ll enjoy celebrating Memorial Day with friends and family.

Breaking News: Tickets Available to SOLD OUT Hangout Music Fesitval

HAPPY HANGOUT! Meyer Vacation Rentals has a limited number of Hangout Music Festival general admission tickets for sale at a cost of $209 each with no service fee. You may still rent a condo or house and buy tickets along with your rental but as of today that is no longer a requirement. The Hangout Music Festival is now a SOLD OUT event so tickets are no longer available online or in person at The Hangout.

Tickets may be purchased from Meyer Vacation Rentals in person at the Front Desk of our Gulf
Shores office at 1585 Gulf Shores Parkway. This is good news and even better news is that you may purchase tickets at any time day or night since our Gulf Shores office is open 24/7.

Construction is underway on all of the stages as seen from these photos taken yesterday. Tonight at midnight some of the roads will be blocked to facilitate the final construction and traffic will begin to flow around the festival site. The best bet for transportation is to purchase a Shuttle Pass online since there will be no parking at the festival site.

For last minute accommodations we have a great Hangout Music Festival 4th night FREE special in remaining condos and houses in Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and Perdido Key.

HAPPY HANGOUT!

Hangout to See the First Sand Volleyball National Championships in Gulf Shores

The beaches you love will be the backdrop for the 2012 AVCA Collegiate Sand Volleyball National Championships. CBS Sports Network will broadcast the tournament featuring women's collegiate players but you can have a front row seat for all the action at The Hangout in Gulf Shores. The tournament, which has the backing of the NCAA as an emerging sport, starts today and ends Sunday and you can see the very first national championship.

Plan to stick around at The Hangout after the tournament tomorrow (Saturday, April 28) for a free Road to the Hangout concert featuring Scars on 45 and ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) from 7 - 11 p.m.

Food during the day and evening is a snap since The Hangout offers a wonderful selection of seafood and other delicacies. On Wednesday at lunch I enjoyed the shrimp wrap which I recommend and my friends had the delicious fish tacos and tuna salad. Yum Yum.

Make it a weekend by staying in a condo on the beach in Gulf Shores and even get a 4th night free during our Spring Special. Our variety of available properties is great ranging from 1-4 bedrooms with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, saunas, and exercise rooms.

Hangout Music Fest Schedule is UP and You Can Still Get IN

Just announced today the Hangout Music Festival schedule is now available, so you can map out your favorite bands and not miss a beat. That's so exciting for everyone with Hangout Music Festival tickets but what if you missed out on this SOLD OUT event? No worries since Meyer Vacation Rentals has now released a limited number of tickets that can be purchased at the time of making your NEW reservation for the festival weekend. Here's how it works - you can purchase Hangout Music Festival tickets, at a price of $209 each, in a quantity equal to two tickets per rental property bedroom. So when renting a one-bedroom condo you can purchase two tickets, a two-bedroom rental qualifies you to purchase 4 tickets, etc.

If you are familiar with the location of the Hangout Music Festival you know it sits at the end of Hwy. 59 directly on the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores. My best advice to you is not to frustrate yourself searching for a condo or beach house rental in Gulf Shores for festival weekend since the condos and most houses in that area booked in February. A great choice are condos directly on the gulf-front in Orange Beach near shuttle stops. By the way make sure you buy a Hangout Music Festival shuttle pass in advance since this will be your best transportation option. To the west and east of Gulf Shores there are properties along the Fort Morgan peninsula and Perdido Key Florida that wonderful choices but just not adjacent to shuttle stops. If renting these properties I again advise that you purchase a shuttle pass for $40 and drive you vehicle to the shuttle stop.

If you have a few friends to share the expenses that's even better. As an example you could rent Unit 1403; White Caps condo right on the gulf-front in Orange Beach that sleeps six and even
has a fully-equipped kitchen for fixing a few meals if you wish. In fact all condos and houses area equipped with kitchens, living areas and private bedrooms. If you and five friends or relatives rent this condo or a comparable condo for three nights during the festival weekend the total cost is $1,330. This is less than $74 per person per night to attend one of the most

incredible music festivals in the world where dancing in the sand sets the tone for fabulous memories.

Turquoise Place - A Gleaming Jewel on the Gulf Coast

Rising in a stately manner from the sugar-white sands of the beach and beautifully reflecting the blue-green gulf waters, Turquoise Place is a true jewel on Alabama's Gulf Coast. The first feature you notice as you approach this gated property is the unique glass design and beauty of the two buildings situated along a 500-foot stretch of the Gulf of Mexico beaches in Orange Beach.

The design of these tallest residential buildings on the Gulf Coast provides panoramic views of the private community of Ono Island and not only Orange Beach but also the adjacent beaches of Gulf Shores and even Perdido Key, Florida.

Whether staying for a week or a lifetime you will be treated to an impressive array of resort amenities that include a 450-foot lazy river, indoor pool with slide and zero-entry outdoor pools, plus spa treatments that can be arranged, a Turquoise Tiki Bar and Grill and children's playground.

We invite you to coast awhile in luxury at Turquoise Place. Meyer Vacation Rentals are available in both three- and four-bedroom upscale, well-appointed

condos. CENTURY 21 Meyer Real Estate sales associates can also assist you in choosing a Turquoise Place property to fulfill your beach home dreams.

Support Relay for Life for $10 at Waterville USA Family Fun Day March 18

Want to support Relay for Life and have a ton of fun? On March 18, noon to 5 p.m., ride the roller coaster and go-carts, play mini-golf and more for only $10 per person at our Waterville USA Family Fun Day (waterpark, Flowrider & arcade not included).

Each year Waterville USA partners with Meyer Vacation Rentals and Century 21 Meyer Real Estate to open the amusement park for an entire afternoon of family entertainment for the unbelievably low price of $10 per person to support Relay for Life. In fact, 100% of the admission price goes directly to the American Cancer Society.

Our Relay for Life partnership provides you with a unique opportunity to treat the family to unlimited go-cart races and mini-golf. Ride the wooden roller coaster to your heart’s content or watch the joy on the faces of the little ones as they bounce on the trampoline, play in the House of Bounce and enjoy the kiddie rides. Note: The waterpark (which opens in May), Flowrider and arcade are not included.

Meyer is your beach vacation and concert connection. For details check our Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Calendar of Events and Gulf Shores Music Calendar to see what to include in your itinerary while you are visiting our beautiful coast.

Great Southern Barbeque & Blues Music are a Winning Combo in Foley March 17

Spend a fun-filled family day on March 17 at the BBQ & Blues Cook-off in Foley, where blues bands play all day and teams compete for prizes and culinary bragging rights.

The picturesque setting for the 4th annual BBQ & Blues Cook-off will be Heritage Park in Foley (adjacent to Hwy. 59) where a full day of fun (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) is planned for March 17. Regional teams who compete in the Alabama BBQ Trail join local restaurants in the competition for prizes and trophies. You can even join the judging with the People’s Choice award. Other categories for the competition include Best Ribs, Best Chicken, Best Sauce, Best Just Butts and Anything Butts, which includes exotic dishes, seafood and desserts all cooked on the grill.

Your entry fee of $10 includes a raffle ticket for prizes that include a 3-night vacation at the beach donated by Meyer Vacation Rentals, plus other donations of dining certificates and merchandise. All entry fee funds and proceeds from the Silent Auction benefit the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation, an education foundation for area schools.

80 Exhibitors Featured at Orange Beach Festival of Art March 10-11, 2012

What is your favorite art medium? Watercolor, oils, glass, metal sculpture, mosaics, jewelry, clay or wood? You can see (and buy) it all this weekend at the Orange Beach Festival of Art from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 10-11. One of the featured artists is Chris Hartsfield who weaves his magic with watercolor.

There will even be glass-blowing demonstrations on-site at The Hot Shop by guest glass artist Carlyn Ray from Austin, Texas. Additional demonstrations at the festival include the Tannehill Forge School showing both adults and children how to create their own metal art. Speaking of kids, they have their own special treat in the Kids' Art Alley, where they will learn to create their own artwork.

Located along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway in Orange Beach, this weekend's festival will be a joy for the eyes and ears with live music at two stages during the event. In fact, my favorite local band, Roman Street, plays on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Other outstanding local entertainment includes Lisa Christian, Sugarcane Jane, Lisa Zanghi, Adam Holt, Brent Burns and more.

Food will be prepared by Gulf Coast restaurateurs. Admission is only $1, so grab the gang and head to this excellent event where you are sure to have a good time.

What's Cool on Monday Night in Gulf Shores?

Even on a Monday night in the winter in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach you can find delicious seafood and live music worthy of tapping your toes. Tonight I found my thrill at Joey's North Shore Grill and Hula Hula Tiki Bar.

The usual Monday night musician Jon Cook was in rare form with a bonus of three other musicians joining him to jam. Their jazzy, bluesy vibe was an unexpected treat.

And speaking of treats the chef, who is amazing, continues to find new seafood delicacies to add to the menu. So tonight I had the rare privilege of sampling three of his latest, greatest

creations. First there was a half-dozen char-grilled oysters that had a sweet, smoky flavor and were grilled to perfection. The next amazing dish was a bowl of mussels in a delicious sauce with grilled french bread for soaking up all the flavor. And finally there was a trio of scrumptious smoked salmon that the restaurant smokes on site and serves in a tasty barbecue sauce. I love seafood, especially oysters, and this meal was genuinely delicious.

Great food, awesome music and even on a Monday you can find something cool to do in Gulf Shores.

Hangout Music Fest HOT Tickets - Lineup Just Announced

For several months the upcoming Hangout Music Festival (May 18-20) has been on my mind because I had such a blast last year. Early, early this morning I began to get emails about the lineup because The Hangout team started populating their Facebook page with the news. I will admit that I actually do not know the music of all the bands but that is what I loved about last year because I found so many "treasures" by going to as many stages as possible.

Take a look at the list of Hangout Music Festival touring artists announced today and I'm sure you will be amazed at the talent:

Dave Matthews Band * Jack White * String Cheese Incident * Wilco * Skrillex * The Flaming Lips perform Dark Side of the Moon * Dispatch * Steve Winwood * Chris Cornell * STS9 * Gogol Bordello * Michael Franti & Spearhead * Mac Miller Flogging Molly * Coheed & Cambria * Paul Oakenfold * G. Love and Special Sauce * Randy Newman * Dr. Dog * Young the Giant * Cage the Elephant * Dawes * Alabama Shakes * M. Ward * Yelawolf * Switchfoot * Julian Marley * Zed’s Dead Mavis Staples * Sphongle * Rebelution * Gary Clark JR * Allen Stone * Big Freedia * The Devil Makes Three * Paper Diamond * Futurebirds * Tribal Seeds Hey Rosetta! * Sleeper Agent * The Lumineers * Archnemesis * Rich Aucoin * Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin' Cajuns

It was exciting to see that Dave Matthews Band will come this year among many other awesome acts. Last year I discovered Michael Franti, so now I'm a fan. One of my co-workers is happily wearing her Wilco t-shirt because they were announced today. I'm sure that all the bands will be great and they are coming to my "back yard" where thousands of music lovers can enjoy the sand, surf and music of the beach.

If you have not yet reserved your condo or beach house for the Hangout Music Festival weekend I strongly urge you to do so NOW. You can purchase 3-day passes at the same time that you reserve your Meyer Vacation Rental property. Keep in mind that tickets in general do not go on sale until Friday (Feb 10) so you can get a jump on the purchase and save the service fee as well.

Later in the week, possibly Thursday, there will be more lineup announcements which will increase the demand for tickets on Friday. Again you don't have to wait until Friday because Meyer Vacation Rentals has tickets as long as our supply lasts.

What's Biting on Alabama's coast?

When I was a young girl going fishing with my father was a special treat. The family claims I ate the raw shrimp we were fishing with and if that is true I guess I had raw seafood long before I knew anything about sushi.

I haven't fished in years, so I must rely on the experts to report what's hot in that world. According to the Reel Report by Jeff Dute published by AL.com this morning, catching whiting along the beach is a sure thing. He also states that sheepshead can be caught off the rock jetties at Perdido Pass. I love to watch the boats come and go through the pass, especially while relaxing with a refreshing beverage at Cobalt Restaurant overlooking the waterway.

In the article Mr. Dute quotes Chris Vescey at Sam's in Orange Beach advising that surf fishermen are catching limits of pompano, lots of black drum and some Spanish mackerel. There are some flounder coming out of Terry Cove and Bay St. John and limited amounts of speckled trout in Little Lagoon.

So for someone who no longer fishes, at least I haven't in awhile, I was a little excited to see that we do have some decent numbers of fish biting in our waters. I think I know what I want for dinner now.

Gulf Shores Brat Fest & Penthouse Tour for Charity both Feb. 4

Eating brats and touring high-end penthouse properties although different in nature will both support Gulf Shores' area charities and both happen this Saturday (Feb. 4).

In 1998 the first Brat Fest was launched by snowbird clubs and over the years this event has raised over $78,000 for three Pleasure Island fire departments. The concept was based on charitable functions in Indiana and other northern states and the formula works here too.

There are now 10 snowbird clubs involved with the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan Fire/Rescue departments to put on this one-day event with funds applying toward fire safety and prevention as well as needed equipment.

The 14th Annual Brat Fest will be held at the Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center beginning at 10:15 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 4). The cost is $4 per brat & $1 for soda or coffee. Plan to get there early to make sure you get a brat. When 3,000 are sold that's the end of the brats.

A rare opportunity to tour area penthouses happens this Saturday when the Sirens of the Sea has a tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. of six exquisite penthouses at Oceania, Phoenix West, Sea Chase, Caribe, Spanish Key and La Serena.

The cost is $20 with proceeds benefiting Mary's Shelter, a provider of family-style living for homeless mothers-to-be. Tickets will include directions to each building plus six raffle tickets for a beautiful basket at each property.

Contact Century 21 Meyer Real Estate agent Angela Martin at (251) 923-6082 for tickets.

I think you'll enjoy grabbing a brat and heading to some of the most high-end condos on the island. You'll feel good about your contribution to these charities and besides what else were you planning to do Saturday?

Cedric Burnside Brings His Unique North Mississippi Sound to Alabama's Gulf Coast on Super Bowl Weekend

Cedric Burnside, the grandson of the legendary blues man R.L. Burnside, will once again grace our island with his own brand of the blues. At the tender age of 13 Cedric started touring around the world with his grandfather playing drums in his North Mississippi All Stars band.

During this trip Cedric will be joined by his younger brother Cody Burnside and Trento Ayers. They have collaborated to form The Cedric Burnside Project introducing a new genre of music by infusing Mississippi Hill Country Blues, Funk, R&B and Soul. Can't you just imagine how good that mix of music will make you feel?

The Cedric Burnside Project will start off Super Bowl weekend on Friday (Feb. 3) at The Hangout in Gulf Shores with a free show beginning at 7 p.m. Seating is limited and is on a first come basis (no reservations taken for the show). My best advice is arrive at 5 p.m., order a delicious meal, sit back with a cocktail and maybe some dessert and wait for your spine to tingle with the down home delta blues.

Moving to another venue the next night this group of talented musicians will play at Happy Harbour in Orange Beach on Saturday (Feb. 4). And finally on Super Bowl Sunday from 1-5 p.m. you can catch up with Cedric Burnside at Joey's North Shore Grill and Hula Hula Tiki Bar. Don't worry the awesome blues music will end in time for you to still watch the biggest game of the year at Joey's. Or perhaps you'll venture to The Hangout to watch on their 20+ screens where there will be games for cash prizes during the Super Bowl.

The coast is THE place to spend Super Bowl weekend. Check out the Meyer Vacation Rental specials during February that include a month-long Mardi Gras special with 2 free nights (Buy 2 nights get 2 FREE in condos or buy 5 nights get 2 FREE in houses).

See you on the coast.

Eat, Play, Shop in Historic Foley Just Minutes from Gulf Beaches

A few miles north of the beach, in the historic city of Foley, discover unique opportunities to EAT at over 70 restaurants, PLAY discounted golf, and SHOP to your heart’s content at antique, consignment & retail shops plus 120 stores at Tanger Outlet Center.

EAT – You are probably thinking there is a typo about 70 restaurants in Foley. Although it seems unlikely, it is true! In fact if you stop by the Foley Welcome Center you can pick up a Foley Dining Guide with all the details. Of course there are the national chains such as O’Charley’s, Applebee’s, Chick-Fil-A, IHOP, Cracker Barrel and RubyTuesday. And there are also some local favorites. For seafood Wolf Bay Lodge is legendary, Shrimp Basket has one of their popular restaurants conveniently located on Hwy. 59 and Tin Top Restaurant is well worth the drive down picturesque County Road 10. A great choice for barbeque is Down South BBQ in two locations. And there are a number of Mexican, Greek/Italian and Asian restaurants from which to choose. You have to experience the “throwed rolls” and abundant portions at portions at Lambert’s Café during at least one visit to the coast, and the buffet at The Gift Horse offers a grand taste of the South.

PLAY – Glenlakes Golf Club, located on County Road 20 (turn east at Lambert’s Cafe), features 27 holes of spectacular golf on two distinct courses. The Vista/Dunes is a Devlin-Von Hagge layout that resembles Scottish links with its strategic mounding, extensive bunkering and undulating fairways and greens. The Lakes course is a resort-style nine-hole experience for players of all levels, with water on six of the nine holes providing a challenge.

Discounted golf is available year-round by purchasing an annual Player’s Club card for $29.99. At current rates, with a Player’s Club card, your 18 holes of golf, including cart, would only cost $45 before noon (saving $20), $35 from noon to 2 p.m. (saving $10) and only $20 after 2 p.m. (saving $10). Of course rates will vary by the season, but it’s easy to see that the card quickly pays for itself.

SHOP – Prepare to spend time but save money at Tanger Outlet Center where 120 stores offer nearly everything you can imagine. There are shops featuring accessories, apparel and footwear, and you’ll also find housewares and home furnishings. The specialty stores offer a variety of items such as art, knives, tools, fragrances and cosmetics. And there are even food stores including Harry and David, The Fudgery and Starbucks. Hours of entertainment for the little ones is possible in the Family Fun Park, located in the middle of the shopping action, featuring a playground, carousel, rock climbing wall and interactive water fountain.

In uptown Foley you can park your car and walk from shop to shop in the historic district, where you’ll find an old-fashioned soda fountain at Stacey’s Drug Store and Olde Tyme Soda Fountain, and plenty of quaint antiques shops such as The Gift Horse Antique Centre, Hollis Old Crush Antique Mall, Old Armory Mall and The Green Ant. Round out your many options with jewelry at Manning Jewelry, art at the Performing Arts Center and apparel at a variety of consignment stores. These and more shopping excursions await you just beyond the beach.

Crowded Beaches at Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Would you believe me if I told you our beautiful Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast beaches are crowded this time of year? You would be smart not to believe there are human crowds and the crowds of birds remove themselves quite naturally as you stroll by them seeking treasures from the deep. Yes, our treasured shells are quite lovely and arrive daily with the tide.

If you seek serenity and the joy of walking along the water's edge for miles this is your time of year. You will encounter a few other visitors who appreciate this value season and the warmth of the sunshine and the warmer Southern hospitality, but you won't encounter crowds.

I call this the value season because not only are the Meyer Vacation Rental rates the lowest of the year, we are also running a BOGO (Buy One Get One FREE) special allowing you to stay for two weeks in January or February for the price of one week. I'll take a free week any time of year, won't you? It's also a value season because lots of restaurants run winter specials to get patrons in the door. They know you will love the food, the relaxed atmosphere and the live music (where available). They are banking on the fact that you will tell your friends and family what a great experience you had and that is more powerful than any ad their business could run.

Of course there are lots of other fun activities while here on our shores such as golf, tennis, mini-golf, go-carts, dolphin cruises, etc. but for me the simple pleasure of walking along the shore brings a joy that's indescribable. Add a sunset to the scene and I'm in heaven.