Guy Harvey Returns to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

Guy Harvey returns to The Wharf in Orange Beach Alabama (near Gulf Shores) on July 4th and July 5th for a special appearance. His appearance to sign autographs is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on both days.

Make plans to visit the Guy Harvey Island Grill restaurant at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Other exotic locations include Grand Cayman, Key West, and Marco Island. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Guy Harvey Gallery and Shoppe where you will find a wide variety of signature products to add to your collection.

Spanning the space between the Guy Harvey Island Grill and Gallery is a marina bar with amazing views of the marina and waterway. Sip your delicious beverage as you watch the large variety of boats and barges make their way east and west on this interstate water highway.

Just a few days remain to finalize your plans for the July 4th weekend on the Alabama and Florida gulf coast. Meyer Real Estate provides your best choices for vacation beach homes and coastal condominiums for the July 4th holiday weekend and beyond.

Gulf Shores Hang Out Returns

Back in "the day", the 50's and 60's to be somewhat exact, my brother and all his friends spent their youth at "The Hang Out" in Gulf Shores (Alabama). I was just a little kid so I missed the fun of this cool establishment located right on the beach where the main road terminated. Oh but I heard about the stories and fun times at this legendary place. This icon went by the wayside quite a few years ago but the new version is back.

Recently I attended the Hang Out reunion (pretending to be a former patron) in the same location at the wonderful new venue of the same name. Giant photos on the walls depict the old look and I can attest that the modern version is amazing. With a 40 foot inside bar and seating for over 400 plus a couple of outside bars the opportunity to wine and dine with sights and sounds of the surf is unique. Located just a few steps from the public beach, at the corner of Hwy. 59 and Hwy. 180, this new entertainment-style restaurant boasts an outdoor bandstand and a giant pile of sand for the kids to explore.

Head to the beach soon and make The Hang Out one of your adventures. Meyer Real Estate can provide easy to rent accommodations in beach houses and condominiums for your trip.

Gulf Shores Music Scene Heats Up for Summer

There is something magical about the way music sounds when played along the waterfront. You will have a grand opportunity to experience that amazing effect this upcoming weekend during the Summer Solstice at The Wharf in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach (Alabama) area. This weekend celebration at The Wharf happens Friday, June 20 featuring Rhett Akins and Saturday, June 21 featuring Wayne Toups. And the best news is the concerts are FREE to the public. The venue at the marina boardwalk creates an amazing atmosphere as the music resounds along the intracoastal waterway.

Experience the joy of summer and the delight of musical entertainment on the waterway at the summer solstice celebration. Find your best choices for vacation rental condominiums and beach houses at MeyerRE.com.

Blockbusters at the Beach

You are on vacation and the summer blockbuster movie you've been waiting to see premiers - what do you do? By all means you dust off the sand, grab the family and friends and head to the movies. The Gulf Shores (Alabama) area now has not one, not two but THREE modern, upscale movie theaters equipped with stadium seating and all the perks. Riviera Cinema 12 is located near the Tanger Outlet Center in Foley just east of Highway 59, Cobb Pinnacle 14 is in the Pinnacle Shopping Center at Craft Farms on Highway 59 in Gulf Shores and Wharf 15 RAVE Motion Pictures at The Wharf in Orange Beach on Canal Road (Highway 180).

Haven't made your plans for summer vacation yet? No worries! Check out over 2,000 beach houses and vacation condominiums in the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island (Alabama) and Perdido Key (Florida) area at Meyer Real Estate.

High Flying Fun on Alabama's Coast

Listed as one of the top twenty entertainment events by the Southeast Tourism Society the 4th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is a real treat for the entire family. This festival held in Foley, Alabama (just north of Gulf Shores) is a great way to show dad (and the whole family) a great time during Father's Day weekend. Besides the amazing 50 hot air balloons the festival also boasts 51 arts and crafts vendors and 13 food booths. Musical entertainment is planned for all three days (June 13-15) and there are even several performances by dogs trained to catch Frisbees. The Children's Village is a popular addition to the festival and a new addition this year are train rides for the little ones.

Come to the Gulf Shores area for a great Father's Day weekend at a beach house or condo and enjoy great family fun at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival this weekend.

Two Legends in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach

As soon as I heard that B.B. King and Willie Nelson are coming to the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach (Alabama) area I knew I have to be at the concert to experience these two legends in person. Actually Willie Nelson performed last year at the same venue - The Amphitheater at The Wharf - so I was not so surprised that he is returning, but I admit I am amazed that B.B. King will join him for a performance on Saturday, July 26.

The Amphitheater at The Wharf, just north of Gulf Shores, is so convenient for our vacationers, local residents and the surrounding area since it is adjacent to the Foley Beach Express. Even in the heat of the summer this outdoor entertainment complex seems to be constructed in a manner that pulls in the breezes off the Intercoastal Waterway to cool the crowds. At least that is what I experienced a few weeks ago at the Rick Springfield and Eddie Money concert. Cool attire is never an issue since our laid back resort atmosphere on Alabama's Gulf Coast means that shorts are almost always appropriate for any day or evening adventure.

Other artists performing this summer include Lee Greenwood, Brooks & Dunn, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Journey, Heart & Cheap Trick and Sugarland. Meyer Real Estate's website provides calendar of events that is helpful in coordinating your vacation with upcoming summer concerts at The Wharf. Search online for the perfect vacation rental condo or beach house and actually make your summer reservation online, or call one of our vacation specialists for assistance. Just make sure you don't miss the entertainment we now have on our beautiful coast.

The BUNNY is Coming

In just a few days, high above the sky of Foley, Alabama just north of the white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, there will be a rare sight - the Energizer Bunny Hot Hare Hot Air Balloon. This phenomenon will occur during the 4th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival this upcoming weekend June 13-15, 2008. The Energizer Bunny will be among 50 colorful and exciting hot air balloons that will not only fly into the festival grounds but also entertain the attendees with an evening "glow" and free tether rides on Friday and Saturday nights. Lots of arts and crafts, a children's village, fun festival food and plenty of musical entertainment round out the three-day event that will be held at the Foley Soccer field on Highway 98.

By far the Energizer Bunny will tower above the other 49 balloons. In fact at 166 feet it is 15 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. The sixty-foot tall bunny ears are as tall as the Presidents' faces on Mount Rushmore and these impressive ears are the height of the average-sized hot air balloon. The bunny glasses are 32 feet wide, its arms 40 feet long and the great big sandals are 60 feet long and 12 feet wide.

You will definitely want to visit our gulf coast and attend this fun Father's Day weekend festival. It's not too late to reserve your vacation choice of a Meyer Real Estate gulf-front condo along 50 miles of beach at Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach (Alabama) or Perdido Key, Florida. Call 800.213.9544 to take advantage of our special Father's Day package so you won't miss the BUNNY.

Local's Night in Gulf Shores

Beginning Thursday (October 11, 2007) as many as 300,000 visitors will migrate to the public beach in Gulf Shores (Alabama) to experience the excitement of the National Shrimp Festival (Oct 11-14). The majority of visitors will not be aware that local residents and business professionals head to the Shrimp Festival on Thursday night for what we consider "Local's Night."

We throw on our jeans and let our hair down to feast on shrimp and other festival delights. We carefully survey the rows and rows of art, crafts and commercial merchandise and often purchase what appeals to us this year. Of course we'll buy our souvenir T-shirt, hat, visor, etc. to add to our yearly collection of Shrimp Festival memorabilia. Most of us will volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce to work in the retail booths or some other needed job at some point in the 4-day event but tonight is our night. We run into one another up and down the boardwalk and talk about how delighted we are that the festival has grown to this size and received awards and national recognition. We'll also comment that we are happy that we can still enjoy this night. Large groups of locals will mix with visitors to dance and sing to the bands at two music stages. My choice will be the Tip Tops, a high-energy band from Mobile. Don't be mistaken about our claim for this beginning night at the Shrimp Festival. We are thrilled that the crowds for this first day and night have grown but forever it will considered local's night.

By the way it's not too late to join us and receive a Shrimp Festival Special from Meyer Real Estate. The weather is going to be perfect festival weather with sunny days in the 80's and cooler nights in the 60's. The gulf front condos in Gulf Shores are reserved but there are gulf front houses still available as well as near-beach condos. Plus you'll find available vacation rental properties in Orange Beach that are just a shuttle ride away. Properties in Perdido Key, Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island provide other great getaway choices.

How's the Weather in Gulf Shores?

One of the biggest considerations for a visit to the beach is weather, especially if you want to make a last-minute trip. I've lived near the beach my entire life and although I choose not to disclose how long that is, I can say with confidence that it is long enough to know the area very well. I can also say with confidence that the weather at the beach is often different than conditions just to the north of the coast. I grew up in Loxley, Alabama, which is a farming community 25 miles north of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. Many times I would leave my home in the rain and arrive at a sunny shore. I'm not implying that this is always the case but it often occurred. The other weather phenomenon is how brief the rain usually lasts when we have the typical afternoon thunderstorms.

So my message is that the weather at the beach in the fall of the year is wonderful. I strongly urge you to make your plans for a fall vacation in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island (Alabama) or Perdido Key (Florida) so that you can experience the glorious fall weather that we are having right now. By the way the forecast for this weekend (Sept 28-30) is fantastic with clear skies and great temperatures in the 80's. The gulf water is also still warm enough to enjoy and the vacation rental rates are GREAT!

Come on down the weather is fine! Choose your vacation rental from over 2000 beautiful beach houses and coastal condominiums.

Labor Day Wishes from Gulf Shores

Have a safe and happy Labor Day. Our coastal area is anticipating good weather for the weekend and a big influx of visitors. I'll be in the mix when I visit The Wharf on Sunday for dinner and the Taylor Hicks concert at The Amphitheater. Come on down and check out the coastal experience if you want to have a good time.

Anytime you want to relax at the shore remember that Meyer Real Estate has the best selection of vacation rentals on Alabama and Florida's gulf coast. We have vacation rentals in beautiful beach homes and coastal condominiums in Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida.

American Idol Up Close in Gulf Shores

I must confess that I am an avid American Idol watcher each year. During 2006 when a contestant who had frequented our local Orange Beach and Gulf Shores clubs began to rise to the top my interest peaked. The fact that I am friends with his grandmother, who lives in Gulf Shores, made the weekly excitement even more special. When he won, oh my goodness, it was such a thrill. And now in just a few days I will see him perform on stage in Orange Beach, Alabama at The Amphitheater at The Wharf. By now you've guessed the object of my adoration - Taylor Hicks - who will hit the stage on September 2 for a memorable performance. It will be quite unusual to have Taylor Hicks back on his old stomping grounds, so to speak, now that he has made it big in the music industry.

Tickets are still available for the Taylor Hicks Labor Day Weekend concert. In fact, Meyer Real Estate has a great vacation rental special for Labor Day that includes four FREE Taylor Hicks Concert tickets. For more info call 866-948-3261.

Orange Beach Boasts More Fast Boats

The Thunder will roar this weekend (August 17-20) in Orange Beach when the Thunder on the Gulf powerboat racers hit the gulf waters. Prior to the race you can meet the racers at the dry pits at The Wharf in Orange Beach. There are VIP parties and other fun activities.

This is year six for the Thunder on the Gulf Powerboat races that are held on Sunday each year - this year's date is August 19. This year there are additional boats from the Pacific Offshore Powerboat Racing Association based in California. This group of 40 powerboats will race on Saturday (August 18).

It's not too late to head to the Alabama gulf coast and find accommodations at Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Perdido Key. Plan to witness the astonishing power of 4800-plus horsepower engines that will exceed speeds of 170 mph on the six-mile track in the Gulf of Mexico. With two days of racing action you'll find even more entertainment. Another weekend delight happens because The Amphitheater at The Wharf will be hosting a fun concert on Friday, August 17 featuring the Doobie Brother and Peter Frampton.

Call our reservation specialists for a last-minute special on a great escape at 800.213.9544 or reserve your getaway online here.

Gulf Shores Fishing is Fine

Pack the fishing gear and head to the Alabama and Florida coast for a memorable experience you'll want to share. Orange Beach, Alabama boasts the largest deep-sea fishing charter fleet on the coast with over 100 boats for hire. An 850’ lighted, wheelchair accessible fishing pier in the Gulf of Mexico at Dauphin Island provides a unique experience. In Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan and Perdido Key (Florida) surf fishing is a popular vacation activity. Inshore trips in the backwaters of the lagoons and bays are a real treat. Click here for fishing charter details.

If big game fishing is your forte make your plans for the 41st Labor Day Tournament (August 31 - September 2). The cost is $175 per angler ($150 if entry received by August 26). There is a minimum of 4 anglers per boat for boats over 32 feet and 3 anglers per boat for boats 32 feet and under. Big money is on the line since there is a $1 million prize to anyone who sets a new Alabama state record for Blue Marlin in this tournament. Click here to learn more.

After Labor Day when the weather is superb on the coast, the beaches are less crowded and the vacation rates are low you should plan to spend time fishing in the 13th Annual October Fishing Rodeo. All passengers fishing aboard a member Orange Beach Fishing Association Charter Boat from October 1 through October 31 are eligible for cash prizes. Learn more here.

October is a great month to rent a coastal condominium or beach house for the entire month and come and go as you please. For example, you can rent a one-bedroom gulf-front condo in October starting at $1434 (including all taxes and fees) for the entire month - that's less than $50 per day. A waterfront one-bedroom condo on the lagoon starts at only $868 for the month, which is less than $30 per day. Meyer Real Estate has a wide variety of condos and houses to meet your special needs. Click here to search for your special spot or call 800.213.9544 and our vacation specialists will assist you in finding the perfect place to launch your fishing adventure.

Leave the Lawn and Drift Down to the Shore - Gulf Shores

Tired of mowing and watering your lawn? Maybe you are even in an area that is now restricting water usage, so you are watching you lawn turn brown. Trade in the grass (green or brown) for the soft white sands of the shore. Since Meyer Real Estate opened an office on Dauphin Island at Holiday Isle and recently reopened an office in Perdido Key, Florida we now represents a wide selection of vacation rental properties along a 50-mile stretch of beach. Gorgeous, expansive, peaceful beach. Some areas are more secluded than others, but even in the areas that are abundant with other visitors once you've chosen your spot in the sand and dipped your toes in the water's edge - you are at peace.

Then there is the glory of watching the sunset -oh how magnificent. If you are an early riser there is the joy of the spectacular sunrise witnessed from your private balcony overlooking the sand and surf of the gulf.

Take the hand of your loved one and stroll the beaches, stopping to gather shells as souvenirs of your journey. It will refresh your soul.

You won't see lawns at the beach but you will see the flourishing sea oats as the beach re nourishes itself with the aid of these tough plants. Be sure not to pick them (it's against the law) because they are critical elements in the regrowth of the dune system.

Occasionally during your vacation you might see a rain cloud appear on the horizon. Generally these do not last long and they provide needed water for the plants. The awesome plus, if this occurs while you are at the beach, is the view (again from your balcony) of the rain over the gulf water. Grab a book, sit back and just relax as the sound of the rain takes you to a place of relaxation not easily described or duplicated.

Our website has all the details of your vacation property choices when you are ready to leave the lawn and drift down to the shore.

Meetings Just Got Grander in Gulf Shores

Beginning June 2nd a newly constructed beach house in Gulf Shores, that is perfect for large family reunions and corporate retreats, will open for vacation rentals. The property is Halekaii III located at 3173 West Beach Boulevard, approximately 6.4 miles west of Highway 59. The home is three stories and is equipped with an elevator. There are eleven bedrooms and eleven baths at this beautiful beach home that sleeps 28. Seating for dining is provided at tables and chairs for 28 people plus additional seating at bars.

There are five living room areas including a media room with an adjacent caterers kitchen connected by a pass-through bar. These common area spaces would be ideal for breakout rooms and they are located on all three floors of the home. Also included in the common areas is a third floor loft bar area with seating at the bar for six and a bar table for four. This third floor loft features a kitchen with a refrigerator, ice machine and dishwasher. The caterers kitchen (adjacent to the Media Room) is a complete gourmet kitchen with 36" oven, dishwasher, ice machine, wine cooler and refrigerator. The main living area also has a fully equipped kitchen for a total of three kitchens.

The home is equipped with a wireless DSL line for internet access. There are two master suites with king size beds and all other bedrooms feature queen size beds. All rooms in this spacious home have a water view and access to a deck overlooking the gulf or lagoon waters. There are 16 TV's as well as numerous DVD players. The media room features a 60" flat screen TV capable of displaying presentations and the third floor loft features a 42" flat screen TV. A hot tub provides an extra opportunity for relaxation. It's hard to mention a feature that is missing from this ideal beach house. Photos and descriptions will be available at www.MeyerRE.com.



Can't you just imagine an executive corporate retreat or large family gathering at this ideal location? I've seen lots of beach homes over the years of living on the coast and I can tell you this one is very impressive. There are quite a few large homes in the area of beach (West Beach Boulevard-Gulf Shores) where Halekai III is located but as you approach the home it is quite obvious that it is considerable larger. The pictures on our website will change as the furnishing are completed so keep watching to see the progress. A few weeks are available for rental this summer and more in the fall, so it's not too late to gather a large group to spend quality time in this grand beach house.

Gulf Shores Alive With Events

Love wine and great food? How about art? Hot air balloons too? These themes and more provide the backdrop for several unique events in the Gulf Shores area in the next few months.
5/12/2007 – 5/13/2007 – 35th Annual Art in the Park at John B. Foley Park in Foley

5/18/2007 – 5/20/2007 – Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival in Orange Beach www.coastalwinetour.com

6/15/2007 - 6/17/2007 - 3rd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival (click HERE for more details)

8/16/2007 - 8/19/2007 - Power Boat Races

10/11/2007 - 10/14/2007 - 36th Annual National Shrimp Festival (click HERE for more details)

11/8/2007 - 11/18/2007 - 23rd Annual Frank Brown Songwriters Festival http://www.fbisf.com/

My personal favorites are the Shrimp Festival because of the unique setting at the beach. In fact I've actually attended most of the 36 annual events. The food is delicious, the music so much fun and the art is fabulous. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is my second favorite because it is so unique not only to our area but any area. With the addition of more attractions during the day and 45 balloons this year the fest should be awesome. I guess my third choice is the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival because there are so many talented artists who usually don't have the opportunity to sing their own creations. With dozens of locations throughout the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key area it is a true delight.

Your Lounge Chair Awaits in Gulf Shores

One of our newest beach houses offered for vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, Alabama recently held an open house for Meyer Real Estate staff to view the property. It is a fantastic newly constructed six bedroom, seven bath home directly on the Gulf of Mexico on a 100' lot. The large deck area contains a small pool for lounging around and several very nice padded lounge chairs.

When lounging you overlook not only the pool but also a boardwalk leading to dunes with seaoats and the beach beyond with blue-green waves lapping at the shore. Most days dolphins are visible not far from the shore usually surfacing in groups. Little white sand crabs scurry around the beach alongside sandpipers at the water's edge. Seagulls gather overhead and along the shore, especially when a handout is a possibility. Most of us have busy, stressful lives and find that watching nature unfold before our eyes is the only entertainment needed. If more action is desired, our Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and Perdido Key, Florida area offers more entertainment options now. In addition to The Track, Adventure Island, Pirate's Island and Waterville USA the newest entertainment can be found at The Wharf with a Ferris wheel, Rave theater and a 10,000 seat amphitheater.

So if you want to pull yourself away from lounging on the deck there are definitely options but the beauty of a visit to Gulf Shores is the ability to do a lot, a little or nothing at all.

A Day in Pompeii with Gulf Shores Visitors

A few weeks ago we loaded two buses early in the morning to leave Gulf Shores and head to Mobile, Alabama for a day of viewing the past. Meyer Real Estate's winter guest customers registered for a full day at the Mobile Museum of Art followed by viewing the exhibit "A Day in Pompeii" at the Gulf Coast Exploreum and Science Center. And what a great day it was too.

The Mobile Museum of Art is an extraordinary facility and the current display of Linda McCartney's photos from the 60's is definitely fascinating. Just to see how casual the rock stars of the day are portrayed due to the relaxed access Linda enjoyed is amazing.

After a delicious lunch at Cafe' Royal featuring Mediterranean cuisine we walked a couple of blocks in downtown Mobile to the Gulf Coast Exploreum for the rest of the afternoon. We had all anticipated what the "A Day in Pompeii" exhibit would include but no one was prepared for the extensive recreation of life in that thriving metropolis so many centuries ago. The similarities to modern-day living are incredible. A view of ancient Greece in the IMAX film was also a treat. Click HERE for more info.

The Pompeii exhibit will remain in Mobile until mid-June, so when visiting the Gulf Shores area make this part of your "to-do" list for sure. Actually it would be a great addition to your family spring break trip to the beach. Call Meyer Real Estate (800.213.9544) to reserve your spot in the sand or shop online at MeyerRE.com.

Gulf Shores and Animal Planet's "Little Zoo That Could"

Gulf Shores is home to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, which was made famous following Hurricane Ivan when the Animal Planet filmed the extraordinary recovery efforts. The only complete evacuation of a zoo was documented and individual animal stories shared with the world. Now the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will once again be featured in a special one-hour follow-up feature of "The Little Zoo That Could" series. This 13-week series aired last February and acquainted viewers not only to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo but also the Alabama Gulf Coast beaches and resort area.

To celebrate this one-hour Animal Planet "Little Zoo That Could" special a local premiere will occur at The Amphitheater at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama. Local residents and winter visitors will gather together Thursday, February 1st at 8:00 p.m. central time to watch the show on the large screens of this amazing outdoor venue. The Wharf will present this event at no cost to the public.

In addition to the premiere according to the Animal Planet's schedule this special presentation, featuring Zoo Director Patty Hall, will also air several more times in February. Click here for more details.

Consider a trip to the beach in Gulf Shores and you can see for yourself the loving care of the zookeepers and learn more about the proposed new Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo location. Call Meyer Real Estate at 800.213.9544 for great choices in beach accommodations or click here to view an Interactive Vacation Planner.

Gulf Shores Winter Fun Begins

We're off and running at Meyer Real Estate with twenty-five Winter Guest Events for our visitors this season. It has been such a delight to design the activities around the variety of experiences possible on our Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast. The events kicked off at the Imperial Palace Casino in Biloxi, MS followed by a tour of the "Magic Christmas in Lights" at Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, AL. What fun that tour turned out to be. The evening was beautiful with clear skies and a temperature of around 63 even though it was December 29th.

Last week we saw a classic 1961 movie, "Breakfast At Tiffany's", at Cobb Pinnacle 14 Theater. I had forgotten how enjoyable the movie is and it was apparent that everyone else shared my sentiments.

Our third event was held last Friday at Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope, AL. The setting is serene and idyllic and the country-style food was fantastic. The fun began with a DJ kicking off an afternoon and evening of singing and dancing. After the abundant meal we proceeded to take a hayride out into the dark woods. As we traveled through the darkness on a large wagon pulled by a tractor the night sky and stars were absolutely breathtaking. We are thrilled to provide these activities to our treasured winter vacationers.

New Options for New Year's Eve in Gulf Shores

Again I find myself in a position of new entertainment options coming to me rather than me traveling to find them. Now in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida area I have SO many new options for celebrating New Year's Eve.

One of the most intriguing New Year's Eve options is actually an outdoor event on the "streets" of The Wharf. A local band from Mobile, Alabama, the Tip Tops, are the headliner and they are one of my all time favorite bands. In fact during the Shrimp Festival in October in Gulf Shores I made sure not to miss their performance. There will be fun entertainment for kids such as a living statue, unicyclist, juggler, caricaturist, fortune teller, and a magician. In addition to the live entertainment, The Wharf will have projection screens highlighting other New Year’s Eve events around the country. At the stroke of midnight a new coastal tradition will be born when "the anchor drops" to mark the new year.

The events, called “Block Party Blowout” will begin at 8:00 p.m. along the Boardwalk. Retail shops and restaurants (some with special extended holiday hours for the occasion) will join in the celebration as The Wharf blocks off Main Street and Wharf Parkway for the party of the year. I can't wait and if you don't have plans yet come on down (check our website for the perfect condo for the weekend). You'll love the many entertainment options and as always you'll love the Alabama and Florida gulf coast.

Christmas in Gulf Shores

If you feel as I do you can't believe the calendar or the buzz that Christmas is only a few days away. I'm not really certain where the time went this year but without a doubt 2007 is fast approaching.

Christmas in Gulf Shores will be even more exciting than ever before this year because of new entertainment venues, shopping and restaurants. It has been my pleasure to stay in my comfortable surroundings at my home just 10 miles from the beach and watch all these improvements take place around me. Retail and outlet shopping that I would have in the past traveled either to Mobile Alabama or Pensacola Florida (or further) to find is here in my own backyard. Restaurants that were first famous in Destin, Florida are here now too. And even more shopping and dining opportunities are coming soon. The Wharf continues to add more retail and dining and Colonial Pinnacle at Craft Farms is making great strides in their construction with plans to open in spring. Target and Cobb Pinnacle 14 Theatres are already open and handy for me (between my work and my home).

The development I'm enjoying seeing is also attracting more visitors, which is a wonderful boost for our resort area. So even though it's hard to believe Christmas is almost here for me the holidays will be enhanced by the new opportunities to shop, dine and have fun in Gulf Shores.

Holidays at the Shore

Turkey at the beach? Why not? I spent the day after Thanksgiving at the beach with my relatives who had rented a beautiful, gulf front condominium at Grand Pointe in Orange Beach, Alabama. The two boys loved tossing a football on the beach and searching for shells. The gulf water was a little too cold for swimming but they enjoyed that activity at the indoor pool. My mother was able to spend quality time with her great-grandchildren on the sunny balcony overlooking the beach.

A big bonus for this particular condo is the close proximity to the pass where boat traffic from the bay to the gulf and back can be observed. It is a great treat to watch the charter boats leave for the day and return in the afternoon with their big catch. Lots of pleasure boats also travel through this narrow pass to open gulf waters.
Boating in general along our Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast is so very popular for skiing and both inshore, back bay and deep-sea fishing. A very popular attraction all year are the dolphin cruises provided several charters. The America III, a 73 ft. glass bottom boat will be the host for our FREE Winter Guest dolphin cruises in February provided exclusively for Meyer Real Estate guests. To learn more about other Winter Guest activities click here.

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.

Friendly Pet Properties

Pets are members of our family and more and more of us do not want to leave them behind when we go on vacation. Recently at Meyer Real Estate one of our vacationing customers from Phoenix City, Alabama said it best when commenting on her visit "we so enjoyed having our whole family (pet) together. For people who don't have children often their pet becomes one, and it was great to have him with us." She is certainly not alone in this idea of traveling with a family pet, especially if the pet is a dog.

Our beaches are the perfect place to walk and play with dogs, especially in the Fort Morgan area which has less beach restrictions than the City of Gulf Shores. Both areas are accepting to pets with proper care taken to ensure everyone around you has a pleasant experience. More and more of Meyer Real Estate's vacation rental houses located on the beach or within a short walk are now allowing dogs under 30 lbs. to visit with their owners year round. A list of specific friendly pet properties can be found here.

A few years ago my family included our precious Lhasa Apso, Princess, on our beach vacation. Even though we only live a few miles from the beach it was a great treat to spend the relaxing time together at the beach house without the cares of the day. We were happy to find a friendly pet property and I'm a true believer that including the family dog can enhance the beach experience.

Grass to Last

Sea grasses have an amazing ability to hold the sandy soil in place thus building dunes and preserving beaches. For eighteen months the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama spent large amounts of funds to rebuild, widen and stabilize our beaches. The many months of dredging and depositing sand resulted in an award-winning restoration recognized by the American Beach and Shore Preservation Association. This organization named us one of six Top Restored Beaches in America for 2006.

Phase two, the planting of sea oats and panic grass and erecting of fencing called "snow fence", is quite remarkable. Now from any vantage point, up and down the Alabama Gulf Coast, as far as the eye can see the new growth is taking hold, hunkering down and accomplishing the goals. The whole process is a special wonder to behold. I've watched the newly planted sea oats sprout, flounder a little when we had too little rain, and now begin to flourish. I can't wait to see the next step as the dunes begin to form and grow.

For a first-hand look at this incredible new growth of sea grass designed to make the beach last, simply search our website to find a bargain-priced vacation rental property and head to the coast. You'll love what you see at our award-winning beach.

Dockside Dining

My first BLOG and several to follow centered on enjoyment of our local restaurants in the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida areas. Later I backed off of these particular comments since my food experiences might be of little interest. However, I've decided food is such an integral component in the enjoyment of our Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast that it would be foolish not to share with all who wish to read this BLOG.

Last night was an example of the coastal cuisine we enjoy on a regular basis. Friends from Atlanta joined us for a delightful dinner dockside at the Giggling Grouper in Orange Beach. The setting overlooking the marina was gorgeous especially as the sun set behind the trees with sailboats traveling by on the Intracoastal Waterway. A large heron decided to perch nearby and seemed to pose for our photos.As a cool gentle breeze kept us comfortable we enjoyed a fantastic fresh seafood meal served by attentive, friendly restaurant staff. Above our heads on another outside deck the band was playing and the atmosphere was one of total relaxation. Once again I find myself so privileged to enjoy what others travel here to experience.

Natural Beach

Several years ago during a school trip with my son's class I took my first hike in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Beach. This 6,700 acres preserve is located off Fort Morgan Parkway (Hwy. 180) just 10 miles west of the main highway (Hwy. 59)into the Gulf Shores, Alabama area. Although I'm a native of this area I had never discovered this awesome Wildlife Refuge. I found out that is was established by congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem and protect threatened and endangered species including nesting sites for green, loggerhead, and other sea turtles.

This refuge named Bon Secour, meaning safe harbor in French, serves as a sanctuary for native flora and fauna and comprises one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Alabama coast. Over 370 species of birds have been identified on the refuge during migratory seasons. The largest are ospreys and herons with the smallest being seven species of hummingbirds.

We hiked the two-mile Pine Beach Trail that meanders through a forest of palmettos, live oaks and Spanish moss past Gator Lake and Little Lagoon to a spectacular ridge of dunes and a pristine, all-natural beach. An easier beach access with parking facilities is located at Mobile Street. We also stopped by the refuge office for more park information.

I've never forgotten the sense of wonder I felt as we made our way through the natural surrounding to one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, practically in my own backyard. As Meyer Real Estate hosts thousands of visitors each year I see them frequent the public beach areas in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and I wonder when they too will find their way to this most natural of beaches.

Inviting and Interactive

Each year Meyer Real Estate welcomes thousands of families to our coast. Our destination of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida has always been family-oriented and known for laid-back fun. Now that our vacation rental business is approaching 2,000 properties we are challenged to provide a check-in experience that suits the region and our organization. An award-winning designer was chosen a few years ago to capture the essence of our desire to welcome our customers to Meyer Real Estate and to their vacation experience. It was decided that we certainly want an inviting welcome as these weary families exit the car that has been their temporary home for many hours and come inside for their first taste of paradise. We also desired an interactive courtyard where the customer feels they can wander around the circular paths, experience the garden atmosphere and observe the playful bronze statues. In late spring when the landscaper began to finalize the vision we all were amazed that truly both inside and outside our new Gulf Shores corporate office facility embodied these ideals.

Now that we have almost completed a summer of arriving and departing vacationers we are confident that the objectives were met and our customers feel the environment we have created is both inviting and interactive. On a busy summer Saturday I've observed children scurrying around under the ancient oak that was preserved and even poking sticks at the trunk of the tree. Often they walk up to the statue of the two children swinging and pushing the swing to get a closer look. I've even seen a group of four small children one by one hug the statue. Sometimes the parents and grandparents pose the children for a photo beside the statue of the young golfer wearing his dad's big shores. We even have experienced families spreading their picnic blanket and enjoying a noon meal while they wait for check-in time. This is exactly what was envisioned and we love the comfortable, relaxed atmosphere to put the customer - who needs a vacation - in the proper mindset for their beach experience.

Hard to Believe

Memorial Day marks the beginning of the peak beach season in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key Florida, just as it does at most beach resorts. The difference this year is that the definitive travel pattern that has held true for 30 years has changed dramatically. Our vacation business is basically driven by the school system calendar because our beach destination is first and foremost family oriented. Parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all converge on our soft, white beaches to revisit their relationships, relax, build memories and most of all HAVE FUN. So in past years the typical vacation pattern is for visitors to complete their summer reservation plans during the months of January, February and March. This year however a phenomenon of a shortened vacation reservation window has emerged. In early May we had a large amount of available vacation rental properties for the Memorial Day holiday but as the end of the month approached the gaps began to fill. By the time the holiday rolled around we had a "full house", which has never occurred before at Meyer Real Estate.

The last minute reservation pattern has continued all summer. Another peak week occurred the 4th of July with almost all condominiums and beach houses occupied. Now it's hard to believe that July is almost over and school sessions in some areas will begin as early as mid-August. The last hurrah for many families will be the time period immediately after the rental prices drop on August 5, 2006.

Although the summer is almost over, which is hard to believe, the fall ushers in a whole new set of delights with great weather, fewer crowds and fun festivals.

Summertime Glow

Often we find a bottled solution to a summertime glow if we can't make it to the beach for a tan. However, Meyer Real Estate has made the possibility of a beach vacation in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida very attractive this summer with a wide variety of specials.

Even if you did not plan ahead, we have last-minute 25% off specials for vacationers arriving within 12 days and staying from 4 days to a week. Web surfers can save $50 - $100 by reserving their vacation online. Later in the summer, during the "Thunder on the Gulf" Powerboat Races(August 17-20), there is a special rate for the weekend - 3rd night FREE in condominiums and 4th night FREE in beach houses.

During June (May 25 - June 23) we have designed a "Fun with Father" package with entertainment for the entire family. Activities range from go-cart rides at The Track, waterslide fun at Waterville, viewing the newest tiger cubs at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to historic Fort Morgan and mini-golf at Pirate's Island. No doubt Dad would love this family beach getaway a whole lot more than a tie for Father's Day. Prices for a two-bedroom gulf front condo for a family of four start at $1064 for three nights including entertainment. Call 800.964.4683 if interested in this "Fun with Father" package or any custom package.

Another Father's Day idea is visiting our coast and attending the 2nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in Foley, Alabama during the dates of June 16 - 18. In fact that weekend provides a different kind of summertime glow when the 50+ Hot Air Balloons light up the sky in their evening glow spectacular. I'm looking forward to seeing this beautiful sight since I was in attendance last year and found this portion of the Festival my second favorite event. My favorite time was watching the balloons land at the Festival site on Saturday during one of their Rally races. The grace and beauty of these awesome balloons is breathtaking.

So, come on down to the coast and start glowing.

More Sand for One and All

The sugary white sand of the Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida area has delighted beachgoers for years. However, over time the elements and occasional storms take their toll on the width of the beach lying between the structures and the waterline. A much needed beach restoration was performed beginnin in 2005 from Perdido Pass Bridge in Orange Beach to the end of West Beach in Gulf Shores, for a total of approximately 16 miles of coastal frontage. The process of pumping the sand from a harvest site just offshore with compatible sand the size, shape and color of existing sand was amazing. Over the 18 months of the project 7.1 million cubic yards of sand was deposited on shore which is equivalent to 470,000 truck loads of this precious material.

Sand fence is still being installed and native grasses (sea oats and panic grass) are being planted to build back the dune system.

The results of this expensive project are incredible and have resulted in very wide, much improved beaches. The project was designed with future erosion in mind, assuring a much bigger beach for years to come.

National recognition was recently bestowed on our beaches by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association, when we were named one of six "Top Restored Beaches in America for 2006." The other beaches receiving the 2006 award are Assateague Island National Seashore, MD; Captive Island, FL; Pinellas County Beaches, FL; Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches, DE; and Sea Bright to Manasquan Beach, NJ.

As long as I can remember I've loved to feel the clean, soft, white sand under my bare feet and hear the squeak this unusual sand makes as I make my way to the water's edge. I usually sit for long periods of time gazing at the waves, watching the many birds and sand crabs and just sifting the sand through my fingers. If possible I stay for the brilliant sunset because it reminds me of the grandeur and beauty of our world.

Red Snapper World Championship

The third annual Orange Beach World Championship Red Snapper Tournament opened last Friday (April 21, 2006) in Orange Beach, Alabama to record crowds. The largest number of participants in a single day, a total of 1500, fished on opening day. And no wonder with cash prizes in the thousands. In fact the first prize winner will be awarded $25,000 and winners of second through sixth prize will receive a total of $36,000. In the event someone catches a new world record red snapper $500,000 will be given to that lucky angler. A Nissan Titan truck will be the prize for a new state record red snapper. I'd say these are pretty good incentives to buy a $5 ticket and pay for a deep-sea charter.

I was unable to attend the opening day events but one of my team members went out on a large charter boat, "Miss Celeste", from Zeke's Marina. He reports a fabulous day of fishing and photography. No one on that boat caught the largest fish of the day but he captured some shots of some large catches at the weigh-in at Zeke's Marina in Orange Beach. My plans before the tournament ends on May 21, 2006 are to visit the weigh-in station to view the exhilaration as the boats arrive with their big fish.

It really is exciting that our community hosts the world's largest bottom fishing tournament. Lots of media are present, both TV and various publication representatives, to report from the event.

Before the fun ends make your plans to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast and contact Meyer Real Estate for accommodations. You will be happy you found time to fish in this fun event or at least that you watched the fish arrive at the dock. Maybe you'll catch the big one and go back home with extra cash.

Water and Woods

With signs of spring surrounding us and summerlike weather in the high 80's and low 90's occurring lately it's very hard to sit at my desk and work. In my new office surroundings I can almost see the beach. It's two miles away but because of the larger condominium buildings in Gulf Shores (Alabama) being visible from my window it brings the coast closer to me. On any given day I ride along the waterfront on the way to a routine business meeting in Orange Beach (Alabama) and watch the waves lap at the shore. It definitely puts me in a peaceful state of mind. What I've done in the past, and should start again, is take my lunch to the boardwalk at the public beach in Gulf Shores. Just those few minutes gazing out at the waves and watching vacationers walking the beach is so refreshing. Day in and day out the scene changes either from a gulf so calm you could water-ski, to a rough wave day that is so awe-inspiring. Most days if you sit long enough dolphins appear in the waters just off shore. This is especially easy to see from the balcony of a condominium or even the deck of a beach house.

I really think I have the best of both worlds because the shore is so wonderful and inland just a few miles the residential areas are lush with greenery, flowering shrubs and trees. The woodlands in our county are so abundant. In fact an aerial view such as the one I experienced this past summer at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival brought this back to mind. At that Festival, because Meyer Real Estate was a Corporate Sponsor, I was privileged to ride in a hot air balloon and see first hand how the business and residential areas are just carved out of the woods. And the water, oh my goodness we have such an abundance of water throughout our coastal area not just the gulf waters but bays, bayous, lagoons, rivers and an intracoastal waterway.

Sense of Pride

On a recent Saturday at Meyer Real Estate we were bidding farewell to our winter guests from cold northern states and welcoming families for spring break. I volunteered to assist with the welcoming process and found myself for the first time able to work in our newly completed lobby at the corporate office in Gulf Shores, Alabama (my office is located on the fourth floor). The original office building is currently undergoing extensive renovation and the new lobby, which is absolutely awesome, has recently opened for vacation rental and real estate sales services.

Our arriving customers are treated to a beautifully landscaped courtyard entrance which allows them to climb out of the car after a long drive and unwind while one person takes care of the business inside. Inside I found that customers were happy to wait in the new surroundings for one of the staff to become available because there is so much to see now. Beautiful paintings depicting life at the beach line the walls and our sand display from around the world has a special area of it's own. We even have a large art display of a "blinking" fish and an even larger sculpture of a blue heron.

It was definitely with a sense of pride that I spent the afternoon interacting with our visitors and watching their reaction to the new office building. We all look forward to the completion of both buildings for a combined total of 36,000 square feet of office space. And we especially appreciate the new opportunities to serve all of our customers in a manner that better addresses their needs.

Flowers and More

We had such a mild winter in Alabama this year at Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. This phenomenon proved quite confusing for our flowering shrubs. Last week I visited Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, Alabama with our winter guests during one of our tour activities. The azaleas were absolutely breathtaking as were the daffodils and other beautiful flowers. There were indications that some of the plants had bloomed prematurely and were now blooming for the second time. The effect was nonetheless aweinspiring to see these well-groomed gardens in full bloom. The only disappointment was that we were too early for the magnificent rose garden. Each season of the year boosts a wide variety of flowers at Bellingrath but spring is undoubtedly the most spectacular.

Our group also took the Delta Cruise on the Southern Belle and the captain gave an extremely informative presentation regarding the history of the delta region. We learned not only about the estuary but also about the history of Mobile itself.

This event concluded our Winter Guest actities which began and ended at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. In some ways the time flew by and I will miss so many of our guests. I will keep in touch with them via email newsletters and several have promised to call me after they return home.