Hank Williams Jr. To Perform for Gulf Shores Crowds

Excitement will fill the air this weekend when Hank Williams Jr. and Randy Houser take the stage at The Amphitheater at The Wharf in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Alabama area on Saturday, November 1, 2008. The Wharf is currently promoting the show by offering a special - Buy one ticket at $25.00 get the second free!

Make your plans to head to the coast to enjoy the Hank Williams, Jr. performance along with great seafood, a beautiful beach and total relaxation. The weather is perfect for a last minute getaway with sunny days and temperatures in the mid-70's. Take advantage of Meyer Real Estate's two-day getaway opportunities in condominiums ranging from one to four-bedrooms with fully equipped kitchens, living areas and balconies with water views. Or check out the "Hot Deals" for special discounts.

Jo Dee Messina To Perform In Gulf Shores

Jo Dee Messina will be the featured musical entertainment at the 37th annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. This country music singer-songwriter who has charted nine Number One singles on the Billboard country music charts, will no doubt be a big hit at this popular festival located directly on the Gulf Coast beach.

Two music stages are provided at the National Shrimp Festival which is attended by over 300,000 visitors during the four-day event (October 9-12, 2008). And best of all the admission to the event is FREE. There are hundreds of vacation rental condominiums located nearby and shuttle service is available for convenience.

If you have not yet reserved your Shrimp Festival weekend getaway you can do so with Meyer Real Estate online at MeyerRE.com or by phone or call 866-200-6979 and provide promo code S-8SS to take advantage of our Shrimp Festival discount. Call or click today to assure yourself a front-row spot at the Jo Dee Messina concert next month.

SS Republic Treasure Abounds Near Gulf Shores

Discover Civil-war era shipwreck treasure at a most unusual place - the Baldwin County Heritage Museum in Elberta, Alabama (a few miles north of Gulf Shores). The Odyssey Marine Exploration company, who found the lost SS Republic which sank 1,700 feet below the surface of the Atlantic, chose this unique location for their world-class exhibit because the company's co-owner has strong family roots in the little town of Elberta.


The entire family will enjoy viewing remarkable samplings of the 51,000 gold and silver coins and nearly 14,000 artifacts from the shipwreck. Visitors will learn about the courage and survival of the passengers and crew of this paddlewheel steamship that succumbed to a Hurricane off the coast of Georgia in October 1865 while enroute from New York to New Orleans. This vessel participated in the Battle of Mobile Bay before being turned into a passenger ship so there are strong connections of this ship to South Alabama.

The museum opens Wednesday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is only $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children to view an amazing slice of history.

Celebrate Independence Day at the beach in Gulf Shores

What is more exciting than the bright colorful bursts of light, crackle and boom of fireworks in a night sky? This treat for young and old is enhanced by a beach setting and the City of Gulf Shores (Alabama) is prepared to present their Annual Fireworks Extravaganza on July 4, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. The setting will be a barge positioned near the Gulf Shores public beach at the intersection of Highway 59 and Highway 180 and the fireworks display can be seen to the east and west up and down the beach. A great vantage point will be on your own private balcony at one of the many affordable condos that Meyer Real Estate rents for vacations. Wherever you choose to watch this family-oriented Gulf Shores event it is entirely FREE. The rain date is July 5th just in case the weather delays the fun.

In Orange Beach (Alabama) Independence Day will be celebrated July 4th at The Wharf with fireworks over the Intracoastal Waterway - a grand and glorious location for the show. Musical entertainment for the evening will be provided at The Amphitheater at The Wharf by Lee Greenwood. General Admission is $7, Children 12 & under FREE and Military FREE with I.D.

The Dauphin Island public beach will be alive with exciting FREE fireworks on July 5th and the perfect vantage point will be Holiday Isle condominiums.

History comes alive at Fort Morgan during Independence Day throughout the day on July 4th with the Salute to American Independence. Interpreters dressed in uniforms from various periods of Fort Morgan's history will offer guided tours and firing demonstrations throughout the day. A Civil War cannon will also be fired in honor of our nation's birthday. There will NOT be a fireworks display. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children 6-12, free to younger children. All scheduled events are included in the price of admission.

Even though the 4th of July is only a few days away the timing is perfect for a long weekend retreat to the beach in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island (Alabama) and Perdido Key (Florida). Select your perfect Independence Day spot for fun from a wide selection of vacation homes and condominiums.

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.