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Just Add Sand and Relax on Alabama's beautiful white sandy shores!
Yes, Alabama has beaches! The Alabama Gulf Coast has some of the prettiest beaches around: Two cities and one superior location! Many refer to our area as Pleasure Island, because you are guaranteed a great time no matter what you choose to do. So, take a deep breath and relax and revel in the beauty of Pleasure Island, spend the day collecting sea shells, shopping in our fascinating and unique shops or savoring the coastal flavors of our restaurants. Maybe you want a fishing trip out in the gulf or a tee time on one of our awesome courses? No worries, We have it all!
Just Add Sand is your guide for...Where to go, What to do, and When!
If you need information and you can't find it here call me 251-229-0775 or email me at robin@relaxonthebeach.com
Oil Spill Update
Guests,
I want to start by thanking you for your interest in my property in Gulf
Shores. If you are like me, you have found Gulf Shores to be a wonderful
destination to enjoy a family vacation. The beautiful beaches and friendly
people set this clean and safe community apart from others that we have
visited.
We are all now painfully aware of the oil spill tragedy in the Gulf of
Mexico. The scope of this disaster obviously reaches well beyond the shores of
Alabama. We remain optimistic that the environmental impact in Gulf Shores will
be limited. My challenge to our guests is to remain loyal to a community that
has hopefully brought you great joy over the years.
Hopefully, you can say that
there have been times when you have needed Gulf Shores as a refugee from a
hectic life. Certainly Gulf Shores can now say that it needs you. It is
important to this community that our guests support us in this challenging
time. No one will argue that a family vacation is one of the most important
times of year.
I certainly desire for you and your family to enjoy some
well-deserved time away. Fortunately, most of my properties offer tennis courts and (1-2)
swimming pools for your enjoyment. While this is a nice insurance policy, I
would ask that you even consider a worst-case scenario. Let?s assume that Gulf
Shores does have some negative impact to our beaches. I would ask that you
still bring your family to our community. Enjoy our people, our food, our pool
and our home.
Perhaps even consider some volunteer time to help preserve your
vacation destination. Your family may find this to be one of your most
memorable and rewarding vacations ever.
Thank you in advance for your support
and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kevin Wendelburg
Residents of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Ft. Morgan have been greeting visitors with their fabulous southern hospitality for years. We are eager for you to fall in love with this area and care about as much as we do, so while you are here we really must ask one thing- please leave only your footprints!
Want to be an Eco-visitor? Please use the litter receptacles at each beach, marina, park or other public areas. Please do not toss litter into the gulf, bays, or bayous. Marine litter can be hazardous to more than just our wildlife. It can debilitate boats, leaving them stranded, and broken glass can be dangerous to bare feet. Our natural habitats are home to animals and plant life so please do not remove plants, break the sea oats, or walk the dunes as theses help cut down erosion and animal extinction.
You can ride the Green Wave and re-cycle: If you are interested in recycling drop me a line, and I will drop off a recycling bin and arrange for pick up. Items to recycle: newspapers, cardboard, brown paper bags, aluminum cans (please rinse them out), plastic milk jugs or containers.
Who You Gonna Call: Important numbers to keep handy
Emergency: 911
South Baldwin Regional Medical Center: 251-952-3400
Beach/Tide Connections: 251-968-TIDE
Poison Control: 800-462-0800
Gulf Shores Police: 251-968-2431
Orange Beach Police: 251-981-7777
Beaching: Supplies needed!
It goes with out saying you should pack towels, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a cooler filled with ice, drinks and snacks ! The beach can be a great way to spend the day, but you will have more fun if you go prepared. Remember to pack a trash bag for your refuse. Don't want to purchase some of this stuff because you will just have to find room to take it back home? Some properties have some of this for your use, or some rental companies deliver just what you need to make your vacation complete. Get in touch with me if you need help.
Beach Tips: ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN!
Even if its cloudy, it's really important to use a high SPF, and I recommend the use sunglasses and hats. I know your first inclination is to hit the beach and try to absorb as much sun as you can, but beware the after- effects of that massive sunburn you got instead....it is so not worth it. I personally try to wear at least a 50 SPF, and I repeatedly put it on every couple of hours. You will still get plenty of sun and protect your skin. I would also suggest an umbrella while lounging on the beach for shade. Keep in mind the water and the sand reflect the suns rays. I have used all kinds of sunscreen and after-sun lotions and potions, but my favorite and the one I use personally to get the best results from is Ocean Potion's products. Their sunscreen works great and doesn't bother my skin, and the after sun lotion is the best. In fact, I love the after- sun formula soooo much, I use daily year round.
In case of jelly fish sting: keep a small bottle of vinegar to pour on the sting and, then gently scrap the tentacle fragments from the skin .
Our Beach Flag system:
You will notice different colored flags on and around the beaches depending on weather and water conditions.
Green flags mean low hazards, calm conditions and its a great day at the beach!
Yellow flags are telling you the surf is moderate and has currents so use caution.
A Single Red flag means hazards are high with a strong surf and current so be very cautious.
Double Red flag means the water is CLOSED to the pubic....but you can take a stroll down the beach and probably find some great sea shells.
Purple flags mean there are most likely jellyfish or other harmful marine life present. So if you see the purple flags it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the waves just take precaution and make sure that bottle of vinegar is in your beach bag! If you or the kiddies spot jellyfish on the beach please do not touch them. Just because they are sand- bound doesn't mean they can't sting you!
VERY IMPORTANT: being on the Gulf Coast, we are prone to sudden thunderstorms. It is very important to not only get out of the water and off the beach but also inside for your safety. You never know where lightning will strike next and it can be very fatal.
Traveling with kids:
We have something for everyone! Adventure Island and The Track are home to all sorts of activities; they have putt putt, go karts, bumper boats, arcades and much more! Adventure Island: 251-974-1500 and The Track: 251-968-8111.
Need a babysitter so you can enjoy some adult time? Let me know and I will get one of our trusted young ladies to help you out.
We also have boat rentals, wave runners, bicycles, dolphin cruises, para-sailing and the list goes on. Check out area business's that have these services under Whatcha gonna do?
Kids eat free:
Just some of the places you will find that help out the purse strings!
Info coming shortly
Capture that moment: Beach photographers
One of my favorite guys on the island, Ron Wainscott, is very pleasant to deal with and takes a great picture. Sometimes your camera is just not enough and you really want to capture some unique shots, family portraits or maybe you are tying the knot here on the beach.
Try Ron Wainscott photography... he does beach portraits, weddings and senior portraits. Check out his web page at www.mygulfshoresphotographer.com. Let him know you are a guest of Relax on the Beach and get a discount!
Good things come to those that bait: Fishing and Charter services available
We have loads of fishing guides, charter boats, and stores to get your fishing gear and supplies.
Offshore - One of my favorite offshore boat captains is Captain Pat. He is truly a one of a kind, and he it seems he has a nose for the fish. He is an old- timer who's been around a long time here on the coast and if you want to fish offshore, and I mean fish, he is your man to call. Most of his trips involve traveling on a 43 ft Hatteras called "Finally." He can schedule day trips or overnighters, or he can simply take you on a scenic trip. Call him for the various pricing and book your dates at 251-504-0975.
Inshore - Another favorite of mine is Captain Clyde. He does in- shore fishing trips and will create a fun-filled fishing trip for you. He takes care of the fishing license and gear...just bring your cooler and desire to fish with you. He can be reached at 251-752-0421 or www.clydesinshorefishing.com
Dolphins! Dolphins! Dolphins!
Want a cool memory to take home with you? Cruise the back waters of the coast on one of our local boats and visit the dolphins. This is a great time for all ages! Two of my favorites ways to go about this:
The Dolphin Queen: Captain Lori is truly the Dolphin Queen! She will create the ultimate experience for you while sharing her love and knowledge for this unique Gulf Coast mammal. Let her introduce you to her family of dolphins. Truly, no one does it better! Her boat, the Dolphin Queen, resides at Bear Point Marina and she can accommodate up to six people at a time. She is unique in that she can also accommodate special needs. She can help with wheelchair accessibility needs or a more private experience. Not only do you get to cruise our beautiful back waters, interact with the dolphins, and see some beautiful scenery and sunsets, but you will also come ashore with a better understanding of this unique mammal. She has other cool things you might like such as Eco-tours or Sunset Cruises. Or maybe you are planning to pop the question? She can put together a proposal cruise or a wedding on the water. She can arrange all of this and officiate too! Check out her website and make your reservations today. Let her know you are a Relax on the Beach guest for your discount. www.dolphinqueencriuses.com
Dolphin Express: Captain Ritchie's boat will accommodate a larger party. He will give you an experience along with an education, and keep you entertained throughout the cruise. His web-site is www.dolphinexpresscruises.com.
OCEAN OFFERINGS: Cool Places to shop
We have lots of unique places and I do have my favorites depending on what you are looking for.
Wildflowers Boutique: this store is chock full of really unusual- unique clothing, purses and the neatest jewelry.....if you want something no one else has this is the place to shop. She also has other items you won't want to miss like a line of soy candles with unique smells. You and your daughter will have a blast shopping here. www.wildflowersboutique.com or 251-981-9453
The Emporium Gifts & More: This is a favorite of mine and my son's ...he loves to buy gifts for me here...she has high quality items at at a reasonable price. She has a vast inventory to choose from: here you will find everything from jewelry to handbags, home décor, collegiate items and jewelry, candles, bath and body, and dishes. Its always a adventure shopping here 251-981-8444. She is located at the Winn Dixie shopping Center in Orange Beach.
Prosperous Pelican: When I first moved here this was a gem I discovered......it has lot of local artists work from all over the Gulf Coast, high quality paintings, pottery and some very unique jewelry and picture framing. Its worth your time to stop here as they are always getting in new and exciting pieces of art and I am sure will have just the perfect item to take home with you. They are located in Orange Beach and have a web site coming soon. 251-981-2022. Let Nancy know you are a Relax on the Beach guest so you can get a discount.
BOOM BOX: Local Music
Check here often to see who's playing where but let me share some of the places we like to go.
North Shore Deli: The home of the hula-hula burger and definitely a place you want to visit. This place is unique not only with its décor and food but it has music 7 days a week.
Thu - Mar 24 - Tug Boat Willy Blues Explosion - 5pm
Fri - Mar 26 - Sam Glass - 8PM
Sat - Mar 27 - Lisa Christian & Vic Saul - 8PM
Sun - Mar 28 - Tug Boat Willy Blues Jam - 1PM
The Big Kahuna
Joey Ward
North Shore Grill
Hula Hula Tiki Bar
27267 Perdido Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36542
251 - 981 - 8466
hulahulatikibar@yahoo.com
EAT MY WORDS
The one thing I do not take for granted and really appreciate is the wonderful restaurants and chefs we have on the island. We have lots to choose from and sometimes its hard to decide where to go. But here is a sampling and a variety for you to choose from:
Villaggio Grille - Chef Brody is a young man we on the Gulf Coast are really proud of and his cooking is something you do not want to miss. Their food is a combination of Mediterranean and Italian and prepared on a wood burning stove or grill. It takes only one word to describe this restaurant: DELICOUS! My favorite is the pan seared scallops. Truly divine! They serve lunch (lunch specials are $9.00) and the dinner menu has something for everyone. They are located at the Wharf....web site www.villaggiogrille.com
Ginny Lane - right around corner also at The Wharf is their sister restaurant....our wine club met there recently for a wine dinner and I was really impressed with the food. They offer fine dining at affordable prices. I really love the salads-you have some unusual combinations that fuse together perfectly. They also have a great kids menu with a large amount to choose from. www.ginnylanebarandgrill.com
Cosmos - this is an excellent restaurant and a great place to get sushi. They have both indoor and outdoor dining and you can usually find one of our local musicians playing on the outside deck. I have yet to eat anything here that was not very good. www.cosmosresturantandbar.com
Cobalt - this opened last year in a very unique location so not only is the food great the views are awesome! If you want to have something different whether its pork, beef or seafood this is where you want to go....last time in I had the Roasted Pork tenderloin....wow! What a great dish....the chefs there know just the right combination of interesting ingredients and how to marry them together. www.cobaltresturant.net
Tequilas - located at 610 West Beach in Gulf Shores is a very good Mexican restaurant that has the best margaritas you have ever consumed......Ted the owner is a local favorite and always has a smile on his face. They frequently have music outside and its a great place to take the kids. 251-540-2588
Bahama Bob's Seafood Cafe - this is at 601 West Beach in Gulf Shores and its a wonderful place to eat lunch. You can sit on the back deck year round and eat while enjoying the view.
Shrimp Basket - we have 2 locations for you to choose from, Gulf Shores on 59 near the beach and in Orange Beach near Zeke's Marina. They have all kinds of seafood baskets but my favorite is the oysters. Wonderful place for lunch or if you want a casual atmosphere at night this is the ticket.
Desotos -this has long time been a locals and visitors favorite........if you are craving some down home cooking make a stop in here. They also have seafood dishes but the vegatables are just like your Grandmother used to make and the bread they bring to the table...yum!
BOAT RENTALS
Wallace Boat Rentals - located at Bear Point Marina. Pontoons boats, Runabouts, Center Console Fishing Boats and Kayaks. Tell him "Nick's Mom" sent you! Call toll-free at 866-790-4653!!!
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