So Many Ways to Have Fun on the Gulf of Mexico

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

The more the weather warms up, the more I want to be in the water. Pools are great for cooling off, but the waters of the Gulf are where the action is.

And there are several ways to engage in this Gulf action. My personal favorite: fishing. Cruising out to the middle of the Gulf by boat, enjoying the sunshine and the rocking of the waves as you wait for something to catch your line, and then finally getting a bite—it’s both relaxing and exciting. Fishing charters and marinas are not hard to come by in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, so there are many Gulf fishing options: small groups of one to six people or large groups upwards of 60 people, trips ranging from four to ten hours, and even overnight fishing trips.

Of course, fishing isn’t the only thing to do on a boat. Many charters and marinas offer parasailing as an option. If you’ve never tried parasailing, I highly recommend it—there’s no experience quite the same as soaring high of above those Gulf waters. You can also rent jet skis, kayaks, and pontoon boats—all fun ways to get active on the water.

And then sometimes it’s nice to just enjoy the boat and the sights of the Gulf of Mexico. In this case, an Orange Beach cruise might be in order: dolphin cruises, dinner/sunset cruises, eco tours, and even pirate cruises are some options. Several cruises also involve glass-bottom boats and snorkeling. Great family activities, and a great reason for a family beach vacation.

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Keeping Things Free During an Orange Beach Vacation

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

Most of us have been there: you’re on vacation, but for whatever reason (tight finances or simply wanting to save a chunk of money) you just can’t let loose financially. Many times have I been in this situation. Fortunately, vacationing in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach offers many free activities.

One of my favorites has always been to just get outside and enjoy the Gulf Coast nature. My number one free vacation pastime: sit on the beach and read/nap/listen to music/listen to the waves. If I’m feeling a little more active, I might go walking or biking along a nature trail somewhere, like the Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, or the Civil War Trail.

Speaking of the Civil War Trail, exploring the local history is another free activity. The Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum and the Gulf Shores Museum offer some interesting insights into the area’s history and culture, as do several other Gulf Shores museums and historic sites. And if you’re looking for a nice mix of nature, history, and museums (for free), check out the Free and Fabulous itinerary on OrangeBeachToday.com.

Of course, if you just want to relax at your Gulf-front condo, gaze out at the Gulf from your condo balcony, relax by the pool, or take advantage of amenities like tennis courts and hot tubs and lazy rivers, that’s always a free option too—and maybe my favorite one of all.

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Amenities You Can’t Vacation Without

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

A friend of mine has invited me and another friend to spend a long weekend in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach sometime in the next couple of months. And of course I said yes—I’m not one to turn down a chance at a beach vacation.

But since this whole thing is his plan, he’s working out the details, including where we stay. He decided on a three-bedroom condo at Phoenix VI, which is an excellent choice. I’ve stayed there before, and absolutely loved it…but I admit, I was a little sad that this vacation wouldn’t include a lazy river. I realized that this has become my condo amenity that I can’t vacation without. The last couple of years, I almost always choose Phoenix on the Bay or Phoenix West, both of which have lazy rivers (and tennis courts, and indoor/outdoor pools, and lots of other awesome amenities).

Saying that I “can’t vacation” without a lazy river is a little bit of an exaggeration, though, and Phoenix VI offers a few amenities that some others don’t—like a full basketball court and a racquetball court. And since I know what an athletically competitive person he is, I’m pretty certain this is why he picked this Orange Beach condo (I see a basketball tournament in my future).

That’s what I love about Brett/Robinson condos—the variety of amenities, from pools and hot tubs to barbeque grills and fully furnished kitchens to putting greens and even boat slips at a couple locations. With so much to choose from, vacations are never a disappointment.

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Hangout Music Festival Starts This Week…It’s Not Too Late to Plan!

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

So the Hangout Music Festival kicks off this Friday, May 18th. (Actually, the Hangout Music Fest Kick-Off Party starts Thursday at 2:00 p.m., so really that’s the official kick-off time.) Either way, an entire weekend of great music and fun on the beach pretty much demands a weekend Gulf Shores & Orange Beach vacation.

If you haven’t made plans to be there, it’s not too late—true, general admission is sold out, but there’s always hope with Brett/Robinson’s Hangout Music Fest Package. Book your beach condo by May 17th and get VIP tickets to the event. Spend the weekend listening to greats like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews Band, Jack White, and many, many other live performers while also enjoying the comfort and amenities of your Gulf Shores condo. Just call 800-211-7892 for more details on this package.

And if you simply can’t make it this week for the big event, no worries. There are plenty of other vacation packages and deals to take advantage of another time—maybe a fishing package is in order for this summer, or a golf vacation this fall. And don’t forget about the free night specials.

See you on the Gulf!

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Great Weather for Exploring Some Gulf Shores Nature

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

I have really been enjoying this spring weather lately. Sunny (for the most part), warm, and perfect for getting in touch with nature. There are a couple bike trails nearby that I could take to, but with weather this nice I know where I really want to go: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Because it just doesn’t get much better than Gulf Coast nature and wildlife. I could explore the beaches, lakes, and nature trails at Gulf State Park, or fish in the Gulf of Mexico off of the Gulf State Park Pier. For a little exercise, I could kayak at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center or bike along the marshes, swamps, and beaches of the Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail. The Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries are another favorite—excellent opportunities for viewing (and photographing for those who also enjoy this hobby) a variety of birds and habitats.

All I need to fulfill this nature itinerary are a few days at the beach. And I think a room at a Phoenix All Suites Hotel is a great idea—just me, my balcony overlooking the Gulf, and my plans with nature. Or maybe I’ll ask a friend to tag along—easy enough to do with a one-bedroom hotel with a sleeper sofa!

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Can’t Beat a Beach Condo for a Golf Vacation

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

I’ve always known that a beach condo is the way to go when planning a golf vacation package—my golf buddies and I have gone this route for years—but the value of sharing a four-bedroom Orange Beach condo really proved worthy to us during this past golf getaway.

We booked a two-bedroom condo at Phoenix East, which three of us were going to share (the condo actually sleeps up to six people). We used to have a fourth member of our little group, but he hasn’t been able to attend the last few years due to work conflicts. This year appeared to present the same issue—until he called the day we left for the Gulf and informed us that he’d had a last-minute schedule change and he would be able to join us on our Gulf Shores golf vacation after all.

Of course we were all thrilled. It’s been several years since we’ve seen this particular friend, and we were able to spend the week once again with our original golf foursome. And with plenty of room in our Gulf-front condo, we were able to squeeze him in easily.

Plus, not only is four a nice round number for golf, it’s also an ideal number for activities like tennis, basketball, and racquetball—all of which are available at Phoenix East (and several other Brett/Robinson condominiums). Needless to say, a good time was had by all. Can’t wait to do it again next spring.

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There’s Music in the Air in May

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

I think somebody must’ve declared May a national music month, because that is totally the theme going on this month in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. Check out the May events calendar and you’ll find music events scheduled for every week throughout the month.

Like hearing music in the park? Me too. There are a couple Music at Meyer Park events scheduled in May (the first is this Thursday, May 10th). And then there are “Rockin’ Thursdays” at The Wharf, which are just what the title says: live, rockin’ music at The Wharf every Thursday evening. You gotta love The Wharf (and the fact that this event is free). There are also a couple fun live performances taking place at LuLu’s this month.

But the big Gulf Shores music event that we are all eagerly awaiting is The Hangout Music Festival—and it will kick off in less than two weeks! You won’t find me anywhere else during those three days but on the beach listening to greats like Dave Matthews Band and Red Hot Chili Peppers, plus many, many other musical acts. The fun will officially begin at The Hangout Music Fest Kick-Off Party on Thursday, May 17th—let’s get this party started!

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Attention Runners: Head Down to the Gulf and Show Support for the Marines

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

If you can’t make it to Gulf Shores for Memorial Day weekend—or you simply can’t wait that long to get down there—I have another idea. First, book a Brett/Robinson hotel or condo to include the weekend of May 12th. (Book an Orange Beach condo for at least four nights and you can take advantage of Brett/Robinson’s free night specials.)

Second, sign up for the Marine Aviation Centennial Celebration 5K Memorial Run taking place on Saturday, May 12th. If ever you wanted to show some memorial spirit that goes beyond a long weekend, this is one way to do it. For one thing, you’ll get to pay tribute to marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen, past and present, by running with actual marines. In addition, you would be participating in an event that supports the Marine Aviation Memorial Tower being built at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Pensacola.

Run 3.1 miles with a purpose, enjoy a post-race party, and then kick back and relax in your Gulf Coast condo. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this month’s honorable holiday.

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Looking for a Good Deal on a May Beach Vacation?

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

Sometimes you know you need a vacation—but you also know you need the funds to afford it. You look around for the perfect combination of desirable location, affordable cost, and vacation days that fit your schedule. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a list that laid out deals, dates, and locations?

From now until May 30th you can do just that simply by checking out Brett/Robinson’s Super Secret Hot Deals. Several vacation deals for various times through the month of May are listed. Maybe you’re seeking an Orange Beach vacation that falls during the upcoming Hangout Music Fest—try booking a one-, two-, or three-bedroom condo at Phoenix East at 20% off. Indoor and outdoor pools and a splash pad make this an excellent location when vacationing with kids.

Or maybe you’d specifically vacation at Phoenix on the Bay, maybe bring the boat down and dock it at one of the condo’s boat slips for a few days. If the vacation falls between now and May 8th you can get a 30% vacation discount, or you can book a one- or two-bedroom Phoenix on the Bay condo for later in the month and receive 25% off your stay.

There are several discounted Memorial Day vacations as well, ranging from 20% to 30%. It’s going to be a hot one, so book that Gulf Shores & Orange Beach vacation and take advantage of condo pools, lazy rivers, and the Gulf!

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Forget Politics: Vote on Your Favorite Gulf Vacation Activity

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Beachin' Bob

Who’s already as sick to death of hearing about 2012 election news/issues/bashing as I am? It’s important, yes, and I fully intend to vote when the time comes. But I’m not a fan of politics, and I’ll be glad when this election year is over.

And besides, there are some other very important issues to vote on—like your favorite Gulf Shores & Orange Beach water activity. Summer is right around the corner, vacation plans are in the works…you know you need to be thinking about what water activities you’ll most likely be engaging in.

You could keep it really simple—play in the waves of the Gulf, sit on the beach and simply listen to the sounds of the surf, float around lazily in the lazy river of your Phoenix condominium. All are excellent options for a hot summer day. Or you could venture away from your condo or hotel and check out some of the water-related Gulf Shores attractions, like Waterville USA, ABC Parasail, or CJ Watersports. And then there are cruises, fishing charters, and kayaking—personal favorites of mine.

So go put some fun into the thought of voting and check out the “Vote” section of OrangeBeachToday.com. Dining and shopping favorites are two other voting categories—start thinking about that vacation now!

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