Lazy Rivers

I love Lazy Rivers. These unusual water-features are just as the name implies: narrow, long and languorous imitation rivers that allow people on rafts to leisurely float. They're perfect for someone like me, because I don't quite have the energy level I used to have. They're called Lazy Rivers for a reason. There are several in the Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach area. There's one at Waterville, located in Gulf Shores. My favorite one is at Phoenix On The Bay, which all the guests get to enjoy. Check out the Lazy River via a webcam by clicking here.

Come down and enjoy a "lazy" vacation day.

P.S. The fishing isn't very good in the Lazy River. I fished all day and didn't get a single bite. For a better experience try a fishing package from Brett-Robinson.

Johnny Rockets

One of the new places that recently opened at The Wharf is a restaurant called Johnny Rockets. It’s a 50’s styled American diner, complete with a jukebox at the table (that plays songs for a nickel!!) and “the food, fun and friendliness reminiscent of feel-good Americana.” It’s a blast from the past, something I appreciate more as I … mature. Good food, a great atmosphere and some great old songs playing make for a great break from today’s hectic pace. It’s a perfect fit for the relaxed atmosphere here at Pleasure Island. And ladies, poodle skirts are not required .....
I think this Friday, when Three Dog Night is playing at the Amphitheater at the Wharf we’ll stop in for a Route 66 burger and a chocolate malt.
Come on out and join me.

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

This weekend I attended the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. The festival was a great free family event with 40 Hot Air Balloonists, 120 Arts & Crafts booths, food vendors, gumbo cook-off, live entertainment, display of hot-rod cars, and a children's village.
I was fortunate enough to be able to take a hot air balloon ride, courtesy of a sponsorship with Brett/Robinson. I rode on “Ol’ Blue”, piloted by Pat Harwell of Shreveport, La. Pat and his crew did a great job, taking my son Brett and I on a great ride. It was truly thrilling and will be a cherished memory for us both. The sight of the balloons in the air was really something to behold, especially from a balloonists’ view. If you ever have the chance, definitely don’t pass up an opportunity to take a flight.
If you missed this year's festival, make sure you plan to attend next year's edition of this annual event.

Blogging

I may have “relaxed” a little too much Friday night at Pirates Cove which led to a Saturday best suited for cruising the web looking at other people’s blogs. It’s amazing the amount of people who come to this area and blog about it. Like ZebraMan from Nashville, Tennessee who obviously enjoyed his trip. See the photos from his trip here. Or read about the trip Carolyn and her family took to Phoenix On The Bay. Take a look at the blog hosted by SailNet, an online community for sailing. Take a quick visit to SherryLand.
Or even better, make your own trip to Orange Beach & Gulf Shores. Write about it in your blog and send me a link. I’ll post it here.

P.S. Tropical Storm Alberto is well east of our location. The surf will be up to the delight of our surfers, but the weather is great and we likely won’t even see a drop of rain.

Grease at the Beach

I attended the Broadway musical Grease this week at the George C. Meyers Theatre Arts Center in Gulf Shores. The musical was performed by SummerTide, the University of Alabama’s professional summer theater company. It was great family entertainment, and judging from the crowd’s reaction I wasn’t the only one to feel that way.
The cast features students and alumni of the UA Department of Theatre and Dance including Meagan McNerney as fresh faced Sandy, Jason Keef as bad-boy Danny, and Sara Catherine Thomason as naughty-girl Rizzo. Rounding out the cast are fellow University of Alabama students Emily Etheridge as Frenchy, Allison Wilkes as Marty, Jeff Ingram and Kenickie, Ben Holmes as Roger, and Taylor Bridges as Doody. The performances run 6 days a week throughout the month of June. Get more details by visiting the SummerTide web site.

The next outing for the Beachin’ Bob clan? The GrassRoots concert at The Wharf on June 7th. If you’re already in town look for me on the putting green or in the lazy river at The Phoenix On The Bay.

Come visit, and tell them Beachin’ Bob sent you.