Tennis Anyone?

It seems like so much focus is placed on golf when it comes to resorts. For good reason, of course—golf is a great game, and the course options along Alabama’s Gulf Coast are both plentiful and beautiful.

But golf isn’t the only great resort sport, and several of Brett/Robinson’s condos offer an alternative for the active-minded: tennis. It’s great exercise, it’s fun, and tennis courts are one of the amenities covered by the cost of a rented condo, so no additional spending is necessary. Phoenix IX in Orange Beach even has an indoor, climate-controlled tennis court on the 12th floor of the building, so you can play tennis while looking out over the Ole River and Ono Island.

If you really want to get that sport-oriented resort feel, you can do both tennis and golf (and, depending on where you go, racquetball and basketball and workout in the fitness room). Then take a relaxing steam in a sauna after all the activity.

The Brett/Robinson website has more information on condos and their amenities—check it out here.

The Cannon

One of the great things about visiting historic sites and museums is getting a glimpse into the past and seeing what things were like way back when. What’s really neat is when there are actual objects from a certain time and place—things you can look at and think, “People from a long time ago used this very thing.”

So it’s pretty cool that one of the cannons from the Confederate raider CSS ALABAMA is now on display at the Museum of Mobile. The two-and-a-half-ton cannon sank with the rest of the CSS ALABAMA in 1864 in the English Channel, and will eventually be the centerpiece of a 700-square-foot exhibit. I can’t wait to go see this thing and imagine the battles it’s seen!

The Museum of Mobile is located at 111 South Royal Street. You can call 208-7569 for more information.

Get Romantic

There seem to be a lot of wedding anniversaries this time of year. For about the past month I’ve seen Facebook posts announcing anniversaries at least once a week, and I know more are coming.

It’s understandable—spring/early summer is an ideal time for having a wedding and going on that long-anticipated honeymoon. Romance is in the air!

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymooning, or just spending a romantic getaway with someone special, Gulf Shores/Orange Beach is an ideal location, and Brett/Robinson’s romance vacation package can add a nice touch to your stay. A gourmet basket and dinner for two at the Sunset Cork Room in Gulf Shores are included in the package.

Brett/Robinson has a variety of vacation packages to choose from—click here to learn more about them.

It's Cookout Time

One of my favorite things about summer is cooking out. Ever since I was a kid, when my dad would breakout the charcoal (you gotta love the smell of charcoal), cooking out on a grill has been one of my most beloved summer time activities.

It’s a convenient and easy way to make dinner, too, and is particularly useful on “eat in” nights during a vacation. Just buy some burgers, steaks, or chicken (or all three), toss them on the grill and let them cook while you enjoy the evening outdoors.

Barbeque grills are just one of many amenities offered at Brett/Robinson’s properties. Visit their website to browse the available condos, hotels, and beach houses.

Free Fun

It can be fun to splurge while on vacation, particularly in an area like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, where there so many worthwhile ways to spend money (golf and drinks at a bar being a couple of my favorites). But we all have a financial limit, so knowing where to find free fun is a good idea.

Hiking and biking are popular activities, and the nature trails along Alabama’s Gulf Coast are excellent places for nature and wildlife observation. There are many parks in the area that are good spots for picnics and just hanging out. And if you enjoy history, the Civil War History Trail makes for an interesting—and free—outdoor experience.

Of course, if you booked your vacation with Brett/Robinson, you don’t have to go far to find free activities. Pools, saunas, tennis courts, and fitness centers are some of the amenities guests can enjoy.

Father's Day

It’s time once again to think about what to get Dad for Father’s Day. In my experience, dads are some of the hardest people to shop for. They seem to have everything, and they aren’t vocal about what they do need or want.

So I’m not even going to bother asking mine this year. He’s simply going to get a weekend in Gulf Shores at Brett/Robinson’s Phoenix All Suites or Phoenix All Suites West. Two nights for $388.50, which includes a “Dad’s survival kit”—men’s travel case, snacks, a Sports Illustrated magazine, and the all-important beer. And for a little extra, I think I’ll throw in a round of golf. Should be a pretty good weekend.

Click here to check out this and other hot deals offered by Brett/Robinson.

An Ideal Nature Hike

There’s a lot to be said for a good nature hike. Walking along a trail among the rich flora and fauna, observing wildlife in its element can do wonders for a troubled mind, or may simply be a source of tranquil entertainment for an individual, couple, or family looking for a good time.

The Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail is one of the best settings for a nature walk that I’ve ever come across. This 10-mile trail meanders through four different ecosystems in Orange Beach, and is on the National Scenic Byway. If you enjoy walking, running, rollerblading, biking, or bird-watching, this is a great trail to explore.

Brett/Robinson’s Orange Beach Today website has information on this and other nature attractions throughout Alabama’s Gulf Coast.