7/30/2010

Vacationing in the Fall

I know we’re only halfway through summer, but the fall buzz has already begun: back-to-school sales, people tiring of the heat and longing for cooler weather, and some stores have even started putting out fall decorations.

For many of us, summer travel is coming to an end soon, if it hasn’t already ended. This thought always depresses me—and then I start making plans for fall trips down to Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Fall is an ideal time of year for vacationing in this area. First, the weather is excellent—still warm, but without that high-summer heat. Second, you can get great deals on lodging, such as Brett/Robinson’s 20% discount on fall rates when booking online. It’s as simple as it sounds: book reservations online for an arrival date on or after August 15th and get 20% off the fall rate (which is already low).

And, of course, there are plenty of other specials to take advantage of. Check them out here.

7/29/2010

Hotel Benefits

People often think of hotels as places “just to rest your head.” And it’s a valid argument—most of the hotels I’ve ever stayed at have been small, one-room lodgings intended only for the purpose of having a place to sleep when you’re traveling and don’t want to spend much on accommodations.

This simply doesn’t apply to Brett/Robinson’s Phoenix All Suites Hotels in Gulf Shores. For starters, the living area is not the main sleeping area (although a sleeper sofa is included if extra sleep space is needed); the rooms come with a separate master bedroom with a king-size bed, as well as bunk beds for kids.

But my favorite thing about these hotels is the full kitchen. I can’t tell you how frustrated I’ve been in hotels where I can’t even keep some cold drinks in the room with me. The Phoenix hotels, on the other hand, offer full kitchens, so cold beverages—and meals in general—are no problem.

Click here to learn more about Brett/Robinson's Phoenix All Suites hotels.

7/23/2010

Hot Air Balloons

I’ve explored the Alabama Gulf Coast in a variety of ways: walking the beaches, hiking nature trails, driving along Alabama’s Coastal Connection, and simply observing the Gulf from my condo balcony. I’ve seen it from the air, too—in an airplane, which just isn’t the same as flying over in a hot air balloon.

No, that wasn’t just a random comparison. One of the vacation packages available with Brett/Robinson is the Hot Air Balloon Package—you get tickets for a ride in a hot air balloon. First-time flyers (such as myself) get a first-time flyers ceremony. You can also book an exclusive couple’s trip—just you and your significant other. It could make a great anniversary gift.

Visit the Brett/Robinson website for more information about this and other vacation packages.

7/21/2010

Artistic Beauty

Beauty is a major characteristic of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. If you think I’m only referring to the beaches, then you’ve never visited the Orange Beach Arts Center—an ideal place for exploring the local aesthetics.

Home to more than 120 local artists, the Center’s gallery features regularly changing exhibits of paintings, pottery, and sculptures. The best part about this type of beauty is it’s for sale—the Arts Center will even ship your purchase to your home.

But one of my favorite things about the Orange Beach Arts Center is the glass artwork. If you’ve never seen glass blowing before, you should check it out; it’s just really cool. And the Arts Center offers various classes that teach you about hot glass casting and how to make glass artwork.

Information about the Orange Beach Arts Center and other museums and galleries is available on the Orange Beach Today website.

7/19/2010

Free Entertainment

I always try to save up for my vacations. At a minimum, I save enough to easily book my Gulf Shores or Orange Beach condo. Then I try to save as much spending money as I can before my trip. And then I try to spend as little of this money as possible.

This is easy to accomplish in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. Nature itself offers an abundance of entertainment: strolling the beaches, hiking nature trails like the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and picnicking at scenic beachfront parks. Certain museums and historic sites are free, too, like the Orange Beach Arts Center (a good choice if you enjoy glass-blowing), the Gulf Shores Museum, and the Civil War Trail.

The Free & Fabulous sample itinerary on Brett/Robinson’s Orange Beach Today website provides a range of ideas for free things to do. Have fun and save some money—maybe enough for another Alabama Gulf Coast vacation.

7/15/2010

That Perfect Souvenir

I developed a habit as a kid where every time I took a trip somewhere, I had to find the perfect souvenir. For years, sand castles, sharks’ teeth, and those small bottles of sand with tiny seashells constituted “perfect” souvenirs in my mind.

Now that I’m older, I’ve (mostly) outgrown my childish taste for silly little trinkets, but not my desire for souvenir shopping. Fortunately, the Alabama Gulf Coast has lots of options when it comes to shopping. San Roc Cay is a personal favorite—I’ve found everything from cool beachwear to artwork. The Wharf is also a great shopping spot, and you can’t beat the window shopping experience along the quaint streets of Fairhope.

Brett/Robinson’s Orange Beach Today website lists several shopping options under the “Shopping Daycations” itinerary. With all the choices, it’s easy to find that perfect souvenir—even if it’s a tiny bottle of sand.

7/13/2010

Beach House

It’s been a while since I vacationed in a beach house. I have to say, I really enjoy the condo experience: pools provide a nice alternative to ocean swimming and are a great place to meet other people, and amenities like tennis courts, putting greens, exercise rooms, and saunas are fun distractions. Not to mention the lazy rivers at several of the Brett/Robinson properties—it doesn’t get much better than that.

But beach houses, though they may not have the amenities of a condominium, offer their own vacation benefits. They’re more private, they present a more home-like setting, and they can accommodate large groups of people. I’ve spent week-long family reunions where every bed in the house was full. It made for some truly entertaining memories.

If you’re interested in renting a beach house in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area, check the options offered by Brett/Robinson here.

7/07/2010

Bellingrath's 75th Anniversary

On Wednesday, July 28th, Bellingrath Gardens and Home will celebrate its 75th anniversary. If you want to learn more about the home and its architecture, that’s the day to visit.

Of course, it’s a great place to visit any time. What’s not to love about a 10,500-square-foot home built in 1935? The original furnishings and a variety of gardens over a 65-acre estate make this a beautiful and fascinating historical site.

July’s a great time to visit, with the variety of colorful flowers blooming. And let’s not forget that it was designated as the “Top Public Rose Garden in the United States” in 2004 by All-America Rose Selections.

Bellingrath is just one of many attractions along Alabama’s Gulf Coast.