Time to Shop

There are two reasons why I desperately need to shop. First, and most important, my mother’s birthday is in two weeks. I actually enjoy shopping for my mom. She’s like me—she likes fun, interesting gifts. This gives me several shopping options in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach: stores with unique gifts, custom designed jewelry, antiques and fine art. I’m sure to find something she’ll love (and doesn’t already have).

The second reason I need to shop is I’m anxiously awaiting spring. In my mind I’m already past winter, and I feel like if I start shopping for some new spring/summer outfits, the warm weather might arrive a little faster. Several shops and boutiques with much-needed beach clothing and swimwear are calling my name!

Chilly Day Activities

Winter in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach beats winter anywhere else in this country, in my opinion (and I’m sure visiting snowbirds will agree). Not only is the temperature much more tolerable than further north, but there is so much to do than just lie on the beach and swim in the Gulf—because comparatively “warm” as it may be, swimming outdoors in 50- and 60-degree temperatures just isn’t that comfortable.

And the area does get its cold snaps. If you happen to be visiting during one of these chilly days, I recommend the activities listed under Rainy Day Fun on OrangeBeachToday.com. Whether it’s a rainy day or a too-cold-to-go-outside day, there are lots of indoor sites to see. Check out the area’s rich history at one of the many museums, or explore a little science at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. If you have kids—or just feel like a kid—you might visit the arcade at Adventure Island, or Shrimpy’s Mini Golf & Arcade.

Don’t let the weather get you down! If you just don’t feel like going anywhere, there’s always the indoor pools, saunas, fitness rooms, racquetball courts, and other amenities at the Brett/Robinson condos.

Golf Lessons

One member of our upcoming guys’ golf trip is complaining that he’s not up to par (no pun intended) with his golf game lately. I would like to be able to reassure him…but after playing a round with him this past weekend, I have to admit he’s right. In his defense, though, he couldn’t play for several weeks due to an injury.

He thinks it’s going to ruin the big group trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach this spring (maybe for him—not for me). But his little issue gave me an excellent idea: we should all take golf lessons while we’re down there.

A couple of the courses we play tout PGA professionals as part of their features; Kiva Dunes even offers golf clinics. And in my opinion, you can always benefit from some instruction—especially from a PGA professional.

Pick a Month, Any Month

Financially, this is a difficult time of year for me: car taxes are due, my home warranty is up for renewal, and then of course the dreaded income tax has to be dealt with (I always end up owing something). Meanwhile, I’m also trying to plan my vacations. And yes, they are a priority.

Fortunately, I’ve caught a break concerning vacation financing, thanks to Brett/Robinson’s latest deal. If you book a condo for stays during certain arrival and departure times in March, April, May, June, July, or August, you get an additional 20% discount. The deal involves a four-night minimum stay, and you have to book by 11 p.m. on January 28th. That gives me about a week and a half to decide which months I want to pick. I see discounted spring and summer vacations in my future!

More information about this deal is available on the Brett/Robinson website.

Funny Money

What would you do if you came across a briefcase full of money? Would you spend it? Turn it over to the authorities? Maybe both? I like to think I would turn it in; I have way too much of a guilty conscience to go spending someone else’s money.

No, I’m not asking for advice—the only money I’ve found lately is a ten dollar bill that had been hiding in my winter coat pocket since last year. South Baldwin Community Theater is putting on a production of “Funny Money,” based on the book by Ray Cooney. The storyline is just as I’ve stated: the main character mistakenly picks up the wrong suitcase, which contains a million pounds in banknotes. According to the description of the play, “he has to deal with the changes it brings.” Sounds very intriguing.

Funny Money is playing next month. I won’t be there to see it, but I think I’ll check out what other plays will be showing when I’m there this spring. OrangeBeachToday.com is a good place to look for both plays and other events in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. Looks like there will be a lot to do this spring!

Hanging Out with Old Friends

Oh boy, it’s on now. I just got word that one of my good friends will be in town for the Hangout Beach, Music, and Arts Festival in May!

He’s visiting with his family, and they’ve managed to reserve a condo with Island Winds West, which overlooks the Hangout Music Fest. I know who I’m bunking with that weekend!

They are going to have a blast at this place: besides being right there in the Music Fest action, it’s really close to the downtown Gulf Shores area—they can walk to all the restaurants and shops if they want. They got a good deal, too: four nights for the price of three.

Can’t wait until May!

Thinking Warm Thoughts

I may be living in the south, but I have experienced more cold weather so far this winter than I really care for. Snow, ice, below average temperatures…spring really can’t get here fast enough.

And yet I know that spring really will get here fast—maybe faster than I’m ready for if I don’t start planning now. For starters, I like to start working early toward getting myself in shape for the warm weather. But more important, I want to get the details of my spring getaway squared away as soon as possible, partly because I just enjoy the planning process. Simply thinking about the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach helps keep me warm during these chilly days. And partly because I want to be sure I can take advantage of vacation packages and deals.

Brett/Robinson offers some good ones, including their free night specials. You can book a stay with them and get 20% off three nights, four nights for the price of three, five nights for the price of four, etc. They even offer ten nights for the price of seven.

Check out the Brett/Robinson website for more information on the free night specials.

Dreaming of a Boat

I often dream of getting my own boat—a big boat. Maybe a yacht. I think I would give up my house and live on this yacht, and spend my days cruising along the Gulf Coast, fishing, and just relaxing.

Alright, so that’s a bit far-fetched, unless I manage to win the lottery. But a small, reasonably priced boat is not as much of a stretch, and is actually part of my long-term goals (actually, it’s been a long-term goal for a while, so it’s becoming more of a short-term accomplishment). I do intend to own my own boat one day, and I know the perfect place to take it: Gulf Shores Surf & Racquet Club.

One of the many benefits of this condo is it’s located on a lagoon and allows boats and personal watercraft. So once I get my boat, I can haul it down there and go boating right out of the lagoon. Plus the condo has several other amenities, like a pool and lighted tennis courts, hot tubs, and a putting green. Can’t wait to spend my first weekend down there as a boat owner!

Karaoke

One of my cousins got a karaoke machine for Christmas and shared it with the family on New Year’s Eve. Honestly, I had never done karaoke before. I think I am officially hooked.

Even though it was a small gathering of family, belting out some of my favorite tunes gave me a little bit of a rush. They may disagree, but I think my voice isn’t half bad. I just need a little practice—perhaps my own karaoke machine?

This could be a fun vacation activity, too: a karaoke machine in the condo on the buddies trip this spring would make some interesting memories. Then perhaps we could step it up with some public karaoke. The night life in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area is active, and several places offer karaoke—check out the music and nightlife calendar on the OrangeBeachToday website. Now to work on my nerve…

Valentine's Day

Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is close—February will be here before we know it. If you really want to wow that special someone, start planning now; being caught empty-handed on the big day is no fun (and, unfortunately, I speak from experience).

If you really want to make the holiday special, plan a trip to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Book a condo with Brett/Robinson and you’ll have a couple great options. First, the romance vacation package: in addition to your condo, you get a gourmet basket and beverage, dinner for two at the Sunset Cork Room in Gulf Shores, and a private one-hour boat cruise.

For those of you who are already married, Lulu’s and Brett/Robinson’s vow renewal celebration may be the way to go. With this package you get a two-night stay at the Phoenix All Suites Hotel, a gift basket and flowers. Then there’s the vow renewal ceremony on Saturday, February 12th and breakfast at Lulu’s on Sunday, February 13th.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to really get romantic! Visit Brett/Robinson’s website for more information.

Golf and Hot Tubs

I’m getting old. I’m not that old yet, but I feel myself getting older. The two rounds of golf I played this past weekend—after not playing in several weeks—really took a physical toll on me. Guess I really need to whip myself into shape before my first big golf trip of the year.

I’m also looking at ways to ease my sore muscles after a good long game of golf. One method that often helps when I’m vacationing in Gulf Shores is a soak in a hot tub. That makes for a nice day, too—eighteen holes followed by a relaxing dip in the hot tub. Steaming in the sauna is nice, too. Fortunately, my favorite Brett/Robinson condominiums offer both of these amenities—which is a big bonus when planning my golf getaways.

In the meantime, I’m contemplating getting my own hot tub…Then again, I think my money would be better spent on trips to my favorite vacation spots on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast.

Mardi Gras

Getting back into the swing of things after the Christmas holiday is always tough for me. I had a nice visit with family complete with several days of celebrating and over-eating. Now the decorations have come down and regular life is setting back in.

But there’s always something to look forward to, and right now I’m setting my sights on the next big celebration: Mardi Gras. If you’re looking for a good place to party during this time, you should visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Several parades and events will take place in the area throughout the Mardi Gras weekend. And on Fat Tuesday—March 8th—LuLu’s Mardi Gras 6th Anniversary Celebration and Boat Parade will take place starting at 10 a.m., with live music from 1 to 9 p.m. Laissez les bons temp roulet!