Think Free

This is a proud day for me: it’s still November and I’ve managed to finish all my holiday shopping. Not only have I finished, but I’m actually pretty pleased with the gifts I found this year. My favorite is the Brett/Robinson gift certificate I bought for my parents—I can’t wait to see their reaction.

Gift-buying is bitter sweet for me. I enjoy it, but it always leaves me a little light in the pockets—a common problem among many shoppers. Fortunately, if you’re visiting the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area this time of year, there are plenty of activities to enjoy that cost little or even no money: walking the beach (still very doable this time of year), hiking and biking nature trails, driving along Alabama’s Coastal Connection, and even just enjoying the view from your condo balcony.

Plenty of ideas are listed on OrangeBeachToday.com under “Explore Our Coast.” Check out the calendar of events too for a variety of events taking place this fall and winter.

The Holidays Are Here!

I am not afraid to admit that I love a good holiday activity—and I am so stoked about the “Santa Vs. the Snowman” movie at IMAX! This isn’t your typical Santa story—this is Santa and the Snowman going head to head on a snow-filled battlefield. And you’re watching it on the IMAX screen. It’s a whole new level of awesomeness.

This is just one of several holiday events going on in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. Several Christmas tree lighting events will be taking place, and Santa will be paying a visit to Tanger and other festivities. You can check out all the holiday happenings at Brett/Robinson’s OrangeBeachToday website.

Take a Tour

I was sitting around the other day, dreaming of my next vacation and browsing Brett/Robinson’s Orange Beach Today website when I discovered that of all the things I’ve done along the Alabama Gulf Coast, I’ve never taken a tour.

In particular, I’ve never toured from the air. And there are a couple ways to do this in the Gulf Shores area. One is by plane—or biplane. The Bird of Paradise biplane rides fly you and a friend (or just you) over Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, along the Bon Secour River, over Mobile Bay…pretty much all over the place. A hot air balloon ride is another aerial option, and there are a couple places in the area that offer this.

And while on the subject of alternate transportation, I’ve also never taken a ride on the Wales West Railway, which travels around woods, wetlands, a lake, gardens, and Victorian-style buildings. Too bad I won’t be there to try it out this month—I hear the train and park are completely decorated for Halloween right now.

Music Matters

Music and the beach go together so well…just like peanut butter and jelly (which is also good on the beach at lunch). It’s why I always have my iPod when I’m sunning in the sand, why beach parties are such a hit, and why catching a concert while vacationing at the Gulf is such a fun experience.

And maybe that’s why Brett/Robinson is offering another music concert special—free tickets Hank Jr's Rowdy Friends 2010 Tour in Orange Beach. The concert is September 25th at the Amphitheater in Orange Beach, and you get two to six free tickets depending on how many bedrooms your condo rental has. (More information is available on their website.)

Also coming up is the John Mayer concert on September 6th, and a host of other recurring music events—check them out at the OrangeBeachToday.com website.

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.