Hot Tubs and Saunas

I’ve always found strange that one of the things I look for when booking a vacation is whether the condo or hotel has a hot tub and sauna. Particularly when I’m vacationing on the Gulf—it’s already really warm. Why is there this compelling need to soak in a hot tub?

The only answer I can come up with is, it’s just nice. It’s relaxing. And probably for the same reason that I enjoy lounging on the toasty beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in the first place: I just like being warm. (Plus, I sometimes like to revert back to my childhood when I would run back and forth between jumping in the pool and warming up in the hot tub—except I don’t actually run and jump anymore.)

Hot tubs and saunas are common amenities at Brett/Robinson’s many rental properties. You can learn more about these properties and their amenities here.

4th of July Fun

Ready or not the 4th is here. Myself I am so ready. I have been looking forward to this weekend for quite some time now. There are so many things going on here on the coast I just hope that I will be able to squeeze in all that I want to do. I may have to let my 4th celebration span a few days. I am sure that you have similar predicaments at hand. If on the other hand you do not know what to do for the fourth, I have listed a few ideas here.

1. Where – There is no better place to spend the fourth than on our beautiful beaches. I will have to say that we have something for everyone here.
2. Grilling – No matter what is going on that day you know you will have to eat. I suggest ribs, chicken, potato salad, corn on the cob, and of course watermelon and don’t forget the homemade vanilla ice cream to top off the dessert of your choice.
3. Swimming – There are many choices for this option. You have the beach, the pool, the bays and the lazy rivers. Maybe this option should be swimoating for those of us who prefer to float.
4. Shopping – Oh yes! There will be a sidewalk sale at Tanger, and I am sure that I will not miss this.
5. Fishing – It is the Red Snapper World Championship Saltwater Series. Check it out at www.redsnapperworldchampionship,com I must say I have been a few times this year, and the fishing is awesome this summer.
6. Golfing – You can definitely get your swing on here. There are over 10 fabulous courses to choose from in our area.
7. Spas – Pamper yourself at one of the many spas in our area.
8. Concert – I know that you must know by now that Montgomery Gentry will be performing in Orange Beach on the Fourth of July. Tickets are still available for as low as $16.50 and a fireworks show is included.
9. Fireworks – There will be 3 fireworks shows to choose from in our area. July 3rd there will be fireworks in Orange Beach visible from Phoenix 6, 7, 8, East and East II balconies. July 4th there will be fireworks with the Montgomery Gentry concert and in Gulf Shores that will be visible from Phoenix All Suites and Island Winds balconies.
10. Movies – We have not one but two great movie theaters in our area. The Cobb Theater in Gulf Shores and the Rave Theater in Orange Beach. There is also a Coastal Video in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to rent movies and games.

Well, that will be enough I am sure to get you started. I hope that whatever you do on the fourth that you will take the opportunity to realize how fortunate we are to be a part of such a wonderful country. We are truly blessed with all of our freedoms. Take care and have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

A Word from Beachin' Mom

As a mom I am always looking for a way for me to relax and the kids still have fun. My latest scam (sorry I meant plan) is to book a beach vacation in Gulf Shores AL for the family. I am tired of staying in a hotel room where I don’t get a lot of personal space so renting a condo is looking really good to me.

The door to the master bedroom gets quietly closed while the kids hang out in their own bedroom or the living room.

My children are old enough to make cereal for breakfast and pour their own milk from a premeasured glass I leave in the fridge. (This is a great spill prevention trick I learned with my oldest son Brett). My children are early risers especially when the beach is calling them. On the other hand, mom, likes to sleep in late (hopefully 9AM).

The vacation rule is “let mom sleep” and you can wake her up only after you ate all of your breakfast. This usually works out well for me. Dad may have to wake up and supervise TV watching but he’s really good about it and as long as SportsCenter is on he’s a happy camper.

It is so much easier for the family to eat-in in the mornings and we save money by using the kitchen to store snacks and munchies.

Dinner is usually out on the town and the family looks forward to trying a new place each night.

If we eat in, I have lot’s of heat ‘n eat recipes that gets me in and out of the kitchen really fast, and then we all have ice cream out on the patio.

Me, my family and Ben & Jerry…..hmmmmmmmm what a great way to end the day!

Phoenix West Now Open!!

I just heard that Phoenix West is now accepting daily, weekly and monthly rental reservations. The Beachin' clan can't wait to be one the first to stay at the newest of the Brett Robinson condominiums. It's a magnificent structure of 27 stories of the most luxurious condos on the coast. The glassed in parking is perfect for housing the Chevelle during our stay. This building has great amenities including heated indoor/outdoor pools, fitness room, a sweet color TV in each bedroom, a lighted tennis court and much more.
I'll be watching the SEC Championship with a perfect view of the beach this Saturday.

As always, See You On The Beach!!