Relaxing with Sports

Like many people, I like to relax while on vacation. Yes, lounging on the beach and floating down the lazy river are major components of my relaxation regimen. But too much lying around starts to have a reverse effect on me—I go completely stir-crazy. I have to have some form of physical activity.

The more opportunities for sport activity a condominium offers, the better: tennis courts, basketball, racquet ball courts, and exercise rooms are all amenities offered by several of Brett/Robinson’s properties, and they make excellent stress releases. I generally like to start my vacation days off with an energetic game of tennis or a vigorous workout, then remove myself to a lounge chair on the beach to enjoy the sounds of the Gulf. I can hear the waves calling me already!

Blue Angels

The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is taking place this Friday and Saturday, November 12th and 13th, at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. If you’ve never seen the Blue Angels before, I highly recommend this event. Maybe you’re an expert on everything aircraft-related, or maybe you would just be in complete awe of the air acrobatics that take place during this show. Either way, it’s an event worth checking out. In addition to the air show, there will also be food and beverages, a kids’ zone, a Sony Playstation II gaming area, and bungee jumping.

Gate admission is free, and bleacher seats cost $5 per person. And if you really want to enjoy your stay in the area and save some money, take advantage of Brett/Robinson’s current Blue Angel’s special: save $80 on a two-night stay or $202 on a three-night stay. There’s still time to take advantage of this deal, but it’s only valid until November 11th. Visit the Brett/Robinson website for more information, and book that trip!

Holiday Shopping

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is only three weeks away! Which means a break from school is only three weeks away, then just a few more weeks of school before another break. We have officially entered my favorite time of year. I think it’s time to start getting into the spirit of the season with a little early Christmas shopping!

I love shopping in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. The weather is mild right now and ideal for window shopping. And there are so many types of stores to choose from: art, jewelry, clothing, gift shops, antique stores, and much more. It’s a perfect setup for all the family and friends on my shopping list—they’re a bit of an eclectic group!

I’ll be getting started this weekend. I have lots of people to shop for, and it wouldn’t hurt to start putting together my own wish list!

Golf Course History

As much as I enjoy golf, I don’t get to do much with the sport, like attend PGA tournaments and other big golf events. And that’s ok, because I do play fairly often and I’d really rather play than watch.

But I think this is why I tend to gravitate toward playing on golf courses that have some sort of “history”—courses where noteworthy golf events have taken place. And there are several in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. For example, Perdido Bay and Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club have hosted local PGA events, Cypress Bend at Craft Farms hosted the Alabama Women’s State Championship for eight years, Timber Creek hosted the Alabama Open in 2003 and 2004, and Glen Lakes has hosted Futures Tour events. Somehow, playing on the same courses that great golfers have also played on makes me take a little more pride in my game, almost as though I’m picking up the good “golf vibes” they left behind.

Find out more about these and other golf courses at the Brett/Robinson website—and check out their golf packages while you’re there!

SEC Soccer Tournament

I love sports. I love to play them, I love to watch them. And it doesn’t matter much what sport it is—if there is physical movement and competition of some sort, I’m game. (Unless it’s synchronized swimming—I just can’t get into that one.)

Being able to attend a live sporting event is even better. So I was glad to hear that while I’m getting a little rest and relaxation at Island Winds East in Gulf Shores this weekend, I won’t be too far from the live soccer action taking place in Orange Beach.

The 2010 Southeastern Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament will be taking place at the Orange Beach Sportsplex from Wednesday, November 3rd to Sunday, November 7th. This is a single-elimination tournament between the top eight teams in the SEC. The team that wins the tournament will get the SEC’s automatic bid to play in the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship.

Soccer is a great sport—non-stop action—and these ladies will be motivated to play hard! The cost is only $5 per adult ($2 for students). Check it out if you’re in the area!