New Year's Eve

There is no place I’d rather start the New Year than on the Alabama Gulf Coast. For anyone who has this same idea in mind, you really should check out The Wharf’s New Year’s Eve Block Party, complete with dining, live music, and a midnight fireworks display.

The music starts at 5:00 p.m. with Lee Yankie and his soulful R&B tunes. Next up is The Rez at 7:30 p.m.—oldies, rock, and the Top 40. Finishing up the night is Fuego’s Motown and oldies.

Plus there’s still time to take advantage of one of Brett/Robinson’s specials—stay five, six, or seven nights and one night is free, or stay for ten nights and only pay for seven. Start the New Year with a rockin’ party and a hot vacation deal!

Valentine’s Day and Easter…Already?

I went to the store today and saw Easter candy. Yes, those creamy little eggs are already out in some stores (or at least in my store) even before the Christmas fudge has been baked. Part of me was shocked, and part of me thought longingly of Easter and spring weather. And yet another part of me was hungry for chocolate and bought the candy.

Even closer than Easter is Valentine’s Day, and though I didn’t see any candy or other merchandise for this holiday, I do know of one worthy purchase for Valentine’s Day weekend: Lulu’s and Brett/Robinson’s Vow Renewal Celebration. The package is $298 per couple and includes a two-night stay at the Phoenix All Suites Hotel, a gift basket and flowers, a vow renewal ceremony on Saturday, February 12th, and breakfast at Lulu’s on Sunday, February 13th. The package is valid for stays between February 12th and February 14th.

It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway. Visit Brett/Robinson’s website for more information.

Winter Golf Packages

Golf is the best pastime no matter what time of year. I can think of several benefits of playing golf in each season. For winter, I can think of two main reasons: the weather and the deals.

Yes, I said the weather. I enjoy playing in the cooler weather—such a change from summer’s heat. And the “cold” weather along Alabama’s Gulf Coast doesn’t compare to what people experience further north. I’ll take 50 over 15 any day!

Then there are the deals, particularly Brett/Robinson’s lower rates on golf vacation packages. The two sample packages they offer—the Masters and Championship golf packages—quote the lowest per person/per night rates during winter ($100 for the Masters package and $86 for the Championship package). Even if you don’t love winter, you have to love those prices!

Of course, you can also customize your golf package to fit your specific vacation. Just visit the Brett/Robinson website for more information.

Order Some Grits!

Christmas parties and parades, Santa Claus events, holiday concerts—these are all excellent events that make me love this time of year and the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. (Santa vs. the Snowman at the IMAX was also pretty awesome.)

But if you really want to get into the southern spirit of Christmas, check out Cinnamon Grits: Christmas in the South on Monday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m. Whether you’re from the South and can appreciate an entertaining tribute to southern holiday traditions or you’re just visiting and would like a humorous glimpse of how it is down here, you’ve got to check out this foursome of Girls Raised In The South.

The show is at the Erie Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

Gulf Coast Gospel Showcase

‘Tis the season for good will and inspiration, and thanks to the Gulf Coast Gospel Showcase, one particular good will gesture will extend all the way into April 2011.

The Gulf Coast Gospel Showcase is a series of gospel concerts presented by Lighthouse Gospel Productions of Romar Beach Baptist Church in Orange Beach. The concerts will feature several well-known gospel singers from around the country and will benefit the Gulf Coast Disaster Relief Fund. The concerts begin this Friday, December 10th, and will run periodically through April.

For only $10 (or $20 for VIP tickets—rows 1 through 10) you can help support the Gulf Coast and enjoy some inspirational music by some very talented artists. Tickets and more information are available at LighthouseGospelProductions.com, or call 251-981-8966.