Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores

FamBeach2014-0297 (1)If you have recently moved to the Gulf Coast or are thinking about buying real estate in Gulf Shores, you are undoubtedly itching to get out and see what the area has to offer. Allow us to help with our top things to do in Gulf Shores!

We know the first thing you will want to do in your new hometown is hit the beach, but it may still be a little chilly for that. If so, try hitting up a Gulf front restaurant instead. That way, you can enjoy the awesome beach views, as well as try out some local seafood. We recommend Bahama Bob’s or the Pink Pony Pub. Another great place to try is LuLu’s on Homeport Marina. Located off the beach, this fun restaurant is known for their great food, fun family activities and onsite attractions such as a ropes course and arcade.

Speaking of activities, if you love the outdoors, Gulf Shores offers your ideal attractions in the form of the local state park. Explore it from high above via a seven mile ziplining tour, or hike the available trails, including the popular birding trails. Once it warms up, grab your paddle board or kayak to explore the water ways. If fishing has caught your eye, head out to the state park’s fishing pier.

You may be thinking you want to steer clear of the tourist destinations now that you’re a local, but they are so much fun and spring is a perfect time to try them out before the summer crowds arrive. Our best bets include Waterville USA, the local water park, as well as the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Dolphin and boat tours are also a popular and fun activity the entire family will enjoy. And, of course, be sure to enjoy a sunset walk on the beautiful beaches as soon as it warms up!

Gulf Shores Named “Hot Spot” by HomeAway

Gulf ShoresAre you ready to take the plunge as a real estate investor, but still deciding on where, and what to buy? Well, usually our answer would be anywhere along Florida and Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Thankfully, HomeAway – an online vacation rental marketplace – has given us EVEN more reason to suggest buying a condo or home along these waters…

The group just released its “Hottest Spots for Spring Travel,” so visitors can start planning their vacation before spring has officially sprung. Of their six most sought-after destinations, Gulf Shores, Alabama ranks third. Naturally, we aren’t surprised and we’re positive our friends at Southern Vacation Rentals can vouch for the rise in popularity amongst their Orange Beach and Gulf Shores condo rentals.

But why does this mean you should buy beach homes for sale in Gulf Shores? Because the demand for inventory is not going anywhere any time soon. That answers the number one rule of buying an investment property – could you rent the property when you are not there? Sounds like if it is in Gulf Shores, Alabama you won’t have any problems.

Still have questions about buying real estate on the Gulf Coast? Or, are you interested in learning more about our property management services in Gulf Shores? Contact Southern today at 850.492.1826 for more details on how we can help!

The Big Beach Marathon in Gulf Shores

Running Shoes 2 webLove to run? Grab your sneakers! If you have recently invested in Gulf Shores real estate and are looking to enjoying running events on the Gulf Coast, this is one you don’t want to miss.

The Big Beach Marathon will take place on January 31, 2016 at 8AM at The Hangout, a favorite Gulf Shores restaurant and event venue. This half and full marathon course is a Boston qualifier and follows the paved pathways of Gulf State Park for the majority of the route. The last three miles, however, follow three scenic miles of Beach Boulevard and lead you to the finish line with the sites and sounds of the Gulf of Mexico.

On the Saturday before the race, head to The Hangout for the kick off party and race expo at noon. At the conclusion of that event at 6PM, grab a seat with your race buddies and carb load for the big day during the pasta buffet dinner. The Hangout will also host the awards and post-race party on Sunday from 11AM-4PM. You won’t want to miss out on the food, beer, music and fun – after all, you’ve earned it with those 26.2 miles!

Registration for this event is still open. Signup today and good luck!

New Year’s Eve Celebrations on the Coast

The-Wharf7-300x200Did you just purchase a home on the Gulf Coast? If so, you may be looking for the best New Year’s celebration near your new home. We’re happy to help!

If you own a home in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, reel in the New Year at The Wharf! The fun begins at 6pm. The beer garden, ice rink, Ferris Wheel and more will be available for family fun and the Marlin Drop will take place, along with fireworks, at midnight. Also near Orange Beach is the party at the Flora-Bama. Three stages, food, party favors and champagne will highlight this party before the countdown commences at midnight.

In Pensacola there is a little something known as the Pelican Drop. A favorite area tradition, this is a must-experience event when you live on the Gulf Coast. Hit the Little Pelican Party downtown, where you will enjoy family friendly games and entertainment, or party in downtown before the crystal Pelican drops to mark the beginning of 2016.

A New Home For the Holidays

SOLDIs a new home for sale in Pensacola on your holiday wish list? If so, our agents have a few listings that might be up your alley. Recently listed (within the past 10 days) these properties each offer something unique to satisfy your individual buying needs.

If you are in the market for a condo with incredible views, our very own Jim Bomar can help. He added a six bedroom, three bathroom condo in Gulf Shores at the luxurious Bayshore Towers. In addition to spectacular views, this condo comes fully upgraded with incredible complex amenities to boot.

For those of you interested in buying a single-family home in the greater Pensacola area, Ouida Jones and Denise Kinne both added homes to the MLS this past week. The classic brick homes are located in the Emerald Shores community priced affordably within the $180,000 range.

Interested in seeing more of what our agents have to offer? Search the entire Baldwin County and Pensacola MLS today to find exactly what you are looking for!

New Listing at Seawind in Gulf Shores!

If you are on the hunt for a condo for sale in Gulf Shores, look no further! Our Owner/Broker, Susan Carleton has a new listing at the popular Seawind complex.

For those of you who do not know, Seawind is an upscale condominium complex situated directly on the sandy white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Within minutes of popular Orange Beach attractions, Seawind boasts dramatic views from floor-to-ceiling windows, classic finishes and variety of resort amenities which includes everything from a beachfront pool and fitness facility to a community barbecue area and spa.

Unit 1002 is no different. This beautifully appointed 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom offers incredible views and fabulous upgrades. The unite features stainless steel appliances, granite counters, Kohler fixtures and SO much more. If you are looking for an investment property, this is a great one to choose!

Contact Susan today for additional details on this and other Gulf Shores real estate opportunities. Just remember to reference MLS #488513.

Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Festival at the Hangout

logoIf you own or are thinking about purchasing real estate in Gulf Shores, Alabama, head over to the Hangout for the 2015 Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Festival. This event kicks off on Friday, November 6, 2015 at 6:00 PM. Enjoy samples of over 60 craft beers, live music and demos from brewmasters.

The Oyster Cook-Off begins at 11:00AM on Sunday, November 7, 2015 with chef demos until 5:15PM. Don’t miss the awards ceremony immediately following these chef workshops. Sample recipes prepared by these talented chefs while following their workshops. Enjoy live music, SEC football, cold beverages and, of course, delicious oysters all day long.

The Hangout overlooks the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, allowing you to savor the scenery during this weekend activity. This is sure to be an incredible event that you won’t want to miss. Tickets for the Craft Beer Festival Friday night at $40.00 and only $30.00 for the designated drivers. General Admissions tickets for the Oyster Cook-Off on Saturday are $10.00 per person and the tasting ticket booklet price is $25.00. VIP tickets are available for the event on Saturday. Purchase your tickets for the Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Festival today.

Long Term Rentals in Alabama

DSC_0699Have you been on the hunt to find a home or condo for sale in Orange Beach, Alabama? With so many incredible options to choose from it can be hard to make up your mind. That’s where our friends and Alabama property managers at Southern Residential Leasing can help.

While you house hunt, choose to get to know the area in a long term rental with Southern. Whether you are on the hunt for a condo in Gulf Shores or a single-family home in Mobile, we have you covered. Some of our favorites include a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick home in Mobile. This residence offers the perfect combination of classic finishes and modern upgrades. Or, head towards Robertsdale and lease a popular ranch stule home with a large backyard perfect for your pets to play.

If you’re looking for something a little smaller, check out our cozy 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in Historic Malbis or our condo overlooking the river in Gulf Shores. That’s really just the beginning. There are so many other great long term rentals in Mobile, Daphne and Spanish Fort to choose from. Call  855.981.7516 today to lease one of these incredible homes!

PS – Did we mention that now through October 1, we have waived the $50.00 application fee? Better hurry and apply today!

Stay and Save at Summer Breeze!

SUMMER-ExtAngleSugar-white sand, sparkling blue water and stunning sunshine. What’s not to love about Coastal Alabama? Invite your friends and family on a vacation to the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama and choose Summer Breeze for your beach retreat. With seven bedrooms and six bathroom, this Gulf Shores vacation rental home will accommodate up to eighteen people with ease, making it the perfect location for any kind of group getaway. This home offers up unbeatable beach views for you to savor from almost every room of the home. Relax on your private balcony and watch the sun sparkle on the Gulf of Mexico.

Summer Breeze is conveniently located near a variety of popular restaurants, shopping centers and other incredible attractions. It also offers all of the comforts of your own home, including a grand kitchen, fully-equipped with high-end stainless steel appliances and decorated with beautiful granite countertops. Additional amenities include a free-standing ice maker, a whirlpool tub and a walk-in shower in the master bathroom, a private gas grill and a private garage. Take advantage of the washer and dryer in your accommodations as well as the free WiFi during your stay.

Save 10% on your vacation when you stay in this lovely beach home, and spend your days with waves at your feet and the sand as your seat. You do not want to miss out on this beach vacation special.

Upcoming Events at The Wharf

The-Wharf7-300x200Owning Orange Beach or Gulf Shores real estate provides you ample opportunities for fun. This comes in the form of the beach family festivals, and of course, events at favorite area event venues such as the Wharf!

The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama is a great destination for shopping, dining and festivals, as well as concerts at the amphitheater. This late summer and very early fall there are several awesome events taking place, with one or two sure to make your ‘must-attend’ list.

The first is the Top of the Hops Beer Festival on August 15, 2015. This event will take place on the Marina Lawn and will feature over 150 craft brews located in various beer gardens. In addition to the tasting event, you will find educational seminars such as Cooking with Beer, Food Pairings and How to Brew Beer. There will also be live music and exciting games. Tickets are on sale now for $35.

Upcoming events at The Wharf Amphitheater include concerts from Alabama Shakes, with special guests  the Drive by Truckers on August 22, 2015. Tickets are still on sale for this show, as well as for the September 6 show from the legendary Alabama! If you own property in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, don’t let these nearby events pass you by. Get your tickets today!