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Immerse Thyself in the Faire!

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Yes, it is true. The knights in shining armor are headed this way, along with a full entourage of royalty and commoners, entertainers and merchants.

Experience life as it was 500 years ago at the Renaissance Faire in Pensacola on March 6 and 7.

Catapult yourself back a few hundred years to the Middle Ages, to the time of Shakespeare. At the Renaissance Faire, you not only see life of much earlier times, but you become a part of it, interacting with the costumed enthusiasts who enjoy presenting the experience.

Pensacola’s Renaissance Faire is the only venue on the Gulf Coast to offer live jousting on horseback, complete with full Medieval armor.

Stroll through the fairgrounds to encounter many other glimpses into historical entertainment, including sword swallowers, magical wizards, fire breathers, dancers (Arabian, Renaissance, Irish and gypsy), jesters, jugglers, storytellers and more.

Renaissance food and drink will be available to boost your energy as you peruse the Medieval market, try your luck at games of skill, and ride ponies and camels.

Admission is just $10 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and under; children 4 and under are admitted free.

Join the fun this weekend, March 6 and 7, from 10:00 to 5:00 each day. You will find this unique event at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Hwy., approximately one hour from Gulf Shores.

Stay informed of local activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Real Estate on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

Posted in Activities, Alabama, Arts, Arts Performing, Arts Visual, Beaches, Dining, Events, Florida, Food, History, Presentations | No Responses »
Tags: destination, festival, Florida, Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores, History, jester, jousting, juggling, Medieval, Middle Ages, music, Perdido Key, Renaissance Faire, Shakespeare, Shopping, storyteller, sword, wizard

Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Muscle cars and antique automobiles go with fried and grilled shrimp, fish and chicken. A silent auction and a raffle go well with live entertainment by Brent Burns. More than 30 arts & crafts vendor booths pair with K9 demonstrations plus kids’ activities such as rock wall climbing and balloon jumps.

Support youth sports programs at the Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show Feb. 20.

And you, combined with the Orange Beach Sports Association, make it possible for the area’s young people to experience organized sports activities throughout the year.

From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, you can have an impact on this organization by enjoying the Seafood Festival and Car Show—especially when you sink your teeth into the delicious (and generous) $10-per-plate seafood meal.

You can capture the fun and support this good cause at the Orange Beach Sportsplex, located off Canal Road, about a half mile east of the Foley Beach Express. To learn more about the annual event, call the Orange Beach Parks & Recreation office at 981-6039.

Posted in Activities, Arts, Arts Visual, Dining, Events, Food, Other Sports | No Responses »
Tags: Alabama, antique car, association, charity, family, festival, free, Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores, island, muscle car, music, Orange Beach, Other Sports, Sportsplex, youth

The Delicious Side of Mardi Gras

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Quick – name the two foods most associated with Mardi Gras.

Treat yourself during the Mardi Gras season!

Hints: Both are circular in shape. One is associated with parades while the other will be found at the parties (often masked balls) of the season, although both will often show up as a treat in homes and businesses.

Mardi Gras balls and seasonal gatherings are not complete without a king cake. Generally speaking, the king cake is a large round or oval cinnamon coffee cake that is glazed or frosted and then sprinkled generously with sugar colored in the royal hues of purple, green and gold. A small plastic trinket is inserted through the bottom of the cake for a lucky person to find. The person who receives the trinket is said to be the king or queen for the day and will have good fortune for the coming year. Another interpretation explains that the person who finds the trinket must host the following week’s party.

As for the other food, you may be surprised to learn that although Mardi Gras is most often associated with the southern coastal states, the moon pie actually originated in Chattanooga, Tennessee during the early part of the 20^th century. It was made by placing marshmallow cream between two graham crackers, then completely coating the sweet, spongy sandwich in chocolate. Years later, in Mobile, Alabama, it became a parade throw (an item tossed from parade floats) due to its soft yet sturdy consistency. Today, moon pies come in a variety of flavors and colors, and parade-goers expect to catch their share of this extremely popular item.

February 16, 2010, is Mardi Gras Day. Since mid-January, numerous organizations have been leading their masked members along parade routes throughout the South. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the fun and gather some colorful throws. Local parades are as follows:

Fri., Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m. – Orange Beach – Hwy. 182 from Wintzell’s Oyster House to Hwy. 161

Sat., Feb.13, noon – Foley – east on Roosevelt St.

Sat., Feb.13, 6:30 p.m. – Orange Beach – Hwy. 182 from Live Bait to Perdido Pass Bridge

Tues., Feb.16, 10:00 a.m. – Gulf Shores – Hwy. 59 from south end of the Intracoastal Bridge to the beach

Tues., Feb.16, 1:30 p.m. – Orange Beach – Hwy. 182 from Wintzell’s Oyster House to Hwy. 161

Tues., Feb.16, 3:00 p.m. – Gulf Shores – boat parade begins at 3:00 at Bear Point Marina and ends by 4:30 at LuLu’s Homeport Marina

Come to the beach soon and “laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!”

If you do not have your Mardi Gras beach accommodations yet, we can help! Now through Feb. 17, 2010, you can stay five nights but only pay for three nights! If you can’t stay that long, or will be here during a different time frame, take a look at Meyer Real Estate’s many specials and hot deals to make your getaway more affordable.

Posted in Activities, Alabama, Events, Florida, Food, Holidays, Vacation specials | No Responses »
Tags: Alabama, Beaches, destination, family, Florida, Foley, Fort Morgan, Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores, holiday, house, island, king cake, Mardi Gras, moon pie, music, Orange Beach, parade, Perdido Key, sale

Happy Anniversary – Say Cheese(cake)!

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Snickerdoodle. Pecan praline. Banana split. Bailey’s and white chocolate. Apple walnut.

You are rewarded when you help Hope's Cheesecake celebrate 14 years in Gulf Shores.

Those are only a few of the flavors available. We’re not describing cookies, ice cream, adult beverages or pie. But now you’re in the right frame of taste bud for the best cheesecake around.

There is no time like the present to give in to your craving, as you can indulge for less until February 16. To celebrate 14 years of business in Gulf Shores, Hope’s Cheesecake is treating you to free samples, gifts, and discounted prices if you mention their ad in the local newspaper, The Islander.

Sold by the slice, mini cake or full-size cake, their masterpieces are made with quality ingredients and careful preparation. There is no worry about leaving their shop with more than you need (yes, you’ll want to buy extra), since it will last 10 days in the refrigerator. You can even freeze it up to 6 months, and it will still taste great after freezing, thawing, refreezing and thawing again.

How about a twist on the traditional slice of cheesecake? Their famous Hope Bar is a slice of cheesecake on a stick, dipped in chocolate.

Those watching your sugar intake will be pleased to know that there are four flavors (New York, Amaretto, Chocolate and Key Lime) made with Whey Low.

For a decadent treat for yourself, a sought-after dessert for a gathering of any size, or as a delicious gift shipped to your non-local friends and family, Hope’s Cheesecake offers the right variety to suit all tastes.

Hope’s Cheesecake is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are located at 210 E. 20^th Ave., just east of the south end of the Intracoastal Canal Bridge. Call 251-968-5858 or visit their website to place an order.

Posted in Activities, Alabama, Businesses, Dining, Food, Gift certificates, Gifts, Shopping | 2 Responses »
Tags: Alabama, anniversary, bride, celebration, cheesecake, destination, family, Fort Morgan, gift certificate, Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores, Hope's, island, Orange Beach, reception, sale, Shopping

Neato – A Sock Hop at The Hangout!

Monday, January 18th, 2010

What’s buzzin’, cuzzin? Lookin’ for a chance to ditch Squaresville? Start gettin’ ready—The Hangout in Gulf Shores is hosting a ’50s Rock ’n’ Roll Party!

Throughout the day and evening of Thursday, January 21, in addition to the regular menu, you’ll find a peachy-keen selection of ’50s diner favorites. Yes, the fresh Angus hamburgers, foot-long hot dogs, patty melts, crinkle-cut fries, banana splits and root beer floats will put you on Cloud 9.

But that’s not all! From 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., you can bop ’til you drop. Live rock ’n’ roll will fill the place, giving all you hep daddy-o’s and chicks a chance to show off your twist, hand-jive and box step talents. Wowsville!

A slate of judges will be eyeballing everyone, so if you don your bobby socks, saddle shoes, rolled-up jeans, poodle skirt or letter sweater—and top it off with a bonafide pony tail or D.A.—you’ve got it made in the shade to win the contest for best dressed. Gee, wouldn’t that be swell?

C’mon, what are you waitin’ for? Your date will flip when you jump in your deuce or rag top and head to the ginchiest party of the winter instead of sitting home watching yet another flick.

January 21 at The Hangout will be a kick—be there or be square!

For even more special times with your date, friends or family, check out the nifty specials and hot deals offered by Meyer Real Estate. We’re ready 24 hours a day to help remove any smog in the noggin’ regarding beach vacations and getaways, proving why we’re the hippest company along the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast.

Posted in Activities, Alabama, Dining, Events, Food, Nightlife | No Responses »
Tags: 1950s, Alabama, banana split, band, Beaches, family, Foley, Fort Morgan, Gulf Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores, History, island, music, Nightlife, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, rock n roll, root beer float, sock hop, twist

Snowbird Extravaganza at Tanger Outlets in Foley

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Anyone who lives or vacations near a Tanger Outlets shopping center knows about the great variety of stores and products, and loves the affordable prices as well as the amazing sales. But on Tuesday, January 26, at the Foley, Alabama complex, you’ll have even more reason to visit!

Join the scavenger hunt at Tanger Outlets in Foley, Alabama, on January 26!

Beginning at 9:00 a.m., breakfast is served. Head to the family courtyard for a FREE continental breakfast. Juice is included, or you can purchase coffee right there at the food court. You’ll want to take advantage of this carb-loading meal, as the extra energy will be helpful to complete the day’s activity.

Then it’s “ready, set, go” . . . on your way to a bargain-filled scavenger hunt. Only Tanger Outlets can offer you such an exciting “shopportunity adventure” paired with fresh air and gentle exercise.

Be sure to wear your comfortable shoes—and bring a friend to double the fun.

For more information about this Snowbird Extravaganza, call 251-943-9303.

You will also find great bargains for your next getaway or vacation when you peruse Meyer Real Estate’s many specials and hot deals. Subscribe to any or all of our social media sites to stay informed of promotional offers, local events and more throughout the year:

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Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gulf-Shores-AL/Meyer-Real-Estate/48651987404

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Posted in Activities, Alabama, Businesses, Events, Food, Gift certificates, Shopping | 2 Responses »
Tags: Alabama, Foley, Fort Morgan, free, gift certificate, Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, sale, Shopping, Tanger Outlet