Holidays
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Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
For many people, a Cajun celebration may not be the first thing that comes to mind for Labor Day. But why not?
Party Cajun-style at The Hangout this Labor Day Weekend!
Unless you are from Louisiana, you may not even know what “Cajun” means, much less what kind of celebrating it might describe. If so, it’s time to change that! This Labor Day Weekend is your chance to party like a Cajun, whether as second nature or for the very first time.
The folks at The Hangout in Gulf Shores, Alabama—yes, where Highway 59 ends, right on the beach—are making it easy to live it up. The three-day festivities begin at 3:00 p.m. this Friday, August 27, and each night it doesn’t wind down until 2:00 a.m.
During this time, you’ll enjoy Cochon de liat, a traditional pig roast. You’ll also be treated to zydeco music all weekend, including dance music from the Mermaid Stage. A free family show by Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening. Saturday’s special guests are Don Fontenot and Lez Ami de La Louisianne beginning at 7:00 p.m. And Sunday at 8:00 p.m. is another lively show with Wayne Toups.
It’s not too late to plan your road trip to the party. In fact, Meyer Real Estate has teamed up with The Hangout for the weekend and beyond, offering 50% off accommodations plus a $50 Hangout gift card. See the details and reserve your beach headquarters online. This is a celebration you don’t want to miss!
Posted in Activities, Alabama, Arts Performing, Beaches, Concerts, Dining, Events, Food, Gift certificates, Holidays, Nightlife, Vacation Tips-Discounts, Vacation specials | No Responses »
Tags: Alabama, band, Beaches, Cajun, concert, destination, Don Fontenot, family, festival, free, gift certificate, Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores, holiday, island, Jamie Bergeron, Lez Ami de la Louisianne, music, Nightlife, Orange Beach, pig roast, sand, Shopping, shoreline, Vacation Tips-Discounts, Wayne Toups, zydeco
Monday, April 12th, 2010
You already know that a beach vacation is what you want, and you need that getaway sooner rather than later. Things are hectic at home or at work—or maybe both—and it’s been a long, cold winter. You need a little “Ahhh…” factor infused into your life.
The beach offers an escape from the everyday life, even if only for a few days.
What if we offered you a chance to get a free night in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan, Alabama, or Perdido Key, Florida? Meyer Real Estate always gives you the seventh night free. (Actually, you can get your sixth and seventh nights free if you stay by May 26 – click here to get the scoop.)
Are time constraints keeping you from enjoying an entire week at the beach?
No problem! Stay just three nights or four. If you choose a condo, your third night is free. Opt for a house and you’ll get your fourth night free.
Your schedule will only allow two or three nights? Just use your free night as an extended check-out. Sleep in on that last morning, spend the afternoon at the beach, and maybe hang around for dinner before heading home again.
Not once, but TWICE in the next four weeks you’ll find a commemorative day paired with a special offer of third or fourth night free:
* Celebrate Mother Earth when you opt for the Earth Day special and stay between April 20 and 26, 2010. Enjoy nature-related activities such as hiking, biking or birding.
* Celebrate family ties when you opt for the Mother’s Day special and stay between May 5 and 11, 2010. Let Mom choose to shop, dine out or admire items at an arts & crafts fair.
Let Meyer Real Estate’s specials and extra-large variety of vacation properties make it easier to reward yourself with a much-needed beach escape!
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 Visual, Beaches, Birding, Dining, Events, Florida, Food, Gifts, Holidays, Nature and Wildlife, Shopping, Vacation Tips-Discounts, Vacation specials | No Responses »
Tags: Alabama, Beaches, condo, destination, family, festival, Florida, Fort Morgan, gift, Gulf Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores, holiday, house, island, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, rental, sale, saltwater, sand, Shopping, shoreline, Tanger Outlet, Vacation Tips-Discounts
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
You decided to spend Easter at the beach, and we’re so glad you are here! We know many of our visitors and residents enjoy experiencing traditional (and not-so-traditional) holiday festivities. No problem! You’ll find something for all ages throughout the weekend.
Enjoy the beautiful Easter weekend by participating in fun events at the beach!
* An Easter Bonnet Dog Parade will be held at The Wharf (Orange Beach) on Saturday morning, April 3. Arrive by 10 if you wish to peruse the vendor booths, then view the costume contest and photo-taking at 11. The parade starts at noon, led by the contest winner. Other activities included are raffles, intuitive pet readings, pet/owner lookalike contest and more. The event is free, but also encourages donations that will be distributed among local animal rescue societies. For more information, call 251-224-1012 or visit The Wharf’s event calendar.
* The Bear Point (Orange Beach) Annual Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, April 3, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Enjoy a hamburger/hot dog cookout lunch and bake sale before the 1:00 egg hunt. The child who finds the most eggs in each age group wins a prize. For more information, call 251-610-8063 or visit the Bear Point website.
* Easter Sunday beachside services will be held at 6:30 a.m. at Gulf State Park (non-denominational), 7 & 8 a.m. behind The Hangout (Methodist), and 7:30 a.m. behind Romar Beach Baptist Church.
* The Hangout (Gulf Shores) will be serving Easter brunch following the 8 a.m. service (see above); adults $22, children ages 7–10 $12, children 3 and under $6. An Easter egg hunt for age groupings will be held at scheduled times between 11 and 3. A best baby bunny contest winner will receive a large Easter basket. Winner of the best bunny dad contest will receive a $500 VIP pass to The Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival in May. For more information, call 251-948-3030 or visit The Hangout website.
* LuLu’s at Homeport Marina (Gulf Shores) is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 4. Also available will be pictures with the Easter Bunny. For details, call 251-967-5858 or visit LuLu’s website.
* The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (“The Little Zoo That Could”) is holding a fundraiser at Island Outfitters (468 W. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores) from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Enjoy the guitar group Roman Street as they perform their own blend of jazz, Latin, fusion and more. Visit with a kangaroo and a parrot, and purchase raffle tickets. The event is free but donations are encouraged. To learn more about the zoo, call 251-968-5732 or visit their website.
We wish you a wonderful Easter weekend, no matter how you choose to spend it!
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, Beaches, Concerts, Events, Florida, Holidays | No Responses »
Tags: Alabama, band, Beaches, concert, destination, Easter, Easter bunny, Easter egg hunt, family, Florida, free, Gulf Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores, holiday, island, jazz, music, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, Roman Street, sand
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 20th 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
Friday, December 18th, 2009
During this holiday time of year, many of us are busy looking forward to a new beginning with the arrival of 2010. But between December 23 and January 3, you have a unique opportunity to enjoy an amazing glimpse of the past.
Replicas of two of Christopher Columbus' ships visit Pensacola, Florida over the holidays.
No, we’re not going back to the mid-1800s to find Scrooge’s Ghost of Christmas Past. This event has nothing to do with the holidays, other than coincidental timing. And we’re going back much further than the Victorian era.
Replicas of the Nina and the Pinta—yes, two of the ships used by Christopher Columbus—will be docked in Pensacola, with a knowledgeable and passionate staff eager to answer questions.
The Nina, Columbus’ favorite of his three famous ships, exists in replica form as the only floating museum of its kind. The Pinta replica was built with a few modern amenities and is available for private parties and charters. Both are a type of ship called a caravel, which was commonly used as a trading vessel. And both were recently handcrafted using old-fashioned tools but without the benefit of an actual blueprint from their day.
Since February, these two ships have been making their way around the U.S., and Palafox Harbor in Pensacola is their last stop before the crew returns home for a much-deserved break. With an appearance lasting only a few days, you’ll want to plan now for your opportunity to learn about the ships, Columbus, and life during the Age of Discovery.
Walk-aboard, self-guided tours are just $7 for adults, $5 for children, and free for ages 4 and younger. For more information, call 787-672-2152, or visit The Columbus Foundation’s website.
Visiting these ships during the holidays may not have quite the life-changing impact of a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present or Future, but we can all gain a new respect for the trials of learning about our world without the luxury of modern technology.
Stay informed of other events, plus beach accommodation specials and hot deals, by subscribing to this blog and our Meyer Muse blog, as well as our Twitter, MySpace and Facebook accounts.
Posted in Activities, Alabama, Beaches, Boating, Florida, History, Holidays | No Responses »
Tags: Alabama, Beaches, caravel, Christopher Columbus, Columbus, destination, family, Florida, Gulf Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores, History, holiday, island, Nina, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, Pinta, sail, ship
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
Throughout the year, folks brainstorm, make drawings, decide on budgets and assemble their crews for the big night, all with the hope of bringing back the coveted first place awards for the Nautical Night of Lights boat parade in Orange Beach, Alabama, on Friday, December 11.
Nautical Night of Lights and Light Up the Arts - both events Friday, December 11 in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Now in its 24th year, the competition seems to grow stronger each December. Awards are given in three categories: sailboat, powerboat 32′ and under, and powerboat 33′ and up. Judging is based on lighting, music, and crew attire – and there is no end to the creativity on these literal parade floats.
You can greet Santa and enjoy the free parade of his escorts along the Intracoastal Canal, beginning at Zeke’s Marina at 5:00 p.m. and moving through Terry Cove at 5:30, Bear Point at 6:30, The Wharf at 7:30, and ending at LuLu’s Homeport Marina at 8:30 p.m. Just pick a time and a location and join the community in this festive event. For more parade information, contact the Chamber at 251-968-7220.
Looking for even more fun to fill the entire evening? The Orange Beach Arts Center is hosting Light Up the Arts to coincide with the parade. Starting at 6:00 p.m., enjoy wine and chili as you admire the wonderful variety of art works on display. Buy a handblown wine glass (use it for your wine that evening!), participate in the live auction, purchase your favorite work of art, and relax to the beautiful Christmas music played by harpist Rose Brueske.
The OBAC is located along the water (26389 Canal Rd., just .3 miles east of Hwy. 161), so just step outside to cheer the parade as it goes by – and at the same time, tap your toes to the music of Top Hat and Jackie.
All proceeds from the evening support educational programs and more at OBAC. For more information regarding Light Up the Arts or the Orange Beach Arts Center, call 251-981-2787.
Let us help you arrange your holiday beach getaway at up to 50% off, give the ideal present of a gift certificate good toward a beach vacation, or plan for your next reunion or family vacation. We look forward to serving your with STAR Treatment!
Posted in Alabama, Arts, Arts Performing, Arts Visual, Boating, Events, Gifts, Holidays, Nightlife, Shopping | No Responses »
Tags: Alabama, auction, boat parade, boats, Christmas, family, gift, gift certificate, Gulf Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores, harp, holiday, island, Light Up the Arts, music, Nautical Night of Lights, Orange Beach, Orange Beach Arts Center, parade, sale, Santa, Shopping
