“Run, Spot, run!”

Residents and visitors used to hear (or shout) this quite often along the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach shorelines. When laws were drafted to require our little and not-so-little four-legged friends to be kept on leashes and away from the public beaches, state park, Fort Morgan and wildlife refuge, that command faded away. But now both cities offer a welcome alternative.

Let your best friend play freely at a dog park in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Alabama.

Recently opened is a fenced area near Sportsman Marina on Canal Road. The Orange Beach Dog Park makes it possible for your pet to enjoy unleashed playtime within its boundaries, thanks to the many folks who donated money and/or time to make this possible. Those in charge obviously had a sense of humor, as the park boasts strategically placed fire hydrants!

Just across the street from the Adult Activity Center and just south of the Bodenhamer Recreation Center in Gulf Shores is the Beason Wilkes Dog Park. Water is available in the small fenced area that will accommodate dogs of all sizes, with smaller dogs in the front and larger dogs just behind it. And yes,  fire hydrants are available there, as well.

If you are planning to bring your dog with you when you visit the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast, Meyer Real Estate will be pleased to help you locate dog-friendly vacation rental properties.

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.

Pillars of the Community—Mobile’s Greek Revival Movement.

In a literal and figurative manner, the pillars of Mobile form both the backdrop and the forefront of this current exhibit at The Museum of Mobile.

As a partner exhibition to John Sledge’s newest book, The Pillared City—Greek Revival Mobile, you’ll find engaging stories about the people behind Mobile’s columned architecture of the early 1800s.

Once considered a fortified colonial town, Mobile pushed forward to become a modern American city. The book’s author, an architectural historian with the Mobile Historic Development Commission, shares his passion for the buildings of the era through the lives of the people who made them possible. The buildings take on an almost human quality, allowing museum visitors to actually feel the city come to life.

The Pillars of the Community exhibit is now in its last few days, closing on Sunday, January 10, 2010. The Museum of Mobile, located at 111 S. Royal Street in downtown Mobile, is open Monday through Saturday 9–5 and Sunday 1–5. Admission is just $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for students, and free to those under 6.

Plan now to attend—you’ll never see Mobile through the same eyes once you experience this enlightening exhibit.

Make a visit to Mobile part of your beach vacation when you stay with Meyer Real Estate. Take advantage of the specials and hot deals to enjoy the best prices and the greatest variety of beach accommodations year-round.

Please remember our veterans on their special day: Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

We will soon be celebrating Veteran’s Day. Wednesday, November 11, in fact. Just about everyone knows someone who is a veteran of military service. But do you know how Veteran’s Day came to be, and the original intention behind the designated day?

Initially called Armistice Day, it was to commemorate the temporary cease-fire between the Allies and Germany, which occurred on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November in 1918. This eventually became a permanent truce at the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, officially ending World War I.

To pay homage to those who served and those who gave their lives to keep us safe and secure our freedoms, President Wilson called to cease all business for two minutes at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1919. He also encouraged the public to participate in parades and public meetings.

Eventually the recognized annual holiday was moved to Mondays, but more recently it was returned to its true day of significance, making November 11 the official holiday.

We encourage you to learn more about the history of Veteran’s Day by visiting any of the following links:

http://www.military.com/veteransday/History.htm

http://www.history.army.mil/faq/vetsday/vetshist.htm

http://www.history.com/content/veteransday

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

To show our appreciation to those who have served in our military branches, Meyer Real Estate is inviting all veterans to relax at or near the beach between November 6 and November 15, 2009, while enjoying a $50 discount in addition to our already-reduced prices. The $50 discount is also applicable any time of year when no other special is being redeemed.

For anyone who wishes to join us in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, Orange Beach (Alabama) or Perdido Key (Florida) for Veteran’s Day or anytime through December 30, 2009, let us entice you with 50% savings on condos and 25% savings on houses at or near the Alabama/Florida beaches.

Who doesn’t love a great concert? Some of your favorite performers are headed to the Alabama and Florida northern Gulf Coast area. Take a look at what’s coming in just the next few weeks, as well as in the next few months:

So many exciting performances along the AL/FL Gulf Coast over the next few weeks!

The Color Purple – Experience the musical about love, based on the popular Pulitzer prize-winning novel, on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at the Mobile Saenger Theatre.

John Hiatt – Rock, country and blues will be heard when you get your seats at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre for a Thursday, April 29, 2010 concert by this 11-time Grammy-nominated artist.

Straight No Chaser – Find yourself immersed in the upbeat renditions of this 10-men a cappella group when they perform Monday, May 3, 2010, at the Mobile Saenger Theatre.

Carrie Underwood – As part of her 45-city tour promoting her new CD “Play On,” this 4th-season American Idol winner will appear Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at the Pensacola Civic Center.

Norah Jones – As a leading lady of the music world, this jazz-pop artist plans to grace the stage of the Mobile Saenger Theatre to promote her latest CD, “The Fall,” on Thursday, May 6, 2010.

Widespread Panic – For the 4th consecutive year, this hugely popular group will perform a 2-night gig at The Amphitheater at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Look for them on Friday & Saturday, May 7 & 8, 2010.

The Hangout Music Festival – Not just a concert, but 60 bands of all types over 3 days! You’ll find them all at The Hangout, located on the beach in Gulf Shores May 14–16, 2010.

Bryan Adams – The Canadian rock/pop virtuoso (also philanthropist and photographer) plays at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre on Saturday, May 15, 2010.

Ron White (“Tater Salad”) – The Behavioral Problems Tour hits the Mobile Saenger Theatre on Friday, May 21, 2010. Laugh at and with this former star of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour as his weaves his slice-of-life stories with a special twist.

Gary Allan, Randy Houser, and The Band Perry – The Amphitheater at The Wharf in Orange Beach presents this triple-bill evening of country music on Saturday, May 29, 2010.

Billy McLaughlin – This new age/contemporary guitarist with the Narada recording label will be offering mellow ambiance at the Mobile Saenger Theatre on Saturday, June 19, 2010.

Jason Aldean – The Amphitheater at The Wharf in Orange Beach plays host to this chart-topping country rocker on Saturday, June 26, 2010.

Montgomery Gentry – Celebrate Independence Day with home-grown stars performing America’s true music. July 4, 2010, brings this amazing duo to The Amphitheater at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

Michael Buble – Tuesday, July 13, 2010. Pensacola Civic Center. Be there for the Crazy Love tour by this Grammy winner, and be serenaded with old tunes given new life as well as new, soulful songs you are sure to love.

Robert Plant and Band of Joy – Preview some new music planned for Plant’s next album by getting tickets to this Wednesday, July 28, 2010, performance at the Mobile Saenger Theatre.

Steve Miller and Peter Frampton – The Amphitheater at The Wharf hosts two legends of rock on Saturday, July 31, 2010.

John Mayer with Owl City – The Battle Studies World Tour hits The Amphitheater at The Wharf on Monday, September 6, 2010.

Carrie Underwood – Catch this CMA entertainer of the year (twice!) at the Mobile Civic Center on Saturday, October 23, 2010.

Each of these events can be enjoyed even more when you combine them with a beach getaway. With Meyer Real Estate vacation condos and houses from Perdido Key, Florida (just 20 minutes from Pensacola’s Civic Center and Saenger Theatre) to Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores, Alabama (one hour from Mobile’s Saenger Theater and Civic Center), you have plenty of options. Meyer also offers condos at The Wharf for walking distance to The Amphitheater shows, or you could stay directly on the Gulf Shores beach for easy access to The Hangout.

And with a variety of specials and specific-property hot deals to save you 10%, 15%, 25%, and even up to 50%, you can save more than enough money to pay for your favorite concert. Check out all the possibilities with Meyer Real Estate, and join us at the beach for incomparable entertainment!

Try your hand at speaking pirate this weekend when you enjoy two full days and three evenings of Piratefest 2009 at Happy Harbor Marina & Tiki Bar in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Find treasures of all kinds at Piratefest 2009 in Orange Beach, Alabama, September 25-27.

Friday, September 25, kicks off the event with an Opening Bash featuring the Jason Justice Band from 6:00 until 10:00 p.m. The Saturday night featured act is Kenny Neal – a four-time Grammy nominee – at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday brings hit songwriter Tony Stampley at 8:00 p.m. To help you unwind as you listen, drink specials will be offered each evening.

The great music is not just for the evenings, though. Live entertainment plays throughout the weekend, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Musical guests include Catfish Flats with guest Greg Memphis, The Lowdown Throwdown, The Harry Sherman Trio, Big Muddy, J.J. Mack, Three Days Straight, Adam Holt, Cotton Bayou Allstars, and Lee Yankie and the Hellz Yeah!

Free daytime admission for the kids encourages everyone to join in the fun. Turn them loose on the inflatables and games, hear them squeal with laughter at their caricature drawings, and try to guess which henna tattoo they will choose to wear. A pirate ship may not be included in the inventory, but do take advantage of the festival’s watercraft rental discounts.

Take time to visit with the Gulf Coast artisans and authors when you peruse the arts and crafts booths. Instigate a little family competition by participating in the Treasure Hunt. And, of course, munch on meals and snacks from the ever-popular food booths.

Tickets for the event are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and the ticket is good for the entire weekend. You can purchase tickets at Happy Harbor Marina (27212 Marina Rd.) or call 251-981-1910.

You don’t need to be a local to live it up at this festival. Meyer Real Estate makes it easy to create an inexpensive beach getaway. Take advantage of HUGE savings when you make your reservations online or by calling 800-213-9544. Stay 3 nights and save 25% on condos, or stay 4 nights and save a whopping 50% on condos or 25% on houses.

We look forward to hosting you and all of your mateys for the Piratefest or any time!

Saturday, September 19 marks the season’s grand opening of the Maizing Family Fun Farm.

Find your way through a corn or hay bale maze in Elberta, Alabama, near Gulf Shores and Foley.

A corn farm? When you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all, right?

Not so fast! This is not just a corn farm – it’s truly a family fun farm, just as its name indicates.

Get lost in two mazes: the Hay Bale Maze for little ones and the Corn Maze for all ages, which will be appropriately haunted for Halloween.

A little friendly competition can be fun for everyone, so go ahead and participate in the Lawn Mower Races. For non-structured fun for the kids, spend some time at the Play Area. And everyone will love an old-fashioned hay ride.

Pick up some delicious, fresh local food at the U-Pick Garden and admire the Pumpkin Patch. (Is it possible you’ll see the Great Pumpkin hiding among the sea of orange?)

Antique tractors, live farm animals and even a corn cannon can be found here, allowing many fun-based opportunities to learn about farming and history. Carry memories home with items from the gift shop.

The Maizing Family Fun Farm is located just a few minutes north of Gulf Shores, in Elberta. Visit Friday, Saturday or Sunday from 10 until 6 (extended beginning Oct. 23 to 10 p.m., and until midnight on Halloween), or by special arrangement during the week. Admission is $8 for ages 4 and up, free for ages 3 and under; discount pricing available for groups.

Not a local? No problem! Combine your trip to the Maizing Family Fun Farm with a weekend at the beach. With 3-night minimum, Meyer Real Estate offers a 25% discount on your choice of condos – or save 50% with a 4-night minimum!

Gift-giving season is almost upon us, so don’t forget to pick up Meyer Real Estate gift certificates toward a beach getaway for your family and friends, available in any denomination you choose.