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Thursday, December 15th, 2011
The holiday season is filled with opportunities for giving and for fun for all ages and interests. But the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores has it all covered in one place.
Talk with Santa and play with the animals at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo's Christmas Party Saturday, December 17, 2011.
Saturday, December 17, is their annual Christmas Party with Santa. Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., admission for children 10 and under is free with a paying adult. Bring your camera, as Santa is eager to pose for pictures and chat with your young one. Refreshments will be served, and some of your favorite animals will be making appearances.
Most of us have a soft spot for animals, so why not bring a gift or two for your favorite creatures? Your generosity will help feed, clean, house or offer entertainment to some of the residents of “The Little Zoo That Could.” If you’re not sure what gifts to bring, choose from the many items on the wish list. Another idea is to bring gift cards from Lowe’s or Home Depot, or simply make a donation.
If you are still searching for gifts for the humans on your list, the gift shop is filled with items from clothing and accessories to toys to books and more. Perhaps an Individual, Friendship (2 people), Family, Grandparents or Group (up to 6 people) membership would bring the most enjoyment, as it means your recipient gets unlimited, free admission for a year. Memberships begin at just $40 and range up to $120.
Where else can you get your fill of Santa and animal fun for the kids, feel great about giving much-needed assistance to a wonderful organization, and complete your gift shopping all in one place in one day? For many reasons, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is the place to be at the holidays or any time of year.
Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Vacation Rentals on Facebook and Twitter.
Posted in Activities, Alabama, Businesses, Charity, Children, Educational, Events, Holidays, Nature and Wildlife | No Responses »
Tags: Alabama, children, exhibit, family, Foley, Fort Morgan, free, gift, Gulf Shores, island, Orange Beach, Shopping
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
The environmentalist. The volunteer. The nature lover. The person who has everything. The proud local. The appreciative visitor. The ecotourist. The science teacher or student.
Your gift to a friend or family member also supports Weeks Bay Foundation programs.
Many of us fit into at least one of those categories. And we know of one particular gift item that will satisfy any or all of these folks.
When you give someone a 2011 Weeks Bay ornament that commemorates the 25th anniversary of the designation of the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, you give much more than a simple gift to a friend or family member. You also support the natural environments of our area and beyond.
Current programs of the Weeks Bay Foundation include submerged equipment, weather stations and sampling projects to monitor water quality. And their ongoing objective is to purchase land in the Weeks Bay watershed that may be added to the National Wildlife Reserve, or be set aside with a conservation easement such as to preserve a wildlife habitat, or create a buffer to conservation lands.
You have four options for securing this decorative item that depicts a fisherman in a kayak. The best value is a combination ornament and one-year membership in the Weeks Bay Foundation for just $50. Send an ornament with a holiday card that includes your personal greeting for just $20, shipping included. Ornaments alone are $15 online, or you may purchase them in person for $12 at Fairhope Pharmacy’s Christmas ’Round the Corner or the Weeks Bay Reserve at 11401 U.S. Hwy. 98 in Fairhope (251-990-5004).
Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Vacation Rentals on Facebook and Twitter.
Posted in Alabama, Birding, Boating, Businesses, Charity, Educational, Fishing, Fundraisers, Gifts, Holidays, Nature and Wildlife | 1 Response »
Tags: Alabama, Beaches, charity, destination, exhibit, family, Fishing, Fort Morgan, fundraiser, gift, Gulf Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores, History, holiday, island, Orange Beach, saltwater, sand, shoreline
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
“Oh, no! Not the Herdman kids! They’ll ruin everything!”
In spite of chaos, it really does turn out to be "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at South Baldwin Community Theatre.
The six Herdman siblings, known to run wild while their single mom works double shifts to support the family, only showed up at church because they heard there were snacks. When the notoriously unruly bunch is allowed to take part in the Sunday school’s annual Christmas pageant, the current members’ objections are ignored. The show does go on, in spite of the chaos caused by the newest participants and a few unconventional twists. But the church will never be the same again—and neither will the Herdman family, as they finally learn the true meaning of Christmas.
If this story sounds familiar, it may be for good reason. Barbara Robinson’s rollicking, family-friendly, short story was first published in McCall’s magazine before she adapted it as a book in 1972. Ms. Robinson later scripted it as a play that was premiered in 1982 by the Seattle Children’s Theatre. In 1983, it became a TV movie that starred Loretta Swit as the frazzled, last-minute replacement for the injured director of the pageant.
This version of the play is directed, produced and performed by talented folks from our area. They will ensure that you leave the performance filled with laughter and warmth.
Tickets are going fast, so reserve yours today: Friday & Saturday, December 9 & 10 or 16 & 17, at 7:30 p.m., or Sunday, December 11 or 18, at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students. Box office hours for the South Baldwin Community Theatre (2022 W. 2nd St. in Gulf Shores, 251-968-6721), are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Vacation Rentals on Facebook and Twitter.
Posted in Activities, Alabama, Arts, Arts Performing, Businesses, Children, Educational, Gifts, Holidays, Presentations | No Responses »
Tags: Alabama, children, family, Fort Morgan, gift, Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores, holiday, island, Nightlife, Orange Beach, play
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Gulf Shores resident Marty McIntosh is bringing a taste of Nashville to town. To celebrate his first CD, he will perform some of the music from it, and then enjoy meet-and-greet time with his local fans. Rumor has it that a special appearance will be made by country music great David Frizzell, too.
Celebrate country artist Marty McIntosh's The American Night CD release in Gulf Shores Friday, December 2, 2011.
Marty’s CD, The American Night, was recorded in Nashville for the Nashville America Records label. The first single—the title track—has been on the radio, and the second single, “She Makes Me Look Good,” has recently arrived at the radio stations.
Marty wanted to bring a bit of the Nashville culture to his hometown, to show his appreciation for those who have supported him. But he also believes strongly in the importance of community, so he has made this CD release party about more than just himself or his fans. The admission fee of $10 will be waived if you bring a new, unwrapped gift to donate to Toys for Tots, and a portion of all album sales during the release party will go to this organization. (Hint: A CD would make a great gift or stocking stuffer!)
Come party and hear some fun new music at Cohiba Dunes Cigar Bar in the Pelican Place Shopping Center just north of the Gulf Shores island. The event is scheduled for 7–9 p.m. this Friday, December 2, 2011.
Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Vacation Rentals on Facebook and Twitter.
Posted in Activities, Alabama, Arts, Arts Performing, Businesses, Charity, Concerts, Events, Fundraisers, Gifts, Holidays, Nightlife | No Responses »
Tags: Alabama, band, charity, concert, country, Foley, Fort Morgan, free, fundraiser, gift, Gulf Shores, music, Nightlife, Orange Beach, Perdido Key
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
The twinkling lights in stores and on houses, the oversized plastic candy canes and snowflakes attached to the city’s light poles, the wreaths in the windows, the seasonal music in stores and on the radio . . . there’s no mistaking it—it’s Christmas time!
Share the holiday cheer with your neighbors at the City of Gulf Shores' Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 1, 2011.
Your entire family is invited to celebrate as a community (whether you are a resident or visitor) when the City of Gulf Shores opens its doors Thursday, December 1 at 6:00 p.m.
You’ll find an abundance of holiday joy spread among four locations, all within walking distance of each other: Gulf Shores Museum, Thomas B. Norton Public Library, Erie Meyer Civic Center and Bodenhamer Recreation Center. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, joined by some of their elves to help with photo opportunities (bring your camera!) and hand out treats. Whether listening or dancing, you’ll enjoy music by the Mobile Symphony Brass Quintet and Brent Burns. Crafts, stories, and activities such as a moonwalk bounce house will keep the children entertained, and everyone will marvel at the train sets, award-winning gingerbread houses and holiday village.
You can pick up a schedule of entertainment at any of the four locations mentioned above or South Baldwin Community Theater, or you may call 251-968-1172 for more information. And please plan to arrive with a gift to donate to Toys for Tots so that less-fortunate children also may feel the warmth of the holiday season.
Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Vacation Rentals on Facebook and Twitter.
Posted in Activities, Alabama, Arts, Arts Performing, Arts Visual, Charity, Children, Events, Food, Holidays | 2 Responses »
Tags: Alabama, art, Brent Burns, charity, children, concert, exhibit, family, festival, free, gift, gingerbread house, Gulf Shores, holiday, island, Mobile Symphony Brass Quintet, music, Orange Beach, Santa, Train, village
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
Starting Friday, November 25, you and your little ones can leave Lower Alabama on a magical train ride to see Santa at the North Pole.
Experience the magic of a ride on the Arctic Express, straight to Santa! Departure from Wales West in Silverhill, Alabama.
The mile-long ride begins at Wales West on America’s only steam-powered, Welsh narrow-gauge railway. The train, Dame Ann, has been transformed into the Arctic Express to help fulfill Santa’s wish to visit with as many children as possible. Families ride past decorated Victorian-style buildings, gardens, woodlands and Lake Victoria, marveling at the million-plus lights that sparkle along the way.
Meeting, visiting and taking pictures with Santa (don’t forget your camera!) is only part of the North Pole experience. Santa’s elves will be busy handing out collectible wooden toy locomotives that can be taken home as is or decorated at the arts and crafts table. The kids may wish to make Christmas cards or an ornament, too, while they are there.
Once the train arrives back in Lower Alabama, everyone gets hot cocoa, a cookie and a candy cane to enjoy—plus on the weekends other special activities will be presented. But that’s not the end of the evening! Jump on a miniature train for a free ride past festive decorations, let the kids go shopping at the Elf Emporium, work off some steam at the playground, and take advantage of even more photo opps at the locomotive wall. Light lunch, dinner and snack foods are served at the café, and many train-related gifts—including Thomas the Tank Engine items—may be purchased at the gift shop.
North Pole transportation is available Fridays 4–9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 1–9 p.m., and as of December 14, a nightly schedule of 4–9 p.m. is added. It’s a tremendous amount of fun for just $12 per person (no charge for ages 13 months and younger). You’ll find Wales West on County Road 9 in Silverhill—take Highway 59 north to County Road 32 west, then turn north onto County Road 9; the railway is two miles ahead.
Make it an extra-special excursion by bringing your family to the beach for a long weekend! You may find the perfect place for your small family to be a 3-bedroom condo in Fort Morgan. Your larger family will be thrilled with a roomy 4-bedroom house or condo in Orange Beach. For true bonding time, you and your extended family can enjoy staying under one roof with a 6-bedroom house in Gulf Shores.
Stay informed of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area activities, vacation rental specials and more by subscribing to this Discover Alabama Beaches blog and Meyer Muse, and by following Meyer Vacation Rentals on Facebook and Twitter.
Posted in Activities, Alabama, Children, Events, Holidays | No Responses »
Tags: Alabama, Arctic Express, children, Christmas, destination, family, Foley, Fort Morgan, gift, Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores, History, holiday, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, railway, Santa, Train
