Nature Photography Workshop

One of the great things about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the scenery—the area is just beautiful! I’ve always known this, but one thing I’ve discovered over the last several weeks is just how photogenic the area is.

My parents got me this awesome digital camera for my birthday, and I have had the best time photographing everything from flowers and plants to Gulf sunsets to whatever wildlife I can catch a glimpse of. And with the combination of my awesome camera and picturesque nature, I’ve managed to take some pretty impressive photographs! (Not to toot my own horn or anything.)

So I’m pretty excited about the Nature Photography In-Field Workshop taking place at the Plantation at D&S Farms on September 24th and 25th. This is the perfect location for this type of workshop, with its vast riverfront plant life. It’s for beginners and intermediate photographers, so I should fit right in. Now to convince my parents to cover half the cost!

Lovin' Some Art

I’ve discovered a new love: art. I really started exploring my artistic side over the summer, and I’m even taking a beginner art class this semester.

And I love checking out the local art of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. LuLu’s Fresh Art Market has been a fun activity this summer (it’s every Saturday until Labor Day). Not only are the arts and crafts from local artists, but part of the sales proceeds go to the Baldwin County Public Schools fine arts department—so it’s buying for a good cause! I also have a renewed interest in the local museums and art galleries, particularly the Orange Beach Art Center (also local artists).

It’s really pretty inspiring to see others’ interpretations of the area. OrangeBeachToday.com has listings of area art galleries and museums.

Free Activities

Let’s face it: summer jobs for vacationing students just don’t pay that well. On top of that, I’m trying to save some money to put toward a car. So there just isn’t much left over for recreation.

Luckily, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer lots of activities that don’t cost anything. Hands down, the beaches alone are a great place to just hang out, walk around, sun bathe, play a little beach volleyball…whatever. It never gets old. And I’ve mentioned before how I like nature—the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry trail is an awesome hiking/biking trail. And if you like history (one of my favorite subjects), there are tons of places to visit: the Gulf Shores Museum is pretty neat, and the Civil War Trail combines nature and history.

If you need more ideas, Brett/Robinson provides an excellent “Free and Fabulous” itinerary. Check it out here.

Calling All Nature Lovers

I love nature. One of my favorite things about the Alabama Gulf Coast is all the places to observe and learn about nature (learning during the summer can be cool!). There are lots of parks and nature trails that are really pretty (and free). And the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is always fun.

One of my favorite places is the Biophilia Nature Center. This place has all kinds of stuff: carnivorous plants, butterfly nurseries, forests, birds and turtles (I love turtles), and a guide to explain all of it. Plus they have a nature library and bookstore, so you can take some nature knowledge home with you—or buy a present for someone (hint hint, Christmas isn’t that far away).

I highly recommend that anyone visiting the area check out this or any of the other local nature attractions.

Time for Some Tennis

I’m taking tennis lessons this summer, which is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but have never gotten around to. As it turns out, I’m pretty good at it—Wimbledon, here I come!

Ok, obviously I’m not that good. But I am looking forward to challenging a friend of mine who’s coming down later this summer with her family. She’s always been really into tennis and, of course, would always beat me (to put it mildly). This year I think I may actually be able to hang with her for a couple sets.

They’re staying at Gulf Shores Surf & Racquet, which has great tennis courts right next to the water…such an amazing view when you’re tossing up a serve! Can’t wait to play there!

Spa Variety

A perfect summer day for me is spending the morning on the beach, then heading to a spa for a little me-treatment: a facial, a pedicure, maybe even a massage (once in a while). So relaxing!

My biggest problem concerning the spas in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area is that there are so many to choose from. I wish I could try them all! But obviously I don’t have the time (or the money) to do this. I do have a couple favorites, and once in a while I’ll try a new place.

There are a couple Brett/Robinson vacation packages that include spa services. One is the spa package (obviously!), which can include everything from facials to full body massages. The other is the girls’ getaway package—a 50-minute full body massage is included in this deal.

Lazy River

Now that school’s out, I am totally enjoying every lazy moment I can (when I’m not at my summer job or hangin’ with friends, of course). One of my favorite ways to be lazy is to seek out a lazy river and let the current carry me along.

I don’t know what it is about these rivers, but they never get old for me. They’re so refreshing on a hot day, and I love the feeling of floating languidly without any cares. So relaxing.

Several of the Brett/Robinson condos have lazy rivers. You can check out their website to browse their properties and view pictures of the rivers and pools.

Balloon Festival

So the 6th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is coming up on Friday, June 18th (it goes until the 20th). I absolutely love this festival. First of all, there are like 45 balloons floating around the sky, which is almost surreal to see.

But there’s more involved than just the balloons: live entertainment, arts and crafts, and, my personal favorite, a Frisbee dog show. And I heard that this year they’re adding to the fun in the sky with an event that will involve 60 airborne kites throughout the day. So fun!

You can click here to learn more about this family-friendly event.

I Feel a Shopping Spree Coming On....

Ok, beach season is right around the corner, and I desperately need to go shopping. No way can I be seen on the beaches of Gulf Shores in the same clothes as last year!

I have two favorite places for summer shopping. The first is the Tanger Outlet Center in Foley. They have everything—brand name merchandise and discounted prices. That’s just a magical combination.

My other favorite shopping spot is SanRoc Cay, particularly the swimwear boutique—it’s the perfect place to find a stylish new swimsuit! Lots of other cool clothing stores, too.

All of you out-of-towners should check out Brett/Robinson’s list of shopping spots. Book a stay at one of their properties, too—they’re really close to all the shopping action!

Let's Go to the Zoo!

Ok, sometimes it is really fun to do the things I enjoyed as a kid, and one thing I personally always enjoyed was going to the zoo. I’ve always loved animals—my dream job as a child was to become a vet (not anymore, as I’ve discovered I’m not so hot at biology).

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has so many different animals and exhibits. My favorites are the Outback and tiger encounters. Yes, I said “tiger encounters,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like: one-on-one time with cute baby tigers.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is really close to many of the Brett/Robinson properties, (http://www.brett-robinson.com) so check them out, and see what else other fun activities and attractions are nearby.

So Much to Do

Spring break at the Alabama Gulf Coast is awesome. The weather’s been great—plenty of opportunities to show off my new bikinis on the fabulous beaches.

But it’s not just about the beaches. There are so many fun activities going on in April: an arts festival, the Foley Flower and Garden Extravaganza, and Tim McGraw is performing at the Amphitheater in Orange Beach. So fun!

There’s other stuff coming up, too, if you missed out on April’s festivities. (The Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival is in May!) Check out Brett/Robinson’s calendar of events to see what’s happening this spring and summer.