Shirley Poole, Author at

Celebrate fall and the Thanksgiving holiday with a break to a beach locale full of fun, sun, sand, and water. Make this trip memorable with a trip to the beach and crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the Alabama shores. Choose Fort Morgan and the surrounding area for your ultimate destination and start planning the fun to come. There are plenty of things to see and do while you’re here, including special Fort Morgan Thanksgiving activities. First, you’ll want to make sure to book a private vacation rental with Poole & Associates so you can enjoy time with loved ones. If you can’t stand a moment away from your furry family members, ask about our pet-friendly rentals and bring them along for the Thanksgiving fun!

Coastal Half Marathon/5K/1 Mile Run

Lace up your running shoes and burn off some of the Thanksgiving meal. Enter your race of choice and prepare to walk or run your way to the finish. The route weaves through Gulf State Park and the scenic paved Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system. Everyone gets a finisher’s medal, and awards go to the top 3 in each age group. The 2023 Coastal Half Marathon, 5K, & 1 Mile run is on Saturday, November 25, 2023. The half marathon begins at 8 a.m., the 5K begins at 8:10 a.m., and the 1-mile fun run begins at 8:20 a.m.

Thanksgiving Dinner

You can host the elaborate meal at your accommodations provided by Poole & Associates! Each of our homes offer a fully equipped kitchen with all the basics for your holiday meal. If you’re taking a vacation from preparing the big meal yourself, there are plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area serving up the deliciousness. Flora-Bama hosts and annual Thanksgiving potluck – they provide the meat and guests provide a side dish in a covered platter with serving utensil. Other restaurants include Bubba’s Seafood House, Cobalt, and Fisher’s, all in nearby Orange Beach. Each establishment will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Contact your restaurant of choice for details, and to make reservations if necessary.

Beach Time

A beach vacation should include plenty of beach time. Spend time swimming, sunbathing, or with more adrenaline-pumping activities like parasailing during the day. Change up your exercise routine with a run or walk on the beach. After the big meal, wrap up some leftovers and have a beach picnic!

Glow Kayaking

Change your serene paddle around the water in the morning for a serene paddle through nighttime waters. The waters around Bird Island are the perfect place. Experience kayaking in the light of the setting sun and through the night rather than the rising sun with a glow kayaking tour. The nighttime-only trips are taken on clear-body kayaks outfitted with special underwater LED lights. You’ll light up the night and the water like you’ve never seen before. Choose a color or color pattern for the lights that suits your mood. Look down through the bottom of your boat not just for the lights, but to see the beautiful and majestic creatures of the area swimming below you. You can choose a two-person kayak or stick close to one another during the paddle while still controlling your own vessel.

Escape Rooms

As one of the most popular indoor activities in the last several years, escape room facilities are popping up everywhere, the Alabama Gulf Coast is no exception. Rooms are rated by difficulty and even come with age and group-size suggestions. If it’s just you and your love, you’ll likely get grouped with others. Work together to solve themes like Insane Asylum, CSI: Gulf Shores, Movie Night, and many others that give your brain a workout. There may even be a holiday-themed room to investigate. Solve all the clues and break out in 60 minutes to win!

Sunset Cruise

There are plenty of boat charter companies that offer sunset cruises through the waters of Fort Morgan and the surrounding area. Watch the sunset as the captain navigates you through the water, searching for dolphins, aquatic birds, and more. Select companies allow you to bring your own food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, on board.

Thanksgiving on the Alabama Gulf Coast

When you and book a Thanksgiving getaway with Poole & Associates, you won’t be short on amazing activities to fill your time during your holiday adventure. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental, or enjoy the myriad of other activities available to help build a Fort Morgan Thanksgiving vacation unique to you and your loved ones. We have everything from 1-bedroom units for a sweetheart getaway, all the way up to 4-bedroom homes to house everyone this Thanksgiving. Savor the taste of home when you prepare the Thanksgiving feast or any meal in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in a private bedroom or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite holiday movies together on a flatscreen TV with entertainment center in the living or entertainment space.

Celebrate your love with a getaway for you and your sweetheart. If you’re on a trip with others, take some time away from the group to reconnect on a special date. No matter how you carve out time together, there are plenty of places for a romantic date on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Make that getaway to a place full of fun, sun, sand, and water when you choose Gulf Shores. Get things started out right and book a private vacation rental in Gulf Shores with Poole & Associates so you can enjoy some time together whenever you please. If you can’t stand a moment away from your furry family members, ask about pet-friendly rentals and bring them along!

Romantic Beach Time

While you may have spent the day swimming, lounging in the sand, or more adrenaline-pumping activities like parasailing during the day, the beach at night can be a romantic scene. Take a stroll hand-in-hand along the sand. Wander close to the water and slip off your shoes, letting the waves lap over your feet. Spread out a blanket and watch the sunset with a beach picnic, then head back to your accommodations and finish the night with a drink.

Dinner Out

The Alabama Gulf Coast has a myriad of options. Get dressed up a bit and choose a seafood dinner with Gulf front views at Voyagers at Perdido Beach Resort. Enjoy some live entertainment while you dine at Ginny Lane Bar and Grill at the Wharf. Choose from USDA prime beef, free-range chicken, fresh seafood, and more. If the kids do need to tag along, there are options for them, too. More relaxed atmospheres like Tacky Jacks, The Hangout, and others are not just area staples, but a more relaxed atmosphere catering to kids and adults.

Dinner In

If the trip is just you and your sweetheart, plan a romantic dinner in. The fully equipped kitchen in your unit is ready to handle any meal! Choose to cook a favorite meal together with fresh ingredients from the local market. Surprise your love and make the meal yourself. You’ll have everything you need, from utensils to cookware, right at your fingertips.

Glow Kayaking

You may like taking a serene paddle around the water in the morning before the water and beach get busy for the day. The calmer waters around Bird Island are the perfect place. Several kayak tour companies want you to consider something different: glow kayaking. The nighttime-only trips are taken on clear-body kayaks outfitted with special underwater LED lights to light up the night and the water like you’ve never seen before. You can choose a color or color pattern that suits you mood. Look down through the bottom of your boat not just for the lights, but to see the beautiful creatures swimming below you. You can choose a two-person kayak or stick close to one another during the paddle but control your own vessel.

Escape Rooms

As one of the most popular indoor activities in the last several years, escape room facilities are popping up everywhere, including the Alabama Gulf Coast. Get out of the sun and into the air conditioning to test your logic skills. Rooms are rated by difficulty and even come with age and group-size suggestions. If it’s just you and your love, you’ll likely get grouped with others. If you’ve come with multiple other couples, you’ll be able to work together. Enjoy themes like Insane Asylum, CSI: Gulf Shores, Movie Night, and many others that give your brain a workout. Solve all the clues and break out in 60 minutes to win!

Sunset Cruise

End the day with a sunset cruise. There are plenty of boat charter companies that offer sunset cruises through the waters of Gulf Shores and the surrounding area. Watch the sunset as the captain navigates you through the water, searching for dolphins, aquatic birds, and more. Sip an adult beverage as you take in the beautiful Alabama coast and Gulf waters with your sweetheart for a great way to end any day of your stay.

Come Stay with Us

When you book a getaway with your sweetheart with Poole & Associates, you won’t be short on amazing activities to fill your time. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental, or enjoy the myriad of other activities available. There are also a number of ways to plan a special and fun date during your trip. For your intimate stay, choose a 1-bedroom unit. When you fall in love with the location, or if you made the trip with multiple couples, book a 4-bedroom unit. Savor the taste of home when you prepare a home-cooked meal in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in your own private bedroom or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite romantic movie together on a flat-screen TV.

Warm up with a vacation to a beach locale full of summer fun, sun, sand, warmth, and water this Halloween. Make this trip memorable with a trip to the beach and crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the Alabama shores. Choose Gulf Shores and the surrounding area as your ultimate destination and start planning the fun to come. There are plenty of things to see and do while you’re here, indoors and out, Halloween-themed and year-round excitement. First, you’ll want to make sure to book a private vacation rental with Poole & Associates to spend Halloween in Gulf Shores, AL so you can enjoy time with loved ones in private. If you can’t stand a moment away from your furriest family members, ask about pet-friendly rentals and bring them along!

Flora-Bama

Have some adults-only Halloween fun. Come in your Halloween best and get in FREE, then celebrate with a costume contest. Register for the contest on-site by 8:30 p.m. Contestants will lineup at 8:45 p.m., and the contest starts at 9 p.m. in the big tent. Get $600 for first place, $500 for second, and $400 for third. Festivities take place October 31, and Flora-Bama is located in Perdido Key, Florida at 17401 Perdido Key Drive.

Beach Time

You and your loved ones chose a beach destination for your Halloween escape for a reason: the warmth and sun of the beach. Take part in any of the area’s lazy beach activities. Lay out and sunbathe, plant a beach umbrella and spread out a blanket for a picnic, take a swim in the Gulf, or whatever other beach fun you can think of. Turn up the adrenaline with activities like parasailing, SCUBA diving, or snorkeling. Wind down with a sunset cruise or wildlife-watching cruise at the end of the day.

Gulf Shores Dog Park

For families or groups bringing along their pets this Halloween, Gulf Shores has plenty of fun for them, too. The park has a large fenced-in green area where both large and small dogs can get their zoomies out and meet new furry friends. Humans can sit and socialize too, but make sure to keep an eye on your pup and clean up after them with the provided waste bag stations. You can bring water for yourself, but the park conveniently provides water for the pups!

Gulf State Park

Wander two miles of Gulf beachfront, swim, surf, build sandcastles, and enjoy a myriad of other beach activities with loved ones this Halloween. Have a beach picnic or move it to the pavilion for a bit of shade while you eat. If there are anglers in the group, bring along some gear for some time at the pier. For those looking for an adventure, try kayaking or soaring above the waves parasailing.

Fort Morgan Road Trail

The 5.6-mile asphalt trail starts just outside the western border of Gulf State Park and offers a fun way to exercise and see the sights at the same time. The trail runs parallel to Fort Morgan Road/Highway 180 and stretches west through Gulf Shores through tree-lined areas and neighborhoods, and finally ending at the Peninsula Golf Club. The mostly flat trail is an easy hike or bike for most. The eastern end has only a few gentle climbs, but you can add some difficulty on that end and continue on through Gulf State Park’s Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trails.

Gulf Shores Museum

Take a trip through local history this Halloween. The unique museum of Gulf Shores’ history starts with its unique location. The museum, located in a house that stood as the beach house of Valerie Cole’s family from Mobile, dates back to before World War II. The family donated the structure, originally located in West Beach. The house has stood in its current locale since Hurricane Frederic in 1979. The museum houses a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits telling the story of local history. It also offers various programs and activities for all ages and many interests, year-round.

Souvenir City

Part of your Halloween activities in Gulf Shores may include shopping. While you’ll collect souvenirs and mementos from your many beach adventures and other activities, the aptly named shop reportedly has “thousands of gifts for everyone on your list” so you’re bound to find something to remember your time here. It may even have a spooky theme to it! The shop has been a Gulf Shores staple since 1956 and is open daily.

Celebrate Halloween in Gulf Shores

When you and your loved ones book a Halloween getaway to Gulf Shores with Poole & Associates, you won’t be short on amazing activities to fill your time. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental, or enjoy the myriad of other activities available to help build a one-of-a-kind Gulf Shores vacation. We have everything from one-bedroom units for a solo spooky excursion up to four-bedroom homes to include all your loved ones in the spooky fun. Savor the taste of home when you prepare a home-cooked meal in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in a private bedroom or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite Halloween movies together on a flatscreen TV with an entertainment center in the living or entertainment space.

On your next vacation, you’ll want to capture all the fun and relaxation you enjoy. Post to social media to brag or keep them for yourself to remember all of your Orange Beach experiences. Make this Orange Beach trip memorable and score some beautiful and stunning pictures with a trip to the beach and crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the Alabama shores. Choose Orange Beach and the surrounding area as your ultimate destination and start planning the fun, sun, sand, and water-filled days that will no doubt be picture perfect. There are plenty of things to see and do while you’re here, indoors and out, and make sure to snap a pic at each locale. First, you’ll want to make sure to book a private vacation rental with Poole & Associates so you can enjoy time with loved ones in private when you’re not out getting pictures and experiencing the beach.

The Wharf Murals

Many popular vacation locations have fun, postcard-like murals with phrases like “Greetings From Orange Beach!” and other captions. The Wharf in Orange Beach is no exception. Near the movie theater you’ll find such an eye-catching mural on the side of Pepper Palace. Another mural, geared toward the anglers of the group, can be found on the side of The Spice & Tea Exchange, while yet another that everyone will love can be found by The Wharf Store.

The Wharf Ferris Wheel

Another picture-worthy spot at The Wharf is the Ferris wheel. The towering wheel stands 112-feet tall and is one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. Come in the evening to snap a pic in front of the wheel’s color-changing lights, then hop aboard to get breathtaking views from up high.

Cool Shots Selfie Museum

There’s no better place to take a selfie than a museum that celebrates the art. Located at The Wharf, the 4,900-square-foot facility boasts 50 fun and immersive backdrops for your selfies of you and all your loved ones.

Souvenir City

This is a “two birds with one stone” kind of place. The entrance boasts an awesome and enormous great white shark. You’ll enter through the toothy jaws, but don’t worry about getting bitten. Take your pic, then head inside to find fun and interesting souvenirs “for everyone one your list.” The store has been a staple of the Gulf Shores area since 1956.

The Hangout

A great place to “hang out,” the waterfront restaurant also has several great photo ops. Take a seat and snap a pic in the giant Adirondack chair. Head inside for a shot in front of the wall of vintage lunch boxes or pose with the surfer statue. The big can’t-miss is the giant Shaka! Make sure to raise your own before taking a picture.

Flora-Bama State Line

Several other spots in the country celebrate the meeting of two or more states. Orange Beach is no different. Make your way to the famed Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar and be sure to snap some pics. The restaurant is billed as the “last great American roadhouse” its address is in Florida, just barely over the Alabama/Florida state line. Make sure to get a picture of the sign marking the exact spot where the two states meet.

Adirondack Chairs

While The Hangout has its own, there are others scattered all around Orange Beach and the surrounding area. Sit back and relax in the wooden chairs, and make sure to take a few pics – of the chairs as well as you seated in them. Most visitors flock to the ones found at the Gulf Shores City Store or the Orange Beach Waterfront Park pier.

Bamahenge

If you can’t make it to Stonehenge in England, stop at the one in Orange Beach! Just north of the beach at Barber Marina, you’ll find a full-scale replica of stunning prehistoric monument. Made out of fiberglass, the megaliths are aligned with the summer solstice, meaning if you plan your trip right, your pictures will mimic the original!

Picture Perfect Orange Beach

When you and your loved ones book a picture taking-filled getaway to Orange Beach with Poole & Associates, you won’t be short on amazing activities to fill your time. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental, or enjoy the myriad of other activities available to help build a picture perfect Orange Beach vacation that is uniquely yours. Choose from a one-bedroom unit all the way up to a four-bedroom home. Savor the taste of home when you prepare a home-cooked meal in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in a private bedroom or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite movies together on a flat screen TV with entertainment center in the living or entertainment space.

If you have upcoming vacation time, make the most of it with a beach getaway. Get a dose of fun, sun, sand, and water when you choose Orange Beach. There are plenty of fun activities and attractions in Orange Beach and the surrounding area, with plenty that appeal to everyone in your group! Many of the businesses you’ll visit are local – only found in Orange Beach. They’re also locally owned and operated, so you’ll enjoy a true Orange Beach experience when you shop there. Make your first step in shopping local during your Orange Beach retreat by booking a private vacation rental with Poole & Associates to get plenty of rest and relaxation along with your Orange Beach vacation.

Souvenir City

If you’re hoping to shop local, you won’t want to miss this stop. The shop has been a Gulf Shores staple since 1956 and is open daily. While you’ll likely collect souvenirs from the things you do, like beach adventures and other Orange Beach experiences, the shop has “thousands of gifts for everyone on your list.” You will no doubt find something to remember your Orange Beach vacation of a lifetime.

Chocolate Corner & Ice Cream

Choose from chocolate clusters in peanut, coconut, or pecan, caramels wrapped in milk or dark chocolate, or creams in flavors like chocolate, maple, lemon, raspberry, and more. Homemade chocolates include hand-dipped Oreos, pretzels, graham crackers, Nutter Butters, and various seasonal selections. There are also “fudge cups,” gourmet truffles, and a variety of Blue Bell ice cream flavors. If none of that sounds tempting, try a smoothie or shake, or your favorite coffee drink.

Bungalows

The Wharf is one of the best places to enjoy on an Orange Beach getaway. There are shops, dining, and other fun activities, all in one place! Pick up accessories, jewelry, clothes, and more. They even offer a monogramming service to give items a personal touch you won’t find at other stores.

Spa Day

Many of the spas you’ll find in Orange Beach and the surrounding area are local. Pamper yourself with a mani/pedi, facial, body wrap or scrub, massage, and more. Most spas offer couples’ services for a romantic getaway. Some even offer men’s services that cater to their specific needs.

Beach Jerky

It’s like being a kid in a candy store – if your candy is jerky. Select over 100 varieties of jerky “by the bag,” with each made right in the U.S.A.! They offer traditional beef jerky, as well as more exotic offerings like buffalo, elk, deer, ahi tuna, salmon, wild boar, and even alligator! You won’t walk away with just jerky. They offer sauces, seasonings/rubs, and more.

Retro Road Trip

Step back in time. Full of retro fun and treats, the adults and the kids of the group will love making a stop here. Memorabilia of class bands, movies, TV shows, and more can be scored, including the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Andy Griffith, and many others. If you’re looking for a Peace Frog or other groovy item like a lava lamp, they have some of those, too. Satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with retro candies including saltwater taffy and giant lollipops, as well as over 100 different flavors of soda in retro glass bottles.

Orange Beach Store

If you’re looking for something that’s truly “Orange Beach,” make sure to stop in. The offer apparel, beach towels, car tags, stickers, can koozies, mugs, and even Orange Beach brand seasonings and spices!

Tullulah’s Treasures

Step in and find apparel in cool, beachy, breezy colors and patterns. Items are perfect for wearing to the beach or to many of the casual beachfront restaurants in Orange Beach. Find a piece of jewelry, home goods, or other accessory to take home. Many pieces are handcrafted here in Orange Beach by local artists and artisans.

Shopping Local While in Orange Beach

When you and book a getaway with Poole & Associates, you’ll be shopping local! We’re a local business staffed by local residents. We use local providers to make sure each of our properties is in top shape when you stay with us!

When you stay in Orange Beach with us, you won’t be short on amazing activities provided by local businesses to fill your time. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental, or experience the myriad of indoor activities available to help build your unique Orange Beach vacation. We have homes all the way up to four bedrooms so all everyone can stay together in one place. Savor the taste of home when you prepare a home-cooked meal in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Spread out in spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in private bedrooms or gather some snacks and enjoy a favorite movie or TV show together on a flat screen TV.

If you’re in search of a way to celebrate spring, the shores of Alabama and the Fort Morgan area are the perfect places! It’s full of fun, sun, sand, and summertime festivals and events for you to enjoy. No matter what your interest is, you can likely find a celebration for it! If the festival celebrating your favorite thing isn’t available in the summer, check back throughout the year to see exactly when we celebrate some of your favorite things to do in Fort Morgan.

Sparks After Dark

Every year, May-July, neighboring Orange Beach puts on a weekly fireworks display that’s a can’t-miss for your summer vacation itinerary. The Wharf shopping center boasts dozens of local and national-brand shops, dining, and more where you can spend the day. Then, when the sun sinks below the water of the Gulf, the sky lights up. The day’s festivities also include magicians, stilt walkers, jugglers, camel rides, and a DJ spinning tunes perfect for dancing the night away. Cap the night with the fireworks show as well as a SPECTRA Laser Light Experience. The event takes place 6-9 p.m. Mondays, May 29-July 31. Fireworks begin at 8:45 p.m., and the laser light show can be seen at 8:30, 9, and 9:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free, and camel rides are $10/person.

Music at Meyer Park

Neighboring Gulf Shores knows how to party the summer away with music, food, and fun. The concerts are free and open to the public and go on rain or shine. This summer’s remaining dates are July 20 and August 17, so make sure to add them to your itinerary should your visit include those dates. Shows begin at 6 p.m. Meyer Park is located at 400 E. 22^nd Ave in Gulf Shores, and the backup indoor location is Big Beach Brewery, located at 300 E 24^th Ave in Gulf Shores.

Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate independence this summer during your trip to Fort Morgan and the surrounding area. Nearby Gulf Shores celebrate with a bang. The show begins at 9 p.m. on July 4^th at the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier.

S’mores on the Shore

When you picture a beach summer you may think of waves crashing on the shore, soft sand in your toes, and a beach bonfire lighting up the night as you sit around it. Neighboring Gulf Shores knows the feeling and provides it along with plenty of other summer fun. The official celebration includes campfires, live music, and of course all the makings for delicious s’mores treats. Head to the west end of Gulf Shores Public Beach for the family-friendly event. Bring your beach blanket, chairs, and whatever you need for a fun time at the beach. The event starts at 3 p.m. on August 3.

Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach

Since fall doesn’t officially start until September 23, hop over to Perdido Key in Pensacola, FL, just 30 minutes from Gulf Shores for plenty of rodeo fun. The annual competition is full of adrenaline-pumping bull riding – it’ll get your blood pounding while you watch! The three-night event features professional bull riders from all over the U.S. There will also be a Junior Riders tournament on Miniature Bulls, a coloring contest for kids 12 and under, and a bike giveaway (2 winners). The three-day event runs September 7-9 and includes music, food, and fun, and the kids’ bull riding event takes place September 7. Tickets go on sale July 4. Gates open nightly at 6 p.m. and the rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Find the coloring page for the coloring contest on the official event website. The venue is located at 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507

Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon

The traditional triathlon competition is one of the summer’s last events and includes a swim in the Gulf, a bike race, and a running course. The 16th annual event gives you a choice between an Olympic distance triathlon or a beginner-friendly Coastal “Tri-It-On” Triathlon. The start/finish line, packet pickup, and post-race party are all at The Hangout, a 1950s-era beachside hangout located at 101 E. Beach Blvd in Gulf Shores. This year’s race starts at 7 a.m. on September 9.

Celebrate Summer in Fort Morgan

When you and book a summer getaway to Fort Morgan that includes the fun of an event or festival, you’re sure to have a fun, relaxing stay. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental provided by Poole & Associates, or enjoy all of the event’s daily activities and create a vacation that is uniquely yours. For a celebration that’s just for you or you and your sweetheart, choose a one-bedroom unit. If you’ve chosen an event that appeals to all of your loved ones, book a four-bedroom unit. Savor the taste of home when you prepare a home-cooked meal in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen, then enjoy spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in a private bedroom or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite movie together on a flat-screen TV.

Celebrate summer and independence with a break to a beach locale full of fun, sun, sand, and water. Make this trip memorable with a trip to the beach and crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the Alabama shores. Choose Gulf Shores and the surrounding area for your ultimate destination and start planning the fun with these Gulf Shores 4th of July events. There are plenty of things to see and do while you’re here, but you’ll want to make sure to book a private vacation rental with Poole & Associates so you can enjoy time with loved ones privately. If you can’t stand a moment away from your fur babies, ask about pet-friendly rentals and bring them along!

Gulf Shores Independence Day Celebration

The City of Gulf Shores celebrates Independence Day with a bang. The display starts at 9 p.m. on July 4^th and will be based at the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. Starting at 7 a.m., the pier will close for setup and reopen to the public 100 feet north of the launch site. At 8:30 p.m. the pier and on-site restaurant will close in anticipation of the beginning of the show. The pier will reopen to the public at 6 a.m. on July 5.

Shark Run

Get your exercise in during your vacation and join the 9^th annual Shark Run in Orange Beach. You can register on the event website, and packet pickup information will follow in late June. The first 350 to register get a custom Shark Run shirt limited edition from the rest of the shirts. Everyone gets a finishers medal, and there are custom age group awards for 5K runners. The 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun run starts at 7 a.m. The race is part of the “Run the Coast Summer Series,” which includes the Labor Day 8^th annual Bloody Mary 5K run/1-mile walk.

Fort Morgan Road Trail

Change up your exercise routine on vacation. In addition to the Shark Run, the 5.6-mile asphalt Fort Morgan Road Trail starts just outside the western border of Gulf State Park, runs parallel to Fort Morgan Road/Highway 180 and stretches west through Gulf Shores, tree-lined areas, and neighborhoods, finally ending at the Peninsula Golf Club. The mostly flat surface trail is an easy hike or bike, with the eastern end having only a few gentle climbs. Add some difficulty on the eastern end and continue on through Gulf State Park’s Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trails.

Beach Time

You and your loved ones chose a beach destination this 4th of July for a reason: the beach. Enjoy lazy beach activities, like sunbathing, planting a beach umbrella and spreading out a blanket for a picnic, taking a swim in the Gulf, and more. Get an adrenaline boost with activities like parasailing or snorkeling, then calm down with a sunset or wildlife-watching cruise.

Gulf Shores Museum

Learn about Gulf Shores and the surrounding area. The museum is located in what was the beach house of Valerie Cole’s family from Mobile, and dates back to before World War II. The family donated the structure, originally in West Beach, which was moved to its current home after Hurricane Frederic in 1979. The museum boasts many permanent and temporary exhibits that tell Gulf Shores’ history, as well as offering various programs and activities for all ages and many interests.

Gulf State Park

Wander two miles of Gulf beachfront, swim, surf, build sandcastles, and enjoy a myriad of other beach activities. Have a beach picnic or move it to the beach pavilion for a bit of shade while you eat. If you and your loved ones like to fish, bring some gear and spend some time at the pier. For those looking for an adventure, try kayaking or parasailing. Keep in mind the pier will close at 7 a.m. on July 4^th for the fireworks display, but reopens at 6 a.m. July 5^th.

Souvenir City

It’s a souvenir store and a local attraction! While you’ll collect souvenirs from your many 4^th of July beach adventures and other activities, the shop has “thousands of gifts for everyone on your list” so you’re bound to find something to remember your time here. The shop has been a Gulf Shores staple since 1956 and has daily hours.

Celebrate 4th of July in Gulf Shores

When you book a 4th of July getaway with Poole & Associates, you won’t be short on amazing activities to fill your time during your Gulf Shores holiday adventure. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental, or enjoy the myriad of other activities available to help build a 4^th of July Gulf Shores vacation that is uniquely yours. We have everything from one-bedroom units up to four-bedroom homes. Prepare a home-cooked meal, or fixings for a 4^th of July cookout in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in a private bedroom or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite movies together on a flat screen TV with entertainment center.

A visit to the Alabama coast may be just what the doctor ordered – for you, and your kids. Get a dose of fun, sun, sand, and water when you choose Orange Beach. There are plenty of fun attractions and activities in Orange Beach and the surrounding area, with plenty that appeal to kids and kids of all ages! Make sure to book a private vacation rental with Poole & Associates to get plenty of rest and relaxation along with your action-packed Orange Beach vacation. If your fur babies are joining you, ask about pet-friendly rentals!

Beach Time

You’ve planned plenty of beach time just by coming to a beach destination like Gulf Shores. Choose from activities like laying out and sunbathing while the kids build sandcastles, planting a beach umbrella and spreading out a blanket and reading or having a family picnic, taking a swim in the Gulf, or getting some exercise with the whole family and taking the kids for a stroll on the beach. The kids will also love snorkeling or surfing lessons!

Festivals

Check the calendar and plan your vacation around a festival that celebrates your favorite things. From the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival celebrating the first mode of air travel. They’ll also love the family-friendly 4^th of July, special winter holiday celebrations, and more.

Gulf Shores Dog Park

For families or groups bringing along their pets, Orange Beach and the surrounding area have plenty of fun for them, too. The Gulf Shores Dog Park has a large fenced-in green area where both large and small dogs can get their zoomies out. Humans can sit and socialize, too, but make sure to keep an eye on your pup and clean up after them using the provided waste bag stations. You can bring water for yourself, but the park provides water for the pets! Kids will love watching their own dog play, but make sure to ask permission before they interact with anyone else’s pet.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Take the kids for a walk on the wild side! You and the kids will see over 100 species, including 22 critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, or near-threatened species. Marvel at residents like the African grey crowned crane, a Eurasian lynx, lemurs, various reptiles, and more. For everyone from the littlest guests to guests young at heart, there’s a petting zoo where everyone can pet goats, sheep, donkeys, and deer. Ask about close-up private encounters where you can touch, hold, feed, and learn about friendlier animals like two-toed sloths and others.

Gulf State Park

Wander two miles of Gulf beachfront, swim, surf, build sandcastles, and enjoy any and all of the beach activities you can think of with the kids. The park also has a beach pavilion where you can picnic or gather to celebrate together. If there are anglers in the group, they’ll want to bring some gear and spend some time at the pier. For families looking for an extra adventure, try kayaking, parasailing, and more.

Fort Morgan Road Trail

Lace up everyone’s hiking shoes, or rent some bikes, grab plenty of water and your sun gear, and head out on an adventure. The 5.6-mile asphalt trail starts just outside the western border of Gulf State Park and stretches west through Gulf Shores. The path runs parallel to Fort Morgan Road/Highway 180, through tree-lined areas and neighborhoods, finally ending at the Peninsula Golf Club. The trail is an easy hike or bike, as it’s mostly a flat surface that’s kid-friendly, but the eastern end of the trail has only a few gentle climbs. Bring a camera and plan a few stops to take in the scenery. If the kids are up for it, add some difficulty on the eastern end and continue on through Gulf State Park’s Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trails.

Gulf Shores Museum

Save this history lesson for last! The Gulf Shores Museum is located in a house that dates back to before World War II and was used as the beach house of Valerie Cole’s family from Mobile. Originally built in West Beach, the family donated the structure, and it was moved from that original location to its current home after Hurricane Frederic in 1979. The museum features permanent and temporary exhibits that tell the story of Gulf Shores’ history and offers various programs and activities for all ages.

Bring the Kids to Orange Beach

When you book a getaway with Poole & Associates, you won’t be short on amazing activities to fill your time. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental, or experience the myriad of activities available to help build your unique Orange Beach vacation. We have homes all the way up to four bedrooms so the whole family can stay together in one place. Savor the taste of home when you prepare a home-cooked meal in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Spread out in spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in private bedrooms or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite movie or TV show together on a flat screen TV.

Celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer with a break to a beach locale full of summer fun, sun, sand, and water. Make this trip memorable with a trip to the beach and crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the Alabama shores. Choose Fort Morgan and the surrounding area for your ultimate destination and start planning the fun. There are plenty of things to see and do while you’re spending Memorial Day in Fort Morgan, but you’ll want to make sure to book a private vacation rental with Poole & Associates so you can enjoy time with loved ones privately. If you can’t stand a moment away from your furry family members, ask about pet-friendly rentals and bring them along!

Beach Time

You and your loved ones chose a beach destination this Memorial Day for a reason: the beach. You can choose to take part in any of the area’s lazy beach activities, when you lay out and sunbathe, plant a beach umbrella and spread out a blanket for a picnic, take a swim in the Gulf, or whatever other beach fun you can think of. Turn up the adrenaline with activities like parasailing, SCUBA diving, or snorkeling. Calm down with a sunset cruise or wildlife-watching cruise.

S’mores on the Shore

Summer is the season for ultimate fun in the area, and the Memorial Day holiday is no exception. Start your Memorial Day holiday a little early. Starting May 25, the City of Gulf Shores begins hosting the annual event. The family-friendly event is free and includes music, campfires, and all the ingredients you’ll need for delicious s’mores. Bring a beach blanket, chairs, and other beach gear for a fun and delicious day on the sand. The fun starts at 6 p.m. on the Gulf Shores Public Beach.

Fort Morgan Road Trail

Change up your exercise routine on vacation. The 5.6-mile asphalt trail starts just outside the western border of Gulf State Park and stretches west through Gulf Shores, runs parallel to Fort Morgan Road/Highway 180 through tree-lined areas and neighborhoods, finally ending at the Peninsula Golf Club. The mostly flat surface trail is an easy hike or bike, with the eastern having only a few gentle climbs. Add some difficulty on the eastern end and continue on through Gulf State Park’s Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trails.

Gulf Shores Museum

Learn about Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and the surrounding area. The museum is located in a house that dates back to before World War II and stood as the beach house of Valerie Cole’s family from Mobile. The family donated the structure, originally in West Beach, which was moved to its current home after Hurricane Frederic in 1979. The museum houses many permanent and temporary exhibits that tell the story of local history, as well as offering various programs and activities for all ages and many interests.

Gulf State Park

You and your loved ones can wander two miles of Gulf beachfront, swim, surf, build sandcastles, and enjoy a myriad of other beach activities. Have a beach picnic or move it to the beach pavilion for a bit of shade while you eat. If you and your loved ones like to fish, bring some gear and spend some time at the pier. For those looking for an adventure, try kayaking or parasailing.

Souvenir City

Part of your Memorial Day trip activities may include shopping for fun souvenirs. While you’ll collect souvenirs from your many beach adventures and other activities, the shop has “thousands of gifts for everyone on your list” so you’re bound to find something to remember your time here. The shop has been a Gulf Shores staple since 1956 and is open daily.

Spa Day

Relaxation is at the top of any vacationer’s list of things to do. There are several spas in Fort Morgan and the surrounding area that are ready to pamper you. Indulge in massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more. Some even offer salon services so you can walk away with a new cut, style, or color for head-to-toe refreshment.

Celebrate Memorial Day in Fort Morgan

When you book a Memorial Day getaway with Poole & Associates, you won’t be short on amazing activities to fill your time during the holiday adventure. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental, or enjoy the myriad of other activities available to help build a Fort Morgan vacation that is uniquely yours. We have everything from one-bedroom units up to four-bedroom homes. Savor the taste of home when you prepare a home-cooked meal in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in a private bedroom or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite movies together on a flat screen TV with entertainment center.

Whether it’s a reunion with friends you haven’t seen in a while, an annual getaway, bachelorette trip, or “just because,” you’ve planned a girls’ trip. Make this trip memorable with a trip to the beach and crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the Alabama shores. Choose Gulf Shores for your ultimate destination and start planning the fun. There are plenty of things to see and do while you’re here, but you’ll want to make sure to book a private vacation home in Gulf Shores with Poole & Associates so you can enjoy time with your girls in private. If you can’t stand a moment away from your furry family members, ask about pet-friendly rentals and bring them along!

Beach Time

You and your girls chose a beach destination for a reason: the beach. You can choose to lay out and sunbathe, plant a beach umbrella, and spread out a blanket for a picnic, take a swim in the Gulf, or whatever other beach fun you can think of. Turn up the adrenaline with activities like parasailing, SCUBA diving, or snorkeling. Calm down with a sunset cruise or wildlife-watching cruise.

Festivals

The need for a girls’ trip can come at any time of year. Plan your girls’ escape around an activity you all love and plan to attend a festival. You can make one of the festivals or events part of your vacation plans. Celebrate the area culture with the Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival in April, come for the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival or Hangout Music Festival in May, celebrate the Blue Angels’ homecoming in November, or another event you all love. Just check the Gulf Shores website to find out what kind of celebrations are going on during your stay.

Fort Morgan Road Trail

Get some exercise with the girls. The 5.6-mile asphalt trail starts just outside the western border of Gulf State Park and stretches west through Gulf Shores and runs parallel to Fort Morgan Road/Highway 180 and runs through tree-lined areas and neighborhoods, finally ending at the Peninsula Golf Club. The mostly flat surface trail is an easy hike or bike, and the eastern end has only a few gentle climbs. Add some difficulty on the eastern end and continue on through Gulf State Park’s Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trails.

Gulf Shores Museum

The museum is located in a house that dates back to before World War II and was used as the beach house of Valerie Cole’s family from Mobile. The family donated the structure, originally in West Beach, to its current home after Hurricane Frederic in 1979. The museum houses many permanent and temporary exhibits that tell the story of Gulf Shores’ history, as well as offering various programs and activities for all ages and many interests.

Gulf Shores Dog Park

For those of you who brought your pup along, they need some outdoor fun, too! The park has a large fenced-in green area where both large and small dogs can get their zoomies out. Their human companions can sit and socialize while keeping an eye on their pup and cleaning up after them using the provided waste bag stations. You can bring water for yourself, but the park provides water for your pup!

Gulf State Park

You and the girls can wander two miles of Gulf beachfront, swim, surf, build sand castles, and enjoy a myriad of other beach activities, or have a picnic in the beach pavilion. If you and your girls like to fish, you’ll want to bring some gear and spend some time at the pier. For those looking for an adventure, try kayaking or even parasailing!

Souvenir City

Part of your girls’ trip activities may include shopping, at least for fun souvenirs. The shop has been a Gulf Shores staple since 1956 and is open daily. While you’ll collect souvenirs from the things you do, like beach adventures, the shop has “thousands of gifts for everyone on your list,” so you’re bound to find something to remember your time here.

Spa Day

Relaxing with the girls is number one on your To Do List. There are several spas in the Gulf Shores area that are ready to pamper you. Indulge in massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more. Some even offer salon services so you can walk away with a new cut, style, or color for head-to-toe refreshment.

Girl Time in Gulf Shores

When you book a girls’ getaway with Poole & Associates, you won’t be short on amazing activities to fill your time. Enjoy the water, lounge around your rental, or enjoy the myriad of other activities available to help build a Gulf Shores vacation that is uniquely yours. We have everything from one-bedroom units up to a four-bedroom home. Savor the taste of home when you prepare a home-cooked meal in the unit’s fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy spacious living areas and private outdoor spaces like patios and balconies. Unwind in a private bedroom or gather some snacks and enjoy your favorite movies together on a flat screen TV.