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Alabama Gulf Coast

I had the opportunity to participate in the World Food Championship Blogger Summit which took place last October.  Even though I live in Murfreesboro, TN which is in close proximity to AL; I had never visited the Alabama Gulf Coast.  I wasn’t expecting much because I had these preconceived notions in my head about the beach being dirty or there wouldn’t be much to do in Alabama; but I was completely wrong.  To say the Alabama Gulf Coast surprised me is an understatement!   The beach was about as perfect as you can get, from the soft sand and clear waters; to adventure, fun, and relaxation all within a few hours of my doorstep.

 

 Beaches 

What better way to unwind and relax than laying out on the beach listening to the waves crashing, reading a good book, or just playing with your children.  I visited Gulf Shores and Orange Beach during the fall of  2016.  The weather was perfect and I swear I have never felt sand this soft before.  I am still amazed by the sand.   Even though the beaches are not private there is enough space to build sand castles, lounge, or just listen to music without bothering your neighbor.

 

Are you dreaming of warm days and mild nights?  The warm blue Gulf waters off of Alabama’s coast will make you forget all of your worries and relax.  The water was so warm that it literally felt like a sauna!  I surprised because it was so late in the year and I expected the water to be somewhat cool.  I enjoyed the warm waters and gentle waves, which are great for families or couples.  After a full day at the beach, my next task was figuring out what to eat for dinner.

The Food

Speaking of dinner, the biggest delight for me were the massive number of seafood restaurants.  Everyone knows how much I love seafood!!  If I could eat seafood every day I would, and Gulf Shores offered a variety of restaurants for every palate.  Two of my favorites were Acme and LuLu’s.  Both offer more than just great seafood, which is important because even though I love seafood my husband does not; so I have to make sure where ever we eat the menu offers a variety of dishes.  At LuLu’s you can sit waterside and watch the boats come while waiting for dinner.

 

My favorite was Acme because of the char grilled oysters.  Being a fan for years since I first ate at the one in the New Orleans French Quarter, I decided to give the one in Gulf Shores a try.  It is the largest, by far of any of the Acme Oyster Houses and has the same open concept.  The staff is just as friendly and prompt, and the char-grilled oysters did not disappoint.

 

Where to stay

I stayed at Turquoise Place and I don’t know where to start because this place was so AWESOME!  Every little detail from the decor to the amenities.  I loved the assigned parking and it’s all in a 3 level garage!  Wristbands that work as access cards similar to theme parks, which are ocean/waterproof.  It just made it easy to access your room without searching for keys.  The indoor pool was never busy and always clean, which included a sauna and steam room.  They also provide a FREE one at a time DVD rental.  My room was huge and opened up to an outside patio right on the beach.  If you decided you wanted to stay in and cook dinner instead of eating out; each unit is equipped with stainless steel appliances and utensils in the kitchen.  The living room was spacious and the bathrooms are huge!!  I will most definitely be going back.

 

 

A vacation to Gulf Shores offers the same sandy beaches,  outdoor adventures and great dining you’d find in other far away places, but Gulf Shores is a short drive from Tennessee, Arkansas, or Louisiana.   Have you vacationed in Gulf Shores?

 

 

 

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