I'm moving in...
This property was reserved by


westernideas

on

November 5, 2001

I will be moving my belongings in shortly.


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BR>    Our family has owned the home and property for more than a decade now and it has been truly amazing to see Gulf Shores prosper and grow.  Despite all the growth, however, you are still able to find yourself utterly alone on the beach without a care in the world.  
    Depending on tides, most days you are able to see straight down to the ocean floor through the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  Waves may climb as high as four to eight feet one day and be as smooth as a sheet of glass the next. 
    Whether you fancy walking along the along the snow white sands and collecting sand dollars as they tumble onto the shore or just stretching out on a blanket and taking in some sun, Gulf Shores offers something for everyone.
    Just down the road from the house sits the historic Fort Morgan.  Fort Morgan, in conjunction with Fort Gaines on the Western side of Mobile Bay, protected the Mobile harbor, considered the second most important harbor in Conferderate territory next to the Charleston harbor.  The two forts' cannons would be aimed at each other, setting up a crossfire the would keep the North's ships from entering the bay area.
   The Monitor Tecumseh, an ironclad warship, was sunk less than a mile off the coast.  Adm. David Farragut, who coined the phase "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead," was admiral of the Tecumseh when it  sank taking him with it.  Today flags, which can be seen from the south side of the Fort Morgan, mark it's watery grave.
    In addition to the fort itself, you can also walk through the barracks and restored homes in which the officers would resided.  A small museum depicting the history of the civil war and many artifacts from the time period are beautifully displayed at the fort.
    One of the highlights of touring the fort itself are the blood-stained steps.  One night, while several of the men stationed at Fort Morgan had been drinking, the fort was attacked.  An officer was killed when a cannon exploded because it had not been loaded correctly by the drunken serviceman. The officer's body rolled down the steps leaving blood can still been seen there today as a red/orange stain.
    The abundant wildlife of the Gulf Coast can be spotted everyday.  From the pompano fish that nibbles at your feet while you wade in the surf to the bald eagles that sometimes nest along Ft. Morgan Road.  The Bon Secour National Wildlife Preserve is located approximately four miles from the house.  The 6,200-acre refuge  is home to many species of animals and if you are up for a walk you might want to take a hike down to the 40-acre gator lake.  Just don't feed the animals.
Sport and recreational fishing abound in Gulf Shores.  For larger catch, it is almost necessary to charter a boat, not it is not uncommon to reel in 10-15 lb. Bluefish from the shore.  A word of warning though.  Going out to sea on a chartered boat can be fairly rough on those with weak stomachs.   Our family has had a lot of success with a scopalamine patch.

    For the golfers in the family, Gulf Shores offers more than enough new and established courses to keep you playing your whole vacation through.  Two 18-hole courses are located within five miles of the house with ten others a short distance away.   The following is a list of some of the courses in the area:
  KEVA DUNES.....................................(334) 540-7000
  THE PENINSULA...............................(334) 968-8008
  COTTON CREEK...............................(334) 968-7830
  GLEN LAKES......................................(334) 943-8000
  GULF STATE PARK...........................(334) 948-4653
 
   Kids and parents can enjoy a day of fun and excitement at Waterville U.S.A.  located about 10 miles from the house.  Waterville has numerous waterslides, a wave pool, a wooden roller coaster, arcade, miniature golf and go-cart racing track.
    Foley, Ala., about 15 miles from the house, is home to the Riviera Outlet Mall with More than 120 stores and seemingly growing every year.  There are also numerous souvenir shops to bring back a momento from your visit to the Gulf Coast.
    A little further up the road in Mobile, Ala., you can visit and tour the U.S.S. Alabama battleship and the U.S. Drum, a submarine.  For those of you who don't know, Mobile is the original location of the Mardi Gras celebration in February.  It was moved to New Orleans when the Civil War began.
 For those who don't mind traveling a little further, New Orleans makes a great place to visit for a day or two during your stay.  Visit the historic French Quarter or even take a tour of the places Anne Rice writes about in her vampire novels.  The sights and colors of the city are truly amazing and the local color is something unique.  While you're there make sure you sample real Cajun jambalaya.
 
AREA ATTRACTIONS
 

           Adventure Island
           Mini-golf, lazer tag, trampoline bungee, arcade, and go-cart super track. See the
           volcano erupt nightly!
           334-974-1500

           Bellingrath Gardens and Home
           Bellingrath Gardens is in full bloo, year-round.  Encompasssing 65 landscaped
           acres in the midst of a 905-acre semi-tropical rain forest on Alabama's Gulf
           Coast.
           800-247-8420

           Biophilia Nature Center and Native Nursery
           This celebration of native plants and animals features a swamp and pitcher plant
           bog, butterfly conservatory and a greenhouse.
           334-987-1200, [email protected]

           Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
           This 6,200-acre refuge protects and preserves the unique plants and animals that
           call the Gulf Coast home.
           334-540-7720

           C.J.'s Tropical
           Sailing Charters Sailing charters and lessons.
           334-943-2714

           Canal Street Cinema
           First-run movies seven days a week.
           334-980-1562

           Classic Charters
           Set sail on the 65-foot Cyrus E. King.
           334-981-5609

           Country Trail Rides
           Horseback rides on country trails.
           334-943-7694

           Cruising/Sightseeing
           Three-hour afternoon and sunset cruises aboard the 35' Jive Devil.
           Complimentary refreshments.
           334-981-8709

           Dolphin Cruises
           Dolphin cruises on the 50' COLD MIL. Specializing in dolphin entertainment for
           the whole family. Call for reservations.
           334-943-3510

           Fort Morgan Historic Fort and Museum
           Living history demonstrations and self-guided tours.
           334-540-7125

           Fun Marina/Alabama Parasail
           Watersport rentals: Sea Doo's, pontoons, run-abouts
           and parasailing.
           334-980-5122

           Gulf Shores Amusement Park
           Rides, go-carts, and arcade games.
           334-948-6511

           Gulf State Park
           This Gulf Coast gem boasts 6,000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of beach, fresh
           water lake, nature trails, and beach pavilion.
           334-948-7275

           Historic Blakeley State Park
           Visit the site of the Battle of Blakely where the last major battle of the Civil War
           was fought just hours after Lee surrendered. Enjoy 15 miles of hiking and bike
           trails, camping and a serene boardwalk next to the Tensaw River.
           [email protected]

           Island Sailing Center
           Sightseeing, Dolphin, day, evening, and overnight sailing cruises.
           334-981-9706

           L.A. Aloft Hot Air Balloon Rides
           Two and a half hour adventure; $150 per person.
           334-943-FLYU

           Landmark Tours
           Historic nature and whimsy tours in groups large and small.
           334-928-0207

           Meaher State Park
           Situated in the wetlands of Mobile Bay, this 1,327-acre park features two
           self-guided nature trails that highlight the flora and fauna of this unique area.
           334-626-5529

           Minamac Wildflower Bog
           From early April through September, more than 300 varieties of natuive Southern
           wildflowers bloom in this five-acre preserve.
           334-945-6157

           Mobile Bay Ferry
           Auto ferry departs several times daily from Ft. Morgan to Dauphin Island.
           334-540-7787 or 800-634-4027

           Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum
           Showcasing early exploration and settlement of the area.
           334-981-2766

           The Original Hangout
           Arcade games and snack bar on the public beach.
           334-948-3334

           Palm Island
           Mini Golf Challenging 18-hole mini golf.
           334-974-1539

           Perdido Pass Parasail & Waverunner
           Parasail and Waverunner rentals at Perdido Pass Marina.
           334-981-5505

           Pirate's Island Golf
           Two 18-hole courses among waterfalls, caves, tropical plants, a pirate ship and
           sea fog.
           334-968-4653

           Riviera Centre
           More than 115 factory stores.
           334-943-8888

           Sail the Daedalus
           Discover sandy, secluded bayous and bays aboard
           the 50' Daedalus.
           334-987-1228, [email protected]

           Sailaway Charters
           Experience the adventure of sailing the spacious 48'
           ketch, Windy Ways, fro Orange Beach.
           334-974-5055

           Sea Blaster
           Largest speedboat in the world! Ride from Perdido Pass and out into the Gulf.
           Safe and affordable for the whole family.
           334-981-3666

           Tiki Isle Mini Golf and Batting Cages
           Mini-golf and batting cages.
           334-948-8454

           The Track Recreation Center
           Go-karts, bumper boats, Kids Kountry, arcade, mini-golf, thrill rides and
           refreshment center.
           334-968-8111

           U.S.S Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
           Features the Battleship U.S.S. Alabama, the Submarine U.S.S. Drum, military
           aircraft and equipment, an audiovisual theater, concessions and a gift shop.
           334-433-2703

           Waterville U.S.A
           Waterpark/Amusement Park.
           334-948-2106

           Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
           Protects 3,000 acres of coastal habitats and wetlands, including an estuary.
           Interpretive Center houses indoor exhibits and a live animal room.
           334-928-9792

           Zooland Animal Park
           Exotic animals in natural habitat.
           334-968-5731

           Zooland Mini Golf
           Play in the shade. Group rates available.
           334-968-PUTT

      We'll that's about it if I haven't sold you by now email me.  I will always be looking for ways to impove this page.  Let me know what you think and if there's something you like about Gulf Shores or a particular attraction let me know.