1002 Island Royale, Gulf Shores

Gas prices got you down? Go to the beach!

So, I keep hearing about how gas prices are changing how we travel, canceling vacations or forcing folks to choose the increasingly popular “staycation”.  Don’t let gas prices get to you like that! From experience, we changed our June plans and headed to Atlanta for a weekend rather than Gulf Shores (2 1/2 hours rather than 5).  Well, perhaps we spent less gas… but…

You must consider the overall value of a vacation.  Yes, I spent about $60 on gas rather than perhaps $120.  True.  But that $60 disappeared overnight with a $24 per night parking fee.  Not to mention everything we wanted to do in Atlanta involved a 5-25 minute drive.  Suddenly another $30 in gas expense!  Restaurants, the cost of getting into the Aquarium (which was outrageous), and the cost of getting to other venues, sites and snacks, etc. really add up.
A beach trip, on the other hand, especially to a condo with kitchen, can be quite economical.  We would have spent $120 in gas, but once at our location, the nightly rate is roughly the same for a condo as a decent hotel room.  Plus, when we do a beach trip, we buy (often bringing in a cooler) lots of kitchen items, enjoying the free time to prepare meals.  We love to cook at the beach! Plus there is nothing better than ice cream straight out of the freezer!  Boom - money savings right away!

Next, consider the cost of entertainment.  Once at the beach, the indoor-outdoor pool, hot tub, and um am I forgetting something - oh the GULF OF MEXICO!!!  Yes, the kids can play all day in the sand for free rather than looking at the sand at the bottom of the tank in the expensive aquarium.  Now we do enjoy going to The Wharf and letting the kids ride the Ferris Wheel (which is really nice if you’ve not been).  That is only a few dollars and a short 5 minute drive from Island Royale.

Finally, a hidden treasure of Gulf Shores is the city playground.  One block past Blalocks’, hang a left pass the city buildings you will find a treasure of a playground.  Honestly, this is the coolest playground I’ve ever seen.  Our kids are 6 and 4 years old and they could play all day if we’d let them.  It is a perfect excursion on a cloudy day.  Drop by the library just around the corner from the playground for story time.  They have a real nice children’s section.

Have I convinced you that a beach trip is still worth it during this summer of high gas prices? If not, you’ll come around soon.  Take your stay-cation and my guess is you’ll be wanting a real vacation soon enough.  If I have convinced you, check me out at VRBO and give me a ring.  We’ve still got dates available.

July 4th - Independence Day at the Beach!

All of you headed down to Gulf Shores for the July 4th holiday, here are a couple of informational links.  I know you are going to have fun at the beach and in the sun.  But of course you want to take in the fun of our Independence Day as well.

Main Beach
Gulf Shores

51 Hwy 180 West, Fort Morgan
Contact: 251-540-7127

May is a great time to be in Gulf Shores

I just returned from a long weekend in our unit.  We brought the kids and my parents.  What a tremendous time!  The beaches are pristine.  The water was warm enough to swim, but cool enough to be refreshing during the heat of the day.  I’ve uploaded some new pictures of our unit.  Be sure to check them out.
My parents really enjoyed the kids as well as quiet time out on the balcony.  What a beautiful time, with the windows open and fresh sea air all day.  There were visitors from Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, and Ohio that we met at the complex.  Island Royale, and Gulf Shores in general, looks to be ready for the summer rush.  Let me hear from you and we’ll get your trip planned.  Visit my VRBO site for the calendar, rates and contact information.

Home

Gulf Shores Alabama, beautiful beach front condominium. View our new pictures!
We are excited to have you stay with us and enjoy the beach, pool, views, sauna, steam room, and more that Gulf Shores and our unit have to offer.

Gulf Shores at the Holidays

The Holidays … it is a special time to be at the beach, and Gulf Shores, Alabama sure welcomes you! People are around, but it is sure different from the summer crowds. Life slows down a little, and you can appreciate the seemingly longer days and enjoy your life with your wife (or husband!), children, and friends. Even meet new friends while taking a stroll on the beautiful sugar white sand. The winter beach goers do seem much more social at this time of year. I always enjoy meeting new people from all over the country, whether they are regulars to Gulf Shores or newcomers.

Not to mention, you’ll love that you can still swim in the indoor/outdoor pool our complex has to offer.  If it is a really cold day (unusual!) you can bask in the sauna or steam room!  And of course we all have those days we just want to sit around, watch some cable TV, and enjoy a hot cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate!  There is no better place to do it then up on the 10th floor with spectacular ocean views!  Come on down today - we want you to have a great time!

Listing added for 1002 Island Royale at Free Vacation Rentals

Vacation Rentals in Alabama - Free Vacation Rental Ads