Orange Beach / Gulf Shores, AL - in December?

[swatski]

Looking at Gulf Shores, AL as a possible destination for a Xmas/New Year break trip.

We usually snow ski but I'm feeling inclined to try something else... I know, it's not going to be super warm down there but that's okay.

Never been before, would love to see places like Robinson Island, etc. I would possibly bring the boat with us.

--

 

[Betik]

We are going to Santa Fe NM. If you guy never been there you should defiantly go ( perfect for your new tank too).

If you to AL do you want to swing by Dallas and bring a jetski with you ???

 

[robert843]

One thing I would check into is how much damage was sustained there during the hurricane that came through. If they took a lot of damage there may not be a lot open or to do. These locations could be perfectly fine I don’t know but I would check at least before booking.

 

[zipper]

Maybe @Bennie has some insight into the area at that time of year. Other than an Uncle in Summerdale that I have not seen in 30+ years, I'm of no help. But I vote for liquid water over frozen water. That's coming from where I live.

 

[Dixie Highway]

Sister in law recently moved to the Mobile area, I don’t believe they had much damage from either recent storm.

 

[Beachbummer]

Check the temperatures...it's off i-10 same as Houston...it's unpleasantly cold for boating or beach in my opinion. Highs in 50-60 lows in 30-50 from memory.

 

[Bennie]

@swatski - We had no damage from the storm. Actually it's clear through Destin, FL. The impact was localized from Panama City Beach to the Mexico Beach area.

I'd be happy to be your unofficial tour guide to LA (Lower Alabama). Our weather is rather fickle and if I were you I'd plan things to do with the boat as our weather may be in the 60 - 70s. Year before last we were in shorts at the beach on Christmas.

Is there anything specific you and the family wanted to do or go visit while down here?

 

[swatski]

@swatski - We had no damage from the storm. Actually it's clear through Destin, FL. The impact was localized from Panama City Beach to the Mexico Beach area.

I'd be happy to be your unofficial tour guide to LA (Lower Alabama). Our weather is rather fickle and if I were you I'd plan things to do with the boat as our weather may be in the 60 - 70s. Year before last we were in shorts at the beach on Christmas.

Is there anything specific you and the family wanted to do or go visit while down here?

Thank you, that is incredibly kind of you!
I knew if I ask here I would get some good info!
We are still in a "bouncing ideas off" stage of "planning" it but really like to go as I've never been to AL shore and it drives me nuts! I feel like I want to just grab the kids, jump in the truck, and go. And from what I have read, Dec is kind of a perfect month to visit as far as sight-seeing/no crowds, and beautiful water.
But... Kate/wife travels a lot for work and she tends to be a bit more cautious when it comes to vacation planning... We may end up leaving the boat at home (sigh) and touring more, the kids have never been to New Orleans etc.

--

 

[Bennie]

Brother I don't see how you could go wrong with either (or a mix) of those plans.

If you don't bring the boat it'll be a straight shot down hwy55 to get you to NOLA. There's a lot to see, eat, and enjoy in that town. Just stay off Bourbon St (especially north of St Ann) and you'll be fine. My wife loves going over there.

From NOLA to our beach is about a 3hr drive and it's much quieter over here. Are you interested in riding bikes through our local state park, or maybe seeing Fort Morgan?

From Orange Breach over to Destin is just a two hour drive. They have beautiful water and beaches as well. Plus some great shopping for the ladies in the house.

But above all -- make sure you get a Bushwacker drink from one of our many beach side bars. It's vacation in a cup!

 

[granpachuck]

We have been making the trip to Gulf Shores, on and off since the 80's, and the place is really booming. We stayed right on the beach in some of the Phoenix condos. My father in law owned several units, and even though he has passed years ago, we still have 2 units we visit during early spring. Boating is picking up there too. The marinas seemed jammed packed with new boats.
We used to toss the kids in the car and make the drive from NC, but now since its just me and wife making the trip, flying into Pensacola is pretty easy. Tons of fun bars, restaurants, and you cant go without visiting the FloraBama at least once. Its required.

 

[Peelz]

We have been making the trip to Gulf Shores, on and off since the 80's, and the place is really booming. We stayed right on the beach in some of the Phoenix condos. My father in law owned several units, and even though he has passed years ago, we still have 2 units we visit during early spring. Boating is picking up there too. The marinas seemed jammed packed with new boats.
We used to toss the kids in the car and make the drive from NC, but now since its just me and wife making the trip, flying into Pensacola is pretty easy. Tons of fun bars, restaurants, and you cant go without visiting the FloraBama at least once. Its required.

we stayed in those same condos! had a wonderful time. no boat though, and we did it in February! It was a crap midwest winter, needed to get away. Vaca went from concept to booking in 30 minutes lol Me wife, two boys drove the 17hrs to get there, visiting friends on the way.

yes it was only 65 degrees...but, when you leave home and its 17, that ocean breeze sure feels nice sat out on the beach all day.

 

[Bennie]

you cant go without visiting the FloraBama at least once. Its required.

I agree! You're going to want to leave the girls at the hotel for that trip though

While you're there go across the street to the Florabama Yacht club.. great place for lunch.

 

[granpachuck]

We also attended the world famous Mullet Toss. I dont have the vocabulary to describe that event..good pics online though.

 

[Peelz]

We also attended the world famous Mullet Toss. I dont have the vocabulary to describe that event..good pics online though.

yeah, I was devastated to find out, they actually throw a fish, not celebrate that sweet-sweet hairstyle. of which, there are plenty down there....

 

[waternutt]

We had no damage from the storm. Actually it's clear through Destin, FL. The impact was localized from Panama City Beach to the Mexico Beach area.

The west end of Panama City Beach actually fared pretty well. The damage really doesn't show until you cross the bridge from Panama City Beach over into Panama City...then it looks like a bomb went off.

 

[Bennie]

How did you fare @waternutt?

I have family over the and the cousin that lives near Sandestin only lost internet.
My other family lives just west of the bridge and had a few trees down (some hitting the house and cars). But then I looked at the NOAA maps of the city. HOLY COW!! That was an extremely powerful eye wall.

But as for @swatski coming down, from Destin to the west is in the clear.

 

[waternutt]

How did you fare @waternutt?

@Bennie, not great but better than some. The house definitely needs some repairs, but the family is safe and we will make it through. More importantly, the boat is fine.

 

[PEARCE]

@swatski it depends on what ya'll want to do once you get south. If you want to get over to New Orleans then save yourself the headache and leave the boat at home. If your primarily goal is the Florabama area then by all means take the boat. There's so much to see and do by water. As said in previous post go to the Florabama bar as well as the Yacht Club across the street. The YC backs to a canal with a sandy beach so you can park the boat there. There's also a place called LuLu's that's in Gulfshores, AL that you can boat to as well. I believe that it's on the Intercoastal. LuLu is the sister of Jimmy Buffet so her place is similar to a Margaritaville which is a very fun place to be. Awesome food, great drinks and a lot of the time live music. We've only been in this area in the warm summer time when the kids are out of school and everywhere is busy so I'm curious to see what it's like during the holidays. We love seafood so while ya'll are down there I would recommend taking advantage of what's available.

I certainly hope that ya'll can make it down there. Just getting to sit on a white sand beach for a few hours to watch the surf with an adult beverage in hand would make the whole trip worth it.

 

[Bennie]

@swatski- I wouldn't worry about the boat bud, just enjoy the trip. It'll give you a lot more freedom.

Besides if you come down while I'm off I'd be happy to have a reason to take ours out!
I can easily be persuaded with some StL originals: Ted Drew's, Gus' Pretzels, or some classic ooey gooey butter cake!

 

[orexismd]

@Swaski If you decide to take the boat and wand to spend a day or to in NOLA you can park the boat at my house. If not, I'll be happy to take you and the family out around the marsh/lake if I'm off work!