Insider Guide to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL

A Vacation Insiders Guide

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Hello, and welcome to the Gulf Coast!

Hello! We're George and Mildred, owners of Wakefield Beach Properties, and we invite you to come gather by beautiful Gulf Shores beaches.

Whether it's for a special occasion or simple getaway, come spend time with loved ones at our inviting homes.

We're here whenever need you us! www.wakefieldbeachproperties.com The Veranda|Enchanted Dunes

OUR STORY Hailing from Montgomery and Mobile, we're Alabamians through and through. We made it our mission to visit beaches across the globe, but found ourselves gravitating to the sweeping shoreline of our own home state. With its breathtaking scenery and preserved streetscapes reminiscent of beach towns of generations past, we knew that the Gulf Shores area was where we belonged.

Now, we're thrilled to share our love of the Gulf Coast with our guests. Our quiet atmosphere offers an alternative to bustling beach resort towns while remaining close to the action. Take it from us: you'll never be hard pressed to find a way to pass your time in the Gulf Shores area. We've lived here for years, and we're still discovering new adventures.

Located a stone's throw from the tide line, our vacation rentals offer a chance to rest up surrounded by warm, blue water beaches. Visit us for celebrations or just to get away from the winter weather.

When you're ready to escape, we'll be waiting.

OUR HOMES We've designed both of our homes with appointments that meet our own high standards. From extra comfortable beds to the latest HDTV's and fastest Wi-Fi, you'll enjoy all the comforts of home and more during your stay.

We've kept the whole family in mind and equipped our homes to provide a memorable, hassle-free experience for every guest. Easy handicapped access includes elevators to all floors and worry-free entry, and fullyequipped kitchens let you whip up your fresh catches right at home on nights when you don't feel like venturing out.

It's our genuine pleasure to make your time on the Gulf Coast the best it can be. We look forward to welcoming you.

THE REAL GULF COAST...

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach aren't like the coast's other beach towns. You won't find the streets here crowded with dime-a-dozen resorts, but instead lined with mom and pop shops and eateries, and eclectic homes of families that have lived and vacationed here for generations.

Wander the beaches and you'll see children building sandcastles and splashing in the surf while parents spread out a towel, breathe and relax. And if that's not enough fun in the sun, you'll find go karts, mini-golf and water parks nearby to wear out the little ones and create lasting vacation memories.

But it's not just the kids that love our corner of the coast. With wet and wild adventures awaiting up and down the shore, kids-at-heart feel right at home here. Jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and snorkeling offer a chance to see our ecosystem from up high or down below. Dolphin and sightseeing cruises and fishing charters let you lose sight of the shoreline and discover a world at sea. And historical sites offer you the opportunity to glimpse our country's history while touring old forts and seeing artifacts firsthand.

“It's not just the kids that love our corner of the coast. With wet and wild adventures awaiting up and down the shore, kids-at-heart feel right at home here.�

Our warm and welcoming vacation rentals are nestled minutes from the action, and steps from white sand and blue water beaches. We're not exaggerating: our homes sit atop pilings laid directly on the sand, and our decks overlook the shimmering gulf for views that will never cease to impress. Plus, our waters are far warmer than those in the rest of the country, so you'll be able to step off the deck and enjoy a swim whether you're staying in the spring, summer or fall.

Located directly on the beach, our homes offer the perfect setting for wedding parties or multifamily vacations. The Veranda is tucked on its own private stretch of shoreline for a truly secluded getaway, and Enchanted Dunes is situated across the street from the Gulf Shores Marina in a small community. There are no houses blocking your view of the beach and no streets to cross to get there.

In addition to uninhibited access to the shore, restaurants and recreation, we'll provide you with our in depth knowledge of the area we call home. This guide reveals some of our favorite local spots for everything from fishing to happy hours to day trips, but we're always available to answer your questions and ensure you're having the time of your life. It's what we're here for.

Read on to discover our Gulf Coast! We're so excited to share it with you.

5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...

1

Hit the Beach...

2

Get Active...

3 4 5

With miles of coastline at your fingertips, you could spend your whole time here exploring your options. Unique white sands and sparkling blue waters grant Gulf Shores beaches a beauty all their own. Don't feel like taking the walk to the shoreline? Kick back on the deck and admire it from a distance. Keep an eye on the waters mid-morning, when you have the best chance of glimpsing dolphins playing in the surf.

Tee off surrounded by natural beauty at any one of several golf courses including Kiva Dunes, an award-winning course that travels dunes and natural wildlife areas. For a day trip, hit the green at Rock Creek, a halfhour away, then wander the shops in nearby Fairhope. Or if you feel more at home on the court, practice your lob at nearby George C. Meyer Tennis Center, home to both programs and tournaments.

Tour Fort Morgan...

Built in the early 1800's, Fort Morgan was the site of one of the most intense artillery bombardments during the Civil War. The historic destination is now home to a museum where you'll find Civil War artifacts and educational displays on the fort's history and significance. Year-round living history events include re-enactments and artillery demonstrations.

Visit on Tuesday nights in the summer for moonlit twilight tours.

Cast a Line...

Take to the waters with a charter from Orange Beach Marina or Gulf Shores Yacht Club & Marina. Half-day and full-day deep sea expeditions head out every day of the week. Still developing your sea legs? Start with an inshore trip and reel in your catches without losing sight of the sand.

If fishing isn't your cup of tea, opt for a more relaxing experience: both outfits also offer sightseeing tours.

Taste Fresh Seafood...

No trip to the gulf shore is complete without a mouthwatering seafood meal - or two, or three. Check out our restaurant suggestions inside this guide for tips on where to get the freshest catches and most delectable dishes. Or head to one of our local markets to pick up fish, oysters, shrimp, or crab claws to cook up at home. We recommend Gulf Shores Seafood or S & S Seafood Market for starters.

GEORGE & MILDRED'S FAVORITES...

Nature Watching...

Watersports...

Pensacola...

From Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge to Gulf Coast State Park, the Gulf Coast is home to hundreds of species, including the rare whitetopped pitcher plants, gopher tortoise and red-cockaded woodpecker. Catch sight of sea turtles hatching on the beach or dolphins splashing in the gulf. Visit in spring or fall for a chance to see a massive monarch butterfly migration.

Take your adventures to the water by renting a jet ski or boat at one of many outfitters that dot the shoreline. Or see the Gulf of Mexico from a different angle: go parasailing for a birds' eye view of the coast and water, or try out scuba diving and snorkeling for the chance to get up close and personal with fish and other sea creatures and glimpse fascinating natural reefs.

No matter when you're visiting, you're guaranteed to find a shop to explore, a meal to savor or a reason to celebrate in Pensacola.

This waterfront city is home to festivals, music series and more, and boasts a postcard-worthy beach. Plan your visit to see the Blue Angels Air Show (you might glimpse them practicing if you keep an eye on the sky while lounging on the beach).

Fairhope...

Festivals...

Relaxation...

Tucked along the Mobile Bay, this vibrant artistic community is home to shops, galleries and restaurants galore. Spend an afternoon strolling the landscaped streets past public art and bayfront parks. With a jam-packed calendar of events like movies in the street, farm markets and parades, there's bound to be something happening downtown.

Celebrating everything from seafood to music, festivals are a way of life on the Gulf Coast. Ride the rides, see big-name music acts and relax in the hammock garden at the Hangout Music Fest. Indulge in fresh seafood and build your best sandcastle at the National Shrimp Festival. Or see nationally acclaimed musicians at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival.

When you stay at one of the Wakefield Beach Properties, you don't need to go far to appreciate the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico.

Bring a coffee or cocktail out to our private deck, kick up your feet, and take in the panoramic views down the coastline in total comfort. Be sure to make it home to watch the sunset - there's no better way to unwind with loved ones.

Everyone's Dream Vacation...

When you visit the Gulf Coast, you'll never have to search far for entertainment. Whether you're traveling with a group of beach bums or adventure seekers, shopaholics or foodies, there's a restaurant, festival, stretch of shoreline or block of downtown to satisfy everyone.

OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS...

There are so many great restaurants we love! Here are our personal top five picks. If nothing inspires you, ask us, we have years of research to share!

Close & Casual: Enchanted Dunes...

Try Sassy Bass Amazin' Grill for island-inspired dishes around the clock, like plantain French toast, pistachio-encrusted sushi grade tuna and grilled mahi mahi over smoked gouda cheese grits. Stay for the chilled out jam bands - you can even grab a mic or instrument and join in on the tunes.

Or satisfy your appetite at Tacky Jack’s, a local favorite that has received awards for everything from its sunset views to its happy hour to its friendly staff. Its waterside location in Fort Morgan serves up fingerlicking pub fare, including shrimp and crawfish po boys, gator bites and steamed royal reds. Come on Thursday or Saturday nights to sing karaoke with the locals.

Close & Casual: The Veranda

The Beach House, a casual joint near the shore, specializes in locally sourced seafood and handcrafted cocktails. Grab a seat at the bar, in the dining room or on the porch and sip a frozen Beach House Bushwacker (coffee infused rum, creme de cacao, coconut cream and blackstrap bitters) or dig into gulf grouper tacos.

After dinner make a stop at Scoops for something sweet. A Gulf Coast staple, this old-fashioned, family-owned ice cream parlor specializes in slinging delicious frozen treats - and fast. You’ll find all the classics here, including banana splits, decadent milkshakes and hot fudge sundaes, as well as cakes, Ben & Jerry dipped cones and fat- and sugar-free options.

Venture Out...

Seeking something special? We can recommend the area’s best restaurants for any occasion. Don’t miss our go-to favorite: Fisher’s. Lauded by Southern Living for its fresh and expertly prepared seafood, this restaurant in a marina has two floors for two different experiences. Head upstairs for an upscale setting and dishes like mushroom crusted amberjack and blackened swordfish, or dine casually dockside and enjoy beer battered gulf fish.

STAYING WITH US: WHAT TO EXPECT Whether you're seeking a space for an annual family reunion, a once-in-a-lifetime wedding or just a weekend away with a group of your loved ones, we're fully equipped and a hundred percent dedicated to exceeding your every last expectation. We've spent years carefully considering guest concerns and making sure our homes meet them. Satisfactory is not enough: we go above and beyond to offer you your best vacation yet.

Easy Accessibility We want everyone to be able to enjoy the Gulf Coast. Our homes are equipped to provide ease of access with elevators to every floor and wide French doors onto the decks, which feature portable ramps for wheelchairs. The Veranda offers wheelchair-friendly bathrooms with roll-in showers, hand sprayers, grab bars and more. Beach wheelchair rentals are readily available.

Delicious Meals Not only will you have an array of mouthwatering restaurants to choose from during your stay, we're also within a stone's throw of fishing piers and local fresh fish markets. Bring home the catch of the day and have dinner right at home: Enchanted Dunes has a fully stocked Kitchen, and The Veranda's gourmet kitchen was once complimented by a TV chef during his stay there.

Rich Knowledge We know how rare your chance is to escape daily life and spend quality time with your loved ones, and we're committed to making your stay memorable. As lifelong Alabamians, we have an intimate knowledge of the area and are available to share all of our knowhow with you as you plan your escape. Ask us anything - we're open books!

GEORGE AND MILDRED'S Reviews Joy says

Dorothy says

Vicki says

A fairytale wedding. The Veranda was beyond our expectations.

Perfect for a wedding venue.

They have thought of every detail, down to the commercial icemaker and refrigerator for bridal flowers. Our daughter was married steps from the ocean in front of this magnificent home.

The boardwalk to the beach made the perfect aisle. Thank you, George, for sharing your home with us.

Our family is spread out between New York and Florida, and every year we plan a reunion. There were 22 of us from ages 8 to 83.

Mr. Wakefield's house was perfect for us, since my husband is in a wheelchair. We found the home clean and everything accessible to us. We so enjoyed the porches and the beautiful view. Our children enjoyed the activities around us. I must say this home was the best we ever rented and I would gladly recommend it.

Perfect, just perfect! My family rented The Veranda for our annual family reunion. The house is just amazing! The two dens are perfect for adults and kids to be able to enjoy their time without being on top of each other. The kitchen and dining areas are fantastic. The pictures are accurate, but truly do not do it justice. Hopefully, our family reunion has found a new home for years to come.

Thanks for staying with us!

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