Month: July 2015

4 Coastal Attractions Keeping You Cool this Summer

Posted on by cturner

With temperatures at their summer peak, the things on people’s minds are ways to stay cool and have fun at the same time.  When you add the humidity factor that is ever so present in the southeast, you have one hot summer. The standard attire in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is bathing suits and flip flops so you are always prepared to make a splash into some cool refreshing water.  Here is a list of four coastal attractions designed to help keep you cool this summer.

Waterville USA – If you are looking to relax along the lazy river or thrill seek on one of the 17 waters slides, then Waterville should be on your list of must do summer attractions. Also included in the 20 acre waterpark  is a wave pool, Shrimp Boat Village, Wa-Wa World and Flowrider. The amusement park includes Nascart Go-Carts, Cannonball Run roller coaster, mini golf, trampoline, kiddie rides and much more.

Happy Harbors – Conveniently located in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, both restaurants have watersport rentals including pontoon boats with slides, waverunners, kayaks, center console boats and more. You can get there by car or boat! We suggest you go hungry and enjoy some of their award winning oysters since they did win the 2012 Gulf Coast Oyster Cook-Off.

Sail Wild Hearts – It’s no secret that Spectrum Resorts is a huge fan of Sail Wild Hearts. After all, they cruise by Turquoise Place multiple times a day. We suggest booking a Kayak Adventure Sail where you can Paddleboard, snorkel, and kayak all on the same excursion. Sail away to an island and let the fun begin. They even make it easy for all ages and sizes with a descending staircase, not a ladder.

Flyboard Bama – Prepare for Liftoff and experience flying like a superhero with the newest and most exciting water sport on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Flyboard Bama is located at The Beach Club in Gulf Shores and behind Cayman Grill on Canal Road in Orange Beach. Get ready for liftoff!

Beat the heat this summer and enjoy Coastal Alabama’s most popular water attractions. Share your favorite photos with us on Facebook, twitter and Instagram and use #WattsUp and your photo may be featured in our next vlog, Watts Up on the Beach.

Kayak Adventure Sail

4 Must Try Alabama Seafood Dishes

Posted on by cturner

In last week’s post we highlighted 10 Things to Expect When Vacationing on the Gulf Coast.  Number seven on the list is the fact that every restaurant claims to have the best seafood in town.  The fact is you really can’t go wrong at any of the local seafood restaurants if you’re looking for fresh Gulf seafood, but some dishes stand out more than others.  Here are four local seafood dishes you must try on your next Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation. Continue reading “4 Must Try Alabama Seafood Dishes” →

Tips on Packing for Your Next Beach Day

Posted on by cturner

bellhop

Packing for your beach vacation can be stressful, but Spectrum Resorts is here to give you a checklist of the perfect items for your day at the beach.

Bluetooth speaker – You can buy a Bluetooth speaker for as much as you’re willing to spend. Amazon, Target, and Wal-Mart all have affordable speakers that won’t break the budget or upset you when it’s full of sand.

Hats – A hat is an amazing way to keep your face out of the sun, and if needed, keep your hair out of your face. Down here on the Gulf Coast, you will see beach goers sporting a variety of hats from stripped and floppy to straw.

XL Beach Towels – You love lying out on your beach towel or laying it across your chair, but do your toes still touch the sand or is your towel not long enough to cover the whole chair? Target has the answer for you! With a variety of colors and patterns, Target has the beach towel for you.

Sunscreen – The most important item in your beach bag should be sunscreen. No one wants to go home from their vacation looking like a lobster. Sunscreen can range from five dollars to twenty, but no matter what brand or SPF you decide to buy, the key is to reapply.

Chapstick – Many of us forget that our lips can get sunburned too, and it’s hard to enjoy your Gulf seafood while your lips burn. Make sure you pack some chapstick with SPF on your beach trip and place it in your cooler to prevent it from melting.

Cooler Bag – If you’re looking for something easy to carry for the day, a cooler bag is the way to go. Fill it up with ice, water, fruit, and your favorite snacks, and you’re ready for a day of relaxation at the beach.

Frisbee/Volleyball/Football – When packing for your beach trip, don’t forget some items that make you beach day perfect. A Frisbee, volleyball, football, and sand tools will entertain the kids and you when you decide to camp out at the beach for the day.

Floats – It’s always fun to lay back and float around in the Gulf. Floats are available at practically every store around the Gulf Coast, so it won’t be hard to find one that fits you.

We hope we made packing for your beach vacation less stressful! What are some items you always bring to the beach?

Follow Spectrum Resorts summer vlog “WattsUp at the Beach”  for tips, trends and Coastal Alabama amenities and activities. Tag #WattsUp and your pictures may appear in the next vlog.