Category: Gulf Coast Accomodations

Coastal Alabama Fall Festivals

Posted on by cturner

Fall is a favorite season on the Alabama Gulf Coast for many reasons including cooler days, lower rates and explosive sunsets over the water. Visitors and locals enjoy this time of year because the weather is absolutely amazing!

Fall also means festival season and we hope you are looking forward to getting outside and enjoying Mother Nature at her finest. Enjoy all of Coastal Alabama’s attractions including kayaking, biking, horseback riding and upcoming events. With so much to see and do, we have composed a list of the top four festivals and events on the coast.

Wharf Uncorked
September 24-26
The 2nd Annual Premier Wine and Culinary Event, Wharf Uncorked is September 24th through 26th at The Wharf in Orange Beach. This three day event features over 150 labels for sampling and purchase, demonstrations from renowned chefs, sampling and purchasing of fine wines and live and silent auctions benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets to the Saturday night Grand Tasting are $95.20.

44th Annual National Shrimp Festival
October 8th – 11th
The Annual National Shrimp Festival is a FREE event held the second full weekend in October at Gulf Shores public beach. This outdoor festival attracts 250,000 people and over 300 vendors. Shrimp Fest is one of the nations’ premier outdoor festivals featuring fine arts, arts and crafts, an outdoor village and a retail marketplace. Get great rates at Turquoise Place and The Beach Club during Shrimp Fest when booking Spectrum Resorts Tailgate Getaway special. Save big on already low fall rates and receive all the benefits of the Spectrum Advantage.

Oyster Cook-Off
November 6th & 7th
See over 70 chefs including Food Network Stars and James Beard award winners demonstrate their oyster cooking skills during the Oyster Cook-Off. Be a part of a weekend full of activities including a Craft Beer Festival, Oyster Cook-Off, Tailgating, demonstrations, workshops and the North American Oyster Showcase. The cost to attend the Friday Craft Beer Festival is $40 and tickets to the Cook-Off are $10 at the door. Oyster Cook-Off Ticket booklets are $25 in advance.

Wine Dinners at Coast Restaurant at The Beach Club
First Friday of every month October – April
Take advantage of the opportunity to sample and learn about notable wines from around the world and how they should be paired with your food. The Beach Club is bringing wines from around the world for interactive wine dinners the first Friday evening of each month. Award-winning Chef Brody Olive will prepare a four-course meal designed to complement the evening’s featured wines. Wine reps will be available to answer questions and guests will have an opportunity to purchase select wines. Wine dinners are $40 per person and weekend rates are available with advanced reservations.

There is something for everyone to do this fall season. Book a weekend visit during the fall and take advantage of Spectrum Resorts great rates with the Tailgate Getaway special. Save big on already low fall rates and treat your family to a fall break.

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Coastal Alabama Tailgate Getaways

Posted on by cturner

Attention football fanatics! When your team hits the road, hit the beach. Bring your friends and family to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to tailgate this football season. Cheer on your favorite team from the comforts of a Gulf-front condo or from one of the many TV’s hanging throughout all of the local restaurants and sports bars.

It’s time to get back to the beach and the fall is the perfect time. The vacation rental rates drop, there is less traffic and the weather is ideal. There are also endless activities including shopping, spa treatments and 32 miles of sugar-white sand to relax on for the ones who prefer the social aspects of tailgating.

We want to help you make your next Tailgate Getaway unforgettable so here are few tips on getting the most out of your Tailgate Getaway.

1. Know your audience. Is this a guy’s trip, a girlfriends getaway or a family vacation? Either way, you still need a place to stay. Since rates drop drastically after Labor Day, it is the perfect time to reserve your accommodations. Gulf-front resorts like Turquoise Place and The Beach Club offer great Tailgate Getaway specials and they even include visits from legendary coaches and resort activities. Turquoise Place has private Jacuzzi’s and gas grills on every balcony and The Beach Club is home to Fort Morgan’s football headquarters, The Village Hideaway.

2. The advantages of staying in a condominium for your Tailgate Getaway are the ability to prepare food in a well equipped kitchen. There are certain foods that are a staple for most tailgate parties. Chicken wings, hamburgers, hot dogs and pretty much anything you can eat with your fingers are must haves for game day cuisine. Spectrum Resorts offers a grocery delivery service so all of your tailgating treats can be delivered before your arrival so you don’t even have to stop at the store.

3. Go ahead and pick your date. Find a game weekend when your team is on the road. If you can coordinate a travel weekend that coincides with a festival weekend, you can get the best of both worlds. Wharf Uncorked, The National Annual Shrimp Festival and Oyster Cook-Off are a few upcoming fall events on the Alabama Gulf Coast that we recommend attending.

Bring your MVPs to the beach for an unforgettable Tailgate Getaway and cheer on your favorite team in style. Tell us your favorite team and some of your game day must haves.

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Watts Up on the Beach

Posted on by cturner

Spectrum Resorts has something we want you to see including sugar-white beaches, panoramic Gulf views, resort amenities, area attractions and much more.

Spectrum Resorts in going “out in the field” with the locals and visitors with our new vlog called “Watts Up on the Beach”.  We are highlighting amenities around Turquoise Place and The Beach Club along with activities and restaurants around the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area.

We want to give you an inside look of what it’s like on the Gulf Coast and how Spectrum Resorts helps our guests create happy memories.

Our first vlog is a preview of the beach club and kicks off our series for the summer. Next we will be heading to the Gulf Adventure Center zipline in Gulf Shores. Follow me along my summer journey through the Gulf Coast area on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Share your vacation pictures with us at marketing@spectrumresorts.com, and we will feature you at the end of our next vlog! Have any questions or comments about Spectrum Resorts or the area? I’ll answer them all!

Danielle Watts

#wattsup

Spectrum Resorts Marketing

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Tips for Planning a Hassle-Free Summer Vacation

Posted on by cturner

Tips for Planning a Hassle-Free Summer Vacation

Today’s technology makes planning a vacation a lot easier and stress free. When it’s time to book your beach getaway, try using the many available resources to save time and money. Let us help you find the best accommodations, show you the best places to dine, and help you plan an unforgettable Alabama Coastal Getaway.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Travel Apps

Use the multipurpose mobile apps provided by Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism to help you navigate your way around Coastal Alabama. Download the app to find specials on beach houses and condos, to find live music, and to learn about the area’s history or to just find a peaceful walking trail.  Apps include the Gulf Beaches App, the Scenic Byway App, and the Backcountry App.

Alabama Gulf Coast Vacation Guide

Enjoy hassle free planning with the Alabama Gulf Coast Vacation Guide. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism makes it easy with two options including the online version or a free copy that can be sent to you by mail. They also offer the Alabama Civil War Trail Guide, Orange Beach Fishing Association Charter Directory, Gulf Shores Golf Guide, and the E-Tiding Newsletter.

TripAdvisor

Read reviews on TripAdvisor to see what experiences other people have had. Find inside information from previous patrons on accommodations, entertainment, and attractions. All contributors are unpaid, and TripAdvisor has one of the largest collections of user-contributed pictures from more than 45 countries. Look for the owl of approval at your favorite destinations.

Travel Bloggers

Ask the experts. Do your research and find travel bloggers and writers who are social media enthusiasts. Bloggers are bloggers because they can tell you about their experiences and relay them in a manner in which you can almost picture yourself there. The art of penmanship is great when looking for the perfect vacation.

We also recommend looking at social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.  Most businesses have at least one social media channel and general response times are quick and informative. Have a relaxing summer and please let us know your tips for planning a hassle-free vacation.

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What is the Clean Bed Guarantee at Spectrum Resorts?

Posted on by cturner

What is the Clean Bed Guarantee at Spectrum Resorts?

We have stayed in many hotels and resorts on our travels and growing up I always rented a condominium on the beach but I have never stayed at a nicer, friendlier resort than with Spectrum Resorts. One might ask how do you make a difference with something that you are already leading the industry. They have done it again with the Clean Bed Guarantee! 

What is it? 

The Clean Bed Guarantee is where Spectrum Resorts will have a fresh, comfortable white duvet that has been laundered upon your arrival. The secrets behind the scenes at other resorts would probably shock us all, however one of the things that I always look for when booking a stay somewhere are the styles of the linens. You can usually get a pretty good idea from the pictures displayed on the resorts website or across third party sellers.

Of course you are not going to know if the linens are clean and at your expected standards until you arrive. Spectrum Resorts takes out the guessing and they guarantee that you will have a clean bed and a comfort level unlike anything else you have experienced before.

What it feels like? 

When we walked in the door at Turquoise Place everything was bright and clean and very modern. Our bed was gorgeous and so comfortable. I can tell you, now that I know the difference, when you walk into a room that doesn’t have fresh and clean linens you will know it!

We were so exhausted from driving 8 hours to Orange Beach that the minute we got to Turquoise Place we relaxed in bed and the smell of freshness and the comfort level of the bed was immaculate.

After staying at Turquoise Place, I can now say that long gone are the days where I walk into a hotel room expecting anything less than a Clean Bed Guarantee. Unfortunately not all resorts follow this policy, but thankfully we experienced Spectrum Resorts and can now attest that this is a huge selling point for any prospective visitors.

Summary 

We had an amazing stay at Turquoise Place and no I don’t think it was just because they laundered our sheets. However, I think that when you stay somewhere that has a policy like the Clean Bed Guarantee in place, you know that cleanliness will not be an issue.

Of course Turquoise Place is so much more than just a clean resort. Instead it offers a variety of amazing amenities and features that will make you not want to leave! I would highly recommend making a reservation here to see exactly what a ‘concerned resort’ looks like, and how differently you are treated than any alternative accommodation.

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Girls Getaway: Setting Sail to the Beach

Posted on by cturner


Blog written by Heather Boothman

A Brit and a Southerner

Planning a girl’s getaway can be difficult especially when trying to come to an agreement on the best destination. Whether it’s shopping sprees or relaxing with spa day treatments, identifying a perfect location is critical before hitting the open road.

After much discussion, we all agreed that our chosen location required a beach, good shopping, fun attractions and of course great food! I soon realized that the choice was not difficult at all and the question had been answered in record time – Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama. Having visited this stretch of coastline previously with my husband, I knew that taking my girls here was the perfect choice.  All we have to do now is plan our itinerary in an area that has endless possibilities.

Where to Stay

During my last visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we stayed at The Beach Club by Spectrum Resorts and had an amazing experience there. We researched various other alternatives in the area but many of the resorts just didn’t compare to Spectrum Resorts high quality accommodation. A word of caution if you are planning a getaway for early May. Book early because this is the start of the peak season and this is a much sought after destination and you certainly don’t want to settle for something if it is not at the beach.

Spectrum Resorts has the ‘best of the best’ along the Gulf of Mexico so when we stumbled across another property of theirs I didn’t think twice. Turquoise Place is a luxurious resort that is located in the heart of Orange Beach. All the best amenities like a gas grill and your own private Jacuzzi are included, in addition to their Clean Bed Guarantee that is revolutionizing the market.

Have you ever wondered how frequently hotels and resorts actually wash your bed linens? Sometimes comforters may only be washed twice each year. However thanks to Spectrum Resorts, “Each guest bed will be made with a freshly washed duvet and linens prior to your arrival.”  Turquoise Place here we come! 

What are our Plans

When you make a trip to the beach of course there will be morning runs, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets and that amazing beach smell with the waves crashing while we are relaxing. What do you do when you venture away from the beach? 

We are hoping to save time for a little retail therapy in the nearby Tanger Outlet mall in Foley, as well as the local markets and boardwalks within the area.

There is something to be said for being one with the ocean and we are excited to have booked a sunset cruise with Sail Wild Hearts. The cruise will last around 1.5 to 2 hours on a 53-foot catamaran. Tickets are $35 to cruise around while we sooth our souls and embrace the moments with the ocean.

The Waves of Wine Festival will be taking place during our visit, featuring live music, food from a variety of local restaurants as well as craft beer and of course over 120 different wine selections to try. Tickets are also $35 and that includes a cruise around the bay during the event for you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery in the Gulf. An added incentive is the inclusion of a wine glass and bag to help cherish your memories from this experience. The festival will be at a Caribe The Resort, which is in close proximity to Turquoise Place.

Where to Eat 

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is spoiled for choice when it comes to fine restaurants and cuisine options. Seafood here is delicious and the hardest part is choosing which of the many establishments to sample.

One restaurant that I am really excited about trying is The Gulf, which is located directly on the beach. Serving food inspired by the Gulf of Mexico, this outdoor venue is just a really cool looking restaurant. Did you know The Gulf is made out of repurposed shipping containers? This beach bar has much to offer in terms of atmosphere and of course food selection, from burgers to tacos this place looks like it has it all and dinner is going to be amazing.

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Top Travel Award given to The Beach Club

Posted on by cturner

TripAdvisor’s family travel site has recognized The Beach Club as one of the top hotels for families. Managed by Spectrum Resorts, The Beach Club received the honor of being a “Top 10 “Family Vacation Critic Favorite”. The award is given to resorts that have been rated the best by reviewers and the site’s editors.

The Beach Club is a family-focused resort conveniently located on 86 acres on Fort Morgan Road in Gulf Shores. To be included in on the Family Vacation Critic list of top family-friendly hotels, The Beach Club had to be hand-chosen by the editors based on previous guest reviews as a family friendly destination. A member of the Family Vacation Critic’s editorial team had to review the resort in person and have been rated the best for family travelers to be included.

With private beaches spanning the length of nearly five football fields, The Beach Club’s, accommodations range from picturesque lakeside cottages to one to five-bedroom condominiums on the Gulf. Spectrum Resorts manages the majority of rental units at The Beach Club and they offer advantages associated with the Spectrum Advantage including access to all amenities, resort discounts, on-site check-in and concierge services.

“We are honored to have been selected from among the more than 3,500 hotels that are recommended on this family travel site,” said David Clark, General Manager at The Beach Club. “Knowing that we have received a seal of approval from actual vacationing families makes the award that more valuable.” Clark adds, “I’m proud of our team members and owners, they have tremendous pride and continue to raise the bar to create happy memories for the families and guests who visit.”

Spectrum Resorts is the only rental management company on the Alabama Coast to offer the same duvet service guests receive at luxury hotels. Every guest bed has a freshly laundered duvet prior to arrival for a better and cleaner experience.

It is because of consumer opinion that The Beach Club become an award-winning resort. Create happy memories with your family at The Beach Club with Spectrum Resorts and give your feedback on Family Vacation Critic and TripAdvisor.

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