Fall asleep to the call of the whippoorwill, and awaken to the excited song of the mockingbird. Warm weather ushers in fresh vegetables, and the fragrance of roses fills the air. The squeals of barefoot children chasing fireflies signal that summer has arrived.
For many, the season is not complete without a trip to the beach. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with their sugar-white beaches and sparkling turquoise water are prime Alabama locations for families to find their dose of fun in the sun.
When Hurricane Ivan paid a visit to Alabama’s Gulf Coast Sept. 16, 2004, homes, businesses and many favorite tourist attractions were devastated. But now they have returned, rebuilt and renewed.
Alabama Baptists and Red Cross volunteers played a part in that renewal for Bebe Gauntt, public relations manager for the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“The first day that I arrived back into town after the evacuation, a Red Cross volunteer handed me an apple and said, ‘We are here to help you,’” she said. “The churches sent food and relief workers to help us and we were so grateful.”
With the spirit of triumph over tragedy, Alabama’s Gulf Coast has seized the opportunity for new development and is poised and ready for the summer tourist season.
“The beach renewal project is going great and is in the final stages, making our beaches wider and more beautiful than ever,” Gauntt said.
She noted that both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have taken the opportunity to move toward building more condos instead of hotels. “Families tend to prefer the amenities of condos and the extra space,” Gauntt said.
G.W. “Billy” Duke III is the mayor of Gulf Shores and a member of Oyster Bay Baptist Church, Gulf Shores, in Baldwin Baptist Association.
He has been a resident of the area for more than 35 years. “When Hurricane Ivan came along, we saw an opportunity to completely rework our zoning and building ordinances,” Duke said. “The quality of the developments, coupled with our revised building codes, will make Gulf Shores a better area.
“I can remember when we did not have a grocery store in Gulf Shores,” he said. “While there is increased traffic and other demands, the conveniences that we now take for granted are certainly enjoyed by all.”
Even now, Gulf Shores is recognized as a family beach destination with a variety of activities. Sailing and fishing charters are popular, as well as dolphin cruises. There are also 15 golf courses — either in Gulf Shores or within driving distance — designed by legendary names such as Arnold Palmer and Jerry Pate.
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a good option for hiking while observing the natural beauty of Alabama’s coast. A variety of shopping opportunities abound, and a trip would not be complete without dining on fresh seafood at various restaurants.
“What really sets us apart is our special blend of beach-town simplicity and old-fashioned Southern charm and hospitality,” Gauntt said. “You can do as much or as little as you want. From taking the kids on a lightening-fast ride down a giant waterslide, visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or playing miniature golf, there is always something for the young ones to do.”
Even more attractions will come to the area with the development of The Waterway — a ribbon of water stretching from Wolf Bay to Mobile Bay on the shores of the Intracoastal Waterway, Gauntt said.
Part of that development includes The Wharf. “Located on the island in Orange Beach, The Wharf, a 220-acre premier mixed-use resort, is destined to become a natural gathering place for visitors,” she said. “The South’s largest Ferris wheel — manufactured in Italy — will be delivered and installed in time for The Wharf’s phase 1 grand opening, scheduled for Memorial Day weekend 2006.“
Gauntt said plans for the four-day event include a concert, parades, shopping, a fishing tournament and other festive activities. Updates will be posted on www.thewharfal.com.
Gulf Shores is the annual vacation spot for David and Sally Thompson, members of Berry Baptist Church in Fayette Baptist Association.
One of their favorite stretches of beach is located at the Gulf State Park. “We always visit Gulf Shores because we like the family atmosphere,” she said. “We feel it is a safe place to bring our grandchildren and the beaches are great.”
Duke noted that as the area’s population grows, Gulf Shores is moving toward becoming a year-round destination with a more stable year-round economy.
“Along with this growth comes the challenge to remain a safe, family-oriented place,” he said. “With God’s guidance, I am confident this can occur.”
For more information call 1-800-745-SAND (7263) or visit www.gulfshores.com.
Gulf Shores rebuilds, improves waterfront after hurricanes
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