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        <title>Gulf Coast Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Our real estate blog features the latest market news and property listings in communities along Alabama’s Gulf Coast.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/the-beach-club-in-gulf-shores-exceptional-condo-living.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/the-beach-club-in-gulf-shores-exceptional-condo-living.html</link>
            <author>lsgatti@mediacombb.net (Lorraine Gatti)</author>
            <title>The Beach Club in Gulf Shores: Exceptional Condo Living </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As a member of the renowned Spectrum Resorts family, The Beach  Club in Gulf Shores is sure to impress. Beach Club condo owners can choose between  two living options: a charming beachside cottage or a luxurious  Gulf-front condo. All properties enjoy a view of the Gulf of Mexico  and access to the sugar sands right at the resort's doorstep.


Beach Club Cottages 


The Beach Club Cottages are located amid the white sand dunes of Gulf Shores  and provide everything you could want in a seaside home. Each  cottage offers a spacious floor plan, with plenty of room for  families or those who just need to spread out a little. All  cottages feature fully-equipped kitchens, outdoor living space,  sizeable bedrooms, and some even have their own hot tubs, swimming  pools, and grills. The Beach Club Cottages are perfect as vacation  homes or even luxurious retirement villas.


Beach Club Condos 


The Beach Club condominiums are found in four towers: Catalina,  Avalon, Bristol, and Doral. Each condo boasts magnificent views of  the beach and comes with truly lovely amenities. Even the smaller  units are spacious, with well thought out floor plans. There are  secure entrances to the condos, so you can truly relax. 


Use your  Beach Club condo as a second home, a rental, or both! Many of these  luxury condos have details like granite countertops, tile floors,  jacuzzis, and private balconies. Homeowners here enjoy access to  the resort's five outdoor pools and one indoor pool, poolside tiki  bar and cabanas, fitness center, hot tubs, and boat and trailer  parking.


There is a wide array of activities on offer at The Beach Club.  From parasailing to deep-sea fishing, there's something for  everyone. The resort even offers regular activities for residents  and visitors. Some of these events include tennis clinics for  children and adults, special events for holidays like Labor Day  Weekend, scavenger hunts, karaoke, and weekly worship services for  those interested. A full-service spa is located right at The Beach  Club as well as bicycle rentals, tennis courts, and a day program  offering activities for children. There is even a complimentary  tram service to and from the Village Center, where you can browse  shops, get groceries, or indulge in a delicious meal. One thing is  for sure: you'll always have something to do at The Beach Club.  That is, unless you don't want to!


The Beach Club is situated in Gulf Shores, far enough away from  the city's hustle and bustle that you can be at peace, but close  enough to feel connected. The seclusion also means plenty of room  on the beach and a laid back atmosphere. 


Bon Secour National  Wildlife Refuge, Waterville USA, and Gulf State Park golf course  are all near this extraordinary destination resort. The Beach Club  is, in fact, the only resort of its kind in the area. Family fun  and activities like outdoor movies and boat charters await you.  With so much to see and do, this is one club you definitely want to  be a part of.




View more photos and see all cottages or condos for sale at The Beach Club in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Contact the Lorraine Gatti Team for more information on this development, and to arrange a showing. Call 251-233-9790.



Published by the Lorraine Gatti writing  team. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:37:42 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/the-national-shrimp-festival-celebrates-40-years-of-fun.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/the-national-shrimp-festival-celebrates-40-years-of-fun.html</link>
            <author>lsgatti@mediacombb.net (Lorraine Gatti)</author>
            <title>The National Shrimp Festival Celebrates 40 years of Fun!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Alabama is known the world over for its fresh, delicious seafood, and for many, the jewel of the Gulf's mouthwatering bounty is without doubt the shrimp. This tasty crustacean — plentiful in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico — has been an integral part of the area's economic and cultural heritage for hundreds of years.


Every year, the people of Gulf Shores honor this exquisite 'fruit de mer' with four days of fun and festivities. The Annual National Shrimp Festival is always a major fixture on the state's calendar, but this year, the event will be even bigger and better than ever as it  celebrates its 40th year. Initially conceived as a one-day event to attract tourists to the region outside of the peak vacation season, the shrimp festival has grown over the years to become one of the most eagerly awaited outdoor events on the Gulf Coast. 


Each October, the Annual National Shrimp Festival draws more than 300,000 visitors from around the globe. Many are enticed by the huge selection of fine arts and handmade crafts offered for sale, as hundreds of artists display their work during the festival. Families simply love the Children's Activity Village, where crafts,  carnival rides, face painting, and a whole range of on- and off-stage  activities entertain kids. 


Among the multitude of great things to see and do over the four-day festival is the annual  Sand Sculpture Contest. This is always a guaranteed family favorite, attracting scores of enthusiastic participants and spectators. With categories for several age groups, everyone can take part in building the most ingenious and eye-catching sandcastles and sculptures! Two stages host non-stop live music throughout the festival, keeping visitors thoroughly entertained from morning to night.


But of course, the real focus of this great yearly get-together is the mighty shrimp! Vendors from far and wide prepare an astonishing array of delicious shrimp treats to tempt festival goers' taste buds. A whole range of seafood and other culinary delights can also be found; from enticing gourmet dishes to traditional festival snacks. 


To help celebrate the festival's 40th anniversary,   organizers are offering three lucky people the chance to win  a fantastic 2-night stay at the beach. One winner from each category — Best Photo, Best Story and Best Shrimp Recipe — will be awarded prize packages worth  hundreds of dollars. For details on how to enter the competition, see the Best of the Fest Contest.


The Annual National Shrimp Festival kicks off at 10am on Thursday,  October 13, 2011 and comes to a close on Sunday 16 October at 5pm. And should you need any further incentive to head to Gulf Shores for this fun-packed weekend of family entertainment, you may be interested to know that admission is completely free to all! 


If you're planning to attend this wonderful event, be sure to make your accommodation reservations early. The Gulf Shores area is home to many high-end condos and beach houses that can offer a gorgeous seaside sanctuary for your trip. To view condos and other properties in Gulf Shores, please see our Gulf Shores Real Estate page.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:24:43 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/turquoise-place-shines.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/turquoise-place-shines.html</link>
            <author>lsgatti@mediacombb.net (Lorraine Gatti)</author>
            <title>Turquoise Place Shines!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Turquoise Place condos in Orange Beach, AL, are now offering a $200,000 discount on all developer units. After the oil spill in 2010, BP provided significant restitution the developer, who has passed savings on to purchasers.


 Since the initiation of this program in January 2011, about 60 units have been sold or are under contract, with prices starting at $725,000 for 2300 sq. ft. three bedroom units. Priced at $315 per sq. ft., Turquoise Place offers the best value of any beachfront condominium development in Orange Beach. 


Turquoise Place rivals any development on the coast of the United States, is built to the highest construction standards, and has panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico to the south and Cotton Bayou to the north. 


Featured on the cover of Architectural Digest, Turquoise Place is a masterpiece of curvature design features. Each of the two towers has high-speed elevators, large indoor pools, high tech fitness centers, saunas and steam rooms, and hot tubs. In addition, there are also outdoor pools, lazy river, tennis courts, a Tiki bar, and a picturesque boardwalk leading to the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast. 


The individual three and four bedroom units feature high-end finishes that include 10' ceilings, Sub-Zero/Wolf kitchen appliances, gas cook tops, and wet bars complete with wine coolers and icemakers. Each large balcony has a private hot tub, gas grill and sink, and included in each unit is a large wall-mounted flat screen TV over the gas fireplace in the main living area.


Turquoise Place on the Gulf of Mexico, in Orange Beach, AL, is a luxury destination for all visitors…A place like no other.






To view more pictures of this incredible condominium development, and to see the latest properties for sale, please visit Turquoise Place Condos. You can also contact us with any questions you may have, or to arrange a tour. 


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:04:52 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/thunder-on-the-gulf-orange-beachs-premier-watersport-event.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/thunder-on-the-gulf-orange-beachs-premier-watersport-event.html</link>
            <author>lsgatti@mediacombb.net (Lorraine Gatti)</author>
            <title>Thunder on the Gulf — Orange Beach's Premier Watersport Event </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
We all know just how much fun can be found on Alabama's  wonderful Gulf   Coast all year round. The inviting azure waters, the miles of pristine    white beaches, the fabulous restaurants and bars; one doesn't need a   particular reason to come down to Orange Beach, or to   feel the soothing southern sun on your skin and to get the sugar soft   sand between your toes. 


For watersports enthusiasts, the allure of this wonderful area   gets even stronger when the annual Thunder on the Gulf event comes   roaring to our shores. This exciting powerboat race attracts hordes of   thrill-seeking spectators to the region every year and organizers are   promising that 2011's event will be even better than ever! Scheduled to   take place in early October, Thunder on the Gulf is home to the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA) World Championships. 


Visitors and local residents alike flock to Alabama's Gulf Coast in   the thousands to soak up the ambience of the  race festivities, which   includes a sensational program of entertainment for the whole family.   Fans can meet the race teams, observe the amazing boats at close   quarters and watch the Boat Parade while soaking up the atmosphere of   the Race Village at the Orange Beach State Park Pavilion. Live   entertainment, a silent auction and  delicious food and drinks will all   add to the sense of occasion, while official merchandising and vendor   stalls will ensure that powerboat enthusiasts will be able to take home a   perfect memento of this unforgettable event. 


The race teams will arrive in Orange Beach on October 5, with the   event officially opening the following day, when the public can view the   powerboats in the Race Village. Following Thursday's course testing, the   official races begin in earnest at noon on Friday 7 October. After a   fun-packed Saturday, which includes the Boat Parade and VIP Gala at the   Orange Beach Event Center, the races will recommence on Sunday. To close   festivities, the official Thunder on the Gulf Awards Ceremony will kick   off at 6pm. 


With demand likely to be higher than ever for this year's   race, organizers are recommending that those wishing to purchase VIP   passes do so as soon as possible, as they will be seriously limited.   These exclusive, great value passes allow daily entry and   buffet lunch   in the hospitality tent right on the beach, free shuttle buses, daily   entry to the Race Village throughout the event, plus VIP admission to   exclusive parties, Saturday evening's Thunder on the Gulf Gala, and   Sunday's awards ceremony. VIP ticket holders also receive official   Thunder on the Gulf t-shirts and limited edition posters. 


Though this event isn't scheduled for a few months, it's important that if you're planning to stay in the area during this event, that you make your condo reservations early to avoid disappointment. 


If you're visiting Orange Beach for the first time, prepare to fall in love. There are amenities galore, and the beachfront is amazing. For accommodations, you'll find a great selection of condos and detached houses — many with gorgeous water views and beachfront property. In fact, Orange Beach is so appealing that after the race, you may have a hard time leaving!


For complete event details, visit Thunder on the Gulf. To view listings in the area, see our page dedicated to Orange Beach condos and houses. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:25:54 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/ono-island-in-orange-beach.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/ono-island-in-orange-beach.html</link>
            <author>lsgatti@mediacombb.net (Lorraine Gatti)</author>
            <title>Ono Island in Orange Beach</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ono Island in Orange Beach


Ono Island is a 5.5 mile long barrier island in southern Baldwin County, Alabama, at the mouth of Perdido Bay on the northern Gulf fo Mexico.  It is bordered by Bay St. John to the north and Old River to the south.  Ono is populated by sand dunes, live oak trees, and many natural plant species.  This gated community on the Alabama Gulf Coast is accessible via a private bridge and for boaters, provides quick access to the Gulf of Mexico.  The island was discoverd in the 15th century by the Spanish, who namd it Orinoco, meaning "a place to paddle"....and Ono still has the charm and beauty that attracted Spanish explorers. 


 





 


Boating Paradise


There are more than 700 homes on the island, many direct waterfront or on canals used for water traffic.  Ono also has numerous recreational facilities which include a clubhouse, swimming pools, tennis, and fitness center. With it's beautiful water views, Ono provides a perfect atmosphere for relaxed living and is ideal for walking, biking, and just PLAIN RELAXING!!!   Surrounded by water and with easy access to the excellent fishing grounds in the Gulf of Mexico, Ono is truly a "Boaters Paradise".    


 





             


 


33080 River Road


 One of the more distinctive homes on Ono Island is located at 33080 River Road.  Situated on a large lot overlooking the widest part of Old River, this 6,000 sq ft home was custom built to the highest standards with great waterfront views.  Whether you're sitting on one of two balconies, cooking in the kitchen, or just hanging out at the boat house, this home has everything you would expect.....and more!!  Priced at 2,495,000, you won't be disappointed when you visit this home.  So crank up the engine and take a beautiful sunset cruise....you'll be in perfect balance with the universe.   


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:26:41 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/turquoise-place-orange-beach-condos.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.gulfshoresconnect.com/blog/turquoise-place-orange-beach-condos.html</link>
            <author>lsgatti@mediacombb.net (Lorraine Gatti)</author>
            <title>Turquoise Place Orange Beach Condos</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Turquoise Place Luxury Condos

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Turquoise Place Condos in Orange Beach, Alabama, offer the highest quality of design and&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; construction on the Gulf Coast.&nbsp; Located on 900' of white sand beaches, this award winning development has beautiful views of&nbsp;the Gulf of Mexico.&nbsp; Once you arive at Turquoise Place you'll feel like&nbsp;you're&nbsp;in a&nbsp;luxury Caribbean resort.&nbsp; Enjoy a variey of beautiful pools, float on the lazy river, play some tennis, visit the Tiki Bar.......HAVE FUN!!!!

LUXURY CUSTOM FEATURES&nbsp;&nbsp;

Custom features include 10' ceilings, granite counters, Sub-Zero &amp; Wolf Kitchen Appliances and a&nbsp;hot tub &amp; gas grill on each large balcony.&nbsp;&nbsp;No expense has been spared for the tasteful finishes of Turquoise Place.&nbsp; Come enjoy the spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexio and enjoy luxury at it's finest!&nbsp; Orange Beach offers a variety of fine restaurants, great entertainment, boating marinas, and some of the best fishing anywhere.....COME VISIT!!

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

DEVELOPER UNITS

Reimbursements from BP have enabled the developer to offer significant discounts in the price of Turquoise Place condos and&nbsp;without question - this development represents the best value on the Gulf Coast.&nbsp;&nbsp; 



Prices beginning at 725,000 for 3 bedroom units and 1,200,000 for 4 bedroom end units.&nbsp; Virtual tour and unit shown are representative of typical finishes.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:41:43 -0500</pubDate>
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