[nalabama]

lukedaddy, I apologize for the false info re the fishing pier. Plans are allegedly progressing, but it will apparently be some time before it is replaced.

[lukedaddy]

Hey, no problem! Checking it out eventually is half the adventure. At any rate, It's been near ninety here, and I can't get to a beach soon enough.

[Logansmom]

Originally Posted by lukedaddy

ok, i didn't realize those were closer options. Any idea how far any of those may be from Huntsville? And for the most part I'm looking for a clean, nice, beach...some attractions (kid friendly) and just chillin'!

I live near the beaches outside of Pensacola. If you will look up Cyberrentals Moderator cut: commercial link you may find some reasonable last minute deals from condo owners along the coast. $125 a night but a lot are higher. If you book them last minute you can usually get them to cut you a good deal. Pensacola has some nice things that kids enjoy like a quaint Zoo in Gulf Breeze near the beach and also the Naval Aviation Museum that boys really enjoy. You can actually climb into the cockpits of many different fighter planes and also the Blue Angels practice every Tuesday for free. Just get to the Navy Base early and don't forget to slather on the sunscreen and reapply often. In Pensacola there is a park called Sams Fun City which is not very crowded most of the time and they have go carts and a new water park area. You may want to see if you can find an extended stay motel where they have kitchenettes and possible a AAA disc or something similar if the beach condos are too high. If you have boys there is a place called Dinoland in Pensacola which is an inexpensive and fun way to spend an afternoon. There are also stadium seating Rave Movie theaters in the off chance of a rainy day. Destin is a couple hours drive along the coast from Pensacola. Of course, you can get exact mileage from Mapquest.com. My husband says it is about a 4 or 5 hour drive from Huntsville to Pensacola. Have a safe trip!

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by Keeper

Jimmy does visit that area but I can't say I know for sure he goes to LuLu's but I do know he goes to a pizza place in Daphne when he is in town visiting his family. I think it is owned by one of his HS buddies but I could be wrong about that I just know he has been seen there

Hey Keeper, do you remember the name of the pizza place? He does drop by Lulu's when he's in the area, but not with any regularity...maybe twice a year. At least that's what I hear on the Buffett Yahoo group. I liked the food...a little pricey, but the music was live and the atmosphere great.

[Mestizo]

Originally Posted by lukedaddy

Is Gulf Shores and Orange Beach the only public access coast in Alabama?

i think dauphin island has a public beach and it's a really nice area but it got messed up really bad by katrina.

[jonas]

Dauphin Island did get a lot of damage from Katrina but the public beach is fine. I was just there a few weeks ago. Also there is a greagt bird sanctuary there. The island is very strong and survived hurricane Fredrick in 1979. I like it better then Gulf Shores or Orange beach because it is peacefull and not as crowded with college drunkards.

[DeltaBelle1978]

I looked on mapquest it said from Huntsville to Gulf Shores is 376.42 miles and 6 hours 17 minutes. Dauphin Island is 389.40 miles and 5 hours 54 min.
Like Keeper said there are things for the children to do. Just take plenty of money, and time. If you are going to Gulf Shores I wouldn't go the Foley Beach Express. It will take you to Orange Beach rather than Gulf Shores, also they charge you when you come in and when you go out. Try to go early in the day if possible as far as traffic. There is also the Gulf State Park where you can camp out, bring an RV or rent these little houses on a pond. I've stayed in one before, it was nice. If we decided to go especially to relax I would recommend them, and it isn't far from the beach. Also If you need a break from the salt water, in the State Park you can swim and play in fresh water. I hoped this helped

[Keeper]

Oh what wonderful memories you bring back Deltabelle. Those little houses in Gulf state park where so much fun. I remember seeing an armadillo up close for the first time there. Plus swimming in the fresh water was always fun.
You should check those out Lukedaddy.

[duncan st clair]

The State has rebuilt those little cottages and they are nice.It was one of the first things done after Ivan.

[slmaol]

This was a great thread - years later I am reading and hoping some of these places are still kicking...so I guess its research time para me...but great ideas and input...cool..