Carol Weaver

Girly Getaways on the Gulf

Spring, summer, winter or fall, an Alabama Gulf Coast girlfriends’ getaway is just what the doctor ordered. Whether the beach is calling or the shopping’s shouting your name, you’ll find it all in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Opportunities for a girls-only beach vacation are about as rare as the cherished friends and relatives they celebrate, so make the most of your time away and play in some of the most amazing white sands and turquoise waters anywhere along the Gulf of Mexico.

Whether it's sunning, swimming, spa-ing, or shopping that gets you and your friends going, the Alabama beach communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer all that and much more. Quality shopping alone at the specialty boutiques, art galleries and sprawling outlet mall could keep you busy all weekend long, plus there’s great food, activities, nightlife, and of course, the beach. And keep in mind that you don’t have to stick together every minute. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to satisfy the whims of every member of your gang.

Those looking to relax and recharge will gravitate toward heavy-duty pampering packages and a-la-carte indulgences at area day spas. The bliss list includes treats ranging from deluxe facials and massages to hydrating banana leaf body wraps and spa pedicures.  Others with energy to burn - or ladies just wanting to burn off a little of last night’s indulgences - can take advantage of the area’s pilates, yoga, spin and aerobics classes, with private and group sessions available.

Still, it’s not all spa days, shopping excursions, and beach-lounging when you visit Alabama’s coast. Ladies with more rugged tastes may opt for a true change of pace with a camping adventure, nature walk, or day spent biking, boating, skiing, swimming and fishing inside beautiful Gulf State Park. With sugar-sand beaches, miles of trails, golf, tennis, and a 900-acre lake, the park offers almost limitless activities for nature enthusiasts.

Recharge after an active day with a nap by the pool or an invigorating dip in the blue gulf waters, then get dolled up for a night on the town. Any lingering pre-getaway tension will melt away during a sunset dinner sail aboard a restored schooner, or you may opt for deckside cocktails and twilight scenery before heading to dinner at one of the coast’s award-winning restaurants.  You’ll get your fill of some of the finest, freshest seafood anywhere, along with other culinary specialties for those who prefer vegetarian or “meat and potatoes” selections.

After hours, get down and dirty at a quintessential beach dive, or put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the local artists whose music fills the air at venues around the island. Or take in a big-name act appearing at The Amphitheater at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

Ready to plan your trip? Accommodations range from luxury high-rise condominiums and traditional beach hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfast inns, back-bay retreats and candy-colored beach houses resting beside the Gulf. A package deal can be a nice introduction to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach if you've never been to the area before. They eliminate the guesswork and allow the experts to use their knowledge and local connections to get you special pricing at nearby spas, restaurants, and other attractions. On the other hand, you may prefer to wing it and plan your own trip custom-suited to your group’s tastes and lifestyle. Just book accommodations before you arrive and leave the rest to chance – you’ll soon catch the “go-with-the-flow” island spirit of coastal Alabama.

So grab your mother, your sisters, your old college roomies or best grownup girlfriends. Break free from the daily grind with a fabulous bonding adventure along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. You know you want it. You know you need it. The beach is calling your name. Now gather those girlfriends, and go.

Check out available packages and other fresh deals, along with tips and suggestions for making the most of your vacation at www.thebeachiscalling.org.

Article Tags: Orange Beach

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