Gulf Shores, AL Vacation Home Rentals by Reed Real Estate

Mardi Gras on Gulf Shores Beaches

Reed Real Estate — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:31:58 +0000

Laissez Bon Temps Roule! Start your Fat Tuesday off right. The Gulf Shores parade starts at 10:00 a.m. at Hwy 59 from the bottom of Intracoastal Canal Bridge and ends at the main beach in Gulf Shores. After the parade, head to LuLu’s for the 8th Anniversary and Boat Parade. Doors open at 10 a.m. There will be live music from Glen David Andrews (12 noon to 3:00 p.m.) and Sugarcane Jane (5 to 9:00 p.m). As always, this will be the best Fat Tuesday party in town. Come help LuLu’s celebrate another wonderful year on the Gulf Coast with food and music for the whole family to enjoy. To register a boat in the parade, www.homeportmarina.net for more information and registration forms. Admission is free to the public. You can also catch the Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade at 2:00 p.m. at Wintzell’s on Perdido Beach Blvd. This parade will end at Hwy 161 in Orange Beach. Visit www.gulfshores.com for details.

Celebrate Joe Cain Day in Mobile

Reed Real Estate — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:16:34 +0000

While Mardi Gras originally started in Mobile in 1703 and is celebrated all along the Gulf Coast, Joseph Stillwell Cain, Jr. is recognized as the man responsible for the Mardi Gras celebration’s rebirth in the years immediately following the Civil War in Mobile, Alabama. The stress of the Civil War brought revelry in Mobile to an abrupt halt. After the war and under Union occupation, the city was disillusioned and discouraged. On the afternoon of Fat Tuesday in 1866, Joseph Stillwell “Joe” Cain, Jr. set out to raise the spirits of Mobile. He donned full Chickasaw Indian regalia and dubbed himself Chief Slacabamorinico. Cain and six of his friends set out to raise the morale of citizens in the defeated city. His reasoning for masquerading as the Chickasaw Indian chief was that the Chickasaw Indians were never defeated, and this was to show the Union occupation, since the south lost the Civil War. Dubbing themselves the “Tea Drinkers,” and fired up by drink much stronger than tea, they took to the streets in a decorated coal wagon pulled by a mule. Cain was a founder in the Order of Myths, the organization which today holds the final Carnival Season parade Mardi Gras night. He also helped organize many more parading societies. Cain’s role in reviving Mardi Gras is observed each year on the Sunday before Mardi Gras Day, known as “Joe Cain Day.” Known as “the people’s day,” Mardi Gras revelers decorate anything they can push, pull, or drag for the Joe Cain Procession and parade, which is as much fun to watch as it is to ride. Cain himself participated in each year’s festivity until he died in 1904.

Gulf Shores Beaches – Serene Vacation

Reed Real Estate — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:29:05 +0000

The Fort Morgan Peninsula, not far from the Gulf Shores Beaches, provides a serene and relaxing seclusion. We are just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach where you can relax in a total beach setting. Families can enjoy the pristine beaches and sparkling waters amid the various nature trails and birding sanctuaries.

Construction of Fort Morgan began in 1819 and in 1833, as the work neared completion, the new structure was named after General Daniel Morgan, a hero of the American Revolution. Open daily, Historic Fort Morgan is located at the western tip of Mobile Point. The Fort also offers Candlelight Tours every Tuesday evening during the months of June and July. These feature living history interpreters in Civil War period dress who tell the story of Fort Morgan’s Civil War service through historic vignettes based on actual events.

The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and walk the various trails and habitats of surrounding wildlife. There are approximately 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge was established by Congress in 1980 to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem, to protect threatened and endangered species, to provide compatible recreational opportunities, and to serve as a living laboratory for students and scientists.

Neighboring amusements like Waterville USA, The Track Amusement Park and Adventure Island provide all sorts of entertainment for families of all ages. They have everything from water slides and go-kart rides to mini-golf and arcade games.

In addition, don’t forget the shopping in boutiques and at the Tanger Outlet Mall, deep-sea fishing and adventures, along with golfing on signature courses—all sure to please even the most discriminate vacationer. Whatever you enjoy, we have it all on Alabama’s Gulf Coast and can provide just what you are looking for for your next vacation beach rental.

Pet-friendly Homes for Gulf Shores Rentals

Reed Real Estate — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:21:13 +0000

Why not bring your pet along on your next vacation? Reed Real Estate has numerous pet friendly homes in the Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores area. Since our area is located out of the city jurisdiction, we are able to offer one of the only pet friendly beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast for beach rentals.

While we make bringing your pet easy, it is important to remember that each area has pet specific rules. One of the most important rules is to clean up after your pet. Pets are also required to be on a leash for their protection and the protection of others. In addition, dogs with barking issues that become a nuisance to other vacationers will not be allowed and will be asked to vacate the property. In addition, please keep in mind your pet’s safety when relaxing on our Gulf Shores beaches. Caring for your pet at the beach is different from when you are at home. Keep a watchful eye as the salt water can make them sick and upset their stomachs should they decide to take a drink. Carry fresh water to the beach so they can hydrate themselves.

Another concern for your pets visiting our shores may be the high temperature of our white sandy beaches in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Many guests do not realize how hot the sand can get which may burn their paws. Be sure to test the sand temperature before allowing your pets to walk on the hot sand. Also, be aware of “sand spurs” along the shore. These stickers may get stuck in their paws.

While we love pets and welcome them in some of our beach homes, be aware of some rules. One of the most important ones, of course, is taking care of any “deposits” your pet may leave along our beaches and surrounding areas. Please be sure to clean up after your pet and be courteous of your beach neighbors.

Check out our Pets Page on our website, www.gulfrentals.com, for pet beach tips and other useful information. You can view all of our pet friendly homes online at www.gulfrentals.com or call a reservationist for a listing of our pet-friendly homes. (Pet weight restrictions vary per pet friendly home.)

Best Beach Rentals in Gulf Shores

Reed Real Estate — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:07:20 +0000

Reed Real Estate has been helping families make the most of their beach vacation. We look forward to seeing all of our friends who have trusted us with their vacations over the years, just as we look forward to making new friends. We really enjoy seeing generation after generation of our repeat guests playing on our beautiful beaches in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Whether it is just a weekend retreat or a full-blown family get-a-way, we can help you find the best place to suit your needs in Gulf Shores, Alabama. As a family owned and operated business, we know what it means to spend time with the ones you love and not want to worry about vacation details.

Did you know we offer the following, friendly services?
•    Mid-Week Cleaning – Who wants to clean while on vacation? Have a housekeeper come and touch things up a bit. Fresh towel sets and/or fresh sheets are also available with this service.
•    Additional Towel Sets and Plush Beach Towel Rentals.
•    Grocery Delivery – Order your groceries and supplies before you head down to the beach and have everything waiting for you when you arrive.
•    Special Occasion Surprises – Have your vacation home set up with something special to surprise friends and family before you check in. Birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, holidays, or “just because” — we’ll do our best to provide what you’re looking for.
•    Beach Bum Beach Equipment – We have 10’ x 10’ canopies, beach chairs, umbrellas, grills, and boogie/skim boards. All our equipment is high quality and we provide free delivery and setup.

We focus on personal, friendly service and can handle all the details. So, pack your bags and leave the rest to us. Thank you for choosing to stay with Reed Real Estate. From our family to yours, welcome to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Super Chili Bowl Cook-off

Reed Real Estate — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:08:33 +0000

If you like it hot, then make plans this Saturday, February 4, to attend the 18th Annual “Super” Chili Bowl Cook-off. At 11:00 a.m. at the Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar, not far from Gulf Shores, Alabama, chili enthusiasts will gather to compete for cash prizes and title rights. For those wanting to taste, tickets will be sold for $2.00 each or 6 tickets for $10.00. Each ticket purchased is good for one cup of chili. All proceeds from this event will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. The day long event includes food, good times and continuous, original music provided by the Flora~Bama® Players. Souvenir t-shirts, free beer and other give-a-ways will be provided for all participants. So, make plans to taste some of the area’s best chili and support a good cause. See http://www.florabama.com for cooking guidelines and restrictions.

Fishing Inshore in February

Reed Real Estate — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:22:57 +0000

Fear not all ye fisherman―we have just what the doctor ordered! In February, anglers can expect to catch big bull reds, sheepshead and any other species of inshore fish off Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches. According to Clyde Brothers of Clyde’s Inshore Fishing, based at Bear Point Marina in Orange Beach, the primary targets inshore in February are the big bull reds. You can also find redfish and sheepshead along our shores and at the mouth of Perdido Pass. In our area the average redfish in February will be 32 to 39 inches long, weighing 12 to 30 pounds each. Inshore fishing for speckled trout picks-up around the end of March. During the first of March, pompano begin to show up as well.

To see the entire article, visit “What’s Biting” at http://www.gulfshores.com/fishing/biting/?id=197 .

To book a trip with Clyde Brothers at Clyde’s Inshore Fishing, call him at 251-752-0421, or visit www.clydesinshorefishing.com.

Senior Bowl 2012

Reed Real Estate — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:55:25 +0000

Get ready for some football! Make plans for Saturday, January 28, 2012 for the Annual Senior Bowl held at Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Kick off is at 3:00 p.m. and will be nationally-televised by the NFL network. The Senior Bowl is the nation’s most unique football game and the premier pre-draft event. This event annually features the country’s best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams representing the North and South, coached by the coaching staffs from two National Football League teams. Admission varies for different levels and seating locations. Visit http://www.seniorbowl.com for more information and ticket prices.

Get Your Mardi Gras On!

Reed Real Estate — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:53:23 +0000

If you missed the parade on Saturday, fear not as we have a month full of festivities and celebrations as we start the 2012 Mardi Gras season. Mardi Gras is celebrated all along the Gulf Coast and originally started in Mobile in 1703. The celebration, originally called Boef Gras or Fat Beef, began by Michael Krafft. On New Year’s Eve in 1830, Krafft and his friends were reluctant to end a dinner party at the customary time. They raided a nearby hardware store, took up rakes, hoes and cowbells and proceeded to wake the town. They soon formed the Cowbellion de Rakin Society, the first of Mobile’s many modern mystic organizations. The Cowbellions presented their first parade, complete with floats and theme, in 1840. The Civil War brought revelry in Mobile to an abrupt halt. Joseph Stillwell Cain, on Fat Tuesday in 1866, donned full Chickasaw Indian regalia and dubbed himself Chief Slacabamorinico. Cain and six of his friends set out to raise the morale of citizens in the defeated city. Dubbing themselves the “Tea Drinkers,” and fired up by drink much stronger than tea, they took to the streets in a decorated coal wagon pulled by a mule. Cain was a founder in the Order of Myths, the organization which today holds the final Carnival Season parade Mardi Gras night. He also helped organize many more parading societies. Cain’s role in reviving Mardi Gras is observed each year on the Sunday before Mardi Gras Day, known as “Joe Cain Day.” On this day thousands of Mobilians in costume and on individually designed floats parade through the streets of downtown Mobile.

The date of Mardi Gras is determined each year by the date of Easter. Mardi Gras Day, or “Fat Tuesday,” is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which begins the 40 days of the Lenten season. Nighttime parades and other public festivities begin about 10 days before Mardi Gras Day. Carnival Season balls, receptions and other private functions begin in the fall and continue through Mardi Gras Day.

Mardi Gras at the Beach

Reed Real Estate — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:58:27 +0000

This Saturday, January 21, marks the first Mardi Gras parade of the 2012 season. It all happens on Dauphin Island, near Mobile. The celebration will continue for the next month as bands, floats and revelry ride through the downtown streets of Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, Pensacola and of course in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The feel is a different for each location and parade, but the spirit of fun and festivity can be found at each one.

Did you know that Mobile is recognized as home to the “America’s Family Mardi Gras” delighting both young and old from around town and across the nation? This celebration lasts for over two and a half weeks and culminates on Fat Tuesday, February 21, the day before Lent. For weeks, the streets of downtown Mobile will be filled with the sights and sounds of marching bands, festive floats and crowds of parade goers. The floats are glowing spectacles manned by masked riders festooned in satin and sequins, and armed with crowd-pleasing “throws’ such as beads, moon pies, doubloons and candy. You can see the entire schedule for parades and festivities in our area at http://mobilemardigras.com/parades/parades.php