ccgegg

We're going to Gulf Shores this August for a week at the Sandpiper. I've heard mixed reports about the conditions of the area. Please tell it like it is. If you know how the Sandpiper looks, that would be very helpful. But what I'm really looking for is an update of the general conditions like the beach, golf courses, and some of our fav restaurants like Live Bait and Calypso's. Will we still see lots of tarps? I assume the deep sea fishing is as good as it's ever been.

BayouGal

Curious about the blue tarp question. The coastal area of the southeastern United States is mostly dominated by blue tarps on roofs of homes damaged by the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. So, yes, you may see some blue tarps. If that will interfere with enjoying beautiful beaches, great restaurants and lots of good seafood, southern hospitality, etc., then maybe you should choose another destination. However, if the Gulf view is more important than looking for blue tarps on roofs, then you should have a great trip! You are traveling in August, though, so who knows what may happen while you are there! ;-)

I suggest you contact the Gulf Shores Chamber of Commerce and realtors in that area so they can "tell it like it is." Gulf Shores was not really affected by Hurricane Katrina, mainly Ivan the summer of 2004, so much of the area has made tremendous recovery progress.

AustinTraveler

ccgegg, I do understand your concerns about the blue tarps. Until recently, I lived on the northwestern Gulf Coast of Florida and I honestly had a hard time understanding why anyone would want to vacation there after Hurricane Ivan's destruction. I definitely understand the need for tourism dollars, etc. but I also understand wanting to go someplace great on vacation. To some, a well deserved vacation doesn't include hundreds of ruined structures and lot of construction. Having said that, I want to add that I don't have any specific information on the property you are asking about but I hope someone here can help. I just didn't want you to feel bad about asking about the true condition of the place.

ccgegg

No harm meant by the tarp question. Unfortunately, I would expect to see them on some homes. My purpose in asking was more in regards to the "tourist" area, like restaurants, grocery stores, golf courses, etc. I like going into a trip knowing what lies ahead.

MzPossum

hi ccgegg
I regularly get a Gulf Shores e-newsletter and they are open for business. Like some of the others have said, just call the specific place you will be staying and ask about the conditions there. I also know people who have stayed in the Gulf Shores area recently and most was ok. It's the stretch from NO to Mobile that is pretty well gone.

Fairhope

I was in GS/OB last Sat and it is business as usual. Or should I say construction as usual! Massive amounts!!. I would inquire about any construction going on NEXT to my condo--this could be very annoying. I didn't notice the Sandpiper specifically.
Frankly, this is not an area I would stay in.