Just returned from a week's stay in Gulf Shores, staying at the new Lighthouse condos. Anyone that may have questions, please ask. Beautiful property and beach!

Cissy

I'm headed there in July and will be staying out on Ft. Morgan. I'd love to hear more about your trip. Is there construction everywhere along the beach? Since we'll be out on Ft. Morgan, this may not matter much to us, but I'm curious as to how well the area has recovered after the hurricane. Also, did you find any restaurants that really stood out to you? I'm interested in places that would be toddler friendly and not too expensive. Do you know of any seafood buffets? My father is hunting for one and I haven't had any luck finding anything for him. Did you visit the new Wharf area and if so, what did you think? Just anything you feel like sharing--please do! Sorry for so many questions, but thanks!

Hazels is a family restaurant & has buffets.
King Neptunes is very informal - not much to look at, but delicious food and drinks!
Live Bait is really good too (no buffet).
On certain days, The Original Oyster House has buffets - I think Sunday.

Here is a link to a list:
http://tinyurl.com/267ulx

OH, just thought of the BEST place to eat for kids to have fun - Lulu's at the International Waterway & Hwy 59.

This is Jimmy Buffet's sis's place and occasionally, he shows up unannounced!

They have live music, an open atmosphere and sand toys for the kids to play in/with!

I'm not sure I could eat at a place called Live Bait

OSB--Thanks for that link--it's very helpful! I think my family might give Hazel's seafood buffet a try. My husband and I went to Lulu's a few years ago (before we had our son) and liked it. I remember the sand/play area for kids. This would be a great place for us to visit, as long as we get there early, right? (I just wish JB would show up the day I'm there Thanks!!

...Ya never know!

OSB--do you live in that area? I'm going down in July. Surely JB would not be there when it's really hot and full of "tourists covered in oil?" Oh gosh, I'm sitting here cracking myself up at my bad joke! Sorry but it's just fun thinking about JB's songs

Just have to say that I am really happy to hear positive news about the gulf region. Any news on New orleans?

Just back from New Orleans this afternoon. It was great to see so many tourists enjoying themselves in the Quarter! All restaurants are open though some may not be open as long each day. We ate at Johnny's Po-Boys for breakfast. The place was packed at 10 am.and you should have seen the soft-shell crab po-boys and gumbo being served! I have been to New Orleans many times since Katrina and each time I notice more tourists. Yesterday I was thrilled to see many foreign visitors once again! The City is making a strong come-back. I encourage you to come down and support the rebirth!

Lee4: No, I lived in Mobile as a child until college. Then, moved back for 4-5 years when the kids were small. Several extended family members are there or close to there.

Sis lives in Fairhope and has lived in the Daphne/ Fairhope area for years and years.

DH had a couple meetings/yr. at Perdido Beach Resort and sometimes my own meetings are there as well.

Gulf Shores is my favorite place in AL.
We've moved down the beach to Perdido in recent years, but it's all Gulf Shores to me.

It's where I got my 1st sun burn as a youngster.

BTW: If you have an ET book, there is a 25% off total purchase for the Liz Outlet at Tanger. I cashed in big just before my trip to HI!
The ladies that work there were very interested in where I got it!

Belle

DownSouth
I am SO HAPPY to hear about the good news in New Orleans. Would you consider
starting a thread with information about lodging as well as restaurants? I think it would be great to encourage everyone to come on back and help grow the economy. Hooray for New Orleans!

OSB-I thought you sounded like a local. It must be so great growing up near a beach! I'm landlocked myself and just love any chances to go to the beach. I'm really looking forward to the trip to GS this summer. Thanks for all the information!

SORRY ALL - my computer died on me just after I posted this! I'll attempt to answer what I can from your posts. In our part of GS I didn't see a lot of construction. Much looks to be back up and running normally, although I do realize there is still much to do for some. Since GS is close to Orange Beach, etc. there are many restaurants open and ready. We do enjoy Live Bait and it has entertainment almost every night in their bar in the back of the main restaurant. Very lively. I like Jakes as well and the Original Oyster House but that spot is really crowded so get there by 5:30 or so! Mikee's is a small, but great seafood spot. I didn't find any spot that didn't have a kids menu and most are not "fancy". Don't miss "Scoops" a terrific homemade ice cream spot with SO many flavors you can't begin to make up your mind! I did not get to the wharf area or hit LuLu's this trip. That's a real "hot spot" and another place you must get to and find a seat early. One more spot that is just a few doors up from the Lighthouse condos and right on the beach is Sea 'N Suds..a very small little restaurant out on a dock which is great for a reasonably priced lunch or dinner. It also has a great view. Bottom line, the region is rebounding nicely and I couldn't be happier. I love this area, as well as Ft. Walton and Destin up the coast to Florida, and Navarre back the other way. I hope they continue to rebuild and tourists will realize that much is new, complete and ready for guests!

Cissy

Cissy: I'm glad to see someone posting on this area!

One little suggestion: would you use some paragraphs &/or spaces? It really helps these tired eyes. Thanks!

Sorry OSB - I can really sympathize with the tired eyes and will take note. This GS/Orange Beach area is so beautiful.

My Sis and I drive through/around Mobile from Little Rock (her home town) on our way to GS. Have pulled over in Daphne several times. I'm in New England and it's our annual trip.

Fingers crossed the hurricane season isn't an active one this year!

Cissy

Yeah, we hope there won't be any major ones, but right now, we're in a major drought, so everone's looking forward to a tropical depression to come give us some relief!

My husband and I have reservations at the Lighthouse Condo in late Sept. for one week. I rented through VRBO and it looks like a very nice place to stay. We have never stayed there before, as we haven't been there since it was built. It sounds like you were plaeased with the location and the property in general. Did you have a good view from your balcony? Thanks for your report.

Nancy

Hi Nan - you will love this property! All new and taken care of very well. We always rent ocean view and we were not disappointed! Our condo was on the 15th floor (the highest floor we've had thus far) and we were able to watch the dolphins swim by every morning in the clear water. There are only 18 floors available at Lighthouse. Beach is in excellent condition and there are two pools to choose from. We have rented through VRBO for about 5 years now and this was by far our best experience. Have a great time!

Cissy

Belle - did you get any water from TD Barry??? Sure hope so!

Cissy