We were supposed to head to Destin on Saturday to stay in a beach house but the damage from Hurricane Dennis is forcing us to change our plans. We are five adults and five kids looking to rent at least a 5-bdrm house on a beach (or lake). Ideally, we would be driving distance from Atlanta and New Orleans but would be open to flying if we can use frequent flyer tickets or find a deal. We are beach people who love the pristine waters and beautiful sands of Destin but are open to trying something new. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

From Atlanta, how about the beaches of North Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head), or GA (Savannah) or Florida (Amelia Island, Jacksonville, etc). We are heading to Gulf Shores this weekend (maybe) for a wedding. check out the beaches between Mobile and New Orleans or even further west. There should be many places were the weather will be nice.
Good Luck

I am sort of in the same situation as you. We are suppose to leave this saturday for south beach and the keys. Looks like Dennis won't ruin it for us, but tropical storm Emily (I think that's the name) is on the way now. We may have to decide very last minute to change plans. We are probably just going to fly to Vegas if that happens. Just keep an eye on Emily. If you decide to go to another beach, she may be a problem.

pianogirl, Although it's still early for predictions, all 5 computer models have the storm going almost due west for about the next week, staying south of Cuba and heading to the Yucatan Peninsula. http://www.wunderground.com/tropical...505_model.html

Leslieyoung, how about a rental on Anna Maria Island, FL, all of you flying into Tampa? Tybee Island (Savannah) doesn't qualify as either pristine waters or beautiful sands...in fact few places outside the Caribbean can hold a candle to the Destin area in those two categories. Anna Maria is absolutely gorgeous and a close second for what you are looking for.

I suggest Gulf Shores or Fort Morgan AL. Near the Destin area with the same beautiful beaches. Fort Morgan has lots of vacation home rentals. It is not far from things, but seems very secluded when you are there. Little competition for the "perfect" spot on the beach.

bebalm is on the right track!;-)

I highly recommend the Beach Club directly on the beach in Fort Morgan, Alabama. We normally rent daily/weekly through realtors in the area. A good one is http://meyerre.vdsys.com/ You can phone this realtor at 800.213.9544. I would strongly suggest phoning to see which businesses are open in the Gulf Shores/Fort Morgan area. That area didn't suffer the damage that the Destin area did, but the real issue may be power outages.

Good luck!

Got confirmation yesterday that Gulf Shores did not suffer any damage - our realtor said just some sand in the streets. So if Emily stays south that area looks like the place to go.

www.lakeguntersville.org

Located in Northeast Alabama a beautiful 69,000 acre lake In Guntersville, AL...only 142 miles from Atlanta. Lots of Vacation Rentals, Cabins etc. on the Lake. Enjoy boat rentals, swimming, fishing, etc...