I was trying to plan a relaxing and inexpensive vacation and came up with the idea of flying into New Orleans and driving to Gulf Shores. In Gulf Shores, we (family of 5 who doesn't fit into a hotel room!) would rent a 2 bedroom condo for less than a hotel room in most other cities. Perhaps on the way to or from Gulf shores we might spend a night in Biloxi or Gulfport. There's a Hotel in Gulfport with a lazy river pool that the kids would love. My questions are these - We only have 4 or 5 nights to spend, it that enough time given all that driving? Also, we tend to hang out on the beach or by the pool during the day, but like to walk around and shop, have dinner, etc in the evening. Is there an area of Gulf Shores with stores and restaurants within walking distance of each other? Are there any waterfront restaurants? Thanks for your help,

H. Ann

Gulf Shores is a good place for a family vacation and lots of families from the New Orleans area travel there because it's so close. Four or five days will give you plenty of time. There are restaurants and shopping all very close by. The town of Foley has an outlet shopping mall. The panhandle beaches of Florida are not that much further down the road from Gulf Shores. I am from Alabama and we choose Destin and Seaside over Gulf Shores because in my opinion, the beaches are prettier and there are more options in terms of dining and entertainment. I would skip Mississippi and drive straight over to Gulf Shores.

We took a drive over there in December and enjoyed our short visit there. The beaches were beautiful and the Casinos were fun. It really was a nice break from the party atmoshphere in NOLA.

Would you mind sharing the name of the condo you reserved and the rate? How did you find out about this condo? My family is looking for something in that area. You can email me privately if you wish. Thank you.

H.
Just some thoughts. It is an easy drive; about 4 hours. You can either go through Mobile or take the ferry; it is the same amount of time if you plan it right. Foley has a fun soda fountain in the downtown area. Magnolia Springs has a very nice restaurant which I believe is called Jessie's. In Gulf Shores, stop at the Gulf Shore's Seafood Steamer for shrimp. They had to show us how to pull off the heads and peel the shells and legs, lots of fun and they tasted great. You can get cheap kites at the Walmart in Foley, but it is also fun to visit the kite shops in Gulf Shores. If you get a chance, go to Fairhope for candy and shopping. The navel air museum in Pensacola is great too. We will return to the area again.
Phil

I think your family would really enjoy that trip. I've posted some travel notes at:

http://www.igougo.com/planning/journ...JournalID=2104

Happy trails!

Unless the flight is much more expensive to fly into Mobile, why fly in and out of New Orleans? Mobile has an airport. It'd save you that 4 hour drive.