We love going down to spend Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores. The weather is usually nice (70s, sometimes the 80s). Hang out on the beach. Eat a lot of turkey. Spend time with family and friends. There’s a lot to like about just relaxing and doing very little, but there are times when you may want to break out and do something during the Thanksgiving week, whether you are there for the entire week or just for the long Thanksgiving weekend. So, what do we do when we head down?
Check out the Bodenhamer. Activities for Everyone.
From table tennis to basketball, racquetball to workout, indoor track, outdoor tennis, playground. You name it, the Bodenhamer has it. The perfect place for some physical activity, and if its rainy or cold, check out the large indoor pool with a play area, lap areas, and even a aqua ‘rock’ climbing zone. Very nice way to spend a half day or more!
And, there’s a double’s tournament and a Junior novice tournament during the first weekend and cardio tennis Saturday mornings.
If you happen to be in Orange Beach, staying at Diamond, Emerald, or Sapphire, our Jewels by the Sea, then Orange Beach has a recreation center close to you as well. We haven’t been there yet but since we will be staying at the Sapphire for the first few days of the week (making way for other vacationers come Wednesday!), we will be sure to check it out and report back what we think. Or at least that’s the plan… sometimes, well, you know… the beach.
Or hit both the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rec centers up during the trip if you are really motivated!
Live Music (and a lot more) at Lulu’s
Lulu’s is a cool restaurant on the intracoastal waterway. They have a lot for kids to do, including beach volleyball, a sand play area, and a “Mountain of Youth” rope and ladder climbing activity (costs extra). Food is pretty good usually, sometimes great, but not really the main draw these days. We try to stop at Lulu’s least once per trip.
They also have live music. Check out the Gulf Shores location’s live music schedule.
One artist we like to try to catch is Brent Burns. This year he will be there Monday, Nov 23, 2015 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Good, family friendly, fun solo guy. My kids love him.
Brent Burns was born in Seminole, Oklahoma, and moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1958. While attending high school and Community college sports were important, but music was in his blood. Brent soon strapped on an electric guitar and was fronting a rock-n-roll band.
Life soon changed when he volunteered for service in Vietnam. Several months after entering combat, Brent was wounded and received the Purple Heart. After a three year recuperation in and out of military hospitals, he returned to his love of music and hit the road performing all over the United States. Later on he felt compelled to take a year off from music and hit the college lecture circuit. Offering honest, insightful, and a humorous look at life as a combat soldier, Brent was able to help others troubled with the effect of the war on their day to day lives.
Brent Burns is no stranger to notoriety. In response to the oil shortages of the 1980s, Burns wrote the hit song, “Cheaper Crude or No More Food,” which sold 200,000 copies the first day it was released. Paul Harvey played the song three times; the first and only song ever played in the program’s 35-year history. Burns’ fame has continued with guest appearances on all three major networks, interviews on the BBC, and featured articles in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune andBillboard Magazine.
Brent also has the distinction of being the first entertainer to sing for American troops overseas since the tragedy of September 11th, 2001. Besides his busy performance schedule, he continues to perform at benefits around the world, including for the National Underwater Marine Agency (NUMA) of Australia, the Phoenix Suns Night Hoops Program, American Cancer Society, and Habitat for Humanity, where Brent is building a house with proceeds from his latest CD, “Margarita Smile.”
Eat out for Turkey Day
Yes, you can actually find some good food options for Thanksgiving day if you are in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach for the week. Of course, cooking up your own turkey (or turducken!) in one of our fully equipped vacation homes is also an excellent (if more labor intensive) way to go, plus, then, you can cook, and eat, while enjoying the beach! Blowing off the home cooked option, here are a couple alternatives that may satisfy your turkey needs without the prep and cleanup.
27200 Perdido Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561-
251-981-9811 x 103
Nov 26, 2015 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Email
Website
Join us for a Thanksgiving feast! Whether you are looking for a four course meal with a view of the Gulf or a quiet private family room for your traditional feast, we have exactly what you are looking for. Our chef has added some creative twists to some traditional Turkey Da…
Nov 26, 2015 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
The Hangout
101 E. Beach Blvd.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
On Th. Nov. 26 join The Hangout for a delicious traditional Thanksgiving dinner. $24.99 for adults, $13.99 for children, under 6 eat free. Make your reservations today.
17401 Perdido Key Drive
Pensacola, FL 32507
(850) 492-0611
Nov 26, 2015 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
The FloraBama
Bring a covered dish and get all the turkey and ham your belly can stand. The Flora-Bama helps take the stress out of your holiday cooking. Throw those pans out and get to the line for this wonderful feast.
Take a post turkey day run
2015 Kaiser Realty by Wyndham Vacation Rentals Coastal Half Marathon and 5K Run
Nov 28, 2015 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Orange Beach Sportsplex
4389 William Silvers Parkway
Orange Beach, AL, 36561
Shed your turkey with us at the beach on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Bring the whole family to enjoy the weekend on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast. From a 1 mile fun run to a 5k run to a half-marathon run, there is a distance for everyone. Enjoy running on the peaceful, scenic paved trails in the Back Country Trail. You will enjoy scenery encompassing the Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Stick around for awards and the best post-race party around at the Orange Beach Sportsplex.
(615) 460-9927
https://www.team-magic.com
Check out the outlet mall! Because, black friday…
The Tanger Outlet mall. Have to stop here each trip, and why not do so for Thanksgiving because… Black Friday! They have shops for everyone, even the guys, and, hey, Starbucks!
Little Zoo that could…
Catch the Little Zoo that Could, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, before they move to their new location. Nice, friendly, zoo with great staff, intimate settings, right up close to the animals, a fabulous way to spend some chill time off the beach.
What do you like to do?
Let us know what you like to do in Gulf Shores Alabama for Thanksgiving week (or Orange Beach). We’ll be down there for the week and are always game to try some new things. Hey, need a place to stay? Give us a shout!
