As always, time is flying along and this school year is just about over. And, of course, as school dismisses for the summer the vacation season opens. For many, the first getaway of the season is south to the central Gulf coast. Some prefer the Florida panhandle, but many stay in state for destinations like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. With this in mind, every year I write a piece in this space called “Spann’s Best Way to the Bama Beaches”. Long time readers know I like to take the roads less traveled, and if you have a little extra time, getting off I-65 and onto some rural Alabama roadways offers a treasure trove of scenery, good eateries, and nuggets of Alabama history. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Before I share the 2005 version of my tour into deep south Alabama, I figure it would be good to update the recovery status of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach after Hurricane Ivan, the storm that scored a direct hit on the Alabama coastline on September 16, 2004. Here is the latest status from the Alabama Gulf Coast CVB: 62 percent of accommodations are now open (7,810 units), 89 percent of attractions are open, 90 percent of cruises and charters are open, 100 percent of golf courses are open, 100 percent of marinas are open, 84 percent of shopping is available, and 80 percent of restaurants are open. The bottom line is that most places are back in business, and our friends in southern Baldwin county will welcome your business.
If you are interested in camping, our friends with the Gulf State Park report that 100 renovated campsites are now open, with larger pads, 50 amp service, water, and sewer hook-ups. Of course, the state park lodge was destroyed by Ivan, and plans are underway now for a new facility to be constructed at the old site.
Before I share the 2005 version of my tour into deep south Alabama, I figure it would be good to update the recovery status of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach after Hurricane Ivan, the storm that scored a direct hit on the Alabama coastline on September 16, 2004. Here is the latest status from the Alabama Gulf Coast CVB: 62 percent of accommodations are now open (7,810 units), 89 percent of attractions are open, 90 percent of cruises and charters are open, 100 percent of golf courses are open, 100 percent of marinas are open, 84 percent of shopping is available, and 80 percent of restaurants are open. The bottom line is that most places are back in business, and our friends in southern Baldwin county will welcome your business.
If you are interested in camping, our friends with the Gulf State Park report that 100 renovated campsites are now open, with larger pads, 50 amp service, water, and sewer hook-ups. Of course, the state park lodge was destroyed by Ivan, and plans are underway now for a new facility to be constructed at the old site.
on May 17, 2005, 6:47 am
Flo
Reply to this comment