OT: Spring Break = Gulf Shores, AL

Submitted by UM Indy on

Never been to Gulf Shores, but the wife did some research and thought it looked good so we take off on Friday for a week. Never pictured myself vacationing (or doing anything else) in Alabama. Will watch Final Four and Opening Day action from that locale. Has anyone been there? If so, any advice on restaurants, activities, etc.?

Flying Dutchman

March 30th, 2010 at 9:53 PM ^

Its a pretty mellow place. Great white sand beaches. Laid back food joints. A few decent bars. Its basically Florida and not what you think of "Alabama". Get down to Florabama on the border, and the Pink Pony Pub.

I'll see you there.

SpreadGuru

March 30th, 2010 at 10:00 PM ^

nice but I know a certain parochial school from the west side INHABITS that place so you'll be certainly surrounded by asswipes. I don't want to name the school but they just fired their basketball coach, who has over 500 wins.

Have a great vacation but look out for elitists (the typical Notre Dame fan type).

Braylon1

March 30th, 2010 at 10:28 PM ^

Godriguez is spot on.

You're about 15 minutes or so away from the Florida border and the beaches are beautiful. What I loved about GS was that most of the tourists were southerners. It was kind of nice to be a northerner at the beach without the huge amount of your fellow northerners on vacation.

PinkPony is a pretty decent bar. If you're into more of a club of scene w/ dancing then FloraBama is the place to go. Make sure you go to The Hangout if you get a chance. It's the best combo between Pink Pony and FloraBama.

Make sure you check out the Tanger Outlet center in Foley about 8 miles north of gulf shores off rt. 42.

Lambert's restaurant, next to the outlet center, is a pretty cool place. They actually throw free rolls at you from across the restaurant whenever you ask for one. Great food and good prices.

If you are still trying to decide on a place to stay I suggest the Hilton Garden Inn in Foley. My good friend is a higher up there. I'll get you connected with him and see if I can't get a fellow Michigan fan a good deal.

BlockM

March 30th, 2010 at 10:33 PM ^

You MUST go to Lambert's: "Home of the throwed rolls" at some point for a meal.

Everyone raves about the rolls, and you think it's an extreme exaggeration, but they're absolutely incredible. Great restaurant. Expect a decent wait when you get there though, it's always packed.

DamnYankee

March 31st, 2010 at 8:15 AM ^

My wife's family is originally from New Orleans and Jackson, MS and we go there annually. Lamberts is pretty cool and you do need to get there early to minimize your wait. The beaches are pristine and the people are very friendly. We have young kids and last summer we would get up early and go down to the water to watch the dolphins swim by (no dolphin puching jokes)close to the shore.

Enjoy!

RichRodFollower

March 30th, 2010 at 11:01 PM ^

You'll see a lot of Michigan plates there next week - much of Western Michigan goes there for Spring Break. We're heading further South this year. Mid sixties and cloudy the last two years on the panhandle - me not being there damn near guarantees you'll have great weather! I remember having a good time, but specifics are hard to come by because of the all the alcohol intake... Have a safe trip!

michigandadof4

March 30th, 2010 at 11:50 PM ^

So I ihave been there several times, but never during Spring Break. As everyone said, its basically the panhandle of Florida.

For really good food check out "Tin Top," that's what m-i=l calls it, it may actually be called the Tin Roof (I am not certain which is the correct name). It is a little off the beaten path and on one of bayous but (at least when we go) they have a killer happy hour with .25 oysters and discount drinks.

Geaux_Blue

March 31st, 2010 at 3:26 AM ^

dislocated my shoulder twice in that bitch. once 2 years ago labor day weekend in florabama (which might be gulf shores, i can't remember) and the other was june 2004 in cancun.

in other news, you kids need to get off my lawn and i remember when newspapers cost a nickel.

amphibious1

March 31st, 2010 at 6:14 AM ^

I am in Pensacola, FL. I live very close to all of this. The Florabama is in Orange Beach, AL which is right next to Gulf Shores. Take a trip to Pensacola's Seville Quarter or to Pensacola Beach for some night life. There are outlet malls in Foley, AL. Other than that, enjoy our awesome weather and crazy beautiful beaches...

DWolv95

March 31st, 2010 at 9:17 AM ^

My wife and I vacation there each summer since moving from MI to TN. I would recommend you go to Sea N Suds in Gulf Shores. It's right on the beach. Doesn't look like much, but its been around forever and they have the best shrimp. Also recommend Cosmo's in Orange Beach. Probably my favorite restaurant (probably pay about $50 for you and the wife without drinks). Great food. For some shopping, the Wharf is between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Lots of great shops and restaurants, although a little overpriced.

Bama Wolverine

March 31st, 2010 at 11:28 AM ^

Moved to Alabama from Texas last year about this time, first trip was to G.S., now wife wants to make it at least an annual outing. Thought it was a great place to vacation.

Flying Dutchman

March 31st, 2010 at 2:25 PM ^

Wow Spread Guru, you meet one apparent asshole from Holland Christian and you figure you've got them all pegged. I can name a couple but can find 10 good people from every one of them. Lighten up.