What to Bring for Your Gulf Shores Plantation Summer Vacation

I’ve been staying at Gulf Shores Plantation for years. So after all of those trips, I’m somewhat of an expert on what to pack when I stay at my favorite resort. I know that linens, blankets and pillows will be provided in all of the bedrooms, that the kitchens will be fully-stocked with dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and that all the bathrooms will have towels & wash cloths. So what do I bring?

I like to cook meals during my stay, so kitchen supplies are a necessity. I bring spices, condiments, napkins, paper towels, aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Coffee is an absolute must for me every morning, so I always make sure to have that, plus filters, sugar and creamer. 

My beach must-haves always go into my beach bag before I arrive at Gulf Shores Plantation. Besides a bathing suit and beach towel, I make sure to include a cover-up, sunscreen, sunglasses, and my floppy hat. My kids like to stay active on the beach, so I pack our Bocce ball set and a Frisbee.

Personal items such as clothes, toiletries, medications, my laptop and camera round out the list of what I like to bring on my summer getaway.  What is on your list?

Staying Connected at the Beach

If you’re like me, you sometimes have to bring work on your vacation. I would rather not have to connect, of course, but sometimes it’s the only way I am able to make the trip down to the gorgeous Alabama Gulf Coast. One thing is for sure, I never worry that I won’t have internet service while I’m at Gulf Shores Plantation.

There is free wireless in the accommodations, which helps if I need to log on for a few hours a day. It is also convenient for sharing pictures of our vacation online, while we are still enjoying our trip. Even if don’t plan on connecting at all during my getaway, it is nice to know that the option is there should I need to check in with work.

I love the Connections Café that is onsite at Gulf Shores Plantation. It really does have best view of the beach! At Connections, I like to grab a brew Starbucks coffee and sit down with my laptop. If I have a lot to catch up on, I can always refuel because they also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Six Outdoor Pools and the Gulf

Even though I was just there, I can’t wait to go back to Gulf Shores Plantation. If you’ve ever visited the Alabama Gulf Coast in July you know it is absolutely gorgeous…and hot! There are a ton of amenities at my favorite resort, but if you want to keep cool, there are six pristine outdoor pools and the Gulf of Mexico just steps away from your accommodations.

My husband and I always take a July trip with our children. The first thing I do every morning is head to the pool. With six pools, my kids and I try to switch it up and enjoy the different scenery. I absolutely adore lying out by a pool where I can listen to the crashing of the waves against the shore.

We also take advantage of the beach during the day. The sugary white sands against the beautiful turquoise water make it the ideal place to let your cares float away. In July, the Gulf is the perfect temperature if you want to venture out into the water and ride the waves. I like to go out and splash around just as much as the kids. Gulf Shores Plantation really is the perfect place to stay.

Gulf Shores Orange Beach Summer Attractions

Are you still in the process of planning your summer vacation? The gorgeous Alabama Gulf Coast is THE perfect destination for some hot summer action!

My husband and I always bring the kids down during the summer months, so there is plenty to see and do. While we love the beach and all of the amenities offered at our favorite resort, Gulf Shores Plantation, it is so nice that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have an abundance of amusement just waiting for us. 

We actually just returned home from our last visit and I’m reliving some of our past experiences through photos while I upload them onto my computer. I’m reminded of “going wild” at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo before heading over to Waterville USA for some major splashing around. Our recent fishing charter in the spring just had to be repeated and we saw some dolphin while we were out. We are now completely “hooked” on charters and cruises.

This year, we went parasailing for the first time and I was literally soaring over the Gulf taking in all of the amazing scenery. It was unbelievably beautiful. On the next trip, I’m hoping that we can hit the Gulf AdventureCenter for some ziplining to keep the adrenaline rush going. I’ll go ahead and put it on the long list of things I want to do when we come back next year!

Grill out at Gulf Shores Plantation

Some of my favorite memories at Gulf Shores Plantation involve eating. While dining out is always a fun option, I love it when my family can just stay at the resort and enjoy a meal outside. It’s nice to be able to stay onsite in our casual clothes, rather than having to get dressed up and go out to eat.

  

There is always the option of cooking in our condo or beach cottage, but the outdoor charcoal grill area is ideal for grilling up some delicious food and serves as the perfect gathering spot for family and friends. Did I mention it’s also a great location for watching unbelievable sunsets on the Gulf?

  

With the nearby horseshoes pits, the fun never stops. My kids love it when my husband and I challenge them to a game or two while we wait on our meal to be ready. We not only get to enjoy each other’s company, we can also enjoy the amazing gulf breezes that make their way inland.

Celebrate Independence Day at Gulf Shores Plantation

Summer is in full swing and Independence Day will be here before you know it! What words come to mind when you think of the Fourth of July? I always think of family, food, fireworks and of course, the Alabama Gulf Coast.  

  

I have spent more than one Independence Day vacation in a Gulf Shores Plantation beach cottage and each trip brings back fond memories filled with sun and sand. The highlight is always watching the fireworks with my family.  I don’t know who gets more excited during the fireworks display, me or my kids! 

As I look at the July 4^th calendar of events for this year, I see there are some possibilities for celebrating in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach this year. There’s Fort Morgan's Salute to American Independence, the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Gulf Shores Public Beach, and the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular Show and live music at the Wharf, just to name a few.

There’s still time to plan a trip down there. I’m in the process of trying to figure out the exact dates that we can make a getaway happen. I know that we will have fun no matter what we decide to do on Independence Day because we’d be together at the beach, which means it’s guaranteed to be a fun summer holiday!