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Five Healthy Restaurants in Gulf Shores to Eat at Post Fourth of July

We all know the over-indulgences of sweets that happens each Halloween and Christmas, but the Fourth of July is just as bad for throwing some of us off our diets. You may be tired of fried shrimp and deep-fried food. If you want to go somewhere with some more wholesome options, then check out these restaurants. Keep in mind though, we love our food hearty in Gulf Shores, so you’ll have to keep your eyes off certain areas of the menus!

DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen

Are you tired of seafood places that think everything is made better with gravy or heavy cream sauces? Try DeSoto’s then—they really emphasize the natural flavor of the food, with dishes like steamed snow crab legs and flounder almodine keeping things simple and wholesome. Keep in mind that a meal here will cost $20 or more—even so, the reviewers keep coming back to this gem. It’s a little off the beaten path near the southern end of Gulf Shores Parkway.

The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar

Right nearby DeSoto’s is another great option: The Steamer! Their website proudly boasts that there isn’t a crumb of fried food in their restaurant. If you’re looking to get away from the trans and saturated fats that clog your arteries, then have a hearty yet healthy meal at the Steamer!

Sunset Cork Room

Okay, we may be stretching what counts as “healthy,” but red wine is supposed to be good for your heart right? Really, we couldn’t fail to mention this gem. Their starters are easy on the palette, from the cheese plate to the salads. This is an upscale restaurant a little higher on the price, but everything they make is packed with flavor from skill and spice, not from fats and sugars. This great spot is tucked away on 16th Ave just east of Gulf Shores Parkway.

Brick and Spoon

If you’re new to the region and haven’t tried this Southern breakfast/lunch chain before, you’re in for a treat! Their portions are huge, but the prices reasonable for the quality and fantastic service. If you’re trying to eat light, go for the grilled veggie sandwich and farmer’s market benedict. But make room for their signature bloody mary. It has veggies so its healthy right? It’s on Canal Rd just a few blocks east of The Wharf on the way to Orange Beach.

Portabella’s

Okay, so this is a little bit of a drive up into Foley, but its worth it. Portabella’s is a lovely Italian restaurant that features the staples: pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and most importantly, salads! A good salad can be hard to find in Gulf Shores, so if you want a plate of leafy greens that’ll still leave you full, you should try Portabella’s. It’s located in Foley on N. Mackenzie Street.

Cook It Up in Your Harris Properties Vacation Home!

And if none of these options are up to your standards, then use your rental home’s kitchen to make your own healthy dishes! Call us at 1-877-446-4853 to book a fabulous Gulf Shores rental today!

Our Guide to Waterville USA

Since opening, Waterville USA in the heart of Gulf Shores has become one of the premier entertainment destinations for families vacationing along the Alabama Gulf Coast. From the start of the season in late May to the end of the season in mid-August, Waterville is a favorite for those looking to break from the pristine beaches for a change. So, what’s there to do at Waterville? Well, there’s the water—bucket loads of it! This may be the best place to spend a day when you cannot get into the Gulf water.

Attractions & Things to Do at Waterville USA

One of the coolest attractions is the Flowrider, especially if you like hanging ten. The Flowrider creates a continuous wave over a base of soft foam. You will be able to practice all your tricks on a perfect wave with no fear of falling or injury.

If you’re a thrill seeker, then you’ll want to get in line for Great White, a world-class one, two, and three passenger tubing adventure through the jaws of the Great White Shark, a tunnel, a waterfall, and then a quick drop to the lagoon below. This ride is the Gulf Coast’s most awesome tube ride.

And if that isn’t fun enough, then really get your heart going on the Screamin’ Demon. Yeah, it’s that scary—and thrilling! What is it? It’s a water slide not for the faint of heart! Drop almost 60 feet in a flash on Waterville’s white-knuckle scream machine. This high-speed body slide is a must for thrill seekers.

But not all the attractions at Waterville might make you skip lunch; there’s plenty of relaxing water-centric attractions like Shrimp Boat Village—a waterworks attraction and the ultimate water playground. This water wonderland has something around every corner. Three stories of sprays, geysers, net crawls, slides, water cannons, and dumping buckets abound on this amazing attraction. Turn the handles and soak a friend or family member on Waterville’s interactive water playground. Shrimp Boat Village is fun for the whole family and must be experienced firsthand, but beware of the giant shrimp bucket dump!

There’s also Rainbow Falls, Crystal Waters River, North Shore Wave Pool, Gold Rush, and much more, with plenty of things to do for the really little ones. And when it comes time for some grub, Waterville’s got a great snack and lunch bar. Want to just get some rays? Then relax on a lounge chair and let your troubles float away!

Last but not least, Waterville USA is home to the Cannonball Run, a wooden rollercoaster that hits 50 MPH. Feel the thrill of zero-gravity and pure speed with family and friends on the Gulf Coast’s fastest wooden coaster, day or night. This is definitely one of the Gulf Coast’s coolest attractions and a must ride for sure.

Plan Your Waterville USA Getaway with Harris Properties

Looking for the most family friend attraction in Gulf Shores? It’s Waterville USA, and it’s nearby your very own Gulf Shores vacation rental from Harris Properties. Book today and take your family on a wet and wild vacation!

Welcome to Paradise – Wish You Were Here!

Spring officially ushers in the high tourist season along the Alabama Gulf Coast – and Alabama’s very own Pleasure Island. By early May, the island will be teeming with vacationers. It’s likely you’ll require more than a week to see all the attractions, eateries, bars, and things to do and events in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, but if a week is all you have, that’s ample time to hit the must-do’s.

Eat and Drink

When it comes to beach grub, there’s the iconic establishments like Bubba’s, Lulu’s at Homeport, Tin Top, Tacky Jacks, The Hangout, Mikee’s, Sea ‘N Suds, DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen, Doc’s Seafood Shack, and of course, the infamous Flora-Bama. But there are some off-the-beaten path restaurants like Anchor, Flippers, Our Cigar Bar, Coastal Kitchen, O’Choppers, Snappers Lounge, Barefoot Island, and Our Cigar Bar, just to name a few. When it comes to imbibing in a bushwhacker or cocktail with an umbrella, there are dozens of juke joints, honky-tonks, and thatched, pool-side tiki bars to get your drink on. Cheers!

Family Fun On the Cheap

Got a condominium full of little ones? Pleasure Island offers things to do away from the beach like Waterville U.S.A., The Track, Adventure Island, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, The Hangout and much more. If you’re on a budget, there’s plenty to do on the cheap with the kids like Waterfront Park, Gulf State Park Pier, Fountain of Youth at Lulu’s and, naturally, the beach! Yeah, we got beaches—dozens of miles of powdery, snow-white sand. From West Beach to Gulf Shores to Cotton Bayou and Perdido Pass in Orange Beach, it’s endless beach as far as the eye can see.

Events and Festivals

April and May also means the shoulder season, which means festivals like the Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party. What’s that? Glad you asked. It’s an intimate beach bash for three days at the Flora-Bama Lounge and Package along with tens of thousands of folks from across the country gathered for one purpose: to toss a lifeless mullet from Florida into Alabama and to party in paradise.

Like classic Southern muscle cars? In late April, The Wharf holds its annual Bama Coast Cruise. In May is The Hangout Fest, a three-day music fest held right on Gulf Shores Public Beach, featuring a variety of live music from Friday to Sunday night. Got wine? The Orange Beach Wine Fest in mid-May offers a plethora of crushed grapes at Caribe the Resort, while the Hot Air Balloon Festival in neighboring Foley in early May gives tourists a bird’s-eye-view of Baldwin County.

Where Do I Stay?

Lodging options run the gamut from small beach cottages to plush beachfront homes to cozy condos and swanky penthouses. Depending on your lodging budget and needs, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers all kinds of price points. Whether you’re looking for lodging for a romantic getaway for two or a large home for a family reunion or a baseball team, the area can accommodate your needs. But keep in mind, rates don’t dip in the high season.

Your Perfect Spot in the Sand

The beautiful beach communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are no longer a secret, and with good reason. The beaches are some of the most pristine and stunning in the country, while the culinary and entertainment landscape captures the best of the Deep South. So, come on down, y’all.  What are you waiting for? The Alabama Gulf Coast is waiting for you.

Get Your Blood Pumping and Maintain that Beach Body During Your Gulf Shores Vacation!

Everyone dreams of escaping to a tropical paradise like Gulf Shores, Alabama, but how many people actually plan out what they’re going to do before they get there? Whether you’re the type of person who plans ahead or the type who likes to “go with the flow,” chances are good that you’ll want to do something fun and active at least once during your vacation.

A healthier you is a happier you, and nothing inspires confidence on the beach like keeping your body toned. With that in mind, we present to you our handpicked list of some of the best fitness-related activities that you can do during your time in Gulf Shores!

The 5 Best Fitness Activities in Gulf Shores

Below, we’ve put together a list of a handful of fun and exciting activities that you can do to keep in shape and not let your vacation derail your fitness routine. We hope that you enjoy these suggested activities as much as we do!

1. Hike or Run Along the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

One of the most extensive networks of paved trails in not only Gulf Shores but the entire United States, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is the perfect place to get your run on while exploring and sightseeing around Gulf Shores. Several trails are even pet-friendly, meaning your dog can join in on the fun!

2. Challenge Yourself by Biking to Fort Morgan and Back

A fun and lengthy biking path, the paved trail along Highway 180 is ideal for people who want to soak up the gorgeous sights of the Gulf of Mexico while pushing themselves. The trail begins at Gulf State Park and goes five miles westward through Gulf Shores, ending in secluded Fort Morgan.

3. Take a Dip in the Water

Gulf Shores has a ridiculous amount of options for water sports enthusiasts. There’s always swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, but you can even take it a step further by trying your hand at kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding!

4. Run and Play with Your Dog at a Local Dog Park

Orange Beach Dog Park permits dogs to run off-leash, but Gulf Shores Dog Park and The Dog Pond at Lake Shelby do not. Gulf State Park also has a number of dog-friendly trails that require leashes, while Orange Beach Waterfront Park is a great place to walk your dog.

5. Attend One of the Popular Fitness Events in Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is home to a variety of fitness events, including 5Ks, half-marathons, triathlons, and more all year long! From For a-Bama’s Beach Run/Walk for America’s Warriors in late March to the Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon in September, it’s easy to sign up for a fun fitness event during your vacation!

6. Glow Yoga in Gulf Shores

If you’re looking for an activity that offers a bit of relaxation, check on some of the Gulf Shores Glow Yoga options. It is a style of Vinyasa Yoga, that focuses on establishing synchronization of both breath and movement. During this type of yoga, a specific arc form is followed, and while classes may be challenging, they are a great option for both beginners and novices. It should also be noted that rooms are heated during this particular style of yoga! It is a great option for a beach vacation activity!

7. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Recreation Center Day/Week Passes

In the event that you’re not around the Gulf Shores area for long, there are some great day pass options available! For under ten dollars, you can spend a whole day at the Gulf Shores recreation center, getting your much needed workout in. For a day pass that includes aerobic classes, the fee is a mere $8. All other day passes are $5, and children under the age of 2 are free. If you’re in Gulf Shores for longer than a week, fear not! There are options for that as well. Not only are there weekly passes available, but there are monthly options as well. You can check online for more details on pricing! So even if you get the vacation lazies but know you have to do something, or even if you really just need to get some exercise in, there are always some great options available at Gulf Shores!

Let the Vacation Experts at Harris Properties Help You Plan Your Tropical Escape!

Curious to learn more about what there is to do and see during your time in Gulf Shores? Our friendly reservation specialists can help! Contact our office to find out further information on the awesome attractions and activities that are waiting for you here when you book your stay in one of the incredible vacation rental properties that are available through Harris Properties today!