Nothing Like a Songwriters Festival to Spruce Up Your Golf Vacation

Ever golfed in November? Cold temperatures, dreary weather, hands freezing as you try to putt…if you’re playing up north somewhere in November.

Try playing in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach in November and it’s a completely different story. Yes, it’s cooler weather from summer, but it’s a comfortable coolness—certainly not freezing. And for those who enjoy a little live music (or a lot of live music) during their golf vacation, the next big chance is coming up in November.

The 29^th Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival is scheduled to take place November 7^th – 17^th in the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area. Interested in seeing the potential music stars of tomorrow? This is the place to be. Multiple venues in Perdido Key, Pensacola, and Gulf Shores & Orange Beach will be featuring both up-and-coming musicians and Grammy award winning songwriters.

It’s a good time to book a Gulf Coast golf vacation: spend the day on the golf course, spend the evening enjoying a variety of music. The perfect fall vacation.

Start planning now!

A Shrimp Festival and Golf: A Perfect October Vacation Combo

I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again: golf in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach in the fall is a wonderful thing. You simply can’t beat the weather (and the fall rates!). But if you want to really pinpoint a perfect date for your fall golf getaway, plan to be there October 10^th – 13^th.

Not only is October an ideal time of year to visit the Gulf, but this specific time frame is when the 42^nd Annual National Shrimp Festival is taking place in Gulf Shores. This is a very popular Gulf Coast event, not only for the 200 pounds of delicious shrimp that is prepared each day (in addition to other edible treats) but also because of the ongoing live music, the arts and crafts vendors, and activities like the sandcastle contest and the new “Shrimp Festival Idol” competition.

It’s an excellent event to combine with a golf vacation. The festivities go on throughout the day, so you can squeeze in a round of golf on one of the area’s signature golf courses at whatever time suits you. It’s an ideal event for families, too—plenty for kids to do at the Children’s Activity Village.

And if you feel like stepping up your physical activity level, you could always participate in the Shrimp Fest 10K/5K Run—a good way to work off all the good food you’ll undoubtedly be eating.

Make a point to be there—you won’t regret it.

Combine Fishing and Golf This Fall for the Perfect Vacation

Being so close to October, I think it’s time to hook a fall golf vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. I mean, actually hook it—throw the fishing pole in with the golf clubs and head to the Gulf for both golf and fishing.

Anyone who’s done a Gulf Shores & Orange Beach golf getaway knows that the golf is rewarding all on its own, thanks to the variety of scenic and challenging Gulf Coast golf courses. But it is the Gulf Coast—fishing in some way, shape, or form is practically a necessity. After all, the area is home to one of the largest charter fishing boat fleets in the world.

Plus fishing just makes a nice addition to a golf vacation. You’re already down there with a group (no matter how big or small) of friends and/or family members, so the fishing party is already set—golf one day, Gulf angling the next. And fall is a fantastic time of year for both golf and fishing, especially since October 1^st marks the beginning of a two-week fall snapper season this year.

Beautiful fall weather, red snapper, and golf. It’s a dream vacation.

Golf and Football: A Perfect Combination for Fall

Well, the SEC BeachFest has come and gone—as has the SEC BeachFest Golf Tournament. A good time was had by all, and several legendary SEC coaches turned up to participate, like former Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson, pictured here at Craft Farms. The participation of all competitors is much appreciated!

It was a great way to kick-off the SEC football season. Now on to actual SEC football! I just love this time of year: the start of fall, the start of football…the two simply go hand-in-hand, almost like one could not exist without the other.

And I know right where I want to watch some of these football games: from the living area of my Gulf Shores & Orange Beach condo during my fall golf vacation. Because fall is also the perfect time of year for golf, especially on the Gulf Coast, with its cooler but still warm temperatures.

So there it is—the perfect fall vacation. Golf, the beach, and SEC football on the t.v. of a beach condo. Ready to book it yet?

Who’s Up for a Fall Golf Vacation on the Gulf?

I was talking with a coworker the other day who was griping about missing his golf vacation this summer; the timing just didn’t work out with his wife between their work schedules and other events.

I told him I couldn’t understand why he was so upset. We’re coming into fall now, and fall is absolutely my favorite time of year not just for golf, but specifically for a golf vacation. All I have to do is head south to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach and I’m in heaven.

After all, autumn on the Gulf isn’t like other places. The weather is cooler, but comfortably so—still warm enough to enjoy a little swimming, a little Gulf Coast nature-exploring, maybe even a little deep-sea fishing. And of course, a lot of golf. (Nine signature golf courses provide plenty of options!)

It’s easy enough to plan a fall golf getaway, too, especially when using the Gulf Shores Golf Association website. You can browse the various accommodations (ranging from chain hotels to luxurious Gulf-front condos) as well as the Gulf Shores golf courses. Then click on “customized quote” under “Plan” to begin putting together a customized golf vacation package. Easy.

Really, there’s no excuse not to plan this fall vacation. My coworker can complain all he wants… I’m booking a vacation.