Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Modern Day and History: The Best of Both Worlds

If you want to experience some of the most up-to-date and luxurious vacation accommodations available today, staying with Spectrum Resorts is the way to go. Beach cottages and multi-bedroom condos with swimming pools, spas, lazy rivers, and other amenities and services make for a relaxing getaway in a very modern setting.

While you’re there, if you really want to round out your vacation experience, compare the modern with the past by visiting some of big historic sites of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. You might start by gaining a glimpse of what lavish living was like in the 1930s by visiting Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Tour the many ornate gardens, including an award-winning rose garden, as well as the historic mansion itself.

Then step even further back in time with a trip to one of the area’s many Civil War sites. Hike along the 90-mile Civil War Trail and learn about the Battle of Mobile Bay. See the actual forts at Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines used in the Civil War, as well as the Spanish-American War and both World Wars.

If you enjoy museums, there are plenty of those, too—the National Museum of Naval Aviation is a good place to learn about the history of naval aviation. And for more locally specific history and culture, visit the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum and the Gulf Shores Museum.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Summer is Thriving With Pool Activities and Other Events

You know summer is here—or almost here—when the pool activities begin, and if you’re staying with Spectrum Resorts anytime soon, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for some water events.

If activities like aqua rodeos and surfboard races pique your interest, you’ll want to check out the pool games offered at The Beach Club and Turquoise Place. Both resorts hold pool games several times a week, which, in addition to aqua rodeos and surfboard races, include gator wrestling, poker chip dive, and other fun games. Family pool parties are also held at both locations—aqua rodeo and the poker chip dive make an appearance here, too, as do a pineapple derby, ice cream eating contest, limbo, and crafts.

Other water-related activities include dive-in movies at both locations, pool volleyball at Turquoise Place, and pool sports, also at Turquoise Place—several ways to have fun and stay cool!

But the pool isn’t the only place you’ll find action this summer. Live music, dance classes, and Wii tournaments are also on the agenda. The Pirate’s Brigade gives kids ages 5 to 11 a chance to enjoy crafts, games, and other activities, while a game of Family Survivor presents an opportunity for bonding and friendly competition against other families. More information about events and activities is available on the Spectrum Resorts website.