April Smith

we spent last week in the alabama coastal town of gulf shores.
even though it is just 30 minutes from the house
it seems like we are a million miles from home when we are there.
it has become a tourist town with vibrant souvenir shops on
every corner and the beaches are lined with towers of condos and
rental chairs with blue umbrellas but it has also managed to keep some
of its charm from when it was just a lazy southern beach town.
a 30 yr old ice cream parlor, local clothing boutiques, an art gallery for
local artist, a yummy cheesecake shop, a burger and seafood joint on the ship canal,
seafood markets with local fresh treasures, several state parks, boats to
charter for fishing or dolphin watching, dinner cruises and some of the
best fishing in the gulf of mexico are just a few of the things that can easily fill
your time as well as give you a taste of the flavorful local culture.

however, the best part about a vacation on the beach is to ignore the noise
and commotion, sit back and let nature stir your soul and awaken your senses~
listen to the continuous sound of the waves crashing along the shore,
feel the sand between your toes,
search for seashells,
watch the moon rise over the horizon,
follow the clouds as they disappear,
watch the color show at dusk,
search for sand crabs by flashlight,
fish and crab in the gulf all night,
and then drink coffee in the salty sea breeze before
repeating.