Gulf Shore Getaway

Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights

The 2006 holiday season officially opens next weekend with Bellingrath's Magic Christmas in Lights. The festivities begin on Friday, Nov 24th, and runs though the end of December 2006.

This year, as in past years, Bellingrath Gardens and Home will celebrate a Magic Christmas in Lights, a spectacular holiday light display. This amazing event, now in its eleventh year, is sure to be bigger and even more spectacular than ever before. This year's presentation will include over three million twinkling holiday lights and 25 holiday displays. You'll see traditional, whimsical and contemporary holiday scenes such as Winter Wonderland, Candyland, Toyland, Christmas Village and Butterflies in Flight. Everyone's favorite animated scenes and figures will be found somewhere along the way. In addition, the Bellingrath Museum Home, filled with priceless antiques and furnishings, will be decorated in holiday finery and splendor with guided tours available.

Mobile Renaissance Faire

Mobile goes medieval on Nov 18th, 2006-Nov 19th at the 6th Annual Mobile Renaissance Faire.

By royal decree you are invited to the his majesty's 6th annual Mobile Renaissance Faire! This year's Mobile Renaissance Faire will be held on the weekend of November 18th and 19th from 10am to 5pm, at the Mobile Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds.

Come on out and eat, drink and be merry. You are to be entertained by knights jousting in the royal jousting tournament, by demonstrations of the fine sport of falconry and by sword fighters who will showcase their skills with the long blade.

Watch out for Pirates! We will have court jesters, jugglers, wizards, fire breathers, musical minstrels and gypsy dancers to ensure your every moment is filled with medieval whimsy. You'll also have an opportunity to try out your skills at various Renaissance games of skill

Mobile International Festival

The annual Mobile International Festival will be held at the Mobile Civic Center Main Arena on Saturday, November 18, 2006 from 10am to 5pm.

The Mobile International Festival is the Gulf Coast’s premier international cultural event. This year we're celebrating 23 years of exciting family fun. Come out and enjoy getting to know some of the various cultures around the world first hand. In one day you get to visit and experience life on each of the earth's continents.

Come and meet face-to-face with people from every corner of the planet, learn about life in their homeland and feel their friendliness. See the arts and crafts, be entertained, hear the sounds, and taste the flavors of the world. You will certainly be tempted by over 50 dishes from four corners of the world! Sample different entrees, mouth-watering desserts and exotic beverages such as international coffees, beers or wines. With food from 20 countries, there's something to please even the pickiest palate.

13th annual "Colonial Isle Dauphine"

Colonial Isle Dauphine' to be presented at Fort Gaines Historic Site on Dauphin Island

Come to Dauphin Island on the weekend of November 12th and 13th. The 13th annual "Colonial Isle Dauphine" will be presented at Fort Gaines Historic Site from 9am to 5am each day.

You'll explore life as it was in the early 1800s. The "Colonial Isle Dauphine" is a living history weekend which illustrates what life was like at Fort Gaines. Actors in period costumes will be dressed as soldiers who will perform drills and fire the fort's cannon. Women will cook over open fires and traders will offer their wares from their blankets.

2006 Alabama Coastal Birdfest begins Thursday

The 2006 edition of the Alabama Coastal BirdFest begins this Thursday and runs through the weekend. It's that time of year. Many of the northern species of migratory birds have begun their southern migration this year and have found their way to the southeast.

All along the Alabama Gulf Coast neo-tropicals are flocked together, fattening up for the big push south across the Gulf of Mexico where they'll winter in warmer climates.

The Coastal BirdFest is the best place for birders to be right now not only because of the birds' arrival but because the organizers of the Alabama Coastal Birdfest go out of their way each year to make their event the premiere birding event for birders. Whether you're looking to get started and hungry for learning about birding, or you're a seasoned birder who knows where to look and what to look for, the Alabama Coastal BirdFest is just the ticket to birding success.

Not only that but it's a great social gathering too.

Alabama tourism ramps campaigns to lure vacationers

All along the Alabama Gulf Coast efforts are underway to bring in the tourism dollar. This time of year the weather is about perfect regardless of where you're from and what kind of weather you're used to.

Areas north are turning colder, and that means the fall migration is on. Birders head to the Gulf Coast this time of year because places like Gulf Shores are overrun by the little feathered ones stocking up on food for the big trip south across the Gulf of Mexico.