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 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.

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.

Alabama Gulf Coast tourism on the rise

Joint efforts by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel and the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources to promote tourism have resulted in a 14% growth in Alabama tourism this year.

We should also give some credit to Mother Nature for keeping the storms away from the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Alabama tourism grows more than $1 billion
49,000 workers added to industry over 4 years

Alabama's tourism industry grew by 14 percent, or more than $1 billion, during the fiscal year that ended October 1, Gov. Bob Riley said Wednesday.

The growth caps a four-year increase of 33 percent in spending by travelers in the state.

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35th Annual National Shrimp Festival opens today

The 35th annual National Shrimp Festival takes place today through Sunday. The National Shrimp Festival is of the country's premier outdoor festivals. The festival features an international marketplace where over 300 vendors will show and offer fine art, arts and crafts, and all manner of shrimp.

Yes, shrimp! Fried, grilled, broiled or steamed, any way you like it, and every way you'll love it. You will find it all at the festival along with other delicious seafood and non seafood dishes.

The 35th National Shrimp Festival takes place at the Gulf Shores Alabama Public Beach.

Shrimp festival opens today; huge crowds expected

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