Gulf Shore Getaway

Mayfield retires, warns of "the big one"

Max Mayfield has been the voice of the National Hurricane center for 34 years. He recently retired.

Max went out with a bang, predicting major doom and gloom for the Alabama Gulf Coast in coming years.

Well, sure. Would it be news if Max retired saying he was leaving at a good time because all the good storms were over? That's not news.

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.

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.

The Fishing's just about to take off

We're getting closer to the magic day when weather and water combine to create a fishing frenzy.

October and the Orange Beach October Fishing Rodeo are just around the corner. From the way things look the elements are combining in just about the right proportions at just about the right time.

Fish haven't caught up with cool weather

Boy, I love this weather, and so do the fishermen. All of the boat ramp parking lots have been full of vehicles and trailers as the cool front sparked a fishing frenzy.

• Read more