| Trade carpooling for canoodling with an autumn beach | | | | region home. And don't miss the newly reopened Gulf |
| vacation built for two. | | | | State Park Pier, which was destroyed by Hurricane |
| When the school bells ring and kids return to the | | | | Ivan in 2004. |
| classroom after a long, hot summer, rekindle your | | | | If you're visiting in October, take a day trip to the |
| romance with an Alabama Gulf Coast getaway. It's a | | | | eastern shore of Mobile Bay and participate in |
| living picture postcard of blue waters, sandy beaches, | | | | Fairhope's first annual Trop Rock the Bay October 1-3, |
| and stunning sunsets - and offers up the perfect | | | | a celebration of tropical rock music featuring concerts |
| antidote to fall's frenetic pace. | | | | along with sailing adventures, food, and fun. Later in the |
| The waterfront communities of Gulf Shores and | | | | month, the 28th annual Grand Festival of Art by the |
| Orange Beach switch gears during the shoulder | | | | Bay happens October 17-18, featuring 90 booths of |
| season, trading summer crowds for a slower, mellow, | | | | original art including paintings, ceramics, graphics, |
| beachy vibe. It's the time for hosting honeymooners, | | | | sculpture, photography, stained and blown glass, |
| young parents, and couples traveling together | | | | jewelry, and woodwork. |
| alongside empty-nesters and active seniors seeking an | | | | Sporting types will bond over tennis or a round of golf |
| escape. | | | | at one of the area's championship courses, |
| Fall also offers some of the year's best rates and | | | | strengthening your stamina while exercising your |
| special packages for romantic retreats, stretching your | | | | competitive spirit. Or book an inshore or offshore |
| dollar and eliminating the guesswork while leaving you | | | | charter fishing trip and reel in your dinner (some |
| to enjoy the scenery and one another's company. | | | | restaurants are happy to cook up your catch for you - |
| Accommodations range from fabulous to frugal, with | | | | just call ahead). |
| something to suit every taste and budget. Select a | | | | Spend another day wandering the outlet mall, specialty |
| luxe resort or high-rise condominium for dramatic | | | | boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops before indulging in |
| beach views, or enjoy the charm of a bed and | | | | a light lunch and side-by-side massage at a serene |
| breakfast inn or traditional beach hotel. Couples opting | | | | spa - the ultimate in tension relief and mind-body |
| for total seclusion will find it at a private beach house | | | | connection. A rejuvenating swim or afternoon nap will |
| resting steps from the Gulf or in a remote back-bay | | | | prep you for the evening, when you can board a |
| fishing cottage. | | | | sunset dolphin cruise or cocktail sail aboard a restored |
| The island's quiet beauty shines during spring and fall, | | | | schooner. |
| when the call of the gulls and the rushing of waves | | | | Then head to one of the island's unique eateries |
| replace the joyful shouts of children and families. With | | | | thriving on locally-sourced seafood and produce |
| the sun still bright and the Gulf waters still warm, you'll | | | | harvested from area farms. Gulf Coast restaurants |
| savor the rare opportunity to focus on your relationship | | | | offer everything from gourmet fare with extensive |
| in a scenic, tranquil setting. | | | | wine pairings to casual, come-as-you-are dining at the |
| After some time on the beach, explore the island's | | | | bars and seafood joints lining the island. Round out |
| charms that stretch from Orange Beach at the | | | | your evening with some live, local music and a nightcap |
| Alabama state line west through Gulf Shores to the tip | | | | before heading home with your honey. |
| of Fort Morgan. Stretch your legs and discover diverse | | | | So the next time work, kids, and day-to-day |
| ecosystems and wildlife habitats with a stroll through | | | | responsibilities threaten to crowd out quality time with |
| the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and the Bon | | | | the one you love, rediscover what first brought you |
| Secour National Wildlife Refuge, or ride bikes along the | | | | together with a Gulf Coast getaway. Welcoming you |
| paths within Gulf State Park. Watch for the migratory | | | | with gentle breezes perfumed by the salty sea, this |
| birds, nesting sea turtles, and other species that call this | | | | sliver of paradise will warm you heart and soul. |