Boating : TRAVEL/FOOD

Year-Round Reasons to Visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Alabama, Beaches, Boating, Fishing, Gulf Coast Alabama, Ocean, Southern cuisine

The sun will soon set on peak summer season in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, and though the destination is known for its pristine beaches and fun in the summertime, we’re excited to share the many reasons why it’s also a great place to visit in all the OTHER seasons. If we listed out all those reasons, we estimate that you’d be reading a short novel … because there’s an incredible array of experiences available outside the summer season. So instead, we’re sharing two big reasons to visit each season. We hope you’ll want to learn more, and we encourage you to connect with us if the idea of hitting the beach outside of June, July and August appeals to you.

Fall: Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and fantastic festivals give Gulf Shores and Orange Beach autumn appeal.

Easy Access to Sand & Sustenance: With its colorful sunsets, fall is an amazing time to enjoy 32 miles of sugar-white sandy beaches and the clear – still warm – waters of the Gulf of Mexico without the summer crowds. There’s also less competition for reservations and shorter wait times at the destination’s long list of incredible restaurants. Sure, you could say this about any destination’s “off” season, but it’s especially important here because there are so many fabulous and beloved culinary offerings. One such standout is Jesse’s Restaurant, which opened its second location on Fort Morgan this year. Offering casual fine dining, Jesse’s on the Bay is known for its steaks, fresh local seafood and signature entrees.
Festivals & Events: While Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to great events throughout the year, there are a few standout festivals worthy traveling to each fall.

The 50^th Annual Shrimp Festival, which features 50 local and regional vendors, will be held October 12-15 in Gulf Shores. Festival attendees will find shrimp just about any way you can think of it.

After a successful launch last year, The Hangout Seafood Festival presented by Murder Point Oysters will be serving up the half shells for a second year on November 3 and 4. This culinary weekend features chef and farm demos, live music, oyster shucking, and samplings of oysters, shrimp, gumbo, jambalaya and more.
The 39^th annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival takes place November 9-19 this year, and it will draw nearly 200 songwriters from around the country and the world.

Winter: With monthly averages between 50 and 60 degrees, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers mild winter temperatures so you can still enjoy the great outdoors.

Birding: Thanks to its prime location along the Mississippi Flyway migration route, Gulf Shores is a popular destination for birders. During the winter migration, birders might spot bald eagles in Gulf State Park and other sites. As part of a larger statewide birding initiative, the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail features six birding loops totaling 200 miles along the Gulf Coast. With snowbird clubs, events and deals, the destination welcomes flocks of human snowbirds, too!
Golf on the Gulf: With mild winters and great shoulder-season rates, golfing on the area’s 15 courses is a year-round sport. Course terrain ranges from lush foliage of nature preserves to courses that overlook the Gulf. Among the course designers are such legendary names as Arnold Palmer, Bruce Devlin, Jerry Pate and Earl Stone.

Spring:The temperatures in this season often make it feel like summer, but visitors can beat the summer crowds and prices by going to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach between March and May.

Spring Break: Planning ahead for spring break, the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach community caters to families in a variety of ways:
Rules: The destination truly caters to families … so much so that alcohol has been banned on the beach during the spring break schedules of most major colleges and universities for the past seven years.

Accommodations: The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton property, is one of the world’s leading eco-friendly hotels. It’s also family-friendly, with one-third of its guestrooms featuring built-in bunk beds.
Activities: A can’t-miss family activity is Sand Castle University, where families can build a sand castle under expert supervision.

Explore Gulf State Park: This is one that can (and should!) be explored any time of year, but spring is an especially good time. Each April, in celebration of Earth Day, the park hosts special programs and celebrations to showcase its incredible sustainability efforts. This park is an especially good place to get a handle on this fascinating coastal region that’s home to nine different ecosystems. In the past few years alone, the 6,150-acre park has restored its sand dunes; expanded its Backcountry Trail to 28 miles; and constructed an Interpretive Center.

Dream Yacht Worldwide expands easy crewed sailing concept around the globe

Boating, Ocean, Sailing, Uncategorized

Sailing vacation packages that make charters easy and accessible for non-sailors are now available in the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Tahiti and the Seychelles.

Dream Yacht Worldwide, the world’s leading yacht charter company, is bringing its successful crewed yacht product “Easy Crewed” to 4 new destinations this summer. The concept that was specifically designed for those new to chartering launched last year in Greece and Croatia and is offering easy-to-book, flexible, and price-competitive sailing vacation packages.

The “Easy Crewed” charter program builds upon the company’s highly successful “Cabin Cruise” vacations for singles and couples, currently offered in more than 15 idyllic destinations worldwide.

The Cabin Cruise concept was pioneered and developed by Dream Yacht Worldwide in the effort to make sailing vacations accessible to travelers unfamiliar with yacht charters. The Easy Crewed offering is a natural evolution in this endeavor, extending the concept to feature private yachts for groups of family and friends up to ten.

The addition of the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Tahiti, and the Seychelles as Easy Crewed charter destinations offers guests even more flexibility regarding their preferred vacation destination and together with Greece and Croatia creates a unique blend of Mediterranean, Caribbean and exotic locations available to choose from.

A one-week charter trip will let guests explore breathtaking coastlines, ancient ruins, crystalline waters, amazing local cuisine with fresh ingredients, and countless dazzling islands that can only be reached by boat.

Those planning their yacht charter vacation need only choose a destination and boat type based on their preferences and number of people in their travel group. Monohulls and sailing catamarans from 38’ to 54’ are among the yacht choices, all with comfortable private guest cabins with ensuite or shared baths. Easy Crewed Charters come complete with an experienced local skipper and watersports equipment including a standup paddle board and snorkeling gear. The skipper works with the guests to plan a custom itinerary that accommodates desired activities, day stops and night anchorages.

For additional comfort guests can choose to add a hostess/cook, air conditioning, and meal packages to include all breakfasts and lunches or even all meals in more remote cruising grounds. These meal plans cater to the guest’s specific preferences.

Easy Crewed Charters are currently available to book for Summer 2023 and beyond. As an example, the one-week package prices start as low as $630 per person for 10 guests aboard a 47- to 56-foot monohull in Croatia and $1023 per person for 10 guests aboard a 43- to 47-foot monohull in the British Virgin Islands.

www.dreamyachtcharter.com YouTube | Facebook | Instagram |

About Dream Yacht Worldwide – The World’s Leading Ocean Tourism Company

Part of the Dream Yacht Group, we were founded by Loic Bonnet in 2000. We set out from the start to revolutionize the industry by making sailing accessible to all. Originally launched in the Seychelles with just six boats, Dream Yacht Worldwide now has one of the largest charter fleets, and more than 50 exciting destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Bahamas, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Asia, Americas and Europe.

Skip the vacation house rental, get out on the water!

Adventure, Boating, Ocean

Top misconceptions about renting a yacht.

Dream Yacht Worldwide (DYW), one of the world’s leading ocean tourism companies, is making sailing and sea travel accessible to all around the globe. With personal sailing trips continuing to gain popularity in 2023, the company offers the most destinations and one of the largest and most diverse sailing, yacht, and boating fleets in the world – an opportunity for groups of family and friends to get out of a traditional house rental and out on the water.

Here are the top misconceptions or concerns DYW hears often when travelers consider booking sailing charters:

Myth: Sailing is difficult and for experienced sailors only.

This is a common misconception but is far from being accurate. If you can enter a boat, you can sail. Sea trips are for everyone, no experience is necessary when you book a skippered charter, which allows travelers to enjoy the quality time together and not have to worry about sailing skills.

Those traveling with experienced sailors can take advantage of Dream Yacht’s bareboat options.

Myth: Tight quarters.

Families are typically relieved to know that Dream Yacht Worldwide offers spacious catamarans that fit up to 12-14 people comfortably. Many catamarans have cabins that have their own private bathroom as well.

Myth: It is all about the sea.

The sea is the medium, you can actually visit many places and discover areas on land that you cannot access without travel by water. Chartering a boat is an excellent way to discover lesser known areas. Dream Yacht operates in 52 destinations worldwide, with a fleet of more than 900 monohulls and catamarans. There is something for every type of traveler in destinations across the globe.

Myth: Charter trips are boring.

Charter trips can be as exciting and as full of adventure as travelers prefers. It is a unique experience and it requires a certain adventurer mindset. There are many water sports and team-building activities that groups can participate in, plus plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind on board. It allows travelers to see the world from a different perspective.

Wondering what type of yachting vacation is for you?

Check out the options here from Bareboat to Crewed Charter.

Explore three stunning under-the-radar destinations by the sea

Adventure, Beaches, Boating, Family Excursions, Ocean

May we suggest the following:

Instead of the Maldives, visit Seychelles

Dream Yacht Worldwide began its first yacht charters in the Seychelles. And for good reason, as it’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet, comprising 41 of the earth’s oldest granite islands and 74 low-lying reef islands which embody the phrase ‘tropical paradise’. On a Seychelles yacht charter, travelers can snorkel among the treelike corals on Coco Island, or at stunning St. Pierre islet, where rugged granite rocks merge with lush tropical vegetation.

An unmissable highlight on any yacht charter in the Seychelles is a visit to the scented vanilla plantations at Union Estate on La Digue, one of the most beautiful islands in the region. While for nature lovers, there’s bird watching at Aride Island and the rare Aldabra tortoises at Curieuse, a protected island where you can observe these gentle giants.

There are also the larger islands of Mahé and Praslin to explore. Here, you’ll find stunning landscapes, relaxed island hopping and plenty of opportunities to swim in the reefs.

Instead of the French Riviera, explore New Caledonia

Dream Yacht Worldwide was the first company to offer sailing charters in this exciting cruising ground, and now have an extensive fleet operating from its base at Port Moselle in Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia.

New Caledonia is home to the world’s largest lagoon, a beautiful and unique natural aquarium covering over 9000 square miles, and one of the most remarkable and beautiful sailing destinations. The archipelago is also home to one of the world’s most extensive reef systems, with a diverse range of healthy coral and marine life, including whales, turtles and tropical fish.

Nouméa is a cosmopolitan city which feels much like the French Riviera. Colorful waterfronts are lined with bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs, and it’s an ideal place to stock up on superb French gourmet food and wine. The city is within easy reach of the south lagoon, where you can sail Îlot Maître, Île des Pins, Île Ouen, Îlot Brosse and Ilot Kuaré.

Instead of Sicily, check out Sardinia

The island of Sardinia is off Italy’s west coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Sardinia sailing adventures begin from Dream Yacht Worldwide’s base in Olbia on the northeast coast. From there, it’s an easy sail to the Maddalena Archipelago and the glamorous Costa Smeralda – Sardinia’s most coveted sailing areas.

Well known for their miles of craggy coastline, the world-famous Emerald Coast and the Maddalena Archipelago National Park and Marine Reserve are the places to find superb beaches and scenic coves. Travelers can swim, snorkel and take in stunning sunsets in the solitude of these largely uninhabited islands.

Many enjoy boutique shopping in the super-exclusive ports of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo, where travelers can mix with the international jet set. With a wide choice of dining options, from local trattoria to fine dining, it is recommended to sample the local cuisine during a boat charter in Sardinia, especially the amazing fresh seafood found on the coast.

About Dream Yacht Worldwide

Dream Yacht Worldwide, one of the world’s leading ocean tourism companies and a pioneer in making sailing and sea travel accessible to all around the globe, is making it easier for all to explore lesser-known destinations by sea plus some of the world’s favorite ocean vacation spots.

Offering sailing vacations in over 50 destinations, and with a fleet of more than 900 monohulls and catamarans, Dream Yacht Worldwide has sailing experiences available in almost every corner of the world including popular destinations like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, but also under-the-radar destinations to discover. No sailing experience? No problem – just add a skipper or book a cabin cruise and enjoy a private stateroom in one of the company’s modern catamarans.

Since 2018, the company’s catamaran charters with skippers to assist with sailing have more than doubled (+133%) in select destinations like the Mediterranean. Due to demand and industry research pointing to an increase in Marine tourism, Dream Yacht Worldwide will launch 150 news boats in the coming season of which 80% are catamarans. The company will continue to offer sea travelers the option of crew support including a variety of skipper and hostess offerings to support sailors and non-sailors of all skill levels.

Trendy Bloomington Indiana is the ultimate fall destination

Boating, Breweries, Distilleries, Farm-to-Table Restaurant, Uncategorized, winery

Bloomington, Indiana is bursting with autumn adventures, fall flavors, and some of the best ways to enjoy fall foliage. Here’s how to enjoy autumn adventure by water, land, and even air.

Though it might be hard to convince some people of this, Bloomington in the fall when the leaves turn jewel shades of garnet, tangerine quartz, and tourmaline (or red, orange, and yellow) is more than college football. Here in this college town where Indiana University’s campus melds into the historic downtown, there are seasonal festivals and flavors, cool, crisp weather, wineries, distilleries, and breweries as well as an amazing selection of ethnic restaurants including not one but two Tibetan eateries. In all, Bloomington, Indiana is a one stop shop for all the fall feels.

Here’s how:

On the water: Monroe County boasts three lakes, and each takes on a magical, majestic air and outdoor adventures during autumn. The rolling hills filled with orange, red, and yellow-leaved trees reflecting in the water is a breathtaking experience every visitor should check out during the fall season. Seasonal activities include boat rentals allowing visitors to cruise for the best fall foliage view. There’s also seasonal biking, fishing, hiking, campgrounds and more.

In the air: Nothing beats a fall foliage view from the top. While Bloomington is one of the Midwest’s top birding locations, nothing beats a bird eye’s view of the beautiful earth below. Bloomington is home to three popular hot air balloon companies including SkyVista Ballooning which offers a unique and customizable hot air balloon ride experience for everyone embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. For those who prefer to use their feet for a view from the top can climb the 133-step Hickory Ridge Fire Tower and snap a photo of the fall-toned tree tops. An autumnal view of Monroe County like no other. Nature lovers and avid hikers will be amazed by the Hoosier National Forest during fall.

Speaking of balloons, Bloomington is home to several seasonal festivals including the 10^th annual Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest; Lotus World Music & Arts Festival; Hilly Hundred Bicycle Tour, and more.

On land: Indiana University, one of the most stunning college campuses in the country, shows off its colors in the fall (on the football field and campus). Be sure to attend a fall football game and/or take a trip to the campus.

Fall foodies enjoy all the season’s best flavors throughout town such as Apple Pie Wine at Oliver Winery, Oktoberfest at Upland Brewing Co, pumpkin pancakes at Village Deli, a Jack-O-Lantern Latte (made with local Dillman Farms pumpkin butter) over at Hopscotch Coffee, and so much more (there are over 350+ restaurants in Bloomington!).

And because fall season is also spooky season, for those interested in the other kind of “spirits” Bloomington is a great destination for Halloween vibes. Graduate Bloomington Hotel, a pet friendly place to stay, has a room dedicated to the hit Netflix show Stranger Things and if that’s not creepy enough, Bloomington offers cemetery hikes and tours with more Halloween activities to be announced soon. Mystery lovers will enjoy Indiana University’s Lilly Library Sherlock Holmes in 221 Objects exhibit on display now through December 16.

Cruising River St. Joe

Boating, Lake Michigan, Uncategorized

Located at Eagle Point Marina in St. Joseph, Michigan, Nia’s Pontoon Rentals offers boating opportunities on both the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan. Available for full or half day rentals, in certain cases animals are welcomed aboard.