Looking for the right mix of golfing, get-away and gourmet lifestyle? Alabama's Gulf Coast is emerging as a Southeast hot spot, with dozens of golf courses, high-end resorts and renowned dining experiences. Plus it's set along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, adjacent to the Five Rivers Delta, offering plenty of outdoor opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Book your trip before this secret of Southern hospitality gets out.
The Wharf Resort, Orange Beach
For those looking for an all-inclusive experience for the family, check out the Wharf Resort in Orange Beach. Play golf at the resort's 18-hole course while the family plays in the wave pool or takes a ride through the resort's lazy river. For night time fun, hit up the resort's entertainment district featuring 15 different restaurants and boutiques, but don't stay up too late and miss your tee time. The Wharf Resort's challenging, plantation-style course was designed by the father-son team of Jay and Carter Morrish and includes several tough doglegs, bunkers and water hazards. Finish your game with a relaxing lunch at The Clubhouse, a posh country-club style eatery.
The Wharf Resort
520 Clubhouse Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 968-7366
thewharfal.com
Craft Farms
This southern resort features two 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed golf courses set against a backdrop of modern luxury. The first course, Cotton Creek, is a four-star course with tight, rolling fairways surrounded by glimmering ponds and is a challenge for low-handicapped golfers. The Cypress Bend Course is designed for higher-handicapped golfers and was chosen by Golf Digest as one of the most playable new courses in 1999. Both courses are coastal with ocean views, and the resort offers two-and-three bedroom condominiums set on a lake for those looking for an overnight stay.
Cotton Creek at Craft Farms
3840 Cotton Creek Circle
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 968-7500
craftfarms.com
Five Rivers Delta Safaris
Alabama's Gulf Coast is home to the nation's second largest Delta system and Five Rivers Delta Safaris offers a number of ways to explore this rich ecosystem. Couples can enjoy a number of sunset and wine cruises for $45 to $60 per person, while the more adventurous types can rent a kayak or canoe for a five-hour guided paddling session for $54 per person as of 2009. Pontoon tours are also available.
Five Rivers Delta Safaris
30586 Five Rivers Blvd.
Spanish Fort, AL 36527
(251) 654-5609
5rds.com
About The Author
Dave Brooks is a Southern California freelance writer and interactive journalist. He spent several years as a staff writer for the "LA Times Company," before shifting into magazine writing. He has written for "The OC Register," "Las Vegas Weekly" and "944." Brooks is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz.
