If this email does not display properly, view the web version. To ensure receipt of this email, please add info@gulfshores.com to your address book. July 28, 2009 Packages and Hot Deals Take a peek at these fantastic deals and packages. New fishing pier opens at Gulf State Park Get up close and personal at the zoo Wanna receive more "hot deals"? Give us your opinion People are talking about Gulf Shores & Orange Beach New Gulf State Park pier is longest anywhere on the Gulf What’s 1,512 feet long, 20 feet wide and an awesome spot to land cobia, king mackerel and tarpon? The brand-spanking new fishing pier at Gulf State Park. Spanning almost a third of mile, the longest fishing pier in the Gulf of Mexico opened to the public last week and is already a popular spot with anglers. Exceeding the dimensions of the former pier, this new structure – which rises 20 feet above the water - is located on the western end of Gulf State Park and features a concession area with restrooms, picnic tables, a snack bar and a tackle shop. At the middle of the pier are more restrooms and a saltwater in-take system for the state’s Marine Resources Division. The pier’s end is a 65-foot octagon that extends over the second sandbar, where big fish like cobia, king mackerel and tarpon live. A daily fishing permit is $8 for anyone 12 and up, but children under 12 are free when accompanied by a paying adult. A one-trip sightseeing pass is just $2 for those 12 and older. The pier is the latest in a series of upgrades at Gulf State Park since 2006. You can find more information and photos here. Encounter more than a great time at the AL Gulf Coast Zoo While others are moping around during the lazy, hazy days of summer, check out the hands-on animal encounters at the extremely popular “Little Zoo That Could.” Located in the heart of Gulf Shores, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has developed a reputation for its close observation decks and personable staff. However, zoo officials are bringing the guests’ experience to the next level with its encounters. “We want people to leave our little zoo with a deeper appreciation, understanding and respect for all creatures,” said Patti Hall, zoo director. “One way to work toward this goal is by giving guests a safe and controlled environment to interact and play with some of our babies.” Read more about the zoo’s animal encounters here. Want to see more packages emails? In June and July, we sent you e-mails highlighting special packages or hot deals offered by participating partners especially for our e-Tidings subscribers. We'd like to know how you feel about receiving these exclusive hot deals e-mails. Please give us your opinion by taking this short, four-question survey. People are talking about Gulf Shores & Orange Beach People are always saying nice things about us, but we thought you'd like to see a little of what travel writers from around the country have to say. Tom Austin, Travel + Leisure, June 2009 Gulf Shores was named one of America's Best Little Beach Towns, ranking alongside destinations such as Boca Grande, FL, Santa Cruz, CA & Sunset Beach, Hawaii. Jane Ammeson, Press News Service, February 22, 2009 “There's biking for my husband, the beach for my 15-year-old daughter, tee times for my college-aged son and hiking, kayaking and a historic Southern town for me. Plus -- since family vacation should mean family time -- there's a list of activities we can enjoy together, and all at very little cost.” Readers' Choice Awards, Southern Living, January 2009 Southern Living's readers voted the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area as one the best beaches and best family destinations in the Southeast, while the National Shrimp Festival ranked as a top festival and fair in the publication's annual awards for 2008. (Gulf Shores/Orange Beach has been named to the top beach category 11 of the last 13 years.) Joe Starnes, New York Times, December 23, 2008 "The region has wider and more open beach than most coastal communities. The 6,150-acre Gulf State Park sits between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, providing two miles of uninhabited public beach, wavy with sand dunes and wild sea oats. On the western edge of Gulf Shores is Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a 7,000-acre preserve.” Molly Feltner, USA Today, May 23, 2007 In this article, Gulf Shores was named as one of the "five hidden, affordable beach destinations" and was ranked alongside Anna Maria Island, Florida; San Mateo County, California; Points East Coast Drive, Prince Edward Island; and East Hawaii. Visit our People are Talking page to read more or check us out on Facebook and Twitter.    (View full calendar) The Red Snapper World Championship presents The Saltwater Series Now through August 15 Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon & "Tri-it-on" Triathlon September 19 38th Annual National Shrimp Festival October 8-11 This email was sent to archive_email@informz.net, because you requested monthly e-newsletters from Alabama Gulf Coast CVB. If you are not interested in this type of information, you may unsubscribe. Read our Privacy Statement. Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau PO Drawer 457 Gulf Shores, AL 36547 1-800-745-SAND Contact Us