A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph
Undoubtedly, 2020 will go down in history as one of the most unusual years for the travel industry. We started out strong with record breaking website traffic and inquiries, only to be shut down by the COVID pandemic. At AlaVHR, we started out as vacation rental owners and we knew immediately that this was going to be a challenge for our owners.
We swiftly went into action by granting EVERY owner on our website a FREE 90 day extension on their subscription, no questions asked and no strings attached. We also gave any new subscribers a free trial to get back on their feet as the area reopened.
Once travel restrictions began to lift and the beaches reopened, it became clear that travelers were finally paying attention to those ridiculous booking fees charged by the “big sites” and they flocked to AlaVHR.com for relief. Our site traffic and inquiries spike by 500% over last year in May 2020, and continued strong for the rest of the summer.

Most owners were hopeful that they would have a full recovery from the COVID cancellations and the future looked bright indeed, UNTIL…. Along came Sally. Hurricane Sally had her eye, literally, on the Alabama Gulf Coast and she certainly overstayed her welcome. Sally was stronger and much SLOWER than anyone expected – saturating our land and brutally beating our trees and buildings for what seemed like an eternity.
The aftermath was surreal. Everywhere littered with giant overturned trees, branches blocking roads, fences down, roof shingles littering the streets. Everywhere we went looked like a war zone. It was heartbreaking to survey the damage. But in the midst of the destruction, something else stood out – the strength of a community coming together to help one another. Neighbor helping neighbor – the outpouring of human kindness left us humbled and honored to call Coastal Alabama our home.
Now, almost four months later, most of the rentals are ready to welcome guests, or will be very soon. Some communities were particularly hard hit and those may not be ready until Summer 2020 or even later. Those who sustained damage are working hard to make their homes even better than before. The worst hit areas will ultimately become the most beautiful. One thing is certain, our communities welcome you back with open arms. We want you and your family to continue to make memories with us.
Despite the setbacks, our website, AlaVHR.com, had an exceptional year. Check out these amazing statistics!

- Website Traffic up 93% – nearly 2,000,000 Page Views in 2020
- Inquiries up 150% – over 15,000 Inquiries in 2020 vs 5,000 in 2019
- Listings up 26% – We now have nearly 400 Active Listings – we are the LARGEST “no booking fee” website serving Alabama. We have 60% more Alabama Listings than our nearest competitor.
- We sent out over 300,000 emails in 2020 and our email database has grown to nearly 15,000 traveler emails.
- We have over 18,000 followers on Social Media, including an extremely active Owner Support Group that is open to anyone who owns or manages a vacation rental in Alabama.

While we are growing, our competition is shrinking. What sets us apart? We pride ourselves in giving exceptional customer service, routinely going above and beyond. We have helped many new owners learn the ropes to set them up for success in this business. We continue to focus primarily on supporting individual owners and small scale property managers. We guarantee that your listing will be seen, not buried under major property management companies or hotels.
We truly believe the worst is behind us and that this will be an amazing year for our AlaVHR family – and when you join AlaVHR, it really is like being part of the family. Most importantly, we want to thank every owner who treats US like family and continues to put their faith in us. We will continue to work very hard for you in 2021!



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Buy now!At AlaVHR.com, we do not collect payments from travelers so you get paid directly. Many owners use PayPal for Business to manage their reservation invoices. It’s actually very easy to set up and use with a few simple steps.
We created a series of three short videos to get you started.
Part 1: Create a Template in PayPal
Part 2: Create an Invoice in PayPal
Part 3: Manage Invoices in PayPal
We are dedicated to helping owners succeed – if you have any questions or need assistance with your listing, please contact us.
Thank you for choosing Alabama Vacation Home Rentals!
Syncing your vacation rentals calendar with Alabama Vacation Home Rentals is quick and easy. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to monitor all your booked dates in one place so you can manage them easily and efficiently. This article will show you how to sync your VRBO, HomeAway, and Airbnb calendars with AlaVHR.
How to Sync Your VRBO/HomeAway or Airbnb Calendar with AlaVHR
Step 1: Open Your AlaVHR Calendar Inside the Owner Dashboard

- Log into your account on AlaVHR.com
- If you are already logged in, click “My Panel” at the upper right corner of the page to open the Dashboard.
- Select “Vacation Rentals” on the left menu
- Then click “Manage Listings/Calendar” to view your listings
- Find the property you would like to sync calendars and click “Calendar”

6. On the “Availability” tab, select “iCal Import” – this is where you will paste the iCal Link from VRBO or AirBnB later

Step 2: Copy Your Calendar Link from the VRBO/HomeAway or Airbnb Owner Dashboard
VRBO/HomeAway Instructions
- Open another tab on your browser and log into your VRBO or HomeAway Owner Dashboard
- Find the property that corresponds to your AlaVHR listing and click “Manage”
- On the drop down menu under Manage, select “Calendar” to see your Reservations Calendar

4. On your Reservations Calendar, click “Import/Export”
5. Choose “Export Calendar” – a window containing the calendar link will appear.
6. Copy the entire link and go back to the corresponding listing inside the AlaVHR Owner Dashboard

Airbnb Instructions
(NOTE: If you have both VRBO and Airbnb calendars, import from the first calendar before starting the second)
- Open another tab on your browser and log into your AirBnB Owner Dashboard
- Find the property that corresponds to your AlaVHR listing and click “Calendar”
- Select “Availability Settings”

4. Scroll down until you see “Sync Calendars” and then choose “Export Calendar” to view your iCal Link
5. Copy the entire link and return to the corresponding Availability tab in the AlaVHR dashboard

Step 3: Sync Your Calendar
- Return to the corresponding listing inside the AlaVHR dashboard, Availability Tab/iCal Import
- Paste your iCal link to the first available “iCal URL” textbox on your AlaVHR Availability dashboard
- Click “iCal Import”
- Calendar will automatically update once per hour
- IMPORTANT: Verify any cancellations or modified reservations update correctly. Contact us if you need assistance.

You have successfully sycned your calendars!
When you receive a booking through AlaVHR, just go to either your VRBO or AirBnB calendar and manually block the dates – it will automatically transfer to the AlaVHR calendar.
If a reservation is not importing correctly, first try to delete the reservation on your AlaVHR calendar, then click “iCal Import” to refresh. If you still experience issues, please contact us and we will be happy to look at it for you.
Preview Openings on Table Below
(X = Available)
Click Here to download latest PDF with full details and live links.
Sort by Headers or enter Key Words to Filter
(Search Pets, Pool, City Name, etc.)
Scroll Right for more property features –>>
City | Neighborhood | Link | Pets | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Aprl | Beds | Bath | Sleeps | Smoking Allowed | Floor | Stairs | Elevator | Wheelchair | Major Amenities | Beachfront | View |
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Fort Morgan | Indies | ALAVHR.com/listing.174 | N/A | N/A | N/A | X | X | X | N/A | 3 | 2 | 6 | 5 | X | Ocean | ||||||
Fort Morgan | Navy Cove | ALAVHR.com/listing.401 | N/A | N/A | X | X | X | X | N/A | 2 | 2 | 6 | 2 | X | X | Hot Tub, Boat Friendly | Water | ||||
Fort Morgan | Plantation Dunes | ALAVHR.com/listing.26 | N/A | N/A | X | X | N/A | N/A | 2 | 2 | 7 | 1 | X | Heated Pool | x | Ocean | |||||
Gulf Shores | Beach Club | ALAVHR.com/listing.359 | N/A | X | X | X | X | N/A | N/A | 2 | 2 | 8 | Balcony | 1 | x | x | Heated Pool and more | x | Ocean | ||
Gulf Shores | Cove | ALAVHR.com/listing.160 | N/A | X | X | X | X | N/A | N/A | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | x | Boat Friendly | ||||||
Gulf Shores | Cove | ALAVHR.com/listing.161 | N/A | X | X | X | X | N/A | N/A | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | x | Boat Friendly | ||||||
Gulf Shores | Grand Beach | ALAVHR.com/listing.398 | N/A | X | X | X | X | N/A | N/A | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | X | Hot Tub | Beach | |||||
Gulf Shores | Gulf Shores Plantation | ALAVHR.com/listing.75 | N/A | N/A | X | X | X | N/A | N/A | 1 | 1 | 6 | 2 | X | Heated Pool, Hot Tub, More | x | Ocean | ||||
Gulf Shores | Gulf Shores Plantation | ALAVHR.com/listing.157 | N/A | N/A | X | X | X | X | N/A | 2 | 2 | 6 | Balcony | 3 | X | Heated Pool, Hot Tub | x | Ocean | |||
Gulf Shores | Lagoon Run | ALAVHR.com/listing.355 | N/A | X | X | X | N/A | N/A | 3 | 2 | 6 | 1 | X | Boat Friendly | Lagoon | ||||||
Gulf Shores | Lighthouse | ALAVHR.com/listing.212 | N/A | X | X | X | X | X | X | 2 | 2 | 6 | 2 | X | Heated Pool, Hot Tub | x | Ocean | ||||
Gulf Shores | Plantation Palms | ALAVHR.com/listing.145 | N/A | X | N/A | N/A | 2 | 2 | 6 | 5 | X | Heated Pool and more | X | Ocean | |||||||
Gulf Shores | Sea Oats | ALAVHR.com/listing.331 | N/A | X | X | N/A | N/A | 2 | 2 | 6 | 1 | x | Boat Friendly | Pool | |||||||
Gulf Shores | Waterway Village | ALAVHR.com/listing.129 | N/A | X | X | X | X | X | N/A | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | ||||||||
Lewis Smith Lake | ALAVHR.com/listing.268 | X | X | X | X | X | N/A | N/A | 4 | 3 | 15 | 1 | Lake | ||||||||
Orange Beach | Grande Pointe | ALAVHR.com/listing.153 | N/A | X | X | N/A | N/A | 2 | 2 | 6 | 2 | X | X | Heated Pool, Hot Tub | x | Ocean | |||||
Orange Beach | Harbour Place | ALAVHR.com/listing.350 | X | X | X | X | 2 | 2 | 6 | 1 | x | X | Heated Pool, Hot Tub | x | Ocean | ||||||
Orange Beach | Phoenix East | ALAVHR.com/listing.342 | N/A | N/A | N/A | X | X | N/A | 2 | 2 | 8 | 4 | X | Heated Pool | x | Ocean | |||||
Orange Beach | Phoenix VI | ALAVHR.com/listing.480 | N/A | X | X | N/A | N/A | 2 | 2 | 6 | Balcony | 1 | x | x | Heated Pool and more | x | Ocean | ||||
Orange Beach | Shoalwater | ALAVHR.com/listing.201 | N/A | N/A | N/A | X | X | X | X | 3 | 2 | 8 | 7 | X | x | Heated Pool | x | Ocean | |||
Orange Beach | Sugar Beach | ALAVHR.com/listing.475 | N/A | X | X | X | X | X | N/A | 1 | 2 | 5 | Balcony | 5 | X | Heated Pool, Hot Tub and more | x | Ocean | |||
Orange Beach | Summer House on Romar Beach | ALAVHR.com/listing.403 | N/A | X | X | N/A | N/A | 3 | 2 | 10 | 11 | X | Heated Pool, Hot Tub and more | x | Ocean | ||||||
Orange Beach | Summerchase | ALAVHR.com/listing.366 | N/A | N/A | X | X | N/A | N/A | 3 | 2 | 10 | X | x | Heated Pool, Hot Tub | x | Ocean | |||||
Orange Beach | Wind Drift | ALAVHR.com/listing.317 | X | X | X | X | X | N/A | N/A | 3 | 3 | 7 | Balcony | 2 | x | Boat Friendly | x | Ocean | |||
Foley | Wolf Bay Condos | Wolf Bay Condos | X | X | X | X | x | X | N/A | N/A | 2-3 | 2-3 | 6-8 | 1-4 | X | X | Boat Friendly | Water | |||
Gulf Shores | Sand Dollar | ALAVHR.com/listing.11 | X | N/A | X | X | X | X | X | N/A | 2 | 1.5 | 6 | 1 | x | ||||||
Gulf Shores | Sea Oats | ALAVHR.com/listing.3 | X | N/A | X | X | N/A | N/A | 3 | 2 | 10 | Balcony | 1 | X | Boat Friendly | Pool | |||||
Gulf Shores | Sea Oats | ALAVHR.com/listing.279 | X | N/A | N/A | N/A | X | X | N/A | N/A | 2 | 2 | 6 | 3 | X | Boat Friendly | Lagoon | ||||
Gulf Shores | Sea Oats | ALAVHR.com/listing.396 | X | N/A | X | X | N/A | N/A | 2 | 2 | 8 | 1 | x | Boat Friendly | Pool | ||||||
Gulf Shores | West Beach/Lagoon side | ALAVHR.com/listing.204 | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | 3 | 3 | 10 | 2 | x | Lagoon access, pier | Lagoon | ||||
Pensacola | ALAVHR.com/listing.341 | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | 3 | 2 | 8 | 1 | x | Water |
Scroll Right for more property features –>>
About the Region
The northernmost portion of Alabama is shaped by the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River. With dense forests and high bluffs overlooking the river, the region is particularly scenic and many Alabamians consider it the most beautiful part of the state. The region is also dotted with numerous lakes and spectacular natural features such as waterfalls and deep caverns. As with the central and Gulf Coast regions of Alabama, tourism is a major part of north Alabama’s economy, although the region’s largest cities, Huntsville, Florence, and Decatur, are primarily dependent on manufacturing. Known by many as the Tennessee Valley, the northernmost part of the state is blessed with remarkable natural beauty and biodiversity and its cities—Huntsville, in particular—are younger, better educated, and more affluent than many other parts of the state.
City Summaries
Though Huntsville is one of the oldest cities in the state, it only became a major economic engine during World War II. In a stroke of remarkable good fortune, the US Army missile research program, eventually named Redstone Arsenal, was established in Huntsville during the war. By the early 1960s, Huntsville was a central part of the space program thanks to the location of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center at Redstone. Decades later, Huntsville is still an integral part of the space program and generations of children have spent part of their summers at the center’s “Space Camp.” With a high concentration of engineers and scientists, Huntsville is, on the whole, a youthful, well-educated, and more diverse than many cities in the state.
In addition to its world-famous Space Flight Center, Huntsville is home to numerous other attractions, especially for lovers of the outdoors. Nearby Monte Sano State Park is a great place to explore the natural beauty of north Alabama. Ditto Landing, in the city’s south side, is a great place to begin a day on the Tennessee River, whether boating, skiing, or fishing. Huntsville is also a city that appreciates the arts, and culture mavens can take advantage of the Huntsville Ballet, the Symphony Orchestra, and Lowe Mill ARTS and Entertainment, the largest privately-owned arts center in the United States. Huntsville may be a modern, technologically advanced city, but it hasn’t lost sight of its past. The history of both the city and the state can be explored at Alabama Constitution Hall Park and in the historic districts of Twickenham, Five Points, and Old Town. And if all of the city’s attractions and activities don’t leave you exhausted, it also boasts a vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars, breweries, and live music.
Located in a scenic spot along the Tennessee River and nicknamed the “River City,” Decatur has been shaped by the river. It began as a river crossing in the early 1800s and remains a hub of river transportation. These days, Decatur is known throughout the state for the Alabama Jubilee, one of the oldest hot air balloon races in the South, which draws tens of thousands of spectators and participants each year.
In the northwestern corner of the state are the “Quad Cities” of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield. It’s a particularly picturesque part of the state and an area rich in culture and history. The general Quad City area, which overlaps Lauderdale and Colbert Counties, is also sometimes referred to as “The Shoals,” which can be confusing for out-of-towners.
Of the Quad Cities, Muscle Shoals is arguably the most well-known, largely because of its role in the recording industry. FAME Studios opened in the 1950s with Muscle Shoals Sound Studio a few years later. Eventually a distinct “Muscle Shoals sound” developed. Some of the biggest names in popular music recorded in Muscle Shoals, including the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, and Otis Redding, to name just a few. These are still functioning recording studios but they are also open for tours.
Florence, a stone’s throw from Muscle Shoals, has its own proud musical heritage. W.C. Handy, known as the “Father of the Blues,” was born in the city and a music festival in his honor is held in the area each year. As is fitting for a city named after the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is regarded as a small town arts center, with numerous galleries and museums, as well as the boutiques of two highly-regarded Alabama-based fashion designers.
Things to Do in North Alabama
- Northwest Alabama has more music history than some entire states. Take a look through Alabama’s rich musical heritage at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia
- Unleash your inner science nerd at the Alabama Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville
- Get retail therapy at one of the country’s most unique shopping venues—the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro. If an airline has ever lost your luggage, you might just find it here.
- In Oakville, tour the museum dedicated to native son Jesse Owens, whose performance in the 1936 Olympics humiliated Hitler and the Nazis
- In tiny Phil Campbell, Alabama, hike down into atmospheric and eerily beautiful Dismals Canyon, a National Natural Landmark
- In Florence, see the Rosenbaum House, the only home in Alabama designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright
- In northeastern Alabama, make a stop at De Soto Falls, one of the state’s loveliest spots and home to a state park
- Who needs Aspen? Scenic Mentone, Alabama, is home to Cloudmont Ski Resort, the only ski resort in the state. Yes, there is a ski resort in Alabama.
- Get away from it all with miles of hiking trails and scenic wonders near Albertville.
- Enjoy boat life or take the family fishing on one of north Alabama’s pristine lakes including Guntersville, Wilson Lake, Lewis Smith Lake, Lake Martin and Lake Logan Martin.
- One of the state’s more unusual attractions can be found in Cullman. Ave Maria Grotto is a four-acre, miniaturized version of some of the world’s most famous religious sites, such as St. Peter’s Basilica. A few secular miniatures were included for good measure.
- Tuscumbia’s Rattlesnake Saloon has been featured in publications around the world, and with good reason. The watering hole is wedged underneath a large outcropping of rock, giving it a cave-like appearance. See what all the fuss is about.
- Florence has its own unique dining venue—head up to the 360 Grille, a rotating restaurant perched in a tower overlooking the city.
- Wander through north Alabama long enough and you’ll find all sorts of caves, gorges, and rock formations. Among the prettiest of these is Cathedral Caverns, home to the 45’ Goliath, reportedly the largest stalagmite in the world
- Ivy Green, the birthplace of author and activist Helen Keller, is located in Tuscumbia and is open to the public
- With waterfalls, caves, strange rock formations, and hundreds of miles of trails, Bankhead National Forest is a must for lovers of the great outdoors
- Escape civilization for a bit at Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park
- Step back in time at the Alabama Renaissance Faire in—where else?—Florence, Alabama’s own “Renaissance City”
Things to do within 60 miles of north Alabama
- Tiny Pisgah, Alabama, is home to Gorham’s Bluff, an elegant Southern inn on a high bluff overlooking the Tennessee River
- Lake Guntersville, the state’s largest lake, occupies an expansive 69,000 acres and offers all manner of water recreation as well as hiking and camping
- A stone’s throw from the Tennessee line is a popular hiking destination known as the Walls of Jericho—a deep cave with a waterfall. Getting there involves a hike which is considered difficult.
- Nearby Gadsden is home to Noccalula Falls, a scenic 90-foot waterfall surrounded by a 250-acre park
- North Alabama is home to several covered bridges, including the Horton Mill Bridge near Oneonta, which is reportedly the highest covered bridge over any US waterway
- Chattanooga is an easy drive from northeast Alabama and offers numerous attractions, including Songbirds Guitars, Ruby Falls, and the breathtaking Lookout Mountain
- Take a tour of the Jack Daniels Distillery in nearby Lynchburg, Tennessee
How to get to north Alabama
- Numerous Southern cities are within easy driving distance to north Alabama. The region is easily accessible by Interstates 65, 22, 20, and 59.
- If you’re coming from farther away, north Alabama can be reached by flying in to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Chattanooga Airport, or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
- Numerous taxis and shuttle services operate in the region’s larger cities, as do Uber and Lyft, but transportation within rural areas will likely be scarce.
When is the Best Time to Go to Northern Alabama?
There really are no bad times of the year to visit north Alabama. North Alabama gets the high summer temperatures that the rest of the state gets, but without the humidity, making the summer months pleasant. This is especially true at higher elevations. With a proliferation of flowering trees and shrubs, spring is a particularly lovely time in any part of the state. While Alabama will never get the spectacular fall color of New England, the northern part of the state unquestionably sees more of a change in the autumn months than counties farther south. After what can seem like an endless stretch of summer, renting a mountain cabin in north Alabama as the leaves began to change color and the evenings get cooler is one of the best experiences you can have in the state. Winters in Alabama are generally quite mild, but the northern part of the state is a bit of an exception to that rule. You’ll probably never need snowshoes there, but if snow falls anywhere in Alabama, it will typically be from Birmingham north. turn this
Do you own vacation rental property in communities near the Alabama-Florida state line? We realize that many guests search this entire area when choosing a vacation rental and we want to make it easier for them to find YOU! That’s why we have teamed up with our sister site in Florida to offer you this EXCLUSIVE deal!
Get double the exposure and all the benefits of being on both sites – for a special low rate!
First, set up your subscription on the regional site for your property.
Alabama Properties – Click Here to Get Started
Florida Properties – Click Here to Get Started
Once you have set up your paid subscription, you will automatically be eligible for a 50% discount on the border site! It’s that simple!
You will also be eligible for all rights and privileges awarded to subscribers on both sites – including social media groups, newsletter exposure and other promotional opportunities.
Properties located in the following areas are currently eligible to participate. If you would like your area to be considered for this special program, please contact the main site for your property.
Orange Beach Area, Alabama
Lillian Area, Alabama
Pensacola Area, Florida
Gulf Breeze/Pensacola Beach Area, Florida
Perdido Key Area, Florida
On the Alabama site, all listings will be available under our Gulf Coast Region.
On the Florida site, all listings will be available under their North West Region.
Hear what fellow owners say about listing with Alabama Vacation Home Rentals – we are owners like YOU, first and foremost. We are the only locally owned and operated regional site that serves the entire state of Alabama! We will work very hard for you – give us a chance to earn your business with a FREE trial listing! Get started today
“We listed our Orange Beach condo, Silver Beach 803 as a vacation rental about 9 months ago. We have had a great response with inquiries and bookings and will continue to list our property here. They are heavily marketing in the Alabama region and promoting in multiple areas. Susan is very responsive to questions and issues.” – Brenda B., September 25, 2018 See Brenda’s Listing Here
“Some of my nicest guests have reserved through ALAVHR. This site is great for them as they don’t have to pay a reservation fee and for me because it lets me correspond with them without having to go through a “middle man.” I believe ALAVHR is doing a great job and look forward to a long and successful relationship with them.” Linda G. July 5, 2018 See Linda’s Listings Here

Kathy G., Owner
“I am enjoying using your site with its ease of use and no booking fees for guest. With the Industry adding more and more fees (on both sides) and forgetting how they got so large, ie us owners, its refreshing to have a platform to advertise where they keep us in mind. I have gotten several reservations for our condos and know it will continue to grow thru word of mouth. As an owner myself, I really appreciate the enhancement to watermark our photos. Very simple to do and if you are unsure, Susan will assist you to get it done. I had my photos stolen off another site and created a new listing to scam guests on Craigs list of all places. I will use every tool I can find to prevent this again. The watermark does not hinder the ability to see the photo but because my name is front and center, no one will want to right click and save. After asking, Susan was also able to disable the right click and save from a computer (doesn’t work on a tablet or mobile device though) . Thank you for all you are doing to help all rental property owners in the area maximize our earning potential. Being such a young business I have high hopes this can become a games changer for all of us in the future.” – Kathy G., June 24, 2018 See Kathy’s Listings Here
“I love that I can offer guests a legitimate website and have complete control over the booking and deposits! Other companies charge a fee for this, a fee for that, oh and don’t honor your wishes for a refundable damage deposit. It’s like banging your head to get anything from that company of anything happens!! This website saves the GUESTS AND Owners all those crazy fees!! Susan had been amazing to work with as well! Are you an owner!? STOP WASTING YOUR MONEY using those other sites! Guest looking to book- don’t go anywhere else!!!!” – Jami B. July 31, 2018 See Jami’s Listings Here
We are a very new website – launched in September 2017. In that short time, we have become the FASTEST GROWING regional site in Alabama! Join our team and let us start promoting YOUR vacation rental!
Questions? Feel free to Contact Us anytime, or Call Us during regular business hours at (251) 333-6500. We are here to help!
Roy and Susan Forson, Owners
ALAVHR.com
Occupying slightly less than sixty miles at the edge of the continent, Alabama’s Gulf Coast is more varied than a first-time visitor might imagine. The beaches, less well-known than their Florida counterparts, are less populated with tourists and still look largely as nature intended. The tourists go there, to be sure—tourism is one of the state’s most important industries—but not in the kind of numbers that Florida sees. The result is a stretch of white shoreline dotted with colorful and historic towns in a part of the state that happens to be one of the most biodiverse regions in the United States. And with a culture influenced by French, Spanish, and English settlers as well as African slaves, Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a region not quite like any other.
City Summaries:
The largest city along the Gulf Coast of Alabama is Mobile, a port city located on the Mobile River and Mobile Bay. Founded by the French in 1702, the city’s look and feel is similar to that of New Orleans, but without the raucous elements and with a decidedly more family-friendly vibe. It was actually in Mobile that Mardi Gras began, and it’s still celebrated there, but Mobile’s festivities are definitely PG-rated compared those in New Orleans. In addition to its Mardi Gras celebrations, the city is famous for its springtime azaleas and its seafood, both of which can be found in abundance there.
Gulf Shores is the major tourist destination along the Gulf Coast, and has the most options in terms of accommodations. It’s popular for a reason—the Gulf of Mexico is warm and usually calm here, making it an ideal place for a lazy day by the water. But there’s more to the area than the beach. Nearby Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers a taste of what the region was like before development; sea turtles, egrets, and alligators outnumber tourists here. And every year in May, Gulf Shores is home to one of the nation’s most popular live music events, the Hangout Music Fest, which is held right on the beach.
Tourism was slower to develop in nearby Orange Beach, a small town coast. Here, the main attraction is The Wharf—practically a small town in itself—that features a movie theater, plenty of bars and restaurants, a marina, and a beachfront Ferris wheel that offers spectacular views of the water. The Flora-Bama, a bar/entertainment venue/package store straddling the Florida-Alabama line, is a long-time favorite among locals and tourists alike.
For those who really want to escape civilization, the sparsely populated Dauphin Island offers pristine beaches and plenty of opportunities to explore nature, both in and out of the water. The island is also home to one of the state’s leading marine research facilities.
There’s history along the Gulf Coast as well, and lots of it. Marking the entrance to Mobile Bay is Fort Morgan, which was built between 1817 and 1834 to defend the bay. It was near Fort Morgan, during the Battle of Mobile Bay in the Civil War, that Union Admiral David Farragut uttered the famously defiant phrase, “Damn the torpedoes! Full steam ahead!”
Across the bay on Eastern Shore are the cities of Fairhope, Daphne, and Spanish Fort. One of the state’s loveliest and quirkiest communities, Fairhope began in 1894 as a “model community.” Today, the city maintains the free spirit that guided its early years and is home to numerous art galleries, boutiques, and the Grand Hotel, a beloved resort that served as a hospital during the Civil War. In recent years, a number of production companies have chosen Fairhope for film locations, most notably for the movie Get Out. Daphne shares some of the laid-back, slightly eccentric qualities of Fairhope. In addition to a variety of shops and excellent restaurants, Daphne is home to “jubilees,” unusual events when masses of fish, shrimp, and crabs become trapped in the shallow waters at the coastline, making easy pickings for anyone hungry for seafood. Spanish Fort, the smallest of the three cities, is home to Blakeley State Park, a Civil War battlefield, as well as the Alabama Oyster Trail.
Things to Do on Alabama’s Gulf Coast:
- See pristine, undeveloped beaches at Gulf State Park
- Get up close with wildlife at Gulf Coast Zoo
- Get a bird’s eye view of the Gulf by parasailing over the water
- Try the Flora-Bama’s signature Bushwacker drink
- Explore some of the area’s shipwrecks, including the LuLu, which is now a marine habitat
- Explore military history at Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines, and the USS Alabama battleship
- Kayak some of the local rivers and bayous
- Try your hand at deep sea fishing
- Have a meal at Lambert’s, a restaurant famous for its “throwed rolls”
- Take a stroll along Gator Alley Boardwalk in Daphne
- Get your camera and take in the scenic views from the Fairhope Pier
- Have dinner at Wintzell’s Oyster House, a Mobile institution
- Try your hand at harvesting oysters in Wolf Bay and Longs Bayou with Sailaway Charters
- Spoil yourself at the Grand Hotel’s indulgent spa
- Try some local brews at Big Beach Brewing Company
- Explore Mobile’s Africatown, a community settled by the last Africans brought into the US
Things to do within 60 miles of the Gulf Coast
- Cross the state line and sample the casinos in Biloxi, Mississippi
- Indulge in some retail therapy at Foley’s Tanger Outlets
- Explore Gulf Islands National Seashore in nearby Perdido Key, Florida
- Take to the skies at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival each May in Foley
- Aviation buffs should take in a Blue Angels show from Pensacola Beach
- For one of the region’s weirder traditions, check out the Interstate Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama
- See the South in full bloom at the lovely Bellingrath Gardens
- Nearby Pensacola has a bustling arts scene with numerous museums and live music events
- Get close to nature at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center
- Learn about other cultures at the Pensacola Greek Festival each October
- Witness the Blessing of the Fleet each spring in Bayou La Batre
How to Get to Alabama’s Gulf Coast
- Numerous Southern cities are an easy drive from the Alabama Gulf Coast. The region is easily accessible via Interstate 90 and Interstate 65.
- If you’re coming from farther away, the Gulf Coast is reachable from both Mobile Regional Airport and Pensacola International Airport.
- Numerous taxis and shuttle services operate from the region’s airports and between its cities and resort areas.
Best Times to Go
For most people, summer is the ideal time to enjoy Alabama’s beaches. The beaches are typically their most beautiful in the warm months of summer. The water is warm and calm and it’s when many of the region’s festivals and outdoor events are scheduled. But it’s the peak season, meaning the crowds are larger and prices are higher. Spring is another popular time of year to head to the coast, especially if you prefer warm—but not hot—weather. The coast is a popular place for spring breakers, and it can become crowded in mid-late March through early April.
The off-peak seasons of fall and winter can be surprisingly lovely at the coast. After Labor Day, the crowds gradually diminish, and it’s quite possible to have stretches of the beach to oneself in the cooler months. There is also the added perk of lower prices once summer ends. Alabama’s winters are mild at the coast, meaning that—aside from the occasional hurricane—there really is not bad time to visit.
If you are ready to enjoy more and spend less on your next visit to beautiful Coastal Alabama, check out our website. We offer hundreds of beach houses and condos to fit every size and budget – book directly with Verified Owners and never pay booking fees or site commissions. ALAVHR.com – The site you can trust!
Article by Susan Forson, Owner, ALAVHR.com, first published June 29, 2018
How to Spot a Scammer
Vacation rental scams are not new, but they have recently increased in our corner of the world. Last July, I received a frantic phone call from a traveler who arrived in Gulf Shores, suitcases in hand, and discovered that her family had been scammed out of their vacation rental. She called me because we have a very active Facebook community where we help connect travelers with vacation rental owners. I helped calm her down, and went through the scenario with her – yes, she had been scammed. It is very difficult to prosecute these scammers but I did encourage her to contact her bank and to file a police report. Fortunately, we were also able to help arrange a legitimate condo for her and her family to stay in. It breaks my heart to hear such stories – and they are becoming all too frequent.
We issue many warnings and reminders in our groups about scammers, but this phone call spurred me to action. I wanted to pull together what we have learned about scammers and make a video that you can share to educate travelers.
The bottom line is that no matter how careful you are, there is no way to prevent scammers from contacting you on Facebook or Craigslist. The best line of defense is to learn when to be suspicious and always choose a payment option that provides fraud protection. We cover all of these topics and even share real life examples from recent scams in our video.
Please take a few moments to learn how to spot a scammer and how to protect yourself – and please share with your friends and family. If you are the administrator of a Facebook page for connecting travelers with vacation rentals, we invite you to join our Scammer Busters group on Facebook. We use this group to notify other admins when scammers have been reported. Our goal is to reach as many groups as quickly as possible to spread the word. The examples used in this video were reported to the Scammer Busters group. Travelers may also contact any member of the Scammer Busters group to ask whether someone has been reported or if you are not sure you are being scammed.
Facebook Profile Tips
- Newly created accounts
- Older accounts with very few photos or activities
- Account name does not align with URL version of account
- Friends list not visible
- Many foreign friends, particularly from Nigeria or other English speaking third world countries
- If friends list is not visible, check to see who has “liked” or commented on photos – go back a month or more
- Check which groups they belong to:
- Are there a LOT of vacation rental groups scattered geographically?
- Are they in mostly buy/sell groups?
- Claim to be a realtor – check the company they claim to work with. Many scammers use the same fake company name
- Check back for our latest video “Who’s Profile is It Anyway?” for an in-depth, real life example of how to dissect a scammer’s profile
At Alabama Vacation Home Rentals, we are dedicated to stopping scammers. We verify every owner that lists on our site and never charge booking fees or site commissions. We are a proud member of the VHRNetwork – a regional network of listing sites, like ours, that provide a safe way for you save money. Visit VHRNetwork.com to find the region for your next vacation.