{"id":55985,"date":"2025-04-19T13:00:45","date_gmt":"2025-04-19T17:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.roadtripsandcoffee.com\/?p=55985"},"modified":"2025-04-19T13:00:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-19T17:00:45","slug":"miniature-golf-massive-milkshakes-alabamas-beaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.roadtripsandcoffee.com\/miniature-golf-massive-milkshakes-alabamas-beaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Miniature Golf and Massive Milkshakes \u2013 My Week of Work and Play at Alabama\u2019s Beaches"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Seagulls squawked from their hidden perch somewhere in the thick fronds of palm trees. The air was tinged with salt and humidity, only the latter of which I minded. The heavy blue jeans were stifling and made me feel out of place as I walked through a sea of bare legs and sandalled feet. But I had come prepared \u2013 shorts and brand-new flip flops were packed beneath piles of travel brochures and notebooks. At least, I think was I prepared for the week ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I pushed the noisy shopping across the parking lot, past the car’s trunk without a single cubic inch to spare, to the passenger door. Even the backseat was filled side-to-side with file tote crates and camera gear. I filled the empty passenger seat with grocery bags, set the larger items on the floor, and wedged one awkward bag behind the seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s it<\/em>, I thought to myself. I have everything I need for the week<\/em>. I hoped I was right, but the stores would be only minutes away even if I needed to return for more supplies. This was a well-stocked town with every big box store I could need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I opened the windows and the moonroof \u2013 warm air flooded into the air-conditioned car. The only air conditioning I needed was the breeze blowing through the car as I traveled along the four-lane Gulf Shores Parkway. The highway was lined with one-story buildings painted in soft pastels and topped with metal roofs. There were almost as many palm trees as permanent residents \u2013 nearly 20,000 people called these beach towns home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turning onto Beach Boulevard \u2013 still four lanes with a median of towering palm trees \u2013 I continued toward the condo. I glanced to my right and saw a sliver of shimmering blue above a sand dune. I laughed out loud with giddiness. I had finally seen the Gulf of Mexico!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then I reminded myself, This isn\u2019t a vacation<\/em>. It was a workation \u2013 a fine balance between work and vacation. But would Gulf Shores and Orange Beach be the perfect workation destination?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Part Three – Flexcation at Alabama\u2019s Beaches<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>

Explore the latest travel trend with Flexcation at Alabama\u2019s Beaches<\/em>. Learn about the concept of combining work and play along Alabama\u2019s beaches with this exciting four-part series.

Read Part Two – 5 Cozy Coffee Shops for Remote Work in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sponsored Post<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3><\/div>

This post is sponsored by Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. Visit their website to learn more about things to do and places to stay at Alabama\u2019s beaches. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal experience.
https:\/\/www.gulfshores.com\/<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Few skyscrapers dot the horizon beyond the fishing pier at Gulf State Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Compared to cities like Boston and Charleston, Gulf Shores was a young town. The construction of the Intracoastal Waterway in 1937 opened the beaches to development. The first post office was built in 1947, but it would take more than another decade before the town was incorporated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were few skyscraping hotels or resorts along the beach \u2013 a welcome break from other popular beach destinations with skylines dotted with endless concrete towers. Of the few, Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts<\/a> was one of the best. The all-inclusive resort offered every kind of amenity, from indoor and outdoor swimming pools to an on-site restaurant. But I wanted something quiet \u2013 and affordable. 85% of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lodging are vacation rentals like homes and condos.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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