Opposites,Attract,the,Alabama, travel,insurance Opposites Attract on the Alabama Gulf Coast
Torres del Paine is among the biggest of Chiles national parks, occupying almost 600,000 acres (242,000 ha) of land in the south on the border with Argentina. It is also among the most important, receiving a significant proportion of domes Like any American, traveling occasionally is just what I love doing and I bet you share the same stuff with me. But traveling does not mean that you would be safe. Escaping from our job and other stressful activities is just something that w
It is pretty hard to imagine two events more opposite than the 25th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coasts Greatest Beach Party and the Fort Morgan candlelight history tours. But these two diverse events have a couple of things in common. Both were on the Southeast Tourism Society's Spring 2009 Top 20 Events list, and both take place on the Alabama Gulf Coast.The two sites are at the tips of the region -- Fort Morgan to the west and the Flora-Bama, home to the Mullet Toss, on the east. Each locale is legendary, but for entirely different reasons. And each is an easy drive from any point along the Alabama Gulf Coast.The Flora-Bama, as the name implies, is near the state line between Alabama and Florida. Part tourist attraction, part local hangout, the scruffy-but-welcoming lounge and package store has weathered its share of storms along with other Gulf Coast neighbors. Portions of the facility temporarily got farmed out into trailers as renovations took place, although locals and visitors agreed this added to the off-beat charm.Like any good Southern coast host, the Flora-Bama is always ready for a party. The staff is getting prepared once again to welcome the masses and their mullet missiles. For those who have never had the pleasure of observing the event before, an explanation might be in order. A mullet is a fish with a missile-shaped body, giving it excellent aerodynamics. Of course, being a fish, there is the matter of slipperiness, thereby introducing the factor of skill into the equation. The annual mullet toss and beach party is April 24 through 26. It includes live entertainment, a keg toss and a tug of war on top of the much-ballyhooed fish fling, which starts at 10 a.m. April 25 and 26. Celebrity tossers will toe the line at noon April 25. The top three tossers in each division receive special mullet trophies and Flora-Bama gift certificates. An event T-shirt is included with each $15 registration. And just to show that it's a watering hole with a warm heart, the Flora-Bama donates proceeds of the event to several local charities. In recent years, the Flora-Bama has been able to donate about $20,000 to local youth charities because of the mullet toss! Although the sponsor is a lounge and package store, events on the beach are designed for the entire family. There are divisions for all ages in the mullet toss, and for those who prefer to be spectators, other entertainment is planned. Plus, there's always the white sand and warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. Parking near the event is extremely limited, so check out the "frequently asked questions" link on the Flora-Bama's Web site for details on when and how to arrive, what to bring and what not to bring and what else will be happening. On the opposite end of the Alabama Gulf Coast -- and what some would consider the opposite end of the entertainment spectrum -- are the Fort Morgan candlelight history tours. The one-hour tours start at 7 p.m. Tuesdays in June and July. Uniformed "interpreters" will take participants on a tour of the historic fort to explore its less-traveled areas and uncover the vital part it played in the Civil War. Guides will enthrall young and old with heart-pounding tales of courage, heroism and sacrifice -- made all the more real as they resonate from the stone walls of the gulf-side fort. The tales are based on actual events, and the tours help mark the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay at the five-sided brick fortress, which also played major roles in the Spanish-American War and both world wars. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 18 and younger and free to those younger than 6. A family pass for two adults and two children is $12. So whether history's your thing or you want to give a mullet a fling, make plans to head to one of the cities along the Alabama Gulf Coast. There's always plenty to do and see in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. For more information on these and other events on the Alabama Gulf Coast, visit www.thebeachiscalling.org.
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