Gulf Shores Unveils Value-Laden Spring and Summer Getaways

Gulf Shores - the 32-mile stretch of sugar-sand beaches in Alabama - features an array of activities for visitors to enjoy this spring or summer, including concerts, golf, dining, shopping and SEC BeachFest.

The Wharf is Alabama's first entertainment district and features retail shopping and lodging provided by Wharf Vacation Rental Management and Young's Suncoast Realty. The "100 Days of Summer" event at The Wharf begins May 24, highlighted by "Concert Nite at The Wharf" and the "Family Fun Zone." The Amphitheater at The Wharf will host big-name concerts in the coming months, including Kenny Chesney (April 11), Lady Antebellum (May 26), Alabama (July 5) and Dave Matthews Band (July 23).

Also new to The Wharf, is country music legend Toby Keith's restaurant, I Love This Bar & Grill, opening in early June. The 12th live music and restaurant venue from Keith is a casual dining experience with a 95-foot signature guitar-shaped main bar.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will host the second annual SEC BeachFest, August 15-18, and registration is open for the popular SEC BeachFest Golf Scramble. Tickets are $1,200 per four-person team and include two rounds of golf, four free tickets to the SEC BeachFest FanZone, two days of complimentary buffet breakfast and lunch, a gift bag and chance to meet SEC coaching and Heisman legends. For more information, visit www.secbeachfest.com

In addition, Gulf Shores is home to a collection of nine signature golf courses all within a 45-minute drive of each other. The group of Gulf Shores Golf Association courses includes award-winning Kiva Dunes, which continued to receive national acclaim in March when it was ranked the No. 2 public-access course in the state by Golfweek magazine.

"Gulf Shores is the perfect vacation spot for families, buddy trips or a couples' getaway," said Gulf Shores Golf Association Executive Director Duncan Millar. "This is a popular time to visit because the courses are in optimal condition and the weather allows guests to combine golf with a wealth of coastal activities."

Quick, customizable quotes based on golfers' preferences for accommodations, rounds and access to the destination's many events and activities are available at golfgulfshores.com.

Below is a sampling of "starting-at" stay-and-play rates, good through May 19, 2013. Prices include all taxes and fees and are based on four nights and three rounds of golf at three different pre-determined courses. An Unlimited Golf option is available with any package for a nominal fee:

Two Bedroom Gulf Oriented Condo
Rate: $76.16 per person, per night for golf and room
Description: Quad occupancy in a two bedroom gulf oriented condominium with one queen bed, two twin beds and a sleeper sofa.

Two-Bedroom Condominium on Intercoastal Waterway
Rate: $105.66 per person, per night for golf and room
Description: Quad occupancy in a two-bedroom condominium with a view of the Intercoastal Waterway with one king bed, two queen beds and a sleeper sofa.

For more information, or to sign up for a free subscription to the Golf Gulf Shores monthly newsletter, call 1.888.815.1902, or visit www.golfgulfshores.com.

About Golf Gulf Shores
Golf Gulf Shores is the moniker for the Gulf Shores Golf Association, the partnership that promotes the destination and its custom golf packages built by its partners, for golf groups, families and corporate outings. The destination features nine golf courses, countless lodging options and a wealth of outdoor activity on its 32-mile waterfront destination.

Course highlights:

Cotton Creek at Craft Farms - Arnold Palmer Signature Design with generous fairways lined by Southern Hardwoods, undulating greens and a championship test from 7,028 yards, and owned and operated by Honours Golf.

Cypress Bend at Craft Farms - The sister Honours Golf property to Cotton Creek, the Arnold Palmer Signature Design meanders through cord-grass accented lakes which come into play on nearly every hole.

Glenlakes Golf Club - Scottish-style links course designed by Von Hagge and known for its extensive bunkering and postage-stamp greens.

Kiva Dunes - A "Top 100 Course in America" by Golf Digest, the Jerry Pate design is the only beachfront resort course in Gulf Shores. Golfweek ranked Kiva Dunes the No. 1 public-access course in Alabama in 2012.

Lost Key - The stunning course, redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Group in 2006, rewards accuracy off the tee and with approaches as it winds through woods and wetlands. It also boasts a new state-of-the-art clubhouse.

Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club - Owned and operated by Honours Golf, the 27-hole facility offers chilled apples on the tee. The 830-acre park includes 30 lakes and fairways surrounded by Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve.

Rock Creek Golf Club - Also owned by Honours Golf and boasting rolling terrain and fairways lined by pines, the Earl Stone design overlooks freshwater wetlands and the Rock Creek basin.

TimberCreek Golf Club - This 27-hole design was crafted by Earl Stone and feels like an inland Carolina course with fairways lined by loblolly pines, dogwoods and magnolias.

Gulf Shores Golf Club - Formerly known as The Golf Club of the Wharf, this was the Gulf Shores' first course. Opened it 1960, it was redesigned by Jay and Carter Morrish in 2005.

For more information: www.golfgulfshores.com, 888.815.1902.