Thanksgiving Made Easy on Alabama's Beaches

This Thanksgiving, trade a cramped dining room for the spacious deck of a Gulf Shores beach house or a waterfront view from your favorite Orange Beach restaurant. Put rest and relaxation on your holiday itinerary instead of running yourself ragged.

How do you start? It all starts with the perfect condo or beach house. Not only will you get a relaxing holiday, but lodging rates have never been hotter. Take advantage of bonus days and discounted fall rates. Next up, decide on the highlight of the holiday – Thanksgiving dinner. Will you be preparing a big bird in your condo's oven? Or, will you opt for a coastal-inspired Turkey Day at an Orange Beach or Gulf Shores restaurant. Numerous restaurants will be open serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal. You can even order oven-ready dishes from spots like Sarah's Homemade and Orange Beach Concierge.

After the feast, settle into a balcony nap with the waves in the distance. If your Thanksgiving tradition includes a game of football, challenge your home team to a game on the sand during your favorite team's halftime. And, who can forget shopping? The stores and boutiques in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are perfect for Black Friday shopping. You'll also find the Tanger Outlet Center in nearby Foley.

What makes up the perfect hassle-free holiday for you? We'd love to know. Share your ideas in the comment section below.