Four Steps for Planning the Ultimate Friendsgiving in Alabama’s Beaches
Good friends, good food, great cocktails - is there a better way to get into the spirit of gratitude than a fun Friendsgiving?
Well, only if you’re doing it all on one of the country’s most beautiful beaches!
The Alabama Gulf Coast is the perfect setting for the ultimate Friendsgiving feast. Dreamy weather, scenic landscapes, and award-winning restaurants combine to create an unforgettable Friendsgiving that will stay with you for life (kind of like those pesky Thanksgiving pounds). Grab your best pals and scour this helpful guide for four easy steps to plan the ultimate Friendsgiving in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
1. Decide on a Date
The first step in planning the ultimate beach Friendsgiving is to find a date that works for everyone in the group. Many people spend the Thanksgiving holiday with family, so most Friendsgiving feasts happen a week or two before or after the official holiday. Of course, there’s nothing that says you can’t plan a fun Friendsgiving event on Thanksgiving - or at any other date of your choosing!
The good news is, November is considered a slower season on Alabama’s beaches. That means lower rates, fewer visitors, and more choices in accommodations. It may also mean shorter wait times should you choose to have your Friendsgiving feast at one of our great Gulf Shores or Orange Beach restaurants!
2. Pick A Place
Once you’ve chosen the perfect date, it’s time to find the perfect accommodations for your Friendsgiving event. There’s no shortage of vacation rental options across the area, from private beach houses to luxurious condos to all-inclusive resorts.
The format of your Friendsgiving meal may help you narrow down your best options. If you plan on dining in, a rental with a fully stocked kitchen and a large dining area may be the way to go. If you want to spend more time conversating than cooking, a spacious beachfront condo provides a convenient space right near the area’s best restaurants.
Whatever you choose, be sure it fits the size and budget of your group. Browse our Special Offers to find a great rental at a rate you can be truly thankful for!
3. Make A Menu
Now that the time and place for your event is set, it’s time for the best part - planning your Friendsgiving meal! The two most important ingredients are of course good friends and good food, and from there you can spice it up or keep it casual to match your group’s speed and style.
If you want a casual but intimate feast, dining in is a great way to go. Many vacation rentals have fully stocked kitchens and large dining spaces, and most of them are near grocery stores where the group can stock up on your favorite ingredients. You can even get meals delivered right to your door through a dedicated area service like Gulf To Go.
If your group is culinary challenged, don’t fret! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are full of restaurants ready to delight and dazzle your table and taste buds. Many serve authentic Thanksgiving fare on and around the holiday, or you can go off-menu and make your own tradition with a seafood-inspired feast. Reservations may be required at popular locations, so be sure to call in advance!
4. Find the Fun
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a fun-filled week, you’ll want to pack your Friendsgiving trip with plenty of Gulf Coast fun. Enjoying our white-sand beaches is a must, as the weather is divine and the beaches are uncrowded. If your Friendsgiving falls near the Thanksgiving holiday, you can get a head-start on your shopping list when you shop Black Friday sales at the nearby Tanger Outlet Center. This is also a great time to get in on one of the area’s great signature experiences without the wait.
If you’re worried about putting on the pounds after your Friendsgiving feast, become an intrepid explorer on our miles of nature trails and parks.
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