Travel: Creating family memories

By Teresa Gibbs

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the moments we’ve spent with our loved ones and the memories we created. Did you take your family on an awesome vacation this year?

Family vacations are a great way to create those all-important memories that will last a lifetime. But sometimes life gets busy, and before you know it, the year’s over, and you didn’t make time for a family trip. And now you’re feeling the overwhelming disappointment lingering in your home after a vacation-less year.

Why not start planning an incredible vacation for 2025? Talk with your family and decide where and what you’d like to do. Maybe a beach getaway is just what you need. If there’s a place where laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments thrive, it’s at the beach where you’ll find plenty of opportunities for making family memories.

When our kids were young, my husband and I often took them to the beach. Beaches offer a wealth of activities for all ages. When they were young, they loved playing at the edge of the water and building sandcastles. When they grew older, they enjoyed jumping waves, throwing frisbees, and playing beach volleyball. Each trip to the beach brought new and unique experiences that created lasting memories. Now they’re all grown up with families of their own, and we have those memories to share—they allow us to revisit the joy of family time. We combed the beach all those years ago, looking for treasures, and all the while, we were creating lasting memories—invaluable treasures.

These days my husband and I are still taking trips with our children. And now we have a wonderful bonus to include in our trips – grandchildren. The great part about these trips is we get to play with the kids and their parents have the chore of refereeing fights and getting all that sand off them and their toys.

We recently booked a family vacation through Spectrum Resorts and spent a week at Turquoise Place located in Orange Beach, Alabama. It’s one of our favorite vacation destinations for many reasons. The three-bedroom condos are very spacious – providing plenty of room for the family. The kitchen is well equipped for preparing meals and has plenty of room for extra help. Breakfast is one meal you won’t have to fix if you book through Spectrum Resort. One of the great perks we love is the delicious breakfast buffet served daily in the Spectrum Club Lounge – which is also where the games are – another Spectrum exclusive. The large game area provides a perfect place to spend a rainy-day playing ping-pong, shuffleboard, or video games.

We love that Turquoise Place is located directly on the beach. An elevator ride, a trip down the boardwalk, and we’re on the beach. Fortunately, we don’t have to carry all those bulky chairs and umbrellas because rental chairs and umbrellas are already set up for us on the beach. Playing on the beach is a daily must-do, but we also enjoy the other amenities. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, Turquoise Place took it to the top. Now – in addition to the indoor heated pool, spa, steam and sauna rooms, multiple outdoor pools including a lazy river, and poolside dining – Turquoise Place has added an all-new “amenities deck!” Located on top of the new parking garage is the access point to an awesome 300-foot waterslide, putting greens, and outdoor movie area. In addition to all of that, there is an amazing splash pad and newly renovated playground featuring slides, tunnels, a climbing wall, and multiple obstacles for children to climb on, in, and through. Not only does this new amenities deck provide incredible fun for the kids, the 360-degree view from up there is gorgeous.

After each exhilarating day of fun, we head for the condo and the kids hit the showers while the grownups relax on our private balcony with gas grill, hot tub, and a beautiful view of the gulf. If we’re lucky, we can talk hubby into firing up the grill for some delicious grilled fish or a tender steak.

A great benefit of family trips for my kids is that we (the grandparents) are available to watch the kids while they head to the fitness center or pickleball courts. The full-service spa is another treat they enjoy while at Turquoise Place. Who wouldn’t love a facial or massage while on vacation?

Booking directly with Spectrum Resorts ensures you have the best, including premium perks not available when booking with other rental companies. In addition to the complimentary breakfast buffet, Spectrum guests have the convenience of cashless charging, keyless room entry, and discounts on the retail, dining, and spa facilities.

As 2024 is wrapping up, why not begin making plans for a family vacation in 2025? Include your family members in planning to ensure everyone is excited and looking forward to the upcoming trip. Remember, the goal is to create lasting memories that everyone will cherish for years to come.

You don’t have to wait until next summer to take a trip. Winters are mild in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Daytime temperatures are warm enough for beach walks and bicycle rides, yet the nights are cool enough for a cozy campfire.

Haul your bicycles with you or rent them nearby and take the family biking through Gulf State Park. There are 28 beautiful miles of paved trails and boardwalks winding throughout the park. The trails and picnic areas are open from sunrise to sunset. Don’t forget to pack a picnic.

The Beach Club Resort and Spa on Fort Morgan Road in Gulf Shores can also be booked through Spectrum Resorts. This is one of the few places on the Alabama Gulf Coast where you can enjoy a campfire right on the beach. Campfire packages are now a great option for family reunions, rehearsal dinners, or just spending time with the kids telling ghost stories and making s’mores. Let the onsite staff set up your campfire with all the fixings, including beach chairs, s’mores, bottled water, and more.

Book your stay with Spectrum Resorts now and spend some cold North Alabama winter days in the warm sunshine on the beaches of South Alabama. You’ll receive even better rates and find less crowded beaches with plenty of room for building sandcastles.