Perdido Key Blog

It's still a Happy New Year in Perdido Key!

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I trust that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and rang in the New Year with high hopes and new aspirations. While some Snowbirds have already arrived, many condo rental companies and area businesses are gearing up for the arrival of hundreds of Northern residents that call Perdido Key home for the next 3 months. There are many activities scheduled to keep everyone busy. The Flora-Bama will have ‘Welcome Wednesdays’ every Wednesday in January. There will be the monthly ‘Snowbird Roost’ at the Community Center that features many local businesses and vendors offering various discounts. AS the weather beings to warm back up in March, the Annual Springfest and Art & Wine festivals will kick off Spring!

Aside from all the Winter events, now is the time to begin planning your stay in a Perdido Key Condo for your beach vacation! In 2011, we saw record numbers in visitors and 2012 is proving to be another big year. It is best that you begin your planning to get the best deals and to secure the property you want to get away from your daily routine and relax.
Here is a picture for you to print and stick up on your fridge, or put inside a savings jar. We will see you sometime soon! Until then, be sure to ‘like’ us on Facebook to stay up to date on local happenings and more area photos!

Taken from the east end of Perdido Key

Taken from the west end of Perdido Key

Our small little island of Perdido Key is laid back and a true hidden paradise

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

5 days away. Are you stressed out yet?

I certainly hope not, but if you are, a relaxing weekend or week in a Perdido Key condo would cure that! Our small little island is laid back and a true hidden paradise. Whether you plan on heading to your rental in Perdido Key or another fine destination, it is best for everyone that things are stress free and calm.

Gifts! Having a secret Santa or dirty Santa type gift giving makes for a fabulously fun time for everyone!

Time! Either visiting your family in your hometown or going on a family vacation, there will always be differences in what to do, when to do it and for how long. Keep in mind that spending quality time with the ones you cherish is one of the most important things to take away from a family holiday.

Travel! Just remember that everyone else around you is in the same predicament and there are people that are doing the best they can to get you to your destination safe and sound. Take the time to just sit and talk with your travel companions. And if traveling by car back home or to an evening out, be mindful of those around you, wear your seatbelts and don’t drink and drive.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and safe travels!

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Kindest Regards,
JD Hallam
PKRM Rental Manager

perdido key has great visitors!

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I ran into the nicest lady this morning. I was picking up my usual cup of coffee and mentioned to the person at Starbucks that it was so foggy this morning that I could barely see the high-rises along the shoreline as I was coming over the Theo Baars bridge ont he east end of the island. The lady standing behind me said, "Isn't it great?" I didn't quite understand and when she saw the look on my face she went on to explain that she was from up north around Wisconsin and this morning it was likely below freezing with a couple feet of snow on the ground. She said that she loves the snow when it is falling, but would much rather enjoy our gulf coast weather cycles while on vacation in Perdido Key. Afterwards we were able to visit briefly about how my family goes in search of snow or a thriving metropolis when we go on vacations. Towards the end of the conversation this chipper snowbird vacationer with a smile on her face said, "Son, you're crazy to want to leave Perdido Key to go on a vacation." As I crossed the bridge again on my way back to the office I thought to myself that even when it's foggy like this here that it sure beats the chore of shoveling the driveway from back in my childhood. I am lucky to live here and it's always a wonderful start to my day when someone reminds me just how lucky I am to be in Perdido Key.

Bookmark today or find me on Facebook to be alerted as to when I post a new blog.
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Kindest Regards,
JD Hallam
PKRM Rental Manager

perdido key a couple weeks before christmas!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I hope everyone has finished their Christmas shopping as there are only 2 weeks left! For some, this is the last week of work, before the play begins. Finishing up work or school, containing their excitement of the impending vacation makes this week go by so much slower than the previous weeks. The others beat the rush and celebrated the holidays this last weekend to enjoy all the area’s parades. Downtown Pensacola is by far the largest parade in the area drawing around 50,000 people. The boat parade is favored by beachgoers and of course the areas kitschiest parade, the Chumuckla Redneck Christmas parade.

When you check through the vacation rental sites you'll find that many Perdido Key Condo rental specials are still there awaiting the ones that wish to get away and relax on the beach. The most common way for people to arrive to our secret, white sand paradise is by car and making stops at their favorite places along the way. Visitors coming from the West may stop at one of the Cajun specialty stores for Southern fare. Rental guests coming from the North may stop at any of the peanut farms to pick up fresh boiled peanuts or homemade jellies and jams. Finally, families from the East may stop at any number of the tourist spots prior to arriving at their peaceful, Perdido Key condo. Of course, there are plenty of ‘staycationers’ that stay in Perdido Key rentals to enjoy a quick weekend away from their daily lives.
What are your favorite spots to visit on your way to Perdido Key?

Bookmark today or find me on Facebook to be alerted as to when I post a new blog.
Book mark or follow the Perdido Key blog via email.
JD Hallam
PKRM Rental Manager

perdido key events for the holidays

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I hope that you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Many families spent their holidays in a Perdido Key condo or vacation home, while other traveled far and wide to be with loved ones. Now that December is upon us, most of the country experiences frigid temperatures, while the Perdido Key weather has warm days and cool nights.

One of the best reasons staying in a Perdido Key condo is that you can go one direction to enjoy the Downtown Pensacola activities or go the other direction and explore what Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, AL has to offer. In the upcoming week, Gulf Shores will be host to a lighted boat parade where boaters take pride in ‘showboating’ their festively decorated sea vessels. In Orange Beach, locals and visitors can enjoy a Christmas Sleigh ride!

Downtown Pensacola is festively decorated and has many holiday events that bring people together. Winterfest features trolley rides, horse drawn carriage rides, caroling, and even enough snowfall to build a fluffy snowman!

Of course I can’t leave Perdido Key out of the mix! A locals secret shopping place is the Perdido Key Market Basket at the local community center. It’s a fantastic time and there are many one of a kind gifts for everyone. And last, but not least, SANTA will literally drop in at the Florabama (weather permitting) on Saturday.

Bookmark today or find me on Facebook to be alerted as to when I post a new blog.
JD Hallam
PKRM Rental Manager

Who’s ready for some Fall? Or Football?

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As the summer got a bit cooler and eventually came to an end, the Fall breeze came a whistling in! Fall has so much to bring to the table here in beautiful Perdido Key, Florida, who’s ready? I’d like to take some time to wake up an hour early and take a 30-45 minute walk on beach to refresh me and wake me up for all of my daytime activities. Not only will a short stroll on the beach be refreshing, it will reassure me I live in a beautiful and relaxing place! That right there gives me hope and confidence for a great day ahead!
Not only is fall enjoyable for long or short walks on the beach, but to sit outside at a restaurant and get some fresh air. A place to recommend would be Tacky Jacks on the water in Orange Beach; they have a great menu and a stunning view of the bay. Unless you’re thinking to kick back a little and get some Italian, I would check out Grazi right over the Perdido Key bridge going into Orange Beach there on the right. They have a delicious menu to choose from and the service has been great the times that I’ve gone.
A nice walk on the beach is always good, going out to eat here and there is nice for a change, but the main reason I love fall is because it’s FOOTBALL season! There’s nothing like sitting in front of the TV cheering on your favorite team. Weather it be the Alabama Crimson Tide (ROLL TIDE), Auburn Tigers, Florida Gators, LSU, the Wisconsin Badgers ?, the Falcons, The Dolphins, The Saints, The Packers, etc.. Football is always fun to get into and watch. If watching it at home becomes to tedious, head on over the THE SPORTS BAR in Perdido Key, located in the Villagio Center directly across from our office and watch different games on over 20+ TV’s while enjoying a bite to eat. It never gets old getting a good ole juicy bar burger on game day!
Summer came and summer is going, just as fall will come and be over in a blink of an eye... so get out there, enjoy a nice long walk on the beach, enjoy a nice dinner outside with the breeze lightly hitting your face and most of all enjoy as much football as you can! GO PACK GO! GO BADGERS! (Once a Wisconsin fan, ALWAYS a Wisconsin fan) However, I enjoy watching any team on game days, such a wonderful way to end a weekend! Also, Geaux LSU Tigers (my boss slipped this in here at the end). -Meagan B

From North to South

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I recently moved here from Wisconsin, I’m from a small town near the capitol of Madison. Why the move? Because there is no other place I’ve been that has white sandy beaches, warm weather and an endless amount of activities for people of all ages. After having chilly, sometimes below freezing months, I knew it was time to make a move. I thought and thought about a place where I could reap in the nice weather, walk outside and see palm trees, take nice long relaxing walks on the beach and a place that I could eventually call home. Two places came to mind: Orange Beach, California and Perdido Key, Florida. After that, it was a cake walk, an easy choice! I chose… Perdido Key!

Growing up from a little girl to becoming a teenager and finally into an adult, I vacationed here nearly every year with my family of six. With having three sisters, we all looked forward to this trip every year! It not only brought us together, but we we’re constantly having the time of our life! The most difficult part of our vacations was choosing what to do? Where to eat? Where to get souvenirs? Etc. There are so many options! Over the years, we’ve accumulated a lot of “favorite” places. Some that I will mention are: Lillian’s Pizza here in Perdido Key has always had good service and their food is delicious! We then sometimes after a filling meal, head over to Gulf Shores, Alabama, about a 25-30 minute drive and go to The Track and do some go-carting or take on a game of mini-golf there or across the street at Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf. Another family favorite, especially for my little sister’s is souvenir shopping. They love bringing memories and keepsakes home with them. A few places we enjoy going to look around and get souvenirs from is the Beach Planet in the Villagio located right in Perdido Key and then just over the bridge in Orange Beach, Alabama is Alvin’s Island and Souvenir City. They have anything from spray painted shirts, henna tattoos to pet hermit crabs; I would recommend any of these three places to people of all ages.

I could go on and on about places my family loves to go and now that I’m actually living here I know there is always something to do. From taking a relaxing stroll on the beach to renting jet-skis, scooters and so much more, life is good at the beach! While enjoying my toes in the white fluffy sand, I enjoy taking walks, I like to take my iPod to listen to and it’s a great workout! Who would a thought working out could be relaxing! I even sometimes bring my phone so I can check Facebook and keep up to date with everything going on here and up north! So all and all, yes, I will miss the snow at times, NFL Packer Sunday’s with the family eating chili will a hot fire burning, but I know that my move here was a great choice. Therefore, I can’t wait to find more places to go, more restaurants I love and more adventures that I would’ve never been able to par-take in. Whether living here or just taking a vacation, Perdido Key is a beautiful, fun and relaxing place to be!

Meagan B

Spring Is In The Air

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Most of the world waits anxiously for Spring's arrival during the cold winter months of January and February. To be calendar-conscious, this would be on March 20th. I am the most fortunate person though, because it seems spring has already sprung down here in Perdido Key. For the past three days, the sun has been shining with the temperature ranging somewhere mid-70's and just a wonderful breeze. I saw my first wasp the day before yesterday and if you aren't familiar with old wives' tales, this just signifies it will be a very good season. I liken it to whether Mr. Groundhog sees his shadow to determine how long Winter is really here to stay.
I can't help but start thinking of all the wonderful events that occur during Spring and know what happiness and memories there is to be had. St. Patrick's Day, company picnics, Easter, & although it's been quite a while since I had one - the anticipation of Spring Break for the kiddos! It can be hectic trying to plan around everyone's schedule, yet the chance to be in warm weather & soak in some sun wins out every time…..Why not plan a vacation in a Perdido Key resort? Call PKRM toll free at 866-760-7576? Come, get away from the blizzards and black ice... It's worth it! ‘Til next time…
Clancy Bambrick
http://www.perdidokeyflorida.com/

Dinner and a Movie

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Dinner and a movie. That is what my six year old wanted to do for her reward night. She got smiley faces at school for an entire month which warranted a special evening of her choice. She picked dinner at Cosmo's in Orange Beach and the Justin Bieber movie at The Wharf, though I think my wife secretly is the one who really wanted to go see that particular movie, which is also in Orange Beach. I asked our six year old, "what about Gnomeo and Juliet?" and my wife chimed in saying "No, she wants to go see Justin Bieber." Right... and on to dinner.

Dinner was awesome. We had a Louisiana roll to share as an appetizer. This is a fully cooked sushi roll consisting of crawfish and tasso salad, celery and scallions. It had a tiny bit of kick to it, but not enough to keep us from polishing it off. Lindsay, my wife, said that had she remembered how good it was she would have ordered it as her entree. Next came out their bread basket - always welcomed. They bring it out with a new unique butter every time. I asked a waitress once in the past and she informed us that each day someone new gets to whip up a new butter blend before the shift begins. Last night was a feta cheese, butter and basil blend. Sounds different, but was actually pretty good. While nibbling on the bread basket I fed our 7 month old some squashed squash courtesy of Gerber, she ate good too.

No sooner than me wiping off her face the main course came out. Lindsay had the fried gulf seafood platter ($18) which is any combo of shrimp, oysters, fish or soft shell crab lightly battered and fried served with french fries and coleslaw. She asked for double shrimp (not a fan of the other stuff - personal preference) and replaced the coleslaw with asparagus. I had the blackened triggerfish ($19) served on top of fried green tomatoes and whipped sweet potatoes. I did not care much for the fried green tomatoes, however the fish was cooked perfectly and the sweet potatoes were amazing. Our six year old put away a kid's serving of fried chicken tenders and it was about time to go. As we were tiding up the table a bit, as parents often do at a restaurant, we realized that the movie was due to begin in 20 minutes. We asked the six year old if she wanted dessert and to miss the previews or to leave without dessert in order to catch the previews. Obviously being six she opted for dessert. The girls shared a slice of key lime pie ($5) and I order the banana fritters ($5). I was expecting a small dessert plate, but was overwhelmed by a dinner sized portion of absolute heaven. I am not normally a fan of bananas and ice cream together, but this was different. Cosmo's Banana Fritters are fresh ripe bananas battered, fried, and dusted with cinnamon sugar served with vanilla ice cream and a chocolate banana cream sauce. It is good all over again just thinking about it. After dessert we got the bill and made a dash for the car to get to the theater. BTW, the service was great (thanks Justin - that was the waiter's name, strange coincidence?) and we look forward to going there again.

The Rave movie theater at The Wharf in Orange Beach, AL is just about 5 minutes up the road from Cosmo's. The girls were afraid that the movie would sell out, so they ordered the tickets online before we went out to dinner. Just a quick swipe of the credit card and the kiosk spit out the tickets allowing us to skip the long line at the window - good thinking Lindsay. We made our way into the theater just in time for the movie to begin. The 7 month old fell asleep with 20 minutes and our 6 year old bounced around dancing and singing for about 45 minutes before she was out too. I kept looking over at Lindsay to see if she was ready to go, but she was intently glued to the screen so I stuck it out. A little while later I looked over to see Lindsay snapping pictures of our six year old asleep in the chair one of which she posted to Facebook. They were goofy. As the movie began wrapping up Lindsay asked if I was ready to go and I began the process of making our way out to the car. In short, for me, dinner was the highlight of the evening although the movie wasn't that bad. I did catch myself tapping my foot once or twice and I think that the girls enjoyed the movie. Definitely will do it again next month provided it's another month of smileys at school.

So what does Perdido Key look like this January?

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Recently someone asked what the beaches look like right now... Perdido Key in January. I figured the best way to tell them, was through pictures. I posted the pictures which I took earlier today to our Facebook page (http://www.perdidokeyflorida.com/). You should check them out... it they will make you want to book a vacation!