| There is an easy-button cure for parkas, snow | | | | ad. |
| blowers, and single digit temperatures - the beaches of | | | | One way long-lasting friendships are formed is through |
| the Alabama Gulf Coast. The winter weather forecast | | | | membership in one of the numerous snowbird clubs |
| can be a bitter pill to swallow for those in the | | | | based on the state you live in. There are also many |
| Northeast and Midwest. That is why it's no surprise to | | | | hobby-oriented clubs ranging from photography to |
| see the annual migration of snowbirds - retired people | | | | books. Many of the seniors also keep busy by |
| looking for a more pleasant climate - flocking to Gulf | | | | volunteering. The local libraries and school tutoring |
| Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, once the | | | | programs are two popular venues for those with the |
| Christmas holidays are finished. | | | | volunteer spirit. Hundreds of snowbirds also dedicate a |
| Attracted by miles of sugar white beach and | | | | portion to their time to organizing and presenting the |
| temperatures averaging in the 60s, thousands of | | | | annual Brat Fest, which has raised thousands of dollars |
| seniors make their southbound pilgrimage to Alabama's | | | | for area fire departments. |
| coast from January to March each year. | | | | Outdoor activities reign supreme all year long. Fitness |
| Value is an added benefit of heading to the beach in | | | | buffs will be glad to know there are walking and biking |
| the winter is being able to stay in a beachfront house | | | | paths winding throughout both cities. Also, there are |
| or condo at a substantially reduced rate. A | | | | recreation facilities in both Orange Beach and Gulf |
| two-bedroom/two bath condo rents for about $1,250 | | | | Shores. Golfers have access to more than 10 courses |
| per month in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. That | | | | all within an hour drive of their beach accommodations. |
| monthly rate works out to be a bargain of little more | | | | Various organized bus trips are also made available to |
| than $40 a day. Winter monthly rates are generally | | | | snowbirds. Mardi Gras, the National World War II |
| about what summer beachgoers will pay for a one | | | | Museum, and the Naval Aviation Museum are just a |
| week stay. | | | | few of the possibilities. |
| In addition to the temperate climate, snowbirds are | | | | The snowbirds may come down to the Gulf Coast to |
| attracted to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach because | | | | get away from blinding blizzards and treacherous ice |
| of a common bond with the others who have | | | | storms. But, before they leave for home, they have |
| temporarily left their families and everyday | | | | made lasting friendships and had a positive impact on |
| surroundings. Many people become acquainted with | | | | the area. A combination of the two explains why so |
| the Gulf Coast after talking with friends that have | | | | many of them return year after year. It is as if they |
| visited the area previously. But, there are also other | | | | have found a home away from home. |
| arrivals whose interest was peaked from a magazine | | | | |