Are you searching for a sustainable getaway in Alabama? The Lodge at Gulf State Park alongside Alabama’s seashores provides you with simply that!
There’s actually no higher place to remain in Gulf Shores than The Lodge at Gulf State Park—and for good motive. This isn’t simply any beachfront lodge; it’s the hallmark of resilience, sustainability and good design.
First opening its doorways in 1974, The Lodge turned a neighborhood occasions hub till it was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Moderately than merely rebuilding, the brand new Lodge was designed and reimagined with sustainability at its core. The consequence? A spectacular coastal retreat that actively enhances the encompassing habitat with eco-conscious options.
From energy-efficient structure to conservation initiatives that defend native wildlife, each element has been fastidiously thought-about. The Lodge at Gulf State Park pledges a keep in Alabama that’s as accountable as it’s enjoyable. Prepare to take in the Gulf Coast sunshine, discover the park’s intensive path community and luxuriate in domestically sourced eating.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park
sustainability in Gulf State Park
In 2018, Gulf State Park underwent a significant transformation with the Gulf State Park Restoration Challenge, a $140 million initiative funded partly by BP settlement funds from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The challenge emphasised sustainable tourism with eco-friendly infrastructure, together with the Gulf State Park Lodge, an environmentally acutely aware lodge designed to minimise its environmental affect whereas offering fashionable facilities.
This important funding has supported the restoration of shoreline habitats and dunes that additionally stop coastal erosion and the enlargement of 28-mile path networks for biking and mountain climbing. The enhancement challenge aimed to spice up the native economic system by creating new jobs and enterprise alternatives inside the neighborhood. Moreover, the LEED-certified Studying Campus serves as a hub for environmental training, selling sustainability and accountable tourism.
Reworking Gulf State Park right into a hub for training, analysis, and eco-savvy tourism units a blueprint for bringing in earnings whereas defending the ecosystem. The 22 State Parks in Alabama all depend on self-generated funds for operation and upkeep, making the Gulf State Park’s sustainability mannequin each revolutionary and very important to their existence.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park operates below the Hilton model for advertising and marketing and reservations however the property is managed by Valor Hospitality whose mission is to be a number one hospitality firm in sustainability.
Protected dunes in entrance of The Lodge
Assessment of The Lodge at Gulf State Park
I’ve explored the sustainability efforts of Gulf State Park as an entire, however now let’s concentrate on The Lodge. If you happen to’re searching for lodging in Gulf Shores, why not keep proper on the seaside and instantly contribute to the preservation of Alabama’s 22 State Parks?
Sustainability at The Lodge
The Lodge at Gulf State Park is greater than only a place to remain—it’s a mannequin for sustainable tourism alongside Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Designed with environmental conservation in thoughts, the Lodge has earned prestigious certifications, together with LEED© Gold, SITES© Platinum and FORTIFIED Industrial™, highlighting its dedication to accountable growth. From the bottom up, sustainability has been a precedence, by part-building with recycled supplies and recycling development supplies to divert from landfills.
Vitality effectivity is a prime precedence within the Lodge’s design and every day operations. Visitor rooms are outfitted with automated sensors that flip off air-con when balcony doorways or home windows are left open, serving to to stop pointless vitality waste.
The usage of LED lighting with movement sensors additional reduces consumption, and while the seaside is stored darkish, there’s turtle-friendly lighting on walkways. The orientation of the buildings takes benefit of pure Gulf wind, incorporating passive cooling strategies to minimise reliance on air-con. Picket screens additionally assist filter daylight, conserving indoor areas comfy whereas reducing vitality calls for.
Water conservation is one other key pillar of the Lodge’s sustainability efforts. The HVAC system is designed to seize condensation, which is then repurposed to refill the swimming pool, considerably lowering water waste. As well as, a practical wetland naturally filters and absorbs stormwater runoff from rooftops and paved surfaces, easing strain on municipal drainage programs. This revolutionary method conserves water and helps native ecosystems by mimicking pure hydrological processes.
Past the buildings themselves, the Lodge prioritises environmentally pleasant infrastructure all through the property. The permeable automotive park permits rainwater to percolate into the bottom quite than contributing to floor runoff. This helps replenish groundwater whereas stopping erosion and flooding.
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The Foyer at The Lodge
Coming into the large open foyer space with daylight beaming by means of the floor-to-ceiling home windows, illuminating Alabama-made furnishings crafted from reclaimed supplies, making a heat, eclectic really feel. The partitions function a fastidiously curated gallery showcasing Alabama artists, highlighted by the placing fibreglass reduction named “Turtle Tracks” by April Hopkins and Zach DePolo.
The present store promoting eco-friendly wares is tucked behind the reception, and the Roasted Oak is available to serve lattes with local-inspired names resembling Seaside Mouse and Yellowhammer. The recycling bins and foyer signage showcase its spectacular portfolio of sustainability certifications, reflecting its dedication to preserving the coastal surroundings and making certain a constructive ecological affect.
The foyer at The Lodge
Services at The Lodge
The Lodge at Gulf State Park affords a improbable vary of amenities designed for leisure and recreation. Friends can take a refreshing dip within the outside pool with beautiful ocean views, keep energetic within the absolutely outfitted fitness center and luxuriate in contemporary, domestically sourced delicacies on the Lodge’s on-site eating places. Nevertheless, the true spotlight of a keep at The Lodge is the Gulf State Park itself, an unlimited pure playground ready to be explored.
Swimming pool at sundown
Rooms at The Lodge
The Lodge options 350 visitor rooms, and I used to be lucky to have a seaside view, the place the ever-changing skies over the Gulf of Mexico offered a shocking backdrop. From delicate sunrises to blue skies, blushing sunsets to starry nights, each second was a pleasure to soak up from the balcony.
Whereas the rooms had a easy décor, the beds had been extremely comfy—like sleeping on clouds. Considerate sustainability touches included separate recycling bins lined with biodegradable luggage and BeeKind refillable toiletries, with moisturiser out there in paper packaging.
Consuming at The Lodge
Sustainability is central to eating at The Lodge, with initiatives just like the Zero Single-Serve Initiative to cut back waste and native sourcing to assist Gulf fisheries. The eating places additionally assist management invasive species by means of accountable fish harvesting.
The Bycatch Seafood Program ensures unintentional catches don’t go to waste, whereas partnerships with the Sustainable Seafood Organisation and Gulf Seafood Basis reinforce their dedication to eco-friendly eating.
There are 5 eating choices at Gulf State Park, and through my go to, I had the pleasure of beginning the day at Foodcraft and ending with a refined meal at The Perch. Different choices embrace Woodside, set amongst the paths, Roasted Oak for takeaway espresso and treats within the foyer, and the poolside Dragonfly Bar + Grill for informal bites and drinks.
Perch Restaurant
The Perch at Gulf State Park guarantees a relaxed eating expertise the place the elegant menu sings with native substances. With a concentrate on seasonal and sustainable sourcing, The Perch crafts dishes that spotlight the flavours of the area, from expertly ready seafood to artistic Southern-inspired plates. Crimson Bay Oysters within the Seafood Tower are the principle draw however strive imaginative mains resembling seared Gulf grouper with roasted purple pepper succotash or pecan smoked rooster.
My go to occurred to coincide with an unseasonably chilly spell, so the balcony firepit was roaring, completely complementing a fiery sundown. I can solely think about how magical it have to be to get pleasure from dinner or a scrumptious cocktail right here, with the standard heat coastal breeze and stupendous views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Crimson Bay Oysters at Perch Restaurant
Foodcraft
Foodcraft at Gulf State Park is an informal eating spot positioned beneath The Perch, with equally beautiful beachfront views. With domestically impressed menus, it’s a terrific selection for a tasty breakfast, laid-back lunch, or dinner whereas sundown paints the sky.
The Lodge Breakfast Buffet options Southern specialities like grits, applewood bacon, buttermilk biscuits with peppered gravy, and even a dawn mimosa to kick-start your day. The lunch and dinner menu highlights native produce, bringing genuine Southern dishes to life.
Tri-Tip Steak and Eggs for breakfast at Foodcraft
Different Lodging at Gulf State Park
For these seeking to keep inside Gulf State Park however looking for an alternative choice to The Lodge, quite a lot of lodging choices cater to totally different journey kinds, all of which guarantee a keep that’s near nature.
The Gulf State Park Campground and RV Park are good for nature lovers, providing over 500 full-hookup websites with fashionable facilities, together with bathhouses, laundry amenities, and entry to mountain climbing and biking trails.
Eagle Cottages present a country and cozy keep alongside Lake Shelby, full with screened porches and quick access to the park’s waterways.
The Cabins at Gulf State Park supply lakeside and woods-surrounded choices, excellent for these wanting a peaceable escape with fashionable comforts.
For group vacationers, The Bunkerhouse is a good selection, that includes dorm-style lodging designed for households, faculty journeys, or journey teams seeking to discover the park collectively.
Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park
Actions In Gulf State Park
Take a Class at The Studying Heart
The Studying Campus at Gulf State Park has an excellent lineup of academic and pleasant courses, offering hands-on experiences that join guests with the native surroundings. We may select from natural gardening and composting, turtle talks, river biodiversity, or guided hikes and bike rides. These packages are designed to be partaking and informative for anybody—vacationer or native—seeking to deepen their appreciation of the Gulf Coast’s pure wonders.
For my class-based exercise, I selected “Sea Salt Bath Bombs,” from the eco-art mini-series, which turned out to be each a science lesson and a artistic workshop. The session started with an introduction to the bodily properties of salt, the place it comes from, and sustainable strategies of sea salt extraction. Then got here the hands-on half—making our personal pure tub bombs utilizing domestically sourced substances. It was a enjoyable and interactive technique to study sustainability whereas crafting an eco-conscious memento.
Discover the Trails
The award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Path winds by means of 28 miles of numerous landscapes, showcasing 9 distinct ecosystems throughout 6,150 acres of Gulf State Park. From Stay Oaks draped in Spanish Moss to the scenic Gulf Oak Ridge Path and the tranquil shores of Lake Shelby, it’s straightforward to see why USA In the present day named this breathtaking path the Greatest Leisure Path within the nation in each 2023 and 2024.
It could sound cliché, however spending time in nature really nourishes the soul. Take an unhurried stroll or a brisk hike alongside the paths, discover at your personal tempo and concentrate on what fascinates you most. As a eager wildlife photographer, it takes me longer to get round to attend for the wildlife moments making my day unforgettable. I did linger in hopes of recognizing Lefty, the park’s resident alligator however luck wasn’t on my aspect.
Tips on how to you get across the Gulf State Park
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Path is designed to be accessible to all, with clean paths and delicate slopes that accommodate wheelchairs simply and hikers of any degree. Plus, with sure sections closed to autos, you may absolutely immerse your self in nature with out the distraction of visitors.
To cowl extra floor, I extremely suggest hopping on a motorbike. To make exploration even simpler, Gulf State Park affords a Free Bike Share Program—and sure, you heard that proper—it’s utterly FREE! With bike stations positioned all through the park and at The Lodge, you may borrow a motorbike for as much as three hours without charge. It simply includes downloading the Bloom app in your cellphone, creating an account, scanning the QR code on the bike you wish to use and the app unlocks it. And off you go!!
To realize a deeper understanding of the ecosystem, I joined a Guided Bike Journey on the Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead. Led by Cory, a naturalist from The Studying Campus at Gulf State Park, the tour flowed with information concerning the park’s numerous landscapes and wildlife, together with the consequences of invasive plant species and the way prescribed burning helps keep the park’s ecological stability.
Birdwatching in Gulf State Park
With its 9 distinct ecosystems, together with wetlands, pine forests, dunes, and freshwater lakes, Gulf State Park supplies excellent habitats for each resident and migratory birds all year long. Ospreys, Nice Blue Herons, and Belted Kingfishers are generally seen close to Lake Shelby, whereas Crimson-Bellied Woodpeckers and Japanese Bluebirds thrive alongside the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Path. Throughout spring and fall migrations, the park turns into a necessary stopover for warblers, flycatchers, and different songbirds.
Visiting in January throughout an sudden chilly snap, I figured many birds had already flown south to the hotter climes of Mexico. Nevertheless, I used to be nonetheless removed from disenchanted, as I had the chance to admire a Bald Eagle guarding their nest, observe Crimson-Bellied Woodpeckers at work, see Ospreys circling, and watch Black Scoters diving. These sightings left me in awe of the Gulf State Park’s wildlife.
Crimson-Bellied Woodpecker
Bald Eagle
Stroll alongside Gulf State Park Pier
The Gulf State Park Pier has confronted its fair proportion of challenges since its unique 825-foot construction was inbuilt 1968. After being destroyed by Hurricane Frederic in 1979 and later by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, it was rebuilt to be stronger than ever; solely to maintain harm once more from Hurricane Sally in 2020. In the present day, it stands because the longest fishing pier on the Gulf Coast, designed to endure the weather.
Greater than only a fishing spot, the pier serves as an academic hub, with interpretive panels detailing marine conservation, sustainable fishing practices, and native wildlife. Anglers can forged a line for redfish, pompano, and Spanish mackerel, whereas nature lovers can get pleasure from dolphin watching, birding, or just taking within the sweeping Gulf views.
Gulf State Park Pier
Issues To Do In Alabama Seashores
Bon Secour Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
Bon Secour Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is a pristine sanctuary of seven,000 acres on Alabama’s Gulf Coast defending important habitats for migratory birds, sea turtles, and the endangered Alabama seaside mouse. It’s residence to Piping Plovers, Black Skimmers, and Least Terns, in addition to the occasional Bald Eagle hovering overhead. Strolling alongside the seashores or exploring the marshes, you may additionally spot Roseate Spoonbills wading within the shallows.
Bon Secour Nationwide Wildlife Refuge opens every day dawn-dusk | LOCATION
Stay Music at Flora Bama’s
A go to to Flora-Bama is greater than only a night time out; it’s a beachfront establishment and a ceremony of passage for anybody visiting Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Established in 1964 by the Tampary household, it started as a small watering gap and has since grown into an iconic reside music venue, that includes every day performances, three hundred and sixty five days a yr, from nation, rock, blues, and seaside tunes throughout a number of phases.
Inside, the ambiance is exuberant. Bras dangle from washing strains above the dance flooring, US flags wave and memorabilia-packed partitions inform tales of many years of fine occasions. Sitting on the Alabama-Florida border, Flora-Bama is famous alongside the Gulf Coast and ensures an evening to recollect—particularly for those who order a Bushwacker!
Flora-Bama opens every day from 9.30am to 2.30am | LOCATION | READ REVIEWS
Eat Seafood at DeSoto’s
For a real style of the Gulf, DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen is a must-visit. Identified for its Southern hospitality, this family-run restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served foundation owing to its reputation (particularly within the snowbird season).
DeSotos has been serving up contemporary, flavoursome seafood for over twenty years. The menu highlights the very best of the native catch from fried flounder, blackened catfish, and Royal Crimson shrimp, or try their well-known seafood platters. Past its seafood specialities, they provide a variety of comforting Southern classics, from fried inexperienced tomatoes to fragrant seafood gumbo.
DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen opens every day for lunch and dinner | LOCATION | READ REVIEWS
Royal Crimson Shrimps
Take An Eco Tour
Whereas I didn’t have time to expertise them myself, you might wish to contemplate taking an eco-tour in Gulf Shores, with choices like;
Orange Seaside Dolphin Eco-Tour, the place you’ll stand up near a neighborhood pod, be taught their names, observe their behaviours and uncover extra concerning the ecosystem and wildlife out of your educated captain.
Orange Seaside Sundown Crusing Cruise onboard a catamaran, capturing coastal views and recognizing native wildlife like ospreys, bald eagles, and herons because the solar units over the Gulf.
Navy Cove Oyster Farm Tour, a family-run operation, helps guests be taught concerning the ecology and geology of Cell Bay and the sustainable aquaculture strategies used to boost oysters.
Give-back Initiatives
Gulf Shores affords loads of volunteering alternatives for locals, together with Alabama’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program, which requires some coaching. For guests seeking to take part in regenerative tourism and assist defend the coast’s pure magnificence, organisations like Eco Clear Marine and Alabama Coastal Cleanup present alternatives to become involved—simply test their schedules for upcoming occasions.
Seaside dawn in Gulf State Park
Thanks to Alabama Journey, Gulf Shores & Orange Seaside Tourism and The Lodge at Gulf State Park for supporting me in my mission to advertise sustainable initiatives within the journey area. All opinions are my very own.
PIN for Gulf State Park Sustainable Getaway
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