We spent Easter weekend on 6150 acres in Gulf Shores known as the Gulf State Park. I could walk on the beach and see nothing but water and sand for miles, which is quite rare in the condo-dense Gulf front strip from Gulf Shores to Perdido Key. The surf was rough with Red Flags flying, but that didn't keep the fishermen and wild kids from frolicking in the waves.  Walking on the beach is a spiritual practice for me, and I was renewed and rejuvenated by the sun, sounds, and salty air.

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, with an accompanying 350-room Hilton Hotel, has replaced the original Lodge built in 1974 that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Financed in large part by Alabama’s settlements from the BP oil spill, the lodge and conference center uses sustainable and resilient materials, and sustainability is integrated throughout the Lodge, from automatic shut-off faucets and low energy lighting to recycling and filtered exterior lighting to minimize light pollution and impact on the local fauna. It had all the amenities of a fancy resort, with a poolside bar and restaurant, live music for our listening pleasure, and the best part, the view of the Gulf of Mexico from every angle.

‍Our room had a balcony with 2 Adirondack chairs that also looked out over the water. Who could ask for anything more?   The hotel is a model for environmentally friendly development, and I was proud of Alabama for creating this jewel on Alabama's coast. The Dunes are being restored all along the shore with hundreds of dead Christmas trees, because they act as a natural barrier, trapping windblown sand and helping to build up new dunes. The Lodge is just steps away from over 28 miles of hiking and biking trails and 800 acres of freshwater lakes. There is something for everyone.

Another plus is that there are five restaurants on site. We parked our car and never ventured out. Dragonfly is the poolside restaurant, a casual spot for lunch, where we enjoyed a Smash burger and a chicken Caesar wrap, along with some tropical cocktails. For dinner, we visited Perch, which is known for its seafood, steaks, and sunsets. I enjoyed the Seared Gulf Fish, Grouper, with a delicious lemon dill sauce, and my husband had Sweet Tea Glazed Scallops that he said were fabulous. After decadent desserts, we were well-fed and satisfied. The marketing says this restaurant is ‘elevated’, but I think the downstairs establishment called Foodcraft is more geared to families.

‍Young families were everywhere, but so were honeymooners, baby mooners, and retired couples holding hands. People of all ages, shapes, and sizes were having fun with various recreational activities: people watching at its finest. 

‍Only 45 minutes from home, we compared the Lodge with other beach destinations, and both agreed that it was an easy and pleasurable getaway. Next time, I want to walk out on the Gulf State Park Pier, which has recently reopened to the tune of 13 million dollars. It is clearly visible from the Lodge, and we could see many fishermen and sightseers on the 1544-foot concrete pier. I walked under it on one of my walks, and it is massive and hurricane-proof as well.

‍My favorite kind of day consists of sunbathing and swimming, then to shower, lotion up, dress and go for drinks and dinner, sun kissed and tired, and watch the day come to an end. The Lodge at Gulf Sate Park gave me a great Easter gift.