http://coast360.com/ Coast360 guide brings you the best of Alabama Gulf Coast dining, attractions, golf, fishing and everything you want to have a fun, family friendly vacation along Alabama's beaches. en mturner@compassmedia.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-15T13:08:12+00:00 http://coast360.com/blog/post/the-hangout-music-fest-faq http://coast360.com/blog/post/the-hangout-music-fest-faq#When:13:08:12Z The Hangout Music Fest – F.A.Q. The best way to stay up to date is to download the Hangout Mobile App iPhone   Android The Hangout Fest app is your one-stop-shop for all things Hangout Fest 2012. Use this app to find out when your favorite acts are playing, create your personal schedule for the weekend, and discover new acts before you set foot on the shores. Attending the Festival Festival Hours Thursday Kickoff Party – 2PM – 2AM Friday, Saturday & Sunday – Gates Open 11AM – 11PM Box Office & Will Call Hangout Box Office Hours: Wednesday 12pm-10pm Thursday 10am-10pm Friday 10am-10pm Saturday10am-10pm Sunday 10am-10pm The Box Office is located beside Surf Style, on the corner of East Beach Boulevard and Highway 59, directly in front of the Hangout. Please refer to the Festival Map for the exact location. This is also the Box Office for Hangout Shuttle Passes. Re-Entry/Ins & Outs & Wristband Policy Three-day ticket holders must exchange their ticket for a weekend wristband and will be allowed to re-enter the Festival.
Wristbands MUST be worn for entry into the Festival. 
Wristbands are non-transferable, non-exchangeable and cannot be replaced.
They cannot be removed and must be worn all three days to allow entry.
Please don’t remove, stretch or tamper with your wristband in any way or you will not be allowed entry (and that will make us sad). Disability Access & Accommodations We want to make sure that all music lovers have access to the Hangout experience! ADA members are limited to one service companion per person. Kids at The Hangout Coming to the festival with a youngster in tow? Children aged 10 and under are admitted FREE if accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. However, due to security concerns, we cannot admit more than 2 children under 10 years old per supervising adult (4 children per family). Lost & Found During the Festival, look for lost items at the Lost & Found booths. Valuables will be held for 30 days and then donated to a local charity. The Hangout Music Festival and Huka Entertainment will not be held liable for any unclaimed items. The following items are prohibited: We ask you keep the following items at home, they are for your safety and the safety of everyone here at Hangout! Weapons of any kind Illegal substances (including narcotics) or drug paraphernalia Framed or large backpacks Alcohol Kites Glowsticks Glass containers Outside food or beverages Skateboards Motorized Carts or Scooters – unless ADA verified Bicycles (inside festival grounds – bike racks will be available near the entrance) Carts Large chains or spiked jewelry (spikes longer than 3/4 of an inch will be confiscated) Fireworks / Sparklers / Firecrackers Chinese Lanterns Umbrellas Chairs of any kind Coolers of any size Tents or canopies of any kind Pets (except service dogs) Video equipment: No video recording will be allowed Professional still camera equipment (no detachable lenses, no tripods, big zooms, or commercial use rigs) Any audio recording equipment Flags and Flagpoles No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed Safety & Medical Every effort has been made to create a safe environment on the Festival grounds, including public and private security and medical staff. If you need any assistance, seek out the medical tent, or look for a peace officer or Festival staff member. Heat Relief Heatstroke is not cool. Drink lots of water. Look for free water fountains and filling stations throughout the festival park. Bring & wear sunscreen. Cool off (and freshen up) at the misting areas on site. Boating At The Hangout Due to safety concerns we have an enforced 500ft NO-BOATING ZONE off the Hangout site. However there are miles of beautiful open waters around the site for your boating pleasure. Be extremely cautious – fake tickets and wristbands may appear to look like the real thing but they will not pass the Hangout Festival’s security measures. All tickets and wristbands will be analyzed for authenticity and fake tickets will be turned away. The Hangout Festival is not responsible for any counterfeit tickets. Party on!   What to do, Where to go, 2012-05-15T13:08:12+00:00 http://coast360.com/blog/post/hangout-festival-map http://coast360.com/blog/post/hangout-festival-map#When:14:24:14Z Here is a handy layout map for the Hangout Music Fest. (check out http://www.coast360.mobi for an iPhone image). There are a couple of great improvements from last year. The Xbox and Letting Go stages have been relocated in order to create a bigger, more comfortable viewing experience for fans. And check out The Chevrolet Ride ‘N Slide, a giant inflatable 40-foot waterslide! And there is a second swimming pool in the proximity to the main stage VIP viewing area. This will keep everybody from overheating and a great place to chill.   What to do, Where to go, Day Trippin, 2012-05-14T14:24:14+00:00 http://coast360.com/blog/post/shuttle-schedule-hangout-music-fest http://coast360.com/blog/post/shuttle-schedule-hangout-music-fest#When:13:55:22Z The Fastest, Easiest Way To The Concert! Hangout Shuttles are the best option to avoid the traffic congestion that occurs around the festival entrance.  New routes, expanded capacity and upgraded buses are ready to whisk you to and from, and provide some fun along the way. Shuttles will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Weekend Shuttle Passes: $40 Shuttle Operating Hours: 10:30am - 45 minutes after music ends. Shuttles will begin running at 10:30am from All Shuttle Stops and they will run continuously to the Hangout throughout the day until 11:45pm. There will be ample shuttles to accommodate riders. Travel and Parking There is no parking at the festival, so we encourage everyone to use our shuttle system. Shuttle passes purchased after May 8th should be picked up at will call at the on site box office. Please bring to your specified shuttle stop your valid photo ID, the credit card used to purchase your shuttle passes, and your order confirmation. Your confirmation will allow you on to the shuttle. You will pick up your shuttle wristband once you arrive on the festival site at the Box Office Will Call. Be sure to get your shuttle wristband from the Box Office as soon as you get off the shuttle so you have no problems getting home. Passes will be available to purchase on-site at the box office as well. Box Office Hours are: Thursday 10am – 10pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10:30am – Midnight Entertainment, Refreshments & More! To make the shuttle experience as pleasant as possible, refreshments and entertainment will be provided both at the shuttle stops AND on the bus & much more!    You never know what or who you’ll see or hear on the Hangout shuttle line! Added Route. A new route, the State Park Line has been added. If you purchased a ticket for the State Park stop on the East Line, you will be automatically switched to the State Park Line. Otherwise, to switch from another route, please contact our shuttle customer service by following the link above. We have EXTENDED the West line shuttle to include the Gulf Shores Surf and Racquet Club, approximately 3.3 miles from the main gate. For more information about the Shuttle Service, please check out http://www.cidentertainment.com/hangout/index.php?date=shuttles   What to do, Where to go, Beyond The Beach, Day Trippin, 2012-05-13T13:55:22+00:00 http://coast360.com/blog/post/mothers-day-on-the-alabama-gulf-coast-says-it-best http://coast360.com/blog/post/mothers-day-on-the-alabama-gulf-coast-says-it-best#When:15:08:17Z Arts Festivals, Outdoor Concerts, Mother’s Day Brunch are all on tap on the Alabama Gulf Coast for the greatest person in the world. Art in the Park, Foley Here is the  perfect Mother’s Day present, a leisurely afternoon enjoying “Art in the Park” in Foley May 12 -13. The festival is held at the John B. Foley Park, located at the corner of U.S. Hwy. 59 & 98 This year more than 120 exhibitors will proudly displaying their original works in pen & ink, oil, watercolor, pottery, stained glass, smocked children’s clothing, wood, porcelain, hand weaving, and much more. In addition to the quality arts and crafts, there will be live entertainment, hands-on children’s activity area, local schools’ art contest, and face painting and a variety of food featuring local chefs, perfect for enjoying a Mother's Day lunch. Who knows you may find the perfect gift for Mom right there! The festival runs from 9am-5pm both days. For more information, check out http://www.foleyartcenter.com/Art_in_the_Park/art_in_the_park.html Mother’s Day Evening Concert – Bellingrath Gardens The picturesque Bellingrath Gardens and Home will present The Mobile Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rob Seebacker for a memorable performance on Sunday evening, May 13. This year’s concert will be held on Live Oak Plaza between the Bellingrath Home and the Boehm Gallery. Enjoy the Gardens and Home throughout the afternoon and then gather at 5:30pm for a beautiful evening performance. You can bring your own picnic, or pre-order a box supper provided by the Atlanta Bread Company for $10. Please bring your own beverages. Discounted Admission beginning at 4: Adults: $6, Children 5-12: $3, Children under 4: Free. Tables are available with a reservation, and they go quick! Cost is $15 for a 4 person seating, and $20 for a 6 person seating, or you may group together for an extended family retreat. For more information, please visit www.bellingrath.org or call251 973-2217. Mother’s Day Brunch Southbeach at The Beach Club will hold its annual Mother’s Day Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Buffet items include salads and cheese board, Country Ham, Prime Rib and an assortment of desserts. Reservations are required. Call 251-224-3600.  Perdido Beach Resort will serve a Mother’s Day Brunch beginning at 10:30 a.m. featuring Herb-Scented Fillet of Atlantic Salmon or Chicken Piccata and a selection of salads and sides. Reservations are required. Call 251-981-9811. Elli Bistro located in the Pelican Place Mall in Gulf Shores and has fantastic French inspired cuisine. Their brunch menu includes grilled salmon Benedict and French toast with fresh fruit. The Hangout in Gulf Shores will treat Mom from 11am-3pm offering an awesome buffet and great fun for the kids. Cobalt, Orange Beach, AL offers a menu including shrimp and grits, French toast, Omelet Bar, Bread Pudding Bites and sliced pork roast and roast beef, and delicious salads and desserts. The Villaggio Grille at The Wharf of Orange Beach has a brunch menu that includes Lobster Frittata, Chicken Scaloppini and special dishes just for Mom. What to do, Family Fun, What to eat, Let's Eat, Where to go, Beyond The Beach, Day Trippin, 2012-05-08T15:08:17+00:00 http://coast360.com/blog/post/summertide-theatre-presents-smokey-joes-caf-in-gulf-shores-through-june http://coast360.com/blog/post/summertide-theatre-presents-smokey-joes-caf-in-gulf-shores-through-june#When:13:13:22Z Reminisce and enjoy a great musical “Smokey Joe’s Café” set in the 50’s, presented by the SummerTide Theatre, the professional touring actors from The University of Alabama. Held in the magnificent George C. Meyer Performing Arts Center in Gulf Shores, the show will run through the month of June with performances Tuesday to Sunday at 8:00pm. Smokey Joe’s Café captures the great tunes of American icon songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stroller, including “There Goes My Baby,” “Yakety Yak – Don’t Talk Back,” “Jailhouse Rock” and about 40 other awesome songs. Not just a musical, the theatre group captures the essence of each song in playful skits in this Tony Award-nominated production. This will be the 9th season for the SummerTide Theatre performing in Gulf Shores and it’s a great way to spend a cool evening after a hot day in the sun. Tickets prices are $18 for adults and $12 for children under 12. Groups of 10 or more are $12 each. Tickets may be purchased online at  SummerTide.org. Starting May 28, tickets may be purchased by phone or in person at the Gulf Shores Box Office 251-968-6721, open Tuesday through Sunday from Noon-8:00 pm.  The George C. Meyer Performing Arts Center is located at 2022 W. Second St. in Gulf Shores.   What to do, Family Fun, Where to go, Beyond The Beach, 2012-05-08T13:13:22+00:00 http://coast360.com/blog/post/lulu-palooza-livens-up-memorial-day-weekend-on-the-alabama-gulf-coast http://coast360.com/blog/post/lulu-palooza-livens-up-memorial-day-weekend-on-the-alabama-gulf-coast#When:15:37:35Z Awesome musicians will hit Lulu’s in Gulf Shores for a Memorial Weekend bash and best of all, admission is free! One of the area’s favorite events, the All-Ages Concert is a fun family get-away. Concerts begin at 4pm each day, and conclude around 10pm. Plenty of great food is available and kids will enjoy the sand play area and The MOUNTAIN OF YOUTH, a three-story climbing apparatus for kids of ALL ages. Harnessed in, kids can experience the thrill of tightrope walking and climbing, and see LuLu’s from a totally different perspective! And check out the line-up of musicians. Saturday the 26th Honey Island Swamp Band 4:00pm “Roadhouse-right rock ’n’ roll that leans toward country rock in the vein of the Band, early Eagles, or Lynyrd Skynyrd with a rhythm and blues edge gives a full mid-’70s sound to this fine record.”- David Kunian, Offbeat Magazine. Eric Lindell 6:15pm “Impressive super slinky guitar tone....classic blues and r&b origins with a taste of country twang....bound to win over roots music fans for years to come."-Guitar Player magazine. Lee Boys 8:30pm Billboard Magazine wrote: "The band's dexterity with multiple genres is its strongest point; it combines folk, soul, funk, blues, country and gospel into upbeat, steel guitar-led performances that can't help but inspire secular and sacred revelry." Sunday the 27th Dread Clampitt 4:00pm Dread Clampitt cooks up one of a kind homemade music. It’s a tasty sonic gumbo of influences ranging from bluegrass, rock & roll, blues, jazz and Louisiana Bayou funk complete with three part harmonies and pinch of southern humor thrown in for good measure. Bonerama 6:15pm When New Orleans’ Bonerama takes the stage, you can guess it’s not like any brass band you’ve seen. Founded by Mark Mullins and Craig Klein, former members of Harry Connick Jr.’s Big Band, Bonerama carries the brass band concept to places unknown. Roddie Romero & the Hub City All Stars 8:30pm This premier Louisiana band is celebrated not only for their authenticity when performing or recording traditional Cajun and Creole music indigenous to South Louisiana, but also for their original songwriting which stays true to Louisiana inspirations.  And throughout the festival Frenchy, a unique image painter from New Orleans will be creating a masterpiece right before you very eyes. For more information call, 251-967-5858 and check out the Website: http://www.lulusathomeport.com   What to do, Family Fun, What to eat, Where to go, Beyond The Beach, Day Trippin, 2012-05-01T15:37:35+00:00 http://coast360.com/blog/post/30-days-to-memorial-day-on-the-alabama-gulf-coast-are-you-ready http://coast360.com/blog/post/30-days-to-memorial-day-on-the-alabama-gulf-coast-are-you-ready#When:15:38:38Z We are counting down the days to the official kick-off of a fabulous summer season along the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have never looked prettier. The pristine emerald Gulf of Mexico has warmed up and the off shore fishing is going off! Our squeaky white sand is as soft as a downy blanket and the breeze is keeping the temps perfect. If you haven’t made plans, we still have room for ya! Check out our list of resorts, hotels and condos for some great package deals, but hurry. http://coast360.com/listings/where-to-stay So what’s biting? “We’re starting to catch more flounder now on pier as well as speckled trout. The pompano and the whiting are beginning to spawn, and 2- to 3-pound pompano are being caught,” says David Thornton, Gulf State Park Pier Report. Here is a link for Pier info. http://www.alapark.com/GulfState/Gulf%20State%20Park%20Pier/ Shopping – of course! All of our local stores have geared up for the big weekend.  And many are featuring sales, including Tanger Outlet MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SALE 05/25/2012 to 05/28/2012 The BIG Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale.  Find extra savings in your favorite name brand outlet stores during a 4 day sidewalk sale!  Here is link to our favorite places spend $$$. http://coast360.com/listings/where-to-shop Coast 360 coupons to stretch the wallet - http://coast360.com/coupons Fun off the beach – yup! Check out Waterville USA for some fun action. Challenge our local links like Craft Farms - One of two of Alabama's only Arnold Palmer-designed courses, Cotton Creek is rated 4 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest. True to its Palmer design, this course was laid out to challenge rather than intimidate with numerous risk/reward opportunities throughout. And when the sun goes down – the evening get’s hot! The Hangout, Tacky Jacks, Lulu’s, The Wharf and some of our favorite restaurants offer awesome nightly entertainment into the wee hours of the night. And then do it all again the next day! See ya on the beach – HELLO SUMMER! What to do, Family Fun, Go Fish, Golf The Gulf, What to eat, Let's Eat, Where to go, Beyond The Beach, Day Trippin, Where to Shop, Where to Stay, 2012-04-30T15:38:38+00:00 http://coast360.com/blog/post/tickets-on-sale-now-for-kelly-clarkson-the-fray-at-the-wharf-orange-beach-a http://coast360.com/blog/post/tickets-on-sale-now-for-kelly-clarkson-the-fray-at-the-wharf-orange-beach-a#When:11:46:49Z Tickets are on sale now for Kelly Clarkson & The Fray performing at The Wharf Outdoor Amphitheater on August 8. http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B00488DAC9D5DE8?artistid=1004082&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1 Talk about someone who came out of nowhere. Clarkson first appeared on the public’s radar in 2002 during the first season of American Idol.  Of course she won and went on to become an international pop icon, selling over 20 million albums worldwide (including 10 million in the U.S.) and notching seven singles on the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She has released four studio albums, 2003’s double-platinum No. 1 Thankful, 2004’s 6x-platinum Breakaway (which sold over 12 million copies worldwide, spawned five Top 10 hits, and stayed on the charts for two years), 2007’s platinum-selling My December, and 2009’s All I Ever Wanted, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and produced the smash singles “My Life Would Suck Without You” and “Already Gone.” And awards? Clarkson has also received two Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, two MTV Music Awards, and 11 Billboard Music Awards. Also joining Clarkson is the pop group, The Fray and special guest Carolina Liar. So if you want to be a super-dad, I would recommend buying a bunch of tickets, become a chaperon and have a great time watching your kids rock-out with a superstar. 7:00pm is Showtime, 6:00pm Gates Open. $81.50 Reserved in the 100 level $61.50 Reserved in the 200 level $55.50 Reserved in the Lower 300 level $27.00 Reserved in the Upper 300 level What to do, Family Fun, Where to go, Beyond The Beach, 2012-04-24T11:46:49+00:00 http://coast360.com/blog/post/check-out-the-bama-coast-cruise-at-the-wharf-april-26-28 http://coast360.com/blog/post/check-out-the-bama-coast-cruise-at-the-wharf-april-26-28#When:22:25:10Z Got a hot ride? Join in the fun April 26-28 for the Bama Coast Cruise at the Wharf. So polish up your dream ride, cruise the beach, and enjoy talking with fellow restorers. There will be a swap meet, live entertainment, a parade ride through town and cash and prizes for the best classics. For more info, check out http://www.bamacoastcruise.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 The schedule is as follows: What to do, Family Fun, Where to go, Beyond The Beach, Day Trippin, 2012-04-23T22:25:10+00:00 http://coast360.com/blog/post/the-good-life-ride-to-lulus-may-6 http://coast360.com/blog/post/the-good-life-ride-to-lulus-may-6#When:19:11:44Z How about a fun, bicycle ride? Long, medium or short? Your choice! Thegoodlifefound.org is sponsoring a great event to promote bicycle safety awareness and complete streets that encourage bicycling as a safe, fun, and healthy lifestyle. Sure beats walking! The long ride begins in Fairhope and is mostly rural and flat as you progress through Magnolia Springs, Foley and Gulf Shores – about 37 miles. I wouldn’t attempt this one unless you are an avid cyclist. It’s supposed to be fun afterall. The medium ride begins in Magnolia Springs and continues on the same path to Lulu’s, about 18 miles. And the short ride is only 7 miles (starting point to be announced). And after you burn all those calories – Lulu’s will be ready to replenish them. What a great day for a great cause. Here is a link for more information and registration.http://www.thegoodlifefound.org/good-life-ride.html What to do, Family Fun, What to eat, Where to go, Beyond The Beach, Day Trippin, 2012-04-18T19:11:44+00:00