Bed and Breakfast Inns

Home of fine white sand, warm blue waters of southern hospitality and even warmer, this sliver of the sea is a surprising destination for affordable travel environmentally friendly.

Visitors and residents of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are ecologically sensitive group, committed to preserving the wonders natural coastal towns make these unique among Alabama's coastal communities. And do some homework and make informed decisions, its commitment to live a lifestyle greening can extend to their homes in the Gulf Coast, too.

Start by choosing the type of vacation you are looking for. Whether you are a return to the nature camp or a luxury stay at a luxury resort, locally owned and eco-conscious accommodations are plentiful and include beach rentals, hotels, condominiums, resorts resorts, campgrounds, RV parks and bed-and-Breakfast Inns. Property managers here are heavily invested in the community, supporting projects such as Clean Coastal and shoreline Cleaning partnership that will benefit the residents of the region and the economy. When making reservations, ask about sustainable practices such as recycling and conserving energy and water, and then do your part to conserve the environment once you're here. The 22nd Annual Coastal Cleanup will be held in September, and is a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors to show their commitment to the Gulf Coast navigation system unique and precious.

It is very simple and environmentally friendly to begin your discovery of the island on foot, bicycle or boat. From Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Orange Beach – recently recognized as a prestigious National Recreation Trail – to the earth, asphalt and footpaths within the Gulf States and the National Park of Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the wildlife habitats and ecosystems. During the summer, so browsers can see sea turtles in danger of extinction, protecting their young along our coasts apart. Or take a bird book and walk a loop of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail and see how many species can be identified.

While Nature is on your mind, cool off on a dolphin cruise and see these gentle marine mammals frolic with his ship. Or, get up close and personal with the lions, tigers, bears, monkeys and birds at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Then time to visit the crocodiles rescued from dangerous conditions or natural Alligator Alley. Respecting the natural environment, the following designated trails, and support conservation efforts at parks, wildlife refuges and protected areas, who is doing his part to keep valuable coastal resources.

Originally a series of small fishing villages, agricultural and maritime coastal Alabama heritage remains strong. The home of one of the largest fleets of charter fishing in the Gulf, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are committed to sustainable fishing practices, This means that you can feel good about the compensation and consumption of their catch. Some restaurants even cook for you – just call ahead. Restaurants thrive in seafood sourced locally, and the cooks are known for supporting local farmers, that whatever the harvest of organically-grown fruits and vegetables the milk produced in a responsible, cheese, eggs, and meat. Aside from the obvious health benefits, eat locally eliminates the need for transporting food from places far from their plates.

In fact, eating in local restaurants, shopping at local stores, patronizing local attractions, and attend local events to go a long way towards greening your holiday. Therefore, consider a day trip or two to some of the many attractions of the ecological zone. Start your trip with a ferry fuel from Fort Morgan across Mobile Bay to Dauphin Island, home to a seabird sanctuary and education Audubon Alabama primary and a research facility, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Aquarium Estuarium public. Then north to the gentle Mobile and the 65 acres of flora and fauna that make Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Travel along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay 5 Rivers – Alabama's Delta Resource Center and the latest state facilities for outdoor recreation, conservation and land stewardship.

The way back to the coast is dotted with antiques shops around the world – the ultimate in recycling. And do not miss the farmers markets and U-Pick fruit and vegetables. But before returning home, stop at the National Research Weeks Bay Estuarine Reserve, an important site of scientific research on the ecology of estuaries and a public resource for learning about the habitats coastal. And Garden lovers should not miss Biophilia Nature Center, a project of ecological restoration, native nursery, and the library in rural Elberta.

Ugh! Tired already? I bet you did not know that the coast of Alabama was so rich with ecological treasures. The truth is that living responsibly and in harmony with nature is the essence of beach life. One visit and you'll see – it really is easy being green in the Gulf Coast of Alabama.

Carol Weaver has a penchant for sharing strategies for living a more sustainable lifestyle. Look for her leading a team of like-minded environmentalists during this year’s Coastal Cleanup. http://www.thebeachiscalling.org

Crystal Shores West 605 – 2 bed/2 bath – Gulf Front Condo