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Suntastic Finds: How Supporting Local Businesses Enhance Guest Stays

Suntastic Finds: How Supporting Local Businesses Enhance Guest Stays

At Young’s Suncoast, we believe a great vacation is about more than just where you stay. It is about the experiences, flavors, and activities that fill your days. That is why we are proud of our commitment to supporting local businesses on the Gulf Coast. From family-owned restaurants serving up fresh Gulf seafood to companies offering unique activities on land, water, and in the air, these collaborations help us connect our guests to the very best our community has to offer.

When visitors choose Young’s Suncoast, they are not just booking a vacation rental. They are stepping into a network of local connections. Every meal at a neighborhood restaurant, every shopping stop at a boutique, and every experience with a locally owned activity provider supports the people who make this area so special. These collaborations not only strengthen our community but also enhance the guest experience, transforming a beach trip into an unforgettable story filled with coastal flavor.

That is the spirit behind Suntastic Finds with GilliAnne & Sydnie. What began as a fun video series highlighting our favorite restaurants, shops, and activities has now grown into blogs as well. This gives us even more ways to share the local gems that make the Gulf Coast shine. Whether you are watching or reading, Suntastic Finds is all about connecting guests to coastal experiences and helping them discover the best our community has to offer.

By supporting local businesses on the Gulf Coast, you do not just enjoy better dining, shopping, and entertainment. You become part of the community heartbeat that makes Gulf Shores and Orange Beach a destination like no other. Stay tuned as we continue to share our favorite finds and introduce you to the people and places that make the Alabama Gulf Coast unforgettable.

Want to Watch Suntastic Finds?

Find Suntastic Finds with GilliAnne and Sydnie on Instagram, YouTube Shorts, Facebook, and TikTok.

Bamahenge: Alabama’s “Stonehenge” in the Woods

Tucked away in the forests of Alabama’s Gulf Coast is one of the most surprising roadside attractions you’ll ever stumble across: Bamahenge. Rising up out of the pines like a portal to another world, this massive fiberglass replica of Stonehenge is unforgettable. During your stay with Young’s Suncoast, discovering Bamahenge is an easy and memorable way to explore more of what the coast has to offer. Book your stay in one of our Gulf Shores or Orange Beach vacation rentals.

Visit the Bamahenge During a Coastal Getaway

What Is the Bamahenge?

Bamahenge is a full-scale replica of England’s ancient Stonehenge, built not from giant slabs of rock but from fiberglass. Designed by artist Mark Cline, the structure was commissioned by local billionaire George Barber and set deep in the woods near Elberta, Alabama.

Here’s what makes it even cooler: Bamahenge is aligned with the summer solstice, just like the original Stonehenge. 

Where To Find the Bamahenge Near Elberta, Alabama

Bamahenge is located on Barber Parkway in Elberta, just a short drive from our vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach. Hidden in the trees, it appears almost out of nowhere, creating a surreal experience as you approach.

The best part? It’s free, open to the public, and accessible year-round, making it a fun, family-friendly excursion during your beach getaway.

What To Expect When You’re There

  • A Serene Setting: Surrounded by peaceful forest, Bamahenge feels worlds away from the bustling beaches nearby.
  • A Life-Sized Replica: At nearly 21 feet tall, the fiberglass stones are arranged in a circle just like the original.
  • Nearby Attractions: Don’t miss the dinosaurs (yes, dinosaurs!) also hidden along Barber Parkway, another quirky creation by the same artist.
  • Great Photo Opportunities: Bamahenge is one of the most Instagram-worthy stops along the Gulf Coast.

Book Your Coastal Adventure With Young’s Suncoast

Bamahenge is a one-of-a-kind stop that adds a touch of mystery and fun to any coastal getaway. From its impressive design to the peaceful forest setting, it is an attraction that delights visitors of all ages. When you are ready to explore, book your stay with Young’s Suncoast in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Fort Morgan vacation rentals. Our properties put you close to Bamahenge, along with all the countless activities that make the Alabama Gulf Coast unforgettable. Start planning your trip today and make Bamahenge part of your next coastal adventure!

Orange Beach Freedom Fest & Fall Bama Coast Cruisin’ Car Show

Mark your calendars for the Orange Beach Freedom Fest & Fall Bama Coast Cruisin’ Car Show, happening September 20–21, 2025, at The Wharf in Orange Beach. This free, family-friendly event brings together classic cars, live music, shopping, and delicious food, all in one unforgettable weekend.

Something for Everyone

The Wharf will come alive with:

  • Arts, crafts, and vendors featuring unique finds and local talent.
  • Food vendors serving up a wide variety of festival favorites.
  • Live music providing entertainment for all ages.
  • A Kids Zone packed with fun activities to keep the little ones busy.

Fall Bama Coast Cruisin’ Car Show

Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Fall Bama Coast Cruisin’ Car Show. From hot rods to timeless classics, the show will be a showcase of style and craftsmanship. Stroll the grounds, chat with owners, and snap some photos of your favorites.

Free Admission, Endless Fun

Admission is free, so gather your family and friends and head to The Wharf for a weekend full of excitement. Whether you come for the cars, the music, the food, or just the festival atmosphere, Freedom Fest & Fall Bama Coast Cruisin’ Car Show has something to offer everyone.

What Full-Service Vacation Rental Management Really Means

Owning a vacation rental should be rewarding, not overwhelming. That’s where full-service vacation rental management comes in. At Young’s Suncoast, we take care of the details, so you can enjoy the benefits of your investment without the day-to-day stress. But what does “full-service” really mean? Let’s break it down.

We Help You Start with the Right Property

Whether you’re investing for the first time or expanding your portfolio, we are here to guide you from the very beginning. Our real estate team helps you choose the ideal property for both personal use and rental potential, complete with rental projections based on decades of experience in the Gulf Coast Market.

Dedicated Owner Reps, Just for You!

You’re never just a number at Young’s Suncoast. Every owner has a dedicated Owner Representative ready to answer your questions, advocate for your property, and keep you updated on how things are going. Personalized service is our expertise!

On-the-Ground Maintenance

With our in-house maintenance team and property inspectors, your vacation rental gets prompt attention and proactive care. From small repairs to storm prep, we’re ready to handle it all, right here on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Local Reservation Agents Who Know Your Property

When guests call us, they’re speaking to real people right here in our office, not a call center across the country. Our local reservation agents know your property and how to guide guests to the perfect stay.

Housekeeping Partners

Cleanliness is key to great guest reviews and repeat bookings. That’s why we partner with the most trusted local housekeeping vendors, ensuring your property is spotless, guest-ready, and up to our high standards after every stay.

In-House Marketing Team

Your property doesn’t just get listed. It gets showcased. Our in-house marketing team promotes your vacation rental across social media, email campaigns, digital ads, and our high-traffic website. We capture the essence of your property and get it in front of the right people at the right time.

And So Much More

We believe full-service means exactly that: from booking to checkout, maintenance to marketing, you’re covered. We take a hands-on proactive approach, combining technology with real, local expertise to make your experience as smooth and profitable as possible.

Let’s Make the Most of Your Investment

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your rental to the next level, Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals is here to help.

Is That Really the Color for You? Why Trending Colors May Not Be the Best Choice

Each year, design lovers and homeowners eagerly await the announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year. For 2025, Pantone crowned Mocha Mousse as the Color of the Year—a warm, cozy brown that reminds you of chocolate and creamy coffee. It’s a comforting, grounded tone, and we can see why it’s catching on in many interiors.

But before you run out to repaint your walls or redecorate your entire space in this trendy color, it’s worth asking: Is Mocha Mousse (or any trending color) the right fit for your home or vacation rental?

Trends vs. Timeless: What Works Where

While we love a fresh trend, it’s important to remember that not all colors work in every space. In coastal homes and condos, especially those designed for short-term vacation rentals, the color palette tends to lean lighter and airier. Think whites, soft grays, cool blues, and gentle greens, colors that reflect the natural surroundings and amplify natural light.

Introducing too much of a deep, warm brown like Mocha Mousse in these spaces might feel heavy or even out of place.

When (and Where) Brown Can Work

Used selectively, Mocha Mousse or brown in general can bring a rich layer of warmth and contrast to your space.

Here are a few smart ways to incorporate trending tones like this without overwhelming your coastal vibe:

  • Accent walls in small spaces such as a bedroom or den
  • Wood cabinetry can lead to a warm, rich, and timeless space
  • Textiles like throw pillows, rugs, or upholstered stools
  • Artwork that brings in brown as part of a wider palette

By sprinkling in touches of Mocha Mousse instead of drenching an entire space, you maintain the breezy, light-filled look guests expect while still nodding to modern trends.

Design with Purpose, Not Just Popularity

As a proud owner of a vacation rental property in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, you know that creating an inviting, memorable space is key to both guest satisfaction and your return on investment. While staying in your property gives you a unique opportunity to experience it through your guests’ eyes, it also offers a chance to evaluate design choices like the latest trending colors. At Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals, we know that while following design trends can feel exciting, it’s just as important to choose colors that truly suit your space, reflect the coastal environment, and enhance your property’s long-term appeal.

Trends are fun, but your space should always reflect its purpose and environment. In a vacation rental, that means creating an atmosphere that feels fresh, clean, and inviting. Browns can absolutely have their moment just make sure they work for your space, not against it.

So is Mocha Mousse the color for you? Maybe. But it’s okay if it’s not.

Choose colors that speak to your home’s natural light, location, and energy, and you’ll never go out of style.