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Hangout Music Festival Is Now the Sand in My Boots Festival

The beloved Hangout Music Festival, a staple of the Gulf Shores, Alabama, festival scene, has been rebranded as the Sand in My Boots Festival. While the name has changed, the heart and soul of this iconic music festival remain intact. You can experience it for yourself by booking your stay with Young’s Suncoast. We have an excellent selection of vacation rentals for various group sizes and preferences in the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area. We can’t wait to welcome you to witness your favorite artists perform on the gorgeous Alabama Coast beaches!

Experience the Newly Named Sand in My Boots Festival

Next Date: May 16 – 18, 2025

Consider Splurging on VIP Perks

  • 7 Summers Sandbar: Super VIP pass holders enjoy shaded seating, private WiFi, and prime Sand In My Boots Stage views.
  • This Beach Club: VIP guests can indulge in luxury with private air-conditioned restrooms, a complimentary bar, and misting stations.
  • Dipping Pools: VIP pass holders can enjoy the Sand in My Boots Festival performances in or near the poolside.

Explore These 6 Unique Music Festival Experiences

  1. The Midway: Enjoy a mix of a Boardwalk and carnival attraction. The Spin You Around Ferris Wheel is the perfect place to snap Instagram photos. Or shoot some hoops at the basketball court.
  2. Love Somebody Lane: Whether you’ve been together for years or just found a beachside romance, take the plunge! Exchange or renew vows at the Sand in My Boots Festival!
  3. ’98 Braves Boulevard: Enjoy cornhole, beer pong, BBQ, live music, and all your favorite tailgate traditions at the ultimate pre-game party.
  4. Sunset Salon: Attend the Sand in My Boots Festival in style with services like space buns, braids, beard trims, and more.
  5. Monster Beach Club: Dance your heart out at all-day beach parties!
  6. Up Down Cap n’ Gown: If you’re opting to skip your graduation ceremony to attend the Sand In My Boots Festival, you can still celebrate your achievements in true beachside fashion at the Up Down Cap ‘n Gown Commencement Ceremony.

The 2025 Sand in My Boots Festival Lineup

Get ready to see some of your favorite artists at the 2025 Sand in My Boots Festival! There will be a diverse array of genres from some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. We have curated some of the artists set to perform in 2025 below:

Book your stay for the Sand in My Boots Festival with Young’s Suncoast!

Spring Break Ideas in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Area

The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area is overflowing with ideas for spring break fun. This stretch of Alabama’s Gulf Coast is ideal for families, friends, and couples looking for beach vacations. With abundant vacation rentals in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area to suit every type of traveler, Young’s Suncoast ensures a memorable beach vacation for families, couples, and groups alike. We’ve compiled this guide to the best spring break vacation ideas to make the most of your trip!

5 Spring Break Vacation Ideas on the Alabama Coast

1. Make a Splash with Alabama Coast Water Sports

  • Jet Ski Rentals: Speed across the waves and feel the wind in your hair.
  • Boat Rentals: Renting a boat or joining guided tours allows visitors to explore diverse coastal habitats and marine wildlife. The Gulf’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.
  • Parasailing Trips: One of the most exhilarating spring break ideas is to take in breathtaking aerial views of the Alabama coastline.
  • Fishing Charters: The Alabama Coast offers an exciting array of inshore and deep-sea fishing opportunities.

2. Savor Fresh Alabama Gulf Coast Seafood

One of the most delicious ways to spend spring break on the Alabama Coast is to indulge in fresh seafood. Tacky Jacks offers a taste of the area’s history as it first opened during Orange Beach’s fishing village days. The Original Oyster House serves up hand-shucked, fire-grilled oysters alongside stunning waterfront views. Doc’s Seafood Shack is recognized as one of America’s Top 10 Seafood Shacks by Fox News.

3. There’s Plenty of Ideas for Outdoor Spring Break Adventures

  • Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: Explore one of the state’s last remaining unspoiled coastal barrier habitats. Fall and spring are the best times to visit and view neotropical migrant birds.
  • Fort Morgan Historic Site: Explore this fort’s fascinating history and enjoy breathtaking views of Mobile Bay.
  • Gulf State Park: There are plenty of ideas for outdoor spring break adventures at this state park. With over 28 miles of trails and a fishing pier, you can hike, bike, fish, or birdwatch in this scenic paradise.

4. Explore Some of the Best Bars on the Alabama Coast

Iconic spots like The Hangout Gulf Shores combine fresh coastal cuisine with beach access, live entertainment, and exciting events. LuLu’s Bar offers made-from-scratch dishes and live music, while the eye-catching Pink Pony Pub serves up delicious food and drinks in its signature Barbie-pink building.

5. There’s Plenty of Spring Break Ideas for families

  • Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: This small but charming zoo is home to 118 species, 22 critically endangered species, and interactive experiences that kids will love.
  • Go-Karts: The Track Family Fun Park features six go-kart tracks, mini golf, a mini Ferris wheel, sky coasters, and other attractions. Also, Waterville, USA, is home to some of the Gulf Coast’s fastest go-karts, water slides, escape rooms, and amusement park rides.
  • The Wharf: With a Ferris wheel, arcade, unique shops & attractions, and nightly laser light shows, there are plenty of ideas for fun spring break activities for families.

Book your stay with Young’s Suncoast to start planning your unforgettable spring break!

Happy 75th Birthday David Bodenhamer

Young’s Suncoast is celebrating! On this day 75 years ago, the owner and co-founder of Young’s Realty, LLC., David Bodenhamer was born into this world, destined to accomplish greatness and inspire a legacy that would have an impact on the Alabama Gulf Coast for years to come. Little did O.L. and Ginny Bodenhamer know that moving their then 3-year-old son from Stuttgart, Arkansas to Foley Alabama, they would one day be sharing him with an entire area that would come to rely on him for decades.

David took south Baldwin County by storm during his teenage years. Foley High School had no idea they would have David Bodenhamer’s name etched in their history books and on display to this day. David developed his love of sports at an early age, playing basketball and baseball throughout his school years. After his graduation in 1967, David attended Troy University, where he majored in education with a focus on history.

After graduating from Troy, David taught and coached at schools such as Fort Dale Academy in Greenville, Alabama and McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, Alabama. During the summer months in Gulf Shores, David worked alongside his high school friend, Gerald King, at Gerald’s family motel, Young’s by the Sea. It was in those moments when he would feel his true calling, which was serving people and developing accommodations to allow more visitors to enjoy the beaches of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

After much thought, David decided to leave his coaching and education career behind and move to Gulf Shores permanently with his wife Patti. It was in 1975, when David and Gerald officially opened Sea-N-Suds Restaurant. The menu consisted of just 3 items: boiled shrimp, oysters on the half shell, and David’s grandmother’s famous gumbo. Since its early days, Sea-N-Suds has been an iconic staple along the Alabama Coast, with people from around the world craving their delectable food and southern hospitality.

In 1980, David saw a need for more lodging options as the popularity of Gulf Shores grew and captivated more visitors. David and Gerald knew it was time to take a chance on real estate development in Gulf Shores. Together they launched plans for one of the first condominiums in the area, Island Shores, which was completed in the early 80s. Young’s Realty had been established 5 years earlier and was in full swing. David and Gerald continued to develop the island, completing the Island Sunrise condo, Island Winds West and Boardwalk by 1985. All four projects are still standing and welcoming guests to Gulf Shores’ sugar white beaches.

David, his wife Patti and young daughter Jordan, were full time residents and active in the local community. Young’s Realty was thriving, and tourism was increasing faster than anticipated. David understood the importance of smart development while maintaining a family friendly paradise. It was then David started his political journey, being elected to a seat on the City Council where he served for 2 terms. In 1988, David ran for local office and was elected Mayor of Gulf Shores. He served the city in that role until 2005. As mayor, David was instrumental in the growth and enrichment of the community for both residents and visitors. During his administration he executed plans for Gulf Shores High School, Gulf Shores Sportsplex, and a recreation center which was ultimately named David L. Bodenhamer Center, as a tribute to his dedicated leadership.

In September 2004, during David’s 15th year as mayor, the unimaginable happened when Hurricane Ivan swept through and devastated the coast. The community had not seen this level of destruction since Frederic in 1979. A 14-foot storm surge and 120+ mph winds left the community, homes, and businesses in shambles. David worked tirelessly with local, State, and Federal Government assistance to get the city back on its feet and bring Gulf Shores back to life. Finally in 2005, after years of dedicated service, David left the world of politics behind to focus on his businesses.

Early that same year, David and Gerald were approached with a new business opportunity. During a lunch meeting, Travis Julian, a managing partner at Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals, proposed the two companies join forces and recover from Hurricane Ivan together. On January 1, 2006, the merger between the two companies was complete and Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals began as a united front, under one name. The new brand offered property management services, association management, short term vacation rentals, long term rentals, and was a full-service real estate firm. Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals continued to build on the legacy that started in 1963, at a sleepy beachside motel named Young’s by the Sea.

On any given day you can find David sitting at his desk working to fulfil his lifelong goal of making the Alabama Gulf Coast one of the most travelled-to places in the world. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his grandson Easton, cruising around in one of his prized classic vehicles, and enjoying the company of friends he’s made along the way.

Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals, along with Sea-N-Suds Restaurant and Oyster Bar, as well as the City of Gulf Shores, would not be what they are today without David’s influence. So, as he celebrates 75 years, we would like you to join us in wishing David Bodenhamer a Happy Birthday and express our immense gratitude for everything he has done for our company, the local community and everyone around the world who holds the Alabama Gulf Coast near and dear to their hearts.

Young’s Suncoast Enters a New Era.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2024

Young’s Suncoast Enters a New Era, as King Hands Over Broker Role to Bodenhamer

After many years of dedicated service as Qualifying Broker, Gerald King has made the decision to pass on the title of Qualifying Broker to Jordan Bodenhamer. This is an exciting step in the company’s continued growth, and Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals is confident that Ms. Bodenhamer will carry on the legacy of excellence in this role.

Gerald King’s journey with Young’s Suncoast began in 1975 when he co-founded Young’s Realty, LLC with David Bodenhamer. Later, George Bodenhamer joined as a third partner and together the trio saw the company through many changes and evolutions as the destination grew. Gerald King remains with Young’s Suncoast as an operating partner and continues to be a vital presence who contributes his wisdom and expertise daily.

Jordan Bodenhamer, daughter of David Bodenhamer takes on the exciting role of Qualifying Broker and brings many years of real estate and vacation rental management experience with her. She has held a real estate license for twelve years, and currently maintains a multi-brokerage license. As the inaugural chairperson for the BCAR Property Management Committee, Jordan understands the challenges property management companies face daily and will use her knowledge to ensure Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals is prepared to handle the everchanging demands of this unique industry while maintaining the exceptional standard Gerald King laid the groundwork for over the years. Jordan has made it her life’s goal to gain the knowledge and expertise needed to follow in her family’s footsteps and continue the legacy of Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals.

The enduring success of Young’s Suncoast is a testament to the hard work, integrity, and dedication that the King and Bodenhamer families have inspired from the very beginning. They have always aimed to instill a commitment of honesty and perseverance to build a business that stands the test of time.

Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals has been providing real estate, property management, and vacation rental services for nearly 50 years. Their experience and diverse knowledge of the Alabama Gulf Coast and its early history sets them apart as one of the leading companies to serve Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.

To learn more about Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals visit their website YoungsSuncoast.com or call their local Gulf Shores office at 251-968-7158.

Your Guide to Kayaking in Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a prime destination for nature lovers to enjoy outdoor adventures. It boasts beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and undisturbed natural coastal beauty. The team at Young’s Suncoast has created this guide to help you find the best Gulf Shores kayaking spots to explore the coastal wonders. We also offer a premium selection of vacation rentals in the Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach areas. Whether your heart desires a comfortable one-bedroom condo or a spacious beach house perfect for a large group, we can’t wait to help you find your home away from home!

Explore the Top 4 Kayaking Spots in Gulf Shores

  1. Gulf State Park: This local state park offers nine diverse habitats and is home to Lake Shelby, a great spot for kayaking in Gulf Shores. You can use a kayak rental or bring your own gear to explore this lovely Gulf Shores freshwater lake. The park’s main office near the lake provides kayak rentals, fishing licenses, and a boat launch for easy access to this gem in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
  2. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: This area is one of the top kayaking spots in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It offers a peaceful retreat into Alabama’s last remaining coastal barrier habitat. Established in 1980, this refuge serves as a vital sanctuary for wildlife, including migratory birds and endangered species. Because of this, it’s an ideal destination for nature-loving kayakers. The Jeff Friend Trail kayak launch provides direct access to Little Lagoon, with nearby parking available. You can also kayak in Gator Lake by portaging from Chan West Pine Beach Trail or Gator Lake Trail.
  3. Back Bay Blueway Waterway: Enjoy kayaking four trails with 21 launch sites through Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. The Fort Morgan Trail takes you through Mobile and Bon Secour Bays, where you can visit the Fort Morgan Historic Site and spot wildlife like migratory birds and dolphins. The Little Lagoon section offers a 10-mile stretch of calm water, ideal for observing wildlife and fishing for both saltwater and freshwater species. Gulf State Park provides three launch sites that access Lake Shelby, Middle Lake, and Little Lake. Over ten launch sites in the Orange Beach/Wolf Bay section allow paddlers to explore diverse waterways and catch glimpses of the Gulf of Mexico.
  4. Sea View Tours Orange Beach: Escape the heat by joining for an adventure under the night sky to Bird Island. Hop into their neon-lit kayaks for a “Crab Grab” Tour, where you can enjoy kayaking through the glowing waters of the Gulf Shores area. Explore Bird Island and discover its vibrant wildlife, including sand crabs, hermit crabs, birds, and fish. Plus, you can gather a collection of unique seashells along the way!

Book your stay with Young’s Suncoast for a kayaking adventure like no other in Gulf Shores!