GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – PBS viewers across the nation will soon follow four girlfriends as they explore the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area during a new realty television show. “Getting Away Together” is a new TV series airing on PBS member stations nationwide that showcases the increasingly popular trend of sharing vacation rentals with friends and family. From girlfriend getaways to family reunions and milestone celebrations, the series shows the benefits of vacationing together in spectacular rental properties across America.

Locally, the show highlights the journey of long-time girlfriends Michele, Nicole, Rachel and Aimee (all of San Diego) as they visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, enjoy the area’s nature attractions, dine at several restaurants and shop in addition to spending time on the local beaches.

“Our trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach was everything you could want in a vacation and more: powder soft beaches, spectacular natural beauty, warm and friendly people and delicious regional seafood,” said Michele Predko. “We really did experience some of the best Alabama had to offer. It was amazing to be able to share that experience with some of my best friends. It’s a trip I will never forget!”

“Being included in a television series of this caliber will enable our beach message to reach PBS viewers across the nation,” said Herb Malone, president/CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, which collaborated with show producers throughout the episode’s development. “The vacation that these four girlfriends experienced is very similar to the countless other vacation getaways enjoyed by many women through the Southeast and Midwest. We are excited to expose more individuals to our sugar-white sand and numerous amenities.”

The “Getting Away Together” series began airing in October 2011 and consists of 13, 30-minute episodes featuring meaningful travel experiences in fun locales with vacation rentals as their home base. The series is being produced by the Emmy Award-winning PineRidge Film & Television Company, who has proven travel series success with Great Hotels, Great Vacation Homes, Passport to Europe and more. The Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) introduced the show as part of its Discover Vacation Homes awareness initiative, made possible in part through support from TripAdvisor®, CSA Travel Protection and 10 dynamic travel destinations.

This series is receiving media attention already as Valarie D'Elia of New York 1 named the show as a top travel trend in 2012.

“'Getting Away Together' explores the many ways real friends and families can grow closer through travel - especially by enjoying quality time together underneath the same roof,” explains Steve Trover, president of the VRMA and its Discover Vacation Homes awareness initiative. “This is a timely, compelling concept, and one of the many reasons the series is so inspiring to watch.”

According to Jerry Smith, CEO of PineRidge Film & Television, producer of the series:

“I’m pleased to announce that the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach episode was distributed to PBS member stations on February 4, and we fully expect to see it begin appearing on schedules of PBS member stations throughout the nation very soon. The series is already “cleared,” or accepted for airing in 60 percent of the nation’s PBS stations. PBS viewing overall accounts for 121.9 million viewers every month.” Just as important, the Gulf Shores episode will be streaming on the show website www.gettingawaytogether.com 24-7 along with a short 3 minute trailer about the destination. Each PBS station puts the show into its schedule at its earliest opportunity.” (*Source: Nielsen NTINPower October 2010 Total Day 6a-6a Reach US Persons 2+)

Visit www.GettingAwayTogether.com for a list of PBS stations airing this series. Viewers can then check their local listings for complete details. View the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach episode on this website after March 14, 2012.

For more information on this family beach destination, visit www.gulfshores.com or www.orangebeach.com.

1/20/2011

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Despite the summer events of 2010, the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission (AGCSC) exceeded 2009’s previous all-time highs to establish several new records, including tourism money brought into the local economy. In 2010, the commission recruited and/or serviced 68 events - 17 more events than 2009, and generated 38,142 room nights for the island – a 64 percent increase over 23,155 room nights in 2009. Ultimately, these events resulted in a $12.8 million tourism impact, which is a $5 million increase over the previous year.

“We are ecstatic beyond words to have set these records for 2010, especially considering the events that we faced,” said Beth Gendler, director of sales for the AGCSC. “The numbers are a direct result of the intensive work of our staff, the cities’ park and recreation departments and incredibly valued partnerships throughout the island. Everyone banded together to provide our sports guests with an unrivaled hospitality experience. We wanted them to know how much we appreciated their event.”

The recruitment of new events was a key part of the commission’s success.

In April, the commission welcomed one of its new events during a peak spring break time. The USSSA Super NIT Baseball Tournament resulted in 764 room nights and a $225,831 tourism impact as these 64 youth traveled to area for a three-day tournament.

Then, near the end of June, the AGCSC retained approximately 60 teams to compete in the NSA Alabama State All-Star Softball Tournament. This three-day event generated 1,824 room nights and $693,831 in tourism impact.

Then at the end of November, they welcomed the first in a series of NAIA national championship events. Sixteen men’s soccer teams battled during the three-day championship and lead to 1,038 room nights and $239,934 in tourism impact.

“These new events – paired with our existing line-up – show the strength of our commission and its partnerships throughout the community,” Gendler said. “To have solid numbers like these result from first-time events to the area is tremendous.”

Looking forward to 2011, the commission will begin the year under a new name: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission (GSOBSC).

“Our CVB completed a corporate identification process in 2010 and changed to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, so it only made sense that our sports commission would also transition,” Gendler said. “We know most people are more familiar with the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and might better relate to where their event is being held with our new name change.”

The commission has 60 events currently slated for 2011, including two NAIA national championships. The NAIA Women’s Softball Championship will be held May 19-25, 2011 while the NAIA Men’s Soccer Championship will return for the second year in a row on November 28-December 3, 2011.

“Most importantly, we would like to thank our tremendous crew of dedicated volunteers, who sacrifice their time to support these community events,” Gendler said. “We are indebted to their graciousness and generosity.”

She added that “another set of behind-the-scenes supporters are our invaluable annual sponsors and the dedicated recreation departments at the Cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. These partnerships have directly lead to our sports commission’s growth and ultimately provide another source of business for our island businesses.”

For more information on the sports commission – including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.gulfshoresorangebeachsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.

(Mobile)

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is opening its new exhibit "Giant Insects" on January 22.

EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
If you thought there were already big bugs in Mobile, think again! Opening Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011 is Giant Insects, the Gulf Coast Exploreum’s newest interactive traveling exhibit. Giant Insects features six oversized robotic bugs, three giant mechanical insect heads, an insect art gallery, a live insect zoo, preserved specimens, special lab activities and MORE.

NAME AN INSECT CONTEST
There’s a bug infestation taking place at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center this January, and the giant praying mantis leading the group of bugs is desperately searching for a name! The Exploreum launched the “Name an Insect” contest, inviting the public to pick a name for its praying mantis, which will be one of six oversized robotic bugs on display during the upcoming Giant Insects exhibition. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

BUG BLAST BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Does your child have a birthday in February, March, April or May? Book them a Bug Blast Party at the Exploreum for a birthday they will never forget! Our Bug Blast Parties include admission to the Exploreum and Giant Insects for 30 guests, a themed cake, a special party room, the chance to meet some of the bugs, unique decorations and MORE! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR CALL 251.208.6881 TO BOOK YOUR PARTY TODAY.

ROBOTIC BUG DESCRIPTIONS

Chinese Praying Mantis - This 19-foot leaf-like insect (60 times life-size) gets its name from its praying position either at rest or waiting to make a kill. An intimidating hunter, the praying mantis has a voracious appetite, feeding on insects and even lizards, frogs and birds. Praying mantids will also eat each other - a female mantis will sometimes eat the male after mating which provides the female with the large amount of protein needed for the production of eggs.

Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillar - Representative of one magical stage of metamorphosis, this 15-foot wiggler (30 times life-size) is at the larval stage of the swallowtail butterfly. Growing in five stages, a caterpillar sheds its skin as it gets bigger, attaches to a leaf and becomes a pupa. A chrysalis forms around it, providing protection for several months while it develops adult legs, mouthparts and wings. The final result is a beautiful butterfly.

Atlas Beetles - Two (2) male horned beetles battle each other in mortal combat. From the order Coleoptera, meaning “sheath wing,” these 11-foot beetles (40 times life-size) have two armor-like wings that cover and protect the transparent wings used for flying.

Desert Locust - The desert locust is best known for their mass destruction capabilities. The swarms of desert locust may invade more than 20 percent of the total land surface of the world. This 15-foot robotic locust (70 times life-size) demonstrates the locust’s powerful legs that enable it to jump phenomenal distances, up to 40 times the length of its body.

Stick Insect - These insects are often hard to see with their protective camouflage. Predators often overlook them as their appearance and motion mimic branches and twigs. This stick insect is 21.5 feet in length (120 times life-size).

Mosquito, Bee and Dragonfly Heads - Magnifying glasses four feet in diameter will give visitors the experience of seeing the features of a mosquito, bee and dragonfly up close. Hands-on controls allow visitors to manipulate mouthparts to see how these insects chew, suck and feed.

LIVE INSECTS ON DISPLAY

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
Chinese Praying Mantis
Milkweed Leaf Beetle
Hercules Beetle
American Grasshopper
Wolf Spider
Rosy Knee Tarantula
Millipedes
Tobacco Worms (will go through metamorphosis to become moths)
Emperor Scorpion (Chem lab)
Mealworms (Separate enclosure)
Crickets (Separate enclosure)
Wax Worms (Separate enclosure)

SPECIAL DEMONSTRATIONS

Get Bugged Out!
The BioLab demonstration (available on weekends) will focus on the nutritional aspects of insects. Yes, that’s right…we said the nutritional aspects of insects, so we hope you’re hungry. We’ll prepare a variety of recipes with crickets, mealworms (a type of beetle larva) and wax worms (a type of caterpillar), while we talk about how these insects benefit our bodies. Then, visitors will have the chance to taste a sampling of our yummy recipes!

The Emperor's New Glow
The Chem Lab demo focuses on insect chemistry, featuring the emperor scorpion as the star of the show! We’ll explore the science of bioluminescence and investigate the chemical compounds that make our scorpion glow, along with other “light” insects such as lightning bugs. This demo is available on weekends.

Insect Investigation
Upstairs, in Infestation Hall, our field camp educators will give visitors a hands-on insect experience! Visitors will get to touch giant cockroaches, caterpillars and beetles. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to catch and identify bugs in your backyard or during any camping adventure.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES (FOR SCHOOL GROUPS)
After walking with giant insects, visiting the live insect zoo and admiring many beautiful specimens, give your students the opportunity to explore insects with an in-depth insect lab! Classroom Activities are approximately 45 minutes and can be reserved for an additional cost of $2 per student during your already scheduled field lesson. Maximum 30 children per Classroom.

Being a Butterfly
Students will learn all about the life cycle of a butterfly as they act out each stage of development. ACOS Objectives - K:6 / 1:4 / 2:6

Grasshopper Dissection
Students will discover the grasshopper up close as they dissect this interesting insect. ACOS Objectives - 3:8 / 4:5 / 5:5

IMAX FILMS
While visiting Giant Insects, guests can enjoy one of the two IMAX films that will also open Jan. 22 in the J.L. Bedsole IMAX Dome Theatre. Bugs: A Rainforest Adventure and Lost Worlds: Life in the Balance are both exciting films with breathtaking scenery that will transport viewers to exotic locales. Visit our IMAX page for more information and show times.

ADMISSION PRICES
Giant Insects is included with general admission and combo admission tickets.

GENERAL ADMISSION (Includes permanent exhibits & Giant Insects)
Adults (19-59) - $14.00
Senior (60+) - $12.50
Youth (13-18) - $12.50
Child (2-12) - $12.00
Members - $2.50
Children under the age of 2 are free.

COMBO ADMISSION (Includes permanent exhibits, Giant Insects & an IMAX)
Adults (19-59) - $18.00 / Members - $9.00
Senior (60+) - $17.00 / Members - $8.00
Youth (13-18) - $17.00 / Members - $8.00
Child (2-12) - $15.50 / Members - $7.50
Children under the age of 2 are free.