Dauphin Island - how are things? Construction?

Hi,

I%26#39;ve seen some lovely properties on vrbo.com to rent for a week, on the beach, first gulf front etc. right over on the west side. Are there still only 2 restaurants on the island and are things ok now, or is there still construction going on? Planning a visit maybe beginning of May, would the weather be ok then, bringing 2 children so don%26#39;t want it scorching hot. I%26#39;ve also read the food stores on the island aren%26#39;t good enough to stock up for a week, and we should stock up on the wal mart just before the bridge? Is this still the case?

Have searched all over the internet for up to date feedback on how the island is and don%26#39;t want to stay away just because it was hit by Hurricane Katrina and there aren%26#39;t any recent updates on how things are - it seems a beautiful relaxing island and if everything is ok then it needs visitors!

Thanks for any advice!

Dauphin Island - how are things? Construction?

We are going in November and I was told to do our major shopping at Walmart in Mobile also. I just joined a message board stricktly for Dauphin Island, most of the members live their and they are very helpful The website is

http://www.di-bbs.com/

Dauphin Island - how are things? Construction?

Thanks - I%26#39;ve checked the website but the forums seem closed for posting, I%26#39;ll check back tomorrow. Let me know any info you find out and I will likewise.

I had to sign up in order to read anything on the board

This is a late response to the information request. If anyone else is still looking at Dauphin Island I just want to mention a few items.

1) The island is completely recovered form the past storms.

2) Several new restaurants and shops have opened in the past year.

3) The town has acquired more of Dauphin Island%26#39;s beachfront property to allow for more public access. This does not affect the many non-public beaches that are known and loved by Dauphin Island vacation home renters.

4) The boating is still very good.

5) The birding is excellent as the we have won two years in a row the ';Most Birdiest Small Town in the USA:.

6) Prices have remained stable for rentals and we are at least a tank of gasoline closer than the Florida beaches.

7) Local island shrimpers are selling some of the best seafood at local shops and restaurants.

Due to website restrictions I cannot direct you to webcams or other info sites but a web search or my personal link here may give you some more ideas.

Enjoy!

ML

UPDATE from Gustave and Ike on Dauphin Island.

Dauphin Island is open for tourists. 10/15/2008

The gulf beaches to the EAST of Raphael Semmes Street are in great condition and all the single family rental homes and condos are open for business. My rental guests even stayed during Ike without any damage!

Most of the MS sound facing homes on the islands west end are also open for business but may have some lingering sand removal occurring. Check you rental agency.

The most western gulf front/view homes had some stair and water line dmage so be sure to check on availability with your rntal agent and possibly ask to be moved before you arrive.

Hopefully, everything will be fine in the next 45-60 days.

The best spots for a beutiful beach and for single family home rentals on the gulf side will be:

The ';P'; streets-

1) Ponce de Leon Ct

2) Pontchatrain Ct

3) Porter Ct

4) President Jefferson Ct (location of ';Chill Out'; beach webcam)

5) Pushmataha

6) Quebeck Ct

Also, the gulf front homes in gated DeSoto Landing and Audubon Place are looking very nice.

All the condo%26#39;s, including Holiday Isle, are on some nice beaches and had no ill effects from the storms of 2008.

Feel free to contact me if you need more up to date info.

Most of the West End streets now have water and sewer service. There is still some clean-up and repaving ongoing for the furtherest WEST side streets.

Please check with the owners or Realty companies about the specific home, repairs and vicinity construction. Some homes have no construction nearby and others will have some.

The beaches are looking GREAT!!