Trip Time

Spring ahead to a relaxing getaway at Alabama's welcoming beaches

Already over the holidays and looking forward to warmer weather and less stressful trips? It's not too early to begin planning your spring vacation to Alabama's Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

These hidden gems are full of natural beauty, from the jaw-dropping sunsets over turquoise waters to 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches made almost entirely of quartz grains washed down thousands of years ago from the Appalachian Mountains. And by going in the spring, you can enjoy smaller crowds and lower rates than in the summer (and you won't have to wait as long, either).

Naturally, outdoor adventure awaits in this paradise. From biking along the miles of trails to kayaking the plethora of waterways to fishing for snapper and sailfish, there's no shortage of fresh-air excitement. Looking for even more thrills? Then check out the Hummingbird Zipline Course at The Wharf, Alabama's longest zipline course at more than 6,000 feet. The two-hour guided tour soars up to 115 feet above the pristine coastal wetlands setting.

When you've worked up an appetite, check out the delectable local cuisine. From dive bars to fine dining, you'll find meals from around the world and seafood fresh off the boat.

Another great reason to visit in the spring is the jam-packed calendar of events. The 46th annual Festival of Art draws potters, painters, sculptors, watercolorists, and textile, wood, and glass artists to Orange Beach Waterfront Park in March, while hundreds travel to participate in the legendary Mullet Toss (the fish, not the haircut) in April.

Come May, you have your pick of the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship; the Orange Beach Billfish Classic; and Hangout Music Festival, which has featured such musicians as Vampire Weekend, Hozier, Walk the Moon, The Killers, and Kendrick Lamar in years past.

Start planning your spring vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach now by ordering your 2020 vacation guide here.

Alabama has more than 32 miles of sparkling sandy beaches to enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Alabama has more than 32 miles of sparkling sandy beaches to enjoy.

promoted vacation kids families nature

Downtown News

Dallas convention center re-do will shut down DART stop for 3 years

Courtesy photo

undefined

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is about to shut down its stop at the Convention Center Station for the next three years.

The agency is being forced to close the station to accommodate the city of Dallas' construction and redevelopment of the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. As part of the project, the station will be closed for the duration of construction, which is currently estimated at three years.

The Convention Center Station is a stop on both the Red and Blue lines, and the shutdown will affect anyone traveling to or from southwest Dallas. North Dallas, Plano, Rowlett, and Carrollton will thankfully be spared.

Rail detours
Riders who previously used the Convention Center Station will be directed to nearby alternative stations at Cedars or EBJ Union. DART has prepared clear signage, rider alerts, and bus connections to support customers and make navigating the closure as easy as possible.

Bus detours
Routes 28 and 106 will maintain regular service outside of downtown. Within downtown, instead of taking Lamar to the Convention Center, the bus will turn left on Young Street, right on Akard Street, right on Marilla Street where the Akard and Marilla bus stop is located (stop number 20685).

Outbound, routes 28 and 106 will turn left on Young Street, right on Lamar Street and then proceed on their regular route.

Layover at Akard and Marilla: Passengers deboard at Cedars Station and take the special South Dallas GoLink to bus stops at Akard and Marilla or to EBJ Union Station.

Route 224 will operate a detour going inbound. Inbound trips will come downtown via Elm and continue to Houston, turn left on Commerce and continue to Harwood. It will then turn left to go to the East Transfer Center where it will layover. Outbound trips will originate from the East Transfer Center and operate a regular route out of downtown.

Layover at East Transfer Center

Passengers arriving by train can deboard at Convention Center Station to board route 224.
Another option for passengers is to deboard at Akard Station, then board 224 at Elm and Akard.

Route 383 East Transfer Center is your final stop. 383 will not continue past this station. This route will be discontinued on February 02, 2026.

DART will implement a new GoLink Zone for Convention Center Station customers that will only provide service for trips originating at EBJ Union Station, Cedars Station, or the substitute bus layover location on Akard and Marilla and terminating at one of those locations.

The service will operate 7 days a week, from 5 am to midnight. Customers using this GoLink Zone may only travel between these three designated points.

All changes will be reflected online and in the GoPass app for the duration of construction.

downtown transportation