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How about a family-friendly attraction that teaches about preservation, conservation and being a good steward of nature? Check out the Alabama Sea Turtle “Share the Beach” volunteer program. From May through October, Alabama's beaches are home to female turtles who make nests and lay eggs. Volunteers make sure the threatened and endangered species are able to nest safely. They patrol beaches looking for nests, share nest-watching duties, speak to groups about turtles and make sure that, when it is time, as many hatchlings as possible safely make the trek from the beach to the surf. While visiting, families can look for signs of nests. Back home, parents or grandparents can join the Adopt-A-Nest program so youngsters can track the progress of the nest and hatchlings they are helping support.

OK, parents, listen up: Everyone needs a go-to plan, the sure-fire crowd-pleaser that is open virtually year-round. There are two places on the Alabama Gulf Coast that fit the bill: The beach, of course, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Located in Gulf Shores, the zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Visitors can explore the natural habitats of more than 400 animals, from alligators to wallabies. There also is petting zoo for some hands-on learning. Concessions are sold, and shaded picnic areas are available. It's an adventure every family can afford.

A romantic getaway for two sounds sooooo nice. No tween changing moods at the speed of light, no bills nagging me to pay them, no calls from work, no dishes, no laundry .... Sigh. There's just one little problem: My idea of a romantic getaway and my spouse's idea of one are VASTLY different. He wants to shop (I know, crazy, isn't it?) and learn about local history. I want to unplug my brain and my cell phone and just relax on the beach or at the pool. When we visited the Alabama Gulf Coast, though, we finally found a compromise, though. We set aside one afternoon to do everything together and another afternoon for some alone time. It has turned into the perfect solution. We've found out something that a lot of married couples already know: Even a little bit of time apart can make the time together even more special.

You know the expression, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”? Romance is sort of like that, too. If the two of you enjoy it, and it draws you closer, then it's romantic ... even if it involves frozen squid. A few years back, we decided to spend some time at Gulf State Park. We rented a cabin, and we noticed the lake as we drove in. After some swimming, shopping and a great meal, we decided to pick up some bait and try our hands at fishing. I had packed an ultralight rod-and-reel combo, so we baited the hook with some squid pieces and cast into the water. WHOOSH! The bait was gone and the hook was empty. The more times we repeated the process, the funnier it got. We never did figure out what was grabbing the bait and eluding capture, but whatever it was, it got a good meal and we got a good laugh.

Is there anything more embarrassing than to be all set for a romantic night and then realize you have dishpan hands, chapped lips and garlic breath? Even if you've been married since the dawn of time, your honey deserves your best effort for a truly romantic evening on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Here's a little secret for skincare: Petroleum jelly. When you step out of the shower, while you're still wet, apply the barest bit of petroleum jelly to your skin (start with those chapped lips). Use the absolute minimum and rub, rub, rub. When you dry off, your skin will feel so smooth and there won't be a fragrance to compete with your favorite smell-good stuff. As for the breath, well, pack lots of mints. P.S. Petroleum jelly also makes an excellent makeup remover and night cream. As always, to avoid a greasy feeling, less is more.