There are plenty of attractions in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and within an hour's drive this expands to include such notable stops as The National Museum of Naval Aviation. This museum along with the chance to see The Blue Angels practice over the Naval Air Station Pensacola is a great way to spend a day in our area.
The National Museum of Naval Aviation is the largest museum of its kind in the world and the admission is free. The original museum opened in June 1963 in a renovated wood-frame building constructed during World War II. Today, the museum has 300,000 square feet of exhibit space and the grounds cover 37 acres. While visiting, you can see over 150 restored aircraft and 4000 artifacts. In addition to the museum itself, you can enjoy shows on the giant movie screens in the IMAX Theatre and watch The Blue Angels practice most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m. from March to November.
In addition to the many exhibits at the Museum, visitors enjoy activities such as "flying" an F/A-18 mission in Desert Storm through a motion-based flight simulator, "training" in the cockpit, or "defending a ship" from the USS Cabot's anti-aircraft gun battery. Dining at the Cubi Bar Cafe' in the Museum is an experience of history. The Cafe' is an exhibit itself and duplicates the bar area of the famous Cubi Point Officer's Club in the Western Pacific. The Cafe' has over 1000 plaques from the original club.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are fortunate to be so convenient to this great national treasure. Residents and visitors alike can take advantage of the many events and activities held at The National Museum of Naval Aviation during the year. For example, on June 18 at 10:00 a.m. Brad Elward, a military aviation writer, will present "Development of the Strike Fighter Aircraft". There will be a book signing after his presentation. The shows, Hubble which is narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, The Magic of Flight, where you can "fly with The Blues", Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag, and Born to Be Wild are all playing on the big screens at the IMAX Theatre. This IMAX Theatre, by the way, is one of the largest in the world and has the largest screen in the State of Florida.
The National Flight Academy Summer Camp will begin on June 20 this year. These weekly sessions are open to children entering the 5th and 6th grades. Participants are taught by certified teachers and activities include launching rockets, building gliders, and special tours of the Museum exhibits. More information on the Summer Camp is available at the website or by calling 850-453-2389 x3234 or x3252.
When you are ready to take a day away from the beach activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, it is well worth the short drive to spend a day at The National Naval Aviation Museum. Residents and visitors also have access to many facilities at the Museum such as the Blue Angel Atrium, the Cubi Bar Cafe', and the USS Cabot Flight Deck to host receptions, presentations, and other events.
The close proximity of The National Naval Aviation Museum is one more benefit on the long list of reasons to consider real estate in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. I have many options for you to consider. Give me a call today. Lance Steffek, 251-981-2225.
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