City officials, tourism representatives, and community members gathered in Orange Beach, Alabama, to celebrate the official opening of Young’s Hideaway, a new glamping site located along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
The project introduces a non-traditional lodging option to the region’s tourism offerings, combining the appeal of outdoor camping with the amenities of modern accommodations.
Young’s Hideaway was developed through a collaborative effort between the City of Orange Beach, the Young family, Brett Robinson, and Timberline Glamping.
The original vision for the site included mini cabins, but it evolved into a glamping model aimed at attracting travelers seeking an upscale outdoor experience.
Mayor Tony Kennon reflected on how the new site connects past and present, referencing his own childhood memories of camping in an Army surplus tent near Little Lagoon.
He described the glamping experience as a modern version of those earlier outdoor adventures, offering comfort while maintaining a connection to nature.
According to a report by OBA, the project holds particular meaning for the Young family. Named in honor of longtime residents Cecil and Jesse Young, the site sits near their home of more than 30 years.
Tom Young, their son, spoke during the event, thanking the city and its partners for recognizing his parents’ decades-long ties to the Orange Beach community. His mother, Jesse, has roots in the area going back to the 1940s, when she first visited during World War II.
Cecil Young, 96, shared his reflections during the ceremony, emphasizing Jesse’s deep affection for Orange Beach and recalling her visits to the area from the age of 12.
Heather Adams of Timberline Glamping described the rapid progression of the project. After receiving a pivotal phone call in October 2023, her family sold their home in Texas and relocated to Orange Beach by March 2024 to take on operational responsibilities for the new site.
Coastal Resources Director Philip West was acknowledged for his role in managing regulatory and logistical aspects that helped move the project forward.
Tourism officials noted that travel writers have already begun touring the site, with planned coverage that may bring additional visibility to Alabama’s expanding outdoor accommodation sector.
The April ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official launch of Young’s Hideaway as part of Orange Beach’s evolving recreational and tourism landscape.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, the project demonstrates how partnerships between municipalities, local families, and private operators can expand tourism offerings while maintaining strong community ties.
It also illustrates continued demand for glamping-style accommodations in coastal destinations.