Beyond
MEASURE
From Roots to Retreat: The Story Behind Young’ s Hideaway
Tucked beside the Rosemary Dunes trailhead on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, a peaceful new retreat now bears the name of a couple whose love for the Alabama Gulf Coast spans generations.
Community leaders, family members, and friends gathered under clear skies to celebrate the official dedication of Young’ s Hideaway, a glamping site named in honor of longtime Orange Beach enthusiasts, Cecil and Jessie Young.
The Young family poses in front of the official“ Young’ s Hideaway” sign, a tribute to their parents’ love for Orange Beach.
The serene ceremony marked not only the opening of 10 new glamping sites along the city’ s west end but also a heartfelt tribute to two individuals whose devotion to the area has made a lasting impact. The project came to life thanks to a meaningful collaboration between the City of Orange Beach, the Young Family Foundation, and Timberline Glamping Company.
With the Gulf breeze gently rustling through the pines, Tom Young stood to address the crowd on behalf of his parents and siblings. His voice filled with emotion, Tom expressed the family’ s deep appreciation for the city’ s recognition of their parents’ legacy.
“ On behalf of my sister Debra and my two brothers, David and Mark, I just want to thank Mayor Kennon and the City Council for naming the glamping site after my parents,” he said.“ It means a lot to us; thank you so much. And a special thanks, a real special thanks, to Phillip West. As most of you know, it was really his idea, and he’ s the one who worked every day to make sure the project was fulfilled. So Phillip, my family owes you a lot, and Orange Beach owes you a lot. Thank you.”
“ It’ s a wonderful day, and we’ re excited for the new glamping site.” – Tom Young
Cecil Young
Cecil and Jessie Young, ages 96 and 93 respectively, have spent a lifetime enjoying and supporting the Orange Beach community. Their enduring love for the region and their family was at the heart of the day’ s celebration.
One of the glamping sites now open to the public through a partnership with Timberline Glamping Company.
“ My parents have such a love for this area,” Tom continued.“ They’ ve had many, many years of happiness here, and they have provided so much love to their children, their grandchildren, their great-grandchildren... It’ s a wonderful day, and we’ re excited for the new glamping site.” The new Young’ s Hideaway invites visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Backcountry Trail in a whole new way— through the comfort of luxury camping surrounded by coastal woodlands and wildlife. With the dedication now complete, the site stands as both a destination and a tribute— an enduring space that reflects the warmth and generosity of the Young family.
To read the full article and learn more about Young’ s Hideaway, visit the City of Orange Beach website. Photos courtesy of Marc Anderson, City of Orange Beach