July 4th in Orange Beach, AL

Come Celebrate 4th of July Fun on our Shores In Orange Beach, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | June 27, 2010

Fourth of July festivities will be aplenty from the Florida-Alabama state line to Ft. Morgan.

Kicking it all off will be Jimmy Buffett and friends benefit concert, Thursday, July first. However, here are a few extra things for the family to enjoy or just you and a friend. It’s also a great reason to stay through the weekend.

Country duo, Montgomery Gentry, will perform live Sunday the 4^th at The …

Free Jimmy Buffett Concert, Gulf Shores, AL

Come on Down for a Buffett and Friends Free Concert on July 1st

by Mary Watson Gleason | June 22, 2010

Please note: This concert has been postponed until July 11th due to inclement weather. More details at Concerts for the Coast.

Many have been asking about whether there will be a concert to help those affected by the oil along Alabama’s gulf coast. Well, it’s here. Jimmy Buffett decided to give a beachside concert to help promote toursim where he spent much of his childhood- Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Fort Morgan Historic State Site, Gulf Shores, AL

Celebrate American History At Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | June 10, 2010

“Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” No that’s not a song lyric, but the words uttered during a famous battle which took place right here along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. While we are currently fighting for our livelihood now, there was a time, during the Civil War where Southerners were not in a very different situation.

Fort Morgan is a legendary fortress. Construction began when Alabama became a state, 1819. Completion came 15 years …

Pirates Island Golf, Gulf Shores, AL

Enjoy Some Family Fun on a Sunny Afternoon in Gulf Shores, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | June 03, 2010

Family fun is always on tap while visiting Alabama’s Gulf Coast. As a child, I remember my parents taking us to a putt-putt golf course for our nighttime entertainment at the beach. It is still a tradition in many families when they go on vacation. If you are new to putt-putt, it has been around a hundred years – give or take a year. The art of putting a small white ball in an odd …

Community BBQ in Orange Beach, AL

Great Eats That Satisfy Your Hunger While Helping The Community Of Orange Beach, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | May 27, 2010

If you grew up in a small town, you remember those community barbeques where folks gathered to eat the best food in town. That’s not so different down here on the coast. One of the best ones takes place at the Orange Beach Community Center on Canal Road. That’s across the street from Fire Station 2.

While you’re making plans to hit the beach this summer, mark your calendars for June 12^th. Folks …

Craft Farms Golf Courses at Gulf Shores, AL

Spend Memorial Day weekend in legendary style, playing signature Arnold Palmer courses in Gulf Shores, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | May 19, 2010

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner. It’s time to book, plan, and pack for a great kick-off to the summer season.

If you are looking for the right place to spend quality time, you should visit a golf resort which boasts the only two signature Arnold Palmer golf courses in Alabama. Craft Farms is nestled among the beautiful landscape off Baldwin County Road 4. Cotton Creek and Cypress …

Oil-Spill Relief Efforts, Orange Beach, AL

Despite a looming threat, Southerners keep their hearts full of hope and their doors open

by Mary Watson Gleason | May 02, 2010

White sandy beaches still exist along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. We are all watching the accident offshore which has oil leaking into the waters near Louisiana. Predictions vary on when and where the oil will wash ashore.

Visitors who have reservations along our coast should not cancel. The best solution is to talk with the company managing your accommodations. Most, if not all, of the larger hotels, motels and condos have indicated they will not …

Rafters Restaurant and Sports Bar, Orange Beach, AL

Down home BBQ along Alabama's white sandy beaches

by Mary Watson Gleason | April 26, 2010

Barbecue joints are dotted across the South like dogwood trees. As you travel Southern roads, BBQ restaurants pop out at you each time you glance at the roadside scenery.

Here on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, you will find them tucked here and there between the seafood restaurants and in some cases, barbecue is served right along with your seafood. Rafters Restaurant and Sports Bar at The Wharf in Orange Beach serves BBQ that …

Wolf Bay Lodge, Orange Beach, AL

Casual, family dining at its best

by Mary Watson Gleason | April 22, 2010

Alabama’s Gulf Coast has a number of restaurants for visitors to enjoy during their stay at the beach. One of those is Wolf Bay Lodge, which sits on Cotton Bayou in Orange Beach.

I decided to stop into Wolf Bay Lodge to have a light, but late lunch. As you walk through the doors, that feeling of relaxation takes over. The air was cool but a very welcoming atmosphere draws you right …

Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum, Orange Beach, AL

History lessons from a one-room schoolhouse

by Mary Watson Gleason | April 16, 2010

While exploring the beauty of Orange Beach, you will find a 100-year-old schoolhouse tucked behind the City Complex on Highway 161. Inside you will step back in time as you explore the treasure trove of unique items housed in the Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum.

It is a wonderful place for children and adults alike to pause and reflect on our local history. Charming collections of school desks, bells, and a …

The Hangout Beach, Music, and Arts Festival, Gulf Shores, AL

Three Days of Live Music on the Beach

by Mary Watson Gleason | April 12, 2010

Down here on the coast, May is for music lovers. Several concerts are planned, but one, The Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival, will make a debut which may turn into an annual tradition.

The Hangout has become a popular place to listen to great live music. The business decided to add to their success by hosting a three-day concert event May 14 through 16. The upbeat establishment has teamed …

Zeke’s Charter Fleet, Orange Beach, AL

A Reel Day for Family Fun, Orange Beach, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | April 09, 2010

When you come to the gulf coast, there are many adventures and sights to see. One place, Zeke’s Landing, is home to retail shops, restaurants and of course a marina. All are situated on Cotton Bayou in Orange Beach.

Zeke’s Marina is beautiful just to take the children and watch the activity. However, if you really want an adventure take a charter boat to catch the best seafood around. Zeke’s

4th Annual Flower and Garden Extravaganza, Foley, AL

Picking the Pefect Posey for Your Home & Garden, Foley, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | April 05, 2010

Colorful foliage always looks good in your yard, porch, or on your table. Deciding what flowers and plants look-good-where can be a challenge at times. At Foley's 4th annual Flower and Garden Extravaganza, you will find answers to those questions.

The event will feature garden equipment, plant sales, landscape exhibits, floral displays and tablescapes. So, decisions on decorating your table or planting the perfect plant to accent your house will be easier. A children’s …

St. Thomas-by-the-Sea Catholic Church, Orange Beach, AL

A Picturesque Parish Along the Coast, Orange Beach, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | March 29, 2010

St. Thomas –by-the- Sea Catholic Church had its origins as a mission. It began as Good Shepherd Chapel in 1986. As the number of permanent and visiting Catholics increased at masses, Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb approved that a rental space at a nearby shopping center to be used as the chapel.

In 1991, the mission was officially established as St. Thomas-by-the-Sea Parish at its present location at 26547 Perdido Beach Boulevard.  Three years …

Fancy Threads, Gulf Shores, AL

Local expert makes magic with needle and thread

by Mary Watson Gleason | March 28, 2010

As spring fever reaches its height over the next few months, some will find themselves staring out their office window wishing for some time in the sun. Don’t let spring fever pass you by this year. Down here along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, you can put the pep back into your step. Whether you want to hit a nightclub, restaurant or find yourself an empty beach chair and a cooler. What lays ahead on the horizon …

Weeks Bay Reserve, Fairhope, AL

The Wonders of Wetlands, Fairhope, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | March 25, 2010

Exploring Alabama’s Gulf Coast is more than just sand and surf; it’s nature at its finest. As I travel around on little daytrips, I come across some the most unique places that are serene and wonderful.  

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is located in South Baldwin County. It is one of 27 areas in the United States established by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. The Weeks …

Tipseas Steam Shack, Orange Beach, AL

A Little Piece of Euphoria for a Sunday Afternoon in Orange Beach

by Mary Watson Gleason | March 20, 2010

Warm Sunday afternoons along Alabama’s Gulf Coast are days where my husband and I enjoy a drive through Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We open the sunroof and roll down all the windows to the let the salty air regenerate us for the week ahead.

As part of our afternoon, we like to stop and grab a late lunch at local eateries. One stands out this week. Tipseas Steam Shack in Orange …

58th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival, Fairhope, AL

Spring Into Festival Fun in Fairhope, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | March 15, 2010

Alabama’s coastal areas are in full bloom with pink Japanese Magnolias and the white blossoms of pear trees. Small towns in the area line their streets with freshly opened flowers. One town, just a short drive north of Gulf Shores, is no different.

Fairhope was established nearly 116 years ago as a single tax colony along the Eastern shore of Mobile Bay. The town began its arts and crafts festival …

Orange Beach Festival of Art, Orange Beach, AL

Good, Old-Fashioned Fun at a Modern Resort Town

by Mary Watson Gleason | March 10, 2010

Several festivals are happening this month. One in particular happens this weekend–March 13 and 14. The Orange Beach Festival of Art will feature a variety of artists. This festival has been around for nearly twenty years. It takes place along beautiful Wolf Bay at Waterfront Park and the Orange Beach Arts Center's campus Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

This year will have an unveiling ceremony for a historical marker written …

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl, Orange Beach, AL

Come Join The Fun At Rafters In Orange Beach, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | March 09, 2010

St. Patrick’s Day rolls around once year and almost always right in the middle of Lent. The Catholic Dioceses of Ireland treats it as a Holy Day while the country celebrates St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday. Here in the United States, it is a celebration of the Emerald Isle but has never been a national holiday, despite the Irish heritage which flows through our country.

Here along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, pub crawling …

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Bon Secour, AL

Family fun—for free—out in the wild

by Mary Watson Gleason | March 04, 2010

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is one place anyone can find enjoyment anytime of the year. Sunny days and mild temperatures draw not only students and families to the Gulf Coast for spring break, but wildlife begins to emerge from its winter homes. Visitors can experience nature at its finest as they stroll through the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.

It is 7,000 acres of land stretching along the western coast of South Baldwin …

The Hangout, Gulf Shores, AL

The best place for Spring Break fun in Gulf Shores

by Mary Watson Gleason | March 01, 2010

The official start of spring is just around the corner along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Already, vegetation is beginning to blossom while businesses in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores hustle to throw down their welcome mat for those heading to the shores for Spring Break.

One particular business stands out when it comes to adding spark to the spring breakers’ fun—The Hangout. It has a prime location right at the end of Highway …

Foley Railroad Museum, Foley, AL

Stepping Back In Time, Foley, AL

by Mary Watson Gleason | February 26, 2010

When you visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast, one thing you may notice on your journey down, there are no railroad tracks in South Baldwin County. The last track was removed around 40 years ago.

Before that time, a single track extended down from Bay Minette, the county seat, to Foley. Mr. John B. Foley, of Chicago, brought the railroad to the county in 1905. Farmers used the railroad to take their crops to market. The …

Island Pancake House, Gulf Shores, AL

A New Twist On Grits In Gulf Shores, Al

by Mary Watson Gleason | February 22, 2010

In the South, there is one mainstay in everyone’s cupboard. Can you guess? Well, it is grits. They are the quintessential side dish to a Southern breakfast. Today, I had them at a local restaurant which left me covered in goose bumps. Yes, the food was that good. As I reared my children, grits were always served with breakfast. The white, corn-based delight hit the table with butter and cheddar cheese.

Today, however, I received a …

The Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Reconnecting Relationships Over Fine Food In Gulf Shores, Alabama

by Mary Watson Gleason | February 19, 2010

It is said that birds of a feather flock together. This is especially true when it comes to friends finding the ideal get away from life’s stressful moments. A weekend of fun in the sun along Alabama’s Gulf Coast is for anyone whether they have a pocket full of pennies or Franklins.

One place to reconnect with friends is The Original Oyster House. It is located at 701 Highway 59 …

Travel Guide to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley, AL

Why you should visit the Alabama Gulf Coast

by Mary Watson Gleason | February 15, 2010

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word destination as a “place to which one is going.” As a driver crosses the Intercoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores, they catch a breath taking view of Alabama’s beautiful coastal paradise. At this moment, travelers know, they have arrived at their perfect destination. Gulf Shores boast sugar white beaches where waves roll in from the Gulf of Mexico.

It is the “crown jewel” nestled along Alabama’s 32 mile strip of beautiful beaches. …