SUMMER FUN TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT GULF SHORES

SummerFun TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT Gulf Shores THIS SPRING & SUMMER

By Carol Muse Evans Gulf Shores, Alabama has been a classic, family-friendly beach destination for folks in Alabama and surroundings states for years, but every now and then it’s great to take a fresh look at this state gem and all the things it has to offer – some new, some old. There just about isn’t a bad time to visit – but fall is special. It was still warm, the water was warm, but the heat was not oppressive and crowds were smaller wherever we went. As usual, the sand and water were as gorgeous as ever.

Of course, the beach is the main attraction in Gulf Shores. But when you want to get away for a few hours, a half day, get out of the sun, do something different or even due to rain, there are some fun activities worth considering. We had a lot of fun painting – of all things, Christmas trees – at Hammer and Stain. This fun store hosts individuals or parties. Be sure to call ahead for hours open for walk-ins. This shop is very kid-friendly, but adults can have fun too and take home a new hand-painted treasure (http:// hammerandstaingulfshores.com; 251-948-0483).

Just across from Hammer and Stain was a surprisingly fun shop called The Photo Op Shop. This is the place for selfies and family photos on your own. Pay a small fee to go through all their backdrops and props for both funny and beautiful photos you can make and post right away to your social media! (www. thephotoopshop.com; www.facebook. com/thephotoopshopgs; 251-979-5223).

A “don’t miss” next time you go to Gulf Shores is the NEW Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo! The “Little Zoo that Could” is now in its new, expanded and beautiful, roomy location, complete with an amazing gift shop, restaurant, carousel and playground, several animal encounters options (we loved the sloths and the kangaroos) and so much more than before, thanks to contributions of great organizations and plenty of space. Spend a few hours or a whole day. (www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com, www. facebook.com/AlabamaGulfCoastZoo, 251-256-7008).

You may want to spend a little time at The Wharf (https://alwharf. com/) in neighboring Orange Beach. With restaurants, fun specialty shots, an arcade, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the Southeast and more, this can be an evening or day destination. Two new activities there are Civil Axe Throwing (www.facebook.com/ CivilAxeOrangeBeach) and the Outer Limits VR Arcade (www.facebook.com/ vrfuntime) that just opened last year.

If your family is all about the great outdoors – biking, fishing, hiking and more, you should visit Gulf State Park, right across from the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores www.alapark.com/parks/ gulf-state-park; www.facebook.com/ GulfStatePark, (251-948-7275). You can “bike share” a bike there rather than renting or bringing your own for up to 3 hours. Beautiful trails and even camping

The Photo Opp Shop, Photo by Cathy Gant Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Photo by Carol Evans

and rental cottages can be found here. There are also great educational opportunities from the same folks that serve area schools here.

No trip to the beach is complete without a sunset cruise, and Anonyme Cruises Inc. is your perfect host (www. facebook.comanonymecruises/, 251-2236673). You may encounter a dolphin or two, and you’ll see wildlife and beautiful homes and scenery along the way.

Before you go, be sure to check out some of the Coastal Crafters (www. gulfshores.com/things-to-do/coastalcrafters.) A great source for gifts, that special souvenir to take home and more.

For more information about Gulf Shores & Orange Beach tourism, visit wwww.gulfshores.com.

Carol Muse Evans is publisher/editor of Birmingham Parent.

WHERE TO STAY:

Harris Vacation Rentals

877-446-4853 or 951-948-3018 www.gulfshores.com/lodging/condo/ harris-vacation-rentals/ or https://ourgulfshoresvacation.com/ Our stay was at Pass Time Cottage, right on the bay and across the street from the beach, where we walked on a path right under the bridge and street, eliminating the need to cross a busy street. Beautifully appointed home with great views! Several of these homes share a nice pool.

WHAT TO DO: The beach is the obvious thing to do in Gulf Shores, but there are all sorts of fun and unique things to do when you want a change of pace, need to get out of the sun or if it rains.

WHERE TO EAT: • Always check ahead. Some

dinner locations may require reservations in prime tourism season. Some restaurants (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will allow you to get on a wait list by phone or on social media.

Fresh Off the Boat

27627 Perdido Beach Blvd. Unit D1 Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-709-7079 Facebook.com/freshoba Amazing fresh seafood and other terrific entries for those no-seafood eaters. Casual atmosphere with waterfront dining and can easily accommodate children. Sometimes has live music.

Hazel’s Nook

120 E. Ft. Morgan Rd. Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251-968-7065 www.hazelsnook.com www.facebook.com/ hazelsnookgulfshores/ Get your yummy classic breakfast here in this old-style diner. Breakfasts to order or do the breakfast buffet. Lunch is served with great selections such as meat and threes and a lunch buffet.

Safari Club (at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo)

20499 Oak Rd. E. Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251-256-7007 www.safariclubgulfshores.com www.facebook.com/safariclubgulfshores/ This is a terrific restaurant when visiting the zoo, or for a special trip, as zoo admission is not required to go. Feel like you are eating on safari with the beautiful décor and fun options for kids. Eat on the patio! Internationally-inspired and fitting menu for a place with animals from around the world.

YoHo Rum and Tacos (at the Wharf)

4851 Wharf Pkwy. Ste. D116 Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-224-6500 www.yohorumandtacos.com/ www.facebook.com/YoHoRumandTacos A great change while visiting the Wharf. Family friendly! Custom tacos, entrees and cocktails.

Brick & Spoon

24705 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-981-7772 www.brickandspoonrestaurant.com www.facebook.com/brickandspoonoba Another GREAT breakfast option! Tasty lunch, brunch and breakfast options. They do not take reservations.

Woodside Restaurant at Gulf State Park

20249 State Park Road Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251-923-2911 www.woodsideatgsp.com www.facebook.com/WoodsideRestaurantGSP/ A great stop for lunch when enjoying Gulf State Park. Order sandwiches, soups and more at the counter in a casual atmosphere. Great for children. Enjoy the dining room or eating on the screened in porch.

Carver's Steakhouse

25775 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach, AL 36561 850-450-6682 www.carvershouse.com/ www.facebook.com/carverssteakhouse This restaurant had only recently opened when we visited, and it is sure to stay around. Great steaks, amazing lobster bisque and other offerings with impeccable service. Fine for children, but a more upscale experience.

The Ruby Slipper Cafe

24151 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561 Tel: (504) 723-0726 www.therubyslippercafe.net www.facebook.comRubySlipperOrangeBeach Great lunch, brunch and breakfast options, and very family friendly.

Orange Beach Tourism Gulf State Park, courtesy of Gulf Shores &

Photo by Carol Evans, Harris Vacation Rentals, Pass Time Cottage

Gulf State Park, courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism