Beachin' (Dec. 2014)

Eating • Exploring • Fun • Services • Shopping December 2014

Beachin’ Your guide to life on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Holiday fun at the beach

The Wharf’s Winter Wonderland festive activities and shopping

Volume 17, Number 12

New Year’s Eve events to welcome 2015

Who’s on the Island Gulf Coast Newspapers GulfVisitorGuide.com

Wildlife at Gulf State Park

2

Beachin’

December 2014

GulfVisitorGuide.com

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Light up THE NIGHT. Light up THE NIGHT. Free Pandora Sleigh Free Pandora Sleigh Ornament with $125 Ornament with $125 Pandora Purchase.

Pandora Purchase.

While supplies last, limit one per customer While supplies last, limit one per customer

Diamond Jewelers Diamond Jewelers GULF SHORES th Ave. East GULF SHORES 108 20 In Gulf Shores, AL th 108 20 Ave.251.967.4141 East In Gulf Shores, AL 251.967.4141

Beachin’

3

4

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

a letter from the associate

editor

Hello there...

Though the beach isn’t known for Christmas, the coast offers a wide variety of holiday joy and entertainment that draws in people from all over to get into the holiday spirit. Christmas tree lightings, last-minute holiday shopping deals, a variety of Christmas concerts and the annual Christmas boat parade are just a few events to look forward to in the cold month of December. Kids are welcome to visit Santa at many locations in the area and activities like ice skating and horse and carriage rides add to the excitement. Take advantage of the holiday festivities that bring so much cheer to the coast.

$30

— Destiny Brown

VALUE!

BEACH ACCESS No fees for beach access; parking is free at most of these public beaches.

FREE GIFT!30

BIG DOGS POLAR THROW BLANKET!

$

VALUE!

FREE WITH $100 PURCHASE WHEN THIS COUPON IS PRESENTED SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. MUST PRESENT AT TIME OF PURCHASE. NOT VALID ON PRIOR PURCHASES. MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS OR GWP OFFER. EXPIRES 12/24/14

TANGER OUTLETS - FOLEY 2601 S MCKENZIE STREET UNIT 110 (251) 943-5557

Florida Point: Located 0.3 miles east of Perdido Pass Bridge

Romar Beach: Located 6.8 miles east of Highway 59

Cotton Bayou: Located at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161

The Gulf State Park Pavilion Area: Located six miles east of Highway 59. $6 fee to park all day ($12 for large vans).

Gulf Shores Public Beach: Located where Highway 59 dead-ends.

Gulf Shores Second Street Public Beach: Located two blocks west of Highway 59.

A specialty publication of Gulf Coast Newspapers publisher Sudie Gambrell

Advertising Frank Kustura

sgambrell@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

fkustura@gulfcoastnewspapers.com 251.943.2151

Associate Editor Destiny Brown dbrown@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Design Paige Renka

COPY Editor John Mullen

Contributing Writers and Photographers

jmullen@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Coastal Photography Club, Capt. Phil Dortch and Capt. Mark Robinson

Beachin’ magazine is published monthly by Gulf Coast Media, LLC, PO Box 509 - Robertsdale, AL 36567 - 251.947.7712.

Distributed free by The Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and at other locations throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Gulf Coast Media accepts no responsibility in the guarantee of goods and services advertised herein.

GulfVisitorGuide.com Eating • Exploring • Fun • Services • Shopping December 2014

Beachin’ Your guide to life on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Holiday fun at the beach

The Wharf’s Winter Wonderland festive activities and shopping

Volume 17, Number 12

New Year’s Eve events to welcome 2015

Who’s on the Island Gulf Coast Newspapers GulfVisitorGuide.com

Wildlife at Gulf State Park

December 2014

about the cover

Beachin’

Our cover photo is courtesy of Santa’s Arrived, www.SantaIsArriving.com.

Santa is coming to town and he will be making an appearance at many locations on the Island. Check out What to Do at the beach on page 23 for more chances to meet this jolly guy.

contents Gulf Shores Christmas parade Parade kicks off Coastal Christmas

6

Merry Market GCAA to display art

7

Birthday Parties Bridal Showers Baby Showers Private Crops Classes

10% Off Purchase thru 12/31/2014

16

Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm

Hooked on fishin’ with Phil Dortch

18

(Co. Rd. 20, East of Hwy. 59 on the left before the Beach Express)

Who’s on the Island Patti Hall

21

What to Do

23 26

New Year’s Eve at the beach Ring in 2015 at these events

Winter Wonderland The Wharf’s holiday celebration

10062 Tony Drive, Foley, AL 36535

Coastal Photography Club Holiday Feast

27

Music listings Local bands and shows

28

29 Aaron Neville Brings New Orleans to Orange Beach Wildlife at Gulf State Park Beachin’ Churches Dining Guide

251-971-2005

35 36 37-56

www.gigiscrapbookin.com

Billy’s Seafood

If It Swims, We’ve Got It!

Fresh Seafood Daily From Our Boats

251-949-6288

Co. Rd. 10 W. Bon Secour, AL

www.billys-seafood.com COUPON

$5.00 OFF 5 LBS. OR MORE HEADLESS SHRIMP

(Not Valid with Any Other Coupon or Discount)

$1.00 OFF PER LB. HEADLESS SHRIMP

(Not Valid with Any Other Coupon or Discount)

"Gift Certificates Available"

5

6

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Gulf Shores Christmas parade lights up with holiday spirit

C

hristmas is just around the corner and the City of Gulf Shores is once again gearing up to celebrate with a full array of holiday events. Whether it’s marveling at the magical glow of the lighted parade or rocking to holiday tunes with multi-platinum artists Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, families young and old are invited to join in on the excitement of the season.

“The City of Gulf Shores is proud to be partnering with the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and local businesses in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to promote the Coastal Christmas campaign,” Grant Brown, recreation and cultural affairs director said. “We encourage all businesses to participate by decorating for the season to help our community become an unforgettable holiday destination.”

Gulf Shores will kick off its holiday festivities with the Lighted Christmas Parade and Beach Celebration. The evening parade will feature dozens of festive lighted floats, celebrity judges, appearances from holiday characters and marching bands from around the region.

Large crowds of spectators looking to bask in the holiday spirit are anticipated along Highway 59 as parade entries

make their way from Clubhouse Drive to the Gulf Shores Public Beach.

The magical atmosphere from the parade will roll continuously into the night as a celebration at the Gulf Shores Public Beach will kick off immediately following the parade.

Families can enjoy a stunning lighting ceremony followed by pictures with Santa, a live nativity, holiday treats, crafts and much more.

“We introduced the lighted parade for the first time last year and it was overwhelming success,” Programs and Events Manager Brigette Reynolds said. “The atmosphere throughout the night is truly magical and we’re looking forward to this year being our largest event yet.”

if you go What: Gulf Shores Lighted Christmas Parade and Beach Celebration When: Friday, Dec. 5; 6:30 p.m.

Where: Along Highway 59; starts at Clubhouse Drive and ends at the Gulf Shores Public Beach

Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Gallery to display at Merry Market The original art of members of the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance will be on display and for sale at the Merry Market, which is sponsored by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber.

The focus of members of the GCAA will be on presenting handcreated items for Christmas. There will be pottery, paintings, woodcarved items, traditional and Christmas jewelry, original art Christmas cards, original art calendars, hand-loomed scarves and textiles and hand-created Christmas ornaments.

For additional information about the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance and the Merry Market, visit gulfcoastartsalliance.com or mygulfcoastchamber.com. Those interested can also email gulfcoastartsalliance@gmail. com or telephone 251-948-2627.

The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is a nonprofit organization with offices and Art Gallery at 225 E. 24th Ave. in the Waterway Village of Gulf Shores.

if you go What: Merry Market Unique Gifts and Arts and Crafts Expo When: Friday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: Orange Beach Event Center COST: Free admission FIND OUT MORE: Visit AlabamaCoastalChristmas.com

thewharforangebeach

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

Stay and play at The Wharf Marina and Condos – right in the middle of all the fun.

Visit alwharf.com for more information!

Merry Christmas!

Smack-Talking Tees!

Get Your SEC Apparel Here

Personalize Your Gift With 30 Years Experience!

Tees • Tags • Hats & More Largest Selection of

SEC Hats

in Lower Alabama

HOME OF THE FREE T-SHIRT!

Fric ‘N Frac • 251-224-2345 • 4751 Main St., Ste. 117 Orange Beach, AL 36561 • Fax 251-224-2340

Your Imagination Is Our Only Limitation!

Want to Reach More Tourists and Locals and Increase Your Sales?

Call our Beachinʼ Media Consultant, Frank Kustura!

With experience and skills in marketing consulting, Frank will work with business owners to grow their businesses.

Contact Frank today at 251 943-2151 or e-mail fkustura@gulfcoastnewspapers.com and enjoy your success!

9

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Discover dozens of locally-owned boutiques and unique shops to delight the most seasoned shopper.

Visit alwharf.com for more information!

The

Bag Lady

WHERE FASHION AND FUN MEET AFFORDABILITY.

Merry Christmas!

10

The Bag Lady

4751 Wharf Parkway, Suite 114, Orange Beach, AL 36561

251-224-5239 • shopthebaglady.com

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

The Wharf is the Gulf Coast’s most inviting resort destination with exciting and diverse entertainment, retail and dining options.

Visit alwharf.com for more information!

A We Open 10 am - ? Seven Days

ek

Now serving hot, fresh homemade soup!

Drop a toy off for

Santa‘s Helper Toy Drive and receive 10%

off your purchase.

We Wish You A Very Merry Christmas!!

Sandwiches • Ice Cream Smoothies Fries • Hamburgers Hot Dogs • Chili Dogs

251-981-4600 • Suite F120 Orange Beach, AL See Our Menu On Page 39

11

12

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Enjoy fine dining, casual southern flair and local seafood favorites.

Visit alwharf.com for more information!

Abundant Necklace- JN931S- $128.00 Abundant Post Drop Earrings- JE799S- $60.00 Abundant Ring- J6188S- $58.00 Express your style and taste by putting together your own unique piece of jewelry!

The Wharf 4476 Main St., Suite 110 Orange Beach, AL 36561 • 251.224.5555 Visit us in Foley and New Orleans also!

opping For your sh ce, convenien n we are ope m 7p – m a Sunday 11 day rs u h T – Monday m 10am – 6p turday Friday & Sa m 9 – 10am p

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Enjoy fine dining, casual southern flair and local seafood favorites.

Visit alwharf.com for more information!

4776 MAIN STREET | SUITE 110 ORANGE BEACH, AL | 251.224.5555

Beachin’

13

14

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Enjoy fine dining, casual southern flair and local seafood favorites.

Visit alwharf.com for more information!

Proud Sponsor of Free the Hops-Alabamians for Specialty Beer.

4780 Wharf Parkway, Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-224-6500 www.ginnylanebargrill.com

Contemporary, Fresh & Fun with Live Music, Cold Beer and Creative Cocktails served with Delicious Food including our special of the day or Gulf of Mexico seafood--it’s always fresh!

OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL

8/dozen

$

Happy Hour 3-6pm Everyday

$2.00 Domestic Bottled Beer • $1.00 Off All Drafts $4.00 Draft Beer Flights • $3.50 House Wine & Well Drinks

Weekly Specials

Monday: $12.99 Steak Night • $5 Margaritas

New York Strip, Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Zucchini

Tuesday: Dinner Only: $18 1 lb. Steamed Royal Reds Served over Roasted Potatoes and Sauteed Vegetables

Wednesday: Dinner Only: $14.99 Prime Rib

Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans - Add a Caesar Salad for $2

Thursday: $12 Baked Salmon - Broccoli & Rice $5 Martinis - (well & call) Friday & Saturday Dinner Special: 6oz Braveheart New York Strip Medallion Sunday:

With 1/2 pound of Snow Crab Legs, served over Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus Champagne Brunch 11am-3pm:

$2 Bloody Marys • $1 Mimosas ~ GLUTEN FREE MENU AVAILABLE ~

The first martini is on us during lunch until 4 pm Monday-Saturday!

Classic Martini Grapefruit Martini Banana Split Pineapple Melon Raspberry Martini Mango Chile Martini

Lunch Specials Mon.-Sat. 11am-6pm Includes A Tea!

$10 Hamburger Steak Pecan Encrusted Chicken Mahi Tacos $9 Chicken Piccata Shrimp Scampi Lemon Artichoke Chicken Pan Seared Flounder $8 Red Beans & Rice Fried Flounder Home Style Meat Loaf Blackened Chicken Pasta

We are open till midnight on New Year's Eve at the wharf and taking reservations.

See Our Menu On Page 38

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

ADVERTISEMENT

15

Anthony Jones ... Well Worth A Visit!

Voted The Best Salon in Baldwin County in 2014

It was a beautiful summer morning when we left Fairhope, low humidity and not a cloud in the sky. We were on our way down to Orange Beach to check out a business that many of our friends have told us about, this Englishman who had opened a Hair Salon on the beach with his daughter Emma. My hair is very important to me and getting a good haircut is a must, and that is what Anthony Jones is known for and excellent hair color to boot.

We have both been very dissatisfied with the last few attempts on designing our hair to suit our lifestyles; most of the so called stylists did not take into consideration our age or understand that we both want to look great without a lot of fuss and bother.

The traffic was a bit heavy due to the summer visitors, but we arrived on time to this charming yellow and white beach house on the beach road with a fabulous view of the Gulf of Mexico. We were greeted warmly by Anthony and Emma and they ask us if we would like a cold drink or a glass of wine before he started making us beautiful.

Pam, my friend, went first since I was a little chicken after the last experiences. Anthony directed her to a styling chair and went on to explain the ten most important rules in designing a custom hairstyle to suit her. He first looked at her face shape and explained that there are five face shapes out there and told her her face shape was oval. The next was bone structure and head shape, after that was the type of her hair, the texture of her hair, then what sort of condition her hair was in, followed by the way the hair grows out of the head, plus cow licks, then her likes and dislikes and fashion. Wow! What a lot of things to get right.

So then Emma started with a relaxing shampoo and deep conditioning, then for the next 30 minutes Anthony’s hands were a sea of motion, lastly a quick blow dry with hardly any fuss and presto she was finished! She was so happy and she could not believe the difference in her hair.

Now it was my turn, my hair especially in the summer

gets very frizzy and dry; I have tried everything out there for my hair with no success! Anthony explained that commercial hair products are made different to professional hair products. Commercial shampoos are made of mild detergent and the conditioners are based on petroleum oil. Where professional hair products are pure and natural and give back to the hair, he also went on to say that we should all wash our hair every day and condition our hair the same.

Anthony explained that at all times our hair has to have at least 8% moisture in it the same as our skin, we should treat our hair the same way as we treat our skin, by moisturizing it every day which made a lot of sense to me, since the last stylist told me not to wash my hair every day because in her mind it would dry it out.

Anthony explained to me that yes using some drug store products would dry your hair out if washed daily. After we went through the ten rules, he took me to the shampoo area and treated me to the best shampoo and conditioning my hair had ever had.

While shampooing, Emma explained to me what I should do in the morning in the shower, again stressing no over-the-counter hair products, that’s why my hair is dry and frizzy. After shampooing and before conditioning, towel blot the hair because the hair is porous like a sponge, putting any conditioner on one’s hair when it is full of water will not go into the hair itself, so blot it first then apply the product and leave it in while you are washing yourself. Then before you leave the shower, rinse and count up to 10 slowly and stop, just rinse the excess and no more.

After she explained to me the hows & whys, I understood. They are like hair doctors, if we listen and do what they says it works! Anthony has his own line of products and everything he used on me was his and believe me the stuff works. The cut he gave me was wonderful; I walked out a new woman and so did Pam, no more frizzes! Oh, by the way he used a great product before he dried my hair called “POTION.” It is a gel with a lot of healing features with body, fabulous! I bought a bottle. Best money we ever spent and yes, we are definitely going back. He is a true professional.

Well worth a visit!

Anthony’s salon is at 23175 Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach & their phone number is 251.974.1514.

Please say we sent you!

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE

BEACH Many venues at the beach have plenty to offer to make the transition to 2015 unforgettable. Don't miss these merry festivities to ring in the new year!

All events on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

1

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

17

New Years Eve Bash WHEN: Begins at 7 p.m.

WHERE: The Flora-Bama Lounge and Package COST: $40 in advance up to Dec. 30; $45 at the door or gift shop on Dec. 31 for ages 21 and up; $55 at the door for ages 18-20; $10 at the door for ages 18-20 who purchased an advance ticket at $40.

Ticket Includes: Free food from 7 p.m. until, free breakfast sandwiches out of the gift shop bar starting at 12:30 a.m., free champagne, party favors and live music on three stages.

Menu: royal reds, shrimp Alfredo, jambalaya, fish bites, chicken tenders, chicken salad sandwiches, quarter burgers, grilled veggies, sweet potato fries, dinner rolls, dessert - cheesecake slices, and dessert bites.

2

Photo courtesy of The Wharf

The Flora-Bama really gets down on New Year’s Eve. Blow it all out before making those pesky resolutions. Live music on all three stages will be rockin’ until the party stops. Food, party favors and champagne flow all night to help bring in the New Year the Flora-Bama way.

“Reelin’” in the New Year Street Party WHERE: Main Street, The Wharf, Orange Beach COST: Free to the public; VIP tickets $90 Celebrate New Year's Eve at The Wharf with its annual street party on Main Street, featuring live music throughout the night.

Enjoy games and activities for the entire family. Experience the signature "Marlin Drop" countdown to 2015 and spectacular firework show at midnight. Upgrade your experience with VIP tickets to the Jim Beam Kentucky Fire VIP Club in the Palms. A VIP ticket allows you to watch the activities on Main Street and is the perfect place to catch the firework show. VIP ticket holders will also enjoy hors d'oeuvres, complimentary adult beverages, comfortable lounge areas and New Year's Eve party favors. VIP tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

3 4

NYE Hangout Peace Out WHERE: The Hangout, Gulf Shores COST: $35 in advance/$50 VIP Live music by Kristy Lee and Dirt Road Revival, The Mulligan Brothers and The Hussy Hicks. There will be a midnight buffet, champagne toast and a balloon drop with Hangout Music Festival tickets. Special lodging deals available, contact Laura at laura@thehangout.com or visit www.thehangout.com.

LuLu's Eighth Annual Noon Year’s Eve WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WHERE: LuLu's, Gulf Shores Think your year couldn't possibly get any better, just wait and see what LuLu's has in store to help you end the year with a bang.

LuLu's Annual Noon Year's Eve party is pure excitement around every corner. From delicious food, sandcastle building contest, arts and crafts, live music, zoo animals, face painting, and more. To count it down to noon, celebrate with kid-friendly fireworks and a huge beach ball drop. Kid-safe fireworks, games, clowns and ive music

by L’Angelus.

18

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

on fishin’ with Phil Dortch Fishing is mentioned in more than a third of the books of the Bible. Jesus fed 5,000 people with fish and bread. Great meal. Peter and his crew fished all day and caught nothing, but then cast their nets on the other side and fellow fisherman had to help pull in their catch. What’s up with that?

Everyone talks about the fish they caught, but what about those days when we don’t even get a bite? The wife accuses us of just boat riding.

Then there’s the age-old question, “Were the fish even there or just not biting what we had to offer?” Visit any tackle shop and you’ll find thousands of different baits that all promise to catch fish. So what’s wrong?

There are many reasons, or excuses, why we don’t catch fish. The more we learn about our failures, the better fisherman we will become.

Tide is often a major factor. Fish seem to like moving water. I like to fish a strong outgoing tide on Dixey Bar when looking for Bull Reds. That being said, we still may not have success. Fish swim at will and Dixey Bar is a huge area with various depths and no structure.

On many occasions, we have tied up to bay rigs only to watch the boat next to us haul in fish on every cast while we never got a bite. So often it’s the little things that make the difference. You have to be flexible. What worked yesterday may not work today. You must always have a plan B. Many other factors hinder our success. A full moon the night before may cause the fish to feed at night.

Contrary to popular belief, fish don’t eat all the time.

Water clarity often makes a difference in line size, bait color or the fish just being spooked.

Readily available are feeding charts or devices to suggest preferred bait colors. The method of live bait is sometimes critical. Hooking live bait in the mouth or nose and allowing it to swim is important. If trolling, hook the bait fish in the mouth or nose, allowing it to swim naturally. Fish don’t swim backwards. If bottom fishing in deep water, you may hook the bait behind the dorsal fin allowing the bait to go deep. When fishing for toothy critters like Spanish, kings or bluefish, wire is essential. Even that doesn’t always work. They often hit the shiny lead sinker. Try painting the sinker black to avoid flash and experiment with different methods to see what works.

Salinity and water temperature are also important.

When there is a lot of rain and fresh water is flooding into the bay, don’t stop fishing. Salty water is heavier, therefore the deeper water may still hold fish.

Different fish prefer different water temperature.

When Mobile Bay gets cold, specks move to the delta rivers seeking deeper water with constant temperatures.

They will be much more lethargic than in warmer water, so slow down your presentation.

Fronts and barometric pressure need to be noted.

Learn when and where different fish migrate to spawn.

They obviously follow bait.

We have only scratched the surface of reasons we didn’t catch anything that beautiful sunny day, but the more we learn what we are doing wrong, the more success we will have.

Keeping a fishing log of when and where we had success, noting details like tide, temperature, location, bait and moon phase will become valuable in the future.

December is a great month to start searching for sheepshead. Bay PHIL DORTCH rigs, piers and bridges are typical hangouts since sheepshead love eating barnacles growing on structure. Fish with live or fresh dead shrimp, fiddler crabs, ghost shrimp or pieces of oyster. Sheepshead make great table fare but are difficult to clean unless you know how.

YouTube is loaded with videos teaching ways to filet any type fish. This is one of my favorite simple recipes that can be used for any fish.

Ingredients: n Fish filets n One egg n Milk, as needed n Panko bread crumbs (Japanese style bread crumbs) n Olive oil n Salt, pepper and old bay seasoning Recipe: Mix one egg with milk Dip filets in liquid mixture then coat with Panko. Fry in olive oil in skillet.

Season with salt, pepper and Old Bay or your favorite seasoning.

Serve with grits or pasta. Enjoy.

Remember, take a kid fishing, obey the rules and get home safe. Any day on the water is fun and catching fish is a bonus.

251-223-3682 islandwestcharters@yahoo.com www.islandwestcharters.com

RSC beachin:Layout 1 8/26/2013 7:52 AM Page 1

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

Reel Fishing, Reel Fun.

Trips from $65/person 251.981.FISH 800.806.7889

w w w. r e e l s u r p r i s e c h a r t e r s . c o m

19

20

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

nnual 55 A

e d a r a P s a m n t o i s t i a r h e e l C Beach Ce Lighted

&

s a m t Chris sons Nel e wii

a Coastal Christmas will be

5

Lighted Christmas Parade & Beach Celebration Free to the public

6:30 p.m.

Hwy 59 / Gulf Shores Public Beach

9

20

Christmas with the Nelsons Free tickets available by calling 968-1174

Erie H. Meyer Civic Center

Breakfast with Santa $5.00 for breakfast - 3 & Under Free

Erie H. Meyer Civic Center

6:30 p.m.

8 a.m.

GulfVisitorGuide.com

Capt. Mark asks,

December 2014

Beachin’

21

‘Who’s on the Island?’

When Hurricane Ivan came, evacuation was the only option. There is not a zoo in the country, or the world, that has a transport cage for every single one of their animals because they never think they will have to take them all off site at one time.

They may have a half-dozen transport cages but never enough to cage, and keep caged, about 400 animals. This zoo had to be able to transport, and house, everything from a small bird to Class A animals. Class “A” are the dangerous ones that can kill you.

Patti Hall approached it like she has everything else in her life. The words “can’t be done” weren’t in her vocabulary. She put out a call for welders to build cages, and also got hog pens from the co-op, and in three days was able to move every one of the animals.

Arriving at their temporary home, the big cats in cages had to be left on trailers. All of these animals were moved to her farm in Elberta, along with 32 members of the zoo crew family, 11 domestic dogs and 12 domestic cats, that stayed at her house for seven weeks.

The days following the hurricane were hot and humid. The local fire department came to help cool down the animals, and because of her efforts and with the help

of the community, they were able to save all of the animals.

The zoo was 17 feet under water.

MARK Chucky the 11-foot alligator floated out of his cage, but contrary to popular belief, he ROBINSON never got out of the perimeter of the zoo. Stories had it that he was running rampant on the Gulf Coast and eating pet dogs, cats and little children. Even CNN had a story running worldwide about Chucky.

After the hurricane, every year for four years, CNN would call and ask how Chucky was. Of the entire episode, she says, “It wasn’t a zoo, it was a three-ring circus.”

Patti was chosen as Person Of The Week on Peter Jennings’ “World News Tonight”, the Weather Channel featured the zoo in an Animal Storm Story and she appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

National Geographic and People magazine also featured Patti and the story of the evacuations to her home.

Patti Hall was born in Reading, Ohio, a little town north of Cincinnati. Her dad played pro baseball for the Cincinnati Reds and was a local celebrity.

When Patti was 2 years old, her father was injured,

22

Beachin’

December 2014

and forced to retire from the sport. He then went to work for a golf club manufacturer.

After high school, Patti went to University of Louisville, and graduated as an art major. She had always wanted to be a vet, but was told by her high school guidance counselor that “women don’t become vets.” They told her she’d never be accepted into veterinary school even though her grades were exceptional. She attended a Catholic high school, so she even had several courses in Latin, a subject she thought she’d need in studying medicine.

She just couldn’t believe she couldn’t get into a vet school. Her dad had raised her and her three sisters to be able to fish, hunt, hike, hit a baseball and throw a football as well as any of her male counterparts. Suddenly, the women’s lib movement made a little sense.

She had been brought up to believe that you could do, or be, anything you wanted if you worked hard to achieve your goal. To now be told you couldn’t be a vet because you’re a woman, was devastating.

She ended up majoring in art, but when she got out of school she volunteered to work in the local zoo. After graduation, she took a job teaching in a Montessori school, and eventually became director. She stayed there for about eight years. Wanting to broaden her experience, she accepted a position to assist in spearheading a pilot project funded under the Older Americans Act. Moving on, she worked for an agency where she was in charge of the Travel Department. She got to travel all over the world. Patti is a people person, and “never meets a stranger.” She still keeps in touch with many of the people she met in her travels. During one of her trips down to St. Thomas, she met the publisher of the major newspaper for the islands. He was an American whose company had re-located him there. Two years later, they ended up getting married, and Patti moved to St. Thomas where they lived for two years. Crime was terrible, and though she absolutely loved the island life, after several crime incidents, they headed back to the mainland.

Patti spent the next 14 years in the publishing field with her husband, holding key management positions with the American Cities Business Group, and general manager for American International Publishing Inc. Eventually, they decided it was time to retire, and sold the international magazine he had started.

Patti was a “Southern girl by heart.” They had moved to Connecticut, but she hated the cold. One day they got in their car, with no itinerary, and drove down the East Coast as far as Savannah, cut across to the Gulf Coast and ended up in Gulf Shores where Patti had a friend whose family owned the Pink Pony Pub, and Sea Horse Motel.

She fell in love with the area, and decided that this was where they wanted to live.

The day they arrived, the water was turquoise blue, the sand snow white, the temperature was perfect and everything just felt right. After uprooting, they bought on Ono Island. Moving to Ono Island in 1995, she got restless from being a stay-at-home wife. She again volunteered to work at the zoo. She gave more and more of her time to the zoo. Eventually, she was put in charge of certain areas of the zoo. Fellow workers here started gravitating to her for advice, or assistance. The previous director started asking her to do business reports, and

GulfVisitorGuide.com

had her handling the everyday operations. She never dreamed she’d become the director of the zoo, but working with animals was her passion. She loved the animals, and the people who cared for them. In June of 1997, she was asked to become the director, and she accepted. She was hired to run the zoo for the summer, and was told that in the fall, that the zoo would be dissolved. She was told that there was just no money to keep it going. Patti said to the board of directors, “Give me a chance. With all the developments, and people moving in, there has to be money around.”

The board agreed to let her try, but told her, “Don’t come before us in January and ask for money to feed the animals or pay the staff. There is none.” She walked out of the office, ready to attack the problems.

She got the zoo cleaned up, got the proper diets for the animals to make them healthy, and invited real estate people to her home for Sunday morning breakfasts and hit them up for donations.

For the first two years, she didn’t take a paycheck in order to help make her payroll. Animal Planet became aware of the extraordinary efforts made by Patti and her staff to save the animals from harm’s way and featured the zoo in a 13-part series which aired throughout 2006 and internationally beginning in 2008 to the present.

She was asked to help make the Series on Animal Planet (“The Little Zoo That Could”) which gave the zoo, and the island, national and international attention. It also made the zoo a significant amount of money through donations, and they even had money willed to the zoo after the series. The zoo is nonprofit, and money is always an issue.

“Extraordinary” doesn’t even come close to describing this remarkable lady. They say that only 2 percent of the people in the world have red hair and blue eyes.

She’s definitely a lady in the top percent, but not just because of her red hair and freckles, but because she’s a lady that has done spectacular things, never ducked from responsibility and tackled every problem that has come along, head-on. She’s a lady that young adults can, and should, look up to with admiration. She demonstrates what can be accomplished with a lot of hard work, and determination. Those on the island can be proud of her, and are fortunate to have her here to contribute to what’s good about where we live. She gives the tourists another reason that this is a destination spot, and gives us all another place to enjoy.

Even the snowbirds get involved, and every year for the past nine years, all the snowbird clubs have come together and put on “The Low Country Boil,” a wonderful fundraiser that helps to keep the zoo going. As Patti walked around the zoo, I watched her interact with zoo crew, children, adults and adult parents who were visitors. All will agree, “to know her is to love her.” Patti Hall is a great lady who I’m proud to be able to call her my friend.

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

23

at the beach Tuesday, Dec. 2

Orange Beach Tree Lighting

Marlin Circle at The Wharf 5:30 – 7 p.m.

The City of Orange Beach will host its Official Tree Lighting at The Wharf. This free event is open to all ages. Community groups will have hot chocolate, arts and crafts and cookie decorating booths. Santa will arrive on a fire truck. Be sure to check out all Coastal Christmas events AlabamaCoastalChristmas.com.

For more information, call 251-981-6629.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Coastal Christmas with Aaron Neville

Orange Beach Events Center at The Wharf 5 p.m.

Reserved seating is $50 and up and premium reserved seating is $100 and up R&B and soul singer Aaron Neville will be part of this year’s Coastal Christmas holiday events schedule.

For more information call 251-259-5512 or email coastalchristmasal@gmail.com.

is part of the Coastal Christmas celebration.

For more information call 251-968-1172 or visit GulfShoresAl.gov.

Mirams Taste of the Island

Orange Beach Events Center at The Wharf 6 p.m. $50 The Mystical Order of Mirams eighth annual event will include a raffle for a loaded red sports cart valued at $12,500. Price of admission is all inclusive for food and drink. For more information, call 251-269-0555, email mustangjuju@hotmail.com or visit Mirams.info.

Saturday, Dec. 6

The Wharf’s Holiday Open House 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 8

Baldwin Pops Christmas Concert

Summerdale City Hall, Summerdale 7 – 9 p.m.

The second annual Classical Christmas Concert for the Marjorie Younce Snook Library. Call 251-989-6412 or 251-978-3245 for more information.

Foley Civic Center, 407 E. Laurel Ave., Foley 7 – 9 p.m.

Admission is free but attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots.

There will be a special guest appearance for all the kids to meet and greet during the first half of the concert.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and seating is limited to 430 people. For more information, go to VisitFoley.org or call 251-943-1300.

Friday, Dec. 5

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Heritage Park Pavilion and John B. Foley Park; North McKenzie and East Laurel Avenue in downtown Foley 6 p.m.

Festivities include the lighting of the city Christmas tree, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa, complete with elves. Local businesses, churches and civic groups decorate live trees with a theme of their choice to create a “Christmas Tree Lane.” The mayor lights the official Christmas tree, local school groups sing carols and the Foley Caboose Club provides free train rides around the park for children of all ages. Folks can stroll through a miniature Christmas village and the Christmas Tree Lane, while enjoying free treats and sipping on hot cocoa. For more information call 251-943-1545.

Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, 260 Clubhouse Drive, Gulf Shores 7 p.m.

Gulf Shores continues its holiday celebration as multiplatinum recording artists Matthew and Gunnar Nelson present Christmas with the Nelsons. This family affair tells the story of three family Christmases in the lives of America’s favorite family – The Nelsons. Matthew and Gunnar deliver Christmas classics the Nelson Family way by interweaving quick humor, soaring vocals, and state of the art big screen video to take you on a sleigh ride through time.

Second Annual Classical Christmas Concert

Christmas in the Park

Fifth Annual City of Gulf Shores Christmas Parade

From Clubhouse Drive to the Gulf Shores Public Beach; 1905 W. First Street, Gulf Shores 6:30 – 9 p.m.

The Fifth Annual City of Gulf Shores Christmas Parade

Christmas with the Nelsons

Thursday, Dec. 11

Light Up Orange Beach Competition

Free to enter The Orange Beach Garden Club is putting on the 2014 Light Up Orange Beach Competition. They are asking for Orange Beach residents to participate by decorating and lighting up their homes and/or businesses during the holiday season. Prizes will be awarded.

24

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

at the beach Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13

pricing. Visit UnitedWay-bc.org for more information.

Orange Beach Events Center at The Wharf 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Admission is free and it is open to the public.

The third annual market will offer two days of fine arts, arts and craft and unique gifts. It is part of the Coastal Christmas events.

For more information call 251-968-7200.

Flora-Bama Santa Drop

Merry Market at The Wharf

Saturday, Dec. 13

Billy Claus at LuLu’s

LuLu’s at Homeport Marina 2-5 p.m.

Billy Claus and the LuLuBelles will arrive in a surprise style. Bring the whole family for a day of fun. There will be arts and crafts for the kids, a letter station for children to write letters for Billy to take to his big brother Santa Claus and Billy and the LuLuBelles will be available for photos with the children.

At dusk the Nautical Night of Lights Boat Parade begins at LuLu’s.

29th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

Starts at LuLu’s at Homport Marina and ends at Zeke’s 5:30 p.m.

The 29th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade will begin at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina. The parade will travel east down the Intracoastal Waterway, pass The Wharf (public viewing area), around Bear Point, along the south end of Ono Island, west to Perdido Pass, north into Terry Cove Harbor, south to bridge, and end in Orange Beach.

The estimated time of completion is 8 p.m. Call 251-968-6904 or visit AlabamaCoastalChristmas.com.

Gulf Gala, An Epicurean Celebration of Alabama

Perdido Beach Resort, 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach 6 – 9 p.m. $50 minimum donation per person Experience a night of culinary talent from well-known area chefs and enjoy wine pairings with each culinary feature. There will be an array of silent auction items and jazz music to enjoy. The event will benefit the United Way of Baldwin County.

Weekend room packages are available with culinary events and activities starting Friday night. To purchase tickets call the United Way of Baldwin County office at 251-943-2110. Room reservations can be made by contacting the Perdido Beach Resort at 251-981-9811.

Be sure to mention the “United Way event” for special

Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Santa Claus will parachute down to the Flora-Bama.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still sit on Santa’s lap and ask for whatever you want.

This special day is fun for everyone, especially Cathy Pace and Santa’s helpers who sing Christmas carols with the children.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Coastal Arts Center Hot Shop Blowout 5 – 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 20

Breakfast with Santa

Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, Gulf Shores 8 a.m.

Admission is $5, children 3 and under are free.

Families can dive into a wholesome breakfast complete with sausage, bacon, eggs and pancakes before having pictures taken with Santa.

Thursday, Dec. 25

Flora-Bama Christmas Potluck

Flora-Bama Lounge and Package 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola The Flora-Bama wants you on the line to eat, drink and be merry for its traditional Potluck Dinner. The turkey and ham will be prepared and ready to go.

Patrons are encouraged to bring a covered dish to share, because that’s what Christmas is all about. Live music will be playing all around the bar to add even more Christmas cheer.

Saturday, Dec. 27

2014 Make it to the Line 4 Mile Run/ Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run

Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola Individuals and families up to three members can compete. Participants will receive run packets that include T-shirts and other goodies.

Trophies will be awarded three deep for all age groups in both the run and the walk. Special awards will be given for overall male, overall female, overall wheelchair, master male, master female, grand master male, grand master female, senior grand master male and senior grand master female runners and walkers.

Call 251-236-1765 or visit Florabama.com.

Continued on page 28

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

25

at the beach Continued from page 27

reborn with the Rodgers and Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance.

Call 251-968-6721 or visit sbct.biz.

Thursday, Jan. 1

Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip

On the beach at Flora-Bama Noon Owners Pat McClellan and John McInnis III will lead the crowd into the Gulf.

Holiday Ice Skating at The Wharf

The Wharf, Orange Beach 10 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Prices vary for skate sessions. Visit alwharf.com.

Kiwanis Polar Bear Dip

Tuesday, Dec. 2 – Sunday, Dec. 21

Gulf Shores Public Beach Noon The Kiwanis will host their version of the dip for the third year in the Gulf near the Hangout.

Horse and Carriage Rides

Palm Plaza at The Wharf, Orange Beach $10 per person Ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage.

Ongoing Events

Weekends through Dec. 21, Fridays, 4-8 p.m.; Saturdays, 11am.-4 p.m.; Sundays, noon-4 p.m.

Dec. 6-7, Dec. 12-14

Cinderella (Enchanted Edition)

Photos with Santa at the Wharf

South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 W. Second St., Gulf Shores 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Adults $18, students $15 The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is

The Wharf, Orange Beach $10 per photo Get a commemorative Winter Wonderland photo from The Wharf. For more information, call 251-224-1000.

COBB PInnACle 14

ATe M I T l u S ’ y T un

O BAlDWIn C

e C n Ie r e P X e G In O G MOVIe

• Video arcade • 100% digital projection • Wall to wall screens • Dolby Digital surround sound • 3D capable in 6 theatres • True stadium seating 4 feet between rows • 2 party rooms

ACTIOn BeCOMeS MOTIOn. SOunD BeCOMeS MOTIOn. SCeneS BeCOMe MOTIOn.

nOW SerVInG ICe COlD Beer!

SuMMer MOVIe Fun FOr All AGeS neW MOVIeS eACh WeeK! Shows start at 10am every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Doors open at 9:30am.

• Full-Service Concession – pretzels, pizza, hot dogs, cheese sticks, chicken fingers, and funnel cakes • Discount movie tickets for Senior Citizens and children (all day), Students and Military after 6pm (with valid ID).

SAMe DAy TICKeTInG Only

• Online and Kiosk ticketing

lArGe GrOuPS, SChOOlS AnD CAMPS Are WelCOMe!

• Moviegoer rewards club • Gift Cards available

Cobb Pinnacle 14

3780 Gulf Shores Parkway | Gulf Shores, AL Hwy. 59 just North of the Canal Bridge 251.923.0100 | www.CobbTheatres.com

FOLLOW US

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Photo courtesy of The Wharf

26

Winter Wonderland offers festive family entertainment throughout the New Year The Wharf is bringing cheer with a full season of holiday events and activities.

Holiday Ice Skating at The Wharf

Palm Plaza Monday – Friday from 4 – 10 p.m. ; Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. $10 for a two-hour skate session or $12 for a two-hour skate session and Ferris wheel ticket.

Skate on real ice. The larger rink is the center of all Winter Wonderland activities this season.

Photos with Santa at The Wharf

Palm Plaza Weekends through Dec. 21, Fridays, 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 11am. – 4 p.m.; Sundays, Noon – 4 p.m. $10 per photo Start your holiday tradition with a visit with Santa from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21. Guests will receive a commemorative Winter Wonderland photo with Santa.

For more information, call 251-224-1000.

Horse and Carriage Rides

Palm Plaza Dec. 6 through Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m; Sundays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. $10 per person

Ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage around The Wharf property in a beautifully decorated carriage in holiday garb.

Winter Wonderland at The Wharf

Daily through Jan. 31; 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Enjoy The Wharf’s Light and Sound Spectacular SPECTRA, with free nightly shows every day of the week on Main Street. Get into the spirit of the season with your favorite holiday songs and holiday shopping. Visit alwharf.com for holiday hours and the full schedule of events. For more information, call 251-224-1000.

The Wharf’s Holiday Open House

Dec. 6; 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Celebrate the holidays with exclusive offers from The Wharf retailers.

Christmas Eve Shopping

Dec. 24; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Enjoy all the great Christmas sales first with The Wharf’s Holiday Open House. For your last minute shoppers, the shops at The Wharf will be open on Christmas Eve.

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

27

Holiday Feast Photos submitted by the Coastal Photography Club.

For more information contact Capt. Mark Robinson at 251540-7463 or President Mary Whitworth at 251-550-7050.

Gary Gaston

Margret Hildreth

Mark Robinson

Jeane Carlson

Jeane Carlson

Jeane Carlson

Gary Gaston

Mark Robinson

28

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC

Looking for some live music?

The Gulf Coast has plenty to offer in music and entertainment. This monthly guide will lead you to hot spots for karaoke, open mic, live music and more.

Email Destiny Brown to update or add listings at dbrown@gulfcoastnewspapers.com.

Friday, Dec. 5

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s JERI Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles

Orange Beach

Happy Harbor the Mothership Jay Williams Band Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Ty Bates Saturday, Dec. 6

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s CoConut Radio Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles

Orange Beach

Don’t miss Christmas with the Nelsons at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center Dec. 9

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Ty Bates Sunday, Dec. 7

Karaoke

with Brittany Bell at 9 p.m.

Live Bait Sunday at 8 p.m.

Tacky Jacks Thursday and Saturday at 9 p.m.

Perdido Key

Ft. Morgan

Gulf Shores

Behind The Pines Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Mud Bugs Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.

Pink Pony Pub nightly at 9 p.m.

Tacky Jacks Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

Orange Beach

Island Time Daiquiri Bar Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Live Bait nightly at 8 p.m.

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

Undertow Wednesday – Friday at 9:30 p.m.

Perdido Key

Happy Harbor on the Line Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Open Mic

Gulf Shores

Tacky Jacks Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Orange Beach

Happy Harbor the Mothership Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Island Time Daiquiri Bar Tuesday

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Greg Brown

Orange Beach

Flora-Bama Monday at 6 p.m.

Cobalts Coffee, Black Cosmo’s Brittany Bell

Trivia

Monday, Dec. 8

Orange Beach

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Wednesday at 7 p.m.

local live music Monday, Dec. 1

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Brent Burns Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi Tuesday, Dec. 2

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Jimmy Lumpkin Wednesday, Dec. 3

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Delta Reign Duo

Orange Beach

Orange Beach Events Center Aaron Neville Thursday, Dec. 4

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Adam Holt

Mario Mena Band Saturday, Dec.13

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s CoConut Radio Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles

Orange Beach

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Jay Williams Band Sunday, Dec. 14

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Greg Brown Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles

Orange Beach

Cobalts Coffee, Black Cosmo’s Brittany Bell Monday, Dec. 15

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Brent Burns Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi Tuesday, Dec. 16

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Jimmy Lumpkin Wednesday, Dec. 17

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Brent Burns Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi Tuesday, Dec. 9

Gulf Shores

Erie H. Meyer Civic Center Christmas with the Nelsons

Gulf Shores LuLu’s JERI

Thursday, Dec. 18

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Adam Holt Papa Rocco’s Logan Spicer and Mark LaBorde Friday, Dec. 19

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Adam Simpson Thursday, Dec. 11

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Kyle and Karl Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles

Orange Beach

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Jacob Martin Band

LuLu’s Adam Holt Papa Rocco’s Logan Spicer and Mark LaBorde

Saturday, Dec. 20

Friday, Dec. 12

LuLu’s Sugarcane Jane Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Kyle and Karl Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles

Orange Beach

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar

Gulf Shores

Orange Beach

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Jacob Martin Band Sunday, Dec. 21

GulfVisitorGuide.com

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Greg Brown Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles

Orange Beach

December 2014

Mark LaBorde Friday, Dec. 25

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Brent Burns Wednesday, Dec. 30

Gulf Shores

Cobalts Coffee, Black Cosmo’s Brittany Bell

Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles

Monday, Dec. 22

Gulf Shores

Thursday, Dec. 31

LuLu’s Brent Burns Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi

Sunday, Dec. 27

LuLu’s Noon Years Eve Celebration The Hangout NYE Peace Out

Tuesday, Dec. 23

LuLu’s Cool Rayz

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores

Saturday, Dec. 26 LuLu’s Adam Holt

Gulf Shores

LuLu’s Jimmy Lumpkin

Gulf Shores

Orange Beach

The Wharf Reelin’ in the New Year Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Shane Thomas

LuLu’s Joey Arata

Monday, Dec. 28

Thursday, Dec. 24

LuLu’s Greg Brown

regional calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 29

Saenger Theatre

Gulf Shores

Papa Rocco’s Logan Spicer and

Gulf Shores

Pensacola

Beachin’

29

Friday, Dec. 5 Jeanne Robertson Wednesday, Dec. 31 Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Vinyl Music Hall Friday, Dec. 12 Brian Posehn Friday, Dec. 26 Soulful Christmas Cabaret

Mobile

Saenger Theatre Thursday, Dec. 4 Babes in Toyland Friday, Dec. 5 Jerrod Niemann Thursday, Dec. 18 Trace Adkins – The Christmas Show Soul Kitchen Saturday, Dec. 13 Sam Hunt with Cale Dodds Saturday, Dec. 20 The Molly Ringwalds

Neville brings New Orleans to Orange Beach

W

ith one of the most distinctive voices in American music and a career spanning more than 50 years, Grammy Award-winning singer Aaron Neville brings New Orleans to Orange Beach for the holidays. The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber presents “Christmas with Aaron Neville” on Dec. 3.

The concert will be at the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf as a kickoff to the 2014 Coastal Christmas season.

The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s announcement came Nov. 4 at the Orange Beach City Council meeting and was well received by all in attendance.

“This incredible event has been created by a committed volunteer group determined to stimulate economic growth in our area and help local businesses prosper,” Tourism and Special Events Vice Chairman Braswell McMeans said. “This is just the beginning, we will continue to grow Coastal Christmas and welcome visitors to our area in our shoulder season.”

A native of New Orleans, Aaron Neville has had four platinum-certified albums and four Top 20 hits in the United States, including three that went to No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and one that topped the R&B chart.

His biggest solo successes have been on the Adult Contemporary chart, where ‘Don’t Know Much,” “All My Life,” and “Everybody Plays the Fool” all reached No. 1 in eight European countries. Aaron is a deeply spiritual man with an angelic voice that mesmerizes audiences through his soulful renditions of holiday favorites.

Coastal Christmas is an initiative of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber that is now in its third year. It began in 2012 as a means of promoting and advancing

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach as a world-class holiday destination for both travel and shopping.

The initiative is chaired by Chamber Board Member Todd Edwards and is overseen by McMeans.

Tickets went on sale Thursday, at 10 a.m. for $50. A limited number of premium seat packages are available for $100.

“Christmas with Aaron Neville” is an all-ages event.

Tickets are required for all attendees.

For more information visit www.alabamacoastalchristmas.com. For questions or sponsorship information call 251-259-5512 or email coastalchristmasal@gmail.com.

if you go What: Christmas with Aaron Neville Where: Orange Beach Events Center When: Wednesday, Dec. 3 Cost: Tickets went on sale Thursday, at 10 a.m. for $50.

A limited number of premium seat packages are available for $100.

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

The Best Rates on the Gulf Coast - 18-hole par 64 course - Walking permitted - Natural turf driving range - Practice putting green - Pro Shop and Grill

18 Holes & Cart

$

2600

Former Site of PGA Tour From 1978-1987

No Tee Time Required

251-970-1444

45 Special With Coupon*

$

3901 S. McKenzie St. Foley, AL

*Not Valid With Any Other Discount or Coupon

www.foleygolfcourse.com

(850) 492-1223

Serving Brunch 7 Days A Week Until 1:00 pm “Two for Tuesday” Perdido Bay Golf Club One Doug Ford Drive Pensacola, FL 32507

 Gulf Coast  GOLF GUIDE

ALT

98

104 SUMMERDALE MAGNOLIA SPRINGS

49

Bon Secour BON Bay SECOUR 180

59

FOLEY 10

GULF SHORES

ELBERTA

SEMINOLE

98

4

LILLIAN PERDIDO BEACH

ORANGE BEACH 182 3

Gulf of Mexico

You’ll love our greens.

9 Hole Par 3 Course Lighted Driving Range Daily Green Fees Play All Day $30

10 90

181

BARNWELL

FORT MORGAN

r

F-B Expwy

1. Lost Key Golf Club 2. Perdido Bay Golf & Lodging 3. Orange Beach Golf Center 4. Foley Golf Course

112

Rive

ROBERTSDALE

98

POINT CLEAR

They are:

64

10

MALBIS

MONTROSE

FAIRHOPE

LOXLEY

r

DAPHNE

90

STAPLETON GATESWOOD

ve

SPANISH FORT

112

Ri

Each golf course is located on the map in the middle of this page with a number.

31

225

tyx

Have fun at these golf courses.

Tens aw

30

251-981-GOLF/4653 4700 Easy Street (off Canal Road)

2

1

Open to Public P Perdido erdido Key Key, y,, FL (850) 549-2161 www.lostkey.com www.lostkey y.com

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

251-981-6979 (City Hall) (Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm)

251-980-INFO (City Infoline) 251-981-SURF Daily Beach Report www.cityoforangebeach.com

www.ospreycamera.com

which is being seen daily around the world

Frequently Asked Questions 1) Tents (no larger than a 10x10 ft.) are allowed on the beach, but they have to be placed behind (North of) the designated sign marker post and should be removed before night.

Tents cannot be placed between the sign post and the Gulf of Mexico. This is for designated emergency and safety access.

2) Pets are not allowed on the beach on the Gulf of Mexico or surrounding islands (Robinson, Bird, Walker). However they are allowed at the designated city Dog Park on Canal Rd. (Hwy 180) next to Sportsman Marina. All dogs should remain on a leash within the city limits.

3) Glass in any form (bottle, cup, container, etc.) is strictly prohibited on our beaches and islands.

4) A yellow or green flag posted along gulf beaches means to use caution while swimming in the gulf waters and is permitted.

A red flag means danger and one should not swim in the waters.

Double red flags mean that swimming in the waters is prohibited by law.

Purple means WARNING! A jellyfish or other marine threat.

5) All trails and parks are free and open from daylight to dusk 7 days a week.

6) Fires or flames are strictly prohibited on the beach. This includes grills, tiki-torches, lanterns, open fire pits, candles, fireworks, etc.

7) Jet skis, boats, and any other motorized vessels, are prohibited from launching along the gulf front beaches.

31

32

Beachin’

December 2014

You’ll love our greens.

9 Hole Par 3 Course Open to the Public Tee times not required

Lighted Driving Range Covered mats • Practice bunker

Daily Green Fees: $15.00 to walk 9 $20.00 to ride 9

Play all day for $30.00 Membership & Lessons Available

(251) 981-GOLF/4653 • 4700 Easy Street (off Canal Road)

GulfVisitorGuide.com

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Winding through thousands of acres of natural habitat is the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Come discover the beauty and diversity of over 10 miles of 6 paved trails and 6 distinct ecosystems that make up this multi-purpose trail.

• New boulder park for kids • Eco-tours • Geo-caching fun for the family • Butterfly Garden • Screened pavilion • Wildlife sightings • Miles of trails for walking, running and biking

Beachin’

33

34

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Coastal Arts Center

Campus Hours: M-F 10am – 4pm Sat 10am – 2pm

of Orange Beach

CoastalArtsCenter.com • 26389 Canal Rd. • orange beach, al 251-981-ARTS (2787)

Hot Shop Blowout December 18 5-7pm

Hot Christmas gifts, hot chocolate & hot glass!

See us at

Merry Market December 12 - 13!

FREE EVENT Glass & Clay Artist Demonstrations Make-Your-Own classes

One of a kind gift shopping!

Custom glass and clay creations from our own artists.

Original artwork and jewelry from local artists in our unique gift shop.

wildlife at Gulf State Park

Photos by Chase Brown

Visit the park!

Gulf State Park 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores 251-948-7275

36

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Assembly of God

CHRISTIAN LIFE Assembly ofCHURCH God

25550 Canal Rd, Orange Christian Life the island Beach Church 25550 Canal967-4840 Rd., Orange Beach www.christianlifechurch.tv 251-967-4840 www.christianlifechurch.tv GULFWAY CHURCH 541 Cotton Creek Dr. (Co. Rd. 4), Gulf Gulfway Church Shores 541 Cotton Creek Dr. (Co. Rd. 4), 968-6858 Gulf Shores www.gulfwaychurch.com 251-968-6858 www.gulfwaychurch.com Baptist

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF Baptist GULF SHORES First Baptist Church Gulf Shores 2200 West First St.,ofGulf Shores 2200 W. 1st968-7369 St., Gulf Shores 251-968-7369 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF First Baptist Church of Orange Beach ORANGE BEACH 4773 Bay Circle, Beach 4773 Bay Circle,Orange Orange Beach 251-981-4288 981-4288 www.firstbaptistorangebeach.com www.firstbaptistorangebeach.com Fisherman BAPTIST Baptist Church FISHERMEN CHURCH 17101 RiverRd., Rd., Bon Bon Secour 17101 River Secour 949-6387 251-949-6387 www.fomm.org www.fomm.org FRIENDSHIP BAPTISTChurch CHURCH Friendship Baptist 7159 CountyRd. Rd.10, 10, Bon Bon Secour 7159 County Secour 949-6486 251-949-6486 ISLAND FELLOWSHIP Island Fellowship BaptistBAPTIST Church 28290 CanalCHURCH Rd., Orange Beach 28290 Canal Rd, Orange Beach 251-980-1005 980-1005

Lagoon Baptist Church LAGOON BAPTIST CHURCH 17867 State Highway 180 W., Gulf Shores 17867 State Hwy 180 W., Gulf Shores 251-968-7057 968-7057 www.lagoonbc.com www.lagoonbc.com OysterBAY Bay BAPTIST Baptist Church, SBCSBC OYSTER CHURCH, 4280 Plash Rd., Gulf Shores 4280 Plash Rd., Gulf Shores 251-968-7805 968-7805 www.oysterbaybaptist.org www.oysterbaybaptist.org RomarBEACH Beach Baptist Church ROMAR BAPTIST CHURCH 23370 Perdido Beach OrangeBeach Beach 23370 Perdido BeachBlvd., Blvd., Orange 251-981-8959 981-8959 www.romarbeach.org www.romarbeach.org SHELL BAPTIST CHURCH ShellBANKS Banks Baptist Church Hwy 180, Gulf Shores 1212512125 StateState Highway 180, Gulf Shores 540-7136 251-540-7136

Catholic OUR LADY OF THE GULF Catholic Our LadyCATHOLIC of the GulfCHURCH Catholic Church 308E.East 22nd Ave, Gulf Gulf Shores 308 22nd Ave., Shores 968-7062 251-968-7062 www.ourladyofthegulfal.org www.ourladyofthegulfal.org ST. THOMAS-BY-THE-SEA 26547 Perdido Beach By Blvd., Orange St. Thomas The Sea Beach 981-8132 26547 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach www.stthomasbythesea.org 251-981-8132 www.stthomasbythesea.org Church of Christ CHURCH OF CHRIST OF Church of Christ GULF SHORES Church of Christ Gulf Shores 2414 W. 1st St, Gulf Shores 2414 W. 1st St., Gulf 968-7769 Shores 251-968-7769 www.gulfshoreschurchofchrist.org www.gulfshoreschurchofchrist.org Episcopal Episcopal HOLY SPIRIT EPISCOPAL CHURCH Holy Spirit Episcopal 616 Fort Morgan Rd, GulfChurch Shores 616 Fort Morgan Rd., Gulf Shores 968-5988 www.holyspiritepiscopalgulfshores.com 251-968-5988 www.holyspiritepiscopalgulfshores.com ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 6270 Bon Secour Hwy, Bon Secour St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 949-6254 6270 Bon Secour Highway, Bon Secour 251-949-6254 Greek Orthodox ST. ATHANASIOS GREEK Greek Orthodox ORTHODOX CHAPEL Chapel St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox 220 20thAve., Ave, Gulf 220 E.E.20th GulfShores Shores 967-2020 251-967-2020 stathanasios.al.goarch.org stathanasios.al.goarch.org Lutheran Lutheran GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH-ELCA Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA 491 West 23rd Ave, Gulf Shores 491 W. 23rd Ave., Gulf Shores 968-5991 251-968-5991 PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Peace Lutheran Church 8250 Roscoe Rd., Gulf Shores 8250 Roscoe Rd., Gulf Shores 974-2545 251-974-2545 ST. JUDE’S BY THE SEA LUTHERAN St. Jude’s By The Sea Lutheran Church CHURCH 312 E.E.16th GulfShores Shores 312 16thAve., Ave, Gulf 251-968-5833 968-5833 Methodist - United GULF SHORES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1900 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores 968-2411 www.gulfshoresumc.org

MORGAN’S CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Methodist - United Hwy across from SwiftMethodist School, BonChurch Secour Gulf10,Shores United 949-7400 1900 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores 251-968-2411 ORANGE BEACH UNITED www.gulfshoresumc.org METHODIST CHURCH 28751 Morgan’s Canal Rd., Orange Beach Chapel 981-6751 United Methodist Church www.orangebeachumc.org Highway 10, across from Swift School, Bon Secour 251-949-7400 Non-Denominational IGLESIA CASA DE LUZ Orange Beach United Methodist Church Companerismo Cristiano 28751 Canal Rd., Orange Beach 225 E. 24th Ave, Gulf Shores 251-981-6751 948-3467 www.orangebeachumc.org SAFE HARBOR HOUSE OF PRAYER Non-Denominational Multi-Culture Full Gospel Christian Service Center 7320 Bon Secour Hwy, Bon Secour Programs: Emergency 223-3615Aid, Food Pantry, Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy Meals BY on THE Wheels ST. and ANDREW SEA, 317 Dolphin Ave., Gulf Shores A COMMUNITY CHURCH 17263 Ft. 251-968-5256 Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores www.cscgs.com 968-3900 www.standrewbythesea.org

Iglesia Casa De Luz Companerismo Cristiano Presbyterian E. 24th Ave., CHURCH Gulf Shores FIRST 225 PRESBYTERIAN (USA) OF251-948-3467 GULF SHORES 309 East 21st Ave., Gulf Shores

968-7720 Safe Harbor House of Prayer www.gspres.com Multi-Culture Full Gospel 7320 Bon Secour Highway, Bon Secour GRACE251-223-3615 FELLOWSHIP PCA 19470 Co. Rd. 6, Gulf Shores 968-5302 St. Andrew

By The Sea, www.gracefellowship-pca.com A Community Church

17263 Fort Morgan Rd., Gulf Shores ORANGE BEACH 251-968-3900 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH www.standrewbythesea.org 26640 Canal Rd, Orange Beach 981-4220 Presbyterian www.orangebeachpresbyterian.org

First Presbyterian Church (USA) of Gulf Shores CHRISTIAN SERVICE CENTER 309 E. 21st Ave., Gulf Shores PROGRAMS: Emergency Aid, Food Pantry, 251-968-7720 Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy and www.gspres.com Meals on Wheels.

317 Dolphin Ave., Gulf Shores

Orange Beach Presbyterian Church 968-5256 www.cscgs.com 26640 Canal Rd., Orange Beach 251-981-4220 www.orangebeachpresbyterian.org

DINING GUIDE

Hanging out at the beach can make you hungry. When it does, head out to one of our remarkable Gulf Shores and Orange Beach restaurants. With the world’s best inshore and offshore deep sea fishing, you’ll find that succulent, fresh-off-the-boat seafood is the order of the day.

Of course, you don’t have to have seafood! You’ll find plenty of restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach serving barbecue, steak, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, pizza, deli-style sandwiches and more.

38

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Meet me at at The Wharf APPETIZERS

Spinach & Artichoke Dip Fried Calamari Tomato and Shrimp

OYSTERS

Oyster Florentine Oysters Bienville Roasted Garlic and Parmesan *Oysters on the Half Shell

SALADS

Pecan & Pear Herbed Goat Cheese Fried Oyster Caesar Garden Salad Classic Caesar

SOUPS

$8/dozen

RAW OYSTERS

*Bacon Wrapped Petite Filet *Filet Oscar *New York Strip Steak

Join Us!

ENTREES

All Day Every Day

Monthly Wine Dinners

$35 Four Wines Four Tasting Courses

Beer Pairings

$30 Four Distinctive Brews Four Food Pairings

Seafood Gumbo Shrimp & Artichoke Bisque

Ask about our featured brewery!

SANDWICHES

THE WHARF

(All Sandwiches Served with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, a Pickle Spear & Your Choice of Fries or Cole Slaw)

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Blackened Chicken Sandwich Shrimp or Fish Poboy Oyster Poboy *Ginny Lane Burger Grouper Burger

STEAKS

4780 Wharf Parkway, Orange Beach, AL 36561

251-224-6500 www.ginnylanebargrill.com

All ingredients are purchased as local & fresh as possible from sustainable farms, dairies and fisheries from responsible USA vendors.

All fried or grilled foods may come in contact with shellfish

GLUTEN FREE MENU AVAILABLE

Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Burgundy Beef Pasta Pastalaya • Bayou Grouper Stuffed Flounder Shrimp & Grits • Crab Cakes Blackened Chicken Fried Seafood Platter Shrimp or Oyster or Flounder

SIDES

French Fries, Cole Slaw, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli, Sauteed Vegetables, Mushroom Risotto, Southern Style Grits, Roasted Red Skin Potatoes, Green Beans Grilled Asparagus, Fried Green Tomatoes Become a fan!

Follow Us On Instagram at ginnylanebag Menu Subject to Change

*Consuming raw or uncooked meat, seafood or shellfish may cause potential health risk

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

Sandwiches • Ice Cream Smoothies Hamburgers Hot Dogs • Chili Dogs

Ham or Turkey Panini w/cheese on Wheat Berry Bread $5.49 Wings (Hot or Plain) 6/$6.99 Soup Of The Day $3.99/cup Bosco Sticks 3/$2.99 Hamburger: $5.89 / Combo $9.49 Cheeseburger: $6.49 / Combo $9.65 Bacon Cheeseburger: $6.89 Combo $9.89 Double Cheeseburger: $8.49 Combo $11.65 Hot Dog: $2.95 / Combo $6.95 Hot Dog Sliders (3) $3.50 Combo $7.50 Cheese Dog: $3.95 / Combo $7.95 Chili Cheese Dog: $4.95 Combo $8.95 Corn Dog: $2.19 / Combo $5.95 Pecan/Cranberry Chicken Salad on Croissant $4.99 / Combo $6.99 This combo includes chips

Chicken Tenders: Plain or Spicy

(2) $4.19 Combo $7.19 (4) $6.19 / Combo $9.19

Home-style Chicken Breast Chunks: $4.99 Mini Chicken Tacos: $5.99 for 10 BLT with or without mayo: $5.15 Grilled Cheese: $2.15 Nachos – n – cheese: $4.19 Cheesesticks: (6) $5.19 Fried Mac-n-cheese: $4.19 Funnel Cake Fries: $3.19 Fried Pickles: (15) $2.99 4 Bama Beignets: $4.95 Choose Your Fries: $2.95 French Fries, Tator Tots, Onion Rings

Chili Cheese Fries: Load Your Fries:

$4.95 $7.95

(cheese, chili, bacon, sour cream, jalapenos)

Combos include your choice of fries & small fountain drink.

Fountain Drinks: small / 16oz: $1.75 medium / 24oz: $2.05 large / 32 oz: $2.85

39

40

Beachin’

December 2014

GulfVisitorGuide.com

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

Tacky Jacks Mexican Garbage Nachos

Shrimp PoBoy

Peel & Eat Shrimp

Gator Bites

Firecracker Shrimp Po Boy

Crawfish PoBoy

Crawfish Tails

Crab Claws

Flaky Fish PoBoy

Chicken PoBoy

Buffalo Wings

Chicken Strips

Fried Pickles

Smoked Tuna Dip

Fried Green Tomato Fries

Philly Cheese Steak

Shrimp & Grits

Grilled Mahi Mahi

Crab Cake Dinner

Fish Tacos

Jacks Half Pound Hand Pattied Burgers

Oyster Platter

Ahi Tuna Platter

Grilled Tuna Samich

Chicken and Shrimp Wraps

Flaky Fish Platter Shrimp Platter

Oyster Po Boy

Firecracker Shrimp Shrimp Tacos Shrimp & Cheese Grits

Steamed Royal Reds

Shrimp Platters

Fried Seafood Tri o Platter Ribeye Steak Platter & Combo Platter

Taco Salad

Build Your Own Omelet

Shrimp Omelet

Seared Tuna Salad

Hash & Eggs

Sunrise Egg Platter

Jacks House Salad

Steak & Egg Platter

Breakfast Sandwich

Traditional Caesar Salad

Shrimp & CheeseGrits

Breakfast Burritos

Belgian Waffle

French Toast

Wheel House Pancakes

Biscuits & Gravy

41

42

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

WINTER MENU We will be closed December 1-14th, and opening for your dining enjoyment on December 15th!!!

starting

10 Items Under $10!!!

October 1st

Voted Top Ten Seafood Restaurant In USA

By Coastal Living

“The Best Steamed Seafood Available” SINCE 1989 www.GulfShoresSteamer.com

Located at 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd. #115, Orange Beach, AL in SanRoc Cay

251.948.6344 GETTIN’ STEAMED

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

’t o ur er n T O m o D get ut tea ! r O S se Fo k es di ec r n h Sho cha C f er l u M G

Beachin’

251.948.6344

27267 Perdido Beach Blvd. #115, Orange Beach, AL in SanRoc Cay www.GulfShoresSteamer.com

Appetizer Selection

*Steamed Oysters *Raw Oysters Seafood Gumbo, Crawfish Corn Chowder or Spicy Cajun Jambalaya Steamed Royal Red Shrimp Fresh Steamed Mussels Smoked Tuna or Shrimp Dip Blue Crab Claws Crab Cakes • Shrimp Skewer

Salads

Shrimp Salad • Cobb Salad

Sandwiches

Served with chips and all the fixin’s

*Hot & Juicy Hamburger *Tuna Sandwich Chicken Sandwich Hot Dog Grilled PoBoy’s *Steak Sandwich Crab Delight Grilled Cheese

Land Lover’s

Served with corn, potato and cole slaw

*Filet Mignon *Ribeye Steak Grilled Chicken Garden Steamer

Gettin’ Steamed Platters

“VOTED BEST VALUE” All Platters & Combos Are Served with corn, Potato and Cole Slaw

Bay Steamer Ocean Steamer Small Steamer

Desserts

Key Lime Pie French Silk Chocolate Pie New York Style Cheesecake

A la Carte

Shrimp Skewer Snow Crab Cluster Lobster Tail

Crawling Combos Royal Red Shrimp Alaskan Snow Crab Shrimp & Crab Combo *Shrimp & Oysters The Crab Bowl “Bucket O’ Reds”

Fresh Fish Selection

Served with corn, potato and cole slaw Extra For Blackened Seasoning

Red Fish, Mahi-Mahi, Tilapia, Whitefish or Our Fresh Catch *Yellowfin Tuna Crab Cakes Stuffed Fish

The “Little Shrimp” Selection Served with Chips

Sides

Cole Slaw, Corn or New Potatoes Cauliflower or Broccoli

Beverages

Coke, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Vault, Lemonade, Iced Tea

Wines

By The Glass, By The Bottle, Premium Bottle Merlot, White Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Pinot Grigio

Beer

Domestic Bottle Premium Bottle Domestic Draft By The Glass Premium Draft By The Glass Domestic Pitcher Premium Pitcher

Frozen Daiquiri

Strawberry, Pina Colada, Banana, Peach, Tequila sunrise, Margarita, Amaretto Orange Blossom, (Non-Alcoholic Daiquiri)

4 Oz. Burger • Hot Dog Grilled Chicken Fingers Grilled Cheese • (2)PB & J *All Prices Are Subject To Change Without Notice Due to Market and Availability* We Serve Our Food Hot & Fresh, So Please Allow Time For A Quality Product Consumer Information: consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions, such as chronic illness of the liver or blood, or have immune disorders.

*Cooked To Order Items are Identified by Asterisks.

43

44

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Moe’s Original BAR B QUE

25603 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, Alabama

251.981.RIBS (7427)

www.moesoriginalbbq.com Moe’s Original Bar B Que offers a New Meaning to Beach BBQ If you’re hungry for

Pulled Pork, Wings, Southern Fried Catfish, Fried Shrimp and their Famous Ribs Come To Moe’s To Get Your Fix! Or Haul It Home...

Double & Triple Wide Packs Available Also offering

Catering Service for Special Events & Parties We are offering whole smoked turkeys and sides for Christmas

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM-9PM

Unless We Sell Out First! — Shirt and Shoes are NOT Required, or expected.

If the pit house is smokin’, we’re open!

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

A Southern Tradition Since 1988

Moe’s Original WW

BAR B QUE

W. M O

ESORIGINALBBQ.C

OM

25603 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, Alabama • 251.981.RIBS (7427)

Sandwiches

Served with choice of two sides and a drink Pulled Pork Smoked Chicken Smoked Turkey Shrimp Moe Boy Catfish

Platters

Served with cornbread, two sides and a drink Pulled Pork Smoked Chicken Smoked Turkey Chicken Wings Catfish • Ribs - sm / lg

Sides (6oz.)

Baked Beans • Marinated Slaw Potato Salad • Bag O’ Chips Banana Puddin’ Special Side of the Day

Haul it Home

Double-Wide Family Pack (3-4 people) Triple-Wide Pack (5-6 people) 1 lb. O’ Pork Whole Bird 1 lb O’ Turkey Rack O’ Ribs Half Pint O’ Sides Pint O’ Sides Pan O’ Sides

Comin’ in

HOT! Ask us about our catering services www.moesoriginalbbq.com/catering.html Locations in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia and North Carolina

45

46

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

FISH F ISH H RIVER RIV VER GRILL G GRILL #2

Whh re tth W Whe Where the h locals loca callss luv luvv to to eat! eat ea att!!

Daily Lunch Specials

includes Swamp

& Dessert

Best Bar Prices on the Coast

Soup

Mon. thru Fri.

$7.99 & Up

“HOME OF THE ORIGINAL”

Fr Sw Free Swamp wamp Soup wa wamp up with withh Every Ev ry Entree!!

Enttree!!

En Baldwi aldwiin County ty Baldwin Vote Vo Voted te Best ted Best B Burger Burgers urg rgerrs in B Fish River Grill #2 608 S. McKenzie Street (Foley Plaza on Hwy. 59) Foley, AL 36535 251.952.FISH (3474) Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

FISH ISH RI RIVER IVER GRILL GRIL LL #2

Beachin’

608 S. McKenzie Street (Foley Plaza on Hwy. 59) Foley, AL 36535 251.952.FISH(3474)

Whhe W Where h re the thh llolocals loca ocalsl luv ocals luv to eat! ea eat!

OMG! SHRIMP FEAST POBOY!!!

CHOSEN IN TOP “100 DISHES TO EAT IN ALABAMA BEFORE YOU DIE” AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN COOKED SEAFOOD PLATTERS

(Served w/ Fries, Coleslaw, Hushpuppies, Fried Okra, Tartar or Cocktail Sauce & Swamp Soup) Bayou Seafood Platter - Fried Gator, Frog Legs, Shrimp, Oyster, Catfish Seafood Platter - Fried Shrimp, Oyster, Catfish Cajun Golden Fried Catfish Platter - (U.S. Raised) istols Crawfish P Fried Select Oyster Platter $ 99 Fried Shrimp Platter - (Approx. 14-15) g in th o N ’s There Fried Gator Platter e ‘Em!

RAW OYS TER BAR

3

Lik

VOTED BEST BURGERS IN BALDWIN COUNTY

Hurricane Burger • Hillbilly Melt • River Burger • Shroooom Burger • Swamp Burger Bleu Cheese Bacon Burger

REDNECK REUBEN • ALABAMA CHICKEN MELT PoBoys • Chicken • Shrimp • Oysters • Gator • Frog Legs Crawfish Pistols • Catfish • Whitefish • Stuffed Crab

***Cajun Crawfish Pistols Dinner (2) w/ Fries & Slaw*** OMG! Shrimp Feast Po-Boy Seafood BLT

APPETIZERS ~ SALADS ~ POBOYS & SANDWICHES ~ KIDS MENU

FFrree Sw Free Swamp waaampp Soup wwam wamp up with withh Ever Ev rryy Entree!!

Every Entree!!

DON’T FORGET YOUR SWEET THANG

“Sweet Thang” Signature Dessert! Redneck version of a New Orleans Beignet & Granny’s Apple and Peach Cobbler Rolled in Powdered Sugar. Mmmmm...this “thang” is SOOOOOO good!

BEST BAR PRICES ON THE COAST ~ SWAMP JUICE ~ STUMPWACKER DIXIE DARLIN’ ~ MARDI GRAS MARGARITA

47

48

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

www.Desotosseafoodkitchen.com

Voted “People’s Choice”

•Best Lunch • Best Dinner • Best Seafood also been voted • Friendliest Staff

wh

Since 2004

A s it” i v t s re s o “m u h S f G ul ile in

Daily Lunch Specials Fresh Steamed, Grilled, Blackened, Fried, Baked and Sautéed Seafood

Award-winning Fish and Shimp Specialties Casual Family Atmosphere Reasonable Prices Senior Menu Available, from 3pm - 5:30pm

Seafood Kitchen 138 West 1st Ave • Gulf Shores, AL • 251-948-7294

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Beachin’

49

138 West 1st Ave Gulf Shores, AL

251-948-7294 www.Desotosseafoodkitchen.com

Seafood Kitchen Lunch Menu

HoMe-StyLe LuncH SpeciaLS

(Served with your choice of two side dishes) Saturday & Sunday - Add $1.00

Fried Shrimp - tail less Blackened Catfish Fried Catfish Broiled Flounder Fried Flounder Grilled Chicken Chicken Creole Fried Chicken Tenders Country Fried Steak Hamburger Steak Pork Chops Country Ham Vegetable Plate SandwicHeS

7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 6.99

(Served with french fries)

Complimentary Ice Tea and Bread Served with All Dine in Lunch Entrees.

Add House or Caesar Salad 3.25 Substitute Salad for side dish 1.75 Po-Boy Sandwich 8.99 Cheeseburger 7.99 Crab Cake Po-Boy 10.99

Cheese, Italian, Thousand Island, French, Low-Fat Ranch, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinegar, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Sesame Asian, Oil & Vinegar

Riviera Salad - with pecan chicken tenders - with chicken tenders - with boiled shrimp - with grilled or blackened chicken Caesar Salad - w/grilled or blackened chicken - w/boiled shrimp Gumbo & Salad - a cup of Seafood Gumbo and our Bisque & Salad Seafood favoriteS

7.25 9.99 8.99 9.99 8.99 7.25 8.99 9.99 7.99 8.50

(Served with your choice of two side dishes)

Add House or Caesar Salad Substitute Salad for side dish Fried Butterfly Shrimp Fried Oysters Fried Crab Claws *Coconut Shrimp Grilled Shrimp

2.25 1.75 10.99 12.99 13.99 11.99 10.99

Seafood pLatterS

dinner Menu

StarterS Oysters on the Half Shell 1/2 dozen 5.99.....1 dozen 10.99 Southern Style Crab Cakes 9.99 Shrimp Remoulade 7.99 Crab, Spinach & Artichoke Dip 8.99 Coconut Shrimp 8.99 Stuffed Mushrooms 8.99 Alligator Bites 8.99 Fried Crab Claws 1/2 lb........12.99 1 lb........24.99 Tuna Dip 7.99 Sweet Potato French Fry Basket 7.75 Fried Green Tomatoes 6.99 GuMbo & Soup Seafood Gumbo cup....4.75 bowl....6.49 cup....5.25 Crab & Shrimp Bisque bowl....7.99 fried Seafood favoriteS (Served with your choice of two side dishes)

Butterfly Shrimp Tail-less Shrimp Bon Secour Oysters Crab Claws Fried Fish of the Day Shrimp & Flounder Shrimp & Oysters Fried Catfish

*Monte Cristo Sandwich 7.99 SaLadS Dressings: Honey-Mustard, Ranch, Bleu

15.99 14.99 16.99 17.99 17.99 16.99 17.99 14.99

(Served with your choice of two side dishes)

Shrimp Lover's Platter Fried Seafood Platter Broiled Seafood Platter Creole Platter Caribbean Platter Crab Platter Seafood SpeciaLtieS

17.99 18.99 16.99 18.99 18.99 23.99

Stuffed Shrimp Shrimp Scampi Blackened Catfish Coconut Shrimp Grilled Shrimp Shrimp Creole Crawfish Etoufee Crab Cake Dinner SteaMed Seafood

16.99 16.99 14.99 16.99 15.99 15.99 15.99 15.99

(Served with your choice of two side dishes)

(Served with new potatoes & one side)

Snow Crab Legs - 2 lbs.

26.99 Royal Red Shrimp - 1 lb.

22.99 Combo - 1/2 pound Royal Reds & 1 pound Snow Crab 23.99 toniGHt'S catcH (Served with your choice of two side dishes) Choose from the following preparation styles:

Fried Catch Blackened Catch Grilled Catch Broiled Catch

17.99 17.99 17.99 17.99

Fried Seafood Platter 14.99 Broiled Seafood Platter 13.99 Stuffed Shrimp 12.99 Mahi-Mahi 11.99 Yellow-Fin Tuna 11.99 Tilapia 9.99 Grouper 12.99 Snow Crab Legs 16.99 Royal Reds - 3/4 lb.

16.99 Combo - 1/2 lb. Each 16.99 Crab Cakes - 2 cakes 13.99 paSta Fettuccini Alfredo 10.99 - w\grilled or blackened chicken 11.99 - with shrimp or crawfish 12.99 Basil Pesto Pasta - with Roma Tomatoes 10.99 - with grilled chicken 11.99 - with shrimp 12.99 Side diSHeS Fried Green Tomatoes ~ Green Beans Turnip Greens ~Sweet Potato Casserole Corn Fritters ~ French Fries Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy ~ Fried Okra Au Gratin Potatoes ~ Steamed Veggies Kernel Corn ~ Yellow Rice Black-Eyed Peas ~ Cole Slaw Lima Beans ~ Macaroni & Cheese

New Orleans Catch Mediterranean Catch Caribbean Catch *Pecan Encrusted Catch *Paneed Catch Land Lover'S fare

19.99 19.99 19.99 19.99 21.99

(Served with your choice of two side dishes)

Hawaiian Rib-eye - (12 oz.)

18.99 - add jumbo grilled or fried shrimp add $4.00 Jamaica-Jerk Chicken 14.99 Grilled Chicken Breasts 13.99 Fried Chicken Tenders 13.99 paSta Fettuccini Alfredo 13.99 - with grilled or blackened chicken 15.99 - with shrimp or crawfish 16.99 Scallops Alfredo 15.99 Shrimp & Pasta Marsala 18.99 Basil-Pesto Pasta 13.99 - with grilled chicken 14.99 - with shrimp 15.99 Side diSHeS Substitute House or Caesar Salad for a Side Dish - Add $1.75 Sweet Potato Casserole ~ Cole Slaw Baked Potato ~ Steamed Vegetables Yellow Rice ~ French Fries Fried Green Tomatoes

50

Beachin’

December 2014

GulfVisitorGuide.com

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

Ay

eSDAY

STARTING 1/5

LUNCHTIME MUSIC WITH GARY SNOWBIRD 5 & 6 PM DINNER & DANCE 11 AM

Beachin’

NOON

6 PM

CRIBBAGE BINGO

STARTING 1/6

STARTING 1/6

WIN PRIZES! FREE TO PLAY.

DAILY SPECIALS

All

d sdAy NOON

6 PM

BINGO POKER

STARTING 1/7

STARTING 1/7

WIN PRIZES! FREE TO PLAY.

Iday/ rdAy 6 PM

LIVE MUSIC STARTING 1/23

u dAy 11 AM

GIGI'S SCRAPBOOKIN'

STARTING 1/22

6 PM

TRIVIA

STARTING 1/22

s DAY GAME DAY FOOTBALL

WHERE 59 ENDS AND THE FUN BEGINS / THEHANGOUT.COM / 101 EAST BEACH BLVD. GULF SHORES, AL / 251.948.3030

51

52

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

a! f rger” z o u z e i B P ddy Hom Lousy a D r , You ato.”

Beer s ’ o m r h Wa e “W ying Tom h t g “Fl urin e t h a t e F and

&

r a B

r e t s Oy izzeria P

Orders To Go: CALL 251-948-7262 or 251-948-6529 Highway 59, Gulf Shores 1/2 Mi. North of the Beach • Live Entertainment 7 nights a week NEVER A COVER CHARGE! • Full Menu until Midnight • Lunch Specials Daily M-F 11-2 • Happy Hour 11-7 Mon.-Fri.

• Appetizers • Steamed Seafood • Award-winning Pizza Specialty Pizzas • Pasta • Oysters: Suck ‘em down RAW on the Half Shell or

Steam ‘em up with a ‘lil drawn butter & lemon • Award-Winning Oyster Specialties: • Hot Shucks Cajun • Baked • Alfredo • Rockyfeller • Parmesan • Fiesta

www.paparocco.com

Visit our website for our current nightly music line up!

Rocco’s Appetizers

14” LARGE

14” LARGE

14” LARGE

H Consuming raw or undercooked Animal Proteins (meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of Foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.

Papa’s Specialties

* To Go Orders Welcome *

Cajun Oysters (Whooee!)

Oysters Alfredo Oysters Fiesta

www.paparocco.com for complete menu details

Hot Shucks (The Heat is On) Baked Oysters Oysters Rockyfeller Oyster Parmesan

H Oyster Specialties H

All oysters @ market price Suck em down RAW on the Half Shell..............1/2 doz or dozen Steam em up w/a lil drawn butter & lemon.....1/2 doz or dozen

Oysters

(Early Bird Price valid with purchase of a beverage)

Every Thursday, Prime Ribs 5 p.m. til (Jan. 1-March 1)................................................$11.25

(With purchase of a beverage. Dine in only. No plate sharing)

Monday’s, Oyster Stew (Jan. 1 - March 1)......................................................................$5.95 Tuesday’s, Salmon Patties, white sauce, Potatoes & Beans (Jan. 1-March 1) ................$6.95 Wednesday and Sunday, all you can eat Spaghetti (Nov. 1-March 1) all day ...................$5.75

Winter Specials 4 to 7pm

add Meatballs ...................................$1.50 add Sausage..................................... $1.50 add Meatballs & Sausage..................$3.00

Served With Garlic Bread Seafood Pasta .....................................$13.95 Fettuccine Alfredo .........................$8.95 Baked Ravioli.......................................$11.95 Chicken Alfredo ...........................$11.95 Manicotti .............................................$11.95 Shrimp Alfredo ............................$13.95 substitute Alfredo Sauce..............$2.00 Lasagna (Papa’s Favorite)...........$12.95 Italian Combo Dinner ...........................$14.75 Spaghetti .......................................$7.95

Mama’s Italian Specialties

Who’s Your Daddy Burger! Try it we DARE YOU! ..........................................................$15.95 Rocky’s Knock Out Burger.................$ 7.95 Ultimate Chicken Sandwich....................$9.95 Add Bacon...............................................1.00 Grilled Chicken Sandwich.......................$8.95 Add Bleu Cheese Crumbles...................... 75¢ Reuben ..................................................$9.95 Alpine Burger ....................................$ 8.95 Hot Dog .................................................$4.25 Patty Melt .........................................$ 9.95 Coney Island Chili Dog ...........................$5.95 Meatball Sandwich ............................$ 8.95 Baked French Onion Sou ........................$6.50 Italian Sausage Sandwich..................$ 8.95 Bowl Chili ..............................................$5.50 French Dip.........................................$ 8.95 Baked Chili ............................................$6.75 Philly Cheese Steak...........................$ 9.95 BLT........................................................$6.25 Papa’s Prime Steak Sandwich ......... $10.95

December 2014

Shrimp Pizza • All Meat Pizza • Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Spinach Alfredo Pizza • Chicken Club Pizza • Buffalo Chicken Pizza

$15.25.................................................$18.25

10” SMALL

(Mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black & green olives, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese)

Vegetarian Style...................................$10.95............................................................$14.95

(Artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, feta cheese, mozzarella & pesto)

Artichoke, Sun-dried Tomato................$16.25............................................................$19.25

(Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, shrimp, scallops, mushrooms, onions & broccoli)

Seafood Primavera Pizza.....................$16.25 ............................................................$19.25

(Whole slice tomato, bacon, feta, onion and pesto)

Flying Tomato......................................$16.95 ............................................................$19.95

10” SMALL

Papa’s Specialty Pizza

Add Shrimp:.........................................$ 2.75...............................................................$3.75

(Pepperoni, onions, sausage, green peppers, mushrooms, beef, ham, black & green olives)

Price Buster Pizza...............................$12.95.............................................................$16.96

(Pepperoni, onions, sausage, green peppers, mushrooms)

Papa Delux Pizza.................................$10.95 ............................................................$14.95

Pepperoni, sausage, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, beef, black or green olive, ham, hot pepper rings, anchovies, extra cheese, fresh tomatoes, bacon, sauerkraut, Canadian Bacon, pineapple, French and ranch dressing.

Our Great Cheese Pizza.......................$6.95.................................................................$9.95 Each Item............................................$1.30.................................................................$1.65

10” SMALL

Papa’s Pizza

Snow Crab (1.5 lb.).....................................................................................................$23.50 Royal Reds (1 lb. seasonal)......................................................................................... $18.75 Combo Reds & Crabs (2 lbs) ......................................................................................$25.50

SERVED WITH GARLIC BREAD AND COLESLAW

Papa’s Steamed Specials

Caesar Salad..................................Side $5.95 Dinner ..........................................$6.95 add Chicken $1.95 add Shrimp $2.95 Spinach Artichoke Dip....................................................................................................$8.75 Stuffed Mushrooms (3).................................................................................................$8.95 Oysters Picard (3).........................................................................................................$9.95 Garlic Bread (2) $2.75..........Cheese Bread (2) $3.50................... Add Marinara Sauce $.75 Boil Shrimp Small (6oz.) $8.25................. Large (12 oz.) $13.75 Papa’s Wings With Ranch Dressing (6) $6.50.....................(12) $9.50 ...........(25) $16.75 Potato Skins (Choose any three toppings) ...................................................................$9.95 Combo Platter: 3 Wings, 2 Stuffed Mushrooms, 3 Skins ..............................................$11.50 Nachos -- Best In Town Round 1: Cheese............................................................................................................$5.95 Round 2: Chili & Cheese.................................................................................................$7.95 Round 3: Chili, Cheese, Black Olives, Onions & Green Pepper ........................................$8.95

Italian Garden Salad ......................................................................................................$4.75

GulfVisitorGuide.com Beachin’

53

Crreate Yourr Own Dinner Create Dinn nner Platter ++8 #/& .#4%* #/9

%*0+%'3 (0 02 02 %*0+%'3 (0 02

F Fried i d Sh Shrimp i ; 2+'& 2#7<3* ; 2+'& 934'23 Fried Flounder '& 2#$3 ; #,'& 45((('

Sh Shrimp i p Scampi S i ; #,'& 45(('& *2+.1 ; 052$0/ 2+--'& #*+ ; 052$0/ 2+--'& *+%,'/ 2'#34

www.originaloysterhouse.com

0$0 ; !'2# 2#&-'9 ; 2, 0 ; "

; ,+'3 2' -5'

2'' '01-' ; 5%' ; 0--'%4+6' 0/%'143 ; 5%9 06' ;

0047'#2 4'6' #&&'/ ; #5)*49 0/,'9 ; 04 #4'&

%054 $9 5/)#-07 ; +--9 5-+4:'2 +(43

-029 #53 ; '7'-29 ; #/&-'3

www.shopgeezlouise.com | 251-948-5684

OriginalOysterHouse.com

56

Beachin’

GulfVisitorGuide.com

December 2014

“From Your Imagination to Our Innovation”

Specializing in Re-Creating Jewelry You No Longer Enjoy

To Finished Product

30 Years Experience

Hand-Cast One-of-a-Kind Designs In-house Repairs Diamonds • Platinum Precious Stones • Gold

WE BUY GOLD

From Sketch

24823 Commercial Ave. • Orange Beach, AL (Next to Lester’s Restaurant) 251-970-2060 • www.franktrainordesigns.com • Gift Certificates Available