big beautiful
baldwin
2014-2015 Pathway to Progress
Gulf Coast Newspapers GulfCoastNewsToday.com
Radial Cath BeCause you’ll want it. open-heaRt in Case you need it.
Interventions like stents and angioplasty used to require entry through the groin. Now, many patients can enjoy faster recovery and comfort through a wrist entry known as radial catheterization. Thomas Hospital not only leads the way in cardiac innovations, we’re the only hospital in Baldwin County where each cardiac procedure is backed by complete emergency care for heart attacks. Award-winning open-heart surgery. County-wide cardiac emergency programs. Every day, we’re saving lives while making yours more comfortable.
More, devoted to your care.
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Independent & Assisted Living Experienced, not-for-profit, and the strength of 20 years. A local company with deep roots in the community. Visionary Care that is personalized.
Come visit us and experience the quality of our community.
2300 North Cedar Street • Foley, AL 36535
251-943-6733 • 1-800-871-7066 www.liveoakal.com
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Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015 v Pathway to Progress Special thanks to everyone involved in the production of this magazine.
Publisher Sudie Gambrell
Map of contents
business manager Angela King production/circulation manager Ken Hilton
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Editor Jill Clair Gentry graphic design Paige Renka and Edwina Mosley CONTRIBUTING editors/WRITERS Curt Chapman, Destiny Brown, Cathy Higgins, Eric Mann, Cliff McCollum, John Mullen, John Underwood, Tony Whitehead and Allison Woodham PHOTOGRAPHY C-Shelz Photography, Tina Covington, Travis Middleton, William Moore, Billy Pope for Outdoor Alabama, Mark Robinson, Mark Worden of Lightwave Photography and staff Advertising Representatives Jeniece Bouzan, Brad Day, Pat Johnson, Debbie Wright and Frank Kustura circulation/production: Cory Barton, Ronnie Byrd, Dennis Dion, Chris Eaton, Galen Hammond, Amber Kimbler, Norman Morrison, Mike Shambo, Treavor Thicklen, April Wallace and John Wallace new media director: Ray Dougherty OFFICE STAFF: Cindy Dean, Linda Douglas and Linda Underwood Big Beautiful Baldwin is a user-friendly guide to help residents and visitors experience Baldwin County’s best.
14 The Path We’ve Traveled The Road Ahead
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Regional Information North Baldwin Eastern Shore Central Baldwin South Baldwin
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big beautiful
baldwin
2014-2015 Pathway to Progress
Published annually by Gulf Coast Newspapers (a division of Crescent Publishing Company, LLC.) PO Box 509, Robertsdale, AL 36567 251-947-7712 Reproduction without permission is prohibited. GCN accepts no responsibility in the guarantee of goods and services advertised. Extra copies available for $3 while available.
Gulf Coast Newspapers GulfCoastNewsToday.com
Cover photo by Lynn Jordan of Lynn Jordan Photography www.lynnjordanphotography.com www.facebook.com/LynnJordanPhotography
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Legend
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HISTORY Historical Attractions
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entertainment Annual Events
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Live Music
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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Water Sports Boat Launches Hunting Fishing Camping Golf Tennis
29 30
Fine Arts
66
Splash Pads
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culture Mardi Gras Seafood Regional Recipes Pet-friendly Places Agriculture
71 72
Nature Nature Trails
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Need to know Twenty-Eighth Judicial Circuit Federal and State Reps Legislative Delegation BRATS Baldwin County Sheriff Baldwin County Commission Baldwin County Officials Board of Education City Info
83 84 85 86 86 86 87 87 88 91
Museums
Parks
directories Public School Directory Church Directory Advertiser Index
32 33 34 36 38 39
88 94 96
74 76 78 80
The path we’ve traveled
By cliff mccollum
the site of a fierce battle, when, in 1864, Union Adm. Farragut entered Baldwin-Mobile Bay to seal off Confederate shipping. During the fighting, the Tecumseh, a Federal Ironclad, sank in a narrow inlet, where it still lies with its entombed crew near the fort. Numerous skirmishes also occurred in the northern part of the county. Fort McDermott in the Spanish Fort region received 48 hours of constant bombardment, and in April 1865, Union forces mounted an assault on Fort Blakeley, with an estimated 4,475 soldiers killed or wounded in the attack on the earthwork fortress. However, Baldwin County was not only a place where battles were fought, but a land where futures were built on embracing diversity and a neighborly helping hand — France, Greece, Yugoslavia, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, countless African nations and dozens of other sources have contributed to the area’s rich cultural history. This melting pot of people built the county’s agricultural, commercial, manufacturing, tourism and fishing industries and made the county prosper and persevere during even severe economic depressions. Today, Baldwin County remains one of the fastest growing counties in Alabama, with 182,265 citizens (according to the 2010 census). Baldwin County is a place welcome to all — a land of abundant natural resources, a healthy economy and beautiful beaches, as well as a people who have carved out a place to live, prosper and continually grow.
C-Shelz Photography
T
he first inhabitants to Baldwin County’s rich Delta region can be traced back approximately 10,000 years to Pre-Mississippian Native American cultures, who are often referred to as “moundbuilders.” Even today, a variety of burial, ceremonial and residential mounds can be found along the county’s waterways. The Spanish arrived in the area in 1519 when Alonzo Alvarez De Pineda sailed into Mobile Bay and named it Espiritu Santo; in 1540, Hernando de Soto traveled through a portion of the county — the town of Spanish Fort being the site of the Spanish occupation. Over the years, both the French and English would also occupy the county, offering a variety of contributions to its rich history and heritage. Baldwin County has also been the site of many historical battles. Andrew Jackson and his Volunteers fought the Indians in 1813 at Fort Mims, and Jackson also crossed the county to cause the surrender of the Spanish commandant at Pensacola. During the War of 1812, at Fort Bowyer (now Fort Morgan), the British attacked the fort prior to the infamous Battle of New Orleans, losing the HMS Hermes in the process. Four years later, Alabama joined with the original 13 American colonies, and Baldwin County became a part of the United States by its inclusion in an American territory. During the Civil War, Fort Morgan was once again
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
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Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2014
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Continuing in the Growth and Prosperity of Baldwin County We’re locally owned!
Three generations in the Baldwin County grocery business. We employ approximately 200 people who live in your communities; we support local charities, schools, organizations and area chambers of commerce.
Service:
Our personnel is friendly, courteous and knowledgeable ... we’ll treat you like family! We have an experienced butcher on staff to answer questions and cut fresh meat daily.
Selection:
We supply locally grown produce and products. Our deli also offers a large selection of deli items to choose from. We have over 12,000 labels of wine and one of the county's largest selection of micro beers to choose from.
Shop Cain’s Piggly Wiggly Today You’ll find our neighborhood store one of your best shopping experiences ever.
FAIRHOPE
903 Fairhope Ave. 251-928-0239
FOLEY
1200 S. McKenzie St. 251-970-1480
LOXLEY
1087 N. Hickory St. 251-964-6272
Jill Clair Gentry
REGIONAL
Baldwin County is the largest county in Alabama and the 12th largest county east of the Mississippi River. Its 2,027 square miles are filled with historical sites, shopping, top-notch restaurants, golf courses, nature trails and parks. Rolling, wooded hills and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta characterize the North Baldwin area, and the bluffs on the Eastern Shore overlook beautiful Mobile Bay. Central Baldwin has no shortage of wide-open spaces and scenic farmland, and the white-sand beaches of South Baldwin draw visitors from all over the country. The people of Baldwin County are as diverse and beautiful as its landscape. The area is a haven for artists, musicians, writers and photographers as well as farmers, fishermen and chefs. This diversity of land and people has created a place where everyone can find their niche. There’s an event, class, outdoor activity or new hobby just waiting to be discovered. Communities all over the county are waiting to be explored and enjoyed — get out there and have some fun.
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Tensaw
Stockton Bay Minette Stapleton
Welcome to
Bay Minette A great place to live, work and play. 251-580-1619
301 D’Olive Street Bay Minette, AL 36507
North Baldwin I
f you like hunting, fishing or simply getting out and enjoying the splendors of nature, North Baldwin County will be your paradise. From the bogs and rivers of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta to the beautiful pine forests, there’s abundant flora and fauna that can delight and entertain. If your idea of a good time is pitching a tent and stargazing as you sit around a fire, North Baldwin is the place for you. The region also has plenty of excellent hotel accommodations and shopping destinations that will please you without putting a dent in your pocketbook.
Tensaw-Stockton
The proud incorporated community of Stockton is one of the northernmost points in the county, and is home to several beautiful historic homes and sites. Travel north on Highway 59 after leaving I-65 to experience the charm, grace and kindness of the people of the community, and stay for some of the many events they host throughout the year at Centennial Park. Further north, you’ll find the deltas and bogs of the Tensaw area, as well as Historic Fort Mims, where you might see a historic battle reenactment or simply enjoy learning of the storied past of this county. And while you’re visiting
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
this part of the county, don’t miss a Southern homestyle feast at the Stagecoach Cafe.
Bay Minette
Bay Minette is the county seat of Baldwin County and embodies the kind of small town charms the South is known for, complete with scenic oak-lined streets and gorgeous homes that speak to a bygone era. Visit the picturesque public library, stop by the vibrant North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and its lovely gazebo or enjoy some good home-cooking at one of the many excellent local restaurants.
Stapleton
Moving down Highway 59, you’ll see trees galore in the unincorporated community of Stapleton. Once a railroad hub for the county, the region now plays a role in Baldwin County’s ecological beauty, as homes and businesses are separated by large swaths of land dominated by pine forests and pristine farmland.
FISH RIVER GRILL #2
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Where the locals luv to eat!
Daily Lunch Specials
OMG! SHRIMP FEAST POBOY
Chosen in Top "100 Dishes To Eat In Alabama Before You Die"
Authentic Southern Cooked
• Gator • Seafood • Shrimp • Frog Legs • Catfish • Chicken • Hurricane & Swamp Burgers • Ala. Chicken Melt • OMG Shrimp Feast Po’boy • Lower Alabama Steak Po’boy • Hillbilly Melt
Live Music • Full Service Bar
Voted Best Burgers in Baldwin County sh i f w ls a r C sto Pi
R Oy aw s Ba ter r
Free Swamp Soup with Every Entree!! 608 S. McKenzie Street (Foley Plaza on Hwy. 59)
TOP LEFT: John Heath demonstrates nail making at the Old Time Country Festival in Bay Minette.TOP RIGHT: Thomas Steele crawls to victory at Delta Dash in Stockton. MIDDLE: Ice forms at the Bay Minette Municipal Pool on Jan. 7 2014. LEFT: Lynn Bozone prepares pieces for the future Stockton Heritage Museum.
Foley, AL 36535
251-952-3474 Hrs: Mon.-Sat. 10:30am - 9pm
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Eastern Shore
Spanish Fort Daphne
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W
hether you enjoy the outdoors, shopping, sports, dining, the arts or family friendly events, there is something for everyone in Baldwin County’s Eastern Shore cities — Spanish Fort, Fairhope, Daphne and Point Clear.
Spanish Fort Fairhope
The Eastern Shore Centre, an outdoor mall in Spanish Fort, contains favorites like Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, Pottery Barn, WilliamsSonoma, Ann Taylor Loft, Jos. A. Bank, Talbots and Hollister Co. There’s also a state-of-the-art bowling alley and arcade, a 14-screen movie theater, a Publix supermarket and many restaurants. The 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center is one of Spanish Fort’s best places to catch a close-up glimpse of local wildlife with walking tours and river boat cruises.
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Fairhope
Often referred to as the Crown Jewel of the Eastern Shore, Fairhope is a special place. Downtown Fairhope is perfect for pedestrians. Streets are lined with local clothing retailers, vintage shops, art galleries, restaurants to suit all tastes, a local bookstore and coffee shops. Be mesmerized by the beauty and charm of downtown, decorated by flowers year-round, or the twinkling of lighted trees in the winter through mid-spring. Discover the arts in a small town with a bit of sophistication. Downtown Fairhope is also home to a romantic pier, rose garden and a beach. The drive along scenic 98 through the Point Clear area showcases Mobile Bay and the beauty of nature.
Daphne
Daphne is home to some of the Eastern Shore’s best spots to watch for wildlife. At Bayfront Park at Village Point visitors can watch for alligators, snakes and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Jackson’s Oak, a historic oak tree that dates back to before the Civil War, is also located on one of the nature trails at Village Point. Also in Daphne is Gator Alley, a city-maintained boardwalk that passes under U.S. 98, where guests can spot alligators at any time between sunrise and sunset. Daphne’s historic Main Street has local restaurants and stores, a youth baseball park and a great park for kids called Centennial Park.
TOP LEFT: The Baldwin Pops perform at Daphne City Hall. TOP RIGHT: A Dogwood Trail Maid and little girl at Fairhope’s Arts & Crafts festival. MIDDLE LEFT: Sugarcane Jane performs in Daphne. MIDDLE RIGHT: Polo at the Point in Point Clear. LEFT: Walking tours in downtown Fairhope.
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Central Baldwin
Loxley
W
Silverhill Robertsdale Summerdale
here crossroads meet in the “Hub of Baldwin County,” the municipalities of Central Baldwin — Loxley, Robertsdale and Silverhill — have a lot to offer visitors to Baldwin County.
Loxley
The town of Loxley begins where Interstate 10 meets Highway 59. Many activities in town center around the Loxley Municipal Park and Loxley Civic Center, which is home each year to the Baldwin County Strawberry Festival. The Loxley Civic Center is also home to the City Rhythm Big Band.
Robertsdale
Just a short drive down Highway 59, you’ll find Robertsdale, the “Hub of Baldwin County.” Robertsdale is the largest municipality in Central Baldwin
Robertsdale
Come Grow With Us!
Mayor: Charles Murphy
City CounCil: Sue Cooper, Joe M. Kitchens, Paul Hollingsworth, ruthie Campbell, Brent Kendrick City Clerk: Shannon J. Hill City attorney: Ken raines Chief Financial officer: ann Simpson Chief of Police: Brad Kendrick Public Works Director: Scott Gilbert City Engineer: Greg Smith City Judge: Julian Brackin
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and is home to numerous parks, including Honeybee Park along Highway 59, home of the Honeybee Festival and Honeybee Run. Garrett Park is home to most of the city’s baseball and softball fields and also boasts a Kids Park and the city’s Splash Pad. Robertsdale also hosts the Baldwin County Fair, one of the state’s longest running county fairs.
Silverhill
Take Highway 104 three miles west to Silverhill, the area’s smallest and oldest municipality. Silverhill celebrates the heritage of its four flags, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Norway and Finland, every year with the annual Silverhill Heritage Day Festival. On Memorial Day weekend, the town hosts the annual Fallen Heroes Car Show. History buffs can check out the Oscar Johnson Memorial Library, the 100-year-old Zion Lutheran Church and United Bank, which is the historic home of the People’s Supply Company. TOP: Patrons leave the Baldwin County Fair in Robertsdale. MIDDLE LEFT: A man enjoys the Strawberry Festival in Loxley. MIDDLE RIGHT: Vendors sell honey at Robertsdale’s Honeybee Festival. LEFT: A young boy sits atop a tractor at the Baldwin County Fair’s tractor show.
Summerdale
The last stop in Central Baldwin on the Highway 59 corridor is the town of Summerdale, also known as the “Sunshine of Baldwin County,” founded in 1906. Check out Pioneer Park and beat the heat at the town’s Splash Pad. Want a little adventure? Visit Alligator Alley off Highway 59.
You r
G lete p m Co
n e d r a r! e t n Ce
Flower & Vegetable Plants Year Round • Wide Selection Herbs • Fruit & Citrus Trees • Roses • Deer Plot Mixes & Attractants • Bulk Livestock Feed • Complete Line of Horse Feed & Supplies • Pet Food & Supplies • Hay • Straw • Fertilizers • Soil • Propane Bottles Filled
HWY 104, ROBERTSDALE, AL • 251-947-3003 M-F 7:30am-5pm
Sat 7:30am-4pm
Visit Racine’s on Facebook!
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South Baldwin Foley
Magnolia Springs Orange Beach Gulf Shores
Elberta
A
nyone in the south section of Baldwin County will tell you, things are just a little different here. The pace is slower, the options more diverse — basically, if you’d like to shop till you drop or just lay back in a hammock until sounds of the ocean rock you to sleep, anything goes.
Foley
The Tanger Outlets in Foley offer shoppers an array of stores at outlet prices. The city is also the shopping hub of South Baldwin with its big-box stores and home improvement stores attracting shoppers from a wide area. It also boasts a new farmer’s and fisherman’s market on County Road 20 and the city is sprucing up downtown for the 2015 Centennial celebration.
in big beautiful Baldwin County Find a bargain. Taste farm-fresh produce. Experience nature. Ride the train. Smell the roses. See amazing balloons. VisitFoley.org Mayor John E. Koniar
Council Members J. Wayne Trawick • C. Rick Blackwell Vera J. Quaites • Charles J. Ebert III Ralph G. Hellmich
City of Foley 407 E. Laurel Ave. • PO Box 1750 Foley, AL 36536 251-943-1545 www.cityoffoley.org
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Gulf Shores
Billy Pope
Gulf Shores is home to many specialty boutiques and surf shops, alike. There is also a wide variety of restaurant fare to choose from with seafood as the basis, but each eatery has a unique specialty as well. The city is fostering a Waterway Village District along the Intracoastal Waterway to give visitors and locals an alternative to the beach.
Orange Beach
C-Shelz Photography
The Wharf holds concerts by world-renowned musicians, and bars and dives set the stage for local talent. Karaoke, dancing and games can be found at sports bars, eateries and night-life locations. Orange Beach also has the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach with a glass-blowing hot shop, clay studio and outdoor stage.
Magnolia Springs
Elberta
This picturesque little town is home to dinosaur art in the woods near Barber Marina. The German Sausage Festival packs ‘em in to raise money for the volunteer Fire Department. The City Council is working on a Blues and Brews festival in the future.
C-Shelz Photography
Quiet, pristine rivers weave throughout this area, showering local plants and animals with fertile habitats. Magnolia Springs has a library and upscale Jesse’s Restaurant.
TOP: Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores. MIDDLE LEFT: Two young boys play on the beach. MIDDLE RIGHT: Balloons light up at Foley’s Hot Air Balloon Festival. LEFT: The sugar white sands of Orange Beach.
We now offer Bone Density Testing for Osteoporosis Screenings
FOLEY MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS AWADHESH K. GUPTA, M.D. Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine
1440 N. McKenzie St., Foley, Alabama • 251-970-3403
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413 E. Laurel Ave. • Foley, AL 36353
251-943-5001
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700 Whispering Pines Rd. • Daphne, AL 36526
251-626-5000
Serving South Baldwin County Since 1916 www.rivierautilities.com
HISTORY
To some, Baldwin County may be all about beaches and tourism, but the county has a rich history of cultures colliding, battles, wars and a gradual economic shift from agriculture to service and technology. Baldwin County melds a mixture of cultures, ideas and events that make up its past, present and future. As part of the Mississippi Territory, the Alabama Territory and eventual statehood in 1819, the county’s early days were a clash of cultures. English, French and Spanish settlers tried to interact and coexist with the Native American tribes. Skirmishes with Indian tribes, the War of 1812 and the Civil War have left their marks on the area. Famous battles include the Fort Mims Massacre, the Battle of Mobile Bay and the Battle of Fort Blakeley. McIntosh Bluff, Blakeley and Daphne have all served as the seat of county government. Bay Minette became the county seat in 1901 when the county records were spirited away from Daphne in the middle of the night. The county holds a variety of reenactments, festivals, shows and concerts to celebrate elements of the past. From antique cars to bluegrass music, history comes to life throughout the year. Native American artifacts, Civil War weapons, Spanish names, German cuisine, Scandinavian flags, antebellum homes, Depression Era tools, forts, mounds, crops, hurricane devastations … these remnants of the past are patchworks in a quilt that covers Alabama’s largest county.
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Historical Attractions
1. 5 Rivers Delta
The 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, located on the Causeway in Spanish Fort, is an 81-acre facility that offers visitors opportunities to examine Baldwin County’s waterways and wildlife. The large exhibit hall presents information on plant and animal life through an exceptional collection of photographs and taxidermy specimens. The 90-seat theater offers documentaries that focus on the local wildlife. The waterways of the delta and bay are accessible to visitors from the 5 Rivers site as well. Daily excursions on the “Pelican” bring to life the delta estuary. • Location: 30945 Five Rivers Blvd. (just off the Causeway), Spanish Fort • Contact: 251-625-0814
2. Bicentennial Park
Bicentennial Park gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the natural attributes of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta as they take in the beauty of the two-mile walking trail within the park. The park’s displays chronicle Native American culture circa 1780s through the settlement by Europeans in the 19th century. • Location: 51233 Highway 225, Stockton • Contact: 251-580-1897 to arrange a tour
3. Blakeley State Park
Historic Blakeley State Park offers opportunities to tour a preserved Civil War battlefield, visit the site of one of the oldest towns in the state and learn about the plants and animals that
inhabit Mobile Bay and the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Visitors can examine more than five miles of Confederate and Union breastworks within the park that marks the site of the last major battle of the American Civil War. In addition, one can relive the beginning of Baldwin County’s heritage at the Blakeley town site in the park. While there were hotels, stores and churches serving about 4,000 people in the 1820s, the site has since been reclaimed by nature and is home to majestic oaks that line what were once busy streets. • Location: 34745 Highway 225, Spanish Fort • Contact: 251-626-0798
4. Bon Secour Natural Wildlife Refuge
The Bon Secour Natural Wildlife Refuge can take visitors back in time to view the Gulf Shores area as it was long before man interrupted the pristine nature of the Gulf Coast. The 7,000-acre preserve is a protected habitat for migratory birds and sea turtles. Activities include free guided tours, restoration programs, the Coastal Cleanup project, bird banding and a bird fest. • Location: 12295 Highway 180, Gulf Shores • Contact: 251-540-7720
5. Fort Mims
On August 30, 1813, a band of 700 Red Stick Creek Indians destroyed Fort Mims in northern Baldwin County and killed about 250 of those defending the stronghold. During the last weekend in August each year, the Fort Mims Restoration Association
Annual 1813 battle reenactment at Fort Mims – Jill Clair Gentry
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commemorates the 1813 battle during a weekend-long reenactment. • Location: County Road 80, Tensaw • Contact: 251-937-5710; FortMims.org
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6. Fort Morgan
This brick-and-mortar fortress located at the mouth of Mobile Bay served American forces during the Civil War, SpanishAmerican War and both world wars. The 479-acre site includes concrete artillery batteries and historic buildings dating from 1899 to 1910. Also located onsite is a museum that features a complete history of Fort Morgan. • Location: 51 Highway 180, Gulf Shores • Contact: 251-540-7202
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7. Swift-Coles Historic Home
The Swift-Coles Historic Home was originally built around 1882. In, 1898 the Charles A. Swift family moved into the home, and as the Swift family grew in size, the home was expanded to its current 6,000 square feet, which includes 16 rooms, 10 fireplaces and 3,500 square feet of porches that look out onto the homes grounds. In the summer 2009, the home and grounds were opened to the public for tours. In addition, the home is decorated during the Christmas holiday as it would have been in 1900s. • Location: 17424 Swift Coles Lane, Gulf Shores • Contact: 251-580-1897
DISCLAIMER: These historical attractions featured here were chosen because they are the most visited in the county.
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To Arms Antiques Buyer and Seller
Military Relics • Pre-Civil War to Gulf War!! Documents • Books • Letters • Diaries Stop by and check out our larger inventory of Military Items, Antiques and Collectibles.
Certified Appraiser, James Mitchell Owner, Henry Skinner
15296D Co Rd 3, Fairhope,
251-422-9474
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
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Main art: The Fairhope Museum of History is a fairly new museum located in Downtown Fairhope. The mullet fountain outside was one of three designs that was voted for by the citizens.
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Museums 1. Old Daphne Methodist Church Museum
Housed in a 155-year-old church building, this museum features a varied collection of items that reflect the long history of Daphne — its businesses, homes and residents. It is home to a set of newspapers from the early 1900s called The Standard that display the character of early Daphne. Also featured are photographs, pottery, a jubilee display and numerous other relics that indicate what life in Daphne was like over the past 100 years. The church building itself is an amazing piece of 19th century architecture that shouldn’t be missed. • 405 Dryer Ave., Daphne • 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. • Free • 251-621-9620
2. Fairhope Museum of History
Fairhope’s history museum is host to changing exhibits as well as permanent ones, which are mainly located on the first floor of the museum and depict Fairhope’s history. The second floor of the museum is home to the original Town Council chambers. The museum also offers interactive projects for children and has files available for research projects. It also boasts a large collection of more than 250 pieces of historic pottery from the area. Every Tuesday at 2 p.m., the Museum hosts a tea, where guests can enjoy a cup of Baldwin County tea, a cookie and a hear a story from Fairhope history straight from a local resident. A $2 donation is requested for this event. • 24 N. Section St., Fairhope • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday • Free • 251-929-1474
3. Foley Railroad Museum
For 66 years, Baldwin County’s agriculture industry relied on a railroad system to transport goods from farms to the rest of the country. In 1971, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad ceased operations at its depot in Foley. Now, the depot houses the Foley Railroad Museum, which offers exhibits about Baldwin County’s railroading and agricultural history. A model railroad layout depicts the evolution of railroading in the 1950s, complete with three operating double track routes, 12 different railroads and several animated sites, along with representations of a fire station, church, bus station, city park, farm, sawmill, coal company and an oil refinery. The museum also has a train that carries children around Foley’s Heritage Park. • Foley Heritage Park, 125 E. Laurel Ave., Foley • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday • Free • 251-943-1818
4. Summerdale Museum & Archives
This museum features items donated by the community’s residents that depict the town’s history. It is housed in the Summerdale Community Center. • 300 W. Jackson St., Summerdale • Free • 251-989-6626
Map and other listings continued on page 26.
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Recycle Daphne 2014 GARBAGE AND RECYCLE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE INDEPENDENCE DAY LABOR DAY VETERAN’S DAY THANKSGIVING DAY DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING BEFORE CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS
Drop Off Locations Daphne Public Works
26435 Public Works Road Daphne, Alabama 36526
Belforest Fire Department 25490 Hwy 54 W Daphne, Alabama 36526
Prodisee Pantry
9315 Spanish Fort Blvd Spanish Fort, AL 36527
IF YOUR SCHEDULED SERVICE DAY IS FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014 MONDAY, SEPT 1, 2014 TUESDAY, NOV 11, 2014 THURSDAY, NOV 27, 2014 FRIDAY, NOV 28, 2014 WEDNESDAY, DEC 24, 2014 THURSDAY, DEC 25, 2014
YOUR ALTERNATE SERVICE DAY IS WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014 WEDNESDAY, SEPT 3, 2014 WEDNESDAY, NOV 12, 2014 WEDNESDAY, NOV 26, 2014 WEDNESDAY, NOV 26, 2014 TUESDAY, DEC 23, 2014 FRIDAY, DEC 26, 2014
2015 GARBAGE AND RECYCLE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE NEW YEAR’S DAY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL DAY INDEPENDENCE DAY LABOR DAY VETERAN’S DAY THANKSGIVING DAY DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS NEW YEAR’S DAY
IF YOUR SCHEDULED SERVICE DAY IS THURSDAY, JAN 1, 2015 MONDAY, JAN. 19, 2015 MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015 FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015 MONDAY, SEPT. 7, 2015 WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2015 THURSDAY, NOV. 26, 2015 FRIDAY, NOV. 27, 2015 THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 2015 FRIDAY, DEC. 25, 2015 FRIDAY, JAN. 1, 2016
YOUR ALTERNATE SERVICE DAY IS WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31, 2014 WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21, 2015 WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015 WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2015 NO MAKE-UP DAY WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25, 2015 WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25, 2015 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23, 2015 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23, 2015 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 30, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING RECYCLING CONTACT: CITY OF DAPHNE PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION — SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT 26435 PUBLIC WORKS ROAD • DAPHNE, AL 36526 • 251-625-2004 THIS AD WAS PAID FOR WITH FUNDS FROM THE ALABAMA RECYCLE FUND THROUGH A GRANT FROM ADEM.
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Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015 v Pathway to Progress
5. Holmes Medical Museum
This museum is located in Baldwin County’s first hospital, which served the community from 1936 to 1958. The interior of the museum is practically unchanged from its hospital days, and on self-guided tours, visitors can travel back in time to see how much medicine has advanced in the past 50 years. Antique surgical instruments, operating room machinery and a human skeleton are on display. The museum also features a “medical quackery” display, depicting some of the experimental medicine practiced in the early 20th century. Note: The museum is located on the second floor of a building, and there is no elevator. Large groups should call ahead to make an appointment. • 111 W. Laurel Ave., Foley • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday • Free • 251-970-1818
Map items 1-4 are described on page 25.
6. Baldwin County Heritage Museum
The Baldwin County Heritage Museum’s mission is to preserve the culture of the farm communities of early Baldwin County by creating a home for historically significant buildings, documents and artifacts. It is not filled with elaborate antiques or expensive collections, but rather holds bits and pieces of items used in the daily lives of men and women who lived in Baldwin County. • 25521 Highway 98 E., Elberta • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Wednesday – Saturday • Free • 251-986-8375
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7. Gulf Shores Museum
The Gulf Shores Museum is located in a building that dates to before World War II and was originally the beach house of Valerie Cole’s family from Mobile. There are three permanent exhibits: “portrait of a fishing village,” “drawing a line in the sand” and “hurricanes: what you need to know.” • 244 W. 19th Ave., Gulf Shores • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday • Free • 251-968-1473
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8. Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum
Full of local artifacts and memorabilia from the area’s Native American and fishing heritage, this museum, housed in a 1910 schoolhouse, informs visitors about the challenges and achievements in the early days of Orange Beach’s fishing industry. Note: Groups of five or more should make reservations by calling 251-981-6039 • 25805 John Snook Drive behind City Hall complex, Orange Beach • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday • Free • 251-981-8545
9. Black Education Museum
Orange Beach Indian and Sea Museum
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The Black Education Museum is located on the original site of the Eastern Shore Baptist Academy, which later became the Baldwin County Training School. It is now on the campus of W.J. Carroll Elementary School in Daphne. The museum chronicles the history of black education in Baldwin County, which began in 1882 when the Eastern Shore Missionary Baptist association saw a need for educating black children. In 1916, the school was deeded to the Baldwin County Board of Education and became a public high school that provided an education for black students in Baldwin and other surrounding counties until the 1950s. • 1000 Main St., Daphne • Call for an appointment • Free • 251-510-0355
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
The Premiere Art Pottery
Of Lower Alabama and the Great Gulf South
We offer a wide selection of unique, handcrafted pottery by master potter Tom Jones and Candace Pryor. Each piece is a treasure; made and fired right in the shop.
10am to 5pm Monday thru Saturday 12601 Clay City Road Fairhope, AL 36532
(251) 928-2561
Toll Free (877) 928-2561
Please find us on Facebook and at www.tomjonespottery.net
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Supporting the Foley community for more than 30 years. UTC Aerospace Systems is one of the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defense products employing more than 40,000 people worldwide with approximately $12 billion in annual sales. The Aerostructures Foley facility employs 800 people. It is the largest employer in the city of Foley and the largest manufacturing company in Baldwin County.
UTC Aerospace Systems’ economic impact to the community is more than $60 million. To find out more visit www.utcaerospacesystems.com
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
C-Shelz Photography
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The natural beauty and temperate climate of Baldwin County make it easy to spend time outdoors. You only have to pick your pleasure. With average temperatures ranging from 90-degree summers to 60-degree winters, Baldwin County is a perfect place for year-round fun. The sugar-sand beaches call many for skimboarding, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, skiing, tubing, swimming, diving, snorkeling and scuba diving. If you prefer to spend time above the water, there are motor boats, sailboats, yachts, jet skis, canoes, kayaks and even parasailing — if you dare. Fishing opportunities abound in fresh and saltwater areas – from the thrill of hooking a marlin on a deep sea expedition to quietly trolling for bass in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta near the newly renovated Live Oak Landing. You can also become one with nature in any of the campgrounds Baldwin County has to offer. Just pick your setting and go. Tennis courts and golf courses take advantage of the climate’s warm weather to offer nearly year-round play. Get out, take in the sunshine and take some memories home.
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Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015 v Pathway to Progress
Water Sports
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
By John Mullen
If you want to zip across the water, paddle through it or fly above it, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in Baldwin County. Nearly every marina in the area offers jet skis, kayaks and paddle boards, and during the warm months, the skies over the Gulf blossom with parasails gliding through the air for stunning views. The rental places can even hook you up with a license for a day. “You either have to have a vessel license or take a safety course that we give and all the other guys give that makes them aware of Alabama’s boating laws,” said Rodney Jones of Skull Harbor at Hudson Marina. “Their rental contract becomes their temporary boater’s license during the period of time they’ve got the boat rented. We detail all the Alabama laws and anything that’s specific to jet skis as far as safety issues. Everybody I know that operates out of our area has a lot of experience and has gone through a lot of training.”
PADDLE BOATS AND KAYAKS Five Rivers Outfitters Rentals, Spanish Fort, 251-259-8531 Go Go Kayaks, Gulf Shores, 251-540-7529, 251-752-5500 Paddled by You - Kayak Rentals, Orange Beach, 251-752-9250 Perdido Paddle Board Co., Perdido Key, 251-597-7736 Gulf Adventure Center at Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, 877-947-8434 or 251-948-9494 Alabama Paddle Sports (delivery only), Gulf Shores, 251-279-0703, AlabamaPaddleSports.com
FLYBOARDING Flyboard Bama, 26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach, 855-525-8837, FlyboardBama.com Orange Beach Flyboard, 5749 Bay La Launch Ave., Orange Beach, 251-223-6607, OrangeBeachFlyboarding.com
Courtesy of Chute for the Sky Parasailing
Parasailing involves being pulled behind a boat while harnessed to a parachute like device. There are many commercial parasailing companies in Baldwin County.
RIVER TUBING Styx River Tube and Canoe Rental, Robertsdale, 251-960-1161
Listed in the extreme sport category, flyboarding is similar to wakeboarding. The difference in the two sports is the two jets under a flyboard that can propel you up to 40-feet in the air.
PARASAILING ABC Parasailing at Caribe Marina, Orange Beach, 251-981-9080 Chute for the Skye Parasail, Tacky Jacks in Orange Beach and Caribe Marina, 251-979-2475, ChuteSkyeParasail.com Perdido Key Parasail, Gulf Shores, 251-948-7433 Skull Harbor Parasail, Orange Beach, 251-981-4127 Pleasure Island Parasail, 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, 251-946-9000; Gulf Shores 251-747-3613; The Beach Club, 251-747-3613; The Pink Pony Pub, 251-948-6371; Behind Bahama Bob's, 251-923-9636; San Roc Cay Marina, 251-974-5FLY (5359) Blue Reef Watersports - Parasail, Orange Beach, 251-504-7411 Happy Harbor, Orange Beach, 251-981-6111; Perdido Key, 251-981-6111; Oyster Bay, 251-968-7492 Ike’s Beach Service, Gulf Shores, 251-948-5737 Orange Beach Parasail, Orange Beach, 251-981-8359 Orange Beach Watersports, Orange Beach, 251-981-2527 Flora-Bama Watersports, Orange Beach, 251-980-5222
Courtesy of Orange Beach Flyboard
JET SKIS Flora-Bama Watersports, Orange Beach, 251-980-5222 Orange Beach Watersports, Orange Beach, 251-981-2527 Ike’s Beach Service, Gulf Shores, 251-948-5737 Happy Harbor, Orange Beach, 251-981-6111; Perdido Key, 251-981-6111; Oyster Bay, 251-968-7492 Pleasure Island Parasail, 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, 251-946-9000; Gulf Shores 251-747-3613; The Beach Club, 251-747-3613; The Pink Pony Pub, 251-948-6371; Behind Bahama Bob's, 251-923-9636; San Roc Cay Marina, 251-974-5FLY (5359) Blue Reef Watersports, Orange Beach, 251-504-7411 Skull Harbor Jet Skis, Orange Beach, 251-981-4127
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015 v Pathway to Progress
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Boat Launches
By John Mullen
NORTH BALDWIN 1. Byrne's Lake Landing Free · Byrne's Lake Road, Bay Minette 2. Cliff's Landing Free · 7740 Cliff's Landing Road, Bay Minette · 251-580-0057 3. Hubbard's Landing Free · 9100 Hubbard Landing Road, Stockton · 251-937-5726 4. Live Oak Landing $5 · 8700 Live Oak Road, Stockton 5. Lower Bryant Landing $4 · 8900 Lower Bryant Landing Road, Stockton · 251-937-1364 6. Perkins Hurricane Landing $3 · 7060 Hurricane Road, Bay Minette · 251-937-2070 7. Upper Bryant Landing $4 · 8075 Bryant Landing Road, Stockton · 251-580-5206
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1 CENTRAL BALDWIN 1. Marlow Ferry Launch Free · 16362 Honey Road, Summerdale
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1. Buzbee's Fish Camp $5 · 32690 County Road 72, Spanish Fort 2. Chocolotta Bay Boat Launch Free · 3101 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort 3. Fish River Marina Free · 11470 US Highway 98, Fairhope 4. Mayday Boat Launch Free · 202 College Ave., Daphne · 251-621-3703 5. Meaher State Park Launch $3 · 5200 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort · 251-626-5529 6. Mullet Point Launch Free · 13203 County Road 1, Fairhope 7. Pier Street Launch Free · 1 Pier Ave., Fairhope 8. Scott's Landing $4 · 5901 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort · 251-626-5323 9. Tensaw Ramp Free · 1401 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort 10. Viewpoint Launch Free · 10471 County Road 1, Fairhope
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SOUTH BALDWIN 1. Boggy Point Boat Launch Free · 28212 Marina Road, Orange Beach 2. Bon Secour Launch Free · 17309 River Road, Bon Secour · 251-949-6658 3. Bon Secour Launch at Billy's Seafood $5 · 16780 River Road, Bon Secour · 251-949-6288 4. Canal Park Boat Ramp Free · 200 E. 24th Ave., Gulf Shores 5. Cotton Bayou Launch Free · 25808 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach 6. Fort Morgan Barge Launch $2 · 53 Dixie Graves Parkway, Gulf Shores · 251-540-2628 7. Josephine Park Free · Josephine Drive, Josephine 8. Lagoon Park Launch Free · Fort Morgan Road, Gulf Shores 9. Palmetto Creek Launch Free · 8223 Escambia Ave., Elberta 10. Pirate's Cove Free · 6664 County Road 95, Elberta 11. The Pines Boat Launch Free · 7950 Dixie Graves Parkway, Gulf Shores 12. Wolf Bay Launch $8 · 9001 Pinewood Ave., Elberta 12. Lillian Boat Launch Free · County Road 99, Lillian
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
Hunting Licenses
Rhodes Quail Farm in Bay Minette. Visit them on Facebook or call 251-504-6645.
Baldwin Hunting Clubs & Guided Hunts
When to Hunt
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Hollingers Creek Hunting Club offers deer and turkey hunting off of State Highway 112 close to the Florida state line. Find them on Facebook or call 251-709-8059. Ram Horn Hunting Club offers deer hunting north of I-10 in the Gateswood Community. Call 251-284-5727. Oak Hollow Farm offers continental pheasant hunts in Fairhope. Visit OakHollowFarm.net or call 251-928-4840. Rising Covey Quail Hunts in Spanish Fort. Visit RisingCovey.com or call 251-747-4836. Rice Creek Quail Preserve in Stockton. Visit RiceCreekQuail.webs.com or call 251-454-0066.
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People born on or after Aug. 1, 1977 must complete an approved hunter education program (either a traditional course with a written test or an Internet-based course followed by a field day to test hunter safety skills) before being eligible to hunt. Visit OutdoorAlabama.com for more information.
Baldwin County is home to three Wildlife Management Areas: The Mobile-Tensaw Delta WMA: 51,040 acres where hunters can find waterfowl, big game and small game. Perdido River WMA: 17,625 acres of small and big game hunting in Baldwin County, north of Interstate 10 near Gateswood. Upper Delta: 42,451 acres of waterfowl, big game and small game hunting. Located in north Baldwin County near Stockton. ver
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Fishing
Billy Pope
With more than 660 miles of shoreline from Orange Beach to the south shore of Mobile County and Mobile Bay in between, Baldwin County offers a multitude of angling opportunities for fishing enthusiasts at every level.
KINDS OF FISH Flounder are abundant on and around structures like piers and drop offs along the Eastern Shore. Speckled Trout can be found in the shallows of Mobile Bay. Redfish are abundant around the mouth of Mobile Bay near Fort Morgan. Amberjack can be found all year, but peak from May until September. Abundant around wrecks, reefs and gas platforms in Gulf waters off Baldwin County’s south coast. Grouper can be found all year in the Gulf of Mexico off Baldwin County’s south coast. Whiting can be found in the Gulf surf zone of coastal waters and off Gulf piers and lower portions of the bays, including lower bay piers. Mullet can be found near inshore artificial reefs and around oyster reefs and tidal river mouths. King Mackerel can be found along coastal and offshore Gulf waters, particularly around wrecks, rigs, obstructions, ledges, lumps and other structures from May through October. Seatrout can be caught along Gulf beaches in March and in rivers and above the Mobile Bay Causeway in late fall and winter. Sharks are commonly caught from March through November around oyster reefs, bridge pilings, inshore artificial reefs, rock jetties and oyster reef areas on flooding tides. Red Snapper season and limits change based on the abundance of the fish. Red snapper can be found offshore around natural structure or artificial reefs. Blackfin Tuna can be found May through December, with a peak in late June through July, by trolling and jigging in offshore Gulf waters. Yellowfin Tuna can be found in offshore Gulf waters from AprilDecember with a peak in June-July.
Wahoo can be found by trolling in offshore Gulf waters from May-October.
FISHING LICENSES All you need to buy an Alabama fishing license is a valid driver’s license. Fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.OutdoorAlabama.com, in probate offices in Bay Minette, Foley, Robertsdale or Fairhope and are also available at outdoor retailers and Walmart locations throughout the county.
LOCAL FISHING ORGANIZATIONS National Association of Charter Boats 4576 Walker Key, Orange Beach, 251-981-5136, NACOcharters.org Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association 7311 Bay Road, Mobile, mbkfa.com Mobile Big Game Fishing Club 27075 Park Drive, Orange Beach, mbgfc.org Orange Beach Fishing Association 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, OrangeBeachFishingAssociation.net
FISHING LINKS TakeMeFishing.org OutdoorAlabama.com EatAlabamaSeafood.com GulfShores.com/fishing
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
Where to fish
Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015 18
MARINAS 1. Zeke’s Landing Marina 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach; 251-981-4007; ZekesLanding.com 2. Orange Beach Marina 27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach; 251-981-4207; OrangeBeachMarina.com 3. San Roc Cay Marina 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach; 251-981-7173; SanRocCay.com 4. Bear Point Marina 5749 Bay La Launch Ave., Orange Beach; 251-981-2327; BearPointMarina.com 5. Barber Marina 26986 Fish Trap Road, Elberta; 251-987-2628; BarberMarina.com 6. Gulf Shores Marina 1577 Highway 180, Gulf Shores; 251-540-2628, GulfShoresYachtClubAndMarina.com 7. Homeport Marina 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores; 251-968-4528; HomeportMarina.net 8. Happy Harbor Marina 4159 County Road 6, 6 Gulf Shores; 251-968-2778; HappyHarbors.com 9. Pirate’s Cove 6664 Highway 95, Josephine; 251-987-1224; PiratesCoveriffraff.com 10. Caribe Marina 28101 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach; 251-980-8410; CaribeMarina.com 11. Cotton Bayou Marina Bay Circle, Orange Beach; 251-981-9466 12. Hudson Marina 4575 S. Wilson Blvd., Orange Beach; 251-981-4127; AlabamaDeepSeaFishing.com 13. ICC Marine 2614 E. Second St., Gulf Shores; 251-968-6558 14. Romar Marina 26350 Cotton Bayou Drive, Orange Beach; 251-981-9771; RomarMarina.com 15. Sportsman Marina 27844 Canal Road, Orange Beach; 251-981-6247; SportsmanMarina.com 16. The Wharf Marina 4830 Main St., Orange Beach; 251-224-1900; TheWharfAL.com
SOUTH BALDWIN 17. Gulf State Park Pier Check out the 1,540-foot long, 20-foot wide pier at the Gulf State Park. The Gulf State Park pier has 2,448 feet of fishing space along its rails and is open 24 hours, seven days a week. Find more information at alapark.com/gulfstate/.
EASTERN SHORE 18. Mobile Bay The Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay is one of the state’s popular fishing locations. Many locations are available for fishing, from the south end of the shore in Point Clear and Fairhope to the north in Daphne and Spanish Fort. The Eastern Shore is covered with boat ramps and fishing piers for anglers to use.
MOBILE BAY JUBILEE One of the most exciting fishing events in Baldwin County is the jubilee on the upper Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay from Point Clear to slightly north of Daphne. The jubilee is the name used locally for a natural phenomenon. Many species of aquatic life leave deeper waters and swarm in a specific, shallower coastal area of the bay. The Mobile Bay jubilee typically takes place every year between the months of June and September. Some years, it occurs several times, usually in the pre-dawn hours and can cover up to a 15-mile stretch of coast on the Eastern Shore. A specific set of conditions must be met for a jubilee to occur: • Previous day’s weather conditions must include an overcast or cloudy day, a gentle wind from the east, and a calm and slick bay surface. • Rising tide is necessary; a change to a falling tide will stop the jubilee.
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Camping
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
By eric mann
Baldwin County is an ideal location for camping enthusiasts to pitch a tent, rent a cabin, hook up their RV or sleep out under the stars.
STATE PARKS WITH CAMPGROUND, RV ACCESS AND CABINS Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores has 496 camping sites with modern bathhouses. Gulf State Park Campground has 20, 30 and 50-amp service, water and sewer hookup and fishing, boating and water skiing opportunities are just steps away. The park is close to many family theme parks, shopping, restaurants, live entertainment venues and the beach. Gulf State Park offers 20 modern cabins within walking distance of the golf course and two-and-a-half miles from snowwhite beaches. For more information about Gulf State Park, call 251-9487275 or visit AlaPark.com/gulfstate. Meaher State Park Campground has 56 new campsites with 20, 30 and 50 amp electrical connections with water and sewer. The park is located at 5200 Battleship Parkway, also known as the causeway, in Spanish Fort. The campground also features a new bathhouse with laundry facilities for overnight campers. Call the park at 251-626-5529 or visit AlaPark.com/meaher. Historic Blakely State Park located at 34745 State Highway 225 in Spanish Fort has two campgrounds. APALACHEE CAMPGROUND: A new modern campground with huge, secluded wilderness sites with underground utilities. These uniquely designed sites with pull-throughs are located in a mini-park area offering privacy from other campers and park visitors and are designed and built to accommodate the largest recreational vehicles. HARPER CAMPGROUND: Tents and pop-ups only with nice sites with fire rings and picnic tables but no utilities. Restrooms nearby. Open daily. Rates - adults $6 per person, per night, kids 6-12 $4 per person, per night. Kids under 6 are free. Includes park admission. $15 minimum per site. Blakeley State Park rests on the Tensaw River Delta and has miles of trails connecting archaeological sites of Indian villages, a French plantation, the 1813 town of Blakeley and more. Blakeley is also where the last combined-forces battle of the Civil War was waged. For Blakeley State Park camping info, call 251-626-5581 or visit BlakeleyPark.com for more information.
BALDWIN COUNTY CAMPGROUNDS AND RV PARKS As listed on CampgroundsOfAmerica.com
Beech's Camper and Mobile Home Park · Orange Beach · 251-981-4136 Callaway RV Court · Gulf Shores · 251-968-7969 Doc's RV Park · Gulf Shores · 251-968-4511 Gulf Breeze Resort · Gulf Shores · 251-968-8884 Gulf State Park · Gulf Shores · 251-948-7275 Hallmark RV Park · Gulf Shores · 251-968-6494 Helen's RV Park · Foley · 251-943-1227 Hilltop RV Park · Robertsdale · 251-960-1129 Hubbard Landing · Stockton· 251-937-5726 Johnny’s Lakeside RV Resort · Foley · 251-970-3773 Lazy Acres RV Park & Campground · Gulf Shores · 877-986-5266 Live Oak Landing · Bay Minette · 251-937-9542 Luxury RV Resort · Gulf Shores · 800-982-3510 Magnolia Springs RV Hideaway · Foley · Magnolia Springs · 251-965-6777 Meaher State Park · Spanish Fort · 251-626-5529 Parkway RV Park · Loxley · 251-964-6489 Perdido Bay KOA · Lillian · 251-961-1717 Perkins Hurricane Landing · Bay Minette · 251-937-9133 Southport Campgrounds · Gulf Shores · 251-968-6220 Southwind RV Park · Magnolia Springs · 251-988-1216 Styx River Campground and RV Park · Loxley · 888-816-1118 / 251-960-1118 Sun Runners RV Park · Gulf Shores · 251-955-5257 Upper Bryant Landing · Stockton · 251-580-2610 / 251-937-0639 Wilderness RV Resort · Robertsdale · 251-960-1195 Wolf Bay Plantation RV Resort · Gulf Shores · 251-987-5131
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
Now Open... And Ready For You!
The Haven Gulf Shores, the preeminent Assisted Living and Memory Care facility in the area, is now open and you are invited to come and see what all the buzz is about! This newly constructed facility, which provides the highest quality assisted living and specialized services for memory impairment, is beautifully appointed and situated only minutes from the white sandy beaches of the Gulf. Durably constructed, with steel beams and flame-retardant roofing, The Haven meets the highest building codes established by the City of Gulf Shores and the Alabama Department of Public Health. We provide a warm, compassionate environment that will make a positive difference in your loved one’s life. At our unique facility, the needs of the residents’ and their families are the top priority and attention is given to the emotional as well as the physical well-being of the residents. The facility serves residents with the highest professionalism, respect, integrity and ethical standards, treating residents as we would want to be treated, seeking to bring joy and comfort to residents at all times. With gourmet meals, socialization and a secure environment, The Haven is a special place that you or your loved one will be glad to call home. You can have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is getting nothing less than the very best care available. Call or come by today to schedule a private tour – we are currently conducting placement interviews for new move-ins. Amenities include:
• 8-bed Assisted Living and • 32-bed Memory Care Facility • All private baths • All apartments carpeted • Generous closet space • Custom window treatments • Flat screen TVs
• Telephone and cable ready • Individual climate control • Scheduled Activities • 24-hour onsite licensed staffing • 3 gourmet meals per day plus snacks
6848 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 http://www.thehavenofgulfshores.com
251-923-2800
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Golf
C-Shelz Photography
Golfing in Baldwin County is practically a year-round activity. With proximity to the Gulf Coast and its long sunlit days from spring to late fall, golfing is a destination in itself for visitors, natives and competitive amateurs and pros. Winters are occasionally too cold for some, but not for many snowbirds.
Golf courses
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1. Steelwood is a private club in Loxley designed by former U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate. It is rated by Golf Digest as one of the best courses in Alabama and is home to one of the largest junior tournaments in the world. 17230 Dogwood Grove, Loxley; 251-422-5813; Steelwood.us.
NORTH BALDWIN
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1. Holly Hills is a nine-hole course at the Holly Hills Country Club south of Bay Minette. The course features 3,116 yards of golf measured from the longest tee markers. Designed by Earl Stone. 38600 Country Club Drive, Bay Minette; 251-937-8230.
SOUTH BALDWIN EASTERN SHORE
1. Quail Creek Golf Course is a municipal course that is fully staffed with a pro shop, clubhouse restaurant and driving range. 19841 Quail Creek Drive, 4 Fairhope; 888-701-2202. 3 2. Rock Creek Golf Club is on the north side of Fairhope in the Montrose area. It offers 18 holes over 6,920 yards and a par of 72. 140 Clubhouse Drive, Fairhope; 251-928-4223. 2 3. Lake Forest Yacht and Country Club is a private, non-equity club that offers 18 holes over 6,010 yards with a par of 71. The club also offers 1 5 a nine-hole course around the lake, which covers more than 2,629 yards with a par of 35. 1 Golf Terrace, Daphne; 251-626-9324. 4. Timber Creek is Daphne’s public course and offers a 27-hole championship layout designed by Earl Stone. 9560 Timber Creek Blvd., Daphne; 251-6219900; 877-621-9900. 5. Lakewood Golf Club on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay is a private, non-equity facility adjacent to the Marriott Grand Hotel in Point Clear with 36 holes over two challenging courses. 1 Grand Blvd., Point Clear; 251-990-6312.
CENTRAL BALDWIN
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2 3 1. Craft Farms has two 18-hole courses designed by Arnold Palmer. The Cypress Bend course has a 1 4.5-star rating by Golf Digest, and the 7 4 Cotton Creek course has a four-star 5 8 rating. 3840 Cotton 6 Creek Circle, Gulf Shores; 251-968-7500; CraftFarms.com. 2. Foley Golf Course, formerly known as Gulf Links Golf Course, is an 18hole course with a par of 64. 3901 S. McKenzie St., Foley; 251-970-1444. 3. Glenlakes Golf Club features two courses, one with 18 holes (links-style vista/dunes course) and one with 9 holes (resort-style lakes course). 9530 Clubhouse Drive, Foley; 251-955-1220; GlenLakesGolf.com. 4. Gulf Shores Golf Club is one of the newest public courses and has 18 holes over 6,812 yards. 520 Clubhouse Dr., Gulf Shores; 251-968-4501. 5. Gulf State Park Refuge Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course, complete with a proshop and cafĂŠ. 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores; 251-948-4653. 6. Kiva Dunes, an 18-hole course, is a top-rated golf course in Alabama. 815 Plantation Road, Gulf Shores; 251-540-7000. 7. Orange Beach Golf Center is a nine-hole course with no dress code. 24401 Canal Road, Orange Beach; 251-981-4653. 8. Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club is a 27-hole championship golf course over 7,000 yards designed by Earl Stone. 20 Peninsula Blvd., Gulf Shores; 251-968-8009; PeninsulaGolfClub.com. 9. Soldiers Creek Golf Club At Woerner Preserve features 18 holes over 7,059 yards with a par of 72. 12096 County Road 95, Elberta; 800-807-8915.
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Tennis
Baldwin County has many private tennis clubs and public facilities. Some offer structured league play for all ages and skill levels. Major tournaments are often open to independent players, but United States Tennis Association membership is preferred or required for participation. Annual amateur membership in the United States Tennis Association is affordable, with adult memberships starting at $44 for players 19 and older and junior memberships starting at $20 for players 18 and under. For more information, visit Membership.usta.com.
TENNIS CLUBS 1. Point Clear Inn · 17107 Tennis Club Drive, Fairhope · 251-928-7715 · PointClearInn.com 2. Gulf Shores Tennis Complex · 2049 W. Second St., Gulf Shores · 251-968-1431 · GulfShoresAL.gov 3. Gulf Coast Tennis Club · 18948 Oak Road W., Gulf Shores · 251-943-8081 · GulfCoastTennisClub.com 4. Orange Beach Tennis Center · 4851 S. Wilson Blvd., Orange Beach · 251-974-6387 · CityOfOrangeBeach.com
Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
TENNIS COURTS 5. Beulah Heights Park · East Jefferson Avenue (at Pilgrim Street), Foley · 251-970-8950 · FoleyRecreation.com 6. Faulkner State Community College · U.S. 31, Bay Minette · 800-231-3752 · FaulknerState.edu 7. Garrett Park · Pennsylvania and Palmer streets, Robertsdale · 251-947-8950 · Robertsdale.org 8. Melvin Roberts (Cedar Street) Park · Cedar Street, Foley · 251-970-8950 · FoleyRecreation.com 9. Stimpson Field · Morphy Avenue and Mershon Street, Fairhope · 251-990-0174 · CoFairhope.com 10. Ulmer Park · Shedrick Hardy Parkway, Douglasville · 251-937-3338 · CityOfBayMinette.org 11. W.O. Lott Park · Main Street, Daphne · Two lighted tennis courts, playground and picnic area · 251-621-3703 · DaphneAL.com 12. Spirit Park · 30492 Emily Frances Lane, Spanish Fort · 251-626-4884 · CityOfSpanishFort.com
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251-626-6061 www.Advanced-Transmission.com
10670 US Hwy. 31 Spanish Fort, AL
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Cabins & Cottages Campgrounds Pier Picnic Area Hiking Trails Fishing Gulf Adventure Center Nature Programs Beaches Refuge Golf Club Dining Kidcam Summer Camp Weddings & Special Events
20115 State Hwy. 135 — Gulf Shores, AL 36542 www.alapark.com 1.800.252.7275 Gulf State Park Photo by Roger Reetz
NATURE
C-Shelz Photography
Baldwin County seems to be one of increasingly few places in the country with more untouched earth than pavement. Quiet moments can be found in the midst of still mornings, bright middays and evening oases. Here in Baldwin County, you can find solitude, along with peace from noises of traffic, people, hustle and bustle. You’ll find marshlands along the delta, miles of nature trails and historic sites and a wealth of opportunities for primitive camping, hiking and hunting. Fertile soil feeds crops like corn, cotton, peanuts and greens. Hardwoods and pines cloak grounds, vines stretch to find new spaces to caress with spiraling tendrils and thick grasses and wildflowers cover fields and hillsides. Beaches and bay shores hold scurrying crabs, slow turtles and rare rodents. Inland and water creatures and birds grace hidden places, sometimes surfacing for us to catch a glimpse. When a tree falls in the forest, you might just hear it ‌ or that might be the sound of deadlines, appointments and time clocks breaking loose from your priority list as Baldwin County lulls nature lovers with its halcyon places.
Nature Trails C-Shelz Photography
Outdoor enthusiasts won’t soon run out of places to explore in Baldwin County. Take advantage of the area’s biodiversity and enjoy a hike, picnic or day on the water. You never know what you might find.
Bartram Trail
Located in the biodiverse Mobile-Tensaw Delta, this trail includes six day-use trails and six overnight trails. Two land-based campsites and four floating platform campsites are available. Free · BartramCanoeTrail.com
Park and property owners along the trail. Includes seven trails among six distinct ecosystems, butterfly garden, freshwater marshes and coastal hardwood swamps. Visit BackCountryTrail.com for trail locations and maps · Daytime only · Free admission.
Eastern Shore Trail
Lillian Swamp
A 32-mile multi-purpose hiking and biking trail that begins at U.S.S. Alabama Battleship Memorial Park and winds its way down to Weeks Bay, passing through Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope and Point Clear. Offers sightings of wildlife, wildflowers and blooming landscapes. Entry on the trail can begin at any point, and kiosks of maps are dotted along the route. TheTrailblazers.org; info@thetrailblazers.org
Graham Creek Nature Preserve
This 484-acre preserve provides protection for rare plant and animal species. Includes a canoe/kayak launch, hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas, disc golf course, a pavilion and picnic areas. Educational field trips and guided tours available by appointment. 23004 Wolf Bay Drive, Foley · Free admission · 251-752-WILD; VisitFoley.org
Historic Blakeley State Park and Blakeley Addition Tract
Offers 1,400 acres of undeveloped landscape. Adjacent to Historic Blakeley State Park, the Blakeley Addition Tract is 420 acres of land managed by the Forever Wild Land Trust. The 420 acres boasts upland pines and hardwoods and the Mobile Delta marshlands. Includes boat tours, RV campground, wildlife viewing and hiking. 34745 State Highway 225, Spanish Fort · Free admission · 251-626-0798, BlakeleyPark.com
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Collaborative effort among the City of Orange Beach, Gulf State
Consists of 1,452 acres of pine savanna. Habitats include coastal marsh, freshwater marsh, cypress tupelo forests, Atlantic white cedar forests and pine savanna, as well as several rare and federally listed species. Oak Street, Lillian
Perdido River Wildlife Management Area
Located along the Perdido River, these 18,000 acres of wetlands and uplands boast forested habitats that support an Atlantic white-cedar area within its unique blackwater stream corridor. That corridor is bordered by an upland pine-sandhill forest. Duck Road, Robertsdale
Splinter Hill Bog
Located in North Baldwin County at the headwaters of Perdido River, Splinter Hill Bog spans 627 acres of longleaf pine and bog habitat. Contains one of the largest pitcher plant bogs in the world, more than 12 species of carnivorous plants and several rare animals. County Road 47, Perdido · Open dawn to dusk March 1 – Oct. 15, accessible only by written permission Oct. 15 – March 1 · Free admission
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Reserve
Offers 6,000 acres of protected forest and marsh wetlands that teem with bog plants and wildlife. Activities include birdwatching, wildlife viewing, canoeing, boating, fishing and hiking. 1130 U.S. Highway 98, Fairhope · 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday · 251-928-9792; WeeksBay.org
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Parks
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By destiny brown
Baldwin County is home to a wide variety of city, county, state and federal parks, wildlife refuges, and hiking, biking and canoe trails. There are plenty of of family-friendly playgrounds, tennis and sporting complexes, eclectic bayfront hideaways and charming downtown locales throughout the county. Locals and visitors are offered a rich variety and amount of parks to enjoy.
BAY MINETTE Parks information: 251-937-3338; cityofbayminette@bellsouth.net; 611 McMeans Ave., Bay Minette Park rentals: 251-580-1891
Universal Playground
This park, built in 2011, accommodates all children, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The playground is made with rubber padding below all playing areas for fall protection, and the ramps are all made to handle dual wheelchairs. The park also has a wheelchair swing, a sidewalk surrounding the entire area and three slides. • At the Municipal Pool Complex, 1300 Bradley Ave., Bay Minette
Halliday Park
Home to several baseball fields, a small playground area and a covered pavilion. • Clark Avenue, Bay Minette • 251-937-3338
Kids Park
Built entirely by volunteers, this park includes a playground and a play area for toddlers. The park also has one tennis court, a pavilion (which can be rented), picnic tables and restrooms. • 303 McMillan Ave., Bay Minette
Rex Courtyard
The courtyard is a beautiful setting for weddings and receptions and is a nice place to sit and relax. • Hoyle Avenue, Bay Minette
STOCKTON
Bicentennial Park
This 367-acre park is dedicated to preserving the county’s rich cultural heritage and history. It includes a two-mile nature trail, historical exhibits and a working farm. • 51233 Highway 225, Stockton • Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sunday noon – 4 p.m.
SPANISH FORT Parks information and rentals: 251-626-4884
Spirit Park
Built in 2008, this is the city’s newest park. It has eight lighted tennis courts, three multipurpose fields for softball and youth baseball with climate-controlled press boxes, concession stand, picnic tables, pavilion, restrooms, walking paths and sidewalks. • 30492 Emily Frances Lane • 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
The Fort-Spanish Fort Kids Park
This wooden park is a safe place where kids can use their imaginations and play for hours on end. There is a separate area for children under 5, and the park also has a pavilion, restrooms and picnic tables. • 30701 Ember Lane • 9 a.m. to dusk daily
5 Rivers Delta Resource Center
Blackburn Park
Often host to weddings, receptions, picnics and reunions, this park has a picnic table, restrooms and a gazebo. • Corner of Hoyle Avenue and Railroad Street, Bay Minette
Managed by the Lands Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 5 Rivers serves as a “Gateway to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta” with an 81-acre complex of exhibit buildings, trails and waterfront vistas. • On the Causeway at 30945 5 Rivers Blvd. • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily • 251-625-0814
Ulmer Park
Blakeley State Park
This park has a pavilion, playground equipment, swings, baseball field, basketball court and tennis court. • Highway 138 West in Douglasville, Bay Minette
Brownwood Park
This park features a small playground, basketball court and baseball field. • Hoyle Avenue, Bay Minette
LATHAM
Latham Park
Equipped with a basketball court, court benches, pavilion, playground equipment, grills, picnic tables and a swing set. • Highway 59, north of Old Ganey Road, Latham
This park is located on the site of the once bustling town of Blakeley and includes 5.5 miles of unspoiled Civil War fortifications, nature trails, a quarter-mile of waterfront boardwalk with two observations decks on the Tensaw River, observation kiosk for birders, 31 primitive campsites, three major family picnic areas including a large octagonal pavilion and boat tours of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. • 34745 Highway 225 • 9 a.m. to dusk daily • 251-626-0798
Meaher State Park
This 1,327-acre park has 56 new campsites, including bathhouse and laundry facilities, plus a 300-foot pier with a 200-foot “T,” making it an excellent spot for fishing. Two nature trails include a boardwalk with close-up views of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. • On the Causeway at 5200 Battleship Parkway East • 251-626-5529
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Municipal Pool in Bay Minette – Tina Covington
U.S.S. Alabama Battleship and Battleship Memorial Park
With thousands of visitors annually, this park offers many opportunities to learn of our nation’s military history by touring the battleship, meeting crew members and viewing an extensive collection of military equipment. • On the Causeway at 2703 Battleship Parkway East • USSAlabama.com; 251-433-2703
DAPHNE Parks information: 251-621-3703, 2605 U.S. Highway 98. All parks are open dawn until dusk.
Gator Alley
Also called D’Olive Boardwalk Park, this unique park features a state-of-the-art boardwalk over D’Olive Creek, which connects to the Eastern Shore Trail. The park includes a butterfly garden, and visitors have many opportunities for viewing a variety of wildlife, including alligators. • North Main Street at D’Olive Creek
Bayfront Park
This beautiful park, a popular spot for weddings and other events, features bay access, piers, a gazebo, a pavilion and a boardwalk connection to Village Point Preserve, with kayak and canoe access. • Bayfront Drive at Mobile Bay • 251-626-5300
Belrose Park
This park has walking access to Mobile Bay, a picnic area and a sandy beach. • Belrose Avenue at Mobile Bay
Centennial Park
May Day Park
This park has bay access, a playground, picnic tables, restrooms, a pier and a boat ramp. • College Avenue at Mobile Bay
S.B. Williams Park
This park is used by local Boy Scouts for ceremonies and other activities. • Johnson Road at Warren Drive
Village Point Park Preserve
This park features nature trails, gazebos, educational kiosks, picnic tables, connecting boardwalk to Bayfront Park, a pavilion with picnic tables, grills, restrooms, the historic D’Olive Cemetery, Jackson’s Oak and state and national champion trees. • 27710 Main St. • VillagePointPark.com
Al Trione Sports Complex
This sports complex has four softball and baseball field, four soccer fields, two football/soccer fields, three concession stands and restrooms. • 8271 Whispering Pines Road
W.O. Lott Park
This park has four baseball fields, two tennis courts, one basketball court, two bocce courts, a playground, a picnic area, a concession stand and restrooms. • 2000 Main St.
Elizabeth S. Yelding Park
This small park features a fountain, an eternal flame and an oak tree. • Corner of Guarisco Street and Manci Avenue
This popular park offers a playground, a picnic area, a gazebo and restrooms. • Main Street across from City Hall
FAIRHOPE
Joe Louis Patrick Park
Bohemian Park
This park has playground and picnic area. • Johnson Road, adjacent to the Boys and Girls Clubs Softball Fields
Bay Minette Fountain – Tina Covington
For parks information: 251-990-0174. An idyllic place of white sand beaches and gently-flowing pristine waters at the upper reaches of Fish River. On summer weekends, the park becomes a festive spot for barbecues, sunbathing and cooling off in several deep swimming holes complete with rope swings. Swim at your own risk, open dawn to dusk.
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North Bluff Park
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A perfect spot for viewing a bay sunset. It’s connected to the park below by a wooden staircase. • North end of Bayview Street, overlooking North Beach Park
Magnolia Beach Park
Has live oaks draped in Spanish moss and a multi-use path favored by strollers, dog walkers and bench sitters. Dog bags and receptacles are available. Two short piers, a butterfly sanctuary and a boat launch also help make this a popular daily destination. • County Road 98, between Laurel Avenue and Pier Street along South Mobile Street
Fairhope Community Park
A kid’s paradise with creative playground equipment. A gazebo offers shade. • South Church Street, Fairhope
Utopia Park
Dinosaurs in the Woods on Leiterman Road in Elberta – Travis Middleton
• County Road 48 a few miles east of Fairhope
Mullet Point Park
The seven-acre park includes walking trails, a handicappedaccessible pier, picnic tables, restrooms, barbecue pits and a 24-hour boat launch. • U.S. Scenic Highway 98 in Point Clear
Features a bronze statue of educator Marietta Johnson, a large seahorse sculpture by Bruce Larsen and John Rezner, and several benches perched along the bluff. • Country Road 98, South Mobile Street
Fels Toddler Park
A small neighborhood park with playground equipment and one picnic table. • Fels Avenue and Liberty Street • 251-928-2136
North Beach Park
Fairhope’s premier beach park for walkers, runners, beachgoers and picnickers. • 4 N Beach Road, north of the Municipal Pier • 251-990-0174
Municipal Pier, Rose Garden and Fountain
A favorite destination for residents and visitors since its initial construction in 1896, two years after the city was founded. In addition to prime viewing spots for Mobile Bay sunsets, amenities include restrooms, a small marina and a restaurant. The pier is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and draws people with fishing poles, cast nets, field glasses for birding and walking shoes for stretching legs, at all hours. • West end of Fairhope Avenue.
South Beach Park
A short multiple-use cement loop trail along the shore, with benches and picnic tables among the trees. A small beach is found at the south end. • South of the Municipal Pier
S ummer T race
Long T erm Ren Availab tals le Now New Upgrad es
Knoll Park
One of the highest elevations in the area is a wooded park featuring dozens of wildflower species, which is being restored to a longleaf pine forest, with some existing pines more than 130 years old. • Fairhope and Magnolia Avenue
Henry George Park
The site of Fairhope’s Fourth of July celebration and Baldwin Pops concerts. The Fairhope Veterans Memorial, honoring all veterans and their families, is located in the park and was dedicated in May 2013. • Above the Municipal Pier, County Road 98
SUMMER TRACE
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Municipal Sporting Parks/Volanta Sports Complex
The city’s 50-acre sporting complex with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, disc golf course, seven baseball fields, five practice fields, youth football fields, football stadium, a gym, basketball and racquetball courts, picnic areas, playground, skate park and dog park. • Greeno Road and Volanta Avenue
Volanta Beach Park
A small park accessed by a long wooden staircase, with a trail through a wetland area, leading to a small beach. • South end of North Mobile Street and Perdido Avenue
Colony Nature Park
The city’s newest park, consisting of 40 acres with a grass trail leading through a variety of habitats including wetlands. • Twin Beech Road, East of Highway 98
Founders Park
A 25-acre sports complex, which includes five softball fields and about 15 acres of soccer fields. • County Road 44, Founders Drive • 251-928-8003
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Nichols Landing
Has a gravel drive leading to a bench with exceptional bay views. • West end of Nichols Avenue and South Mobile Street
LOXLEY For parks information: 251-964-2153.
Municipal Park
Has baseball fields, a walking trail, horseshoe court, pavilions and ultra-modern children’s playground. • Hickory Street in downtown Loxley • 251-964-2153
Cedar Street Park
Has a gazebo pavilion, picnic tables and children’s playground. • Cedar Street and Relham Drive
SILVERHILL For parks information: 251-945-5198.
Oscar Johnson Park
Jasmine Park
A three-acre park in a residential area with playground Equipment suitable for small children. • 403 Jasmine St.
This picturesque park features a pavilion and covered bridge. It is an ideal setting for picnics, birthday parties, reunions and other gatherings. • Highway 104
White Avenue Park
Edward Havel Park
Has a paved area leading to a pier with deck. • West end of White Avenue and South Mobile Street
• Near First Street and South Avenue
Paul C. Anderson Park
• Intersection of Broad Street and Silverhill Avenue.
Daphne Antique Galleria www.daphneantiquegalleria.com
Largest Antique Mall on Eastern Shore • Over 100 Dealers • 29,000 Sq. Ft. Bldg. • Many Different Styles of Furniture & Accessories (Shabby Chic, Cottage, Rustic, French, Coastal, & more) • Collectibles & Books From Fine
Antiques to a Picker’s Dream
1699 Hwy. 98 • Daphne (Across from Target)
251-625-2200
M-S 10am-5:30pm • Sunday 1-5:30pm
Check us out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/daphneantiques
Mayor: KENNETH D. UNDERWOOD Council Members: BOB HOLK, DOTTY JOHNSON, JIM MAY, TOM WEBB, BEN DYKEMA Town Clerk: KAREN S. BIEL P.O. Box 890, 12191 Magnolia Springs Hwy
251.965.9888
www.townofmagnoliasprings.org
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Baldwin Brothers Park
ROBERTSDALE
For parks information: 251-947-8900.
Honey Bee Park
The site of the annual Honey Bee Festival, which draws dozens of professional and amateur honey producers and their wares from the county and region, making this one sweet event each year. • 22780 Highway 59
Municipal Park Complex
Park includes the J.W. Clark Softball Complex and the Dr. Amos Garrett Baseball Complex, with a total of four softball fields, two baseball fields, two concession buildings, two press boxes and restrooms. • 45 acres on Pennsylvania and Palmer streets
Garrett Park
Includes four tennis courts, a softball and a baseball field, multi-purpose fields for soccer and youth football, pavilion with picnic tables and grills and large children’s playground. • Park Avenue • 251-947-8950 • 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Gordon Coley Memorial Park
Honors men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces. • 22884 Highway 59 • 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Since 1931 WIDE VARIETY PET FOOD, TACK, PLANTS, SEED, HAY, STRAW, FERTIZILERS, CHEMICALS, BOOTS, CLOTHING, PROPANE AVAILABLE EASY RV ACCESS
The
Chicken Swap
Every 3rd Sat. 8am-noon R’dale Feed, Seed & Supply Parking Lot
Come Visit Our General Store Great Selection of Jellies, Jams, Cheeses, Breads, Amish Butter & Much More
251-947-5252 HRS.: 7:30-5:30 M-F; 7:30-3:30 SAT 21353 HWY 59
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Consists of a shaded walkway pergola that was donated in memory of brothers Joe, George and Bill Baldwin, who established a lumber business at the site in 1915. • 22494 State Highway 59
Anna Belle Beverly Park
Consists of a playground, pavilion and picnic facilities. • 22652 Chicago St.
FOLEY For parks information: 251-943-8897; 251-970-5020
Foley Kids Park
A must for parents with young children, was built in March 2001 by volunteers and funded by donations from area residents and citizens.
Graham Creek Nature Preserve
Contains 484 acres of natural habitats including pine savannas, wetlands and tidal marshes, also features a canoe/kayak launch, walking and hiking trails, picnic areas, disc golf course and bird watching, with interpretive signage throughout. • Wolf Bay Drive • 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wolf Creek Park
Foley’s newest park, consists of 20 acres with the project’s initial phase calling for a canoe/kayak launch, fishing pier, directional highway signs, gravel parking area, small pavilion and picnic areas. • South of County Road 20 on Hance Lane
Burris Farm Market Est. 1986 Loxley, AL
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Heritage Park
Includes the Foley Depot Museum, which is also the site of annual events such as Heritage Harbor Days and Let it Snow. • East Laurel Avenue off Highway 59
John B. Foley Park
Includes a fountain, plentiful trees, flowers and is the site of Arbor Day, Christmas in the Park, Art in the Park, and civic activities such as the Chili Cook-Off. • On Highway 59 in downtown Foley
Melvin Roberts Park
Also known as Cedar Street Park and includes baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, pavilion, playground and a nature trail with a gazebo. • Cedar Street
Max Griffin Park
Home of the first swimming pool in Foley, which was built in the 1950s, having had numerous maintenance upgrades through the years.
Aaronville Park
Contains a swimming pool, softball fields, baseball fields, and basketball courts. • South Cedar Street
Beulah Heights Park
Wade Ward Nature Park
Has pedestrian access to a pocket of wetlands via an elevated boardwalk with deck for views of a variety of wildlife, including otters, alligators and many migrating birds. • 500 Gulf Shores Parkway
Wetlands Park
Has an entrance for this walking/hiking park at the base of the water tower at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. This gravel path loops around a fishing pond with benches, gazebos and a fishing pier. • 19025 County Road 6
Little Lagoon Pier
• 1562 W. Beach Blvd.
Little Lagoon Pass Park
A great spot for taking in the sites and accessing the beach and includes parking, restrooms and outdoor showers. • 1660 W. Beach Blvd.
Lagoon Park
Has a deck overlooking the lagoon and provides a good resting point for cyclists, walkers and joggers on the 5.3-mile paved bike path and walking trail that winds between the trees on the north of Fort Morgan Road. It includes boat ramps and restrooms. • 18068 Fort Morgan Road
Includes baseball and softball fields, basketball and tennis courts, as well as playground equipment. • East Jefferson Avenue (at Pilgrim Street)
Johnnie Simms Park
Evans Park
Gulf State Park
The newest addition to Foley’s open spaces. • South of Foley High School and on the north side of Park Avenue
Soccer Park
Includes soccer fields and a concession building, which is enjoyed by both city leagues and high school sports teams. • West side of Foley along U.S. Highway 98
ELBERTA For park information: 251-986-5995.
Town Park
Home of the biannual Elberta German Sausage Festival. • U.S. Highway 98 and Chicago Street
Bamahenge, Dinosaurs in the Woods, Knights in the Woods, Roman Columns and Lady of the Lake
Artist Mark Cline created several fiberglass pieces of art and placed them in the woods near Barber Marina in Elberta. • On the roads leading to Barber Marina, 26986 Fish Trap Road.
GULF SHORES For parks information: 251-968-1420.
Meyer Park
12-acre park features picnic areas, playground equipment, open grass fields and horseshoe courts. • 400 E. 22nd Ave.
Sports fields and a pavilion. • 348 W. 19th Ave. Consists of 6,150 acres with two miles of sugar white sand beaches and includes a modern campground, cabins, cottages, back country trail, the largest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico, tennis courts, 900-acre lake, and an 18-hole golf course. • 20115 Highway 135 • 251-948-7275 • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the Alabama beach mouse. • 12295 Highway 180, Fort Morgan Road • 251-540-7720 • 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
ORANGE BEACH For park information: obparksandrec.com; cityoforangebeach.com.
Robinson and Bird Islands
Sanctuary for birds and wildlife and is used by residents and visitors as a park/recreational area. • Access by boat only • 251-981-1063
Waterfront Park
Family park located on scenic Wolf Bay. Includes a 400-foot fishing pier with covered pavilions and seating, picnic shelters with grills, restrooms, paved walking path, plus lighted kids park with slides, swings and climbing areas. • 26425 Canal Road • 251-981-6039
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Celebrating over 35 Years of Serving the Needs of Our Community
Our practice has grown steadily since it opened in 1977. We firmly believe that the patient must feel confident with their doctor in order to actively take part in their treatment. We openly discuss the options available to each patient and listen to their concerns, as well as those of their family members. We handle all types of orthopaedic care, including sports medicine and physical therapy, helping you return to a productive, active work and home life.
Joey Carter, M.D. T. Gregory Terral, M.D. Bill Roberts, M.D. Jay Savage, M.D.
Baldwin County, We’ve Got You Covered! 341 N. Greeno Rd. Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: 251.928.2401
1622 Highway 59 Foley, AL 36535
Toll-free: 800-43.BONES
Visit www.BaysideOrtho.com
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Financial Advisor James L. Byrd As Seen in USA Today
As independent investment advisor representative, I have a very simple mission statement, “I may not make you rich but I can help ensure that you will never run out of money before you run out of life.” The stock market crash in 2008 hurt a lot of people’s faith in the market, and many people that are near or at retirement age are looking for guaranteed, and insured investments providing safety, income and growth without the market risk. Hybrid annuities are great examples as they come with guaranteed income riders offering five to seven percent growth of an income base account for future income. I offer my clients the advice I would give myself based on my 30 years of service in the insurance and financial planning fields. This is more about passion than money for me, and I am committed to making sure my clients can all sleep at night free from worry about their money running out.” With over 30 years in the financial services industry, Byrd brings to his thriving firm a solid understanding of guaranteed safe and insured investments. He focuses most prominently on hybrid annuities, which provide multiple benefits under one policy structure. Keenly understanding the volatility of traditional retirement routes like CDs, savings accounts and mutual funds, Byrd’s goal is to give clients financial peace of mind by nurturing and maintaining close personal relationships with them. Safe Harbor Financial Services assists retirees in creating income that cannot be outlived while protecting their assets for a spouse or other heirs upon their death. Byrd is a Series 65 licensed independent investment advisor in the states of Alabama and Florida and Insurance licensed in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Indiana and Georgia. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades demonstrating his leadership and civic commitment. These include Leader’s Conference, President’s Conference as well as industry honors including Top of the Table of the Million Dollar Round Table and Court of the Table. Byrd has also held a number of positions with civic organizations including: President of Airport Metro Kiwanis, President of Mobile Association of Life Underwriters, President of General Agents and Managers Association, Ambassador of the Year (2006) for Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce and Chair- man of the board of Directors. Insurance and Annuity product guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing company, and are not offered through Global Financial Private Capital.
251-625-1226 TOLL FREE 877-251-1984
gistered Investment Advisor. Only Jim Byrd, a licensed insurance professional and Investment Advisor, investment advice.
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William Moore
ENTERTAINMENT
If you find yourself longing for fun attractions, Baldwin County’s got exactly what you’re looking for. The truly adventurous can soar over Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park on Hummingbird Ziplines. Gulf Shores also offers The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, where approximately 300 animals are waiting to run, jump, sleep and slither their way into your heart. The Track offers visitors fast-paced fun with go-carts and bumper boats, along with an extensive arcade. Adventure Island has putt putt golf, LAZER tag, go carts, bumper boats, even “volcano eruptions.” Waterville, USA makes cooling off loads of fun with waterslides, pools, lazy rivers and kids’ areas. The Wharf in Orange Beach holds Spectra sound and light shows nightly during summer months and offers concerts by top recording artists all year long. Alligator Alley in Summerdale allows visitors to feed and view alligators. Throughout the county, enjoy inflatables and fun zones, bowling, skating and skateboarding, arcades, miniature golf, splash pads, scuba diving, snorkeling and horseback riding. There will be plenty of time for rest, tomorrow.
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Your road map to
By allison woodham
On and off the beaten path, Baldwin County hosts events all year long. Nearly every weekend, locals and visitors flock to a festival, concert or arts and crafts show. Boredom is rare around here. t Central Baldwin
JULY
City of Robertsdale Fireworks display
• July 4, 2014; 9 p.m.; Garrett Park
t Eastern Shore Summer Art Camp
Art classes for ages 4 and up. • July 7 – 11, July 14 – 18, July 21 – 25, July 28 – Aug. 1, 2014; Daphne Art Center • $50 per class per child, $45 for every additional class or sibling • Bragart.org; 251-621-0659
City of Fairhope fireworks display
• July 4, 2014; Music begins at 7:30 p.m., fireworks over Henry George Park and Fairhope Municipal Pier begin at 9 p.m.
Daphne’s Independence Day Celebration
Lawn chairs or blankets and insect repellent are a must for this fireworks display. • July 4, 2014; 5:30 p.m.; Trione Park • DaphneAL.com
Gravely ZT 42XL
42" Fabricated Deck 3 Year Homeowner Warranty Monthly Payments
$
90 w.a.c.
25091 Hwy. 59 between Robertsdale & Loxley, AL
251-964-6733 or Toll Free
877-865-4362
www.parkwayequipment.com
Town of Summerdale Fireworks display • July 4, 2014; Pioneer Park
t South Baldwin
City of Gulf Shores fireworks display
• July 4, 2014; 9 p.m.; Fireworks visible from all local beaches • GulfShoresAL.com
Fort Morgan’s Salute to American Independence
Historical interpreters will conduct guided tours of the fort throughout the day. • July 4, 2014; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Fort Morgan, 110 State Highway 180 W., Gulf Shores • $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (65+) and $4 for children (6–12) • 251-540-7127; FortMorgan.org
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
Baldwin County events
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Perdido Beach Resort’s Fireworks display
• July 5, 2014; Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach
AUGUST
t North Baldwin
Fort Mims Commemoration
Hundreds gather at the site of the Fort Mims massacre to experience reenactments that illustrated the tragic massacre that occurred Aug. 30, 1813. • Aug. 30 – 31, 2014, Fort Mims • 251-533-9024; FortMims@gmail.com
t Eastern Shore
Grand Summer Ball
Benefits Thomas Hospital. • Aug. 23, 2014; Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa • 251-990-1512
Taste of the Eastern Shore
• Aug. 22; 7 – 10 p.m.; Daphne Civic Center • $25 • 251-626-5300 Billfish Classic Fishing Tournament — Mark Worden, Lightwave Photography
t South Baldwin
Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Professional Rodeo
Bull riding, barrel racing and children’s activities.
• Aug. 7 – 9, 2014; Foley Horse Arena • Adults: $10, children (4-6): $6, under 3: free • JenniferMooreFoundation.com; 251-971-3633
Come visit where Christmas is always just ’round the corner! Mon - Sat 10:00 - 5:00
Christmas ’Round the Corner Collectable Ornaments • Christopher Radko • PIPKA • Old World Selection of Santas - Nutcrackers - Nativities
Photo Courtesy of Cheri Forte
398 Fairhope Ave. Fairhope, AL • 1-800-848-3247 • 251-928-8822
Serving Fairhope Since 1904
•Full Service Pharmacy •Accessories •Home decor 8:30 - 6:30 Mon. - Sat.
It’s more than just a pharmacy!
398 Fairhope Ave. Fairhope, AL • 1-800-848-3247 • 251-928-8822
On the FL/AL Line On the Gulf of Mexico 17401 Perdido Key Dr. Perdido Key, FL
BEACHSIDE OYSTER BAR GOOD TIMES * GOOD MUSIC www.florabama.com www.facebook.com/florabama
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Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Professional Rodeo
150th Anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay and Siege of Fort Morgan
Federal and confederate soldiers exchange artillery fire and infantry sharpshooting during the commemoration. • Aug. 1 and 2, 2014; 8 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Aug. 3; 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores • Adult: $7, Seniors (65+): $5, Children (6 – 12): $4 • FortMorgan.org; 251-540-5257
Thunder on the Gulf
Family-friendly boat race that can be viewed along the beaches of Orange Beach and Pensacola. • Aug. 20 – 24, 2014; Orange Beach • 251-980-7223; info@thunderonthegulf.com
Shrimp Festival Restaurant Challenge
• Aug. 27 – 28, 2014; Culinary Institute at Faulkner State Community College • MyShrimpFest.com; 251-968-6091; info@mygulfcoastchamber.com
Delta Dash
Fairhope Fall Outdoor Farmer’s Market
The market will feature local farmers, bakers, fresh produce, fresh cut flowers, local honey, plants, baked goods and more. Fairhope Public Library will have story times and children’s activities at 4 p.m. each Thursday at the market. • 3 p.m. until sundown; Thursdays Sept. 25 – Nov. 6, 2014 • Behind Fairhope Public Library, Bancroft Street
t Central Baldwin
31st Annual Heritage Day Festival
Arts and crafts booths, antique tractors and a small classic car exhibition. A children’s area will feature a train and petting zoo. • Sept. 20, 2014; festivities: 9 a.m.; parade: 10 a.m.; Gazebo Park and Paul Anderson Park at the corner of Highway 104, Silverhill • Free admission • 251-945-5198
Baldwin County Fair
SEPTEMBER
• Late September; Baldwin County Coliseum and Arena, Robertsdale • $6; Children (12 and under): Free • BaldwinCoFair.com; 251-947-3247
Delta Dash
t South Baldwin
t North Baldwin
Test your endurance with this muddy 5K obstacle course. Proceeds benefit the North Baldwin Young Professionals Scholarship Fund and the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. • Sept. 27, 2014; Lower Bryant’s Landing, Stockton • DeltaDash.org; 251-937-5665
t Eastern Shore
Baldwin County Home Builders Parade of Homes
• Sept. 27 – 28; Oct. 4 – 5, 2014; 916 Plantation Blvd., Fairhope • Sponsorship opportunities available • BCHBA.com; 251-928-9927
Jubilee Festival
More than 80 fine arts and crafts exhibitors, live local entertainment on the festival stage in front of Daphne City Hall, festival food served at the Festival Food Court. • Sept. 27 – 28, 2014; Main Street, Olde Town Daphne • Free admission • ESChamber.com; 251-621-8222
Piratefest
Music, art, food and fun. Benefits GreatStrides and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. • Happy Harbor on the Line, Orange Beach • 251-981-1910; HappyHarbors.com
27th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup • Sept. 20, 2014; 8 a.m. – noon • AlabamaCoastalCleanup.com
OCTOBER
t North Baldwin
Annual Halloween Haunted Trail
• Late October; rides begin at 7 p.m.; Baldwin County Bicentennial Park, Stockton • $5; Children (3 and under) free • 251-580-1897; 251-610-0006.
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The Mullet Run
Fundraiser to promote public art created by youth in our community. 5K & 10K races by BayART • October 4, 2014 • FairhopeMulletRun.com; 251-709-0188
Christ the King’s The Haunted Forest
• Late October; Christ the King Church, Daphne • $10 in advance, $12 at the door • 251-656-4715; HauntedForestAL.com
t Central Baldwin Honeybee Festival
Arts, crafts, games, food, honey vendors, honeybee demonstrations. • Tentatively scheduled for Oct. 4, 2014; 5K: 8 a.m., Festival: 10 a.m.; Honeybee Park, Robertsdale • Free admission • Robertsdale.org
Magnolia Corn Maze Annual National Shrimp Festival — Capt. Mark Robinson
t Eastern Shore
John L. Borom Alabama Coastal Birdfest
Bird watching tours throughout lower Alabama, reception, dinner, expo and much more. • Oct. 2 – 4, 2014; 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort • Prices for seminars vary • AlabamaCoastalBirdfest.com
Bird and Conservation Expo
Part of Alabama Coastal Birdfest. Live raptor demos, touch tanks, Alabama snakes show, booths, exhibits, vendors, kids’ birdhouse build, giveaways, hands-on activities. • Oct. 4, 2014; corner of Fairhope Avenue and Bancroft Street, downtown Fairhope • AlabamaCoastalBirdFest.com
Grand Festival of Art
Features more than 70 local, regional, national and international artists with artistry ranging from woodworking to blown glass, painting, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture and photography. • Oct. 4 – 5, 2014; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; downtown Fairhope between Bancroft and Church streets. • Free admission • ESArtCenter.com
Baldwin Pops Founders Day Concert
Bring a lawn chair, picnic basket, family and friends. • Oct. 5, 2014; Henry George Park in Fairhope • Free admission • 251-232-1013
Dancin’ in the Streets Oktoberfest
Sponsored by Sunset Rotary. German food and beverages. • Oct. 18, 2014; De La Mare Avenue, Fairhope • Free admission; concessions available for purchase • FairhopeSunsetRotary.com; 251-895-6633
Polo at the Point
World class polo, great food, champagne, divot stomping, hat parade and silent auction. Presented by Point Clear Charities. • Oct. 25, 2014; Sonny Hill-Clearwater Polo Complex, Point Clear • PoloAtThePoint.com; 251-928-1777
• Late September – early November; Fridays, 5 – 8 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sundays, noon – 5 p.m.; 15275 County Road 49 S., Summerdale • 251-605-7216
t South Baldwin
43rd Annual National Shrimp Festival
• Oct. 9 – 12, 2014; Gulf Shores Public Beach • Free admission • MyShrimpFest.com; 251-968-6091
Alabama Festival of Flavor
Showcases Alabama’s culture and history through local food. • Oct. 18, 2014; Historic Downtown Foley • Free admission • FestivalofFlavor.com
Elberta German Sausage Festival
The biannual festival offers German-heritage inspired sausage, along with other foods, entertainment and craft vendors. • Oct. 25, 2014; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Town Park, Elberta • Free admission • SausageFest.ElbertaFire.com
Scarecrow Fest
Scarecrow contest, live music, pumpkin painting and carving, marshmallow roasting, hot dog dinner, trebuchet water-balloon launch, cake walk, prizes, • Early October; Coastal Arts Center, Orange Beach • Free, but requires RSVP to reserve frame and hay • 251-981-2787; CoastalArtsCenter.com
Uptown Foley Halloween Party
Free games, treats, costume contest for all ages, food court, cakewalk, spook house, face painting, inflatable jump houses. • Late October; Orange and Laurel avenues in Foley • Free admission • 251-943-1300
BooLu’s Annual Haunted House
• Late October; LuLu’s at Homeport Marina, Gulf Shores • LuLuBuffett.com
Hillcrest Farms Corn Maze
• Runs through Oct. 31; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; State Highway 98 West between Lillian and Elberta • Adults $5, children (3–12) $3
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NOVEMBER t Eastern Shore
Mamma Mia Cook-off and Rificolona Paper Lantern Parade
Italian cuisine cook-off; fundraiser for SEEDS (Supporting Education Enrichment in Daphne’s Schools) • Early November; Daphne City Hall • $50 in advance, $60 at the door • SeedsInDaphne.org
Fairhope Film Festival
A film-lovers festival, offering participants the opportunity to see world-class award winning films. • Nov. 6 – 9; Downtown Fairhope • FairhopeFilmFestival.org
Angel Ride and Concert
Motorcycle ride and live concerts. • Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, 2014; Oak Hollow Farm, Fairhope • Angel-Ride.com; 251-243-0365
Christmas on the River
Boat parade with Santa arriving by boat. • Late November/early December; Lower Bryant Landing, Stockton • 251-937-3234
32nd Annual Christmas Fest
Arts and crafts, food, live music, kid’s activities, annual Christmas parade and more. • Dec. 12 and 13, 2014; Blackburn Park, Bay Minette • Free admission • 251-937-5665
Bay Minette Christmas Parade
• Dec. 13, 2014, during the annual Christmas Festival • 251-937-5665
t Eastern Shore Jingle Bell Run
• First Friday in December; 8 a.m.; Daphne City Hall • 251-639-9722
Fairhope’s Christmas Open House
Christmas Parades
Fifth Annual Movie in the Streets
Christmas Concerts
Hot chocolate, twinkling lights and shopping. • Nov. 23; downtown Fairhope Sponsored by the Downtown Fairhope Business Association. Those who plan to attend can bring lawn chairs and blankets from home. Children are invited to wear their holiday pajamas. • Saturday, Nov. 22; Section Street and Fairhope Avenue • Free admission • For additional information call 251-929-1466.
Christmas by the Bay
Silent auction, live music, food. Fundraiser for Baldwin County Humane Society. • November 13; Fairhope Civic Center • $50 • BaldwinHumane.org; 251-928-4585
Fairhope’s Annual Lighting of the Tree Celebration
Join us as we turn on more than one million lights in downtown Fairhope. • Thursday, Nov. 20; 5:30 p.m.; Downtown Fairhope • Free admission • 251-929-1466
• Dec. 5, 2014; 7 p.m.; downtown Fairhope • Dec. 6, 2014; 9 a.m.; Eastern Shore Centre • TBA; 11 a.m.; Main Street Daphne Baldwin Pops Winter Wonderland • Dec. 9, 2014; 7 p.m.; Daphne Civic Center • 251-626-5300 Eastern Shore Chorale Society Christmas Concert • Fairhope United Methodist Church • 251-223-2585; escs.org Eastern Shore Chorale Society Messiah Community Sing • Trinity Presbyterian Church, Fairhope • 251-223-2585; escs.org
Fairhope New Year’s Eve Celebration
Live music, DJ, face painting, fireworks, ball drop at midnight. • Live music begins at 8:30 p.m.; corner of Fairhope Avenue and Church Street. • 251-929-1466
Fish River Boat Parade
• Late December • Big Daddy’s Grill, 16452 Ferry Road, Fairhope
t South Baldwin
t Central Baldwin
Turkey, ham and live music provided; bring a covered dish to share. • Thanksgiving Day; noon • FloraBama.com
• First Saturday in December; 6:30 p.m.; Robertsdale • First Friday in December; 7 p.m.; Silverhill • Second Saturday in December at 10 a.m.; Loxley
Flora-Bama Annual Thanksgiving Potluck
Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival
Christmas Parades
t South Baldwin
Marjorie Snook’s Christmas decorations
Songwriters stream into town and fill venues from Pensacola to Gulf Shores. • Nov. 6 – 16, 2014 • FrankBrownSongwriters.com; 850-492-7664; Lori@fbisf.com
Marjorie Snook elaborately decorates her Victorian home. Families are welcome to drive by the house anytime during the season. • Day after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day • George Younce Road, Foley
DECEMBER
Christmas In The Park
t North Baldwin
Stockton’s Christmas Homes Tour
• Early December; Stockton • Free admission
Carol-singing, cocoa-sipping, Santa and lighting of the Christmas tree. • Early December; Heritage Park in downtown Foley • Free admission • 251-943-1300
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
HEARING IMPROVEMENT CENTERS
HEARING AIDS PRICED RIGHT!
• Featuring all major hearing aid manufacturers • Hearing Aid leasing program • The only All Make Repair lab in Alabama • We make custom hearing aids saving you hundreds of dollars • Full selection of hearing care products
OUR COMPREHENSIVE HEARING TESTS ARE FREE It’s not just better hearing. It’s a better life! 23937 Highway 98, Montrose Plaza (Next to Car Quest)
MEMBER SOUTH ALABAMA
BUY LOCAL, IT MATTERS! 251-929-0604 www.earlabmobile.com “like”
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us on
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Lucy Buffet reads the story of Billy Claus at Billy Claus’ visit to LuLu’s – John Mullen
Orange Beach Christmas Tree Lighting • Dec. 2, 2014; 5:30 – 7 p.m.; The Wharf • alWharf.com
Taste of the Islands
Try food from more than 35 different restaurants while raising funds for local charities. • Dec. 5, 2014; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf • $50 • Mirams.info; 251-923-9917.
Light up the Arts and Christmas Stroll
• Dec. 5, 2014; 5 – 8 p.m.; Coastal Arts Center and other Orange Beach city facilities • CoastalArtsCenter.com
Coastal Christmas Celebration
A series of holiday events on the Island. • Gulf Shores and Orange Beach; November and December • AlabamaCoastalChristmas.com
Trim-A-Tree
Buy locally made arts and crafts items for Christmas gifts. • Foley Art Center; November and December
Annual Foley Christmas Parade
• Second Saturday of December; 10 – 11 a.m.; downtown Foley
Let It Snow
Live entertainment, inflatable obstacle courses, storytelling with Mrs. Claus, children’s art village and snow. • Second Saturday of December; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Heritage Park, Foley • Free admission • 251-943-1300
Gulf Shores Lighted Christmas Parade and Beach Celebration
Features festive lighted floats from around the region. • Early December; Highway 59 from Clubhouse Drive to Gulf Shores Public Beach, Gulf Shores • GulfShoresAL.gov
Lighted Boat Parade
Merry Market
Holiday shopping extravaganza featuring one-of-a-kind gifts. Santa’s Workshop available to children ages 5–11 while parents shop. • Dec. 12 and 13, 2014; Orange Beach Events Center at The Wharf • AlabamaCoastalChristmas.com; 251-968-6091
Flora-Bama Santa Drop
Santa parachutes into the Flora-Bama to kick off the holiday season. • Dec. 13, 2014; Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar • FloraBama.com
Flora-Bama Christmas Potluck
Turkey, ham and live music provided; bring a covered dish to share. • Christmas Day; noon • FloraBama.com
Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
Travels through Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, starting at Lulu’s at Homeport Marina and ending at Zeke’s Landing Marina. • Dec. 13, 2014 • Free admission for boats and spectators • MyGulfCoastChamber.com; 251-968-6091
Gulf Shores Christmas Open House
Crafts, games, treats, Santa, choral performance. • Mid-December; various locations in Gulf Shores • GulfShoresAL.gov
City of Gulf Shores Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy sausage, bacon, eggs and pancakes before having pictures taken with Santa. • Late December; 8 a.m.; Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, Gulf Shores • $5; children under 3 free • GulfShoresAL.com
Billy Claus’ visit to LuLu’s
Santa’s snow-allergic brother gives toys to kids and delivers wishes to his more famous brother. • Mid-December
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
• LuLu’s at Homeport Marina, 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores • LuLuBuffett.com
LuLu’s Noon Year’s Eve
Midday New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music, food, sandcastle building contest, arts and crafts, zoo animals, face painting, fireworks and beach ball drop. • 10 a.m. • Lulu’s at Homeport Marina, , 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores • LuluBuffet.com
Bonfire, s’mores, DJ, live music, fireworks. • Begins at 8 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. and midnight; Gulf State Park Pavilion • Free admission • GulfShoresAL.com
Reeling in the New Year at The Wharf
Live music, family activities, karaoke, photo booth, beer garden, gravitron and more. • 7 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.; The Wharf, Orange Beach • Free admission to street party; all-inclusive VIP tickets $75 • alWharf.com Live music on all three stages, food, party favors and champagne. • 6:30 p.m. • General admission $40 in advance, $45 at the door; VIP tickets $100 • FloraBama.com
From Start
MANNING JEWELRY
JANUARY t South Baldwin
Flora-Bama Super Chili Cook-off
Benefits American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. • Saturday before Super Bowl; Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar, Orange Beach • Tasting tickets are $2 each or six for $10 • 251-980-5118; info@florabama.com
New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip
New Year’s Eve Beach Bash
Flora-Bama’s New Year’s Eve Bash
61
Ring in the new year by taking a dip in the Gulf of Mexico, and enjoy black-eyed peas, cornbread and ham afterward. • Noon; Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar, Orange Beach • Free admission • FloraBama.com
FEBRUARY
t Eastern Shore
Ecumenical Ministries' 15th Annual Chili for Charity
• Feb. 28, 2015; Oak Hollow Farm, Fairhope • BaldwinEMI.org
t South Baldwin Snowbird Brat Fest
• Tentatively scheduled for Feb. 7, 2015; 10:15 a.m.; Erie Meyer Center, Gulf Shores • $4 per brat • SnowBirdsGulfCoast.com; 309-846-8808
To Finish
Reputable Service For Sixty-Five Years In-House Jewelry Repair and Custom Design 207 W. Laurel Ave. (U.S. Hwy. 98) Foley, Al. 251-943-4771 www.manningjewelry.com • Beside Gift Horse Restaurant
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Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015 v Pathway to Progress
Mardi Gras Dates
2015 - Feb. 17 2016 - Feb. 9 2017 - Feb. 28 2018 - Feb. 13 *See page 72 for more information about Mardi Gras.
Orange Beach Seafood Festival
Raises funds for youth baseball, softball and T-ball. • Feb. 28, 2015; Orange Beach Sportsplex • OBParksAndRec.com
GSUMC Stained Glass Bluegrass Festival
Proceeds from this four-day concert benefits the music ministry of GSUMC. • Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Sanctuary • $15 • GulfShoresUMC.org; 251-968-2411
MARCH
t Eastern Shore
Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival
More than 230 fine arts and crafts exhibitors, live local entertainment and festival food. • March 20 – 22, 2015; Downtown Fairhope • Free admission • ESChamber.com
Spring Fever Chase
Follows a scenic course along the bay and through neighborhoods of Fairhope. Benefits local schools and children’s fitness programs. • March 21, 2015; North Bay Avenue and Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope • 251-279-1684
t South Baldwin
Elberta German Sausage Festival
The biannual festival offers German-heritage inspired sausage, along with other foods, entertainment and craft vendors. • March 28, 2015; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Town Park, Elberta • Free admission • SausageFest.ElbertaFire.com
Orange Beach Festival of Art
A juried art show of visual, performing, musical and culinary arts with more than 90 artists working in a dazzling variety of medias; festival-goers always have plenty to see, hear, touch, taste and experience. • Second weekend of March; Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach • Free admission • OrangeBeachArtsFestival.com
t Eastern Shore
Delta Woods and Waters Expo
Presentations, exhibitions, interactive displays by experienced outdoorsmen, hands-on activities for children and adults. • 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort • 251-626-4884
Earth Day Mobile Bay
• Fairhope Municipal Pier Park • EarthDayMobileBay.org
Taste of Rotary
Features local restaurants and guest serving their specialties. Soft drinks, beer and wine included. • April 8, 2015; Fairhope Civic Center • 251-454-0921; TasteOfRotary.com
Bald Eagle Bash
Live music, seafood cooked by local chefs. Benefits Weeks Bay Foundation. • Tonsmiere Resource Center under the U.S. 98 bridge on Fish River • $35 pre-order, $40 at the door; children under 10 free • 251-990-5004; BaldEagleBash.com
Spanish Fort Spring Showcase Car and Truck Show
Browse through hundreds of cars and trucks while listening to local musicians. • Fitzpen Place, Spanish Fort • Free admission, small parking fee • 251-621-6665, FitzpenPlace.com/events.
Baldwin County Home Builders Association’s Spring Tour of Homes Tour beautiful homes all over Baldwin County. • Late April • Spring.BCHBA.com
Bama Coast Cruise
Enjoy live music while viewing cars, old and new, along the Intracoastal Waterway. Swap meets, vendors, door prizes and cash drawings also included. • Last full weekend of April; The Wharf, Orange Beach • Free admission • 251-224-1000; BamaCoastCruise.com
t Central Baldwin
Baldwin County Strawberry Festival
More than 175 arts and crafts exhibitors, carnival with children’s games, antique car show, live music, fresh strawberries and strawberry shortcake. • April 11 – 12, 2015; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Loxley Municipal Park • Free admission • BaldwinCountyStrawberryFestival.net
The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show
Rolling on the River for Literacy
APRIL
t South Baldwin
• March 26 – 29, 2015; The Wharf, Orange Beach • WharfBoatShow.com
t North Baldwin
Old Time Country Festival
Over 20 featured exhibits, including tractor and engine displays and blacksmith demonstrations. Wagon rides, pony rides and a petting zoo for children, and live music throughout the day. • Bicentennial Park, Stockton • Free admission • 251-580-1897
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
Benefits the Eastern Shore Literacy Council. • 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort • 251-928-8300
Interstate Mullet Toss at the Flora Bama
Toss a fish to raise money for youth charities. • Always the last full weekend in April; Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar • 21 and up $10 per day, under 21 $15 per day; free admission for members • FloraBama.com; 251-980-5118
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
MAY
• May 9, 2015; Caribe Resort, Orange Beach • $35; $45 at the gate • WavesofWine.com; 251-980-9039; fun@wavesofwine.com
Bike-O-Rama
LA Gumbo Festival
t North Baldwin Bands, bikes and barbecue. • Highway 225, Stockton • 251-978-9149; Hycue67@yahoo.com
Delta Rendezvous
Free seminars, four fishing tournaments, archery tournaments, craft vendors, live demonstrations, outdoor celebrities and a kids’ fishing and activity area. • Live Oak Landing, Stockton • Entry: One can of food per person • 251-423-1857; info@alabamahungerrelief.com
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• The Wharf, Orange Beach • 251-224-1000
Art in the Park
Fine art, food and entertainment. • Mother’s Day weekend; Heritage Park, Foley • Free admission • SouthBaldwinChamber.com; 251-943-4381; ArtInfo@foleyartcenter.com
Hangout Festival 2015
• The Hangout, Gulf Shores • HangoutMusicFest.com; info@hangoutmusicfest.com
t Eastern Shore Taste of the Towns
Food from more than 30 restaurants, live music, beverages, silent auction and door prizes. • 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort • $25 in advance, $30 at the door • 251-621-2996
Fort Morgan Memorial Day Tribute
99 Bottles of Beer on the Lawn Craft Beer Festival
t North Baldwin
• Southern Napa, 2304 Main St., Daphne • $25 in advance; $30 at the door • SouthernNapa.com
• Memorial Day; 9 a.m.; 51 Highway 180 W., Gulf Shores. • 251-540-5257
JUNE
Ride Yellow
Baldwin Pops’ Memorial Day Concert
• Memorial Day; 6:30 p.m.; Henry George Park, Fairhope • BaldwinPopsBand.com
Bike ride benefitting various organizations that fight cancer. Six, 10, 16, 37 and 62-mile routes. Always held the Saturday before Father’s Day. • Halliday Park, Bay Minette • Ages 10 – 23: $25; Ages 24+: $50 • RideYellow.org
Grandman Triathlon
O Delta Day
Begins with a 1/3-mile swim in picturesque Mobile Bay and back beside the Fairhope Municipal pier. After the swim comes an 18-mile bike ride through the city of Fairhope. Ends with a 3.1-mile run through the streets of Fairhope and along the Bay. • Late May/early June; Fairhope Municipal Pier • TheGrandman.com; 251-433-4220
t South Baldwin
Fishing tournament, river races, live entertainment, a silent auction and more as funds are raised to benefit the Leah Ann Overstreet Memorial Scholarship Fund. • Lower Bryant’s Landing, Stockton • 251-294-0421; MatthewsLanding@pepsiatmore.com
Crawfish Bash
• Nightly; 8, 9 and 10 p.m.; The Wharf in Orange Beach • Free admission • alWharf.com; 251-224-1000
Crawfish, corn, potatoes and more! Live music and kid’s activities! • Southern Sass Delta Outfitters; 610 Highway 31, Bay Minette • Adults: $20; kids under 10: free • 251-937-5665
Orange Beach Billfish Classic Fishing Tournament
t South Baldwin
Spectra, a sound and lights show
Kickoff party, Miss Billfish contest, kid’s art clinics, receptions, weigh-ins and more. • The Wharf, Orange Beach • alWharf.com
Waves of Wine Festival
Receive a custom wine bag, a fully tempered custom wine glass and entree to the music, wine, beer and boats.
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
Hot air balloons, food, music and arts and crafts vendors. • Father’s Day weekend; Foley Sports Complex • Free admission • GulfCoastBalloonFestival.com
Shindig on the Sand
Three days of music on the beach, featuring more than 50 musical acts and 200 musicians. • Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar, Orange Beach • $5 per day • FloraBama.com; 251-980-5118; Angela@florabama.com
Top of the Hops Beer Festival
• 4 – 8 p.m.; The Marina Lawn, The Wharf, Orange Beach • Tickets range from $15 to $75 • TopoftheHopsBeerFest.com
The Hangout Festival main entrance — John Mullen
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Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015 v Pathway to Progress
Live Music
By destiny brown
Live music can be found all over Baldwin County. Most restaurants, bars and other live music venues promote local talent nightly. Music festivals, songwriter showcases and legendary beach havens draw in a large number of music lovers all year. Below is only a sampling of live music venues. For a more comprehensive listing go to GulfCoastNewToday.com, click on Gulf Coast Buzz and scroll to The Buzz Music. MUSIC VENUES 1. The Amphitheater at The Wharf, Orange Beach
The Amphitheater at The Wharf is the only place in the county where you can catch national headlining bands throughout the year. Recent artists to grace the stage have been Kings of Leon, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Kid Rock. The Amphitheater shares The Wharf Resort with a full service Marina, a shopping area, restaurants, a movie theater, as well as the South’s tallest ferris wheel. • 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach • 251-224-1020 • AmphitheaterAtTheWharf.com
2. Courtyard 311, Fairhope
Courtyard 311 is a restaurant and live music venue. Along with some great food, you can catch local musicians five to six times a week. • 311 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope • 251-928-2032
3. The Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store, Orange Beach The Flora-Bama is a beachside oyster bar that has live music daily. The Flora-Bama is home to annual events such as the International Frank Brown Songwriters Festival, Shindig in the Sand, The Interstate Mullet Toss and The Polar Bear Dip. The Bama hosts three stages throughout the venue. The establishment supports local musicans though open mic nights and various musical events. • 17401 Perdido Key Dr., Orange Beach • 850-492-0611 • FloraBama.com
4. The Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farms, Silverhill
The Frog Pond is a private outdoor venue in a private home. This venue features an outdoor stage under a 200-year old Cedar tree on Blue Moon Farm, owned by Cathe Steele. Patrons bring their own chairs and beverages and are encouraged to participate in a covered dish dinner. Overnight camping is allowed for out-of-town visitors. The concerts are unique and intimate and you must have a reservation to attend. The Frog Pond holds concerts from September through April every year, featuring singer-songwriters, folk musicians and local musicians. • 19375 Rada Road, Silverhill • 251-232-3072 • TheFrogPondAtBlueMoonFarm.com
5. The Hangout, Gulf Shores
These days The Hangout is back and better than ever. With an extensive menu of food and drinks and live music daily, the Hangout is one of the most popular venues on the beach. The Hangout is home to the growing Hangout Music Festival and is the place to let loose, laugh with family and friends, and above all, let the good times roll.
• 101 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores • 251-948-3030 • TheHangout.com
6. LuLu’s, Gulf Shores
Come on down and share the good times with this Lucy Buffet owned venue on the canal. LuLu’s hosts live music every day and offers a lengthy menu to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. • 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores • 251-967-5858 • LuLuBuffet.com
7. Pirate’s Cove, Elberta
8 2 4 7
6 1 Delight in some live 3 5 music while enjoying some great food and beautiful scenery at Pirate’s Cove is a marina, restaurant and a great place to catch some local bands. There’s live music two to three times a week at Pirate’s Cove, featuring mostly local musicians. Pirate’s Cove also has one great hamburger if you are hungry. It is open seven days a week and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. • 6664 County Road 95, Elberta • 251-987-1224 • PiratesCoveRiffRaff.com 8. The Record Bar, Daphne
The Record Bar is a funky little bar where you can hear some great local and sometimes regional musicians. The bar is perfect for up-close and intimate concerts, plus they mix a mean martini. Typically there are musicians playing once or twice a week there, usually on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. If you are in the area, it’s a place you will want to check out. • 1203 Highway 98 Suite 4E, Daphne • 251-621-8300 • Record-Bar.com
MUSIC FESTIVALS Hangout Fest, Gulf Shores
Located on the sandy white beaches of Gulf Shores, Hangout Fest is a truly unique experience. Featuring many top national acts, the three-day event is worth checking out. Tickets sell out fast for this event so get them early if you plan to attend. • The Hangout beaches in Gulf Shores
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American Family Care each year to provide the Gulf musicians access to affordable healthcare and other social services. The effort is called Flora-Bama’s Gulf Coast Musicians’ Assistance Fund (GCMAF). • June 2015 • Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store • FloraBama.com
CONCERT SERIES AND JAMS American Legion Post 199 Guitar Jams, Fairhope • 700 S. Mobile St., Fairhope • Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. • 251-928-9132 • AmericanLegion199.com
Catt’s Brownbag Free Concerts, Daphne and Fairhope
Series with free shows from some of the area’s talented artists. • Mayday Park, Daphne; Windmill Market, Fairhope • Wednesday – Friday; 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. • 92zew.net • Join Catt Sirten for his spring Lunchtime Brownbag
Music at Meyer Park Concert Series, Gulf Shores The Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farms — Ray Dougherty
• May 2015 • HangoutMusicFest.com • Prices vary
Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival
This 10-day event features some of the best songwriters from around the country and beyond. During this festival you can catch nearly 200 Grammy-winning and up-and-coming songwriters. The Frank Brown Festival is held at multiple venues throughout Pensacola, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. The festival is named after Frank Brown, a night watchman at the legendary Flora-Bama bar for 28 years. • Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store • Nov. 6-16, 2014 • FBISF.com • Admission varies by venue, most are free.
L.A. Songwriters’ Festival, Fairhope
The Lower Alabama Songwriters’ Festival is a three-day event featuring Eastern Shore, Lower Alabama and Nashville songwriters. Nearly 40 songwriters come together to participate in this festival. It’s a great place to explore some of Baldwin County’s own local musicians and those from surrounding areas. The event is open to the public and proceeds benefit a local charity organization. • American Legion Post 199 • Mid-September • AmericanLegion199.com • $15 a day
Shindig on the Sand, Orange Beach
Break out the sunscreen and join the Flora-Bama for three days of music on the beach and throughout the bar. Featuring more than 50 musical acts and more than 200 musicians. Sponsored by the Perdido Key Chamber, the Flora-Bama partners with
• 440 E. 22nd Ave., Gulf Shores • March – May
Sunday Sunset Series, Fairhope
• American Legion Post 199, 700 Mobile St., Fairhope • 3 p.m., Sundays from June until August • $5 per person
KARAOKE, OPEN MIC AND TRIVIA Karaoke
• Top of the Bay, Daphne • Good Time Charley’s, Foley • The Office Lounge, Foley • Behind the Pines Bar & Grill, Fort Morgan • Tacky Jacks, Gulf Shores • Mudbugs, Gulf Shores • Pink Pony Pub, Gulf Shores • Island Times Daiquiri Bar, Orange Beach • Live Bait, Orange Beach • Snappers Lounge, Orange Beach • The Undertow, Orange Beach • Happy Harbor on the Line, Perdido Key
Open Mic
• The Gumbo Shack, Fairhope • Courtyard 311, Fairhope • American Legion 199, Fairhope • The Office Lounge, Foley • Tacky Jacks, Gulf Shores • Happy Harbor the Mothership, Orange Beach • Live Bait, Orange Beach • Flora-Bama, Orange Beach
Trivia
• Moe’s Bar B Que, Daphne • Good Time Charley’s, Foley
Fine Arts
By destiny brown
Fine art lovers can find a continuous stream of events happening in Baldwin County. Theatre, dance, music, crafts and other varieties of art are offered from end to end of Alabama’s largest county.
DANCE Argentine Tango by the Bay
Highway 31, Spanish Fort • $10 for nonmembers, $7 for members, $5 for students with college ID; no partner needed • 251-377-4069; 251-625-3137; cassief13@aol.com
• Weekly lessons on Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; Southern Edge Dance Center, 251 Greeno Road S., Fairhope • 251-377-4069; facebook.com/argentinetangobythebay
MUSIC
Ballroom dancing lessons by Ryan Duvall
Baldwin County Youth Orchestra
• First and third Fridays, 6:30 – 7 p.m.; PZK Civic Center, 17933 Highway 104, Robertsdale; • $5; soft drinks and coffee provided; bring finger food. • 251-979-9571
Beachside Ballroom Dance Club
• Advanced: Mondays at 7 p.m.; Southern Edge Dance Center, behind Pizza Hut on Highway 98 in Fairhope; $10 • Beginner–intermediate: Tuesdays at 7 p.m.; Loxley Civic Center, 4198 Municipal Park Drive, Loxley; $10 • Beginner–intermediate: Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Orange Beach Adult Activity Center, 26251 Canal Road, Orange Beach; $10 • BeachsideBallroom.com; 251-607-8885
Foley Senior Center Dances
• First and third Saturdays, 7 – 10 p.m.; 304 E. Rose Ave., Foley • $5 for members, $7 non-members • 251-943-1877
James P. Nix Center Cabaret Dance
• Second and fourth Thursdays; 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.; 1 Bayou Drive, Fairhope • $5 for members, $9 for guests • 251-929-1447
Moonlight Chasse’ Ballroom Dance Society
• First and third Mondays; 7 – 10 p.m.; Fitzpen Place, 11247
The group works to educate, promote and enrich the community by building relationships through musical awareness, performance and tutelage. Programs include strings, wind and jazz ensembles, beginner band and music camp. • 925 Nichols Ave., Fairhope • bcyorchestra@gmail.com, 251-979-6834; bcyorchestra.com
Coastal Chorale
The group has several shows each year, including a Christmas production. Auditions are open to the public and members are all volunteers who pitch in to handle marketing and advertising, ticket sales, stage setup, lighting and sound design. • 915 N. Pine St., Foley • 251-955-5051; CoastalChorale.com
Eastern Shore Choral Society
There are two performance seasons, Fall and Spring, with a major concert program presented at two concerts each season. In addition, the organization hosts a free musical Messiah Sing event during the Christmas season. • 155 S. Section St., Fairhope • info@escs.org; EasternShoreChoralSociety.com
Snook Youth Club
Offers dance, violin and other educational enrichment opportunities. • 1391 S. Cedar St., Foley
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
• 251-943-1483; SnookYouthClubOfFoley.com
THEATER South Baldwin Community Theatre • 2022 W. Second St., Gulf Shores • 251-968-6721; SBCT.biz
Summer Tide Theater by drama students at the University of Alabama
• June 6 through July 4; Tuesday – Sunday at 8 p.m.; George C. Meyer Performing Arts Center, 2022 W. Second St., Gulf Shores • $20 adults, $15 children, group rate available • 251-968-6721
Theatre 98
Community theatre group in Fairhope. • 350 Morphy Ave., Fairhope • 251-928-4366; Theatre98.org
VISUAL ARTS Daphne Art Center (formerly Bay Rivers Art Guild) Art classes, workshops, camps and events. • 1704 Sixth St., Daphne • BRAGart.org; 251-621-0659
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach
Art classes, gallery, hot shop, clay studio, art events. • 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach • Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. • 251-981-2787; CoastalArtsCenter.com
Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
Pensters Writing Group
• Second Saturdays, 10 a.m. – noon; University of South Alabama Baldwin County, St. James Street, Fairhope • Membership fees are $20 per year • Ptphantazein@gmail.com
Art Walks Fairhope’s First Friday Art Walk
Walk begins at the Eastern Shore Art Center. Wine and refreshments served at select locations. • First Fridays except December, 6 – 8 p.m.; downtown Fairhope • Free admission • 251-928-2228
Heritage Park Marketplace
Features local farm fresh products, arts and crafts, music and a movie. • Fridays from 4 – 7 p.m. in May and June, live music at 6 p.m. with a movie afterward; Heritage Park in Foley • Free admission • 251-943-1300; lhula@cityoffoley.org; VisitFoley.org
Gulf Coast Art Alliance Art Market
Features original art by local and regional artists, art projects for children, local musicians and concessions. • First Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Meyer Park, East 22nd Ave., Gulf Shores • Free admission • GulfCoastArtsAlliance.com
LODA Art Walk
Eastern Shore Art Center
Viewing galleries, classes and camps. • 401 Oak St., Fairhope • Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. • 251-928-2228, kate@esartcenter.com; ESArtCenter.com
Wine and refreshments served at select locations. • Second Fridays; 6 – 9 p.m.; Cathedral Square Arts District, downtown Mobile • Free admission • 251-208-1550
Foley Performing Arts Center
Gallery Night
Arts and crafts for sale, classes and camps. All sales benefit Cultural Enrichment Programs in local schools. • 116 W. Laurel Ave., Foley • 251-943-4831; artinfo@foleyartcenter.com; FoleyArtCenter.com
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• Third Fridays; 5 – 9 p.m.; downtown Pensacola • Free admission • 850-434-5371
Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Gallery
Allows regional and local artists of all trades to showcase, promote and sell their work. Classes available. • E. 24th Ave., Gulf Shores • Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. • 251-986-8222; GulfCoastArtsAlliance.com
The Old Town Bay Minette Art Trail
Maps of the Art Trail are available in front of the Bay Minette Public Library, where the trail begins and ends. The trail winds around the Baldwin County Courthouse past downtown businesses, parks and neighborhoods. The artwork along the trail is donated by local artists and students and will be changed periodically.
WRITING
Baldwin Writers Group
• Third Saturdays; Daphne Public Library • Membership fees are $15 per year • contact@baldwinwritersgroup.com Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Gallery — Destiny Brown
Splash Pads
William Moore
By john underwood
Currently, four municipalities operate splash pads in Baldwin County. The newest, located on the corner of Pennsylvania Street and Park Avenue inside Garrett Park in Robertsdale, recently began its third season of operation. The city of Fairhope began reconstruction of its Kids Park in March of 2014, which will include a 2,200-square-foot splash pad facility. The city plans to reopen the park in June 2014. Both the city of Orange Beach and the town of Loxley are also planning to install splash parks. CENTRAL BALDWIN 1 NORTH BALDWIN 1
1. Bay Minette Located on the corner of McMillan Avenue and Fourth Street at the Bay Minette Kids Park, the pad operates from about mid-May through Labor Day and is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily during the peak summer months. CityOfBayMinette.org.
EASTERN SHORE 1
1. Spanish Fort The Eastern Shore Centre, located off of Alabama Highway 181 at Interstate 10 in Spanish Fort, is open to the public during normal business hours, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. EasternShoreCentre.com.
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1. Robertsdale During the summer months, the Robertsdale splash pad operates daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., returning to limited use at the beginning of the school year until October. Robertsdale.org. 2. Summerdale Summerdale’s splash park is located just south of Pioneer Park on Northwest First Street. The park is open from April through Oct. 1 and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily during peak summer hours. SummerdaleAlabama.com.
SOUTH BALDWIN 1 1. Foley The Tanger Outlets on Highway 59 in Foley have a “water fountain” splash park area and carousel. The 2 park operates during normal business hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. TangerOutlet.com/Foley. 2. Gulf Shores Located in the center court of Pelican Place at Craft Farms on Gulf Shores Parkway. Contact Pelican Place at 251-968-3638 for hours and days of operation.
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
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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
CULTURE
Jill Clair Gentry
The odds are, no matter how far you roam, you’ll find no other place like Baldwin County. History has blessed the area with variety of influences; including French, Spanish, English, German, Native American and many more. Immigrants from across the globe have made Baldwin County their home, bringing their native cultures to the melting pot. Mardi Gras is a celebration unique to this and several other southern areas. Beautiful and portable artworks “float” down the street as revelers throw goodies to those lined on the road sides. Balls harken back images of grand parties and black-tie affairs and general feelings of frivolity and happiness abound. Feasting is a big part of that happy feeling, and nobody cooks quite like Southerners. We create dishes from Gulf seafood and local produce … and add bacon grease, ham hocks and garlic to everything. Well, we spice it up in our own special way. Our own special way even applies to our muscadine wine, agriculture and pet-friendly places. Baldwin County is unlike any place you’ve ever been. And likely, it will be at the top of your “Places I Can’t Wait To Get Back To” list.
By allison woodham
America’s very first Mardi Gras celebration was held in the French colony of Mobile in 1719. This Gulf Coast party continues today, celebrated with parades , moonpies, doubloons, cups, beads and stuffed animals. Crowds line both sides of the street to participate in this Gulf Coast celebration.
MARDI GRAS LINGO
FUTURE FAT TUESDAY DATES
Float Barn: secret location where Mardi Gras organizations build and keep their floats when it’s not parading season. Throws: items thrown from parade floats, such as doubloons, Moonpies, beads, cups and stuffed animals. Doubloons: aluminum coins representing the Mardi Gras organization on one side and the organization’s theme for the year on the opposite. Moonpies: marshmallow cake, usually chocolate, banana or orange flavored. Newer flavors of coconut, vanilla, mint, peanut butter and salted caramel have recently been added. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler: French for “Let the good times roll!” King Cake: usually oval and braided, this cake is iced with traditional Mardi Gras colors. A plastic baby doll is hidden inside, and according to custom, whoever finds the baby in their piece of cake buys the next King Cake or throws the next party. Ball: a celebration, usually after a parade, involving food, beverages, call-outs and dancing. Some organizations don’t parade and just have Mardi Gras balls. Tickets are sold to some balls, while others require invitations from a member. Call-outs: take place during a Mardi Gras ball, when organization members are escorted and introduced to the crowd.
2015 - Feb. 17 2016 - Feb. 9 2017 - Feb. 28 2018 - Feb. 13 2019 - March 5 2020 - Feb. 25 2021 - Feb. 16 2022 - March 1 2023 - Feb. 21 2024 - Feb. 13 2025 - March 4
PARADE CHECKLIST Travel lightly. No chairs. You’ll want two free hands to catch goodies. Carry small amounts of cash when possible. Bring cash for food carts, but leave large bills at home. Leave purses and valuables at home. Arrive early. Avoid traffic and find a close, well-lit parking spot. Obey barricade ordinances. No jumping the barricades. Check weather/parade route. Know whether to bring a jacket or umbrella, or if your parade time or route has changed.
Eric Mann
Mardi Gras
Braeden Maison parades with the Krewe of Early Readers in Fairhope. Several area schools have parades for their students during Mardi Gras. — Eric Mann
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
Parade schedule While Mardi Gras balls and organization parties require invitations from members, parades are open to the public. To find your city’s parade route, visit TheMobileMask.com. NORTH BALDWIN
Loyal Order of the Firetruck
Feb. 14; Noon ∙ Bay Minette
Order of Mystic Magnolias
Mystic Revelers
EASTERN SHORE
Apollo’s Mystic Ladies
Feb. 6; 6:45 p.m. ∙ Daphne
Knights of Ecor Rouge
Feb. 7; 6:45 p.m. ∙ Fairhope
Maids of Jubilee
Feb. 13; 6:45 p.m. ∙ Fairhope
Shadow Barons
Feb. 14; 6:45 p.m. ∙ Daphne
Krewe of Mullet Mates
Feb. 14; 2 p.m. ∙ Mullet Point
Feb. 15; 2:29 p.m. ∙ Daphne
Feb. 16; 6:45 p.m. ∙ Fairhope
SOUTH BALDWIN
Mystical Order of Mirams
Feb. 13; 6:30 p.m. ∙ Orange Beach
Foley Parade
Feb. 14; 11 a.m. ∙ Foley
Mystics of Pleasure
Feb. 14; 5:30 p.m. ∙ Orange Beach
Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Association Feb. 17; 10 a.m. ∙ Gulf Shores
Orange Beach Parade
Feb. 17; 2 p.m. ∙ Orange Beach
Frances Holk-Jones • 251-943-5031 • FrancesHolkJones.com
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Seafood
Baldwin County’s seafood industry traces its history back to Native Americans who fished its creeks, rivers, bays and coastal waters for a natural bounty that was an important and proteinrich source of food for them, said Avery Bates, vice president of the Organized Seafood Association of Alabama. “Many of our families in the business go back several generations and are carrying on a critical way of life and culture,” Bates said. “We depend on this bounty from the sea, as do the many restaurants, seafood retailers and wholesalers that are part of the industry, not just in Alabama, but across the country.” The seafood industry in Alabama provides more than 10,000 jobs, and its annual economic impact has been estimated at $335 million a year, according to the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission. “The Alabama seafood industry is vital to the economy of coastal Alabama,” said Chris Blankenship, director of the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, who serves as the commission’s program administrator and is based in Gulf Shores. “The hardworking men and women that catch, unload, process, ship and sell local Alabama seafood have been a vital part of the community for generations. “When people buy local products, whether it is seafood, produce or other goods, it supports the local economy and keeps the money circulating in the local community.” “Besides the economic benefits, local seafood is just fresher and tastes better than imported seafood.” For information about the Alabama seafood industry, visit EatAlabamaSeafood.com and AlabamaSeafoodAssociation.com.
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Seafood outlets
Retail and/or Wholesale BAY MINETTE
Street’s Seafood & Produce Market, 251 Highway 31 S., 251-937-2664 The Outdoorsman, 38255 Highway 225, 251-937-0019
BON SECOUR
Aquila Seafood Inc., 17309 River Road, 251-949-6658 Billy’s Seafood Inc., County Road 10 W., 251-949-6288 Bon Secour Fisheries Inc., 17449 County Road 49 S., 251-949-7411 Carson & Company Inc., 16749 River Road, 251-949-7474 Stutt’s Safe Harbour Seafood, 5832 Heritage Circle, 251-949-7442
DAPHNE
Fresh Seafood Distributors, 9910 Milton Jones Road, 251-626-1106 Hazels Market, 26751 U.S. Highway 98, 251-626-9939 Market By The Bay, 29145 U.S. Highway 98, 251-621-9664
ELBERTA
Wallace Seafood Trader Inc., 27497 County Road 20, 251-987-5125
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East Laurel Ave., Foley
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FAIRHOPE
Windmill Market, 85 N. Bancroft St., 251-517-5444
FOLEY
Foley Fish Co., 321 S. McKenzie St. Fresh Market Seafood, 7525 B Highway 59, 251-955-5550 Joe The Shrimp Man, 6382 Cook Road, 251-978-0717
GULF SHORES
Blalock Seafood Market, 1911 Gulf Shores Parkway, 251-968-581 Foley Fish Co., 3215 McKenzie St., 251-948-6460 Fresh Market Seafood Bait Tackle, 15849 B Highway 180 W., 251-967-1732
LOXLEY
Flopper’s Foods, 13045 County Road 64, 251-964-4567
ORANGE BEACH
C-Shelz Photography
Blalock Seafood Inc., 24822 Canal Road, 251-974-5811 Fresh Market, 26650 Perdido Beach Blvd., 251-974-2070
ROBERTSDALE
Hub City Seafood, 23028 Highway 59, 251-947-9555
SEMINOLE
Uncle Bubba’s Country Store, 32450 U.S. Highway 90, 251-946-2667
SUMMERDALE
American Seafood, 429 Highway 59 S., 251-989-6731 Seafood and Shrimp Outlet, 429 Highway 59 S., 251-989-6731
Punta Clara Kitchen 17111 Scenic Hwy. 98 Point Clear, Alabama
251-928-8477 Making Homemade Candies, Pickles, Preserves & Jams Since 1952
FREE PRALINE WITH AD (One per customer, per day) Exp: 10/31/2014 Billy Pope
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Regional Recipes
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Moe's Original Bar B Que's White Sauce Locations in Orange Beach, Daphne and Mobile
White barbecue sauce originated in Decatur, Ala. at Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q in 1925. The mayonnaise based sauce is ubiquitous all over the state, including in Baldwin County.
Ingredients
• 1 jar heavy duty mayonnaise • 1/2 cup cider vinegar • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 tablespoon Moe's rub or other barbecue rub • A couple of dashes of hot sauce • A couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce • 1 teaspoon black pepper • Pinch of white pepper • Dash of cayenne • 1/4 lemon, juiced
Preparation
Mix all ingredients in bowl and mix well until smooth. Make sure no lemon seeds or lumps.
Felix’s Double Chocolate Bread Pudding Located on the Causeway in Spanish Fort
Bread pudding originated in the 11th century as a frugal dish using leftover bread, but it has since turned into a Gulf Coast classic. Every restaurant and home cook has a different take on bread pudding — try them all! Serves 6.
Ingredients Step 1
• 5 cups 3/4-inch white bread cubes, crusts removed • 4 tablespoons butter • ¼ cup sugar • 2 cups milk • 2 cups heavy cream • 4 ounces white chocolate chips
Moe’s Orginal Bar B Que’s White Sauce
Step 2
• 4 extra-large eggs • 1/4 cup sugar • 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 1/8 to 1/4 cup pecan pieces, according to taste • 2 ounces semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
Preparation Step 1
Cut bread cubes in a single layer and dry on parchment lined sheet pan in a 250 F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until crisp, not browned. In a stock pot, place butter, sugar, milk and cream. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Add white chocolate chips and whisk until chips are dissolved.
Step 2
In a stainless steel bowl, add eggs, sugar and vanilla. Slightly mix with a wire whip until blended. Slowly ladle small amounts of warm cream mix into the eggs while stirring the eggs until they come up to temperature. Place dry bread cubes into custard; mix well. Place in cooler until mixture comes down to 60–70 F.
Felix’s Double Chocolate Bread Pudding
Fold in dark chocolate chips and pecans. Do not fold in chips before the the custard reaches 60–70 degrees or chips will melt. Ladle pudding into 8-ounce ramekins and place into a 9- by 13-inch baking pan with sides. Pour hot tap water into the baking pan until ramekins are partially submerged. Bake in 300 F degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Internal temperature should be 170 degrees.
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Compleat Angler’s West Indies Salad
Located at The Wharf in Orange Beach The West Indies Salad was invented in South Alabama, and Bayley’s Restaurant in Theodore was the first to serve it. Serves 12–16.
Ingredients
• 4 pounds Gulf lump crabmeat • 1/4 cup jalapenos • 1 quart tomatoes • 1 cup green bell peppers • 3 cups red onions • 2 cups celery • 1 tablespoon garlic • 16 ounces lime juice • 12 ounces cider vinegar • 12 ounces salad oil • 12 ounces ice water • 4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped • 3 tablespoons kosher salt • 2 tablespoons black pepper • 1/4 cup Baumhower’s hot sauce
Preparation
Cut the red onions into julienne strips and then cut the strips into small 1/4-inch dice. Then dice the jalapenos, celery, tomatoes and red peppers down to the same size. Place the vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Pick through the lump crabmeat to check for shells, but don’t break up any of the lumps. Then toss the crabmeat into the bowl with the vegetables. In a separate bowl, mix the lime juice, vinegar, Baumhower’s hot sauce, cilantro, salt and pepper, then whisk them all up while slowly adding the salad oil. Then add the strained ice water and pour the mixture over the crabmeat and vegetables, mixing well, but gently. Let the mixture marinate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Compleat Angler’s West Indies Salad
• 2 teaspoons cloves • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 cups sour milk • Grated rind of 2 lemons
Preparation
Cream sugar and butter, add milk, flour, baking soda and spices. Drain syrup from figs and cut up figs. Flour figs well. Add figs, raisins and pecans to batter and mix well. Pour into greased and floured tube pan. Bake in a 275-degree oven for about 3 hours. For best results, mix by hand.
Grandmother’s Fig Cake from Punta Clara Kitchen Located on Scenic Highway 98 in Point Clear
Fig cake is a Southern favorite, especially during holidays. Serves 6–8.
Ingredients
• 4 cups flour • 1 box raisins • 2 teaspoons cinnamon • 2 teaspoons nutmeg • 2 teaspoons baking soda • ½ cup butter • 1 pint Punta Clara fig preserves • 2 cups sugar • 1 cup pecans
Grandmother’s Fig Cake from Punta Clara Kitchen; available premade as one of the “cakes in a jar” at Punta Clara Kitchen.
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Pet-friendly places
By allison woodham
Dogs are man’s best friend. Many businesses in Baldwin County like well-behaved canines, too. Baldwin County is a pet-friendly area. There are several fenced in dog parks that allow our furry friends to run and play with others without a leash. Some restaurants around the county even let well-behaved dogs socialize with others. DOG PARKS Dog parks offer an open setting for dogs to run. Each is open sunrise to sunset and has separate areas for large and small dogs. The areas are fenced and most have water stations. There is no fee to use any of these dog parks. Daphne’s dog park requires that all dogs must be vaccinated and have a license on their collar.
Jill Clair Gentry
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251-445-0053
3766-C Airpor Airportt Bl Blvd vd | Mobile (One half mile west west of I-65) Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and featur features es are are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Homeowners, boat, PWC and flood coverages are are written thr ough non-af secured through on-afffiliated insurance companies and are are secured through non-affiliated through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Agency, Inc. Motor cycle and ATV ATV coverages are are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Company. The GEICO Personal Umbrella Motorcycle Umbrella Policy is provided provided by Government Employees Insurance Company and is available to qualified Government Government Employees Insurance Company and GEICO General Government other eligible eligible persons, persons, except except in inMA. MA.GEICO GEICOisisaaregistered register r Insurance Company policyholders and other ed service mark of Government Government Employees Company, Washington, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Berkshir Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © Insurance Company, © 1999-2013. 1999-2013. © © 2013 2013 GEICO. GEICO.
1. Daphne Dog Park, 8600 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne 2. Fairhope Dog Park, 701 Greeno Road and Volanta Avenue, Fairhope 3. Gulf Shores Dog Park, 260 Clubhouse Road and West Second Avenue, Gulf Shores 4. Unleashed Dog Park, 27920 Canal Road, Orange Beach
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PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS 5. The Southern Grind at The Wharf in Orange Beach has an outdoor area, “The Pooch Porch,” especially for our four-legged friends. 6. Panini Petes: In Fairhope, several restaurants allow leashed dogs in their outdoor area, like Panini Pete’s in the French Quarter. Don’t be surprised if you pass a puppy in a cart at Home Depot or one at the Foley Outlets. If they’re well-behaved, they can go practically anywhere. 7. Pirates Cove Marina and Restaurant in Elberta is pirate-themed, and dogs are welcome, too. Ahoy, little doggies!
DOGGIE RESTAURANT ETIQUETTE • Make sure your pooch is well-behaved around other people, especially children. • Leash your four-legged friend and keep him or her from socializing with other diners or employees, unless welcomed. • Keep your pup close to your table or chair so he or she is not in the waiter’s path. Dogs are not allowed on the chairs or tables. • Bring your own doggie bowl for water. Pets are not permitted to eat or drink out of restaurant glasses or dishes, unless they are disposable. • Remember to tie your dog to your chair and not the table. A dog tied to a table can result in spilled drinks or food. • Always call ahead or ask first to make sure an establishment allow dogs at their outdoor tables.
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
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Agriculture
BALDWIN COUNTY PRODUCE Winter (December–February)
Greens (kale mustard, collard, turnip, salad), carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, cabbage, spinach, hydroponic lettuces
Spring (March–mid-June)
Blackberries, blueberries, cucumbers, new potatoes, peaches, snap beans, strawberries, summer squash, sweet potatoes, hydroponic lettuces
Summer (Mid-June–mid-September)
Bell peppers, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupes, cucumbers, eggplants, fig, lima beans, muscadines, okra, pear, peach, snap peas, southern peas, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, watermelons
Fall (Mid-September–November)
Bell peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, lima beans, kumquat, persimmon, pecans, pumpkins, satsuma, snap beans, southern peas, sweet potatoes
FIND IT HERE *If days and hours are not listed, the market is a year-round brick-and-mortar business or farm that has normal business hours Allegri Farm Market County, Road 64 in Daphne B&B Pecan Company, South Greeno Road in Fairhope Barbara the Tomato Lady, Corner of Fairhope Avenue and Church Street in Fairhope; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bee Natural Farm, Twin Beech Road in Fairhope; Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until sundown. Ber's Preserves, County Road 87 in Elberta Burris Farm Market, Highway 59 in Loxley Cassebaum Farms, County Road 91 in Lillian Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fisherman’s Market, 20733 Miflin Road, Foley; Fridays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; CoastalAlabamaMarket.com. Country Wagon Farm Market, Highway 31 in Spanish Fort Fairhope Outdoor Farm Market, N. Bancroft Street and Magnolia Avenue in Fairhope; Thursdays from 3 – 6 p.m., mid-May to
By jill clair gentry C-Shelz Photography
Baldwin County’s history is rooted in agriculture. Settlers moved from all over the United States and from other countries to farm the rich soil, and generations later, their descendants are still raising families here. But many of the farms have been sold, and subdivisions have replaced them. Nevertheless, you still don’t have to look far to find acres of farmland set aside to produce commodities like corn, soybeans, beef cattle, peanuts and cotton, and farmers markets around the county overflow with fresh produce from small growers who sell locally.
early July and late September to early November. Fidler Farm, Harris Lane in Silverhill; sells peanuts at farm seven days a week from mid-August to mid-November; closed on Sundays from mid-November to mid-August. Glenda's Krafty Kitchen, sells jellies, jams, pickles, relishes by appointment from home; contact 251-446-8274; also at the Fairhope Farmers Market, Gulf Shores Farmers Market and Atmore Farmers Market. Gulf Shores Farmers Market, Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion parking lot, Saturdays from 8 a.m. – noon, year round except for the second week in July until the second week in September. Hastings Organic Farm, 40801 Pine Grove Road, Bay Minette. USDA Organic grass-fed beef and Organic U-Pick blueberries. Berries available from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from mid-June – mid-July. 251-937-8728. Hazel's Market, Highway 98 in Daphne Heritage Park Marketplace, Heritage Park in Foley; 4 – 7 p.m. Fridays in May and June. Features fruits, vegetables, plants, baked goods, arts and crafts and live music. Loxley Farm Market, U.S. Highway 59 in Loxley Perdido Vineyards Winery, County Road 47 in Perdido Sweet Home Farm, specialty dairy and cheese products; Schoen Road in Elberta. Weeks Bay Plantation, 12562 Mary Ann Beach Road, Fairhope. Pick-your-own organic blueberry farm, 3-D archery course, amphitheater, pick-your-own flowers. Berries available 8 a.m. – noon, Thursday – Saturday from mid-May – July. WeeksBayPlantation.com.
FOOD CO-OPS AND CSAs Chasing Fresh, L.L.C., delivers locally-grown produce to homes, businesses and restaurants in Mobile and Baldwin counties on Tuesdays and Fridays. Contact 251-550-9600. End of the Road Farm, delivers fresh produce grown using organic practices, honey and free-range eggs. Contact 251-284-3430. Seasons in the Sun Farms, hydroponic farm, garden center and CSA program provider. Contact 251-423-4381. Windmill Market Produce Club, Weekly produce offerings from Baldwin County and other Gulf Coast farmers. Contact 251-9908883.
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OUR VISIT ST NEWE ON I LOCAsTt 2nd St.
Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
on
Fish river
a 2420 EShores, Al by car or by boat, enjoy great food, service Gulf 6542 3 and a relaxing atmosphere on the waterfront!
Local Food • Local Folks • Lots of Fun! q r o p q r o p q r o p q r o p q r o p q r y o qryopqrop
Live Music every Friday, saturday & sunday Night q r o p q r o p q r o p q r o p q r o p q r y o qryopqrop • seafood baskets • sandwiches • appetizers • salads • burgers • Desserts Hours: MarcH - septeMber: Mon.-sat. 11 am - 9 pm, sun. 11 am - 8 pm
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Hours: october-February: Mon.-sun. 11 am - 8 pm
16542 Ferry Rd.-Fairhope, AL
251-990-8555
www.bigdaddysgrill.net
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Westminster West Westminste minster V Village Vill ill lage a Live A Among Am mong F Friends riends
WESTMINSTER VILLAGE LIFE CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY HAS ALL THE GOOD THINGS LIFE HAS TO OFFER AND YOU CAN RELAX KNOWING THAT, SHOULD YOU NEED IT,
FIVE STAR HEALTH CARE IS ONLY A PHONE CALL OR SHORT WALK AWAY. THE BEST PART? WE ARE MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK. INDEPENDENT LIVING • GARDEN HOMES ASSISTED LIVING • SKILLED NURSING MEMORY CARE What Wha at are you you uw waiting waiti aiting fo for?? r??
500 Spanish Fort Fort Blvd, Spanish F Fort ort, Al 36527 251.626.2900
William Moore
NEED TO KNOW
At the time of publication, some of the elected officials listed in this section were involved in primary elections, so a few of the officials could be different in January 2015. In Alabama Senate District 22, the winner of the November 4 election will take office the following day. Marc Keahey will be the district’s Senator until that time.
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Twenty-Eighth Judicial Circuit
Baldwin County Courthouse 312 Courthouse Square, Suite 22 Bay Minette This circuit comprises the geographical limits of Baldwin County and is composed of five circuit court judges, two district court judges, one circuit clerk and one district attorney. The Circuit Court hears all civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds $10,000, all criminal prosecutions involving felony offenses and family court matters. The Circuit Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the District Court and in all civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds $3,000 but does not exceed $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs. Additionally, the Circuit Courts exercise appellate jurisdiction over cases appealed from the District Courts, Probate Court, Baldwin County Municipal Courts and certain administrative and municipal boards.
The District Court has original jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanors, hold preliminary hearings in felony prosecutions, and can receive guilty pleas in felony cases not punishable by death. The two district judges exercise concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Courts in juvenile matters and in civil actions where the amount in controversy does not exceed $10,000; furthermore, the district judges have exclusive jurisdiction over all civil actions where the amount in controversy, exclusive of interest and costs, does not exceed $3,000, which are considered “small claims cases.”
District Judges: Michelle M. Thomason Presiding judge Courtroom #7 251-972-8573 251-972-6815 fax
Scott P. Taylor Courtroom #3 251-580-1647
Circuit Court Judges: The Circuit Clerk serves as the chief administrative and fiscal officer for the court system. Also serves as an election official for the county and has magistrate duties, working with law enforcement for the issuance of warrants and for the filing of court documents.
Circuit Clerk: Robert E. Wilters, Presiding Judge Courtroom #8 251-580-2570 251-937-0346 fax
J. Langford Floyd Courtroom #5 251-937-0237 251-937-0225 fax
Carmen E. Bosch Courtroom #2 251-937-0235 251-937-0315 fax
Jody W. Bishop Courtroom #8 251-937-0290 251-937-0236 fax
C. Joseph Norton Courtroom #4 251-937-0273 251-937-0225 fax
We sell a wide range of home brewing and wine making supplies and equipment. Great for parties, receptions and special events. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. www.homeboybrewingcompany.com Alabama’s Original Home Brew Headquarters! (251) 979-0499 17714 U.S. Hwy 98 W • Foley, AL 36535
Jody Wise Campbell 312 Courthouse Square, Suite 10 Bay Minette, AL 36507 jody.campbell@alacourt.gov
District Attorney: Hallie Dixon Elected in 2010 Administrative Office 101 Hand Ave. Bay Minette 251-937-3274 BaldwinDA@baldwincountyAL.gov
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Federal and State Representatives
U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions
Elected to the Senate in 1997. In January of 2011, Sen. Sessions was appointed to be the ranking member of the Senate Budget Sessions Committee. He also serves on the Senate Committee on Armed Services. Committee on the Judiciary, Committee on the Environment and Public Works and the Committee Meetings/Hearings Schedule. Montgomery office: 7550 Halcyon Summit Drive, Suite 150 Montgomery, AL 36117 Phone: 334-244-7017 Washington, D.C. office: 326 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-4124 Website: Sessions.Senate.gov
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby
Elected to the Senate in 1986. Sen. Shelby serves as the ranking member of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban AfShelby fairs and is a member of the Committee on Appropriations as well as the Special Committee on Aging. He also serves on several subcommittees: Economic Policy, Financial Institutions, Housing and Transportation, International Trade and Finance and Securities and Investment. Montgomery office: FMJ Federal Courthouse 15 Lee St., Suite 208 Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: 334-223-7303 • Fax: 334-223-7317 Washington, D.C. office: 304 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-5744 • Fax: 202-224-3416 Website: Shelby.Senate.gov
U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne
Alabama’s First District Elected in 2013 to fill the unexpired term of Jo Bonner. He sits on the Armed Services Committee, Natural Byrne Resouces Committee and the Education and the Workforce Committee. Baldwin County Office: 201 E. Section Ave. Foley, AL 36535 Phone: 251-972-8545 Washington D.C. Office: 2236 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-4931 • Fax: 202-225-0562 Website: Byrne.House.gov
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Legislative Delegation Baldwin County Legislative Constituent Services Office
Director, Guy Busby Email: gbusby@co.baldwin.al.us Administrative Assistant, Jennifer Hutto Email: jhutto@co.baldwin.al.us • Telephone - Toll Free in Baldwin County Calling from - North Baldwin County: 251-937-9561, Ext. 2240 Calling from - Central Baldwin County: 251-943-5061, Ext. 2240 Calling from - Eastern Shore: 251-928-3002, Ext. 2240
State Sen. Trip Pittman
(R) - State Senate District No. 32 Elected to the State Senate in 2007 Pittman Represents all or a portion of the incorporated Baldwin municipalities of Bay Minette, Daphne, Elberta, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Loxley, Magnolia Springs, Orange Beach, Perdido Beach, Robertsdale, Silverhill, Spanish Fort and Summerdale; the unincorporated communities of Latham, Stockton, Rabun, Perdido, Phillipsville, Whitehouse Fork, Crossroads, Pine Grove, Gateswood, Clear Springs, Stapleton, Rosinton, Elsanor, Seminole, Belforest, Marlow, Point Clear, Barnwell, Lillian, Josephine, Miflin, Bon Secour, Fort Morgan and Ono Island. State Address: Alabama State Senate, Room 738-B 11 S. Union St. Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7897
State Sen. Marc Keahey
(D) - State Senate District No. 22 Elected to the State Senate in 2009 Represents all Keahey or a portion of the incorporated municipalities of Bay Minette and Daphne; the unincorporated communities of Little River, Blacksher, Tensaw, Lottie, Latham, Vaughn, Stockton, Crossroads, Bromley, Malbis, Plantation Hills, Ellisville and Belforest.
State Rep. Harry Shiver
(R) - State House District No. 64 Elected to the House in 2006 Represents all Shiver or a portion of the incorporated municipality of Bay Minette; the unincorporated communities of Little River, Blacksher, Lottie, Tensaw, Rabun, Latham, Vaughn, Stockton, Crossroads, Whitehouse Fork and Bromley.
State Address: Alabama State Senate, Room 721 11 S. Union St. Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7843
State Address: Alabama House of Representatives, Room 526-D 11 S. Union St. Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7745 hshiver@co.baldwin.al.us
State Rep. Alan Baker
State Rep. Joe Faust
(R) - State House District No. 66 Elected to the House in 2006 Represents Baker the incorporated municipality of Loxley; the unincorporated communities of Perdido, Phillipsville, Pine Grove, Gateswood, Clear Springs, Loxley-Ellisville and Stapleton State Address: Alabama House of Representatives, Room 538-D 11 S. Union St. Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7720
(R) - State House District No. 94 Elected to the House in 2002 Represents all Faust or a portion of the incorporated municipalities of Fairhope, Robertsdale and Silverhill; the unincorporated communities of Malbis, Belforest, Plantation Hills, Point Clear, Barnwell, Marlow, Elsanor, Rosinton, Seminole and Lillian. State Address: Alabama House of Representatives, Room 524-C 11 S. Union St. Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7699
State Rep. Randy Davis
(R) - State House District No. 96 Elected to the House in 2002 Represents all Davis or a portion of the incorporated communities of Daphne and Spanish Fort; the unincorporated communities of Bromley, Stapleton and Malbis. State Address: Alabama House of Representatives, Room 538-B 11 S. Union St. Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7724
State Rep. Steve McMillan
(R) - State House District No. 95 Elected to the House in 1980 Represents McMillan the incorporated municipalities of Elberta, Foley, Gulf Shores, Magnolia Springs, Orange Beach, Perdido Beach, Robertsdale and Summerdale; the unincorporated communities of Barnwell, Lillian, Joesphine, Miflin, Bon Secour, Fort Morgan and Ono Island. State Address: Alabama House of Representatives, Room 532 11 S. Union St. Montgomery, AL 36130 334-242-7723 251-937-6048
Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System The BRATS Program offers safe, affordable and reliable transportation to the residents of Baldwin County. Among the types of routes offered are: Dial-A-Ride, work routes, routes to kidney dialysis, physical therapy, cancer treatments, routes for the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) and to Baldwin County Mental Health.
P.O. Box 907, Robertsdale, AL 36567 Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern Shore: 251-990-4636 Central & South Baldwin: 251-972-6817 North Baldwin: 251-937-0355
Baldwin County Sheriff The sheriff’s office is the principal law enforcement agency for Baldwin County. The sheriff serves as an officer of the courts and is responsible for service of court papers and documents. He also maintains the Baldwin County Corrections Center which houses up to a total of 649 inmates.
Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack Elected in 2006 Administration Office 310 Hand Ave. Bay Minette, AL 36507 251-937-0210 • SheriffOfBaldwin.com
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
Baldwin County Commission
Frank Burt Jr.
(R) - District No. 1 - North Baldwin County First elected in 1989 Municipality: City of Bay Burt Jr. Minette Communities: Little River, Blacksher, Latham, Vaughn, Stockton, Redtown, Lottie, Rabun, Perdido, Carpenter, Blakeley, Bromley, Cottage Hill, Pine Grove, Whitehouse Forks, Crossroads, Dyas, Phillipsville, Vangordon, Stapleton and Steelwood Baldwin County Commission Administration Building 312 Courthouse Square, Suite 12 Bay Minette, AL 36507 Phone: 251-937-0395 • Fax: 251-580-2500 • Email: fburt@baldwincountyal.gov Staff Contacts: County Administrator David A. Z. Brewer Office: 251-580-2550 • Email: dbrewer@baldwincountyal.gov Records Manager Anu Gary Phone: 251-580-2564 • Email: agary@baldwincountyal.gov
Robert E. “Bob” James
(R) - District No. 2 - Eastern Shore Elected in 2010 Municipalities: City of Spanish Fort, City James of Daphne and City of Fairhope Communities: Belforest, Historic Marlow, Fish River, Barnwell, Battles Wharf, Point Clear and Montrose Baldwin County Commission - Fairhope Satellite Courthouse 1100 Fairhope Ave. Fairhope, AL 36532 Auxiliary Office: Baldwin County Administration Building 312 Courthouse Square, Suite 12 Bay Minette, AL 36507 Phone: 251-990-4606 • Fax: 251-580-2590 • Email: bjames@baldwincountyal.gov Staff Contact: Office Administrator Lisa Pearson Phone: 251-990-4606 • Email: lpearson@baldwincountyal.gov
Tucker Dorsey
(R) - District No. 3 - Central Baldwin County Elected in 2010 Municipalities: Town of Loxley, Dorsey City of Robertsdale, Town of Silverhill and Town of Summerdale Communities: Gateswood, Clear Springs, Rosinton, Elsanor and Seminole Baldwin County Commission Central Annex 22251 Palmer St. Robertsdale, AL 36567 Phone: 251-972-8502 • Fax: 251-972-8503 • Email: tdorsey@baldwincountyal.gov Auxiliary Office: Baldwin County Administration Building 312 Courthouse Square, Suite 12 Bay Minette, AL 36507 Staff Contact: Building Projects Coordinator Nancy Strube [Central Annex] Phone: 251-972-8555 • Email: nstrube@baldwincountyal.gov
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Honorable Charles F. “Skip” Gruber
(R) - District No. 4 - South Baldwin County Elected 2006 Municipalities: Gruber City of Foley, Town of Elberta, City of Gulf Shores, Town of Magnolia Springs, City of Orange Beach and Town of Perdido Beach Communities: Historic Marlow, Fish River, Bon Secour, Oyster Bay, Miflin, Josephine, Ono Island, Fort Morgan and Lillian Baldwin County Commission Foley Satellite Courthouse 201 E. Section St. Foley, AL 36535 Phone: 251-943-5061, Ext. 2804 • Fax: 251-972-6842 • Email: cgruber@baldwincountyal.gov Auxiliary Office: Baldwin County Administration Building 312 Courthouse Square, Suite 12 Bay Minette, AL 36507 Staff Contact: Office Administrator Jeanie Bonifay Phone: 251-943-5061, Ext. 2801 • Email: jbonifay@baldwincountyal.gov
Baldwin County Officials Probate Judge
Tim Russell The Probate Judge in Baldwin County is a publicly elected representative of the people for the administration of the Probate Court, License Office and the “Recorder’s” Office — for official public recordation of documents. Main Office: 220 Courthouse Square Bay Minette, AL 36507 Phone: 251-937-0260 • Fax: 251-937-0252 Satellite Offices: n 22251 Palmer St. Robertsdale, AL 36567 Phone: 251-943-5061 ext. 4054 • Fax: 251-970-4097 n 1102 Fairhope Ave. Fairhope, AL 36532 Phone: 251-928-3002 ext. 4645 • Fax: 251-580-2594 n 201 E. Section Ave. Foley, AL 36535 Phone: 251-943-5061 ext. 2863 • Fax: 251-580-2588
Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner
Teddy J. Faust Elected 2009 The Revenue Commissioner’s Office is responsible for mapping,
appraising and assessing each parcel of property and then collecting tax based upon each parcel’s assessed value. These property taxes support the state of Alabama, Baldwin County, Baldwin County public schools, hospitals, law enforcement, fire departments and municipalities. Main Office: 1705 U.S. Highway 31 S. Bay Minette, AL 36507 Phone: 251-937-0245 • Fax: 251-937-0388 • Email: tfaust@co.baldwin.al.us
Baldwin County Coroner
Stanley Vinson Elected in 2010 Phone: 251-970-4051 • Email: svinson@co.baldwin.al.us The coroner is responsible for the determination of the cause and manner of death of a person who dies and is not under medical care. All traumatic deaths, such as murder, suicide, accidental, motor vehicle and drowning are required by law to be reported to the Coroner. Any person who may have died of natural causes, but was not under a doctor’s care, by law, must also be reported to the coroner’s office. It is the final responsibility of the Coroner to execute and file a Certificate Of Death with the Baldwin County Health Department (251-947-3618). The coroner must also review and certify all persons who desire to be cremated at the time of their death. In order to determine the cause and manner of death the coroner may request an autopsy be conducted by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences located in Mobile; 251-471-7026 adfs.alabama.gov.)
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Board of Education
The Baldwin County public school system includes all public schools in the unincorporated and incorporated areas and is governed by a seven-member county board of education, elected from single-member districts, one of which, its president, serves as the chief executive officer.
Superintendent of Baldwin County Public Schools Dr. Alan T. Lee Appointed June 2010 251-937-0308
The county board of education employs a superintendent who serves as its chief administrative officer in order to affect the policies adopted by the county board of education.
David Cox District 1 251-605-4583
David Tarwater District 2 251-625-0812
Elmer McDaniel District 3 251-947-5955
Norman Moore President District 4 251-943-5842
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Baldwin County Public Schools Administrative Complex 2600 N. Hand Ave. Bay Minette, AL 36507 251-937-0306
Angie Swiger Vice President District 5 251-609-2873
Robert Callahan, Jr District 6 251-289-9050
Shannon Cauley District 7 251-621-6642
Public School Directory Baldwin County Public Schools Administrative Complex 2600 N. Hand Ave., Bay Minette 251-937-0306
DISTRICT 1 Baldwin County High
1 Tiger Drive, Bay Minette 251-937-2341 baldwincountyhighschool.com
Bay Minette Elementary
800 Blackburn Ave., Bay Minette 251-937-7651 bayminetteelementaryschool.com
Bay Minette Intermediate
600 Blackburn Ave., Bay Minette 251-580-0678 bayminetteintermediate.com
Bay Minette Middle
1311 W. 13th St., Bay Minette 251-580-2960 bayminettemiddle.com
Delta Elementary
10251 Whitehouse Fork Road Extension, Bay Minette 251-937-3657 deltaelementary.com
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
Public School Directory
North Baldwin Center for Technology 505 W. Hurricane Road, Bay Minette 251-937-6751 nbctschool.com
Perdido School
23589 County Road 47, Perdido 251-937-8456 perdidoschool.com
Pine Grove Elementary 43980 Pine Grove Road, Bay Minette 251-937-0453 pgelementary.com
Stapleton Elementary
35480 Harriot Ave., Stapleton 251-937-2038 stapletonelementary.com
DISTRICT 2 Daphne East Elementary
26651 County Road 13, Daphne 251-626-1663 daphneeast.org
Daphne Elementary 2307 Main St., Daphne 251-626-2424 daphneelementary.com
Daphne High
9300 E. Lawson Road, Daphne 251-626-8787 daphnehs.com
Daphne Middle
1 Jody Davis Circle, Daphne 251-626-2845 daphnemiddleschool.com
W.J. Carroll Intermediate 1000 Main St., Daphne 251-626-0277 wjcintermediate.com
Elsanor Elementary
23440 U.S. Highway 90, Robertsdale 251-947-5401 elsanorschool.com
Loxley Elementary
4999 S. Magnolia St., Loxley 251-964-5334 loxleyelementary.com
Robertsdale Elementary 1 Cub Drive, Robertsdale 251-947-4003 robertsdaleelementary.com
Robertsdale High
DISTRICT 3
1 Golden Bear Drive, Robertsdale 251-947-4154 robertsdalehigh.com
C. F. Taylor Alternative School
Rosinton Elementary
19150 Wilters, Robertsdale 251-947-4415
Central Baldwin Middle School 24545 Highway 59, Robertsdale 251-947-2327 centralbaldwinmiddle.com
19757 County Road 64, Robertsdale 251-964-5210 rosinton.com
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South Baldwin Center for Technology
19200 Carolina St., Robertsdale 251-947-5041 sbctschool.com
Silverhill Elementary
15800 Fourth Ave., Silverhill 251-945-5188 silverhillelementary.com
DISTRICT 4 Elberta Elementary
25820 U.S. Highway 98, Elberta 251-986-5888 elbertaelementary.com
Elberta Middle
13355 Main St., Elberta 251-986-8127 elbertamiddle.com
Foley Elementary
450 N. Cedar St., Foley 251-943-8861 foleyelementary.com Continued on page 90
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Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015 v Pathway to Progress
Public School Directory
Foley High
1 Pride Place, Foley 251-943-2221 foleyhs.com
Foley Intermediate
2000 S. Cedar St., Foley 251-943-1244 foleyintermediate.org
Foley Middle
200 N. Oak St., Foley 251-943-1255 foleymiddle.com
Magnolia School
1 Jaguar Loop, Foley 251-965-6200 magnoliaschoolk6.com
Summerdale School 400 E. Broadway St., Summerdale 251-989-6850 summerdaleschool.com
S ted C SA edi r c Ac
Swift Consolidated
6330 Bon Secour Highway, Bon Secour 251-949-6422 swiftschool.org
DISTRICT 5 Gulf Shores Elementary
1600 E. 3rd Ave., Gulf Shores 251-968-7375 gsesdolphins.com
Gulf Shores High
600 E. 15th Ave., Gulf Shores 251-968-4747 gs-hs.com
Gulf Shores Middle
450 E. 15th Ave., Gulf Shores 251-968-8719 gsmsdolphins.com
Orange Beach Elementary
4900 Wilson Blvd., Orange Beach 251-981-5662 orangebeachelementary.com
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DISTRICT 6
DISTRICT 7
Fairhope Elementary
Rockwell Elementary
408 N. Section St., Fairhope 251-928-8400 fairhopeelementary.com
Fairhope High
1 Pirate Drive, Fairhope 251- 928-8309 fairhopehs.com
Fairhope Intermediate
1101 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope 251-928-7841 fairhopeintermediate.com
Fairhope Middle
2 Pirate Drive, Fairhope 251-928-2573 fairhopems.com
J. Larry Newton School
9761 County Road 32, Fairhope 251-990-3858 jlnewtonschool.com
10183 U.S. Highway 31, Spanish Fort 251-626-5528 rockwellelem.org
Spanish Fort Elementary
30900 Highway 225, Spanish Fort 251-626-9751 spanishfortelementary.com
Spanish Fort High
1 Plaza de Toros Drive, Spanish Fort 251-625-3259 spanishforttoros.org
Spanish Fort Middle
33899 Jimmy Faulkner Drive, Spanish Fort 251-625-3271 spanishfortmiddle.com
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
Bay Minette, AL 36507
Cell: 251-747-0536 • Elberta Town Council holds a work session on the third Tuesday at 6 p.m. The council meeting follows after a short break.
City Info
Bay Minette City Hall 301 D’Olive St. • 251-580-1619 • cityofbayminette.org Mayor Robert “Bob” Wills, rwills@ci.bay-minette.al.us City Council: District 1, Danleigh Corbett, dcorbett@ci.bay-minette.al.us District 2, Kathy Dobbins, kdobbins@ci.bay-minette.al.us District 3, John W. Biggs, jbiggs@ci.bay-minette.al.us District 4, Dollie Mims, dmims@ci.bay-minette.al.us District 5, Chris Norman, cnorman@ci.bay-minette.al.us City Clerk Rita Findley, rfindley@ci.bay-minette.al.us • Bay Minette City Council meets the first and third Mondays at 6 p.m. at city hall. Work sessions are held at 5 p.m. the same days. John F. Rhodes Civic Center 301 D’Olive St. • 251-580-1619 Bay Minette Area Senior Center 300 N. Hoyle Ave. • 251-580-8484 Bay Minette City Library 205 W. Second St. • 251-580-1648 • bayminettepubliclibrary.org Bay Minette Police Department 300 N. Hoyle Ave. No. 4 • 251-580-2559 Police Chief Clarence Crook, ccrook@ci.bay-minette.al.us Fire Department Stations Fort Beveridge Station, U.S. Highway 31 • 251-580-1618 Station 2, Bay Minette Bypass Fire Chief Mike Minchew, mminchew@ci.bay-minette.al.us
Daphne, AL 36526 Daphne City Hall 1705 Main St. • 251-621-9000 • daphneal.com Mayor Dane Haygood, mayor@daphneal.com City Council: District 1, Tommie Conaway, councildistrict1@daphneal.com District 2, Pat Rudicell, councildistrict2@daphneal.com District 3, John L. Lake, councildistrict3@daphneal.com District 4, Randy Fry, councildistrict4@daphneal.com District 5, Ron Scott, councildistrict5@daphneal.com District 6, Robin LeJeune, councildistrict6@daphneal.com District 7, Joe Davis III, councildistrict7@daphneal.com City Clerk Rebecca Hayes, daphnecc@bellsouth.net • The City Council has a work session at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month and regular meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays. Daphne Civic Center 2603 U.S. Highway 98 • 251-626-5300 • daphneal.com/civiccenter/mainnew.asp Daphne Public Library Whispering Pines Road and U.S. Highway 98 • 251-621-2818 • daphneal.com/library Daphne Senior Center 2605 U.S. Highway 98 • 251-621-3703 • daphneal.com/ seniors Police Department 1502 U.S. Highway 98 • 251-621-9100 • daphnepolice.org Police Chief David Carpenter Fire Department Stations Main Station No. 2, 28280 N. Main St. • 251-621-2802 Volunteer Station No. 1, 1707 Sixth St. • 251-621-2801 Station No. 3, 8945 Lawson Road • 251-621-2803 Station 4, 30150 Green Court • 251-621-2804 Belforest Station, 25490 County Road 54 West • 251-626-8020 Fire Chief James White
Elberta, AL 36530 Elberta Town Hall 13052 Main St. • 251-986-5995 • TownOfElberta.com Mayor Marvin Williams, elbertamayor@gulftel.com • 13431 County Road 87 • 251-986-5176 • Cell: 251-978-8807 Town Council: Place 1, Alma Doege, ndoege@centurytel.net, 251-986-5201 Place 2, Jim Hamby, jhamby@gulftel.com, 251-752-5848 Place 3, Michael Hudson, hudsonhomebuilders@yahoo.com, 251-752-1339 Place 4, Betty Wood, bettyw@gulftel.com, 251-986-5101 Place 5, Don Koontz Sr., dwkoon@gulftel.com, 251-223-6654 Town Clerk, Sandy Germany, townofelberta@gulftel.com • Home: 251-943-5956 •
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Elberta Civic Center 251-986-5995 Elberta Senior Center 24488 Kichler Circle North • 251-986-2470 Elberta Police Department 13062 County Road 83 • 251-986-5300 • Cell: 251-923-8639 Police Chief Stan DeVane, elbertapdsd@gulftel.com Elberta Fire Department 13120 Chicago St. • 251-986-5805 • elbertafire.com
Fairhope, AL 36532 Fairhope City Hall 161 N. Section St. • 251-928-2136 • cofairhope.com Mayor Tim Kant, tim.kant@ cofairhope.com City Council: Kevin Boone, kevin.boone@ cofairhope.com Diana Brewer, Diana.brewer@ cofairhope.com Jack Burrell, jack.burrell@ cofairhope.com Mike Ford, mike.ford@ cofairhope.com Rich Mueller, rich.mueller@ cofairhope.com City Clerk Lisa A. Hanks • The City Council has work sessions at 4:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month and regular meetings at 6 p.m. those days. Fairhope Civic Center 161 N. Section St. • 251-990-0130 or 251-929-1479 James P. Nix Senior Activity Center 1 Bayou Drive • 251-928-2835 Fairhope Public Library 501 Fairhope Ave. • 251-928-7483 • fairhopelibrary.org Fairhope Police Department 107 N. Section St. • 251-928-2385 Police Chief Joe Petties Fire Department Stations 251-990-0143 • fairhopevfd.org Leo Keller Station 1, Ingleside Drive Roy White Station 2, Thompson Hall Road Les Bung Station 3, H.L. “Sonny” Callahan Airport Barnwell, 8587 U.S. Highway 98 • 251-928-9732 Fire Chief Chris Ellis
Foley, AL 36535 Foley City Hall 407 E. Laurel Ave. • 251-943-1545 • cityoffoley.org Mayor John Koniar, jkoniar@cityoffoley.org City Council: District 1/council president, J. Wayne Trawick, wtrawick@cityoffoley.org District 2, Vera J. Quaites, vquaites@cityoffoley.org District 3, Ralph J. Hellmich, rhellmich@cityoffoley.org District 4, C. Rick Blackwell, rblackwell@cityoffoley.org District 5, Charles J. Ebert III, cebert@cityoffoley.org City Clerk Vickey Southern • The Foley City Council meets the first and third Mondays at 5:30 p.m. A work session precedes the regular meetings, beginning at 4 p.m. Civic Center 407 E. Laurel Ave. • 251-943-1545 Foley Senior Center 304 E. Rose Ave. • 251-943-1877 • seniorcenter@cityoffoley.org Foley Public Library 319 E. Laurel Ave. • 251-943-8637 • foleylibrary.org Foley Police Department 200 E. Section Ave. • 251-952-4010 Police Chief David Wilson Fire Department 120 W. Verbena Ave. • 251-943-1266 Fire Chief Joseph Darby
Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Gulf Shores City Hall 1905 W. First St. • 251-968-1125 • gulfshoresal.gov Mayor Robert Craft, mayor@gulfshoresal.gov City Council: Place 1, Joe Garris
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City Info
Place 2, Carolyn Doughty Place 3, Philip Harris Place 4, Jason Dyken Place 5, Steve Jones City Clerk Wanda Parris, wparris@gulfshoresal.gov • Gulf Shores City Council has a work session at 4 p.m. on the first and third Mondays. The regular meetings are the second and fourth Mondays at 4 p.m.
Place 2, Jeff Boyd, jboyd@cityoforangebeach.com Place 3, Jerry Johnson, jjohnson@cityoforangebeach.com Place 4, Jeffrey H. Silvers, jsilvers@cityoforangebeach.com Place 5, Joni Blalock, jblalock@cityoforangebeach.com City Clerk Cathy Constantino, cconstantino@cityoforangebeach.com • Orange Beach City Council meets the first and third Tuesday at 5 p.m. There is a work session at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday.
Erie H. Meyer Civic Center 1930 W. Second St. • 251-968-1173 Harry Roberts Community House and Senior Center 300 E. 16th Ave. • 251-968-1434 Thomas B. Norton Library 221 W. 19th Ave. • 251-968-1176 • gulfshoresal.gov/library
Orange Beach Civic Center 23101 Canal Road • 251-981-6629 Community Center 27235 Canal Road • 251-981-6028 Senior Activity Center 26251 Canal Road • 251-981-3440 Orange Beach Public Library 26267 Canal Road • 251-981-2923
Gulf Shores Police Department 220 Clubhouse Drive • 251-968-2431 Police Chief Edward J. Delmore Gulf Shores Fire Rescue gulfshoresfirerescue.org Fire Station 1, 1921 W. 1st St. • 251-968-7422 Fire Station 2, West Beach and 11th Fire Station 3, 12105 Alabama 180 (Fort Morgan Road) Oyster Bay, 4590 County Road 6 • 251-968-6161 Fire Chief Hartly Brokenshaw
Loxley, AL 36551 Loxley Town Hall 1089 S. Hickory St. • 251-964-5162 • townofloxley.org Mayor Billy Middleton Town Council: Katherine Q. Breeden Kasey Childress Jeffrey T. Knight Richard L. Teal Richard Lee Wilson Town Clerk Melissa Lawrence, melissal@townofloxley.org • The Loxley Town Council meets the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. A work session is held the last Monday of the month at 6 p.m. Loxley Civic Center Municipal Park Drive • 251-964-7733 • 251-747-0263 Loxley Police Department 2139 E. Relham Ave. • 251-964-5400 Police Chief Chip Cason Loxley Fire Department 1089 S. Hickory St. • 251-964 5696 Fire Chief Tim Curry
Magnolia Springs, AL 36555 Magnolia Springs Town Hall 12191 Magnolia Springs Highway • Phone: 251-965-9888 • Fax: 251-965-9889 • townofmagnoliasprings.org Mayor Kenneth D. Underwood, Cell: 251-979-5570, mayorms@gulftel.com Town Council: Place 1, Dottie Johnson, Home: 251-965-7851 Place 2, Jim May, Home: 251-943-2881 Place 3, Bob Holk, Cell: 251-978-0920 Place 4, Tom Webb, Home: 251-965-6228 Place 5, Ben Dylema, Cell: 251-213-4703 Town Clerk Karen S. Biel • Magnolia Springs Town Council meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. There is a work session on the second Tuesday at 5 p.m. Public Library 12440 Magnolia Ave. • 251-965-2305 Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department 251-937-0202 Magnolia Springs Fire Department 14809 Gates Ave. • 251-965-7808
Orange Beach, AL 36561 Orange Beach City Hall 4099 Orange Beach Blvd • 251-981-6979 • cityoforangebeach.com Mayor Tony Kennon, tkennon@cityoforangebeach.com City Council: Place 1, Al Bradley, abradley@cityoforangebeach.com
Police Department and Jail 4480 Orange Beach Blvd. • 251-981-9777 Police Chief William “Billy” V. Wilkins Sr. Fire Department stations Fire Station 1, 25853 John Snook Drive • 251-981-6398 Fire Station 2, 27280 Canal Road • 251-981- 2635 Ono Island Fire Department 251-980-5147 Fire Chief Shane Phillips
Perdido Beach, AL 36530 Perdido Beach Town Hall 9212 County Road 97 • 251-962-2200 • townofperdidobeach.org Mayor Patsy Parker, mayor@townofperdidobeach.org Town Council: Place 1, Andy Holk, holk@townofperdidobeach.org Place 2, Gary Fishbein, fishbein@townofperdidobeach.org Place 3, Sean Hickey, hickey@townofperdidobeach.org Place 4, Priscilla Thornton Condon, condon@townofperdidobeach.org Place 5, Ellen McDonald-Leslie, leslie@townofperdidobeach.org Town Clerk Lynn Thompson, clerk@townofperdidobeach.org • The Town Council meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. There is a work session at 4:30 p.m. the same day. Baldwin County Sheriff Department 251-937-0202 Perdido Beach Volunteer Fire Department 8450 Escambia Ave. • 251-961-7116
Robertsdale, AL 36567 Robertsdale City Hall 22647 Racine St. • 251-947-8900 • robertsdale.org Mayor Charles H. Murphy, charles.murphy@gulftel.com City Council: Joseph Kitchens Sue Cooper Ruthie Campbell Paul Hollingsworth Brent Kendrick City Clerk Shannon Ellison, shannonellison@robertsdale.org PZK Hall 17933 State Highway 104 • 251-947-8973 G.P. Thames Senior Citizens Center 22651 E. Chicago St. • 251-947-8973 Robertsdale Public Library 18301 Pennsylvania St. • 251-947-8960 Robertsdale Police Department 23335 N. Chicago St. • 251-947-2222 Police Chief Brad Kendrick Robertsdale Volunteer Fire Department 22575 St. Paul St. • 251-947-8941 Fire Chief Michael Lucas
Silverhill, AL 36576 Silverhill Town Hall 15965 Silverhill Ave. • 251-945-5198 • silverhillalabama.com Mayor Timothy C. Wilson Town Council: Shirley Stephens Wayne Gruenloh
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Pathway to Progress v Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015
Jared Lyles Mike Allegri Jr. Bert Jones Town Clerk Patricia Bankester, shilltownclerk@gulftel.com • The Council meets the first and third Mondays of every month, work session at 6 p.m., regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Police Chief David Edgar Spanish Fort Fire Rescue 251-626-8876 • spanishfortfire.org Fire Chief Roger Few Firehouse 1, 7580 Spanish Fort Blvd. Firehouse 2, 10628 U.S. Highway 31
Summerdale, AL 36580
Oscar Johnson Memorial Library 21967 Sixth St. • 251-945-5201 Silverhill Police Department 22030 Sixth St. • 251-945-5200 Police Chief Kim Wasdin Silverhill Volunteer Fire Department 22031 Sixth St. • 251-945-3252 Fire Chief Gary Patrick
Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Spanish Fort City Hall 7581 Spanish Fort Blvd. (U.S. Highway 31) • 251-626-4884 • cityofspanishfort.com Mayor Michael M. McMillan, mayor@cityofspanishfort.com City Council: District 1, R. Curtis “Curt” Smith, district1@cityofspanishfort.com District 2, Dennis D. Dismuke, district2@cityofspanishfort.com District 3, Bobby J. Fortenberry, district3@cityofspanishfort.com District 4, Clewis “J.R.” Smith, Jr., district4@cityofspanishfort.com District 5, Mary Brabner, district5@cityofspanishfort.com City Clerk Mary Lynn Willliams • The City Council holds work sessions at 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays at City Hall. The regular meetings follow on the same nights at 6 at The Gathering Place, located at 6530 Spanish Fort Blvd. Spanish Fort Police Department 30500 State Highway 181 No. 618 • 251-626-4914
Summerdale Town Hall 502 W. Lee Ave. • 251-989-6202 • summerdalealabama.com Mayor Mayor David Wilson, mayor@summerdalealabama.com Town Council: Place 1, Myles Bishop Place 2, Norma Wilson Giles Place 3, Mary Carolyn McDaniel Place 4, Travis Townsend Place 5, Cheryl Wallace Stewart Town Clerk Tiffany Lynn • Summerdale Town Council meets the second Monday at 6 p.m. A work session is held at 6 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the regular council meeting. Summerdale Community Center 300 W. Jackson • 251-989-6626 Marjorie Younce Snook Public Library 202 W. Broadway • 251-989-2011 • summerdalelibrary.com Summerdale Police Department 502 W. Lee Ave. • 251-989-6446 Police Chief James “Jimmy” Davis Jr. Fire Department Stations Marlow-Fish River Fire Department, 13355 County Road 32 • 251-988-8127 Summerdale Volunteer Fire Department, 105 W. Broadway • 251-989-6723 Fire Chief John W. Resmondo
Nobody works harder than the owners.
Poenta Luckie
Greg Gontarski
Amy Lassiter
Jana Williston
Lisa May
BALDWIN COUNTY MARKET PRESIDENT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR
MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR
Community Bank is one of the only staff-owned banks in the state, so we always deliver the best service possible to our customers. The fact is that we work so diligently to help customers meet their goals that we’ve been named one of the top lenders by the SBA. And we consistently receive recognition as one of the best places to work. It’s time for you to reap the benefits of banking at Community Bank. Come by today and talk with one of our owners. CommunityBank.net
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Church Directory 3Circle Church Eastern Shore Campus 10274 Highway 104, Fairhope 251-990-3112 3circlechurch.com Sunday Services - 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m. Ascension Lutheran (LCMS) Church 8888 County Road 64, Daphne 251-626-7500 251-295-4315 cell ourdaphnechurch.org Christian Life the Island Church 25550 Canal Road, Orange Beach 251-967-4840 christianlifechurch.tv Sunday Services - 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. Wednesday Service - 6 p.m. Christ Presbyterian Church 8450 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne 251-621-9444 Church of Inner Light (aka Angels Nest Wedding Chapel) 43530 Jones Road, Bay Minette 251-689-9805 Exciting First Baptist Gulf Shores “Knowing Christ and making Him known!” 2200 W. 1st St., Gulf Shores 251-968-7369 fbcgulf.com “Blended Worship”with Praise Choir, soloists, Worship teams and Orchestra/ Seasonal and Evangelistic Events - 8:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. Vertical - 11 a.m. Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study - 6 p.m. Faith Family Fellowship 7100 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort 251-626-1379 faithfamilyonline.com Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. Worship - 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Sunday Night Activities Fairhope Christian Church Disciples of Christ 349 Fairwood Blvd. 251-928-8495 fairhopechristianchurch.org Sunday Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Worship - 10:30 a.m. Fellowship - 11:30 a.m.
Fairhope Community Church 329 South Greeno Road, Fairhope 251-990-4442 fairhopecommunitychurch.org Rev. David L. Stookey Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship - 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Youth - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Adult prayer/Bible Study 6:15 p.m. Fairhope United Methodist Church 155 S. Section St., Fairhope 251-928-1148 fairhopeumc.org Sunday Traditional Worship - 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., Sanctuary The Gathering Contemporary Worship - 11 a.m., CLC Gym First Baptist Church of Fairhope 300 S. Section St., Fairhope 251-928-8685 fbcfairhope.org Sunday Worship - 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Several weekly activities First Baptist of Lillian 34421 Barclay Ave., Lillian 251-962-2180 firstbaptistlillian.org First Baptist Church of Loxley 1050 N. Alabama St., Loxley 251-964-5261 fbcloxley.com Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evenings - 5 p.m. Wednesday Evening - 6:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, Silverhill 15898 Silverhill Ave., Silverhill 251-945-5182 251-945-1696 fax fbcsilverhill.org First Christian Church of Robertsdale Corner of Racine and Nebraska, Robertsdale 251-947-7772 Tom Stevenson 850-982-5006 Gulf Shores United Methodist Church 1900 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores 251-968-2411 gulfshoresumc.org Traditional Worship - 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Contemporary Worship - 9:45 a.m.
Holy Spirit Episcopal Church 616 Ft. Morgan Road, Gulf Shores 251-968-5988 holyspiritep.com Sunday Worship - 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Worship - 6 p.m. Orange Beach United Methodist Church 28751 Canal Road, Orange Beach 251-981-6751 orangebeachumc.org Sunday Worship - Contemporary - 8:30 a.m. Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Traditional Service - 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Fellowship Dinner - 5 p.m. Adult Bible Studies - 6 p.m. Communion & Prayer - 7 p.m. Spanish Fort United Methodist Church 6690 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort Mailing Address and Church Office: 6530 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort 251-626-1334 spanishfortumc.org Traditional Service - 8:45 a.m. Contemporary Service - 11:00 a.m. St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church Scenic Highway 98, Point Clear 251-928-1255 stfrancisatthepoint.org Sunday Services - 10 a.m., 6 p.m. The Rev. Gary R Blaylock, Rector St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 400 North Alston St., Foley 251-943-6931 stpaulsfoley.com Sunday Service - 10 a.m. Sunday Bible Study - 8:30 a.m. Thursday Bible Study - 10:30 a.m. Swift Presbyterian Church 23208 Swift Church Road, Foley 251-943-8367 swiftchurch.org Sunday Worship - 8 a.m., 10 a.m. The Word of God Revival Center 312 Powell Ave., Bay Minette 251-937-3799
The road ahead By cATHY HIGGINS
T
his is an exciting time for Baldwin County, especially in Foley’s Forward City, where several new developments are setting the pace for the county’s future. The City of Fairhope will open a 10-field soccer complex on 40 acres on the corner of Manley Road and County Road 13 by the fall of 2014. The city hopes it will be able to host the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s state soccer tournament as well as SEC and NAIA tournaments. In Spanish Fort, a new Community Center will include a library, a multi-purpose facility, administrative offices a Baldwin Area Transportation System terminal and a senior center. Robertsdale will have a Walmart SuperCenter in July of 2014. The store is located at the intersection of Highway 59 and County Road 48. The new store in Robertsdale will join five other Walmart Supercenter locations in Baldwin County – Bay Minette, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley and Gulf Shores — along with a Walmart Marketplace store located in Orange Beach. The city of Foley is living up to its nickname of the Forward City with quite a number of coming additions. The most notable is the plan for Blue Collar Country, an entertainment destination that will sit on more than 500 acres of land at the intersection of County Road 20 and Foley Beach Expressway. Although developers still haven’t made a formal announcement, partner and entertainer Tony Orlando confirms the endeavor and projecting a 2015 opening of the site. Developers say the facility will include hotels, restaurants, an indoor water park and veterans’ plaza. Adjacent to Blue Collar will be a Foley City Sports Complex. The city’s sports complex will include 12
multi-use outdoor fields, as well as a 100,000-squarefoot sports and events center. The 100,000-square-foot multi-purpose Foley Events Center will be situated adjacent to the outdoor fields and can be configured to provide enough room for 12 volleyball courts or 6 basketball courts. An indoor/outdoor stage will be located on the east end of the events center. In conjunction with those projects, the city is currently working on plans for a trolley system that will travel to key points, like Tanger Outlets, the Sports Complex, Blue Collar Country and the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market, which opened in October on County Road 20 and is already in expansion plans. Yet another related project is the plan to expand Pride Drive east of Alabama Highway 59, with adjoining streets such as Juniper set for improvements, as well. This is set to provide an approximate straight car ride from Foley High School to the Foley Beach Expressway. At the end of May, ground broke for Foley’s Centennial Plaza in Heritage Park. The plaza, which will include a 52-foot musical clock tower, is set to serve as a monument to honor the 100-year anniversary of the Forward City’s incorporation on Jan. 8, 1915. The Centennial Plaza is expected to be completed before December 2014. Not far from the Plaza will be the city’s pedestrian bridge. The 12-foot-wide structure will cross over North McKenzie Street, bringing pedestrians into Heritage Park. The city of Foley is also working to bring its own dog park to the downtown area. While those plans are still developing, the park is expected to be housed on Orange Street, next to the city’s new municipal-employee clinic. Also planned for Foley are efforts to provide 2.8 miles of bicycle lanes, 12.9 miles of shared-use paths and 1.9 miles of completed streets.
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Big Beautiful Baldwin 2014-2015 v Pathway to Progress
Advertiser Index
Advanced Transmission AGAVE Allstate Betty Purvis Baldwin EMC Baldwin Tractor & Equipment Bayside Orthopaedic Big Daddys Grill Blue Water Ships Store Burris Farm Market Cain’s Piggly Wiggly Central Christian School Christmas ‘Round the Corner / Fairhope Pharmacy City of Bay Minette City of Daphne - Public Works City of Foley City of Robertsdale Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach Community Bank Daphne Antique Galleria Desoto’s Seafood Kitchen Ear Lab Eastern Shore Art Center Eastern Shore Urgent Care Center Felix’s Fish Camp / BLUEGILL Restaurant Fish River Grill #2 FloraBama 50th Anniversary Foley Medical Weight Loss Center Freeman Collision G & J’s Power Equipment, Inc. GEICO Tony Frohnhoefer
39 14 23 54 9 49 81 33 47 10 90 55 12 25 18 16 97 93 46 70 59 85 35 3 13 55 19 74 79 78
GulfCoastNewsToday.com
Greers/Cashsaver 69 Gulf State Park 40 Home Boy Brewing Company 84 Infirmary Health 2 Lee Drug Store 84 LiveOak Village 4 Manning Jewelry 61 Medistat Specialized Pharmacy Services 52 Open Door Christian School 89 Parkway Equipment 54, 74 Punta Clara Kitchen 75 Racine’s Feed, Garden, & Supply, Inc. 17 Riviera Utilities 20 Robert Moore & Co 98 Robertsdale Feed, Seed, & Supply 47 Safe Harbor Financial 50-51 South Baldwin Regional Medical Center 100 State Farm Frances Holk-Jones 73 State Farm Jim Goleman 89 State Farm Lad Drago 15 Summertrace Apartments 45 The Blake at Malbis 99 The Haven of Gulf Shores 37 To Arms Antiques / 23 Southern Shooter Supply Tom Jones Pottery 27 Town of Magnolia Springs 46 United Bank 33 UTC Aerospace Systems 28 Ware Jewelers 5 Westminster Village 82 Window Decor and more 30
Historic waterfront grounds perfect for weddings and special events.
Coastal Arts Cente r of Orange Beach
26389 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL 36561 • 251.981.ARTS (2787) • CoastalArtsCenter.com F E A T U R I N G
Welcome to
More Than Just A Christmas Store
Robert Moore’s Christmas Town & Village is locally owned and operated for over 38 years and you will find unprecedented gift quality at an affordable price. Collectibles Swarovski Figurines Silver and Brass Waterford Crystal
EASTER HALLOWEEN THANKSGIVING
4213 HALLS MILLS RD. MOBILE, AL 36693
251-661-3608
www.robertmoorechristmastown.com
Open Mon - Sat 10am-5pm
bu!nbmcjt The finest care is more affordable than ever. The Blake at Malbis is an exceptional community for:
Assisted Living • Memory Care • Respite Care
Onsite physical therapy clinic
Spacious living and recreation quarters
Plentiful outings and activities
Even a dog park for our residents’ furry friends!
Beautiful enclosed courtyards
Delicious dining options
Conveniently located near Eastern Shore Centre, I-10 and Highway 181 11626 U.S. Highway 90, Daphne, Alabama 36526
251-625-6400
www.blakeliving.com
email info.malbis@blakeliving.com
Call to schedule a tour of our community – stay for lunch as our guest!
Retooled.
We helped Bubba get back to business. The cushioning cartilage in Bubba’s knee had worn away. “The pain was awful,” he said. “I couldn’t keep up with my grandchildren, or walk through the plant without stopping. So my doctor and I talked about knee replacement options. When he told me South Baldwin’s computer equipment allowed them to align the joints with extreme accuracy, that was good enough for me.” Bubba was up and walking the day after his surgery. “I’ve already been to Disney World® with my grandkids, and you know how much walking that takes. My bone-on-bone pain is G-O-N-E gone!”
To learn more about surgical services at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, visit SouthBaldwinRMC.com/surgicalservices.
Robert W. “Bubba” Lee Chairman of the Board Vulcan, Inc.
Patient results may vary. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks and benefits of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation.
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