Gulf Coast Buzz (Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015)

gulf coast Your 14-day guide to fun, food and entertainment

HOLIDAY PHOTO TIPS Getting great seasonal pictures

DEc. 19 – JAN. 1, 2015 Gulf Coast Media

Vol. 1 Issue 17

Holiday events Christmas worship New Year’s celebrations

DEC. 19 – JAN. 1

In-depth Baldwin County calendar and live music listings in every issue!

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

2 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

AwardWinning.

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

Nationally recognized care delivered daily.

Every day, we commit ourselves to providing patients with the kind of high-quality care that has earned national recognition from some of the most demanding organizations in healthcare.

These seals are your assurance that South Baldwin Regional Medical Center is deeply committed to providing you and your family with outstanding care. To find a physician who practices at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, call 251-949-3627.

SouthBaldwinRMC.com

Top Performer on The Joint Commission Key Quality MeasuresÂŽ 2011, 2012 & 2013

80232_SBRM_Awards_7_3x9_8cBLD.indd 1

2012 & 2013

2011 & 2012

2012, 2013 & 2014

12/10/14 12:13 PM

bbtb_buzz12-11_ad_Layout 1 12/11/14 1:29 PM Page 1

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 3

New Years Eve Dinner and Dancing Make reservations at Bill’s By the Beach to ring in the New Year with a delicious price fixed four course dinner, a midnight champagne toast and dancing to live music by Lisa Zanghi. $45 plus tax and gratuities. View menu and details at bbtb.com/events.

Join us for our family Christmas cookie decorating and dinner on December 20th. Chef Jon will help children 6 to 10 decorate Christmas cookies from 3:30 to 5:00. Following decorating, a three course family Christmas dinner will be served featuring your choice of Prime Rib or our signature Seafood Pot Pie and our children’s menu. $30 per adult and $5.50 per child. Space is limited.

Reservations required. Details at bbtb.com/events.

Gift Cards make great stocking stuffers, stop by for a delicious meal and shop at the same time. Gift Cards also available online!

Live Music

Friday, December 19, Mel of the Foxy Iguanas, 6-10pm

251-948-5227 | 300 West Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL 36542 bbtb.com | facebook.com/billsbythebeachgulfshores From Hwy 59, 2 Blocks Right on Hwy 182

4 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015 gulf coast

Letter from the editor

Your 14-day guide to fun, food and entertainment

HOLIDAY PHOTO TIPS

Allison, 4, with her sister Chloe’, 4 months old.

Holiday events

Getting great seasonal pictures

One of the most celebrated holidays is less than a week away. Like many others, I haven’t finished my Christmas shopping or even thought about what I plan to cook. Every year, it always comes together. If someone forgets something, or that Christmas morning isn’t perfect, it’s OK. Because that’s not what it’s all about, is it?

When someone mentions the dreaded Christmas card, I always have the same vision in my head. This picture to the right. I’m 4 years old, holding my new little sister Chloe’, sitting in my mom’s red rocking chair she’s had since she was little. Kudos to my parents for attempting this feat. A 4-yearold and a newborn … sitting … being still … in a chair … at Christmas.

When I need to look through old family photos, I always find myself in a sea of these dreaded Christmas photos.

They are both of us, sitting (sometimes) with a smile on our face (sometimes) at different angles. Some are fuzzy, some look like my sister is about to get sick and in some, I’m just sitting in the rocker by myself — no idea what happened to Chloe’.

My estimate is that my parents used probably five or six rolls of film in 1994. The photo did come out just fine, 50 shots later.

I don’t think we took Christmas card photos after “the Christmas card of ’94.”

Enjoy this time with your family and loved ones. Take a funny Christmas card photo (whether it’s on purpose or not); it will give you a story to tell every time you look at it and memories to share, even 20 years later in 2014.

From my family to yours, have a fabulous holiday and wonderful New Year.

See you next year!

Gulf Coast Buzz editor

DEC. 19 – JAN. 1, 2014 GULF COAST MEDIA

Vol. 1 Issue 17

Christmas worship New Year’s celebrations

DEC. 19 – JAN. 1

In-depth Baldwin County calendar and live music listings in every issue!

Cover photo is by Jay Sowers

ABOUT THE COVER Christmas is less than a week away and Santa is checking his list twice! For last minute events throughout your community, check out our Christmas calendar and start a new family tradition.

Thank you to Santa Claus and John Kroutter for making this cover possible.

Find a Q&A with Santa on page 8.

Look for us submissions I In all four Gulf Coast Media newspapers: The Times Independent, The Foley Onlooker, The Islander and The Courier

I Comments and concerns

I In racks, boxes and locations throughout Baldwin County

I Live local music listings

I On GulfCoastNewsToday.com

gulf coast

Social Media I On Facebook: Gulf Coast Newspapers On Twitter: @gcntoday

Allison Woodham: awoodham@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

I Events calendar

Allison Woodham: awoodham@gulfcoastnewspapers.com Destiny Brown: dbrown@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

I Advertising

Eastern Shore pjohnson@gulfcoastnewspapers.com and North Baldwin rbrookins@gulfcoastnewspapers.com Central Baldwin and South Baldwin

jbouzan@gulfcoastnewspapers.com bday@gulfcoastnewspapers.com fkustura@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment on the Gulf Coast.

Publishes the first and third Friday of each month.

Look for our next issue Friday, Jan. 2.

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 5

COVER STORY

gulf coast

WHAT’S INSIDE

12

Christmas Events Festive happenings throughout the county. 6

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment on the Gulf Coast.

Publisher Sudie Gambrell

sgambrell@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

WHERE TO GO

Editor Allison Woodham

Christmas Worship Holiday church services. 13

awoodham@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

New Year’s Events Ways to ring in the new year. 14

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Paige Renka

prenka@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Trail Blazing Explore these Baldwin County trails. 23

Contributing Editors

23

A&E Culturally Speaking Q&A with Santa Claus. 8

Destiny Brown Cathy Higgins Eric Mann Cliff McCollum John Mullen Jay Sowers John Underwood

ContributoRS

The Buzz on the Coast 14 Days, our comprehensive calendar. 17

Jill Clair Gentry Scott Gentry Jon Robitaille Lindsay Schumacher

Local Live Music Baldwin County music listings. 27

advertising

ALL ABOUT FOOD Chew on This Weir Delicious. 20

HELPFUL TIPS

OUTDOORS

Turkey soup Turn leftovers into a delcious meal. 22

Holiday Photo Tips Take great seasonal pictures. 10

Aiming and Angling Deer season. 15

Tastings A wonderful time of the year. 26 Sierra Nevada Celebration. 26

FAMILY FUN Parenting Resolutions Five things to do with the kids in 2015. 16

Jeniece Bouzan Rebecca Brookins Brad Day Pat Johnson Frank Kustura

BOOKS/GAMES Between the Pages “Billy Claus and the Spirit of Christmas Island.” 12 Puzzles Test your brain. 30

Gulf Coast Media 21764 Media Dr., Robertsdale, AL 36567 251-947-7712 GulfCoastNewsToday.com

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

6 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

ABOUT THE COVER

n Christmas events throughout the county ORANGE BEACH Holiday Ice Skating at The Wharf Real Ice is back and better than ever! Enjoy real ice skating in a festive holiday setting.

I Through Jan. 4; Monday – Friday, 4 – 10 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Palm Plaza at The Wharf I Two hours, $10; two hours and Ferris wheel ride, $12 I alwharf.com; 251-244-1000 Winter Wonderland at The Wharf Enjoy The Wharf’s Light and Sound Spectacular SPECTRA, free nightly shows every day of the week on Main Street! Get into the spirit of the season with your favorite holiday songs.

I Through Jan. 31; daily I Free I alwharf.com; 251-244-1000 Photos with Santa Start a holiday tradition!

Get a commemorative Winter Wonderland photo.

I Through Dec. 21; Fridays, 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4p.m.; Sundays, noon – 4 p.m.; The Wharf I $10 per photo I 251-224-1000

Horse and Carriage Rides Enjoy a horse and carriage ride through Winter Wonderland at The Wharf. Call for holiday dates of operation.

I Weekends in December; The Wharf I $10 per person I 251-224-1000 Christmas Potluck Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, Christmas is a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate.

The Flora-Bama wants you on the line to eat, drink and be merry for its traditional potluck dinner. The turkey and ham will be prepared and ready to go by Flora-Bama.

Live music will be playing all around the bar to add even more Christmas cheer!

I Thursday, Dec. 25; Noon – 4 p.m.; Flora-Bama I Patrons are encourage to bring a covered dish to share, because that’s what Christmas is all about.

I Flora-Bama.com; 850-492-0611

GULF SHORES Breakfast with Santa Youngsters will have one last minute chance to visit with Santa.

Families can dive into a wholesome breakfast complete with sausage, bacon, eggs and pancakes before

having pictures taken with Santa.

I Saturday, Dec. 20; 8 a.m.; Erie Meyer Civic Center I $5; children 3 and under, free I 251-968-1172 Santa Brunch at the Peninsula Come enjoy brunch with Santa at the Peninsula. The kids will love decorating their very own cookies, while parents will love our “build your own Blood Mary” bar and delicious buffet that will have an omelet station and prime rib. Santa will arrive from the North Pole to start taking pictures with the kids at 10 a.m.

Reservations are required.

I Saturday, Dec 20; 9 a.m. – noon; Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club, Gulf Shores I Adults, $19.95; children, $9.95 I PeninsulaGolfClub.com; 251-968-8009 Ugly Christmas Sweater Party We miss the good ole days, the days where everyone would gather around the fireplace in their matching family sweaters for the annual family photo. Call your favorite aunt and beg her to let you borrow her favorite Christmas sweater.

You just might win a $50 gift card; prizes will be awarded for second and third place, too.

I Saturday, Dec. 20; 7 – 11 p.m.; The Beach House Kitchen

Drop by the Grand Hotel to see the Gingerbread Village.

The massive replica is set up through Christmas Day. photo by jay sowers / staff

and Cocktails I BeachHouseGS.com; 251-948-2431

FOLEY Marjorie Snook Home Decorations Marjorie Snook elaborately decorates her Victorian home. Families are welcome to drive by the house anytime during the season.

I Through Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015; George Younce Road Trim-a-Tree Local craftsmen have created quality, unique one-of-a-kind ornaments, decorations, florals, pottery jewelry and fine artwork to be sold on consignment. Sponsored

by Foley Performing Arts Center.

I Through December 21; 10 a.m.

– 7 p.m.; Tanger Outlet Mall Suite 106, Foley I Free admission I 251-943-4381

SILVERHILL Arctic Express Ride an authentic steam train

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 7

through a wonderland of lights and decorations to the North Pole.

Children visit with Santa in the winter wonderland barn and receive a free wooden toy. Free refreshments served at the train station after the trip. Enjoy a ride on the mini-train, a sleigh/hay ride and inflatables on the playgroup. Petting zoo, pony rides and snowball cannon are available for a small fee.

I Daily through Dec. 24; 3 – 9 p.m.; Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway, Silverhill.

I $15 per person, plus tax.

I WalesWest.com; 888-569-5337

FAIRHOPE Fish River Boat Parade Come enjoy the lighted boats sail while enjoying some of your favorite food.

I Saturday, Dec. 20; 5 – 8 p.m.; Big Daddy’s Grill, Fairhope I 251-990-8555 Santa Brunch Reservations required I Sunday, Dec. 21; Rock Creek Golf Club I Members, $24.95; public, $28.95; kids, $9.95 I 251-517-5632

POINT CLEAR Gingerbread Village The magnificent Gingerbread Village features a massive replica of the Grand Hotel. See the Grand gingerbread masterpiece and the rest of the dazzling décor at the hotel, including the spectacular Christmas trees and hundreds of poinsettias.

I Through Christmas; the Grand Hotel I 251-928-9201

REGIONAL EVENTS Magic Christmas in Lights Enjoy one of the most popular holiday events in the Southeast.

Stroll through the gardens with more than three million twinkling lights in over 835 custom designed set pieces in 12 scenes.

Ice skate at The Wharf now through Jan. 4. courtesy of the wharf

I Through Jan. 3 (closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1); Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore I Bellingrath.org; 251 973-2217

Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore I AlabamaCruises.com; 251-973-1244

Bragg-Mitchell Mansion Christmas Open House Tour the mansion with traditional decorations adorning each room.

The gift shop will be open.

I Through December; Tuesday – Friday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; I BraggMitchellMansion.com; 251-471-6364

Bells in the Bayou Certified 4-mile and 2-mile flat courses that showcase the industries and communities of Bayou La Batre. Four-mile course has two turns; 2-mile course is an outand-back course. This is the only 4-mile course in Alabama south of Huntsville. Run for a record, or run for fun – just run!

I Saturday, Dec. 20; 9 a.m. – noon; St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, Bayou La Batre I 251-824-2415

Holiday Lights Dinner Cruises Enjoy the fabulous lights on Fowl River with nightly dinner cruises aboard the festive and decked-out Southern Belle.

Reservations required.

I Through Dec. 30; Board, 6:30 p.m.; sail, 7 p.m.; return, 9 p.m.;

Saenger classic holiday movie Bringing classic movies back to the big screen, holiday-style. Everyone’s favorite classic holiday movie “It’s A Wonderful Life,” will be shown.

The movie will be seated on a first-come-first-served basis.

I Monday, Dec. 22; 6:30 p.m.; Saenger Theatre, Pensacola I $5 I PensacolaSaenger.com

culturally speaking

We sat down with Santa Claus to find out the answers to some age-old questions.

Are you real?

Yes, yes I am very real, especially to those who believe in me.

What if my house doesn’t have a chimney?

That is my preferred method of entry, but I can just as easily come in windows and doors when there is no chimney available.

How do you fit down the chimney?

I use a bit of magic that makes me very thin, almost invisible.

What if we move, or my family is visiting another home on Christmas Eve?

Kids shouldn’t worry about that. I know how to find all children on Christmas Eve.

How do the reindeer fly?

They eat magic reindeer food made by the elves.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is cookies, but there are many foods that I like, especially all the wonderful snacks the children leave for me on Christmas Eve.

How much do you weigh?

Probably a little more than I should, but Mrs. Claus makes sure I eat healthy and get my exercise.

How do you visit the whole world in one night?

Well, the time zones help a bit and the reindeer are very fast, but it’s mostly by special magic.

Do you have any children?

Yes, I consider all of the children in the world, and the elves too, part of my family.

Will you always bring what I ask for?

The elves make a special gift for every child. So while it may not be exactly what you asked for, it is something that we made for you with lots of love because you are so special.

Where do you get your suit?

Mrs. Claus sews it for me. Each year, it gets really dirty and torn. Mrs. Claus cleans it and patches it. Sometimes she even has to make a new one for me.

Do you really read every letter you get?

Yes, each and every letter. The elves take notes and get ideas for what kinds of toys and gifts to make.

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 9

How many elves are there?

Lots and lots and LOTS! There’s so many we stopped counting long ago. We’re one big, happy family and we all have fun working together.

Where do the elves come from?

Oh, there are elves all around the world. We pick the best toy crafters, reindeer veterinarians and list-keepers to come work at the North Pole.

Why do you live at the North Pole?

It’s far away from everything and very quiet. Without interruptions, the elves and I can get a lot of work done up there.

Why do you wear red?

It’s Mrs. Claus’ favorite color! And she’s the one to make the very first Santa suit.

What do you do after Christmas?

Well, the days after, I spend a lot of time sleeping. Then, I spend some time on vacation, away from the winter. My favorite place to go is around the Gulf Coast. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have nice temperatures this time of year — never gets too cold. It gives my beard time to thaw and lets me recuperate for the next several months of list-reading and toy-making.

photos by jay sowers / staff

For a glimpse of what life was like during the early days of Orange Beach, visit the

Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum Museum Houses Photos & Memorabilia, Fishing & Nautical Equipment, American Indian Artifacts & Fossils Established in 1995 for the preservation of local history, Indian Culture & Regional Fishing and Marine History

25805 John Snook Drive (Behind City Hall, off Hwy. 161)

251-981-8545

Tuesday & Thursday, 9 am - 4 pm Open Wednesdays during winter months, 9 am - 4 pm

The building that houses the museum is the school house that was built in 1910. Now over 100 years old, it is the only original school house structure still standing on the island.

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

10 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

HELPFUL TIPS

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

Holiday

Photo

tips

By Jay Sowers

Sowers Jay

jay@gulfcoastmedia.com

Like the classic Christmas song says, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Just like all other special occasions, it’s important to take time and make some photos to remember during this special season.

I always enjoy looking back on the photos from holidays past.

Whether it’s a photo of our entire extended family squeezed together at my grandparents’ house or me crying on Santa’s lap at the mall, these are photos I will cherish forever.

Along with a Christmas full of laughter and love, I hope everyone finds the time to capture some great photos to keep with you always.

CANDID

While it may be difficult to get photos of your children sledding or making a real snowman anywhere around here, there are still plenty of once-in-a-lifetime moments where you can get the perfect shot.

With moments like these, it’s all about being natural.

Here are just a few of my favorite candid holiday moments that are fun to look back on years later.

I Decorating the tree.

I Meeting Santa — Whether your child is smiling

POSED PHOTOS

CANDID PHOTOS

POSED

Whether your family and friends live nearby or hours apart, be sure to take a few photos of everyone just standing together.

I Be sure everybody is looking at the camera.

I Make sure there is good lighting wherever you are.

I Be sure you can see everyone’s face in the photo.

and laughing with Santa, or crying and reaching for freedom, these photos are a must.

I Any kind of Christmas pageant, parade or caroling — Trust me, those costumes are excellent blackmail down the road.

I Cooking the Christmas meal — Be sure to get photos of the food once it is finished.

Somebody put a lot of hard work into making everything; they are likely to enjoy a photo of the finished products.

I Unwrapping gifts.

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 11

TECHNICAL TIPS

Whatever the photo may be — posed or candid — be sure to keep these important tips in mind.

I Take off the lens cap – it happens to the best of us.

I Make sure to have extra camera batteries and memory cards, just in case you forgot to charge your camera the night before or you

didn’t download all your photos from your last event.

I Be sure there is good light on everyone’s faces.

I Take several photos at a time — this way you are sure to get one with everybody’s eyes open and smiles on their faces.

I Just keep shooting — there are sure to be moments this holiday season, both big and small, that people will want to remember.

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO

DON’T

DO

DON’T

DO

DON’T

Take lots of photos. You never know what will be the most memorable years later.

Take washed out photos. The time of day or too much light can cause photos to look faded. Also keep digital versions of photos.

Prints can fade over time.

Take just one shot. You may miss out on smiles or a special moment.

Get a photo with Santa. Even if your child cries it is still a great keepsake and may make for a funny story when they are older.

Capture the rare moments. Whether it is a snow day or a Christmas pageant, have your camera on hand.

Get grainy photos. Good lighting, faster shutter speed and low iso all help avoid this. It is easier to end up with noise in your pictures when shooting in low light.

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

between the pages

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015 Tell Cliff what you are reading at cmccollum@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Cliff McC o

12 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

“Billy Claus and the Spirit of Christmas Island”

m llu

by Lucy “LuLu” Buffett

S

till looking for a lastminute Christmas gift (perhaps for a beloved child, grandchild or niece/nephew) that combines the Christmas season and the wonder that is Alabama’s amazing Gulf Coast?

Look no further than “Billy Claus and the Spirit of Christmas Island,” an excellent children’s book written by Crazy Sista Lucy “LuLu” Buffett that focuses on the story of Billy Claus, Santa’s seldom heard of brother.

Billy is allergic to snow, which forces him to go down to the Gulf Coast with his friends the LuLubelles. Throughout the book, hilarity and holiday

hijinks ensue.

Anyone and everyone in the family can appreciate Buffett’s well-written, beautifully illustrated and delightfully eccentric tale.

I enjoyed the book so much that I bought my goddaughter Mia a copy for her first birthday earlier this week. After her birthday party, while putting her down for a nap, I decided to read the book to her.

She clapped and enjoyed pointing at colors and characters, making me do all the different voices.

This book will be the perfect one for you to round up the kids, form up a circle and celebrate the season in proper style.

If Mia liked it, trust me — it’s exactly the sort of liter-

Visit Our New Store

“Five Star Liquidation” 413 SO. MCKENZIE ST., FOLEY

(Across from Regions Bank)

ary present anyone would appreciate and enjoy.

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

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Gulf Coast BUZZ n 13

WHERE TO GO Something For Everyone On Your List

Eastern Shore “English and Scottish Ballads” Each ballad sung by Heather Nutting will be introduced with an insight to the nature and history of each piece by Fellowship President Michael Patrick.

• Dec. 23; 11 a.m.; Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship • FairhopeUU.org; 251-929-3207 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and Holy Communion • Dec. 24; 6 p.m.; Providence United Methodist Church, Spanish Fort • 251-626-2510 Christmas at Bay Take a break from the craziness of the season and join us for a celebration, 70 minutes of great music, laughter and remembering the story of Christmas. Childcare is provided for children 12 and under.

• Dec. 19; 7 p.m.; Dec. 20; 5 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 21; 9, 11 a.m.; 5, 7 p.m.; Bay Community Church, Daphne • 251-626-0123 Candlelight Service • Dec. 24; 5 p.m.; Bay Community Church, Daphne • 251-626-0123 Christmas Eve Service • Dec. 22; 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.; 3Circle Church, Fairhope • 251-990-3112

Christmas Eve/Day Mass • Dec. 24; 4, 6, 8, 10 p.m.; Dec. 25; 9 a.m.; Christ the King Catholic Church, Daphne • 251-626-1692

Central Baldwin Christmas music service • Dec. 23; 10:30 a.m.; Loxley Church of God • 251-964-6604 Julotta A Swedish Christmas tradition Silverhill has kept alive. The tradition is to rise early and celebrate the birth of Jesus with a message and carols by candlelight. Everyone is welcome to attend.

• Dec. 25; 5:30 a.m.; Silverhill Covenant Church • 251-945-5143

South Baldwin Christmas Eve worship The service includes music, an impromptu nativity and the Lord’s Supper.

• Dec. 24; 6 p.m.; Swift Presbyterian Church, Foley • 251-943-8367.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service Everyone is welcome.

• Dec. 24; 5 p.m.; Foley United Methodist Church • 251-943-4393 Candlelight Service • Dec. 24; 5 p.m.; Faith Family Fellowship, Spanish Fort • 251-626-1379

Christmas Candlelight Service Preschool Christmas Choir will perform.

• Dec. 24; 4 – 5 p.m.; Spanish Fort United Methodist Church • 251-626-1334 Christmas Eve Service Celebrate Christmas with Holy Communion.

• Dec. 24; 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 p.m.

• Fairhope United Methodist Church

Gulf Coast Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service • Dec. 24; 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Orange Beach United Methodist Church • OrangeBeachUMC.org; 251-981-6751 Christmas Day dinner • Dec. 25; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; First Baptist Church of Orange Beach • 251-981-4288.

Christmas Eve/Day Mass • Dec. 24; 8 a.m.; 4:30, 9 p.m.; Dec. 25; 8, 10 a.m.; Our Lady of the Gulf, Gulf Shores • 251-968-7062

Don’t see your church listed here?

Call your Church office for details regarding their Christmas services.

Shopping

Target Bed Bath & Beyond Books A Million Accessories Galore/Bag Lady Dollar Tree GNC Hibbett Sports Jubilee Apparel and Gifts The Orchard Apple Specialists Little Monkey Toes Lovely Nails Mission 25 Hair Studio The Beach House Boutique Too Hot Mamas

Dining & Entertainment

Cactus Flower Cobb Theater Cohiba Dunes Cigar Bar Dairy Queen Kitty’s Kafe Longhorn Steakhouse Mikato Japanese Steak House Papa’s Pizza Rafters Restaurant & Sports Bar www.thepelicanplace.com

3800 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542

251-968-3638

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

14 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

WHERE TO GO

RING IN 2015

Baldwin County celebrations FAIRHOPE

GULF SHORES

Fairhope New Year’s Eve Celebration Live music, DJ, face painting, fireworks, ball drop at midnight I Music begins at 8:30 p.m.; corner of Fairhope Avenue and Church Street I 251-929-1466

Fourth annual Slip and Slide Polar Bear Dip Slip and slide your way into the Gulf of Mexico for a nontraditional Polar Bear Dip. The local Kiwanis members, with the cooperation of The Hangout and city of Gulf Shores, will set up a 33-foot, twolane slip and slide that will deposit sliders directly into the water.

I Thursday, Jan. 1; 11 a.m.; Gulf Shores Public Beach I Free admission I GulfShoresKiwanis.org

FOLEY New Year’s event There will be a live band, party favors, champagne and breakfast served at midnight. Smoke-free ballroom and seating is limited.

I Wednesday, Dec. 31; Noon; American Legion Post 99, Foley I $10; bring a covered dish I 251-943-7391 New Year’s Eve Watch Night Service The LeFevre Quartet will perform during the service.

Everyone is welcome.

I 7 p.m. – midnight; New Life in Christ Church, Foley I 251-943-2225

New Year’s Eve Hangout Peace Out Live music by Kristy Lee and Dirt Road Revival, The Mulligan Brothers and The Hussy Hicks. There will be a midnight buffet, champagne toast and a balloon drop with Hangout Music Festival tickets.

Special lodging deals available. VIP guests will have access to a private, no wait bar with free appetizers, drink specials, meet and greet with the artists and more.

I Wedneday, Dec. 31; 9 p.m.; The Hangout, Gulf Shores

Head down to the Flora-Bama for a costume-encouraged dip in the Gulf followed by a New Year’s meal.

Fairhope will celebrate the New Year with a ball drop, fireworks, music and more.

I Advance, $35; VIP, $50 I TheHangout.com; 251-948-3030 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.

I 10 a.m.; LuLu’s at Homeport Marina, Gulf Shores I LuLuBuffet.com New Year’s Eve Beach Bash Bonfire, s’mores, DJ, live music, fireworks I Begins at 8 p.m.; fireworks, 10 p.m. and midnight; Gulf State Park Pavilion I Free admission I GulfShoresAl.com

ORANGE BEACH Reeling in the New Year at The Wharf Live music, family activities, karaoke, photo booth, beer garden, gravitron and more I 7 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.; The Wharf, Orange Beach I Free admission to street party; VIP tickets, $75

I alwharf.com Flora-Bama’s New Year’s Eve Bash Live music on all stages, food, party favors and champagne I 6:30 p.m.; Flora-Bama I Advance, $40; door, $45; VIP, $100 I FloraBama.com New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip Ring in the New Year by taking a dip in the Gulf of Mexico, and enjoy black-eyed peas, cornbread and ham afterward.

I Noon; Flora-Bama I Free admission I FloraBama.com Fisher’s 2014 New Year’s Eve Celebrate the New Year in the intimate space of Fisher’s Upstairs.

Music by Robert Ellis and band.

Limited to 100 tickets. Cocktails, 7:30 p.m.; dinner, 8:30 p.m.; show, 10:30 p.m.

I Wednesday, Dec. 31; 7:30 p.m.; Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina I $195, all-inclusive dinner, wine pairings, open bar, live music I FishersOBM.com/events

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 15

AIMING AND ANGLING

Sighting in your rifle for deer season

W

say Sch um Lind

By Lindsay Schumacher Independent Marketing and public relations consultant, freelance writer and outdoors enthusiast info@linzoutloud.com

hat do the recent booms and bangs heard throughout south Alabama signify?

You guessed it…whitetail deer gun season has finally arrived! For many hunters wanting to bag that elusive trophy buck, they have spent time sighting in their guns to ensure that deer is hanging on their wall this time next year. It is best to spend a little extra time at the range so you can guarantee that your rifle and scope are “spot on” and not just “close,” as this can be the difference between a successful hunt and a disappointing one. Be sure to know your gun capabilities and bullet ballistics prior to visiting the range.

Ready … set … fire!

Three Brothers Arms

Specializing in buying, selling and trading all types of firearms (class 3 dealer); In-house firearms instructor offers beginner to advanced lessons in all types of firearms including precision rifle, defensive handgun and self-protection; 25-300 yard shooting range with 50 lanes (including designated rifle and pistol lanes).

I Owners: Paul and Britt Hartley: 251-494-

0095; jeffreypaulhartley@gmail.com

I Family friendly atmosphere; sporting clays

are coming soon.

I Located at 36603 Hwy. 59, Stapleton I ThreeBrothersArms.com and on Facebook

her ac

Basic Steps 1.

2.

3.

4.

Bore sight (should not be used as the primary method) Dry fire Bench-rest / lead-sled it Establish the 25-yard zero (set target at specific yardage, fire rounds to establish tight grouping and adjust sight accordingly) 5. Tune the 100-yard group (set target at specific yardage and fine-tune accordingly / note: 1” high is standard at 100-yards)

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GulfCoastNewsToday.com

16 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

FAMILY FUN

Parenting resolutions for the New Year Rather than give you a clichéd list of all the things I will do better as a parent in 2015, here are five things I want to do in Baldwin County with my children this year.

c Mann Eri

By Eric Mann emann@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

This year, I resolve to take my children on more explorations in north Baldwin County. It is easy, when you live near the beach or the bay, to forget about all the great things the north end of our county offers.

1

I resolve to spend more time with my children at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort and to explore Daphne’s Village Point Park trails more deeply with them.

2

I resolve to take my children for their first visit to the Baldwin County Fair in Robertsdale in the fall and to eat strawberry shortcake at the Strawberry Festival in Loxley in the spring.

3

I resolve to take my kids to Summerdale’s Alligator Alley and to the Backcountry Trail at the beach.

4 5

Happy Holidays Have a safe & happy holiday from

City of

Finally, I resolve to renew my fishing license so that I can take my kids to the Fairhope Pier for some fishing at the Eastern Shore’s best spot to catch a sunset.

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 17

the buzz on the coast

Tag your event photos with @GulfCoastBuzz on Facebook.

14 DAYS

Compiled by Allison Woodham Email calendar items to awoodham@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Your guide to fun, food and entertainment ONGOING Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market I Fridays, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; County Road 20, Foley I Free admission I CoastalAlabamaMarket.com; 251-943-1545 Dance Night at the Gallery Dances taught are East Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Merengue, Mambo, Cha Cha, Rumba, Shag, Hustle, Waltz and Tango.

Singles are welcome as beginners, intermediate and advanced students.

I Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Gallery, Gulf Shores I $12 I 251-948-2627; GulfCoastArtsAlliance@gmail.com

Magic Christmas in Lights Enjoy one of the most popular holiday events in the Southeast.

Stroll through the gardens with more than 3 million twinkling lights in over 835 custom designed set pieces in 12 scenes.

I Through Jan. 3, 2015 (closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1); Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore I Bellingrath.org; 251-973-2217 Voices of Jerusalem and Jerusalem IMAX Depicts the rich story of Jerusalem through artifacts, photographs and a lecture series, complementing the National Geographic film “Jerusalem.” “Jerusalem” immerses audiences in a rare bird’s-eye view of the city, granting exclusive access to iconic holy sites and little-known parts of the region in an inspiring, giant screen film experience.

“Jerusalem” weaves breathtaking scenery, multiple cultures and

Safe Harbor Financial

Celebrate the season at an unforgettable holiday event, A Frozen Tea Party, on Dec. 21 at 2 p.m.

theology to explore what it means to live in this ancient city today.

I Through Jan. 4, 2015;

Exploreum, Mobile I $6.50 - $16.50 I Exploreum.com

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18 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

the buzz on the coast Ark of India: An Alabama artist explores southern Asia It is an account of late 19th and early 20th century India as seen by Alabama artist, Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his paintings, drawings, sculptures and most importantly, photographs and writings. MacKenzie spent more than a decade in India, a place he described as exotic, dangerous and colorful. MacKenzie was the official painter of the Delhi Durbar in 1903, which marked the coronation of King Edward VII. I Through Sept. 1, 2015; History Museum of Mobile I Adult, $7; seniors, $6; students, $5 I HistoryMuseumofMobile.com

FRIDAY, DEC. 19 Christmas Gift Make and Take I 1:30 – 5 p.m.; Daphne Public Library I Free admission I 251-626-2818 Ballet Pensacola’s Nutcracker Pensacola’s holiday tradition returns with Ballet Pensacola’s Nutcracker. Audiences will be enthralled during this annual classic as the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky accompanies the story of Clara and her dream of the Nutcracker Prince.

I Dec. 19, 20, 7 p.m.; Dec. 21, 1:30 p.m.; Saenger Theatre, Pensacola I Tickets start at $22 I MobileSaenger.com; 251-208-7261

SATURDAY, DEC. 20 Pine Needle Baskets Students will create a pine needle basket from the local long-leaf pine needles. The instructor will supply pine needles, a needle, waxen linen thread and centers and a list of Internet sites for purchasing ongoing supplies. The simple stitch, V-stich and additional decorative techniques will be demonstrated.

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015 Catch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort on Dec. 21.

I 9 a.m. – noon; Daphne Art Center I $30 I DaphneArtCenter.com; 251-621-0659

Saenger Theatre, Mobile I Tickets start at $19.50 I MobileSaenger.com; 251-208-7261

Viewing of Christmas Lights at Defuniak Springs Meet at commuter parking lot, opposite of Raceway. We will carpool to a restaurant in DeFuniak Springs and tour the Christmas Lights around Lake DeFuniak on Circle Drive. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight and water.

I 3 – 9 p.m.; Exit 22 Avalon Boulevard, Milton, Florida I Meetup.com/FTAWesternGate; 850-366-2328

Wake-up Hike Look for blue Honda Odyssey with “Hike” on the front. Get the day started with Trudy and Peggy with a brisk walk and afterward join us for breakfast. We will walk about an hour, about 1 to 3 miles.

I 7 a.m.; Navy Point Walking Trail, Pensacola I 850-434-8861; 850-982-9490

Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas This sixth annual show will include a performance by the “John Milham Trio” with Chris Spies, pianist; and Chris Severin, bassist; They will perform Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The second set will feature many of Mobile’s finest songwriters performing their favorite Christmas tunes. Guest artists include Molly Thomas Milham, Andy McDonald, Ryan Balthrop, Eric Erdman, Rebecca Roubion and more. This year’s event will benefit Krewe de Rescue.

I 7 p.m.;

SUNDAY, DEC. 21

A Frozen Tea Party Be enchanted in a winter wonderland with live performances from “Frozen.” Sing and dance to inspiring songs, including “Let it Go” while enjoying delectable treats and tea. Proceeds benefit The Exceptional Foundation’s Project Mouvement in Art. I 2 p.m.; Fairhope Civic Center I PMIart.com; 251-751-3686 Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the local critter inhabitants

from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond.

I 2 – 2:30 p.m.; 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort I Free admission I 251-625-0814 Sunday Matinee “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” I 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort I Free admission I 251-625-0814

SATURDAY, DEC. 27 Make it to the Line 4-Mile Run/ Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run Every year after all of the Christmas festivities are over, we help take some of those extra pounds off.

Run, jog, walk or crawl to the line at our 4-mile run/walk and 1-mile fun run. Individuals and families up to three members can compete.

Participants will receive run packets that include t-shirts and other goodies. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Innerarity Point and Orange Beach Fire Departments.

I Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar I FloraBama.com; 251-236-1765

SUNDAY, DEC. 28 Sunday Matinee “The Private Life of Deer;” This

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

INGERSOLL’S Air Conditioning & Heating

photo by eric mann / staff

Grab your tickets for the GoDaddy Bowl on Jan. 4 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.

Baldwin County’s Top Choice Since 1967

week’s movie takes a closer look of an animal Alabamians are very familiar with — deer.

Just a century ago, there were an estimated 1 million deer living on the North American continent; now their numbers exceed 30 million. This documentary looks at the historical relationship between deer and humans, and its likely future.

I 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center I Free admission I 251-625-0814

THURsDAY, JAN. 1

Wake-up Hike Look for blue Honda Odyssey with “Hike” on the front. Get the day started with Trudy and Peggy with a brisk walk and afterward join us for breakfast.

We will walk about an hour, about 1 to 3 miles.

I 7 a.m.; A.K. Suter Elementary School, Pensacola I 850-434-8861; 850-982-9490

FRIDAY, JAN. 2

Sun Naval Live Oaks Hike We will walk through the Naval Live Oaks section and continue on the fishing trail towards Gulf Breeze.

I 8:30 a.m.; Naval Live Oaks, Gulf Breeze Parkway I Meetup.com/FTAWesternGate; 850-723-5512

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 19

Winter Camellia and Cold Hardy Annual Displays See Bellingrath’s famed camellias and an interesting winter garden filled with the blooms of ornamental kale, mustard and cabbages, pansies and violas, primrose, cyclamen, tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.

I Through Feb. 28, 2015; Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore I Bellingrath.org; 251-973-2217

First Friday Art Walk Begins at Fairhope Art Center, stroll through downtown Fairhope visiting art galleries and listening to music.

I 6 – 8 p.m.; downtown Fairhope I Free admission I 251-928-2228

SATURDAY, JAN. 3 Greer’s Cashsaver Mardi Gras Parade The GoDaddy.com Bowl presents Mobile’s largest Mardi Gras parade with floats from many of Mobile’s mystical societies, marching bands and cheerleaders from each participating university and several local marching bands.

The skies of Mobile will be

filled with beads, candy, souvenirs, doubloons and moon pies.

I 6:30 p.m.; Downtown Mobile I GoDaddyBowl.com

SUNDAY, JAN. 4 GoDaddy Bowl The 16th annual GoDaddy Bowl will be televised nationally on ESPN. Founded in 1999, the GoDaddy Bowl is a postseason NCAA-sanctioned division I football bowl subdivision, drawing top teams from the Mid-American Conference and the Sun Belt Conference.

I 8 p.m.; Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile I GoDaddyBowl.com

MONDAY, JAN. 5 Chicken Dinner Fundraiser The dinners will include chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, green beans, dessert and complimentary tea for dine-in guests only. Proceeds go towards monthly lodge expenditures such as utilities and insurance. Delivery is available on multiple plate orders.

I 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; Sonora Masonic Lodge No. 635, Summerdale I Adults, $8.50; children, $4 I 251-423-7604

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chew on this

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY MAGGIE WEIR

Weir Delicious’ White Chicken Chili, priced at $14 for 32 ounces, is comfort food with a Southwestern flair. It’s made with homemade chicken stock, organic chicken, white beans and roasted chiles.

Weir Delicious provides personal chef services to Baldwin County jillianclair@gmail.com

T

Jill

ir Gentry Cla

By Jill Clair Gentry

his space is usually reserved for restaurants, but I just have to tell y’all about a lovely friend of mine who has started a business that everyone needs to know about.

I met Maggie Weir this year at a Bible study we both attend, and I’ve had the privilege of watching her build her brilliant business, Weir Delicious, from the ground up. I’m super impressed.

Maggie, a trained chef who graduated from L’Ecole Culinaire in Memphis, Tennessee, wanted a career in food, but didn’t want to work in restaurants or do tra-

business profile NAME: Weir Delicious LOCATION: Fairhope SERVICES: Cooking classes, meal-planning consultations, small-event catering and rent-a-chef services OWNER: Maggie Weir CONTACT: WeirDelicious.com; 601-668-6869; maggie@weirdelicious.com

ditional catering. After moving to Fairhope for her husband Bowen’s job, she dreamed up Weir Delicious, her own personal chef business that offers cooking classes, meal-planning consultations, small-event catering and rent-a-chef services. Maggie also makes and delivers

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 21

gourmet, made-from-scratch family meals that are perfect for weeknight dinners or fancy date nights. Each item is made with high-quality, homemade ingredients, and Maggie painstakingly plans out each cooking class to make it the perfect mix of socialization, instruction and time around the table.

I love that Weir Delicious offers comfort food dishes like chicken Parmesan, lasagna, white chicken chili and chicken pot pie, but Maggie also shows off her culinary training with items like Korean beef short ribs and wild mushroom stuffed chicken thighs. Every item I’ve tried has been simply divine.

For more information about Maggie and Weir Delicious, visit WeirDelicious.com.

The last time I visited Maggie, she had a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls on the counter and a pot of coffee brewing. I’ll be ordering a batch of these next time I have friends or family in town to break up the monotony of cereal and oatmeal.

Maggie Weir, originally from Jackson, Mississippi, created Weir Delicious after she and her husband moved to Fairhope earlier this year.

Foley • 251.987.5129 — Orange Beach • 251.965.5129 New Years Eve Celebration

$60/ticket Entertainment by HotWire/ Dinner/Hors D'oeuvres all night/Champagne Toast at midnight/party favors!

Space is limited 251.987.5129

Daily Chef Specials

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We cater!

WolfBayLodge.com

Waterfront Dining in Orange Beach

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

22 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

all about food

Turkey soup Jill

ir Gentry Cla

By Jill Clair Gentry jillianclair@gmail.com

I know it’s almost Christmas, but we have to talk about Thanksgiving for a moment. We hosted our family gathering this year.

We spent the actual holiday serving a Thanksgiving meal at Ransom Cafe, the nonprofit organization where I work, so we had our family Thanksgiving the following Saturday. We had all the fixings — dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, brussels sprouts with caramelized onions (my contribution) and, of course, turkey. While I’m generally not a huge fan of turkey, my husband brined it for a day and then cooked it in our smoker, which resulted in the most moist, flavorful bird I’d ever eaten.

That evening, my brother-in-law threw the turkey carcass and some vegetables in a pot and made us some homemade turkey stock.

The benefit of hosting a big family holiday when your family lives several hours away is that you get to keep

Ca We te r!

photo by jill clair gentry

all the leftover food (and in our case, the stock, too).

So the next day, I carefully packaged turkey, stock and all the rest and placed it in my freezer, looking ahead to stressful December days when I’d be happy to find that juicy turkey and homemade stock waiting to be made into a quick, comforting soup.

For me, there’s just something intensely therapeutic about making soup. Slipping on my pj’s and house slippers, chopping vegetables, stirring roux, throwing in this and that, sipping on a glass of wine while it’s simmering — y’all, I just truly love making soup.

So if you’re like me and anxiously look at your packed December calendar, lamenting that it’s just a few days until Christmas and you haven’t even bought all the presents, much less wrapped them — set aside an evening for soup. Grab your leftovers out of the freezer, forget about Christmas parties, traveling and Santa for a few minutes, and instead, get lost in a big pot of soup.

It’s good for the stressed-out soul.

Turkey wild rice soup

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Start to finish: 45 minutes (20 minutes active) Serves 12 Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, cubed 2 carrots, chopped 2 celery ribs, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 4 cups chicken or turkey broth 2 cups cooked wild rice 2 cups cubed cooked turkey 2 cups half-and-half 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes or other spice, like marjoram or oregano n 1/2 teaspoon salt n n n n n n n n n n

n 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation Begin cooking wild rice. Meanwhile, begin the soup.

In a Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery and onion; cook, stirring, until tender.

Stir in flour until blended and cook until bubbly, stirring constantly. Gradually add broth in ½ cup increments, stirring well after each addition. Bring to a boil while stirring and cook for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in remaining ingredients; return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Winter is a great time to explore Baldwin County’s trails.

Walk off extra pounds from holiday meals or just relax with the family outdoors.

By Jay Sowers

W

Sowers Jay

jay@gulfcoastmedia.com

hile many Baldwin County residents steer clear of the county’s parks and tourist attractions because of high temperatures and out-ofstate traffic, the winter months offer cooler temperatures and a less-stressful drive.

“In the winter, I think we have between 1,500 and 2,000 people on the trails every week,” said Larry Ellis, who, as the forester for the city of Orange Beach, guides tours through Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. “Down here, we have moderate winters, so people are just looking for reasons to get out of the condominium.”

Ellis said the park’s miles of trails and beautiful scenic views keep him busy throughout the year.

“We don’t really have to advertise this thing. It’s all word of mouth. We have a good crowd coming through here every day during the winter.”

The Branyon Backcountry Trail may be one of the busiest parks in the county, but it isn’t the only option for looking for an active day in Baldwin County.

Here is a list of just a few of the local venues that offer hiking, biking and more during the winter months.

photo by jay sowers / staff

WHERE TO GO

Bartram Trail

Located on the 10-mile-wide Mobile-Tensaw Delta at the north end of Mobile Bay, this trail includes several day-use and overnight trails. Two land-based campsites and four floating platform campsites are available.

• Free; BartramCanoeTrail.com

Eastern Shore Trail

Beginning at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, the Eastern Shore Trail covers 32 miles as it runs through Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope and Point Clear before it ends at Weeks Bay. The multipurpose hiking and biking trail offers incredible views of wildlife, wildflowers and local landscapes.

• TheTrailblazers.org; info@thetrailblazers.org

Graham Creek Nature Preserve

Along with several hiking trails, this 484-acre preserve also features a launch for canoes and kayaks, wildlife viewing areas, a disc golf course, a pavilion and picnic areas.

• 23004 Wolf Bay Drive, Foley • Free admission • 251-752-WILD; VisitFoley.org

24 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

photo by jay sowers / staff

A collaborative effort between the city of Orange Beach, Gulf State Park and property owners.

The park features seven trails that cross through six distinct ecosystems as well as a butterfly garden, freshwater marshes and coastal hardwood swamps.

The park is open daily.

• Find trail locations and maps at BackCountryTrail.com.

• Daytime only; free admission

Lillian Swamp

Perdido River Wildlife Management Area

The swamp, located near Perdido Bay, makes up 1,452 acres of pine savanna. Hikers will enjoy myriad habitats including coastal marsh, freshwater marsh, cypress tupelo forests, Atlantic white cedar forests and pine savanna.

• Oak Street, Lillian

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. The blackwater stream corridor is bordered by an upland pine-sandhill forest.

• Duck Road, Robertsdale

Historic Blakeley State Park

Splinter Hill Bog

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

Located at the headwater of Perdido River in northern Baldwin County, Splinter Hill Bog covers 627 acres of longleaf pine and bog habitat. Throughout the year, hikers can enjoy a wide variety of plants and animals that can be seen at the park. Among the impressive flora and fauna, much of the site is occupied by some of the largest and most visually impressive white-topped pitcher plant bogs in the world.

• 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

With 6,000 acres of protected forest and marsh wetlands that are teeming with bog plants and native wildlife, the park is a great site for hiking, fishing, bird-watching, canoeing and boating.

• 1130 U.S. Highway 98, Fairhope • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday • 251-928-9792; WeeksBay.org photo by jill clair gentry

For more information about parks and nature trails in our county, pick up the latest edition of Big Beautiful Baldwin at any Gulf Coast Media office.

photo by jay sowers / staff

26 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

TASTINGS

base recipe for Glühwein

It’s a wonderful life!

• 4 liters red wine

• Juice of 3 lemons

• 1 teaspoon lemon rind

• 15 cups brewed tea

• 12 whole cloves

• 3 cinnamon sticks

Courtesy of Food.com

Jo

n

Jon Robitaille

The tradition is in its release date and often businesses open at 12:01 a.m. for those seeking to be the first to get their hands on the first wine from the new harvest. Every new vintage is released on the third Thursday of November, making it a perfect choice for a holiday celebration. In the United States, this wine is more commonly associated with Thanksgiving, but is perfect throughout the holidays.

bitaille Ro

Beer/Wine Specialist at Cain’s Piggly Wiggly jrobitaille@cainsgrocery.com

I

t’s such a magical time of year. With Christmas around the corner, the season is steeped in holiday traditions. Stores, homes and city streets are decked out with thousands of twinkling lights. Families tend to come together, if but for a brief moment.

Pulling the tackiest sweaters out of the back of their closets, guys and gals proudly parade them all around town.

Repeats of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “A Christmas Story” become marathon events on television. With the country fully immersed in a holiday mindset, I thought it would be interesting to find a couple of traditions involving wine.

“Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!”

Beaujolais Nouveau is a red wine made from the Gamay grape coming from the Beaujolais AOC in France. The wine has limited fermentation and is bottled only six to eight weeks after harvest, giving it very little tannins and big bursts of fruit flavors.

Glühwein

Looking for a little warmth and a cup of cheer this holiday season? Glühwein, originating in Germany, is a hot-spiced wine drink similar to wassail except it is mulled with wine instead of cider. In Scandinavia, a similar drink is Glögg.

The tradition is to share with friends after a night of caroling or any other holiday festivity.

You can find Glühwein prepared in your favorite wine stores during the holidays but it is best when made yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Use your crockpot or slow-warmer to mull the wine with flavors of fresh citrus such as lemons and oranges and lots of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice or peppercorn. Other ideas include diluting the mixture with tea or water, adding brown sugar, honey, blueberries, fresh cranberries and a shot of brandy.

Sierra Nevada celebration

By Scott Gentry gentrst@gmail.com

I

Scott G en

’m going to talk about a beer that loyal readers will recognize from previous columns, Sierra Nevada’s Celebration fresh hop IPA. Obviously, I really like this beer.

This beer stands out in my mind for two reasons. First, it is an incredibly well-made American IPA (that would be India Pale Ale). It is actually one of the first commercially brewed American IPAs, first made in 1981. This beer is all about the hops, specifically fresh hops, but more on that in a minute. The hops featured in this beer are Cascade, Centennial and Chinook. The balance of all the flavors is what really blows me away. With those specific varieties of hop, it is very easy and commonly done, to let things get out of control and make a ‘hop bomb;’ a beer with an unpleasantly dominant hop flavor. No, this beer blends the hops to get a perfectly balanced hop flavor that delivers

a piney, resiny, citrus pop of flavor. And then the sweetness of the malt keeps all that hoppy goodness in check.

The other reason this beer stands out is the freshness of the hops used. Celebration uses fresh hops, which are dried and used in the brewery less than seven days after they were harvested.

Typically, the vast majority of hops are harvested in September and October, and as soon as the fresh hops arrive, Sierra Nevada brews this beer. For hop lovers, this fact explains the name Celebration. Interestingly, this beer is ready for consumption around the same time as another celebration: Christmas. So go grab a six pack of this stuff and celebrate the gift of the hop harvest.

try

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

live local music Karaoke

Daphne Top of the Bay Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 9 p.m.

Fairhope Gambino’s Italian Grill Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m.

Foley Good Time Charlies every Tuesday at 10 p.m.

The Office Lounge every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Ft. Morgan Tacky Jacks every Thursday and Saturday at 9 p.m.

Gulf Shores Behind the Pines Bar & Grill

The Jacob Martin Band will perform at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Dec. 19 and 20.

every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Mudbugs Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.

Pink Pony Pub every night at 9 p.m.

Tacky Jacks every Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Orange Beach Island Time Daiquiri Bar every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Live Bait every night at 8 p.m.

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

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

Perdido Key Happy Harbor on the Line

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 27

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

every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Open Mic

Fairhope American Legion 199 open guitar jams every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

The Gumbo Shack every Thursday at 6 p.m.

Plow every other Tuesday Foley The Office Lounge every Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Gulf Shores Tacky Jacks every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Orange Beach

Happy Harbor the Mothership every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Island Time Daiquiri Bar Tuesday with Brittany Bell at 9 p.m.

Live Bait every Sunday at 8 p.m.

Perdido Key Flora-Bama every Monday at 6 p.m.

Trivia

Daphne Moe’s Bar B Que every Wednesday at 10 p.m.

Top of the Bay Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 9 p.m.

Fairhope Fairhope Brewing Company every Thursday Ravenite Pizzeria Trivia every Tuesday, Sports Trivia every Wednesday Foley Good Time Charlies everyday at 10 p.m.

The Office Lounge every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

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

Friday, Dec. 19

Daphne Main Street Cigar Lounge Rock Bottom Moe’s Original Bar B Que Winston Ramble 8 – 11 p.m.

Fairhope American Legion Post 199

Answers:

Puzzles on page 30

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

28 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

live local music Stephan Lee Veal The Gumbo Shack Kerosene Soul Windmill Market David Ellis / Sarah Percy Gulf Shores Bill’s by the Beach Mel of the Foxy Iguanas LuLu’s Kyle and Karl Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles Orange Beach Bill’s by the Beach Mel of the Foxy Iguanas Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Al and Cathy Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Jacob Martin Band Perdido Key Flora-Bama Jack Robertson Show / LeaAnne Creswell Duo / Jezebel’s Chill’n / Neil Dover Band / Smokin’ Elvis Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Dale Drinkard Jr. Felix’s Fish Camp Blind Dog Mike

Saturday, Dec. 20

Daphne Main Street Cigar Lounge Wolf Gambino Project Moe’s Original Bar B Que Lee Yankie Fairhope American Legion Post 199 Sammy B The Gumbo Shack Adam Holt Duo Windmill Market This Side of 49 Gulf Shores LuLu’s Sugarcane Jane Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles Orange Beach Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Jacob Martin Band Perdido Key Flora-Bama Jack Robertson Show / Hart Break Hill Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Blind Dog Mike

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015 Hear Lisa Zanghi at Nolan’s Dec. 22, then again at Old 27 Grill on Dec. 28.

Felix’s Fish Camp Raising Karma

Sunday, Dec. 21

Fairhope Old 27 Grill The Sound Carpenters Gulf Shores LuLu’s Greg Brown Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles Orange Beach Cobalts Coffee, Black Cosmo’s Brittany Bell Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Dale Drinkard Jr. Felix’s Fish Camp Bobby Butchka

Monday, Dec. 22

Gulf Shores LuLu’s Brent Burns Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Sarah Percy

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Fairhope Plow Rollin’ in the Hay Gulf Shores LuLu’s Joey Arata Orange Beach Pleasure Island Tiki Bar Open Mic with Mel Knapp Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Eric Erdman Felix’s Fish Camp Jon Miller

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24

Fairhope The Gumbo Shack The Rez Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Ross + 1 Felix’s Fish Camp Brandon and John

Thursday, Dec. 25

Fairhope Plow Exile on Ocsar Street Gulf Shores Papa Rocco’s Logan Spicer and Mark LaBorde

Friday, Dec. 26

Daphne Main Street Cigar Bar Jimmy Lee Hannaford Moe’s Original Bar B Que Big Muddy Fairhope American Legion Post 199 BB Bledsoe Fairhope Brewing Company Grayson Capps The Gumbo Shack Brittany Grimes Old 27 Grill Gretsch Lyles and The Modern Eldorados Plow The Leavin Brothers Windmill Market Kyle and Karl Gulf Shores LuLu’s Adam Holt Papa Rocco’s Brian and Charles The Hangout Matt and Sherry Neese Orange Beach Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar

Foxy Iguanas Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Dale Drinkard Jr. at 11 a.m. / Les Hall at 6 p.m.

Felix’s Fish Camp Rebecca and Britt

Saturday, Dec. 27

Daphne Main Street Cigar Lounge Matt and Sherry Neese Moe’s Original Bar B Que Adam Holt Duo Fairhope American Legion Post 199 Hanna Wallace Plow Flow Tribe Gulf Shores LuLu’s Cool Rayz The Hangout Kyle and Karl Orange Beach Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Foxy Iguanas Spanish Fort

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 29

Bluegill Restaurant Ben Leninger and Josh Ewing Felix’s Fish Camp Soulshine

Sunday, Dec. 28

Fairhope Old 27 Grill Lisa Zanghi Gulf Shores LuLu’s Greg Brown Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Dale Drinkard Jr. at 11 a.m. / Songwriters Night Felix’s Fish Camp Brandon Bailey

Monday, Dec. 29 Gulf Shores LuLu’s Brent Burns Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Grant Dunaway

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Gulf Shores LuLu’s Delta Reign Duo Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Tim Kinsey Felix’s Fish Camp Bobby Butchka

Wednesday, Dec. 31 Fairhope La Cocina Kyle and Karl Plow Grayson Capps

See the Delta Reign Duo Dec. 30 at LuLu’s in Gulf Shores.

Foley New Life in Christ Church The LeFarve Quartet Gulf Shores LuLu’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration The Hangout NYE Peace Out with Kristy Lee and Dirt Road Revival / The Mulligan Brothers / The Hussy Hicks Orange Beach Fishers Robert Ellis and band

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Shane Thomas The Wharf Reelin’ in the New Year Spanish Fort Bluegill Restaurant Ross + 1 Felix’s Fish Camp Grits N Pieces

Friday, Jan. 2

Fairhope Old 27 Grill Corey Rezner Windmill Market Crowned Jewelz Gulf Shores LuLu’s Ronnie Presley Orange Beach Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar Shane Thomas

Saturday, Jan. 3

Fairhope Windmill Market Mitch Johnson Gulf Shores LuLu’s Sugarcane Jane

Sunday, Jan. 4 Brittany Bell will perform at Cosmo’s Dec. 21 and also hosts open mic at Island Time Daiquiri Bar on Tuesdays.

Fairhope Windmill Market Leland Clay Gulf Shores LuLu’s Greg Brown Spanish Fort Felix’s Fish Camp Rez and the Solutions

ONGOING

Fairhope Gambino’s Italian Grill Dueling Pianos every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Gulf Shores Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Robertsdale Magnolia Blossom Cafe live music every Friday night Silverhill The Porch live music every Saturday from 8 p.m.-midnight and Sunday from 4-7 p.m.

Wales West Live Bluegrass / Gospel every Tuesday

Regional

Mobile Saenger Theatre Saturday, Dec. 20 Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas The Soul Kitchen Saturday, Dec. 20 The Molly Ringwalds Friday, Dec. 26 eMCee 2 Face / Twist Up Ent / D Judge / Ila Saturday, Jan. 3 Dragon Smoke Pensacola Saenger Theatre Wednesday, Dec. 31 Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Celebrate the New Year

30 n Gulf Coast BUZZ

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

puzzles

See page 27 for answers.

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

Dec. 19, 2014 – Jan. 1, 2015

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Gulf Coast BUZZ n 31

Derek Carr 2014 Senior Bowl Oakland Raiders QB

THIS IS OUR FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAM The best players in college football are coming to our house again—for the 66th Reese’s Senior Bowl.

115 of college football’s best players will spend six days in our city showing off their skills and wowing the crowds. Meet them, get their autographs, watch them play and cheer them on at the Senior Bowl Experience and the Reese’s Senior Bowl Game.

Tickets on sale now. seniorbowl.com * FREE FOOD FOR LESS Tailgate Party passes available with purchase of game ticket at area FOOD FOR LESS stores.

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JANUARY 24, 2015 | 3PM | LADD-PEEBLES STADIUM | MOBILE, ALABAMA

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