Southern States

Things to Do Biking at Gulf Shores

Destination: Biking is a great way to explore Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. You’ll find miles of trails lining business districts amid sugar white dunes and a multitude of habitats and landscapes. Why not get out and explore?

Biking Experience: Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Description: Just minutes from the Alabama Gulf Coast beaches is a 28-mile trail system within Gulf State Park’s 6,180-acre footprint. Winding through six of the park’s nine distinct ecosystems and offering several direct-access trailheads, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail sits between the sister beach towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. The series of multi-use interconnected trails is designated as a National Recreational Trail and part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trails. The trail even offers cyclists an amazing camping area: the Outpost features three primitive campsites, which are only accessible by bicycle or walking. The park recently introduced a free bike share program, which allows visitors to borrow one of 200 bikes for up to three hours at a time.

Many choose to stop and enjoy a leisurely break at Lake Shelby’s picnic area, the Butterfly Garden on Catman Trail or one of several newly constructed observation areas. Trails also provide access to the park’s interpretive and nature centers, beach pavilion, fishing pier and new lodge and conference center.

Beyond Gulf State Park, roadside trails offer more opportunities for exploring the island. In Gulf Shores you’ll find a multi-use path westward along Fort Morgan Road (Highway 180) for more than five miles. Sidewalks and bike lanes line both neighborhood streets and Gulf Shores Parkway (Highway 59). Beach Boulevard (which extends from Gulf Shores and through the park and into Orange Beach) is lined with bike lanes, taking riders among the white sand views of the beachfront as well as offering convenient access to accommodations, restaurants, and retail stores.

Website: https://www. gulfshores.com/things-to-do/ hugh-s-branyon-backcountrytrail/

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Things to Do: Water Sports in Gulf County

GULF COUNTY–There are bays and inland waters. There are places like the Stump Hole and the Dead Lakes. Places for fishing and places for floating. From any spot in the county, it’s never more than a five-minute trip to one of these waterways and the means to enjoy them are as varied as the landscape.

Located on the central Gulf coast, Gulf County is just two hours southwest of Tallahassee and an hour east of Panama City Beach. It has a laid-back beach town vibe and is known as a prime coastal getaway for those who prefer low-rise lodging, local eateries and home-grown businesses.

The water-related activities here are diverse and, of course, visitors are encouraged to find their own way to enjoy them. Here are some tips for the best ways to experience some of Gulf County’s best spots. Eco-tours–The most unexpected experience in the county may be an outing on the Dead Lakes, located in the inland community of Wewahitchka. The freshwater lakes are named for the thousands of hollow cypress stumps that remain after sand bars formed in the Chipola River. The stumps are joined by beautiful cypress and White Tupelo trees, along with a host of fish and wildlife. Shelling and snorkeling–Gulf County is well-known as a great shelling and snorkeling location and the calm, shallow waters here are the best around for these pursuits. Exploring near the Gulf shoreline for shells at low tide and discovering the wildlife while gently swimming amid the grass beds of St. Joseph Bay are invitations to learn more about the creatures that inhabit these waters.

Water Sports in Gulf County

DINING DESTINATIONS

Of course, a day on the water can conjure up an appetite! These local favorites offer delicious dining options, and they don’t mind if you wear your beach attire.

Fishing–The variety of options, whether inshore, offshore or inland, makes this an angler’s dream location. To the north, there are Largemouth Bass and Crappie to be found in the Dead Lakes, Apalachicola River or Lake Wimico. St. Joseph Bay, Indian Pass Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway are popular spots for Speckled Trout, Redfish and more. A favorite surf fishing spot for locals is the Stump Hole on Cape San Blas. And of course, the Gulf of Mexico is easily accessible for offshore species like grouper, Amberjack and snapper. Paddling–The pristine waters Weber’s Little Donut Shop (4975 Cape San Blas Road, Port Saint Joe, Fl. 32456; 850-340-3552) Many start the day ordering at the window of this little jewel, famous for cake donuts and deep-fried croissants.

Tiki Grill (2531 FL-71, Wewahitchka, Fl. 32465; 850-639-6888) This popular lunch spot has limited seating but features daily specials as well as a grab-n-go deli counter.

of St. Joseph Bay are a favorite among paddlers, who know dolphin and sea turtle sightings are bound to add to the excitement of a fun day on the water. But whether gliding on St. Joseph Bay, taking an outing from St. Joe Beach or exploring amid the wild beauty of the Dead Lakes, adventure abounds for paddlers. Taking in the sunset–There may be no more relaxing way to enjoy the waters than to watch one of Gulf County’s amazing sunsets. Charter cruises are available, but many choose to just enjoy the beauty with their toes in the sand at one of the many local beach access points. Shipwreck Raw Bar (7008 West Highway 98, Port Saint Joe, Fl. 32456; 850-647-5050) This spot serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The extensive menu features oysters, seafood and steaks.

Indian Pass Raw Bar (8391 County Road 30A, Port Saint Joe, Fl. 32456; 850-227-1670) Oysters are the star of this menu and they are served raw, baked and steamed. Steamed or stuffed shrimp and seafood gumbo are popular, too.

Longbill’s (7650 Cape San Blas Road, Port Saint Joe, Fl.; 850-2504310) Pizza and tacos highlight the fare, along with the fresh seafood featured in the appetizers, sandwiches and entrees.

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Go, See, Do Water Adventure Sports - Along Flint River

Hook, line and sinker, Albany, Georgia, wins the trophy when it comes to fly-fishing, canoeing, kayaking and outdoor summer explorations in South Georgia. Located about an hour off I-10 and only 30 minutes from I-75, an ideal resting place or stopping point when en route to/from Savannah and Charleston–or even Florida.

Aquarium Adventures

There are creatures of the deep at Flint RiverQuarium and Imagination Theater. The 175,000-gallon Flint RiverQuarium has a unique blue hole spring with more than 120 mysterious creatures; some, like the mudskipper and green heron, that you can meet during weekend animal encounters. Other ways to learn more about the animals are at the weekend dive show at the blue hole and the Saturday alligator feeding at Spring Run Creek. (You might see one of the RiverQuarium’s most famous residents, a rare albino alligator named Moonshine, who lives in the aquarium’s “Alligators: Dragons in Paradise” exhibit.) You can also grab a seat at the Imagination Theater and watch a movie that brings nature to life, like “Kings of Baja.” input areas. The float can range in time from two to four hours depending on where you put in. Call Kayak Attack Adventures at (229) 669-1259 for all of your rental needs, including kayaks, canoes and life jackets.

Get out!

Expand outdoor explorations with the area’s six-acre Riverfront Park, spread out along the Flint River, featuring a beautiful lawn for family picnics and gatherings, music- and light-animated play fountain, pavilion areas, Turtle Grove Play Park with Dino Dig and Tot Lot, a 1.5 mile Greenways Trail System, the Horace King Overlook, the Albany Welcome Center, located in the Historic Bridge House, and a three-mile Riverwalk Greenway Trail ideal for bike rides. TIP: The Albany Welcome Center offers 2010 Carmel 2 bicycles in either Azure Blue or Gobi Yellow for visitors to rent. This unisex cruiser has adjustable seats and is perfect for a relaxing bike ride to explore everything downtown Albany has to offer. Each rental bike comes with a helmet, a lock and basket at no extra charge. $10 for 4 hours, $15 for all day.

Ready, set, get wet!

Albany’s southern location makes it an ideal destination for H2O adventures. Float the Flint River by kayak or canoe via the Georgia Power Dam, Riverfront Park Launch, Ray Charles Plaza Launch or the Marine Landing

If you go

During your visit, satisfy hunger cravings at The Catch, a trendy nouveau southern cuisine seafood place; local treasure Austin’s BBQ and Oyster Bar; Pearly’s Famous Country Cooking; upscale Henry Campbell’s The Steakhouse, and pub-style Harvest Moon, with evening musical entertainment served on the side. Albany has more than two dozen hotels–many include complimentary breakfast.

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Go, Do, See Biking Around

LAKE CHARLES /Lakefront Promenade

The winding Lakefront Promenade in Lake Charles is a picturesque riding trail, with brick walkways, beautiful landscaping, a fountain sculpture, custom ironwork lampposts and more. From the Lakefront Promenade, cyclists can also access routes to Shell Beach Drive and Margaret Place Historic District, a 1.75-mile stretch of road that was once the continuation of the Old Spanish Trail; Charpentier Historic District, a 40-block area that takes a step back in time with one of the finest collections of Victorian architecture in Louisiana; and Downtown Lake Charles, the heart of the destination that offers a culturally rich, activity-filled historic area with incredible restaurants, lake views, parks and shopping. Website: https://www.visitlakecharles.org/listing/lakefront-promenade/148373/

JEFFERSON PARISH / Mississippi River Trail

Description: The 60.8-mile Mississippi River Trail is a popular biking trail located on the levee that borders the Mississippi River. The layout is a system of disconnected, paved trails on the levees along both banks of the Mississippi River in southern Louisiana. The most popular section of the trail extends from Audubon Park in New Orleans to the Bonnet Carré Spillway in St. Charles Parish. Website: https://www.visitjeffersonparish.com/outdoors/biking

& Tour de Jefferson

The whole family can participate in this annual event, which this year is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Hosted by the Jefferson Chamber, Tour de Jefferson offers the cycling community a fun, safe and family-friendly event that explores the scenery of Louisiana’s heartland through four route options of varying distances. This year’s social ride, which is intended for cyclists of all experience levels, took place in May. Website: http://tourdejefferson. org

ST. TAMMANY PARISH/Tammany Trace

The Pelican State’s only railsto-trails conversion, the 31-mile Tammany Trace winds through the Louisiana Northshore with a paved ribbon connecting five communities. Originally a corridor for the Illinois Central Railroad, the Tammany Trace now is an earth-friendly bike trail that offers its riders a way to explore the towns of Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell, as well as experience their natural beauty. Veteran Patrick Brooks operates three bicycle shops in St. Tammany Parish (in Covington, Mandeville and Slidell) and helps visitors experience the Tammany Trace, which was inducted into the Railsto-Trails Hall of Fame in 2017, through bike rentals and guided bike tours for as few as three riders. Website: http://www.LouisianaNorthshore.com/bike For more on Louisianna >Click Here

Things to Do: Start at the Crossroads

CLARKSDALE - The crossroads, home of the Blues and heart of the Delta is ground zero, the real deal with stories of real people, past and present, living the Delta life. It offers the perfect foundation on which to build a Mississippi Delta road trip for an extended weekend.

Seventy miles south of Memphis, Clarksdale sits where old U.S. Highways 61 and 49 intersect. From here, the flat Delta landscape and its wealth of unique experiences call out for visitors to explore.

Downtown Clarksdale is the obvious place to start. The streets of Clarksdale are filled with a mixture of today’s opportunities and yesterday’s experiences. The mix of the two create a vibrant community with unique retail shops, locally-owned eateries, museums filled with regional art and culture and one-of-a-kind lodging options. And of course, there is music. A downtown walking tour offers a great way to explore. Clarksdale’s Audio Walking Tour is filled with stories and perspectives of over a dozen locals and resident experts.

Known for its place in music history, Clarksdale is keeping that music playing with live music venues like no other. There are more live performances here than anywhere else in the Delta. And here, the stories of the Blues are brought to life.. The Delta Blues Museum is internationally acclaimed as a showcase of the history and significance of the Blues in this region. It is filled with memorabilia, photographs, recordings and more, telling the stories of Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Charlie Musselwhite and other legends. Clarksdale and Coahoma County were pivotal during the U.S. Civil Rights era, as well. Aaron Henry, a Clarksdale pharmacist, was an early grassroots activist in the Civil Rights movement. As local NAACP president, he led the early 1960s Clarksdale boycott campaign. At his side was Vera Pigee, who led the young African American members of the Youth Council to enter the white-only section of the Clarksdale bus station in protest. She was known for holding meetings, classes, literacy drives, voter registration and other Civil Rights gatherings in her beauty parlor.

Clarksdale is home to one-ofa-kind lodging options that will add to any Delta experience. Boutique downtown hotels, historic motels and rural farm shacks are all options here.

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STILLWATER - With an NBA basketball team, strong collegiate athletic programs, pro and semipro hockey, baseball teams and several sports-themed museums, Oklahoma has a wide array of events and attractions for fans of any kind of competition.

Heritage Hall showcases more than a century of excellence in athletics at Oklahoma State University. Located within the Gallagher Iba Arena, the Hall honors the countless men and women who have left their mark on the OSU campus. Four main eras in OSU history are displayed chronologically from north to south, each filled with success stories and memorable moments.

Browsing through the exhibits, visitors will find national champions, Olympians, academic accolades, mascots, military heroes, campus life and much more. Heritage Hall provides a glimpse into O-State’s proud past as it looks forward to an even brighter future.

Today visitors can easily move through the years, 1890 to the present, checking out national championships, conference champions, Academic All-Americans, Olympians, the Hall of Honor, the early years, the development of the campus and many moments and memories.

Plan to visit Heritage Hall often because it’s hard to absorb it all in just one visit. Heritage Hall is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Guided tours are available. Admission is free.

Places to Go: Heritage Hall Museum at Oklahoma University

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Things to Do: Build a Sandcastle

More and more families discover this charming, Gulf-side village on the outskirts of Port Aransas.

In fact, during March 2021, vacation rental guests booked 1,351 properties, an impressive 414% increase over March 2020. By the end of April, total year-over-year bookings at Cinnamon Shore for 2021 were already up 320%, pacing at three times the revenue of 2020.

“Once people discover Cinnamon Shore, so many want to come back,” says Jeff Lamkin, developer. “We see it time and time again, as families make our community part of their beach traditions.” Testimonials from Cinnamon Shore photo contests show how eager guests are to return: Introducing New Urbanism to Texas beachgoers at its inception, Cinnamon Shore combines top-tier architecture, building technology, and interior design with a family-friendly vibe and resort amenities. New Urban living promises a return to a classic neighborhood layout, with walkable streets, front-porch charm and shared public spaces―where everything a resident could want is close at hand. On the coast, the No. 1 draw, is, of course, the beach, and Cinnamon Shore maintains a manicured beachfront that is accessible via graceful dune crossovers. All the other amenities, including three resort pools, on-site restaurants, a coffee shop, market, fitness center and dog park, are also within an easy stroll. Families socialize on the Town Center green, where a concert series jazzes up weekends and outdoor movie nights delight the kids. On the Great Lawn, kids play games and make s’mores around a fire pit. With scenic vistas at every turn, the community attracts families looking for an upscale beach destination with character and style—a place that understands the heart of beach lovers. This original community―now known as Cinnamon Shore North―has fulfilled its original promise of a traditional seaside village. Now, the Cinnamon Shore lifestyle extends to a quickly rising expansion called Cinnamon Shore South, just about 1.5 miles away. “There’s such a demand for the type of beachfront community we’re creating,” Lamkin says. “And we’re gearing up to offer a full slate of events for summer’s high season.” Until Labor Day, a weekly roster of events provides countless options for family-friendly fun, including: • Sandcastle Building Lessons • Trivia Night at Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria • S’mores on the Great Lawn • Yoga on the Beach • Swim Fitness • Surf Lessons • Paint & Sip (arts night) • Pilates • Paddle Board Yoga • DJ at Kiera’s Pool

For more, see cinnamonshore. com.

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