BITES & BREWS Food is an integral part of Southern culture. On Alabama’s beaches there are several locally-owned spots that take coastal-infused flavor to another level. For those with a sweet tooth, Chocolate Corner in Gulf Shores and Kayden’s Candy Factory in Orange Beach have just what you need. Chocolate Corner specializes in sweet butter fudge and pecan caramel paws as well as gourmet truffles that are crafted in-house every day. At Kayden’s, fondly named after the owner’s son, you will find homemade ice cream, truffles and candies. After all of those sweets, you’re sure to be quite thirsty. If you’re on the verge of a sugar coma, head on over to Southern Shores Coffee and grab a cup of their bushwacker flavored coffee. Roasted at the shop, their coffee can be purchased in bags of whole or ground beans. Then, of course, you can’t complete Bites & Brews without beer. Big Beach Brewing Company, located in Gulf Shores, is the destination’s only brewery. This local watering hole serves up 12 different brews that can be poured in a glass for immediate consumption or a growler to bring back to your accommodations for enjoyment.
FINE ARTS From a plethora of pottery to handcrafted jewelry and gorgeous glass art, there are artsy finds by our coastal crafters all over the island. If you want to browse through a variety of fine arts check out the Gulf Coasts Arts Alliance in Gulf Shores. The gallery features works from more than 50 local and regional artists, some of which teach classes and craft their pieces at the gallery. Pottery Central is home to the weird works of Steve Dark while Sea Oat Studio is where Steve and
Dee Burrows craft and sell their woodand electric-fired stoneware. At The Clay Studio, located at the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach, resident artist Maya Blume-Cantrell creates beautiful pieces as well as teaches novice and advanced potters how to throw like a pro. Also, at the Coastal Arts Center is The Hot Shop, Alabama’s premier glass blowing studio. Nearly every day you can find Kerry Parks and her crew turning hot glass into sculptures, dinnerware and more.
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