Beachin' (April 2016)

April 2016

beachin’ Life on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Live music at the beach

Experience the beach from above!

Mullet Toss and the Gulf’s Biggest Beach Party

Easter Brunch at Bill’s By The Beach Celebrate Easter Sunday on March 27, by enjoying a special brunch with a spectacular view of the beach. Whether you're looking for an intimate affair to share with close family, or an out-of-doors afternoon spent soaking in the springtime with Mimosas and Eggs Benedict.

Start your weekend mornings with our delicious take on classic brunch staples, including Banana Fosters Pancakes, Mac & Cheese Chicken Pasta, The Catch of Day and The Incredible Egg. Book reservations now at bbtb.com - don’t miss this exceptional dining experience!

Hours 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday — Friday Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. — 10 p.m.

Weekend Brunch 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Bacon Crab Cheesecake

Mimosas $2.00

Catch of the Day Bienville Style

SEAFOOD • STEAKS • WINE • SPIRITS GULF SHORES, AL 251-948-5227 | bbtb.com | 300 West Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL 36542 | twitter.com@billsbythebeach facebook.com/billsbythebeachgulfshores | instagram.com/bills_by_the_beach

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AVAILABLE AT

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The Wharf 4776 Main St., Suite 110 Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.224.5555

219 S. McKenzie St. Foley, AL 36535 251-943-8941

719 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 70116 504-522-92222 gulfvisitorguide.com

gulfvisitorguide.com

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Reel Fishing, Reel Fun.

Trips from $65/person 251.981.FISH 800.806.7889

SanRoc Cay Marina • Orange Beach, AL www.reelsurprisecharters.com 6 Beachin ● April 2016

gulfvisitorguide.com

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE FAVORITE WHARF SPOTS

GINNY LANE BAR & GRILL THE HOT SPOT Explore. Discover. Enjoy.

LUXURY GULF RENTALS MONTEGO'S • SEA LA VIE

Explore the Gulf Coast’s hottest resort destination for spring shopping and warm-weather family fun.

Discover your new favorite restaurant, boutique, or band at our outdoor amphitheater.

Enjoy an excellent lineup of spring events, including The Wharf Putt-Putt opening in April and the Pepsi Beach Ball Drop on May 27th to kick off 100 Days of Summer!

gulfvisitorguide.com

VILLAGIO GRILLE

BREATHE • EVOLVE FITNESS & SPA HIGH COTTON BATH COMPANY THE MARINA OUTFITTERS STORE SEASIDE SHOES & SWIM THE SOUTHERN GRIND April 2016 ● Beachin 7

FRIC N' FRAC • THE ORANGE GROVE

contents

Experience the Beaches from above

10 20 24 28 30 32 2034 36 41

Zydeco & Crawfish Festival coming to Waterway Village What to do at the beach Live local music

28

Hooked on fishin’ with Phil Dortch Cowgirls opens at the Wharf 32nd Annual mullet toss returns Music at Meyer Park

10

Dining Guide

32 a letter from the editor

The sun is shining, the sand is warm and the days are long. It’s finally springtime, and I couldn’t be happier. Spring kicks off the busiest season here at the beach. Look no further, because festivals, concerts, delicious food, entertainment, anything you’re looking for, can be found right here on the Gulf. The Zydeco and Crawfish festival returns to Waterway Village this month and FloraBama invites all beach goers to it’s 32nd Annual Mullet Toss. Music at Meyer Park series is back in Gulf Shores and Cowgirls restaurant and nightclub, along with many other venues, open their doors at the beach. For the those looking for an adventure, take advantage of the local businesses that show you the beach from above. Zip lines, helicopter rides, open air crafts and more will allow you to see your beach destination from above before you dive in.

I’ll see you there in my beach chair,

Destiny 8 Beachin ● April 2016

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about the cover April 2016

beachin’ ama Gulf Coast

Life on the Alab

View the beach from above on a scenic tour in the sky. Check out a variety of options at the beach that want to give you a new perspective! (photo by Gary Berdeaux of Beach Flight)

Every Tuesday 2pm - 4pm in store.

Live music at the beach

Experience the beach from above!

Classes

Mullet Toss and the st Gulf’s Biggerty Beach Pa

Find Beachin’ Magazine on Facebook • local event updates • live music lineups • photos and more Share your photos with us by tagging us on Facebook.

Find the e-edition by visiting issuu.com and searching for Beachin’ or Gulf Coast Media.

You can also access our e-editions through GulfCoastNewsToday.com. Just click on the “Magazine tab” and select “Special Publications.”

beachin’

A specialty publication of Gulf Coast Media

publisher Parks Rogers

parks@gulfcoastmedia.com

editor

Frank Kustura frank@gulfcoastmedia.com 251.923.8129

Destiny Brown destiny@gulfcoastmedia.com

Jeniece Bouzan jeniece@gulfcoastmedia.com 251.978.0497

copy editor John Mullen

designCaryand layout Howard

johnm@gulfcoastmedia.com

advertising LouAnn Love

louann@gulfcoastmedia.com 251.243.7620

Leigh Mitchell

contributors Capt. Phil Dortch and Capt. Mark Robinson

Beachin’ magazine is published monthly by Gulf Coast Media, 901 N. McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535 - 251.943.2151 Distributed free by The Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and at other locations throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan.

All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Gulf Coast Media accepts no responsibility in the guarantee of goods and services advertised herein.

gulfvisitorguide.com

Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm

Call 251-971-2005

10062 Tony Drive, Foley, AL 36535 (Co. Rd. 20, East of Hwy. 59on the left before the Beach Express)

www.gigiscrapbookin.com

Billy’s Seafood If It Swims, We’ve Got It! Open Air Seafood Market

251-949-6288

Co. Rd. 10 W. on Bon Secour River

www.billys-seafood.com

$5.00 OFF

5 LBS. OR MORE

SPICY COOKED CRAWFISH

HEADLESS SHRIMP $1.00 OFF PER LB. (Not Valid with Any Other Coupon or Discount)

WE SHIP SEAFOOD Open Monday-Saturday 7am-5:00pm

April 2016 ● Beachin 9

Experience the Beach from above

By Destiny Brown

destiny@gulfcoastmedia.com

10 Beachin â—? April 2016

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For your next beach adventure, it’s time to check out a new view of the coast. From up in the air.

Take advantage of the local businesses at the beach that want to take you high in the sky.

Take a scenic helicopter tour or maneuver an open aircraft above the Gulf, zip line over a state park full of wildlife or parasail over the clear blue water along the coastline. The opportunities are endless for you to see an epic view from the clouds.

For those on the adventurous side who are looking for a new experience this summer, BeachFlight Aviation invites guests to join them on a guided tour in the sky. BeachFlight is a flight school based out of Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores that gives one-on-one lessons on flying a sport, ultra light, recreational aircraft over some of the highlights of beautiful Baldwin County. During the flight, a guest gulfvisitorguide.com

April 2016 â—? Beachin 11

is paired with one pilot and will even get a chance to take control of the aircraft.

Gary Berdeaux, owner and instructor of Beach Flight Aviation, began flying over 25 years ago and specializes in the aircrafts that he promotes.

“Most people are used to flying with metal shield around the craft,” Berdeaux said. “The aircraft I fly is very open air. It’s a ‘motorcycle in the sky.’ There’s a sensation of speed and motion and a lot of sensory simulation like a motorcycle, so I’d say that analogy is very accurate.”

The coastline from Fort Morgan to Orange Beach stretches for miles, which leaves plenty to be seen.

“Sometimes when you’re on an island, you don’t realize what a narrow piece of land it is,” Berdeaux said. “Seeing the Gulf and the horizon, interacting with the clouds. It’s not just about looking down, it’s about looking up and around you. It’s a very three dimensional atmosphere.”

If you want to see an aerial view of a variety of wildlife of the area, or soar next to to the birds, check out the ziplines at the Gulf Adventure Center at the Alabama Gulf State Park. The zipline course consists of seven towers and six ziplines that take guests over the waters of Lake Shelby, with the beaches and waters of the Gulf of Mexico just a few hundred feet away. Lake Shelby is the closest body of freshwater to a body of saltwater anywhere on the U.S. Coast.

“Ziplining is an adrenaline rush with a view!” said Chase Brown, assistant manager of the Gulf Adventure center.“ While it’s certainly fun to do alone, it’s even more fun with a group of family or friends.

There’s nothing like sharing the thrills and chills 12 Beachin ● April 2016

with someone special. Co-workers often book trips together as a professional team-building exercise. Our course is a unique adventure that leaves even the most skeptical of participants smiling by the end.”

The ziplines are also a great option if you’re looking to get up close with local wildlife.

The warmer climate on the Gulf attracts a wide variety of migratory birds and insects, so the local wildlife population is always welcoming seasonal additions, depending on migration patterns.

“Gulf State Park is teeming with wildlife,” Brown said. “Our course is situated in a unique location between Lake Shelby, a spring-fed freshwater lake, and the Gulf of Mexico just south of us. Our zip course takes you over the lake four different times, and you can expect to see a diverse collection of wildlife while you are zipping. Alligators and huge turtles patrol the fresh waters of Lake Shelby as you look down from a hundred feet above them.”

Herons, ducks, coots, loons, cormorants, gulls, and pelicans all forage the waters of Lake Shelby. Bobcats, foxes, and coyotes have even been spotted from the ziplines remote towers.

If you’re looking for an aerial view of a saltwater selection of wildlife, find an option that can take you right over the Gulf water.

“From our helicopter, we can see right down into the water,” said Zack Sida, lead pilot at Orange Beach Helicopters. “We can see all kinds of marine life including dolphins, sharks, turtles, stingrays, it’s just beautiful.”

Orange Beach Helicopters is located at the Caribe Resort Helipad in Orange Beach. The business offers a gulfvisitorguide.com

variety of tours for up to two passengers that includes sunset tours and a selection of routes in the area.

“It’s not like anything you’ve ever done before,” Sida said. “We’re 500 feet above the water out over the Gulf and the view is spectacular. It’s not like an airplane ride, it’s completely different.”

As for those who get a little nervous at take off, there are some comforting words from past experiences.

“Most people think they’re going to get air sick or it’s going to be bumpy or scary, but’s a really smooth ride and in my four years of doing this, we’ve never had anyone get air sick,” Sida said. “As soon as we get off the ground, it’s not turbulent and they always end up enjoying themselves. Even people who are afraid of heights or afraid of flying.”

Berdeaux agrees that most people overcome their fears shortly after takeoff.

“Most people with some kind of fear of heights are more anxious during takeoff and landing than they do actually flying,” Berdeaux said. “You have shoulder and seat restraints to hold you in all nice and snug, and your head set and microphone so we can talk.

You’re very well packaged in the air craft. When people realize that, it’s more comforting.”

All activities are guided by friendly staff and are monitored.

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It’s great time of the year to enjoy one of these local scenic tours. Seeing your favorite beach from above is a view that you will cherish for years to come.

“Most people come away with a real appreciation for the area’s beauty and a love for the experience,” Berdeaux said. “It’s a stunning experience that gives you a lifetime memory. You’re in a coastal area and the lay of the land is quite scenic. Getting in the air and seeing that perspective is amplifying.”

Other options to see the beach from above: • Parasailing • Ferris Wheel at The Wharf in Orange Beach • LuLu’s in Gulf Shores rope course for kids • Book a condo

April 2016 ● Beachin 13

Tuesday AYCE STEAMED SHRIMP Monday & Thursday AYCE FRIED FISH Sunday & Wednesday AYCE FRIED SHRIMP www.shrimpbasket.com

Best Char-Gr illed Oysters

ed k a B t Bes s Oyster

Raw, Chicken, Beef, Steamed Platters 124 W. 1st Ave • Gulf Shores, AL www.gulfcoaststeamer.com

CH T A C U YO

EM

M

AYCE SPECIALS DAILY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1987

205 E. 2nd Ave • Gulf Shores, AL

www.mikeesseafood.com

E K O O C WE'LL

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Welcome to the Beach

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

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

BEACH FLAG WARNING SYSTEM

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

YELLOW

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

GREEN

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

RED

Medium Hazard (light surf and or currents)

Low Hazard (calm conditions) High Hazard (rough conditions, such as strong surf and or conditions)

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

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

Water Closed to Public Use

Purple means WARNING! A jellyfish or other marine threat.

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

DOUBLE RED

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

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

251-981-6979

City Hall • Mon-Fri 8am -5 pm

251-980-INFO City Infoline

PURPLE

Marine Pest (jellyfish, stingrays & dangerous fish)

251-981-SURF Daily Beach Report

www.cityoforangebeach.com www.ospreycamera.com

which is being seen daily around the world gulfvisitorguide.com

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Zydeco, Crawfish Festival

coming to Waterway Village April 16, 2016

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gulfvisitorguide.com

The Waterway Village Zydeco and Crawfish Festival boils up a beaucoup of fun on Saturday, April 16 in Gulf Shores. Locals and visitors are invited to sink their teeth into hot, juicy crawfish throughout the day while dancing to the infectious rhythms of some of the best Zydeco bands from around the South.

There will be arts and crafts vendors and children’s activities.

This second annual event is a result of a unique collaboration between the City of Gulf Shores, the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism and Waterway Village merchants, including Acme Oyster House, Lulu’s, Tacky Jacks, Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, The Diner, ByWater Bistro and Wheeles Karate Academy.

The festivities will kick off at 8 a.m. with the Zydeco and Crawfish Festival 5K benefitting Furrever Homes.

The good times will roll all day long as the crawfish pots begin boiling at 10 a.m. and the Zydeco sounds will be grooving until 6 p.m.

The Waterway Village Zydeco and Crawfish Festival will be located along East 24th Avenue in Gulf Shores.

Admission is free to the public.

Parking for the festival will be available at the Waterway Village public parking lot and free shuttles will be running from the Erie Meyer Civic Center and Meyer Park. East 24th Avenue will be closed to all traffic from the W.C. Holmes Bridge to Acme Oyster House.

For more information, call 251-968-1174 or visit www. gulfshoresal.gov/crawfishfest.

. Music Lineup 10 a.m.: Excelsior Brass Band 10:20 a.m.: Opening Act: TBA 12:10 p.m.: Mojo Station 2 p.m.: Chubby Carrier 4 p.m.: Dennis Stroughmatt and the Creole Stomp

‹ PHOTOS BY JOHN MULLEN›

gulfvisitorguide.com

April 2016 ● Beachin 21

APRIL LIVE MUSIC 4/1 4/2

at the Wharf

CHEESEBURGER POBOY GRILLED SHRIM

P

S

SHRIMP & GRIT

WINGS

Happy Hour

MONDAY-FRIDAY 11A.M.-6 P.M. $2 DOMESTIC BOTTLES $3 IMPORT/CRAFT BOTTLES $1.50 HOT SPOT DRAFT $3 WELLS $3 WINES Home of Sports

160” BIG SCREEN

THIN CUT FRIED FISH

12 Bigg Screen TV’s

GRILLED FISH

4/3 4/4 4/5 4/7 4/8 4/9 4/10 4/11 4/12 4/14 4/15

OLIVER’S TWIST JOHNNY BARBATOS LUCKY DOGGS AL AND CATHY LOGAN SPICER BRENT BURNS MASON HENDERSON W/ STRICKLY ISBELL LOGAN SPICER BAND OLIVER’S TWIST LAST HONKY TONK SERIES LOGAN SPICER BRENT BURNS SHAWNA P. ROBERT WAYNE BAND

4/16 LOGAN SPICER 4/17 LAST HONKY TONK SERIES 4/18 LOGAN SPICER BAND 4/19 BRENT BURNS 4/21 STRICKLY ISBELL 4/22 ABE PATRIDGE BAND 4/23 OLIVER’S TWIST 4/24 AL AND CATHY 4/25 LOGAN SPICER 4/26 BRENT BURNS 4/28 SHAWNA P. 4/29 SHAKER REVIVAL

251-271-0552

4780 wharf parkway 101 Orange Beach, Al 36561

SALAD

CAN YOU ESCAPE

Gulf Coast

Escape Room 701 GULF SHORES PKWY GULF SHORES, AL 36542

251-979-7737 Next to

$5 OFF 22 Beachin ● April 2016

The Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores

A FUN AND CHALLENGING REAL LIFE ADVENTURE FOR GROUPS OF 2-8 PEOPLE OF ALL AGES. YOUR TEAM WORKS TOGETHER FINDING CLUES AND SOLVING PUZZLES TO ESCAPE FROM ONE OF 3 THEMED ROOMS. YOU ONLY HAVE 60 MINUTES!

I N T I M E ?

PER BOOKING, USE THE CODE “Beachin” BOOK ONLINE AT: GULFCOASTESCAPEROOM.COM or CALL (251) 979-7737 gulfvisitorguide.com

month at the beach Heather Whigham and Kellah enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day Party at Pleasure Island Tiki Bar (John Mulen)

Kayla Rosa, left, with Macale Sisk of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo holding Hugo the bearded dragon at the Ballyhoo Festival. (John Mullen)

Iris Ethridge, left, Ron Arnold, center and Dee Burrow at the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s monthly forum (John Mullen)

Jackson Binette enjoying Pardi Gras at The Point in Innerarity Point. (John Mullen) Steve Kosch cooks up some kettle corn at the Orange Beach Festival of Art. (John Mullen) gulfvisitorguide.com

SUBMIT YOUR OWN MONTH AT THE BEACH PHOTOS TO DESTINY@GULFCOASTMEDIA.COM. April 2016 ● Beachin 23

what atto do the beach Trivia

‹SATURDAY, MARCH 26›

Bingo

‹FLORA-BAMA’S 3RD ANNUAL BEACH RUN/WALK FOR AMERICA’S WARRIORS›

FOLEY Moe’s Original Bar B Que Thursdays at 7 p.m.

GULF SHORES The Hangout Wednesdays at noon at 5 p.m.

ORANGE BEACH Tacky Jacks Wednesday at 6 p.m.

FOLEY American Legion Post 99 Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Moe’s Original Bar B Que Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

GULF SHORES American Legion Post 44 Monday at 6 p.m.

Tacky Jacks Tuesday at 6 p.m.

ORANGE BEACH Flora-Bama Weekdays from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Tacky Jacks Wednesday at 6 p.m.

THE ORIGINAL GERMAN SAUSAGE FESTIVAL ‹Elberta Town Park, 13052 Main St., Elberta, AL, 36530, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Free to public.› Held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The best German Sausage you have ever tasted! Made from a secret recipe developed by the founding fathers of Elberta, AL. This is the only place you can get the real thing! Arts and crafts, live music, carnival rides, baked goods and more. Don’t forget to visit the Bier Garten for a large selection of imported beers. www.elbertafire.com/festival/

Flora-Bama Who wouldn’t want to utilize our gorgeous white sandy beaches? The start and end point is right here at Flora-Bama. All 5K runners will be headed into Alabama and all 1/2 marathon runners will be headed into Florida.

100% of the registration fees will go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The Special Operations Warrior Foundation ensures full scholarship grants as well as educational and family counseling to the surviving children of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty and immediate financial assistance for severely wounded special operations personnel and their families.

‹SUNDAY, MARCH 27›

LULU’S EASTER EGG ‹LuLu’s, Gulf Shores, 2 p.m.› LuLu’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Easter day at 2:00pm. Come meet the Easter Bunny and have fun looking for Easter Eggs filled with surprises on LuLu’s Beach! Easter Egg Hunt is separated by ages for fair hunting for all!

‹SATURDAY, APRIL 2›

PARK DAY “PARK CLEANUP” ‹Fort Morgan Historic Site, Fort Morgan, 51 Hwy 24 Beachin ● April 2016

180 W. Gulf Shores, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.› No admission required if you are volunteering to help with Park Clean Up and Restoration” Since 1996, the Civil War Trust has sponsored Park Day, an annual hands-on preservation event to help Civil War — and now Revolutionary War — battlefields and historic sites take on maintenance projects large and small. Activities are chosen by each participating site to meet their own particular needs and can range from raking leaves and hauling trash to painting signs and trail buildings. http://www.civilwar.org/aboutus/events/park-day/. www.fort-morgan.org.

ALABAMA REQUIRED BOATING SAFELY COURSE ‹Orange Beach Community Center, 27235 Canal Rd.Orange Beach, AL, 36561, 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m.› Cost is $35 or $45 for a couple sharing a book. One must be 12 or over to attend.

Taught by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors.

Course meets Alabama’s and most other states’ Boat Operator’s License requirement. Call Mal or email to enroll, or search online for Coast Guard Auxiliary for information on a local boating safely course. (251) 284-1461, www.cgaux.org

‹SATURDAY, APRIL 7›

‹Music at Meyer Park featuring Modern Eldorados Meyer Park, 400 E. 22nd Ave.Gulf Shores, 6-8 p.m.› Mobile-based rockabilly country band Modern Eldorados takes over Meyer Park on April 7. This live show is more than just a concert, it’s a musical experience! Their CD “The Rockmart Demos” has been gaining airplay in both America and Europe.

The band was also featured on a PBS live concert series “Studio Amped.” The band includes Tyron “Gretsch” Lyles on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Monte Tredway on lead guitar and harmony vocals, Bruce Nystrom on bass guitar and harmony vocals and Jason Bagwell on drums. In the event of rain, The Erie H. Meyer Civic Center will serve as a backup location.251-968-1174 www.gulfshoresal.gov/musicatmeyerpark gulfvisitorguide.com

‹ SATURDAY, APRIL 2 › PARK DAY “PARK CLEANUP

‹SATURDAY, APRIL 9›

SPRING GARRISON LIVING HISTORY DAY ‹Fort Morgan Historical Site, 110 Hwy. 180 W.Gulf Shores, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.› The year is 1861 and troops from Alabama have arrived to garrison the fort. A historical interpreter will demonstrate the drills that troops would have gone through as they prepared for hostilities. Infantry and artillery demos will be given throughout the day.

251-540-5257, www.fort-morgan.org

‹SATURDAY, APRIL 16›

MULLET MAN TRIATHLON ‹Flora-Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola 7:30 a.m.› The Mullet Man Triathlon has proven to be a definite addition to the Annual Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party.

The Mullet Man Triathlon, a high quality event, promises a great course, super volunteers, awards three deep and overall, as well as a post-race party with fabulous food and fun. A post race celebration will take place shortly after the race (this is the real reason people do the Triathlon). Great food and drink will be provided. A portion of the proceeds will go to local youth charities in Florida and Alabama, along with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society Team in Training. If you would like to have the time of your life and help produce an exciting event, then give us a call at (850) 492-0611 or (251) 980-5118. For rules and scoring information, contact: Steven Keith at kei@eventtiming.com. www.florabama.com 2016 WATERWAY VILLAGE ZYDECO & CRAWFISH FESTIVAL & 5K RUN ‹Waterway Village in Gulf Shores-Under the Intracoastal Bridge (North & South Side) 225 E. 24th Ave.Gulf Shores, AL, 36542, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.› The festival is free to the public. 5K Run/Walk $30 The Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival boils up a beaucoup (Cajun for a lot) of fun. Sink your teeth into some hot, juicy, lip-smacking crawfish while dancing to the infectious rhythms of some of the best Zydeco bands from around the South. There will gulfvisitorguide.com

be crawfish races, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities and even an authentic 80-foot shrimp boat on hand offering nonstop fun for all ages. If that’s not enough, you’ll have the chance to work up an appetite with the 5K Run/ 1-Mile Fun Run beginning at 8:30 a.m. starting at Waterway Village next to Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores.

Then after the race, stay for free beer and refreshments! Part of the proceeds from this race go to a local animal rescue, Furrever Homes.

251-968-1172 C SPIRE CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS: CHRIS YOUNG WITH SPECIAL GUEST CASSADEE POPE ‹The Amphitheater at The Wharf , 4550 Main St., Orange Beach 7:30-9:30 p.m.› General Admission $55, Reserved Seats $55, $39.50 and $20 At the age of 29, Chris Young, “one of country music’s most reliable hitmakers” (USA Today) has accomplished more than some artists do in a lifetime. Already a Grammy-nominated recording artist, he’s also a dynamic live performer, being declared “commanding and confident” (Houston Chronicle) and “a headliner in his own right” (Times-Leader).

With four albums to his credit, Young plays a powerhouse show packed with hits, including chart toppers “Gettin’ You Home,” “The Man I Want To Be,” “Voices,” “Tomorrow,” “You” and “Who I Am With You.” He’s amassed six number one singles, seven Gold/Platinum certifications and performed for audiences ranging from ABC’s “Good Morning America” to Australia and Dublin to “The Late Show with David Letterman.” 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

‹WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20›

2016 MULLET SWING GOLF CLASSIC ‹Lost Key Golf Club and Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar, 625 Lost Key Drive, Perdido Key, 9:30 a.m., $150 per person› The 19th Annual Mullet Swing Golf Classic is a four person scramble with a maximum handicap per player of 30. Available on tournament day: A package of two mulligans and two red tee busters for $25.

One package per player. Entry Fee Includes: Green fee and cart, Flora-Bama Shirt, Flora-Bama golf balls, Flora-Bama cap, Flora-Bama golf towel, complimentary food and beverages on each hole of the golf course. Chance to win great prizes. Lots of giveaways. Awards ceremony and reception at the Flora-Bama Lounge.

850-492-0611, www.florabama.com/events/mullet-swing-golf-classic

‹APRIL 28 - APRIL 30 ›

7TH ANNUAL BAMA COAST CRUISE April 2016 ● Beachin 25

‹FRIDAY, APRIL 22- SUNDAY, APRIL 24›

absolutely stunning show, set against the backdrop of the InterCoastal Waterway and the Canal Bridge. It’s a laid back, family friendly weekend full of amazing cars, fun events, entertainment and Southern hospitality. Bama Coast Cruise will be open to spectators Thur. 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m., F. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

251-224-1000, www.bamacoastcruise.com

INTERSTATE MULLET TOSS AND GULF COAST’S GREATEST BEACH PARTY ‹17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola› Those who participate in the Mullet Toss will throw a dead mullet over the state line of Florida and Alabama to see who gets the farthest. Not to mention a great excuse to throw a weekend long party, with lots of fun activities, great music and food! Each year, with your help, we raise and contribute over $20,000 to local charities, especially youth organizations. Begins Friday at Noon, Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.

Celebrity Tossers at High Noon Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

850-492-0611, www.florabama.com

‹APRIL 22 – MAY 1›

A LITTLE PRINCESS ‹2022 West 2nd Street, Gulf Shores, 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m.

Adults $15 Students $12› A delightful, adaptation of the famous classic by the author of “The Secret Garden.” Sara Crewe, heiress to a large fortune, is enrolled at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies in Victorian England. At first her life is happy, but news arrives that her father has died and her fortune is lost. Sara is forced to become a servant, scrubbing cobblestones and washing cooking kettles. She must live in a miserable attic room that seems no better than a prison cell.

When a mysterious gentleman from India takes the house next door, some strange and curious things begin to happen. In time, Sara even discovers that her fortune has been retrieved. The enchanting story is filled with fascinating characters, both good and bad: greedy Miss Minchin and her timid sister, Amelia; Becky, the kitchen slave; snooty and jealous Lavinia; and Ermengarde, who hates to read and can’t spell. There’s even a Hindu servant named Ram Dass, whose monkey is always up to mischief. You’ll never forget Sara’s birthday scene, nor the odd tea party she conducts in the cold attic. This show is filled with comedy, drama and, most of all, charm. When things turn out splendidly for our clever Sara, it’s no wonder she feels just like a little princess.251-968-6721, www.sbct.biz

‹ONGOING EVENTS› ‹MAR 31, 2016 - APR 3›

2016 Southern Senior Hard Court Championship George C. Meyer Tennis Center, 2049 W 2nd St., Gulf Shores What an exciting event coming to Gulf Shores! Athletes from across the south will come to the area to compete for the Championship Title this spring. Make your way do to the George C. Meyer Tennis Center to cheer these athletes on! Make sure to make time for a beach stop while you are here! 251-968-1431

‹APRIL 28 – APRIL 30›

7TH ANNUAL BAMA COAST CRUISE ‹4830 Main Street, Orange Beach, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.› 7th Annual Bama Coast Cruise will be held at the Wharf Resort and Marina Orange Beach, AL. Come and see the beautiful cars on display at The Wharf, enjoy a day of shopping and dine at one of The Wharf’s several delicious restaurants. Bama Coast Cruise is an

COBB PINNACLE 14

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Cobb Pinnacle 14

3780 Gulf Shores Parkway | Gulf Shores, AL Hwy. 59 just North of the Canal Bridge 251.923.0100 | www.CobbTheatres.com 26 Beachin ● April 2016

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ombining an elegantly manicured trail with the aromas of a backyard ŐĂƌĚĞŶ͕ dŚĞ tŝůďŽƵƌŶĞ ŶƟƋƵĞ ZŽƐĞ dƌĂŝů ƚĂŬĞƐ ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŚĞĂƌƚ ŽĨ &ŽůĞLJ ĂůŽŶŐ Ă ďĞĂƵƟĨƵů͕ ŚŝƐƚŽƌŝĐĂů ƟŵĞůŝŶĞ͘ dŚĞ ŝƚLJ ŽĨ &ŽůĞLJ ŝŶǀŝƚĞƐ LJŽƵ to walk the rose trail and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of hundreds of ŚĞƌŝƚĂŐĞ ƌŽƐĞƐ͘ ZŽƐĞƐ ĂƌĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉĞĂŬ ŝŶ ƐƉƌŝŶŐ͕ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ƚŚŝƐ ƚŚĞ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƚ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ŐƌĂĐĞĨƵůůLJ ůĂŶĚƐĐĂƉĞĚ ƚƌĂŝů͘

Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail

Section Ave.

dŚĞ ŶĞĂƌůLJ ŵŝůĞͲůŽŶŐ ƚƌĂŝů ǁŝŶĚƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ŚŝƐƚŽƌŝĐ &ŽůĞLJ͕ ƉĂƌĂůůĞů ǁŝƚŚ ,ŝŐŚǁĂLJ ϱϵ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ŽƉĞŶ ĨƌŽŵ ĚĂǁŶ ƵŶƟů ĚƵƐŬ͘ ŵƉůĞ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ ŝƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ Ăƚ ,ĞƌŝƚĂŐĞ WĂƌŬ͕ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ŚĞĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂŝů͘

pavilion Heritage Park

Chicago St.

Hwy. 59

Violet Ave.

Hwy. 98 Orange Ave. Myrtle Ave.

Foley Dog Park

VisitFoley.org gulfvisitorguide.com

April 2016 ● Beachin 27

Karaoke

FOLEY American Legion Post 99 Friday at 7 p.m., Sunday 6 p.m.

Gelato Joe’s Monday at 7 p.m.

Good Time Charlie’s Tuesday at 10 p.m.

The Office Lounge Wednesday at 8 p.m.

FT. MORGAN Behind The Pines Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Tacky Jacks Thursday and Saturday at 9 p.m.

GULF SHORES Pink Pony Pub every night at 7 p.m.

Tacky Jacks Tuesday 5:30 p.m.

Mudbugs Thu, Fri,Sat at 8 p.m.

ORANGE BEACH Island Times Daiquiri Bar Saturday at 8 p.m.

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

Tacky Jacks Thursday at 6 p.m.

Undertow Wed - Fri at 9:30 p.m.

Open Mic

FOLEY American Legion Post 99 Friday and Sunday at 6 p.m Moe’s Original Bar B Que Tuesday at 7 p.m.

The Office Lounge Tuesday at 6 p.m.

GULF SHORES Tacky Jacks Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

ORANGE BEACH Ginny Lanes Monday at 6 p.m.

Happy Harbor the Mothership Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Live Bait Monday at 8 p.m.

PERDIDO KEY Flora-Bama Monday at 6 p.m.

28 Beachin ● April 2016

live local music ‹FRIDAY, APRIL 1›

FOLEY Moes Original Bar B Que Brittany Bell GULF SHORES Nolan’s Midnight Confessions The Hangout The Perry Wall LuLu’s Grits N Pieces ORANGE BEACH Our Cigar Bar Ed Lee Tacky Jacks Damien Lamb Duo The Hot Spot Oliver’s Twist

‹SATURDAY, APRIL 2›

FOLEY Moes Original Bar B Que Jason Justice GULF SHORES LuLu’s Nikki Talley Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Johnny B. The Hangout Oliver’s Twist Tacky Jacks Soul Food Junkies ORANGE BEACH Our Cigar Bar Ed Lee Tacky Jacks Melissa Joiner The Hot Spot Johnny Barbatos Lucky Doggs

‹SUNDAY, APRIL 3›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Greg Brown Papa Rocco’s Johnny B. The Hangout Foxy Iguanas ORANGE BEACH Cobalt Coffee, Black Cosmo’s Brittany Bell Tacky Jacks Hippie Jim Sloan The Hot Spot Al and Cathy SILVERHILL Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm Spencer Bohren, Eric Taylor, Ray Bonneville, Gove Scrivenor, Gram Rea

‹MONDAY, APRIL 4› GULF SHORES

LuLu’s Brent Burns Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey ORANGE BEACH The Hot Spot Logan Spicer

The Hangout Philo ORANGE BEACH Our Cigar Bar Ed Lee The Hot Spot Oliver’s Twist

‹TUESDAY, APRIL 5›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Greg Brown Papa Rocco’s Johnny B. The Hangout Foxy Iguanas ORANGE BEACH Cobalt Coffee, Black Cosmo’s Brittany Bell Tacky Jacks Jerry Gambino Duo The Hot Spot Last Honky Tonk Series SILVERHILL Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm John Mooney, Johnny Sansone, Papa Mali, Kevin Gordon, Corky Hughes

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Jimmy Lumpkin Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey ORANGE BEACH The Hot Spot Brent Burns

‹WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Justin Yawn Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey

‹THURSDAY, APRIL 7›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Jon Cowart Music at Meyer Park Modern El Dorados Nolan’s Midnight Confessions The Hangout Category 4 ORANGE BEACH The Hot Spot Mason Henderson w/ Strickly Isbell

‹FRIDAY, APRIL 8›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Light Travelers Nolan’s Midnight Confessions The Hangout Tyler Mac ORANGE BEACH Our Cigar Bar Ed Lee Tacky Jacks Les Linton The Hot Spot Logan Spicer Band

‹SATURDAY, APRIL 9›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Three Bean Soup Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Johnny B.

‹SUNDAY, APRIL 10›

‹MONDAY, APRIL 11›

Gulf Shores LuLu’s Brent Burns Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey ORANGE BEACH The Hot Spot Logan Spicer

‹TUESDAY, APRIL 12›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s John Reno Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey ORANGE BEACH The Hot Spot Brent Burns

‹WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Ronnie Presley Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey

‹THURSDAY, APRIL 14› GULF SHORES LuLu’s Adam Holt

gulfvisitorguide.com

‹SATURDAY, APRIL 23›

‹GOVE SCRIVENOR› Nolan’s Midnight Confessions ORANGE BEACH Tacky Jacks Mac Walter The Hot Spot Shawna P.

‹FRIDAY, APRIL 15›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s JERI Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Tacky Jacks Soulfood Junkies ORANGE BEACH Our Cigar Bar Ed Lee Tacky Jacks John Fowler Duo The Hot Spot Robert Wayne Band

‹SATURDAY, APRIL 16›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Web Dalton Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Johnny B. Tacky Jacks Mojo Station ORANGE BEACH Our Cigar Bar Ed Lee The Amphitheater at The Wharf Chris Young The Hot Spot Logan Spicer

‹SUNDAY, APRIL 17›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Greg Brown Papa Rocco’s Johnny B. ORANGE BEACH Cobalt Coffee, Black Cosmo’s Brittany Bell The Hot Spot Last Honky Tonk Series SILVERHILL Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm Season Finale and Willie Sugarcapps

‹MONDAY, APRIL 18› GULF SHORES

LuLu’s Brent Burns Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey ORANGE BEACH The Hot Spot Logan Spicer Band

‹TUESDAY, APRIL 19›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Jimmy Lumpkin Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey ORANGE BEACH The Hot Spot Brent Burns

‹WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Lee Yankie Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey

‹THURSDAY, APRIL 21›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Lefty Collins Music at Meyer Park Jamell Richardson Nolan’s Midnight Confessions ORANGE BEACH Tacky Jacks Melissa Joiner The Hot Spot Strickly Isbell

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Albert Simpson Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Johnny B. Tacky Jacks Cornbred ORANGE BEACH Our Cigar Bar Ed Lee The Hot Spot Oliver’s Twist

‹SUNDAY, APRIL 24›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Greg Brown Papa Rocco’s Johnny B. ORANGE BEACH Cobalt Coffee, Black Cosmo’s Brittany Bell Tacky Jacks Jerry Gambino Duo The Hot Spot Al and Cathy SILVERHILL Frog Pond at Blue Moon Farm Cary Hudson, Nikki Talley, Rick Carter, Roger Fritz, Christy Fritz, Jason Sharp

‹MONDAY, APRIL 25›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Brent Burns Nolan’s Lisa Zanghi Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey ORANGE BEACH The Hot Spot Logan Spicer

‹TUESDAY, APRIL 26›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s John Reno Nolan’s Midnight Confessions

Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey ORANGE BEACH The Hot Spot Brent Burns

‹WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Ronnie Presley Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Mark and Smokey

‹THURSDAY, APRIL 28›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Adam Holt Nolan’s Midnight Confessions ORANGE BEACH The Hot Spot Shawna P.

‹FRIDAY, APRIL 29›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Lefty Collins Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Tacky Jacks Three Bean Soup ORANGE BEACH Our Cigar Bar Ed Lee Tacky Jacks John Fowler Duo The Hot Spot Shaker Revival

‹SATURDAY, APRIL 30›

GULF SHORES LuLu’s Jon Cowart Nolan’s Midnight Confessions Papa Rocco’s Johnny B. Tacky Jacks Neil Dover ORANGE BEACH Our Cigar Bar Ed Lee Tacky Jacks Melissa Joiner

‹SHAWNA P.›

‹FRIDAY, APRIL 22›

GULF SHORES ByWater Bistro Hot Sand 2.0 LuLu’s Albert Simpson Nolan’s Midnight Confessions The Hangout Rhythm Intervention Tacky Jacks Tommy Morse ORANGE BEACH Our Cigar Bar Ed Lee Tacky Jacks Damien Lamb Duo The Hot Spot Abe Partridge Band

Looking for some live music?

The Gulf Coast has plenty to offer in music and entertainment. This monthly guide will lead you to hot spots for karaoke, open mic, live music and more. Email Destiny Brown to update or add listings at destiny@gulfcoastmedia.com. gulfvisitorguide.com

April 2016 ● Beachin 29

hono fishin oked with Phil Dortch

30 Beachin â—? April 2016

From the time I was old enough to cast a rod and reel and chase schools of Spanish Mackerel down the beach, the Ft. Morgan area was our place for the yearly family vacation. I would always bring a friend, usually a neighbor because as a kid, you naturally think your parents are too old to play in the surf and run up and down the beach.

We would rent a friends cabin for the week, fish, crab and ride the waves on our rubber inner tube until we were raw in places unmentionable.

As I grew older and married, my wife and her family from North Alabama shared the same passion as I for a week at the beach. We would come down with her parents and four other siblings, buying all our groceries ahead of time for the entire week and bringing a big Igloo type container to haul drinking water from the only nearby source fit to drink which was located at the Fort. The cabin water at that time was sulphur so the bath water smelled like rotten eggs, but who cared, we were at the Gulf on vacation. There was no AC, and when the wind would stop, the noseeums, those tiny blood sucking critters, would come through the screen, feeding on anyone in sight. Ceiling fans were a God send as we covered our sun blistered bodies.

Who ever thought of sun screen? The typical day would go like this; Get up early, cook a big breakfast, gulfvisitorguide.com

get on our swim suits and wait 30 minutes before entering the water so we didn’t get cramps, at least that’s what we were told. Grab the inner tubes, and the last one in the water was a rotten egg. The bigger the waves the better.

No one ever gave a thought about sharks. If someone fell asleep on their raft and drifted out with the tide, their Dad would swim out to the rescue. After a morning swim came lunch time, then sit around the table and clean the Blue Crabs we had caught or play games. No IPads or TV at the house back then. We couldn’t go back outside until after 2 p.m. because that was the hottest part of the day and we may get cooked by the sun. To late for that. After the afternoon swim and supper, as it was called back then, darkness fell and we would grab a gig, gas up the floundering light and head to the bay to walk the waters edge looking for flounder, hoping not to accidentally gig a sting ray, all the time swatting mosquitoes that seemed big as sea gulls and sounded like the Blue Angels.

Depression began to set in about Thursday with the realization the Saturday would arrive much too soon and we would head back to work and the real world. As I remember on one occasion, a friend loaned me his old Stauter wood boat with a 35 HP outboard. We found an old pair of wooden waterskis in the closet, grabbed a rope that was actually an anchor line, found a nice smooth piece of driftwood to use for a handle and off we went to the bay to waterski. My brother-in-law had to sit by the motor, holding the choke, while I drove. We felt as tho we were at Cypress Gardens Florida on the ski team. Those were the really good old days.

As time went by, I could finally afford a boat. My wife’s dad loved to fish. One day, we had fished all morning catching nothing and as we drifted across Dixey Bar, the sand bar south of Ft. Morgan extending along the ship channel all the way to Sand Island Lighthouse, the tide suddenly changed and we mysteriously started drifting back the opposite way. We then observed another boat hooked up to something really big. As we watched the old fisherman struggle to land what was maybe the biggest fish we had ever seen, he waved us over to his boat. “You guys want this fish? I have my limit.” “Sure,” I said, “But what is it?” That was my first encounter with what we now know as the famous Dixey Bar Bull Red. He even gave us some bait to try luck. We took the fish home, removed it’s guitar size scales with a hoe, and severed it’s head with a machete. We enjoyed a family fish fry with all the trimmings and I guess that started my love for salt water fishing. Now I have the honor to be a charter captain of my own boat, sharing that same experience with vacationers that have only caught a little Bream or Bass in a creek back home, wherever that may be.

One day, we were anchored on the edge of the ship gulfvisitorguide.com

channel in my 24-foot Sea Ray Sundancer boat. My dad along with my wife’s dad were on board. We were fishing for blacktip sharks, using mullet heads for bait and a big penn deep sea reel with wire leader. It was late afternoon, tide was going out, sun was setting when suddenly both reels began to scream off line. As I watched with excitement, both dads struggle to land their fish, which we soon realized it was a big jack cravalle that had hit one bait, then immediately hit the other. It took both men to pull in that one fish. We had quite a laugh. We would often spend the time at that location fishing for shark. On one afternoon we had a big blacktip right to the boat that her dad had fought for some time. As I took aim to shoot the beast, I accidentally shot the line and as we watched it swim away, I earned the nickname Cowboy. One day, he and I were fishing one of the Gulf gas rigs about three miles out. It was storming on the beach but quite dry around the rig. I suddenly noticed that the engine was not running.

Doug opened the floor hatch to check the battery cables, and even though being a retired Navy man, almost got a little seasick. I had already beat him to that sad feeling.

I went below, grabbed the big Motorola bag phone, and called a friend for help. Jon Anderson, the country singer known for “just a swinging” and Seminole Wind, came to my rescue. I had been running on both batteries with the idea of charging them but to my surprise, the alternator had died thus killing both batteries. I’ll never do that again.

The photo in this article is Doug McBay, my fatherin-law, and myself about 30 plus years ago. I had caught the 7-foot hammerhead in a gill net, which is most likely illegal today. I borrowed a bump gun from a boat captain at the marina with the idea of swimming underwater and killing the monster. I decided that was not a good idea.

The shark unfortunately drowned being tangled in the net so we retrieved it with a large hook and rope. I still have the teeth. Doug helped me build the beach house where we now live.

This article is dedicated to Doug McBay, a friend, fatherin-law, strong talented man of God who passed away late February of this year at the age of 92. There are far too many great memories to mention of time spent with him on the beautiful coast of Gulf Shores, which we are now blessed to call home.

With all that said, spend time with your family, teach the kids to hunt and fish, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

For more info contact Capt. Phil islandwestcharter@yahoo.com www.islandwestcharters.com

April 2016 ● Beachin 31

OPENS AT THE WHARF

By John Mullen

johnm@gulfcoastmedia.com There may be servers dancing on the bar after hours, but the new Cowgirls at The Wharf will also be a family-friendly place in the early evening.

“Basically during the normal operating hours, we’ll be accommodating to the families,” said Shirley Leffler, who owns the bar with her husband. “We’ve got some really neat things going on. We’ll have a full restaurant.

After hours we don’t want to mix the younger crowd with the adults so we’ll have a timeframe where all the kids are cleared out.”

This isn’t a new concept for the Lefflers and this will be the second one they’ve opened.

“We have another location up in Idaho,” Leffler said.

“We wanted to bring the concept here. Our location we currently have now is pretty much similar in size and allows to accommodate what we’re doing and expand on what we do.”

Sunday through Wednesdays the restaurant is currently open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. On Thursday through Saturday operating hours will be 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

The menu includes a variety of traditional foods, burgers and sandwiches with a focus on barbecue 32 Beachin ● April 2016

platters and brick oven pizzas.

“Its traditional, but old style so it’s pretty amazing,” Leffler said. “Our food is awesome. “We pride ourselves on customer service and making sure that we work well with everybody around us.”

The Lefflers have moved their base of operations from Kuna, Idaho and now call the Gulf Coast home.

“My husband and I have relocated to the area so we will hands-on owners,” Leffler said. “We run our own business and you’ll see us all the time there. You’ll see our kids. You’ll see the family. They are all working for us so we big vested interest in this to make sure it’s successful.

“Were excited and everybody’s been amazing to work with around here.”

Plans for expanding the business and the services offered are already in the works.

“As soon as I get settled we’ll be able to do catering,” she said. “We’ll be able to do weddings, we’ll be able to do mobile events. We will be busy. It’s not just one entity. We’ll keep growing. We have so much to offer and things we want to do.” gulfvisitorguide.com

April 16 The Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival boils up a beaucoup (Cajun for a lot) of fun on Saturday, April 16. Sink your teeth into some hot, juicy, lip-smacking crawfish while dancing to the infectious rhythms of some of the best Zydeco bands from around the South. There will be crawfish races, arts and crafts vendors, and children’s activities.

If that’s not enough, you’ll have the chance to work up an appetite with the 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Run beginning at 8:00 a.m., starting at Waterway Village next to Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores.

Then after the race, stay for free beer and refreshments! Part of the proceeds go to a local animal rescue, Furrever Homes. For race information, visit harleysports.com.

The pots will begin boiling at 10 a.m. and we’ll laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll) all day long with Zydeco sounds grooving until 6 p.m.

LEARN MORE AT GSOB.CO/CRAWFISH Participating Restaurants:

gulfvisitorguide.com

10 am-6 PM Waterway Village in Gulf Shores Under the Intracoastal Bridge (North & South Side) 225 East 24th Avenue Gulf Shores festival FREE to the public 5K RUN/WALK and 1 Mile Fun Run

Presented by

April 2016 ● Beachin 33

32nd Annual Mullet Toss returns to Flora-Bama WHAT: Interstate Mullet Toss and Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party WHEN: Friday, April 22 - Sunday, April 24 LOCATION: Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store 34 Beachin ● April 2016

gulfvisitorguide.com

The legendary Interstate Mullet Toss is always held the last full weekend in April on the beaches in front of the Flora-Bama. What started as just a reason to party has become one of the biggest beach parties on the coast.

Those who participate in the Mullet Toss will throw a dead mullet over the state line from a 10-foot circle in Florida across the state line into Alabama to see who gets the farthest. Not to mention a great excuse to throw a weekend long party, with lots of fun activities, great music and food!

Hotel bookings are done months in advance for this event. People travel from across the globe to see what all the fuss is about at the Flora-Bama; the memories are priceless.

A contribution for each fish flung will go to Local Youth Charities, including local school education and prevention gulfvisitorguide.com

program from the Community Drug and Alcohol Council, Inc. (CDAC) which offers programs, community support and collaboration to address drug and alcohol abuse, tobacco, mental health issues and violence both in the home and on our streets.

Each year, with the help of it’s participants, the event raises and contributes over $20,000 to local charities, especially youth organizations.

For more information, call 850-492-0611 or visit http:// www.florabama.com. *A mullet is one of the more popular and plentiful fish indigenous to this area. It is the only fish with a gizzard and is said to possess mystical properties. Known as bait fish on the east coast and a local delicacy here.

April 2016 â—? Beachin 35

Music at Meyer park

David Jones, Modern Eldorados, Jamell Richardson

The City of Gulf Shores has announced the lineup for their Music at Meyer Park concert series. These annual springtime concerts have become a fan favorite for locals and visitors alike.

On March 31, David Jones takes the stage to kick off the series. Jones emerged from the gulf coast with a fresh approach to the jazz world.

Classified as “soul jazz” the sharp trumpet work, backed by a cool rhythm section combined with smooth vocals results in a high energy show sure to please all music lovers. After 30 years out of the music writing business he sat down at the piano and wrote 8 of the 10 songs on his debut CD “Beautiful Music.”

Jones is ready for the next step in his career touring larger shows and venues across the county.

Mobile-based rockabilly country band Modern Eldorados takes over Meyer Park on April 7. Their CD “The Rockmart Demos” has been gaining airplay in both 36 Beachin ● April 2016

America and Europe. The band was also featured on a PBS live concert series “Studio Amped.”

The band includes Tyron “Gretsch” Lyles on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Monte Tredway on lead guitar and harmony vocals, Bruce Nystrom on bass guitar and harmony vocals and Jason Bagwell on drums.

Jamell Richardson “The Gulf Coast Blues Boy” will close out the 2016 edition of Music at Meyer Park on April 21. In 2014, he released is debut EP “Gulf Coast Blues Boy.” Music lovers may recognize Richardson from the 2015 Hangout Music Festival. He was selected as the winner of last year’s “Reach the Beach” contest. Known for Jimi Hendrix style guitar tricks, “B. B. King-like” facial expressions and incredible stage presence this fiery yet classic style is sure to wow the crowd!

All Music at Meyer Park concerts are free to the public and begin at 6 p.m. The Erie H. Meyer Civic Center will serve as a backup location in the event of rain. gulfvisitorguide.com

Shop thefe! i L h c a e B

Designer Swimwear, Resort Wear, Beach-Ready Essentials

The Signature Dress

Distinctive Gifts and Jewelry

10%

OFF ANY PURCHASE One coupon per customer per visit.

Not valid with any other specials, discounts or coupons.

251.981.8444

Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Orange Beach gulfvisitorguide.com

Exp. 5/31/16

Collegiate Merchandise • Home Accessories and Flags

251.948.7467

Pelican Place • Suite 320 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy Open 7 Days a Week

April 2016 ● Beachin 37

Kids Eat FREE Every Day!

Receive one FREE Kids Meal with each Adult Entreé Purchase 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

12 and under

1605 S. McKenzie St. (Hwy. 59) Foley, AL 36535 251-207-2700

Sun.-Thur. 6 a.m.-10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 6 a.m.-12 a.m.

30179 Eastern Shore Ct Spanish Fort, AL 36527 251-625-2345

Spanish Fort is Open 24 Hours

20% OFF Total Purchase

20% OFF Total Purchase

Not valid with any other coupons or discounts.

One Coupon per transaction.

Coupon Expires 6/25/16 Foley & Spanish Fort Locations Only

Not valid with any other coupons or discounts.

One Coupon per transaction.

Coupon Expires 6/25/16 Foley & Spanish Fort Locations Only

For an exciting lunch or dinner you just can’t beat.

Come Empty. Leave Full...and hopefully Have a Laugh or two!

Open 10:30 am-til Daily 2981 S. McKenzie • Foley, AL 36535 251-943-7655 • www.throwedrolls.com 38 Beachin ● April 2016

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ADVERTISEMENT

Anthony Jones ... Well Worth A Visit!

Voted The Best Salon in Baldwin County in 2014

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

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

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

Pam, my friend, went first since I was a li�le chicken a�er the last experiences.

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

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

Now it was my turn, my hair especially in the summer gets very frizzy and dry; I have tried everything out there for my hair with no success! Anthony explained that commercial hair products are made different to professional hair products.

Commercial shampoos are made of mild detergent and the condi�oners are based on petroleum oil. Where professional hair products are pure and natural and give back to the hair, he also went on to say that we should all wash our hair every day and condi�on our hair the same.

Anthony explained that at all �mes our hair has to have at least 8% moisture in it the same as our skin, we should treat our hair the same way as we treat our skin, by moisturizing it every day which made a lot of sense to me, since the last stylist told me not to wash my hair every day because in her mind it would dry it out. Anthony explained to me that yes using some drug store products would dry your hair out if washed daily. A�er we went through the ten rules, he took me to the shampoo area and treated me to the best shampoo and condi�oning my hair had ever had.

While shampooing, Emma explained to me what I should do in the morning in the shower, again stressing no over-thecounter hair products, that’s why my hair is dry and frizzy.

A�er shampooing and before condi�oning, towel blot the hair because the hair is porous like a sponge, pu�ng any condi�oner on one’s hair when it is full of water will not go into the hair itself, so blot it first then apply the product and leave it in while you are washing yourself. Then before you leave the shower, rinse and count up to 10 slowly and stop, just rinse the excess and no more.

A�er she explained to me the hows & whys, I understood.

They are like hair doctors, if we listen and do what they says it works!

Anthony has his own line of products and everything he used on me was his and believe me the stuff works. The cut he gave me was wonderful; I walked out a new woman and so did Pam, no more frizzes! Oh, by the way he used a great product before he dried my hair called “POTION.” It is a gel with a lot of healing features with body, fabulous! I bought a bo�le. Best money we ever spent and yes, we are definitely going back. He is a true professional.

Well worth a visit!

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

Please say we sent you! www.anthonyjonesinc.net April 2016 ● Beachin 39

beachin’ churches Assembly of God

Catholic

Christian Life the Island Church 25550 Canal Rd., Orange Beach 251-967-4840 www.christianlifechurch.tv

Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church 308 E. 22nd Ave., Gulf Shores 251-968-7062 www.ourladyofthegulfal.org

Gulfway Church 541 Cotton Creek Dr. (Co. Rd. 4), Gulf Shores 251-968-6858 www.gulfwaychurch.com

St. Thomas By The Sea 26547 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach 251-981-8132 www.stthomasbythesea.org

Baptist

First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores 2200 W. 1st St., Gulf Shores 251-968-7369 First Baptist Church of Orange Beach 4773 Bay Circle, Orange Beach 251-981-4288 www.firstbaptistorangebeach.com Fisherman Baptist Church 17101 River Rd., Bon Secour 251-949-6387 www.fomm.org Friendship Baptist Church 7159 County Rd. 10, Bon Secour 251-949-6486 Island Fellowship Baptist Church 28290 Canal Rd., Orange Beach 251-980-1005 Lagoon Baptist Church 17867 State Highway 180 W., Gulf Shores 251-968-7057 www.lagoonbc.com Oyster Bay Baptist Church, SBC 4280 Plash Rd., Gulf Shores 251-968-7805 www.oysterbaybaptist.org Romar Beach Baptist Church 23370 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach 251-981-8959 www.romarbeach.org Shell Banks Baptist Church 12125 State Highway 180, Gulf Shores 251-540-7136 40 Beachin ● April 2016

Church of Christ

Church of Christ Gulf Shores 2414 W. 1st St., Gulf Shores 251-968-7769 www.gulfshoreschurchofchrist.org

Episcopal

Holy Spirit Episcopal Church 616 Fort Morgan Rd., Gulf Shores 251-968-5988 www.holyspiritepiscopalgulfshores.com St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 6270 Bon Secour Highway, Bon Secour 251-949-6254

Greek Orthodox

St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Chapel 220 E. 20th Ave., Gulf Shores 251-967-2020 stathanasios.al.goarch.org

Lutheran

Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA 491 W. 23rd Ave., Gulf Shores 251-968-5991 Peace Lutheran Church 8250 Roscoe Rd., Gulf Shores 251-974-2545 St. Jude’s By The Sea Lutheran Church 312 E. 16th Ave., Gulf Shores 251-968-5833

Methodist-United Gulf Shores United Methodist Church 1900 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores 251-968-2411 www.gulfshoresumc.org

Morgan’s Chapel United Methodist Church Highway 10, across from Swift School, Bon Secour 251-949-7400 Orange Beach United Methodist Church 28751 Canal Rd., Orange Beach 251-981-6751 www.orangebeachumc.org

Non-Denominational

Christian Service Center Programs: Emergency Aid, Food Pantry, Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy and Meals on Wheels 317 Dolphin Ave., Gulf Shores 251-968-5256 www.cscgs.com Iglesia Casa De Luz Companerismo Cristiano 225 E. 24th Ave., Gulf Shores 251-948-3467 Safe Harbor House of Prayer Multi-Culture Full Gospel 7320 Bon Secour Highway, Bon Secour 251-223-3615 St. Andrew By The Sea, A Community Church 17263 Fort Morgan Rd., Gulf Shores 251-968-3900 www.standrewbythesea.org Worship on the Water Flora-Bama Lounge 17401 Perdido Key Dr, Perdido Key, FL http://www.centralonline.tv/Flora-Bama (850) 483-6274

Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church (USA) of Gulf Shores 309 E. 21st Ave., Gulf Shores 251-968-7720 www.gspres.com Orange Beach Presbyterian Church 26640 Canal Rd., Orange Beach 251-981-4220 www.orangebeachpresbyterian.org

gulfvisitorguide.com

dining

guide featuring Featuring Chef Sam St. George of Benedetto’s Italian Ristorante

in this issue Cayman Grill Benedetto’s Italian Ristorante Desoto’s Restaurant LuLu’s Fish River Grill Gulf Shores Steamer Tacky Jacks Papa Roccos Original Oyster House Bill’s by the Beach

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April 2016 ● Beachin 41

42 Beachin â—? April 2016

gulfvisitorguide.com

Legendary Gulf Coast Eats with a Laid Back Vibe [best shopping & waterfront dining]

Locals love

our

Daily Salad Bar

gulfvisitorguide.com

NORTH OF GULF SHORES BEACH GREAT SHOPS & KIDS’ PLAYGROUND

Gulf Shores 701 HWY 59 251.948.2445

OriginalOysterHouse.com

Mobile Causeway 3733 Battleship Pkwy 251.626.2188 April 2016 ● Beachin 43

“Italian Cuisine with a Local Flare” Hand-C Steaksut

Exquisite Italian Wine Selections

Stunning V

iews!

Delicious ed ft House Cra rt e Dess s

Freshly Rolled Pasta Every Day

Chef Saormge St. Ge

s ’ o t t e d e n e B e t n a r o t s i R n a i Ital JOIN US FOR ELEGANT ITALIAN DINING

26619 Perdido Blvd. • Located at Zeke’s Landing Marina

44 Beachin ● April 2016

251.981.0032

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Appetizers

Smoked Tomato Bruschetta Grilled Crostini, Roasted Garlic, Smoked Roma Tomato, Basil, Balsamic Reduction

Entrées

Fresh Seafood Specials Hoppin’ John Risotto

Tempura Battered Fried Okra

Arborio Rice, Black Eyed Peas, Bacon, Pecorino Romano, Shallots, Garlic, White Wine

Pan Seared Crawfish Cakes

Italian Style Shrimp and Grits

Arborio Rice, Mozzarella, Conecuh Sausage, Spinach, Pomodoro

Prosciutto Parmesan, Arugula, Stuffed Chicken Breast Supreme

Oysters

Soups

Parmesan Broth Smoked Tomato Soup Seasonal Southern Style Cioppino

Salads Panzanella

Herbed Garlic Croutons, Spring Mix, Roasted Roma Tomatoes, Fine Julienned Vidalia Onion, Cucumber, Pecorino Romano Crispy Prosciutto, Bacon Lardoons, Strawberry Vinaigrette, Port Poached Onions, Arugula, Goat Cheese, Spring Mix, Heirloom Tomatoes, Basil, Pickled Garlic, Chianti Poached Onions, Feta, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Finished with Olive Oil Berry Salad Spring Mix, Black Berries, Blue Berries, Strawberries, Dried Cranberries, Honey-Lavender Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese, Granola

Children's Menu Available

Vegetarian Gnocchi Hand Cut Steaks Filet or NY Strip

Specialty Pasta Carbonara

Linguini, Bacon, Brined Chicken, Hearty Cream Sauce, Braised Collard Greens, Smoked Tomatoes, Garnish with Basil Chiffonade and Basil Leaf Lobster Ravioli Ravioli Stuffed with Whipped Ricotta, Fresh Lobster Claw Meat served with Creamy Smoked Tomato-Crab Sauce, Chives and Shaved Pecorino Cheese Vegetarian Ravioli Pappardelle, Pork Ragout, Heirloom Tomato, Shaved Pecorino and Chives

Desserts Gelato

Amaretto Molten Lava Cake, Choice of Ice Cream, Bourbon Caramel Sauce Southern Style Pecan Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel Sauce and Chocolate Drizzled Bacon Zeppoles

s ’ o t t e d e n e B e t n a r o t s i R Italian

JOIN US FOR ELEGANT ITALIAN DINING

26619 Perdido Blvd. • Located at Zeke’s Landing Marina

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251.981.0032

April 2016 ● Beachin 45

46 Beachin â—? April 2016

gulfvisitorguide.com

gulfvisitorguide.com

April 2016 â—? Beachin 47

za! er” z g of i r e P u B m y s o y H , Lou Your Dadd r e e B Warm the “Who’s g Tomato.” ng e “Flyin i r u t a e F and th

S O CC

O R A P

PA

& r a B r e t Oys izzeria P

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

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

Steam ‘em up with a ‘lil drawn butter & lemon • Award-Winning Oyster Specialties: • Hot Shucks Cajun • Baked • Alfredo • Rockyfeller • Parmesan • Fiesta 48 Beachin ● April 2016

www.paparocco.com gulfvisitorguide.com

Visit our website for our current nightly music line up!

Rocco’s Appetizers

14” LARGE

14” LARGE

April 2016 ● Beachin 49

14” LARGE

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

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

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

10” SMALL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10” SMALL

Papa’s Specialty Pizza

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10” SMALL

Papa’s Pizza

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

SERVED WITH GARLIC BREAD AND COLESLAW

Papa’s Steamed Specials

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

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

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for complete menu details

www.paparocco.com

Cajun Oysters (Whooee!)

Oysters Alfredo Oysters Fiesta

* TO GO ORDERS WELCOME *

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

★ Oyster Specialties ★

Oysters

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

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

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

Mama’s Italian Specialties

Papa’s Specialties

Who’s Your Daddy Burger! Try it we DARE YOU! ............................................. $15.95 Rocky’s Knock Out Burger........ $8.95 Ultimate Chicken Sandwich ............ $9.95 Add Bacon .................................1.00 Grilled Chicken Sandwich ............... $8.95 Add Bleu Cheese Crumbles ........ 75¢ Reuben ......................................... $10.25 Alpine Burger.......................... $ 9.95 Hot Dog .......................................... $4.25 Patty Melt ............................. $ 10.95 Coney Island Chili Dog.................... $5.95 Meatball Sandwich ................. $ 8.95 Baked French Onion Sou ................ $6.50 Italian Sausage Sandwich....... $ 8.95 Bowl Chili ....................................... $5.50 French Dip .............................. $ 8.95 Baked Chili ..................................... $6.75 Philly Cheese Steak ................ $ 9.95 BLT .................................................$6.25 Papa’s Prime Steak Sandwich $11.95

CHECK OUT OUR WINTER MENU

10 Items Under $10!!!

Voted Top Ten Seafood Restaurant In USA

By Coastal Living

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

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

251.948.6344 Closed on Wednesday

50 Beachin ● April 2016

GETTIN’ STEAMED gulfvisitorguide.com

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

251.948.6344

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

Appetizer Selection

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

Salads Shrimp Salad • Cobb Salad

Sandwiches

Served with chips and all the fixin’s *Hot & Juicy Hamburger *Tuna Sandwich Chicken Sandwich Hot Dog Grilled PoBoy’s *Steak Sandwich Crab Delight Grilled Cheese

Land Lover’s

Served with corn, potato and cole slaw *Filet Mignon *Ribeye Steak Grilled Chicken Garden Steamer

Gettin’ Steamed Platters

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

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

Fresh Fish Selection

Served with corn, potato and cole slaw Extra For Blackened Seasoning Red Fish, Mahi-Mahi, Tilapia, Whitefish or Our Fresh Catch *Yellowfin Tuna Crab Cakes Stuffed Fish

The “Little Shrimp” Selection Served with Chips 4 Oz. Burger • Hot Dog Grilled Chicken Fingers Grilled Cheese • (2)PB & J

Desserts

Key Lime Pie French Silk Chocolate Pie New York Style Cheesecake

A la Carte

Shrimp Skewer Snow Crab Cluster Lobster Tail

Sides

Cole Slaw, Corn or New Potatoes Cauliflower or Broccoli

Beverages

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

Wines

By The Glass, By The Bottle, Premium Bottle

Merlot, White Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Pinot Grigio

Beer

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

Frozen Daiquiri

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

*All Prices Are Subject To Change Without Notice Due to Market and Availability* We Serve Our Food Hot & Fresh, So Please Allow Time For A Quality Product

Consumer Information: consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions, such as chronic illness of the liver or blood, or have immune disorders.

*Cooked To Order Items are Identified by Asterisks.

gulfvisitorguide.com

April 2016 ● Beachin 51

W Aw in ar ni d ng D il Daily Lunch Specials

includes Swamp

& Dessert

py p HaouAr -6PM M H Y 11

Soup

Mon. thru Fri.

Y DA L BAR R E EV FUL PRICES H T BES E BEAC H ON T

“HOME OF THE ORIGINAL”

Fish River Grill #3

Fish River Grill #2

(Next to Rouses)

(Foley Plaza on Hwy. 59)

251.948.1110

251.952.FISH (3474)

GULF SHORES 1545 Gulf Shores Pkwy.

FOLEY 608 S. McKenzie

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Gulf Shores Later Hours Spring & Summer

52 Beachin ● April 2016

gulfvisitorguide.com

W Aw in ar ni d ng 1545 Gulf Shores Parkway • Gulf Shores, Alabama ma (Next to Rouses)

251.948.1110

OMG! SHRIMP FEAST POBOY!!!

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

(Served w/ Fries, Coleslaw, Hushpuppies, Fried Okra, Tartar or Cocktail Sauce & Swamp Soup) Bayou Seafood Platter - Fried Gator, Frog Legs, Shrimp, Oyster, Catfish Seafood Platter - Fried Shrimp, Oyster, Catfish Cajun Golden Fried Catfish Platter - (U.S. Raised) tols Crawrefi’sshNoPthising Fried Select Oyster Platter The ! m ‘E e Lik Fried Shrimp Platter - (Approx. 14-15) Fried Gator Platter

RAW OYS T BAR ER

VOTED BEST BURGERS IN BALDWIN COUNTY

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

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

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

APPETIZERS ~ SALADS ~ POBOYS & SANDWICHES ~ KIDS MENU DON’T FORGET YOUR SWEET THANG

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

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

608 S. McKenzie Street • (Foley Plaza on Hwy. 59) Foley, Alabama

251.952.FISH (3474)

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1545 Gulf Shores Pkwy (Next to Rouses) Gulf Shores, Alabama April 2016 ● Beachin 53 251.948.1110

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Gulf Shores Later Hours Spring & Summer

www.Desotosseafoodkitchen.com

Voted “People’s Choice” •Best Lunch • Best Dinner • Best Seafood

Since

also been voted

• Friendliest Staff

A visit” es t s u “m Shor f l u G hile in

w

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

Award-winning Fish and Shimp Specialties Casual Family Atmosphere Reasonable Prices Available, Senior Menu Available, 5:330 0pmm from 3pm - 5:

54 Beachin ● April 2016

Seafood f d Kitchen h

gulfvisitorguide.com

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

138 West 1st Ave Gulf Shores, AL

251-948-7294

www.Desotosseafoodkitchen.com

Seafood Kitchen

SALA SA LAD LA D SALADS Dressings: Honey-Mustard, Ranch, Bleu

Lunch Lunc Lu nch h Me Menu

HOME-STYLE LUNCH SPECIALS

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

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

7.99 7.99 7.99 7.99 7.99 7.99 7.99 7.99 7.99 7.99 7.99 7.99 7.99

(Served with french fries)

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

Add House or Substitute Salad for side dish 1.99 Po-Boy Sandwich 10.99 Cheeseburger 7.99 Crab Cake Po-Boy 11.99 *Monte Cristo Sandwich 8.99

STARTERS Oysters on the Half Shell 1/2 dozen 8.99................1 dozen 16.99 Southern Style Crab Cakes 12.99 Shrimp Remoulade 8.99 Crab, Spinach & Artichoke Dip 9.99 Coconut Shrimp 8.99 Stuffed Mushrooms 8.99 Alligator Bites 8.99 Fried Crab Claws 1/2 lb........17.99 1 lb........29.99 Tuna Dip 9.99 Sweet Potato French Fry Basket 9.99 Fried Green Tomatoes 6.99 GUMBO & SOUP Seafood Gumbo cup....4.75 bowl....6.49 Crab & Shrimp Bisque cup....5.25 bowl....7.99 FRIED SEAFOOD FAVORITES (Served with your choice of two side dishes)

gulfvisitorguide.com

Riviera Salad 7.25 - with pecan chicken tenders 9.99 - with chicken tenders 8.99 - with boiled shrimp 9.99 - with grilled or blackened chicken 8.99 Caesar Salad 7.25 - w/grilled or blackened chicken 8.99 - w/boiled shrimp 9.99 Gumbo & Salad - a cup of Seafood Gumbo and our 7.99 Bisque & Salad 8.50 SEAFOOD FAVORITES (Served with your choice of two side dishes)

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

3.25 1.99 11.99 14.99 16.99 12.99 11.99 15.99

SEAFOOD PLATTERS

Dinner Menu

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

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

16.99 14.99 18.99 20.99 17.99 17.99 18.99 15.99

(Served with your choice of two side dishes)

Shrimp Lover’s Platter Fried Seafood Platter Broiled Seafood Platter Creole Platter Caribbean Platter Crab Platter SEAFOOD SPECIALTIES

17.99 18.99 16.99 18.99 18.99 23.99

Stuffed Shrimp Shrimp Scampi Blackened Catfish Coconut Shrimp Grilled Shrimp Shrimp Creole Crawfish Etoufee Crab Cake Dinner STEAMED SEAFOOD

17.99 18.99 17.99 16.99 17.99 17.99 17.99 17.99

(Served with your choice of two side dishes)

(Served with new potatoes & one side)

Snow Crab Legs - 2 lbs.

29.99 Royal Red Shrimp - 1 lb.

28.99 Combo - 1/2 pound Royal Reds & 1 pound Snow Crab 27.99 TONIGHT’S CATCH (Served with your choice of two side dishes) Choose from the following preparation styles:

Fried Catch Blackened Catch Grilled Catch Broiled Catch

17.99 17.99 17.99 17.99

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

16.99 Combo - 1/2 lb. Each 18.99 Crab Cakes - 2 cakes 13.99 PASTA Fettuccini Alfredo 10.99 - w\grilled or blackened chicken 11.99 - with shrimp or crawfish 13.99 Basil Pesto Pasta - with Roma Tomatoes 10.99 - with grilled chicken 11.99 - with shrimp 13.99 SIDE DISHES Fried Green Tomatoes ~ Green Beans Turnip Greens ~Sweet Potato Casserole Corn Fritters ~ French Fries Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy ~ Fried Okra Au Gratin Potatoes ~ Steamed Veggies Kernel Corn ~ Yellow Rice Black-Eyed Peas ~ Cole Slaw Lima Beans ~ Macaroni & Cheese

New Orleans Catch Mediterranean Catch Caribbean Catch *Pecan Encrusted Catch *Paneed Catch LAND LOVER’S FARE

22.99 22.99 18.99 21.99 22.99

(Served with your choice of two side dishes)

Hawaiian Rib-eye - (12 oz.)

22.99 - add jumbo grilled or fried shrimp add $5.00 Jamaica-Jerk Chicken 15.99 Grilled Chicken Breasts 15.99 Fried Chicken Tenders 15.99 PASTA Fettuccini Alfredo 14.99 - with grilled or blackened chicken 17.99 - with shrimp or crawfish 19.99 Scallops Alfredo 18.99 Shrimp & Pasta Marsala 21.99 Basil-Pesto Pasta 15.99 - with grilled chicken 18.99 - with shrimp 18.99 SIDE DISHES Substitute House or Caesar Salad for a Side Dish - Add $1.99 Sweet Potato Casserole ~ Cole Slaw Baked Potato ~ Steamed Vegetables Yellow Rice ~ French Fries Fried Green Tomatoes

April 2016 ● Beachin 55

56 Beachin â—? April 2016

gulfvisitorguide.com

gulfvisitorguide.com

April 2016 â—? Beachin 57

Bill’s By The Beach Weekend Brunch This menu available Saturday & Sunday only from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

EYE OPENERS Mimosa Poinsettia Bloody Mary

$2 $4 $5

BRUNCH Banana Fosters Pancake 3 Griddled Pancakes, Fresh Banana slice Nutella/Fosters Sauce/Cream Cheese Powdered Sugar. Choice of Bill's Bacon or Deans Breakfast Sausage S.O.S. (Seafood On A Shingle) Sourdough Toast/Seafood Gravy/Choice of Breakfast Potatoes, Cheese Grits, or Seasonal Fruit G.O.B. Benedict Southern Style Biscuit/Deans Breakfast Sausage/Sawmill Gravy/Sunny Side Up Egg. Choice of Breakfast Potatoes, Cheese Grits, or Seasonal Fruit Sweet Tea Fried Chicken Sweet Tea marinated Chicken Breast Coastal Slaw/House Pickles/Pretzel Bun Choice of Breakfast Potatoes or Sidewinder Fries ??? & Grits Choice of Grillades, Blackened or Fried Gulf Shrimp, or Seasonal Fish/Oakview Farms Goat Cheese Grits/Sauce Piquant

The Incredible Egg Three Eggs any style/Choice of Breakfast Potatoes, Cheese Grits, or Seasonal Fruit Choice of Bill's Bacon or Deans Breakfast Sausage/Choice of Bagel, Southern Biscuit, or Sourdough Toast.

Sand Wedge Iceberg/Maytag Blue Cheese/Pickled Red Onion/Boiled Egg/Bill's Bacon/Roasted Tomatoes/Banana Nut Crouton/Herb Bleu Cheese Dressing - Add Chicken or Shrimp Steak & Eggs 6oz Bistro Filet/Two Eggs/Choice of Breakfast Potatoes, Cheese Grits, or Seasonal Fruit Three Little Pig Hash Bill's Bacon/Andouille/Pit Ham/Breakfast Potatoes and Vegetable Trinity/Two Sunny Side Up Eggs Breakfast Burger 1/2 lb proprietary ground beef/Choice of Cheese/Bill's Bacon/Grilled Pineapple Sunny Side Up Egg/Shredded Lettuce Sliced Tomato/Caramel Onions/Comeback Sauce. Choice of Breakfast Potatoes or Sidewinder Fries KIDS BRUNCH $6 Available for ages 12 and under only Two eggs any style/Choice of Bill's Bacon or Breakfast Sausage Choice of Cheese Grits/Breakfast Potatoes/Seasonal Fruit Choice of Southern Biscuit/Sourdough Toast /Pancake

Visit bbtb.com/menus to view our $10 & UNDER LUNCH MENU available weekdays starting at 11:00 AM 58 Beachin ● April 2016

Menu subject to change without notice.

gulfvisitorguide.com

251-948-5227 | 300 West Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL 36542

We know you love our beach!

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach strive to provide a safe, clean, family-friendly environment. You can help protect the coast by observing beach rules and regulations.

Enjoy the beach responsibly and safely.

Prohibited items include glass containers, fires, pets & loud music.

PLEASE REMOVE ALL PERSONAL ITEMS DAILY Any personal property left on the beach one hour after sunset will be removed and disposed of overnight.

For more information, check www.cleanisland.org

Selfie Contest

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& Dinner for 2 in Your Selfie

Lights

Visit OriginalOysterHouse.com/not2crabby

Since 2010

Free People Lauren James THML Escapada Level 99 Eight Sixty Black Swan Minkpink Gentle Fawn Others Follow Lavender Brown Somedays Lovin

Kate Spade Gifts Lilly Pulitzer Gifts Ginger Snaps Vera Bradley Mamie Ruth Z Supply Hobo Report Jack Rogers Chocolat Blu Mickey & Jenny Love Poppy Jewelry

701 C HWY 59 | Gulf Shores, AL

251-948-5684 ShopGeezLouise.com

We are on the use Original Oyster Ho xt door Boardwalk right ne to the restaurant.