Beachin' - Oct.-Dec. 2022

BEACHiN’

Small town, big brew

Big Beach Brewing Company just turned 6. All indications say Alabama’s southernmost brewery is just getting started.

A publication of Gulf Coast Media

Publisher

Vince Johnson vince@gulfcoastmedia.com

Executive Editor

Kayla Green kayla@gulfcoastmedia.com

Managing Editor

Allison Marlow allisonm@gulfcoastmedia.com

Design and Layout

Micah Green

Janel Strieter

McKinzie Daniels

Jordan Dyess Writing

Melanie LeCroy

Allison Marlow

Jessica Vaughn

Photography

Micah Green

Jordan Dyess

Advertising

Frank Kustura frank@gulfcoastmedia.com 251.923.8129

Bethany Summerlin bethany@gulfcoastmedia.com 251.266.9982

Beachin’ magazine is published quarterly 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.

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about the cover

Big Beach Brewing Company’s head brewer, Rod Murray, center, stands among hops and tanks where the magic happens behind the taproom. Rod works a 10-barrel brewing system and six fermenters that allows Big Beach to present up to 12 beers on tap at a time. Their tank-to-tap system means that rather than running draught lines from kegs, they use eight 300-gallon vessels, which can be seen from the taproom, that store their beer and keep it fresh. Rod is seen with three of the four-member Shamburger family, from left to right, Julie, Jim and Ryan. Not pictured is Ryan’s sister, Millie. As he often does, accompanying Jim and Julie is Ragz. Photo by Micah Green.

COVER STORY

Big Beach Brewing Company was born out of a hobby gift from a daughter to her father. Now it’s thriving as the south ernmost brewery in Alabama. 14

Castles

Get Off the Beaten Path with a trip to the not-so-hidden Fair hope castles

Randy

New Orange Beach City Schools Superintendent Randy Wilkes shares his 7 Things

Brews

Take a visit inside the 6-year-old brewery and taproom in Gulf Shores.

Events

Trying to find something to do with family in town? Want to try a new experi ence? Check out these sea sonal happenings.

Fashion

The 2022 Fairhope Fashion Guide is bigger and better than ever. Find all the East ern Shore trends and list ings of local boutiques.

WASN’T IN THE BROCHURE!

series exploring nearby places off the beaten path.

Castles of Fairhope

Words by Allison Marlow | Photos by Micah Green

W

hen Pagan Sheldon Mosher was a child, she had her very own fairy tale hideaway.

It was a three-story tower embel lished with stone that was hand-car ried from the shores of Mobile Bay.

Inside was a set of winding, narrow stairs that led to a platform. There, a ladder on the wall marked the last steps to a hatch in the ceiling – the entry to a magical place, high above the world, closer to the treetops and the stars. That place inspired the young girl and her creative family.

To find THE CASTLES , take Alabama-59 and turn left on County Road 32. Follow that to U.S. Hwy 98, turn right. Follow 98 into Fairhope and turn left onto Morphy Avenue, just past Thomas Hospital. Turn right onto South Bancroft Street and then take a right on Oak Avenue. The castles are located at 456 Oak Ave. in Fairhope.

“I loved it up there. I was up in the pines,” Mosher said. “And when someone came to visit who I didn’t want to see, I sat on the hatch, and they couldn’t get in my room.”

That childhood haven of magic and tales became known as Sheldon Castle, started by her father, Craig Sheldon, in 1946 after he returned from the Pacific in World War II.

Two more castles have since sprung. Pagan is a retired professional dancer and co-owner, director and instructor at Cre ative Outlet Dance Center. Her husband is

nationally recognized historical artist Dean Mosher. Together they built their very own kingdom in the heart of Fairhope.

Those three castles, and the magical creatures that call the property home, are open for visitors to admire and even stay the night.

The original, Sheldon Castle, started after Pagan’s parents moved to the area when they couldn’t afford a down payment elsewhere. Pagan said her father struggled as a child during the Great Depression and

longed to be somewhere he could afford to feed his family. Fairhope’s Single Tax Colo ny gave him the ability to obtain property.

The home’s whimsical look was a product of necessity. Her father brought home leftover shingles from his construction jobs, building his roof like a patchwork quilt. The house was built with tile from nearby Clay City and covered in stone hauled from Mobile Bay. He embellished the outer walls with tools, cookware, bottles and other everyday items.

The family calls the house a “testament to what the imagination can do within a strict budget.”

When the Moshers obtained land next to her parents’ castle home, they began work on Mosher Castle. Its tower stretches high er into the sky. A bridge welcomes guests and hides the occasional troll when elementary school students walk by on Friday morning on their way to class.

The final structure, Boom Castle, was finished in 2020. The Booms are longtime friends of both families and looked to the writ ings of JRR Tolkien as inspiration for the 7-foot, round red dragon door that welcomes guests.

As the final castle took shape, and COVID-19 lockdowns con tinued, the families noticed that tiny princesses and princes in costume began appearing for photo ops. The walk past the castles became a frequent destination for locals weary from long hours stuck at home.

“The world was falling apart, but I had little boys and girls in costume enjoying my yard,” Pagan said. “It was so much fun to see. It’s uplifting to see what we can do to inspire people and make them feel good. Our mission has become to bring joy.”

That the house built of necessity has become an inspiration in this coastal town is something Pagan said her father would love.

“My dad loved people. He would grouse about mankind, but he loved individual people,” she said.

Passersby are welcome to stop and look at the not-so-hidden shire, though the homes are private residences and dragons have been known to lurk and scare away visitors who creep too close.

Those who want to stay the weekend can book Sheldon Castle on Airbnb. Tours and professional photo shoots can be booked by appointment.

Billy’s

7

THINGS with RANDY WILKES, OBCS SUPERINTENDENT

Words by Jessica Vaughn | Photos by Micah Green/Provided

For Randy Wilkes and his family, Baldwin County was a vacation spot. At least at first. The more they made the trek from northern Alabama down to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the more it felt like coming home.

Randy loves the ocean. He loves riv ers and ponds and all bodies of water where you can find relaxation and a good fishing spot. He loves spending time with his family, though they will tell you that occasionally his job takes precedence. He loves football and competition. And, perhaps most of all, he is strong in his faith.

So when his phone rang one day, he

knew the opportunity being offered would begin the next chapter of his life. He and his wife packed their bags and made the move to the Gulf Coast this summer. His son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter quickly followed.

After years of vacationing in the area, Randy and his family now call Orange Beach home. He’s excited to live on the water. Honored to be the first superintendent of Orange Beach City Schools. Happy to have his family here with him along the journey. And ready to hold close his faith and follow the path before him.

Here are “7 Things” Randy chose to represent himself and tell his story.

1. FAITH

Randy has spent a lot of time in church. He met his wife, Cathy, in church. His dad was the pastor. Her dad was the chairman of deacons. Growing up, he and his family were there every Sunday morning, every Wednes day night.

“Church has been a huge impact, huge influence in my life. That’s given direction to everything that I’ve done. It is a light to my path, literally, and a basis for decisions. It is the premise of everything that we do.”

Faith influenced his decision to move to the Gulf Coast. It influences decisions he and his family make daily. Decisions made in his job and career.

“God has a plan. He has humor in choos ing me sometimes for some of the tasks

that are out there, and He certainly has a tremendous amount of patience, but faith is number one in my life.”

2. FAMILY

Education is a family affair in the Wilkes household. Randy and Cathy both have degrees in education. While their oldest son, Haden, works in the insurance busi ness, their daughter-in-law, Kaylee, works in special education at Orange Beach Elementary School. Their granddaughter, Hadley, attends preschool at Orange Beach Elementary, at what she affectionately calls the “shark school.”

But the family member who has made the biggest impact on Randy is his youngest son, Ryan. Ryan passed away on April 8. He was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was only 7. “The prognosis was he would be wheelchair-bound at 11, he would not live beyond 17. Ryan walked until he was 18, drove himself back and forth to school every day while attending Troy University. He graduated with a degree in journalism. Seeing Ryan go through so much in his life puts a lot of life in perspective. Ryan affected every member of our family.”

Ryan never complained. He found pos itivity when life seemed dark. He brought the entire family together when things were rough. And those are lessons Randy and his family will continue to carry.

3. LAPEL PIN

Orange Beach City Schools began as its own district earlier this year after breaking from the county district. Then the logo was created. Randy now wears the lapel pin displaying that logo as “a badge of honor.”

“What a privilege it is to be the first su perintendent of Orange Beach City Schools. Pressure, but pressure is a privilege. That pin that says established 2022 has tremen dous significance to me.” That pin rep resents more than just a school system to Randy. It represents the entire community of Orange Beach, the 1,200-plus students who fill classrooms.

“Whatever we can do to create a lasting legacy here in Orange Beach, whatever’s within our powers; and I say powers plural because the collective ‘we’ is so important in every organization, the teamwork and every body working together. Every school system ultimately becomes like the people will it to become. At the end of the day, we become what Orange Beach wants to become.”

4. FOOTBALL

Before heading into education, Randy played football.

He put on his first jersey and helmet at around 8 years old. He played middle linebacker and right halfback in high school. Larry Csonka, who played mostly for the Miami Dolphins, was his “childhood hero.”

Randy headed to Troy University to study engi neering, and, of course, play football. He switched majors and began focusing on math ematics and education. On the field, he got moved from linebacker to offensive line. He was on the 1987 national champi onship team.

He also received one of life’s greatest lessons playing football. “When I was carrying the ball, my coach said, ‘Wilkes, get to the line of scrimmage, son, keep your feet moving, keep your head down, and fall forward. If I get three or four yards out of you times three, I’ve got a first down.’ And my whole life, I have been

falling forward, and I’ve kept my feet moving.”

5. NUMBER THEORY TEXTBOOK

Another harder lesson Randy learned in college came after he made the decision to become a math teacher. One day, his math tutor told him something that struck a chord.

“He told me I didn’t have a very good understanding of algebra 1. He gave me a book and sent me home with it, and I worked through the entire thing in one weekend. And he was right. I did not have a very good foundation in high school.”

He vowed that when he became a teacher, he would never allow his students to leave class without a firm understanding of what was being taught. That lesson was “a difference maker for me.”

family transitioned from grilling and cooking to boiling, broiling, baking and frying. Our favorites are anything fish with creamy crab and shrimp sauce, pecan praline cake, shrimp and grits and our award-winning gumbo.”

What makes the Wilkes family gumbo the best? Randy said it has to do with seafood density (“Everything in the gulf is a possibility.”), the roux (not the color, but the thickness), the use of fried Conecuh sausage, stewed tomatoes (“No boos, please. The acidity of tomatoes lends itself well to the herbal flavors.”) and, finally, patience. “You will not find our gumbo in restaurants - not yet - though if you live south of Bear Point, you might smell it a-simmerin’ in the cool, fall breeze.”

7. TIME ON THE WATER

6. COOKING WITH THE FAMILY

Over the years, the Wilkes’ love of the Gulf Coast has continued to grow, as has their passion for the local cuisine.

“We have had a place on Alabama’s Gulf Coast since shortly before Ivan (in 2004). We acquired a healthy appetite for seafood. The

Randy has been drawn to water for years. He finds peace and solitude on the water. He finds comfort in places outside of cell phone coverage. Where you can “sit back and mar vel at the handiwork of God.” And, also, find some recreation. “I do enjoy fishing. I can tell a pretty good story right up there next to anybody else.”

Rise & Shine

BREAKFAST

S ved Daily 7am - 11am

The Basics

Dinning Guide Page

BREAKFAST BOWL | 8 gouda grits topped with hash browns, a fried egg & crumbled bacon

BREAKFAST BUDDY | 8 fried egg with cheese and choice of bacon, sausage or ham on toasted English muffin. Comes with grits or hashbrowns

9.5”

ALL AMERICAN | 12 two eggs any style, bacon, sausage or ham, grits or hash browns with toast

BISCUITS, GRAVY & EGGS | 11 two biscuits topped with two fried eggs covered with sausage gravy

BREAKFAST BURRITO | 8 scrambled egg, sausage or bacon & cheddar cheese comes with grits or hashbrowns

SHRIMP & GOUDA GRITS | 16{ {Specialties

Late Day ENTREES

S ved Daily 7am - Close Sandwiches

s ved with slaw and ch ce ench ies, sweet potato ies, chips, and i rings

HAMBURGER | 14

8oz patty, choice of cheese, on a buttered toasted bun

TERIYAKI CHICKEN BREAST | 14 bacon & swiss cheese on a toasted ciabatta roll dressed & served with honey mustard sauce

BUFFALO CHICKEN | 14 fried chicken tenders coated with a spicy buffalo sauce. Served dressed on a toasted bun with a rancho bleu or swiss cheese dressing

REUBEN | 14 corn beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut & thousand island dressing on grilled rye

TURKEY FLATBREAD | 14 turkey, swiss, spinach with a pesto sauce

SHRIMP POBOY OR WRAP | 15 remoulade sauce, dressed on a warm cuban hogie

MAHI POBOY OR WRAP | 16 fried, grilled or blackened

ch ce of bac , sausage ham

FRENCH TOAST | 10

Sweets Pancakes BLUEBERRY | 12 BANANA PECAN | 12

Benedicts

CHOCOLATE CHIP | 12 PLAIN | 10

s ved with its hashbr ns

CHICKEN FLORENTINE | 16

fried chicken, sautéed spinach and basil, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin

VEGGIE | 15

fresh spinach, portabella mushroom, sliced tomatoes, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, fresh herbs on a toasted English muffin

CAJUN | 16 conecuh sausage, 2 poached eggs, on an english muffin, topped with crawfish queso

Pla s

SHRIMP PLATTER OR FISH PLATTER | 16 grilled, fried or blackened, corn fritters, coleslaw & choice of side CHICKEN TENDERS PLATTER | 14

SEAFOOD COMBO | 19 mahi, shrimp, grilled, fried or blackened with choice of side

Salads

CRAISIN SALAD | 9

Mixed Greens with Sugar Coated Walnuts, Goat Cheese, & Craisins Served with an Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Add Chicken Or Shrimp $6

CAESAR SALAD | 9 Romaine Lettuce, Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Baked Croutons with Caesar Dressing. Add Chicken Or Shrimp $6

Big Beach Brewing Company— the locals’ bar for six years

Words by Melanie LeCroy | Photos by Micah Green

Itstarted with a Christmas gift from his daughter. It grew into a family passion for craft breweries. And it’s now, six years later, the southernmost brewery in Alabama and the only one on Alabama’s Gulf island.

The dream of now-retired dentist Jim Sham burger, Big Beach Brewing Company has been tapping hops and offering a local hangout in the Gulf Pines/Meyer Park neighborhood for six years this October, thanks to his children, Ryan and Millie, who brought their parents’ idea to fruition and have been at the helm of the operation since the beginning.

Millie gifted her father a small-batch brew kit years ago for Christmas. Ryan said it gave their father something to do on Saturdays when he was watching football. Jim started sharing his brew with golf and fishing buddies, and they enjoyed what they tasted.

The Shamburger family had a deep love of craft breweries and has always sought them out when traveling, looking for hotel rooms near breweries instead of looking for breweries near their hotel room.

“It kind of became this question that was very rhetorical,” Ryan said. “‘Why can’t Gulf Shores have a brewery?’”

“Why can’t Gulf Shores have a brewery?”

THE HURDLE

The hurdle that prevented the Shamburgers from bringing their dream to life was Alabama law. Legislation prevented the manufacturing of higher alcohol level beer like dark beers, hoppy beers and sours. The beer you find in a craft brewery.

The Shamburgers got involved with the grassroots nonprofit Free The Hops in hopes of pushing the Ala bama Legislature to change regulations. That change came in 2009.

“Free the Hops was very successful in raising that ABV (alcohol by volume), and that allowed an entire industry to form,” Ryan said. “Then we had to convince our local government.”

Convince they did. Ryan laughed when he said he doesn’t think local leadership ever thought the brewery was going to be what it has turned out to be. What the family planned to be just a small, hobby brewery is now a churning, booming business and an icon for Gulf Shores just off Canal Road.

THE VISION

Visitors and locals alike may look at Big Beach and see only the result of success. They might see only the cars overflowing to park along Meyer Park a couple blocks down and chairs inside and out filled with people of all ages, from families with small children to young couples with dogs, from running groups and site-hosted yoga classes to city council members, from generation al Gulf Shores residents to groups sporting tan lines and Midwestern accents. From the standing-room-only nights of rocking and jamming live music to the get-itbefore-it’s-sold-out food truck with a fresh menu every week.

The Shamburgers wanted to create a space that locals could feel was theirs but that could still accom modate visitors. A space where the bartenders will learn your name if you go enough, or you can sip under a tree and remain anonymous. A space where you can hold court at a table without being asked to leave.

But the lesser-known part of the story is that all wasn’t necessarily the plan.

The Shamburgers’ original idea was to find a space about an eighth of the size of Big Beach’s footprint. A small neighborhood hole-in-the-wall brewery.

“As soon as we bought this property and realized we had to go up a notch in terms of we were very visible, it was a bigger piece of property and more expensive piece of property. At some point, we knew we were going to have to hire a head brewer,” Ryan said.

It is one thing to brew five gallons of beer for your friends. It is a different animal when you are brewing 310 gallons for customers. The Shamburgers had a good understanding of the science, but they knew they needed someone to take the lead.

Fortunately for them, that leader found them by way

of an article.

“We were cold-called by the same head brewer we have now, Rod Murray,” Ryan said. “He read an article that we were opening a brewery, and his plan was to retire here in five years. If he could come and work for a smaller operation and semi-retire, that would be great. He was hired without us even meeting him. He was a Godsend for us to take away our naivety. We were in over our heads pretty quick.”

PUSHING FOR CHANGE

While the Shamburger family was a part of the Free The Hops movement on a state level, Ryan has continued that activism locally with Free the Food Trucks Gulf Shores, a move ment he started in 2020. He also started the nonprofit Lower Alabama Food Truck Associ ation to push for food trucks in Gulf Shores.

“Anytime an election cycle comes around locally, I really press the issue whether I

ROD MURRAY

– Murray began brewing in 1994 after taking a brewing course. He came to Big Beach after years with Public House Brewery in Rolla, Missouri.

ask the question at a debate or bring it to the forefront,” he said. “I truly think that one of the only reasons it worked this last time is because during the entire election cycle I was asking questions about it, putting people on the spot and having the constituents of Gulf Shores asking the elected officials about it. They really started to see it was something that we want.”

Over the years, Ryan has been the face of the Gulf Shores food truck movement. The idea came from his enjoyment of them while traveling, and he wanted to host food trucks at the brewery but kept running into obstacles with booking food trucks to come to the brewery. Equipment failures, COVID-19 outbreaks and staffing issues left his patrons hungry, leaving Ryan to want a truck on-site that was more connected to the brewery and the Big Beach brand.

His pushing worked. He is now part owner of The Gnarwhal Food Truck with Wes Brothers, who spent four years as a sous chef at Fisher’s before working with Jonathan Kastner at Anchor Bar and Grill.

Wes wanted to tackle a new venture and to be his own boss. Ryan already had his head brewer, but now he needed a head chef.

The food truck, which is at Big Beach Thursday through Sunday throughout the year, has helped push the brewery forward. People stay longer now, and there’s now a second fan base of regulars who will return weekly to gobble Wes’ ever-changing menu paired with Rod’s ever-changing tap list.

BRIGHT FUTURE

With the space the brewery now has, they are barely making enough beer to meet the demand, and there is more growth in sight for Big Beach and the area in general.

“We have this pretty firm belief that once the pedestrian bridge (connecting Big Beach and Tacky Jack’s across the street to Lulu’s across the canal) is built that the city is going to allow us to become an entertainment district,” Ryan said. “If that happens, we think the demand for what we sell will go up naturally because of what is happening around us.”

According to Ryan, the unique rule for ABC manufacturing licenses is that you can only serve alcohol you make.

THE

WORLD BEER CUP:

ALABAMA CRAFT BEER CHAMPIONSHIP:

“Our growth would be something that services this spot. Will that growth mean something else? Probably, but that is being sorted out,” he said.

Before 2021, expansion would have meant purchasing property that touches the current Big Beach Brewing Company land. Due to the cost of property, that was not an option. Ryan said they just needed to wait for the legisla tion to change. Thankfully, that happened in 2021.

“Now, manufactures can go back and forth to themselves and transfer to themselves all they want,” Ryan said. “We were not even considering growth really until then because, in a way, we have priced ourselves out. We developed this property, and immediately the property around us went up in value. We are trying to keep things casual and affordable. We are not trying to become a fancy tourist place. We opted not to buy these and waited until the legislation changed. It would be somewhere close, cheaper real estate and feeding this need.”

LOOKING AHEAD

The busiest months are just ahead.

Thanks to snowbirds and the overlap of

Mardi Gras and spring break, February and March are Big Beach’s height of the season. The busiest single day is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Looking to the months of October through January, the brewery has a lot planned. They will celebrate their sixth birthday with the re lease of their extremely popular Octoberfest. Throughout football season, the brewery has large televisions playing the biggest games in college – Alabama and Auburn games are guaranteed to be on – and NFL football, and the Game Day Lager is $1 off on Saturdays and Sundays. The public is invited to the Big Beach Community Christmas Party Dec. 16. The event includes their holiday beer release, Naughty and Nice, and live music, and the Kegmas Tree will be lit. The holiday party also aligns with the 2022 World Cup so fans can watch at the brewery.

January will see the annual release of the Mardi Gras Amber Ale, the Kreweser. It is also the month that the Snowbird Music Series begins. Due to its past popularity, it has been

expanded to two days. Throughout January and February, snowbirds can stop in early on Thursdays and Fridays to enjoy live music.

Amid all the growth and the celebrations, Big Beach is, at its core, a place to get together. It isn’t flashy. The beer speaks for itself. It isn’t a place to feel threatened. It’s comfortable and welcoming and fit for anyone who wants to sit back and enjoy time with friends or family or simply post up in a weathered-wood Adirondack chair and listen to music, cold beer in hand. Sit at the bar and strike up a conversation with a stranger. The bartenders probably know them as well as they know the beer they’re serving.

“Two individuals, generally we find them here at the bar, people with very different strokes sitting down having a beer together and sorting out differences,” Ryan said. “For me and I think my family, that is one of the most valuable and rewarding parts of starting this.”

Lunch Menu

HOME-STYLE LUNCH SPECIALS

(Served with your choice of two side dishes)

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

(Served with french fries)

Complimentary Ice Tea and Bread Served with All Dine in Lunch Entrees. Add House or Substitute Salad for side dish Po-Boy Sandwich

Cheeseburger

Crab Cake Po-Boy

*Monte Cristo Sandwich

Dinner Menu

STARTERS

www.Desotosseafoodkitchen.com

Seafood Kitchen

SALADS

Dressings: Honey-Mustard, Ranch, Bleu Cheese, Italian, Thousand Island, French, Low-Fat Ranch, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinegar, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Sesame Asian, Oil & Vinegar

Riviera Salad

-with pecan chicken tenders -with chicken tenders -with boiled shrimp -with grilled or blackened chicken

Caesar Salad

-w/grilled or blackened chicken -w/boiled shrimp Gumbo & Salad - a cup of Seafood Gumbo and our Bisque & Salad

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

SEAFOOD PLATTERS

(Served with your choice of two side dishes)

Shrimp Lover’s Platter

Broiled Seafood Platter

Stuffed Shrimp

Mahi-Mahi

Yellow-Fin Tuna Tilapia Grouper

Snow Crab Legs

Royal Reds - 3/4 lb.

Combo - 1/2 lb. Each

Crab Cakes - 2 cakes

Fettuccini Alfredo

PASTA

-w\grilled or blackened chicken -with shrimp or crawfish

Basil Pesto Pasta -with Roma Tomatoes -with grilled chicken -with shrimp

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

Southern Style Crab Cakes

Crab, Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Coconut Shrimp

Stuffed Mushrooms

Alligator Bites

Fried Crab Claws

Tuna Dip

Sweet Potato French Fry Basket

Fried Green Tomatoes

GUMBO & SOUP

Seafood Gumbo

Oysters on the Half Shell 1/2 dozen ................1 dozen 1/2 lb 1 lb cup bowl

Crab & Shrimp Bisque cup bowl

FRIED SEAFOOD FAVORITES

(Served with your choice of two side dishes)

Butterfly Shrimp

Tail-less Shrimp

Bon Secour Oysters

Crab Claws

Fried Fish of the Day Shrimp & Flounder

Shrimp & Oysters

Fried Catfish

Fried Seafood Platter

Broiled Seafood Platter

Creole Platter

Caribbean Platter

Crab Platter

SEAFOOD SPECIALTIES

(Served with your choice of two side dishes) Stuffed Shrimp

Shrimp Scampi

Blackened Catfish

Coconut Shrimp

Grilled Shrimp Shrimp Creole

Crawfish Etoufee

Crab Cake Dinner

STEAMED SEAFOOD

(Served with new potatoes & one side)

Snow Crab Legs - 2 lbs.

Royal Red Shrimp - 1 lb.

Combo - 1/2 pound Royal Reds & 1 pound

Snow Crab

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

Caribbean Catch

*Pecan Encrusted Catch

*Paneed Catch

LAND LOVER’S FARE

(Served with your choice of two side dishes)

Hawaiian Rib-eye - (12 oz.)

- add jumbo grilled or fried shrimp

Jamaica-Jerk Chicken

Grilled Chicken Breasts

Fried Chicken Tenders

PASTA

Fettuccini Alfredo -with grilled or blackened chicken -with shrimp or crawfish

Scallops Alfredo

Shrimp & Pasta Marsala

Basil-Pesto Pasta -with grilled chicken -with shrimp

SIDE DISHES

Substitute House or Caesar Salad for a Side Dish

Sweet Potato Casserole ~ Cole Slaw

Baked Potato ~ Steamed Vegetables

Yellow Rice ~ French Fries

Fried Green Tomatoes

Downtown Shop & Dine

WHAT TO DO? WE GOT YOU.

OCTOBER

MOVIES AT MEYER PARK

What: Bring your lawn chair, picnic blanket and friends and enjoy a free movie under the stars.

When: Thursdays, Oct. 27, Nov. 10 and Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Where: Meyer Park, 400 E. 22nd Ave., Gulf Shores

BOO AT THE ZOO

What: The scare-free day will be full of trick-or-treating, activities and meet-and-greets with animal ambassadors. Price included with regular zoo admission.

When: Saturday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m.-noon

Where: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

BOO FEST AT FLORA-BAMA

What: Bring the whole family to the Flora-Bama Yacht Club. The day will be full of fun-filled games, crafts, kids’ costume contest and more.

When: Saturday, Oct. 29, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Flora-Bama Yacht Club, 17350 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido

DOWNTOWN FAIRHOPE TRICK OR TREAT

What: Bring the family to downtown Fairhope and trick or treat the local businesses.

When: Saturday, Oct. 29 10 a.m.

5 RIVERS OUTDOOR MARKET

What: Enjoy a day shopping the outdoor market or take a cruise into the scenic Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Tickets and more information available at blakeleypark.com.

When: Saturday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort

NOVEMBER

38TH-ANNUAL FRANK BROWN INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

What: Songwriters from across the country diverge on the Gulf Coast for an amazing event. For a full schedule visit frankbrownsongwriters.com.

When and where: Nov. 3-13, times and locations vary

BAMA-Q: GRILLING ON THE GULF STEAK

COOKOFF

What: Register to compete and test your steak-grilling skills. Visit steakcookoffs.com for more information.

When: Nov. 4-5

Where: The Hangout, 101 E. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores

NOVEMBER ART MARKET

What: Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Art Market features local artists with original work.

When: Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: 309 E. 21st Ave., Gulf Shores

FAIRHOPE FILM FESTIVAL

What: Celebrating 10 years. In-person screenings return, and a ‘Virtual Festival’ option allows you to view many of the films online. Information, movie listings and tickets available at fairhopefilmfestival.org.

When: Nov. 10-13, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Various locations in Fairhope

CHOCOLATE & CHEESE FESTIVAL

What: Heritage Park will be filled with music, vendors, activities and lots of chocolate and cheese. More information available at beachlifeevents.com.

When: Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: Heritage Park, 125 E. Laurel Ave., Foley

HOLIDAY MARKET

What: Shop over 100 vendors from all over the South. Get your holiday shopping done in one place.

When: Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Baldwin County Coliseum, 19477 Fairground Road, Robertsdale

VETERANS DAY WEEKEND FOOD TRUCK

FESTIVAL

What: Don’t miss the first food truck festival in Baldwin County. There will be live music, a full bar and arts and crafts fair.

When: Sunday, Nov. 13, noon-5 p.m.

Where: Elberta VFW Post 5658, 24230 U.S. Highway 98, Elberta

JUBILEE RENAISSANCE FAIRE

What: A place where history and fantasy combine. More information at jubileerenaissancefaire.com.

When: Saturday, Nov. 19-20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: 30569 Osprey Lane, Robertsdale

NINTH-ANNUAL SHOOTOUT AT THE CREEK

What: The annual disc golf tournament will be a one-day, tworound PDGA sanctioned B tier event. For more information or to register, visit discgolfscene.com.

When: Sunday, Nov. 20, 7 a.m.

Where: Graham Creek Nature Preserve, 23030 Wolf Bay Drive, Foley

50TH-ANNUAL THANKSGIVING POW WOW

What: Hosted at the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation.

When: Nov. 24-25, 10 a.m.

Where: 6477 Jack Springs Road, Atmore Price: $5 for ages 7 and up. Cash only.

FLORA-BAMA’S ANNUAL THANKSGIVING POTLUCK

What: Eat, drink and be thankful with the community. Bring a dish to share, and the turkey and ham will be provided.

When: Thursday, Nov. 24, noon

Where: Flora Bama Lounge & Package, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola

COASTAL HALF-MARATHON

What: Shed your turkey with this family friendly race that runs from 1-mile to half-marathon on a course through the Gulf State Park Backcountry Trail. Visit team-magic.com for more information or to register.

When: Saturday, Nov. 26, 8 a.m.

Where: Orange Beach Sportsplex, 4385 William Silvers Pkwy., Orange Beach

DECEMBER

SIMS PARK CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

What: Take in the holiday lights, get a picture with Santa and catch a snowball at the sixth-annual Snowball Drop.

When: Friday, Dec. 2, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Johnnie Sims Park, 348 W. 19th Ave., Gulf Shores

40TH-ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

What: North Baldwin’s biggest Christmas tradition in the heart of downtown Bay Minette with vendors, food, activities and more.

When: Dec. 2-3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Courthouse Square, Bay Minette

VERY MERRY COASTAL GRINCHMAS

What: Whoville comes to life featuring holiday crafts, Whoville activities, refreshments and photos with Santa Grinch.

When: Dec. 4-18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Learning Campus at Gulf State Park, 20249 State Hwy. 135, Gulf Shores

THE BALDWIN POPS HOLIDAY CONCERT

What: An evening of Christmas music from the Baldwin Pops is a free Christmas tradition in Gulf Shores.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

Where: Gulf Shores Cultural Center Auditorium, 19470 Oak Road West, Gulf Shores

HOLLY DAYS ON MAIN

What: Two days filled with fun to get you in the Christmas Spirit.

When: Dec. 10-11, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach

FLORA-BAMA SANTA DROP

What: Watch as Santa parachutes onto the beach at the FloraBama. The day of fun includes crafts, activities and free photos with Santa.

When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Flora-Bama Lounge & Package, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

When: Find a spot along the Intracoastal Waterway between LuLu’s in Gulf Shores and The Wharf in Orange Beach and take in the Lighted Boat Parade.

When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m. Where: Intracoastal Waterway from LuLu’s to The Wharf

FLORA- BAMA CHRISTMAS POTLUCK

What: Gather on the line to eat, drink and be merry. Turkey and ham will be provided, and guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share.

When: Sunday, Dec. 25, noon

Where: Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola

NOON YEAR’S EVE

What: Crafts, a sandcastle building contest and beach ball drop are a perfect way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the family.

When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m. Where: LuLu’s, 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores

JANUARY

FLORA-BAMA POLAR BEAR DIP

What: Take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico at high noon. Those who fully submerge get a free draft beer and new year’s lunch.

When: Sunday, Jan. 1, noon-3 p.m.

Where: Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola

Fish

BEST BURGERS IN BALDWIN COUNTY

MELT

Dockside

Photos by MicahFAIRHOPE

FASHION

Photos by Micah Green

Jesse Haven rocks these Astro green pants and crop top by Mustard Seed paired with a ROCKET purse by Mary Frances and Zenti Jewelry all sold at The Copper Column.

Sarah Reeves, left, is in a mixed detail key-hole dress in a beautiful terra-cotta color for fall, a denim jacket and wedge platform shoes by Salvia. Mary Jane Owen turns heads in this face-print zip jacket. Her slim-leg pants by Tribal are the perfect staple for any wardrobe, and her shoes are fabulous lug-sole slides by Salvia. All available at The Cat’s Meow!

Top left: Joni, Kristen, Gidget and Judy all represent the best that is offered at M&F Casuals. Clothing brands shown are Sympli, Clara Sun Woo, Lysse, Kerisma, Dolcezza, Up Pants and La Mer Lux. These ladies are accessorized with jewelry from Julie Vos, Simon Sebbag and Susan Shaw, with Hobo handbags and GoodR sunglasses finishing their casual chic look.

Bottom left: Destiny is in an SJP button-down by Lucy Pants, Azalea shorts by Tart, Kelly loafer clog by Matisse. All these pieces are available at Sadie’s

Bottom right: Brittany Curtis is in a long gathered dress in plum, a multistrand necklace in gold, beige pumps (not pictured) by Pierre Dumas and a beige hat. Find this complete fall look at Utopia.

Anna Grace shows off some of what Revolution Resale has to offer. Stop by for an ever-changing array of on-trend styles for women and men. Photo byJenni Guerry Photography.

Renea Canton in Planet’s Organza hip hoodie and washable silk cargo pants. Black and white never looked so good. Come see this outfit and more at Cybele’s

McKenna Durin rocks the Umgee bell bottoms with a floral emboridered shirt by THML, booties and a felt hat with a black band. Check out this outfit at Utopia.

Nuehaus of Belgium and in-house made Couverture Chocolates in milk, dark and white. Get your sweet fix at Fairhope Chocolate.

Above: Sarah Reeves is wearing a great criss-cross top that’s very flattering for any size. Her slim-leg bell-bottom jeans and fun and funky heels make such a great look for day or night. Everything from Dilly Dally At The Cat’s Meow.

Top right: This reversible Paizy vest and Betzy Favorite long sleeve crew neck tee by Johnny Was can only be found at The Colony Shop.

Right: Kaylee rocks the pink sweatsuit by Chaser while Harper is in the purple sweatsuit, also by Chaser. Check out this look and more at Gigi & Jay’s.

From formal dresses to casual staples, Revolution Resale has an everchanging array of on trend styles for women and men. Photos by Jordan Dyess/Gulf Coast Media.

Anna Elliott is in a floral dress by Sadie & Sage, and Virginia’s floral dress is by For All Seasons. Both of these outfits are available at Gigi & Jay’s.

Above: The fashion forward crew at The Copper Column welcomes you to shop downtown Fairhope. They want to thank CK Men’s for Joseph Latour’s amazing outfit and To Shoe Fly for all of the ladies’ shoes that helped tie all the outfits together.

Left: A variety of in-house made pastries, breads, cakes and pies are made with real butter and vanilla along with authentic Italian style gelato, all available at Fairhope Chocolate.

Revolution Resale has a mural on the side of their building ready for your next selfie after you snag a great new outfit.

Stay warm in this color block sweater by Marble, modeled by Renea Canton. Perfect for our weather, this 100% cotton sweater will draw lots of compliments. We paired it with Lysse’s Vegan leather leggings. Available now at Cybele’s.

Clockwise from top left: Sarah Reeves can’t get enough of this dress from Dilly Dally At The Cat’s Meow. So versatile, it can go from casual to dressy by changing accessories and shoes.

Renea Canton shows off an avant-garde sweater by Planet that will start your holiday season with a bang. Find it and more at Cybele’s.

Mix-and-match linen separates by MatchPoint and a geometric bold statement necklace as seen on Mary Jane Owen, all from The Cat’s Meow

Lauren Newland in a hooded short kimono and fluffy cotton pants by Aratta, paired with a Mustard Seed top, rhinestone head band, and Zenti Jewelry. Available exclusively at The Copper Column, who wanted to thank Shoefly for the amazing boots.

Tiny Town has classic brands like The Beaufort Bonnet Company, Little English, Bailey Boys, Kissy Kissy and many more. Stop by today to find the perfect outfit for your little one’s next day out. Photos by Jordan Dyess/Gulf Coast Media.

Destiny in a Sanya jumpsuit by Tart and Stella Atlas Heel by Dolce Vita, all available at Sadie’s.

Joni, center, is wearing a Samuel Dong red ruffle mid-length dupioni dress with wire color and looped topper. She is carrying a Mary Francis handbag. Judy, left, is sporting a ChaCha pantsuit from Isle Apparel. Both are accessorized with Julie Vos 14k gold jewelry. Gidget, right is stunning in a washable silk two-piece dressy outfit that’s made in Italy, and her jewelry is an exclusive magnetic pearl necklace with a fabulous butterfly enhancer. She is carrying a trendy butterfly closure embossed leather bag. Find all these pieces at M&F Casuals.

Right: Mary Jane Owen, right, is wearing a black tunic and abstract print linen pants by Kleen. Her chunky beaded necklace in black and gray is a compliment to the outfit, and her criss-cross wedges by Bzees are machine-washable. Sarah Reeves, left, is wearing a super fun floral top that has a romantic flair and fitted black bellbottom jeans. Find all of this at The Cat’s Meow.

Below: Brittany Curtis and McKenna Durin are ready for a night out in their outfits from Utopia. Brittany is in a green embellished dress by Lovely Lady, green dangle rinestone earrings and evening wristlet bag and shoes by Bella Marie. McKenna is in a fall dress with short sleeves and floral emroidery with booties by KKE.

You can’t go wrong with these bright, vibrant colors and stylish cuts from M&F Casuals.

Left: You can be warm and look good with these cozy blankets from JOHNNY WAS Home, available in a variety of prints only at The Colony Shop.

Right: Sarah Reeves’ black pin-tuck peasant blouse is a must-have for every wardrobe. The patchwork prairie skirt would also pair perfectly with a T-shirt for a more casual look. Shop for it all at Dilly Dally At The Cat’s Meow.