Hey Neighbors,
A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams. Home. It’s a place of retreat, rest, love, and shelter from the outside world –a place where you can let your guard down and just be. Some homes feel just like that, and some can be filled with conflict and strife. Always remember it’s never too late to change the climate of our homes.
In a world, that can be cruel, let home be a place where we build each other up. Make a continual effort to teach with love, correct with love, and express love every day. Take time to enjoy all the small moments with family instead of getting caught up in all the daily tasks that can steal our attention away, to be truly present when spending time with your family, instead of dividing your attention with technology or a to-do list. Although we usually aren’t perfect at accomplishing these things, it is worthwhile for us to strive for.
March is our home issue. Creating a home that you want to spend all of your time in isn’t easy. The memories made within the walls of your home are what lasts regardless of whether it has the latest trends or even if it hasn’t been updated in years. While it’s fun to look at beautiful houses and dream about renovations, we all know that the love we share in our homes is what matters most.
Thank you for inviting us into your homes and lives, we can't wait to see you around town.
Love local, live local, and spend locally, Until next month...
ASHLEY ROBERTS, PUBLISHER @GULF_COAST_CITYLIFESTYLE
March 2023
PUBLISHER
Ashley Roberts | ashley.roberts@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Lillian Taylor | lillian.taylor@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Derek Keller Photography, John & Co Photo, LLC- Kate Young
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
Same incredible staff & 5 star service, Countryman’s is now Momentum Marine & RV. Momentum has a great selection of boats curated for our coastal community. With 3 locations in the Southeast and counting, they will have the boat of your dreams. Momentum proudly services anything Marine & RV in Foley, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach! Ask about their free concierge service for pick-up & delivery at 251-943-0330.
The National Fire Protection Association estimates over 15,970 fires and $238 billion in property damage are caused a year by dryers. Dryer Vent Wizard can not only help prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, but they also increase the life of both your appliances and clothing and reduce energy, saving you time and money. Cleaning, repair, and installation should be done by their Elite Certified Fire Technicians-there’s more to this than lint removal. Call 251.275.6587
Are you an investor looking to grow your wealth and real estate portfolio? A 1031 exchange might be a great option if you are looking to acquire new property while deferring taxes. Collin Travis is experienced in these types of transactions and would love to help you explore this option. Call Collin with Keller Williams Realty Alabama Gulf Coast for a 1031 exchange consult. Collin Travis: 270.564.7009.
In business since 2004, Coastal Solutions is a family-owned business with products and services that cater to the Gulf Coast lifestyle. They offer USA-made, custom hurricane shutters. To help you prepare for the upcoming 2023 season, they are offering $500 off your custom hurricane shutter order when you mention Gulf Coast City Lifestyle –through April! Whatever your style or budget, they have the perfect solution. Call them today at 251.222.1384 to schedule your no-obligation consultation!
With hurricane season a short 3 months away, Advanced Marine and Power Systems wants to remind you they have all sizes of Kohler generators in stock. They carry Kohler whole house generators as well as commercial units. Don’t let a power outage ruin your day or business inventory. Stay cool and safe with Kohler. In power since 1920. Call 251-981-6431 for your free quote today.
Summer Salt and Beach Village Resort are two new amenity filled local developments. Cory Skipper with Gulf Group Realty would love to show you around. Whether it’s an investment, a second-home or your dream home, every client has their own definition of success. Cory operates on the principle that going above and beyond should be the standard, not the exception. Call Cory Skipper today to see these new developments. 334.456.1819
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/GulfCoast
Mr. Bugg’s goes above and beyond in their service on a personal and professional level. We love recommending them not only to our clients, but also use them personally! Casey and Christina Buckner - Owner, Flip Flop Vacations
Mr. Bugg’s was very professional. I loved how quick it was to get my house inspected and the fact I was able to get the termite treatment installed the same day. Now that is top notch service, highly recommended!
Courtney DuPlessis-Owner - Home Boss Inspection
Mr Bugg’s helped us with a German Roach infestation. Russell was 100% committed and I highly recommend Mr Bugg’s.
Mohammad Farhan - Remax
There are few things we love more than the comfort of our own home. Upgrade and personalize your living space inside and out by shopping and engaging with our home and design partners who provide cozy, creative and beautiful establishments to enhance our digs. From preparing for storm season to maintaining your current setup, we've compiled a list of a few local businesses that are sure to add value to your home and life. These businesses are ready and eager to serve you.
FENCING UNLIMITED SERVICE: Locally owned & operated by Stacey & Stacy Shelton. Best of Baldwin County 2022 & 2023. Ph: 865-201-2449 / 865-201-2447. Baldwin County, AL
ISLAND AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING, INC.: Ph: 251-943-4709. Serving Foley, Gulf Shores, & Orange Beach. 4399 Lindsey Lane, Orange Beach, AL
ADVANCED MARINE & POWER SYSTEMS: Locally owned & operated. Prepare for Hurricane Season in advance! A Kohler dealership. Ph: 888-981-6403. 25286 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL
COASTAL ALABAMA CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: Doing business better with transparent billing & estimates. Owners: Reggie Pulliam & Matt Holt. Ph: 251-223-0041. 3639 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Suite 2, Gulf Shores, AL
COASTAL SOLUTIONS: Your trusted partner for life on The Gulf Coast. Ph: 251-222-1384. Baldwin County, AL
MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR
Lillian Taylor | Editorial Coordinator
This month we wanted to share some of our local businesses that are essential to the houses we call home. With the ever-changing weather and storm season upon us, our homes are our local refuge and deserve TLC. I hope that you consider these locals and tell them that Gulf Coast City Lifestyle sent you.
With Love & Gratitude,
Lillian
Whether you’re thinking about buying a home, selling your current home, or investing, I’d be honored if you would consider me for any of your real estate-related plans!
I am confident negotiating great deals on behalf of my buyers, and with a proven track record of helping sellers get the most amount of money in the least amount of time, I’m the right choice for a trusted local real estate professional you can count on. Happy living starts here.
KRISTIN FORD
Realtor • AL & FL 251-752-7345
kristin@kaisersir.com
kristinfordreaIestate.com
Imagine owning your very own slice of paradise. Those of us who live in Baldwin county know that Ono island is known as “the island on the island.” A natural barrier island that separates coastal Orange Beach, AL and Perdido Key, FL by the Old River to the South and Bayou St. John to the North. This private community is known for its exclusivity, offering its residents a private entryway with guarded security and patrol.
Many of the residents who call Ono Island home, enjoy the private boat slips and views of iconic places such as the Flora-Bama and Perdido Key and while Baldwin County is one of the fastest growing counties in Alabama, Ono Island offers its elevated status to those who enjoy luxury living.
We teamed up with Kristin Ford - Kaiser Sotheby’s International Realty to bring you a unique Coastal Castle that is currently on the market. This home boasts not only its realworld charm and easy living but plenty of space for those seeking serenity along the Gulf Coast. This spacious canal front home sits on what is known as a “high and dry” 1 acre lot on Ono Island. Walking into the front living space welcomes its owners and guests with floor to ceiling windows and views, making this great room truly one-of-a-kind with its grand view. Off to the side, the kitchen offers a breakfast bar, large walk-in pantry, and family room. The main level of this home offers a three car garage, a guest room, two full bathrooms, and a recreation area that would be perfect for
Kitchen with Breakfast Bar
an in-home gym. On the second floor, you’ll find a theatre, additional kitchenette, a master suite with its own laundry area and private master bathroom with a balcony. On the east wing of the home you’re offered an additional three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a stair-way that leads to what locals call a “Crows nest,” which features views of the whole island.
Not only does this home feature a completely renovated exterior that has an in-ground saltwater pool and hot tub, it also has a private boat dock with slip, wet bar, and access to the canal. Kristin Ford had this to say about the 1.8 million dollar listing, “ This home is beautiful and unique. It’s not your typical home, it’s filled with lots of character and has fire places throughout the living space. With all of its amenities, it’s a house that is ready to be someone’s home.”
Ford and her husband moved to Baldwin county several years ago with their three children in pursuit of their passions. After twenty years of marriage and discussing the possibilities, Ford says “we wanted to be here and decided to make this place (Baldwin County) our home. I’ve always had a passion for real estate and selling higher end homes. With my husband’s building experience and my passion for excellence in real estate we made the commitment and haven’t looked back since.”
While Kristin features this listing to showcase the endless possibilities of what “Home” looks like for some, the real-estate market in Baldwin County is certainly booming. For those interested in more information on this or other listings available you can visit Kristin’s website, kristinfordrealestate.com , call (251) 752-7345 or email: kristin@kaisersir.com.
It’s no secret that our kitchens are the heartbeat of every home and are often overlooked for functionality, design, and decor. Condo owner Andrea Stelly partnered with the Home Design Center after purchasing her family’s second home in 2019. “I knew that the Home Design Center offered everything we were looking for and Lori Lumsden came very highly recommended. Lori was able to transform our kitchen into a beautiful space with her design and functionality,” With kitchen trends on the rise we wanted to share with you some tips and trends designers are seeing in 2023.
“We are seeing a trend of whites, creams, grays, and grey/beige (greige) when it comes to trending kitchen cabinets. Quartz is the most requested for counter tops, offering a very clean look and a budget-friendly price. Subway tiles of any color with a full height backsplash combined with countertops have become the most requested.” - Magan Lemovitz,
Kitchen and Bath Design Consultant at Home Design Center.
Owner of Coastal Flair Designs Lori Lumsden had this to say: “Andrea’s kitchen is such a beautiful space. I ran with the colors. Blue is the new Black for many of my clients and with her setting, I wanted to play on the colors at hand. Many kitchens today have more drawers than doors and are adding things such as over-the-top lighting and double islands as trending requests. I design spaces that encourage you to mingle with your company and enjoy your family. I like to use a variety of mixed mediums such as stained wood with painted cabinets. Creating kitchen designs that have larger, over-sized hardware; making more of a substantial statement and creating kitchen pieces that feel like furniture.”
We highly recommend visiting our friends at the Home Design Center located on the Foley Beach Express. They are open and ready to serve all of your design needs.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEREK KELLER, KATELYNN HUDSON ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR
COASTAL-ORANGE BEACH
ARTICLE BY LILLIAN TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN & CO. PHOTO
Along The Gulf Coast is a long slice of paradise, nestled away in downtown Orange Beach, AL we’ve found a special place that is sure to tempt your taste buds, tantalize your physical sensations, and put a pep in your step. We recently had the pleasure of meeting up with Marketing Director Steve Powers and Chef Mark Smith with Coast-AL Orange Beach. The owners of FLORA-BAMA (John McInnis & Cameron Price) have partnered with the City of Orange Beach to bring our locals and tourists alike into harmony, in what is now a beautiful and flourishing space. Coast-AL Orange Beach features a restaurant, bar, and retail space. Chef Mark Smith, who previously served as Head Chef for Jason Aldean, was both humble and candid as he talked about his passion for unique eats and southern soul food. While the restaurant will feature a variety of fresh seafood, he and his staff have gone to great lengths to ensure that even those with food allergies and sensitivities are
Sunset views
able to enjoy this beautiful dining establishment. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the food, fun, and environment here that the coast has to offer. There is something for everyone and we take seriously those with allergies. This is such a remarkable space and we’d never want someone to not be able to dine with us because we weren’t prepared. We work with our staff to train them on how to address concerns and take safety precautions for customers just like this.” Mark’s passion for flavor and drive for superior food service shows in not only his beautiful and tasteful creations but among the faces that are sure to greet you as you walk into the venue space.
The bar, restaurant, and retail space features an immaculate “green space” that is as close to the water’s edge as you can get. Built with the weather in mind, this sprawling space offers its patrons the opportunity to relax indoors or out. Steve Powers
discussed with us the vision and plans for Coast-AL Orange Beach and what residents can expect.
The property, once slated for condo towers, changed when the City of Orange Beach and owners of FLORA-BAMA joined together and each purchased 400 feet of beachfront property. This became the first city-owned beach and will offer its city residents parking access. The restaurant and city will also have designated spaces for residents who wish to enjoy the combination space as well as parking for those visiting our area.
Built on 800 feet of prime beachfront property, Coast-AL Orange Beach phase 1 is now open daily at 11 am offering lunch, dinner, and bar service in addition to the retail shopping space. Phase 2 of the project will be completed by spring 2023 and will feature an additional 20,000 square feet of dining space totaling 1200 seats plus a 40-foot-tall landmark tower that is tied to the property.
Coast-AL co-owners, John McInnis and Cameron Price had this to say, “ The vision was to remove 600 more concrete condos at the main intersection of the city roads and provide an open-air space available to the public. We hope Alabama and The Gulf Coast are proud of it and it becomes a destination.” - McInnis “I am most excited about the opportunity to bring people together to enjoy family, hang out with friends and meet new friends.” - Price.
Coast-AL Orange Beach will offer live music 365 days per year, fresh locally sourced produce and seafood, healthy salads, and hearty dishes. It is located at the intersection of State Road 161 and Perdido Boulevard. For more information, you can visit them on the web at coastalorangebeach.com or check out their Facebook page.
We certainly loved our experience while visiting our friends there and are sure that you will too!
“The vision was to remove 600 more concrete condos at the main intersection of the city roads and provide an open air space available to the public.”
We recently spoke with Keith Purdy, owner and operator of Purdy Restoration. Keith’s company is a local industry leader, with both commercial and residential clients in Baldwin county and the entire Gulf region. What separates Purdy Restoration from other similar companies is the passion and professionalism they bring to every project.
When Keith started his company he had one goal in mind, to do it right the first time.
“What does the best look like?” Keith asked. “Is it the fairest price? Is it the quickest work? Is it the finest craftsmanship and the highest quality materials?”
So he made “doing it right the first time” the company mantra for Purdy Restoration. Keith recruits the most reputable people for his projects. His architects, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers are all top professionals in their fields. He supervises all aspects of every project to ensure that all work is up to his own personal standard. “The other part of doing a great job,” Keith says, “is listening to the client. I walk and talk every client through the entire process.”
This level of care and customer service has led to an industry high in repeat business. Once someone is a Purdy Restoration customer, they always return for their next project.
The combination of a commitment to excellence and customer care has made Purdy Restoration the first choice for many local residents. But it’s the passion of the owner that really makes the difference. “I truly care about the work that we do,” Keith said, “after-all it’s my name on the trucks.”
That attitude is perhaps best summarized in the company’s mantra.
“The other part of doing a great job is listening to the client. I walk and talk every client through the entire process.”
At enrG Wellness, we provide quality alternative medicine to improve your daily life. We have therapies that help with auto-immune disorders, cancer, inflammatory issues, chronic fatigue, dehydration, athletic performance, collagen production, immune support, cognitive function (brain-fog) liver function (detox) oxidative stress, insomnia, chronic pain, weight loss, metabolism, ADHD, anxiety and depression, addiction and more.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Matthew Evenhouse, MD
Anti-Aging & Performance Medicine Specialist
Graceful Leaves opened its doors a little more than a year ago and since then Janet Simon has been singing praises for what she says has been a surreal experience.
Several years ago Simon found herself with a strong desire to serve others. After a series of events, she said that God planted a seed deep in her heart while on her way to drop her daughter
off at school. “I was passing by this place every day on the way to drop my daughter off at school. I kept seeing the For Rent sign and I felt a pull to open a business but I wasn’t sure where God was leading me. I came home and I prayed about it. I’ve always loved plants, growing plants, sharing plants, and seeing the joy and happiness that plants bring to others. I knew that I had to do something with it and I felt that God was leading me. I prayed about it and decided to open Graceful Leaves.”
Simon says that after her opening, she was excited and pleased to see the feedback and support from locals who continued to cheer her on and support her small but growing business. Simon also said that
part of her personal and professional goals for 2023 include being able to give back to her local community and offer support to organizations that do necessary work in Mexico. She is not only a woman, mother, and minority business owner but a human with a giving heart who wants to embolden and bless the lives of others. Graceful leaves offer a variety of house plants, rooted and un-rooted cuttings, and designer planters. Simon offers plants for every budget, local delivery is also available. Graceful leaves is located at 107 A. W. Orange Ave, Foley, AL 36535. Ph: (205) 720 - 9931 you can also visit her Facebook page: facebook.com/gracefulleaves
MARCH
3RD-4TH
15705 JUNIPER ST NORTH, OFF THE BEACH EXPRESS
The new Momentum Marine & RV is hosting a two-day grand opening event. There will be delicious food trucks, giveaways, and live music. Come learn about Momentum’s complimentary Concierge Service. They will bring your boat or RV in for service...let Momentum come to you. And with three locations, we can find the boat of your dreams, new or used. March 3rd 8am-5pm, March 4th 9am-4pm
MARCH
4TH-5TH
GULF STATE PARK- 20115 STATE PARK ROAD | 9:00 AM
Kick-off festival season with Ballyhoo. This exciting festival event is unique in its focus on fine art, combined with cultural charm, and the fun-loving spirit of residents of Coastal Alabama. Enjoy fine art from all across the southeast, local seafood, and live music. Ballyhoo is an event of the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance. March 4th 9am-5pm and March 5th 11am-5pm
MARCH 11TH
HERITAGE PARK IN FOLEY | 11:00 AM
The annual BBQ & Blues Cook-off started in 2009 as one of the Foundations biggest fundraisers. It is an outdoor food and music event held in Downtown Foley’s Heritage Park the second Saturday of March. Festival goers enjoy great food, popular blues bands and children’s activities. All proceeds support the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation
MARCH 11TH-12TH
ORANGE BEACH WATERFRONT PARK | 10:00 AM
The Orange Beach Festival of Art celebrates an extraordinary amount of arts including visual, performing, musical and culinary. With more than 100 vendors displaying a variety of media, festival attendees will have plenty to see, touch, taste and hear. The event also has a kid's art alley, a culinary arts court featuring local fare, and a music and songwriter's stage.
MARCH 17TH-19TH
THE WHARF | 10:00 AM
The Boat and Yacht show has so much to offer boat fans.
-Over $100 million in boats and marine products on display.
-Exhibitors list that reads like a Who's Who of the marine industry.
-80 wet slip boats and yachts on display + more than 300 sport & console boats on land.
-Exhibitor displays, instructional seminars, live music & more!
MARCH 18TH
FLORABAMA
The start and end point are at the Flora-Bama. You will run entirely on the beach. 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.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/GulfCoast
