DISPATCH #38
Top of the morning to you Crew,
The sun’s up, the water’s doing its thing and summertime is winding down. Here’s what’s happening around the coast this week.
TODAY’S CATCH
Loxley and Foley recently topped WorldAtlas’s list of where folks are moving to on the Gulf Coast, with Loxley boasting an impressive 19% growth in a single year and Foley coming in at 8%. The report points to easy access to jobs, the beaches, and major highways, along with new homes, shopping, and attractions like OWA, as reasons more people are choosing to put down roots around here. If it feels like you're seeing a few more new neighbors these days, the numbers suggest you're not imagining it. coastal boom
Looks like Fairhope made quite the impression on an international visitor. Freddy, the German
footballsoccer fan who went viral on social media by documenting his six-week journey across America, recently shared that Alabama ranked among his top three states—with Fairhope earning the title of his favorite city. After visiting destinations across the South, East Coast, Midwest, and Canada, he described Fairhope as "beautiful" and even said he could see himself living there. In a post on X, he said “I’m in a place right now that’s so beautiful I’m probably about to make 50 posts about it.” We understand the feeling Freddy. world traveler approvedIt’s shaping up to be a star-studded month under the lights at The Wharf Amphitheater. August brings a trio of big-name concerts to the coast, with Toto, Goo Goo Dolls, and Jason Aldean all taking the stage over the next few weeks. Whether you're in the mood for classic rock, '90s favorites, or country hits, there's a pretty good chance one of these shows belongs on your calendar. summer soundtrack
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
“Sunset at Martinique”
Captured by Shar Eckard in Fort Morgan
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
Fully Renovated w/ Deeded Beach Access + No HOA
Gulf Shores | 4 beds | 4 baths | 2,044 sq ft | look inside
Lots of Space + 3 Car Garage & Fenced Yard
Foley | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,484 sq ft | take a peek
Beachfront Condo w/ Endless Views
Orange Beach | 3 beds | 3 bath | 1,687 sq ft | island life
Brand New Low-Maintenance Townhome
Gulf Sores | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,486 sq ft | move-in ready
FAVORITE BEACH
Looks like Gulf Shores is the Crew's favorite beach, pulling in 42% of the vote in our poll. Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and Perdido Key weren't tooo far behind. Fortunately, around here, every beach comes with a pretty incredible view.
You're headed to the beach for some overdue relaxation. What's your #1 pick?
Gulf Shores - 42%
Orange Beach - 30%
Fort Morgan - 15%
Perdido Key - 13%
I meant to report back on this last week but it completely slipped my mind… better late than never they say!
TREASURE HUNT IS ON!
The treasure hunt project is officially underway, and y’all have already helped turn it into something bigger than I expected.
So far, I have 49 thrift, antique, vintage and consignment shops on my list, and I’ve personally visited and ranked 23 of them. From Spanish Fort to Orange Beach (and all points in between), I’m taking notes, comparing the browsing experience, looking for the best treasure finds, and slowly building what will become a full Best of the Gulf Coast guide.
And I still need your help.
If you have a favorite thrift shop, antique store, vintage spot or consignment shop anywhere around the Gulf Coast from the beach to the bay, send it my way.
I’ll keep making the rounds and will share the final guide once I’ve done enough digging to feel good about the list.
AUGUST BOOK PICK
This month’s book club pick is Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan. We hope to see you back here the last Tuesday of the month for book club!
WORD SCRAMBLE
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:10 am |
SUNSET 7:41 pm |
UV INDEX Extreme |
MOON Waning Gibbous |
LOW TIDE 2:34 pm |
HIGH TIDE 1:01 am |
GULF TEMP 83ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER All clear |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
This week’s reminder that sometimes the best things in life come with paws.
Tooty the dog
This handsome Husky mix is a gentle companion, ready to share adventures, quiet moments, and a lifetime of unconditional love with his forever family.
Finnie the dog
A happy-go-lucky Lab mix with a heart full of joy and a toy never far from his mouth, ready to win you over with endless games of fetch and his eager-to-please personality.
Seraphina the pup
A fearless little firecracker with a playful spirit and a heart full of love, ready to fill her forever home with zoomies, laughter, toy-chasing adventures, and nonstop puppy joy.
HAPPENINGS
Tuesday 4th
Grand Opening | Foley Public Library | 10am
Foley Run Club | Moe’s BBQ | Foley | 6pm
TOTO in Concert | The Wharf Amphitheater | Orange Beach | 6:30pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 5th
Little Park Pals: Alligator Adventures | Gulf State Park Nature Center | Gulf Shores | 2pm
Adult Anime Club | Foley Public Library | 5:30pm
Poker Night at Waffles R Wild | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 6pm
Thursday 6th
Angler Academy | Gulf State Park Pier | Gulf Shores | 7am
S’mores on the Shore | Town Green at Gulf Place | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Guided Bike Ride | Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead West | Orange Beach | 8:30am
Alice in Wonderland Tea | Swift Cole Historic Home | Bon Secour | 1pm
Friday 7th
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Saltwater Pier | Gulf Shores | 9am
Organic Gardening & Composting | Learning Campus at Gulf State Park | Gulf Shores | 9:30am
Open House | Swift Coles Historic Home | Bon Secour | 12pm
Tee Off Turned Up Live Music Series | Portside at The Wharf| Orange Beach | 6pm
Brandon Styles Magic Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Saturday 8th
Sandstock | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | All day
CAFFM Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers and Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am
JCMF Professional Rodeo | Robertsdale Arena | 5pm
Haunted History Ghost Walking Tour | Foley Welcome Center | 7pm
Sunday 9th
Goat Agility Training | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 10am
Pickleball Brunch & Rally | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 1pm
Jeff Allen: My First “Final” Farewell Tour | OWA Theater | Foley | 6pm
Monday 10th
Big Cat Chat | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 11am
Kids Board Games | Foley Public Library | 4pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’s it for this week, thanks for hanging out with me for a few minutes. Go enjoy the coast and catch a good sunset if you can, and may God bless you and your crew!
-Shawn
P.S. If your day gets tangled, think like a fisherman — reset your line and cast again.
How did you like today's dispatch?
Word Scramble Answer: Little Lagoon