DISPATCH #10
Top of the morning to you Crew,
The sun’s up, the water’s doing its thing and we’re coasting through wintertime. Here’s your weekly rundown.
TODAY’S CATCH
Almost a year to the day after a record-breaking snowstorm visited the Gulf Coast, South Alabama got an another unexpected winter surprise. Light snow flurries fell on towns and beaches from Dothan to Orange Beach, sending locals scrambling for cameras and scarves while sharing snowy snapshots online — a rare sight that had folks smiling in disbelief before it melted right back into salty air and sunshine. snow on the sand
The City of Foley is backing an expansion of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, helping the beloved springtime tradition stretch its wings as crowds keep growing. The added financial support goes toward the not-so-glamorous but very important stuff — safety, logistics, and smooth operations — so families can keep enjoying those colorful balloons drifting over the coast. The event now brings 50-plus hot air balloons lifting off annually, painting the sky in colors you usually only see at sunset on the coast. fire ‘em up
A new SpringHill Suites is officially open in Orange Beach, bringing 120 fresh, coastal-inspired suites to the area with plenty of room to stretch out for beach trips, longer stays or work-from-anywhere days. The hotel features a resort-style pool, a poolside bistro and all the modern comforts travelers expect. It also includes The Blue Heron Room, a roughly 1,080-square-foot meeting space designed for small meetings and gatherings. check in and chill
MARDI GRAS MADNESS
It’s officially the season when our coastal streets trade flip-flops for parade routes and everyone pretends they planned ahead. I thought you might like a list of upcoming local parades so you can mark your calendars.
Robertsdale: Sat Jan 24th at 6:30pm
Elberta: Sat Jan 31st at noon
Foley: Sat Feb 14th at 11am
Fort Morgan: Sun Feb 15th at 1pm
Downtown OWA: Sun Feb 15th at 6pm
Gulf Shores: Tue Feb 17th at 10am
Orange Beach: Tue Feb 17th at 2pm
Want to take a short trip to where it all started? There’s no need to drive to New Orleans. Mobile is credited with introducing America to Mardi Gras way back in 1703, before New Orleans or the United States existed. view Mobile parades
CREW SNAPSHOT
-“Morning sunrise dog walk at Lake Shelby”
Captured by Karen Peroz at Gulf State Park
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
ON THE MARKET
Sleek Renovation in Golf Community
Gulf Shores | 5 beds | 3 baths | 3,269 sq ft | fore!
Class A RV Coach House w/ Community Beach
Orange Beach | 1 bed | 1 bath | 275 sq ft | go glamping
One-Level Stunner Hidden on One Acre Lot
Weeks Bay | 4 beds | 4 baths | 2,911 sq ft | take a peek
SNOWBIRD RADAR
Snowbird flocks are roosting, and they’re not just here for the weather. Below is a handy roundup of state groups plotting breakfasts, dinners, golf outings, cocktails and good times.
Each group has numerous happenings on their calendar so check out the links below for the full schedules.
Wintering on the Gulf Coast? Tell us which state you call home — we’d love to know where our snowbirds are flocking from this year.
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:46 am |
SUNSET 5:16 pm |
UV INDEX Moderate |
MOON Waxing Crescent |
LOW TIDE 7:01 am |
HIGH TIDE 9:12 pm |
GULF TEMP 53°F |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Got room in your heart, and on the couch, for one more?
Trooper the dog
A friendly and smart Boxer with a big heart and an even bigger love for people.
Sebastian the dog
A fun pup with an curious personality who’s ready to trade shelter life for a forever home.
Timmy the cat
A beautiful orange Shorthair with a gentle spirit who’s ready to curl up in a cozy home.
Tuesday 20th
Art al Fresco: Stained Glass Butterfly | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 10am - 1pm
Guided Hike | Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead at Gulf State Park | 10am
Wine Tasting w/ Winston | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 6pm - 8pm
Music Bingo | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Tacos, Tequila & Trivia | Waffles R Wild at OWA | Foley | 6pm - 8pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 21st
Senior Wednesday | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 9am - 3pm
Welcome Wednesday | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 11am - 2pm
Bingo | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 2pm - 5pm
All Ages Karaoke | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 5pm - 8pm
Open Mic Night w/ Nigel & Company | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 8pm
Live: Saucy FuzZ | The Undertow | Orange Beach | 10pm - 2am
The Duel at OWA: Dueling Pianos | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Thursday 22nd
Live: Veronica Jean Trio | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 12pm - 4pm
Build Your Own Pasta | Foodcraft Restaurant | Gulf State Park | 4pm - 8pm
Live: Matthew Wojo | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 5pm - 9pm
Wine & Cheese Booksale Presale | Orange Beach Public Library | 6pm - 9pm
The Duel at OWA: Dueling Pianos | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Friday 23rd
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Pier | 9am
Bedazzled Books | Foley Public Library | 10am
Live: Smokey Otis Band | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 12pm - 4pm
Live: Dan Poer | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 2pm - 5pm
Mardi Gras Poster Signing w/ Becky Fos | Rouses Market | Orange Beach | 5pm - 7pm
Friday Night Karaoke | Cozumel Bar & Grill at OWA | Foley | 6pm
Live: Jesse Taylor | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Live: Ramblin’ Roses | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 10pm
Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm
Saturday 24th
Safari 5K & Family Run/Walk | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 9am
Coastal Cat Sanctuary Open House | Foley | 10am - 2pm
Live: Tipsy Manatee | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 5pm - 9pm
Live: Lefty Colins | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Sunday 25th
Big Beach Marathon & Half Marathon | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7:30am
Pickleball Brunch & Rally | OWA | Foley | 1pm - 5pm
Live: Les Linton | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 1pm - 5pm
Trivia Night | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Monday 26th
Eco Art: Beach Terrariums | Learning Campus at Gulf State Park | 9am
Meet, Greet & Game | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 2pm - 5pm
Monday Night Trivia | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 5pm - 7pm
Books & Brews: The Names | Luna’s Eat & Drink | Orange Beach | 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Winter Concert Series: 3 Redneck Tenors | Erie Meyer Civic Center | Gulf Shores | 7pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
Hope this gives you a few good ideas for the days ahead. Until next time, take care out there and may God bless you and your crew!
Shawn
P.S. This week, do one small thing your future self will thank you for.