DISPATCH #51
Good morning Crew! Grab a comfy seat and settle in for a few minutes. I’ve been poking around the coast again, and I found some things worth sharing.
TODAY’S CATCH
WorldAtlas has named Gulf Shores one of America's nine most laid-back towns, giving a nod to its sugar-white beaches, Gulf State Park, and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. From quiet nature trails and kayaking to simply sitting on the sand watching the waves roll in, the article highlights the slower pace of life around here. Of course, we already knew that. We were just too busy relaxing to tell anybody. life’s a beach
Foley's Wolf Creek Park is getting a glow-up. The city has received a $163,620 grant to add a 115 foot long elevated boardwalk, an observation tower, new parking, and improved signage at the 20 acre park. The boardwalk and parking area will be ADA-accessible as well, making it easier for more folks to enjoy the outdoors. With a kayak launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas already in place, this little spot is shaping up to be an even nicer place to spend an afternoon. nature’s calling
Looks like Orange Beach is going to the dogs again. The second annual Fido Fest returns to Waterfront Park on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 2 to 5 pm. This free, family-friendly afternoon includes live music, a blessing of the dogs, K9 demonstrations, children's activities, and plenty of pet-friendly vendors. The grand finale is the Mr. & Miss Fido Fest Pageant, where local pups get their moment in the spotlight. No dog? No problem. Everyone's welcome. let’s pawty
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
“Perdido Bay showing off”
Captured by Terri Oren at Lillian
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool photos around town?
Share your shot
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
Lots of Room + Lots of Style in Aventura
Gulf Shores | 5 beds | 3 baths | 3,113 sqft take a peek
All Brick Home w/ Motivated Sellers + No HOA
Foley | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,394 sqft make a deal
Southern Charm w/ Lots of Upgrades + ICW Access
Gulf Shores | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,893 sqft look inside
Live in the Lap of Luxury in Terry Cove
Orange Beach | 5 beds | 5 baths | 4,337 sqft island life
These are my four picks for the week.
If you’re looking for a new place to call home, I’m your huckleberry.
— Shawn
WANNA GET TOGETHER?
I’ve been thinking. What if we met each other? You know, like in real life.
We’ve gotten pretty good at hanging out in each other’s inboxes. I’m thinking it might be fun to do a little of that in person.
I’ve been kicking around the idea of occasional Crew get-togethers—a chance to put down our phones, meet a few of our neighbors, and give those scrolling thumbs the evening off. Kind of like life used to be.
The details are still wide open. There are lots of things we could do, but first things first: Would you be interested?
Wanna get the Crew together?
Got an idea for something you’d enjoy doing? Hit reply. I’m all ears.
WORD SCRAMBLE
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:06 am |
SUNSET 5:01 pm |
UV INDEX Low |
MOON Waning Crescent |
LOW TIDE 12:38 pm |
HIGH TIDE 1:23 am |
GULF TEMP 73ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER All Clear |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Got room in your heart for one (or two) more? Go meet them this weekend!
Joey the dog
A happy-go-lucky boy who’s never met a stranger, loves a good game of fetch, and has plenty of energy and affection to share with his new peeps.
Howie the dog
A handsome hound with a nose for adventure, ready to leave kennel life behind for a forever home with plenty of room to roam.
Koala the bunny
An adorable little guy with a laid-back personality and enough cuteness to melt your heart, ready to show his new family just how sweet life with a bunny can be.
HAPPENINGS
Tuesday 3rd
Explore the Shore | Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion | Gulf Shores | 9am
Foley Run Club | Moe’s Original BBQ | Foley | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 4th
Big Cat Chat | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 2:15pm
Adult Anime Club | Foley Public Library | 5:30pm
Line Dancing | Dick's Last Resort | Orange Beach | 6:30pm
Thursday 5th
Frank Brown's Songwriters Festival | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | All day
Crafty Adults- Winter Wreaths | Orange Beach Public Library | 5:30pm
Queen's Mahjong by Sirens | Orange Beach Community Center | 6pm
Jesse Roper | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 7:30pm
Friday 6th
Public Open House | Swift Coles Historic Home | Bon Secour | 12pm
Homeschool Days 2026 | Learning Campus at Gulf State Park | Gulf Shores | 1pm
The Legacy Lives On | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 3pm
Poker Night at Waffles R Wild | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 6pm
Saturday 7th
2026 Magnolia Run | Jesse's Restaurant | Magnolia Springs | 7am
CAFFM Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers and Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am
Kids & K-9s | Foley Public Library | 10am
National Gumbo Fest | CoastAL Restaurant | Orange Beach | 11am
5th Annual Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Beverage Festival - 2 DAYS! | Gulf Shores Public Beach | All day
Sugarcane Jane LIVE at the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival | Springhill Suites by Marriott | Orange Beach | 8:20pm
Sunday 8th
Trip Down Memory Lane | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 3pm
Groovy Goat Music Bingo | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 5pm
Monday 9th
Bird Chat At South American Adventure | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 9:15am
Afternoon Art: Dinovember Wooden Puzzle | Orange Beach Public Library | 4pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’s all from me for this week. Find some time to relax, enjoy a sunset or two, and I’ll catch you next time. Until then, may God bless you and your crew!
—Shawn Swisher
P.S. You officially have great taste for reading all the way to the end.
P.P.S. Next week will mark a milestone around here.
Word Scramble Answer: Boardwalk