DISPATCH #33
Good morning Crew—and Happy 250 America!
Peak summertime is among us. The beaches are getting crowded, restaurant waits are getting longer, and finding a good parking spot at Publix can feel like winning the lottery. Add to that all the celebrations for America’s 250 and we’ve got a jam-packed week ahead of us. You can easily find all the fireworks shows in the events list, marked with a special emoji. Let’s get to it!
TODAY’S CATCH
Downtown Foley just got a little tastier. Half Shell Oyster House has officially opened its doors, bringing everything from raw and charbroiled oysters to shrimp and grits, seafood pasta, po' boys, and plenty more to the heart of the city. And if seafood isn't your thing, don't worry—they've got steaks, chicken, and other options too. Looks like folks have one more reason to wander downtown... preferably on an empty stomach. let’s eat!
Sometimes a boat sinking is actually a good thing. A 408-foot former riverboat casino is getting a second life this week as it joins Alabama's artificial reef system about 23 nautical miles south of Orange Beach. Once it settles onto the Gulf floor, the massive vessel will become a new home for fish, a hotspot for anglers and scuba divers, and one of the largest reef sites in the state's already impressive artificial reef network—the largest in the country. Around here, even an old casino knows the best bet is on the Gulf. reef jackpot
If you're looking for something to do in July, Orange Beach has your calendar pretty well covered. The city is celebrating Parks and Recreation Month with a full lineup of family-friendly activities, including scavenger hunts, dive-in movies, pickleball and tennis clinics, fitness events, golf activities, and a summer sendoff at Waterfront Park. Whether you're chasing clues through local parks or just looking for a fun evening out, there's a little something for just about everyone all month long. pick your adventure
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
“Never gets old!”
Captured by Margaret Neely in Daphne
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
ATTN: BOOK CREW
Here’s your friendly reminder that our first book club is almost here. Next Tuesday, we’ll be doing a quick recap of June’s pick, When Secrets Come Calling, as well as announcing July’s pick.
Can you believe how quickly one old secret in Gulf Shores can stir up a whole lot of questions, second chances, and family drama? If you haven’t started reading it yet, there’s still time to join us!
We’ll keep everything short and sweet here in the newsletter, with the full recap and review posted on the website for anyone who wants to settle in and read more. See ya next week.
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
Little Lagoon in Your Back Yard
Gulf Shores | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,944 sq ft | see the views
Bayfront Dream Home w/ Pool
Orange Beach | 4 beds | 5 baths | 3,158 sq ft | island life
Furnished Home + Fenced Yard w/ Fruit Trees
Foley | 4 beds | 4 baths | 2,785 sq ft | take a peek
Gulf-Front Condos w/ Lazy River
Gulf Shores | Orange Beach
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 5:51 am |
SUNSET 7:56 pm |
UV INDEX Very High |
MOON Waning Gibbous |
LOW TIDE 8:12 pm |
HIGH TIDE 8:48 am |
GULF TEMP 82ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER All clear |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Meet a local pup or kitty who’s ready to be someone’s whole world.
Lady Bug the dog
A sweet, gentle girl with a heart as big as her smile, ready to leave her past behind and become a loyal best friend to the lucky family who gives her the home she deserves.
Daisy the dog
A playful young Lab mix who loves chasing fun during the day and curling up beside you on the couch at night, with plenty of kisses to share.
Miranda the kitten
An adorable little tuxedo kitten with bright eyes and a big personality, equally happy chasing toys or curling up in your lap for a cozy cuddle.
Tuesday 30th
Art al Fresco: Starfish & Stripes | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach | 11am
Sunset Sounds | Portside @ The Wharf | Orange Beach | 5:30pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 1st
Swim for America 250 | Orange Beach Aquatics Center | 6am - 9am
Crafty Kids: Color Your Own Squishy | Orange Beach Public Library | 10:30am
Rock ‘n’ Roll Tie Dye Party | Orange Beach Senior Center | 5pm
Game Night | Waffles R Wild | Foley | 5pm
Anime Club | Foley Public Library | 5:30pm
Pepsi Summer Adventure | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6pm
Thursday 2nd
Red, White & Run 5K | Jesse’s on the Bay | Fort Morgan | 7am
Nature Time Storytime | Gulf Shores Public Library | 10:30am
Act Up! Theatre Workshop | Foley Public Library | 1pm
🎆 Independence in the Park | Elberta Town Park | 5pm - 9pm
🎆 Independence Day Street Party | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday 3rd
Patriotic Bike & Pet Parade | Lake Shelby Picnic Area @ Gulf State Park | 9am
Pirates & Princesses Breakfast Adventure Show | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 9am
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Pier | 9am
Live Music: Saved by the Music | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7pm
Brandon Styles Magic Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Gavin Adcock | The Wharf Amphitheater | Orange Beach | 7pm
Saturday 4th
Shark Run 5K Run/Walk | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 7am
6th Annual Freedom Run | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 8am
🎆 Star Spangled 250th Spectacular | Downtown OWA | Foley | 2pm - 9pm
Live Music: Nashville South | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 7pm
🎆 4th of July Fireworks Show | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 9pm
🎆 4th of July Fireworks | Gulf State Park Pier | 9pm
🎆 Perdido Beach Resort 4th of July Celebration | View from Alabama Point Beach Access | Orange Beach | 9pm
🎆 Turquoise Place J4 Celebration | View from Cotton Bayou Beach Access | Orange Beach | 9pm
Sunday 5th
Guided Beach Walk | Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion | 8am
Sunset Sips & Sounds | The Gulf Restaurant | Orange Beach | 5pm
Live Music: Jesse Taylor | Tacky Jacks | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Monday 6th
Tech Class: Libby & Goodreads | Orange Beach Public Library | 10:30am
Free Bingo w/ Rhonda Hart | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 1pm
Live Music: Cowboy Johnson | Tacky Jacks | Fort Morgan | 6pm
Movie Monday | Portside on Main @ The Wharf | Orange Beach | 6:30pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’ll do it for this week. Have a little patience with the traffic and enjoy all the festivities! God bless America—and may God bless you and your Crew.
-Shawn
P.S. Here’s to freedom, family, and fun on the coast!
P.P.S. Keep your furry friends close—fireworks are rough on those little ears.