DISPATCH #47
Hey neighbor, glad you stopped by. It’s another week here along the coast and I’ve rounded up another batch of things worth knowing, doing and talking about. Let’s get to it.
TODAY’S CATCH
Shrimp Fest is back! The 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival takes over Gulf Shores Oct. 8–11, bringing four days of fresh Gulf shrimp, live music, arts and crafts, family activities, races, and plenty more to the beach. More than 50 food vendors will be serving everything from shrimp to crab cakes, lobster, and Cajun favorites, while 150+ art booths give you something to browse between bites. It’s one of the biggest events of the year around here. Festival calories don’t count, right? shrimpin’ ain’t easy
Foley is giving residents a little more say over who comes knocking. Starting Oct. 30, commercial door-to-door solicitors will need city permits, background checks, ID badges and a city business license—and they’ll be limited to knocking between 9 am and 7 pm. And for folks who’d rather not answer the door at all, the city is creating a No Solicitation Registry where residents, and even entire subdivisions, can opt out. knock it off
A couple of Orange Beach High School students are proving you don’t need much to do a little good—turning old t-shirts into tug toys for rescue dogs through their “Tees to Tugs” project. They’ll be outside Shades at The Wharf on Saturday Oct. 3, from 11 am–2 pm, where anyone can stop by and help cut, braid, and tie the toys. Everything made will go to a local rescue shelter in Foley — giving old shirts a second life and some rescue pups a new favorite toy. Now that’s what you call a win-win. tees to tugs
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
“Pondering Bald Eagle”
Captured by Kristen Williams at Gulf State Park
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool photos around town?
ARRR YOU SCARED?
There’s treasure hiding in the woods, but the pirates aren’t exactly handing out maps and wishing you luck. Baldwin County Heritage Museum invites you to Pirates of the Cursed Forest for a night of spooky fun. Enjoy a fun hayride or if you dare, a walk along the Haunted Trail.
The challenge? Find the pirates’ booty before the pirates find you. Bring your nerve—and maybe a friend who scares easier than you do. It’s always nice to have somebody else do the hollering.
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
West Lagoon Cottage w/ Deeded Beach Access
Gulf Shores | 3 beds | 4 baths | 1,640 sq ft | take a peek
Brick Home on Corner Lot in Gated 55+ Community
Foley | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,561 sq ft | welcome home
Beachfront Condo Under $500K
Orange Beach | 1 bed | 1 bath | 792 sq ft | surf’s up!
Ono Island Beauty w/ Dream Kitchen
Orange Beach | 4 beds | 4 baths | 3,336 sq ft | island life
A little something you may not know: Along with putting out Gulf Coast Crew each week, I’m also a local real estate agent. If you’ve got your eye on a new place or wondering what yours might bring, hit reply and let’s talk it over. Or we can pull up a chair at BuzzCatz—coffee’s on me!
—Shawn
POLL RESULTS
Last week, the Crew weighed in on the best part of fall here on the coast. It seems your idea of the perfect fall day involves a little more elbow room on the beach and being able to sit outside without melting. Hard to argue with that.
What’s the best part of fall on the Gulf Coast?
🏖️ Quieter beaches - 39%
🍹 Patio weather - 33%
❄️ Cooler mornings - 17%
🍁 Fall Festivals - 11%
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:46 am |
SUNSET 6:29 pm |
UV INDEX Low |
MOON Waning Crescent |
LOW TIDE 4:18 pm |
HIGH TIDE 6:48 am |
GULF TEMP 81ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER Storm Brewing |
*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.
Gypsy the dog
A stunning gal with unforgettable ice-blue eyes and a gentle heart, ready to leave her difficult past behind and discover just how good life can be with a loving family by her side.
Daisy the dog
A joyful girl who’s eager to learn and is happiest right by her people’s side, ready to grow into a loyal adventure buddy with plenty of love to share.
Lorna the cat
A sweet girl who’s been through a lot of change, and now she’s ready for a fresh start of her own with a loving family, cozy naps, and all the affection she deserves.
HAPPENINGS
Tuesday 6th
Tacos, Tequila, & Trivia | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 6pm
Karaoke Night | Dicks Last Resort | Orange Beach | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 7th
Midday Melodies | Heritage Park | Foley | 11am
Public Open House | Swift Coles Historic Home | Bon Secour | 12pm
Live Music: Six Piece Suits | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 5pm
Adult Anime Club | Foley Public Library | 5:30pm
Thursday 8th
53rd Annual Shrimp Festival | Gulf Shores Main Public Beach | 8am
Big Cat Chat | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 2:15pm
Groovy Goat Thursday Night Karaoke | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 6pm
Friday 9th
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Saltwater Pier | Gulf Shores | 9am
Haunted Mini Golf | Orange Beach Public Library | 10:30am
Live Music: Chase Mitchell | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 6pm
BCHM Haunted Forest | Baldwin County Heritage Museum | Elberta | 6pm
Graham Creek’s Haunted Forest | Graham Creek Nature Preserve | Foley | 7pm
Private Eyes – The Premier Hall & Oates Tribute | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 7:30pm
Saturday 10th
CAFFM Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers and Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am
Diamond Painting Marathon | Foley Public Library | 10am
Makos Football Cornhole Tournament | The Green Space at Portside on Main | Orange Beach | 11am
Sand Sculpting Competition | Gulf Shores Public Beach | 11am
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
BCHM Haunted Forest | Baldwin County Heritage Museum | Elberta | 6pm
Graham Creek’s Haunted Forest | Graham Creek Nature Preserve | Foley | 7pm
Sunday 11th
OktoberFest | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 3pm
Groovy Goat Music Bingo | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 5pm
Baldwin Pops Tribute to Joe Riemer | Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach | 5pm
Monday 12th
Bird Chat At South American Adventure | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 9:15am
Matinee Art: Ombre Ghost Decor | Orange Beach Public Library | 2pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
Another trip around the coast is complete. Thanks for coming along for the ride. See ya next week, and may God bless you and your crew!
—Shawn Swisher
P.S. Sit with a thought for a moment — it just might have more to say.