DISPATCH #43
Good morning Crew!
Welcome back. It’s another Tuesday here on the Gulf coast, where summer is supposed to be winding down, but nobody bothered to tell the thermometer. Here’s what you need to know this week.
TODAY’S CATCH
Orange Beach marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a stair climb at Turquoise Place honoring the first responders who lost their lives that day. Firefighters, police officers, families, and community members climbed in their memory, many carrying the name and photo of a fallen first responder before ringing a bell in their honor at the finish. More than the number of stairs climbed, the morning was about remembering the courage of those who ran toward danger when others were trying to escape — and making sure, 25 years later, their sacrifice is never forgotten. never forget
Foley is hitting the pause button on something that hasn’t started yet. The city has approved a six-month moratorium on data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities, and similar data operations while officials take a closer look at issues like water use, electricity demand, noise, zoning, and environmental impacts. There aren’t currently any data centers proposed for Foley, but the idea is simply to get the rules figured out before something comes along. server timeout
Orange Beach has apparently been keeping a little secret. 8 Reale recently landed on Southern Living’s list of the coolest speakeasies in the South, thanks to an entrance that starts with finding a code on social media and punching it into a vault door tucked beside a jewelry store. Once inside, visitors will find vintage cocktails, charcuterie, and even live piano music on select nights. Just remember—once you crack the code, you still have to find the door. secret’s out
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
“Pretty in pink”
Captured by Kimberly Fulmer at Orange Beach
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
You Gotta See This Backyard!
Gulf Shores | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,618 sq ft | pool party
4 Beds + Easy Access to 59 & Beach Express
Foley | 4 beds | 2 baths | 2,031 sq ft | take a peek
Gorgeous Kitchen + Boat/RV Parking & No HOA
Orange Beach | 3 beds | 4 baths | 2,245 sq ft | island life
Beachfront Condo by Day, Flora-Bama by Night
Orange Beach | 2 beds | 2 baths | 1,064 sq ft | surf’s up!
WORTH THE DRIVE
If you’re looking for a good excuse to get away from the crowds for a little while, Fresco in Bon Secour is worth the drive. The setting is beautiful, the restaurant itself is cozy, and at least during our lunch visit, it was nice and relaxed.
We skipped the appetizers, which turned out to be a good decision because the focaccia and olive oil they brought to the table was hard to stop eating. So hard, in fact, that we ended up eating two plates of it.
I ordered the lasagna, and it was easily one of the best I’ve had. This isn’t a tomato-heavy lasagna. It’s rich and creamy, with three cheeses, hearty Bolognese sauce, and handmade pasta that really sets it apart. Fair warning: it’s also incredibly filling. You could easily split it or take half home for lunch the next day. I did neither. I powered through the whole thing and enjoyed every single bite.
The lasagna I couldn’t stop eating. I am not ashamed.
Around the table, the Porchetta sandwich was another hit, especially the incredibly tender pork, fig jam, and focaccia. The fingerling potatoes on the side were fantastic too. The Margherita pizza got a more mixed review from our table, mostly because it was a little too tomato-forward for that particular diner.
And somehow we still found room for tiramisu. I’m glad we did. It was silky smooth, excellent, and definitely a step or two above the typical Olive Garden variety.
Service was just as good as the food. Our server couldn’t have been better, and everything came out of the kitchen quickly, although we were there on the early side for lunch.
As for pricing, a couple of the dishes felt pretty reasonable while others felt a bit on the higher side. However, the portions sizes were quite hefty—even our tiramisu was more than enough for two people. One thing to note, Fresco doesn’t appear to have a separate lunch menu, so you’re paying the same prices you would at dinner.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Fresco has officially made our list. It’s probably more of an occasional treat than a weekly lunch spot for us, but it’s one I’m already looking forward to visiting again.
*Not sponsored, not compensated — just sharing my own personal experience.
PHIL’S TWO CENTS
Phil’s opinions are entirely his own. Legally speaking, we’re not even sure he can read.
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:34 am |
SUNSET 6:55 pm |
UV INDEX Very High |
MOON Waxing Crescent |
LOW TIDE 9:17 am |
HIGH TIDE 11:20 pm |
GULF TEMP 86ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER All Clear |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Share these guys to anyone you know who needs a new buddy!
Daisy the dog
A happy puppy with an eager-to-please personality, ready to grow into a loyal sidekick for a family who’ll take her along for plenty of adventures, car rides, and everyday fun.
Eden the dog
An affectionate girl with a curious nose and a serious appreciation for couch time—perfect for someone looking for a friendly companion who’s happy to snuggle a lot.
Delores the dog
This sweet senior loves walks, games of fetch, and burrowing under blankets almost as much as she loves being around people, kids, dogs, and even cats.
HAPPENINGS
Tuesday 15th
The Creative Journal Club | Gulf Shores Public Library | 4pm
Namaste by the Bay | Waterfront Park | Orange Beach | 5:30pm
Tacos, Tequila, & Trivia | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 6pm
Foley Run Club | Moe’s Original BBQ | Foley | 6pm
Wednesday 16th
Junior Rangers: Plant ID & Press | Gulf State Park | Gulf Shores | 10am
Bunco & Bubbles | Tee Off | Orange Beach | 6pm
MT Jones | OWA Theater | Foley | 7pm
Thursday 17th
Switch Open Play | Foley Public Library | 2:30pm
Captain Olympics - Fall Season Kickoff Party | Zeke's Landing Marina | Orange Beach | 5pm
Wine with Winston | Gulf Babe Wine Boutique | Orange Beach | 6pm
Friday 18th
Poetry Reading Open Mic | Gulf Shores Public Library | 4am
GSFR Association Sixth Annual Golf Tournament | Craft Farms Golf Course | Gulf Shores | 7am
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Saltwater Pier | Gulf Shores | 9am
Public Open House | Swift Coles Historic Home | Bon Secour | 12pm
Family Bingo | Foley Public Library | 5:30pm
Jesse Peyton: The Right Side of Comedy | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | Time TBA
Saturday 19th
CAFFM Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers and Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am
6th Annual Orange Beach Freedom Festival | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 9am
10th Anniversary Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant | Erie Meyer Civic Center | Gulf Shores | 10am
Tailgate in the Tent | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 11am
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Use Your Illusion: America’s #1 Guns N Roses Experience | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm
Sunday 20th
Sunday Funday | Gulf Babe Wine Boutique | Orange Beach | All day
6th Annual Orange Beach Freedom Festival | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 10am
Pickleball Brunch & Rally | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 1pm
Monday 21st
Bird Chat At South American Adventure | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 9:15am
Kids Board Games | Foley Public Library | 4pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
That’s about all the news that’s fit for the porch this week. See y’all next Tuesday and may God bless you and your crew!
-Shawn Swisher
P.S. This week, do one small thing your future self will thank you for.