If Alabama’s Gulf Coast is not yet on your radar, now is a great time to discover the vacation destination. The seaside communities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, longtime favorites of Alabamans, have stood in the shadows of better known resorts along Florida’s neighboring Emerald Coast. But with similar characteristic beauty and a remarkably resilient community spirit following recent hurricanes and the BP oil spill, the area is repositioned to offer visitors a total vacation experience.
New upscale restaurants and deluxe beachfront accommodations blend with old favorites, and traditional activities have expanded from golf, fishing and shopping to include eco-adventure, art and cooking classes, and the latest in spa amenities.
No doubt, the area’s greatest treasure is its 32 miles of wide, white sand beach and emerald waters. The beaches reopened in September 2010 after the oil spill, as BP continued combing the shoreline in the fine-cleanup phase to restore the beaches to pre-spill conditions.
I enjoyed an expansive view of the pristine coastline from my vacation rental at the ultra deluxe Turquoise Place, one of the newest condominium developments at Orange Beach. The eye-catching, modern building of (yes) turquoise-colored plated glass was designed with every comfort in mind and perfectly situated for taking in both sunrise and sunset. Despite a decidedly urban style, the towered complex features indoor/outdoor pools, a lazy river, spa, tennis and a boardwalk through the dunes that easily put one in recreation mode.
When its time to come in from the sun and sand, there is much to explore inland and along the bays. Gulf Shores Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge offers hiking, fishing and opportunities for wildlife viewing in approximately 7000 acres of protected land, home to loggerhead turtles, alligators, waterfowl and many bird species. One can enjoy a 4-mile looped trail or shorter walks along boardwalks and pathways that highlight the diverse habitat.
Take a Dolphin watch cruise on a catamaran or pontoon boat with Captain Bill Mitchell of Cetacean Cruises. You’ll catch his enthusiasm for the dolphins and the natural environment as he teaches about the habits of these playful creatures. He is a designated Dolphin Smart Program operator working to help promote the welfare of dolphin populations.
Rent a bike or take a guided golf cart tour through the wilderness on the newly developed Back Country Trail of Gulf State Park. Winding through woodlands with moss-covered trees and views of marsh, dunes and swamp, you can usually spot a resident gator perched on her favorite log.
Artists, writers and musicians are attracted by the beauty and serenity of the Alabama Coast, and the arts community is promoted in part through Beach CITE Studios, a “community interactive teaching experience.” Newly opened in the SanRoc Cay complex of boutiques and restaurants, the educational center offers concerts, art, creative writing and culinary classes for area residents and visitors. (Call ahead for scheduling).
The Orange Beach Art Center has exhibitions and local artwork for sale, and the Center’s Hot Shop offers the first and only public access glass blowing studio in Alabama. Resident glass artist Sam Cornman demonstrates glass blowing and guides visitors in blowing their own glass ornament.
Take a short drive inland to the Mayberry-like village of Magnolia Springs, settled along the Magnolia River in the early 1800s. The peaceful village of oak-lined streets and historic cottages offers a Bed and Breakfast with ‘classic southern hospitality’ in a lovingly restored home. Plan a stop at the landmark Village Market and adjacent Jessie’s Restaurant for the best shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes. A Wine Spectator award winner, Jesse’s also has one of the largest wine selections on the Gulf Coast.
Lulu’s and other Notable Cuisine
For Jimmy Buffet fans, it’s hard to pass up spending an evening at Lulu’s, Buffet’s younger sister’s restaurant and shop, where parrotheads can listen to live music and order a cheeseburger in paradise and a good margarita.
But if fresh seafood is what you came for, you’ll be enthralled by the choice of excellent dining options throughout the area. The South Beach Bar and Grill at the Beach Club resort offers an exquisite setting and local seafood prepared in a Cajun/Creole style. The charismatic chef and veteran restaurateur, Greg Buschmohle, loves to share tales of his vintage-car racing days as much as his passion for Creole and Caribbean flavors and regional cuisine.
Orange Beach’s newest restaurant, Cobalt, sits at Perdido Pass near the Florida state line, and features waterfront dining, an immense waterfall and a virtual video aquarium. A favorite for Sunday Brunch and unique seafood appetizers such as Lobster Rangoon in a wonton shell, tuna and avocado stack and Cosmos firecracker shrimp, Cobalt is also a winner of a Wine Spectator award of excellence.
With attractive restaurants and first-rate amenities adding to a list of extraordinary activities, Alabama’s Gulf Coast clearly competes with the South’s finest beach destinations.
For trip planning, visit www.gulfshores.com or www.orangebeach.com