Gulf Shores and Orange Beach – These are
two areas often considered as one. Think Dallas-Fort Worth, but on sugar-white
sands with condos. I woke up at a lodge on a state park to view the sunset and
walked so far I believe I was in Orange Beach. Later in the car, I wondered
aloud to my sister how far we were from Florida and by the time she tracked it,
we were there. Just down the road.
Shell Yes – Just one good shell can
recall an entire vacation. I found joy in even partial mollusk shells in earthy
tones that I scattered in pots around my garden. I found spare change in broken
sand dollars that must have been tortilla sized when intact. Remember, shells
were once homes so get them from the beach only. “Leave Only Footprints” is a
constant reminder from cleanisland.org.
The Flora-Bama Experience – This
lounge/package store/oyster bar was on my bucket list for less than 24 hours.
I’d just heard of this sprawling joint on the Florida/Alabama coast and was
shuttled there by the end of the day. Someone had to shut my mouth as I
explored the different levels adorned by years of autographed and tossed
braziers. There was a band, a solo singer and lots of bushwackers. That’s the
creamy local drink with Kahlua and other sneaky surprises. We all got a scan,
search and pat down before entering. Guess my krewe looked like trouble. It was
like stepping onto the set of “Urban Cowboy” and the music flowed. I’m hearing
there is church on Sunday and if you’re still in the parking lot from the night
before, they’ll knock on the window, wake you up and invite you to attend.
Alabama Beach Mice – These
are a thing. An endangered thing. They sound tough, like gang with dungarees
and greased-back hair. But they live in the dunes and the Lodge is working to
support them. They’re nocturnal so I never saw them. They must wait for the
Flora-Bama crowd to roll in.
Your Turn – Sure Gulf Shores and
Orange Beach have been famous for a while. I’m new to this love. If you’re
headed to Alabama’s white sand beaches, make sure you go to www.gulfshores.com to get prepped. #stealalabamabeaches
Darragh Doiron Castillo is a Port Arthur area
foodie ready for the shore. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com
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