The Beach is Calling

Entertainment Series 2012

Each year the City of Gulf Shores presents a winter line-up of top entertainers in a series of shows that run from January through March. Already this season we’ve seen Jukebox Junction – the combination of two great big band attractions – the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and The Diamonds. We have also seen the Dukes of Dixieland offer a fascinating fusion of Dixieland jazz, country and modern music. If you missed either of those shows, don’t despair. It’s not too late to take in great national entertainment at our own outstanding local venue, the Erie Meyer Civic Center.

The next show on the schedule is Linda Davis – An Evening in the Round, January 24. Linda Davis, a Grammy-winning country music star, graces the stage to present her powerful musical skill and deeply heart-felt lyrics.

For the first show in February, we go back in time for a full big band experience with In The Mood. This 1940s musical revue includes singers, dancer and a full orchestra to make the illusion complete. The show runs February 6^th and 7^th.

Toward the end of the month, we get a rare double-bill called Raindrops and Boondocks. B. J. Thomas who wrote and sang “Raindrops Keeps Falling On My Head,” joins the stage with Billy Joe Royal, who sang “Down in the Boondocks.” They each have remained true to their singer/songwriter roots and together sing their greatest hits and duets like “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling.” Their show runs February 27th and 28th.

On March 3^rd and 4th, Cloris Leachman kicks things off with her one-woman show. With more than 70 years entertaining audiences, Miss Leachman brings a stunning repertoire of characters and life experience to share on stage.

Laughing With Legends follows next with a playful look back at the 1950s. Married couple, Brian and Joey Gurl keep audiences enthralled as they take a tour through the era showcasing their many talents. The show plays on March 6^th.

The season ends March 10^th and 11^th with Celebration Winds, an orchestral performance of favorite classical, pop and broadway tunes. The performers – from Birmingham and Atlanta – have brought their show to venues across the country and to London, England. The show is a musical extravaganza not to be missed.

Tickets for the shows vary between $21 and $39 and, if available, can be purchased here.

 

Mardi Gras Along the Gulf

Laissez le bon temps roulez! Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday for the uninitiated – is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday each year. This year, Mardi Gras falls on February 21^st. Like our neighbors to the west in New Orleans, we love a good parade or two or twenty here in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area.  In fact, we like it so much we start celebrating in January!

We have a parade or celebration for the young and young at heart alike. In nearby Mobile alone, 34 separate parades mark the season starting on February 3^rd and taking place almost daily until February 21^st. For a list of those events, click here . To enjoy an event closer to the beach, or more off the beaten path, consider one of the parades listed below.

January

21^st   1:00 PM  Krewe De La Dauphine Mardi Gras Parade on Dauphin Island

28th   1:00 PM  Island Mystics Mardi Gras Parade on Dauphin Island

February

11^th   7:00 PM  KOER Knights of Ecor Rouge Mardi Gras Parade in downtown Fairhope

17^th    6:30 PM  Mystical Order of Mirams Parade on Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach

17^th   7:00 PM  Maids of Jubiliee Mardi Gras Parade in downtown Fairhope

18^th – 21^st 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM  Pleasure Island Mardi Gras Festival at the Wharf in Orange Beach

18^th   2:00 PM  Krew of Mullet Mates Mardi Gras Parade at Mullet Point Park in Point Clear

18^th   5:30 PM  Mystics of Pleasure Mardi Gras Parade on Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach

18^th   6:45 PM  Shadow Barons Mardi Gras Parade on the streets of Olde Town Daphne

20^th   2:00 PM  The Wharf Kids Mardi Gras Parade at The Wharf in Orange Beach

20^th   5:00 PM  The Wharf Mardi Gras Parade at The Wharf in Orange Beach

20^th   7:00 PM  Order of the Mystic Magnolias Mardi Gras Parade in downtown Fairhope

21^st  10:00 AM  Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade on Gulf Shores Parkway in Gulf Shores

21^st  2:00 PM  Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade on Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach

 

Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series and the Race to the Top of the Tower

Whether you are a sports enthusiast or just looking for some motivation to keep up your New Year’s resolutions, we have two events coming up that are sure to pique your interest.

2012 Race to the Top of the Stairs
On Thursday, January 19, the Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series weekend kicks off with an invitational stair race 33 floors to the top of the Turquoise Place Tower in Orange Beach for police, fire, EMS and military. The entry fee is $10 with 100% of the proceeds going to the Special Olympics of Alabama. If you are a member of the police, fire, EMS or military and want to be a part of this great fundraiser call 850-261-6171 for information on how to sign up.

For the rest of us, this is a great opportunity to be inspired by strength and stamina of those who work so hard to keep us safe. Come out to support the participants and watch a great competition. The race starts at 10:00 am.

2012 Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series
This race series features half marathons throughout the year along the Gulf Coast starting with a race in Gulf Shores on January 22. Runners get the opportunity to test their skills along some of the most scenic stretches of the Gulf Coast and we get the chance to cheer them on as they begin and end at LuLu’s at Homeport. Runners will loop underneath then cross over the intracoastal bridge to begin their 13.1 miles as they head to Gulf State Park for a loop around Lake Shelby and briefly to Perdido Beach Blvd. for a view of the Gulf.

The other races in the series include Pensacola Beach, Florida on April 15th and Mandeville, Louisiana on October 14th. Runners who compete in all three Gulf Coast Half Marathons in the 2012 series receive a limited edition GCHM Series sweatshirt. Additionally, they can compete to be named Series Champion. Times from the 3 events currently on the 2012 calendar will be averaged at the conclusion of the series. The fastest average time overall (M/F) in each age group will be named Series Champion. Prizes will be announced at the Gulf Shores race, January 22.

For more information, click here.

 

2012 Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash

If you have been thinking about a visit to the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area, have we got good news for you! For two weeks you have the opportunity to enter the 2012 Gulf Coast Seafood & Tourism Bash, sponsored by BP for the chance to win a 4-day, 3-night vacation package for four in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana or Mississippi.

The contest started January 2, and is a two-week celebration of Gulf Coast seafood, culture and tourism in conjunction with the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 3^rd. It will include Gulf Coast seafood at official Allstate Sugar Bowl and Allstate BCS National Championship galas and pre-game parties; promotional announcements during the games; vacation giveaways to Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana; seafood samplings for fans and media in New Orleans, and more. Locally, the Hangout will host a Beachside watch party for the big Alabama/LSU game on January 9^th.

For your chance to win, text GULFCST to 76060. Four prizes will be given away including a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach valued at $7500. The contest concludes on January 13^th, so don’t delay. Each registrant may enter one time to win.  For more rules and information, click here.

 

 

Welcome Snowbirds!

Each year we are happy to be visited by a number of folks from the Midwest who spend the winter months here to avoid the cold at home. We are thrilled to have you all and are especially pleased that you choose to make Gulf Shores & Orange Beach your home year after year.

Since your last visit, we created a smart phone app that provides all kinds of great information about events, restaurants, attractions, accommodations and even the weather. The app is available for the iPhone or Android and is called Gulf Beaches.

If you haven’t already done so, we also encourage you to friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to make sure you hear about all the great things going on in the area.

If you are looking for your friends here in the area, we encourage you visit our Snowbird Clubs site for event information.

It’s great to have you back and we can’t wait to see you out on our beautiful, white sand beaches.

 

 

Ring in the New Year Gulf Coast-Style!

Whether you are looking for family-friendly entertainment or classic all-night bash, you can celebrate in style in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. We have events going on during the day, on New Year’s eve itself and even on New Year’s day so that you start the new year off properly. Listed below are some of the scheduled events.

We would love for you to join us at these events and have a great time. We want you to come back and see us many times, so we ask that you indulge responsibly and take advantage of our area taxis if needed.

 

NOTE: For those of you new to the area, it is customary in the South to eat black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread on New Year’s day to ensure health, prosperity and good luck in the coming year. So don’t be surprised if you are offered these delicacies. It would be considered most ungracious to refuse this hospitality.

New Year’s Eve

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Family Celebration Day at the Wharf

 

Discount Ferris wheel rides, corn hole tournament, largest sand pile contest, special movie presentations, face painting, kids games, jump houses, fishing pond. For more information contact Rob Lynch 941-780-0538, roblynch@revexpo.net.

The Wharf - 4985 Wharf Pkwy. Orange Beach, AL 36561

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM LuLu’s Noon New Years Eve Celebration

LuLu's opens early every New Year's Eve Day for a very special and family friendly way to bring in the New Year. Bring out the whole family and join Lucy Buffett for the big countdown to NOON! There will be lots of fun events including clowns, face painters, sand castle contests, bubble wrap and much, much more. Patti Hall with the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will be on hand with some of her amazing animals. Musical entertainment provided by Amanda Shaw immediately after the countdown. Too much family fun to miss!

200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Early Bird New Year's Bash featuring Brent Burns

Join us on December 31st for the Early Bird New Year's Eve Bash featuring 2010 Trop Rock Songwriter of the Year, Brent Burns. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Payments are being accepted via Paypal (www.brentburns.com) or call 251.948.8863. Cash ticket sales are available at the CSC Office, 317 Dolphin Ave, Gulf Shores, 9am - noon, Monday - Friday. BYO Eats, Drinks and Table Decor. Spirits are permitted. Confetti, glitter and open flame are not. Prizes will be awarded for the most outrageous table decoration. Buy a table of 8 and get reserved seating!

Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 @. 2nd St., Gulf Shores, AL

7:00 PM – 2:00 AM The Wharf Rockin' New Year's Eve Bash

Main street party, two stages with live bands all night, giant Marlin drop at midnight. Spectacular firewarks display at midnight, $100 giveaway every hour until 2:00 am.

The Wharf - 4985 Wharf Pkwy. Orange Beach, AL 36561

 

8:00 PM – 2:00 AM New Years Eve Fire & Ice Unleashed with Kristy Lee at the Hangout

Tickets are $20. Champagne Toast at midnight along with Kristy Lee. Burlesque dancers, DJ and the Kristy Lee band to ring in the new year. 21 and up, doors at 8pm and the party goes until 2am. Don't miss out on this Unleashed Event at the Hangout. For more information give us a call 251-948-3030 or send an email jimmy@thehangoutal.com

The Hangout - 101 East Beach Blvd - Gulf Shores, AL 36542

 

9:00 PM Papa's New Year's Eve Party

Party favors, free champagne at midnight and music by Smokey Otis & Mark Laborde.

Papa Rocco’s - 101 West 6th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542

 

New Year’s Day

11:00 AM Flora-Bama New Years Day Polar Bear Dip

On Friday, New Year's Day, at high noon, 'Polar Bears' will dip in the Gulf of Mexico at the Florida/Alabama line.
Deckstage Entertainment:
11:00 LeaAnne & Rick
3:30 Jezebel's Chill'n
8:00 Adam Holt
Tentstage Entertainment:
10am Worship on the Water
11:30 Hung Jury

12:00 Noon 1st Annual Kiwanis Club of Gulf Shores Slip & Slide Polar Bear Dip

Slip and slide your way into the Gulf of Mexico for a non-traditional Polar Bear Dip with the Kiwanis Club of Gulf Shores on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at high noon at Gulf Shores Public Beach in front of The Hangout. The local Kiwanians, with the cooperation of the City of Gulf Shores, will set up a 33 ft. two lane slip & slide that will deposit sliders directly into the Gulf of Mexico. Of course, some participants may choose to take a more traditional route into the Gulf. But, regardless of how you get there, all participants will be treated to a free buffet at The Hangout afterwards.

Gulf Shores Public Beach - 101 East Beach Blvd - Gulf Shores, AL 36542

 

Restaurants Open Christmas Day

Happy holidays to those who are visiting us for Christmas! We are delighted to have you and want you to have an enjoyable visit. You may think your dining options are limited to a quiet meal in your hotel or condo.  We are happy to announce that if you would prefer to celebrate the season with a meal out, some restaurants will be open to accommodate you.

The restaurants below have confirmed that they will be open Christmas day. Because the list is somewhat limited, reservations are highly recommended.

 Bubba’s Seafood

24621 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach

251-974-1800

10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. serving a prime rib dinner and regular menu items.

Doc’s Seafood Restaurant

1121 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores

251-967-4800

10:30 am - 6:00 pm with a Christmas and regular menu.

Fish Camp Orange Beach

27121 Canal Rd., Orange Beach

251-980-2267

Serving a Christmas buffet.

Rafters Restaurant and Sports Bar at The Wharf

4725 Main St., Orange Beach

251-224-6900

Open at 3:00 pm with regular menu.

 

2012 Pepsi Concert Series

The first concert for the 2012 Pepsi Concert series was announced last week. Eric Church – Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour will kick off the season on March 10, 2012. Eric's chart-topping album, Chief, has earned him his first ever Grammy nomination for Best Country Album at the 54th annual Grammy Awards.  Church’s 2006 debut album, Sinners Like Me, established him as one of the most acclaimed new songwriters in country music. Brantley Gilbert & Drake White will join the marquee as special guests.

The show starts at 7:30 pm and tickets range from $36.75 to $44.50.

For those new to the area, the Pepsi Concert series brings headlining talent each Spring and Summer to the Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach.  Last year the series brought close to 20 amazing acts ranging from Jason Aldean to Steely Dan to Kid Rock. This year promises to be equally exciting as acts are constantly added to the roster of shows.  Keep looking here regularly for current information and special deals.

To purchase tickets and for more information regarding shows, click here.

 

 

Christmas Parades

Get the holiday season off to a joyous start with a visit from Santa, loads of garland and plenty of twinkling lights. Over the next couple of weekends, visitors have several opportunities to enjoy the cool weather and cheer on a Christmas parade. Be sure to take time out of your busy holiday schedule to catch a parade that will captivate little ones and bring a smile to those young at heart.

Saturday, December 3

10:00 AM   Foley Christmas Parade – winds through the streets of downtown Foley. For more information contact Richard Peterson, 251-943-5001.

4:00 PM   Gulf Shores 2^nd Annual Parade and Beach Celebration – features festive floats from around the region, as well as a stunning lighting ceremony and celebration at Gulf Shores Public Beach. Bring the whole family and enjoy crafts, games and lots of fun.

Saturday, December 10

5:30 PM  26^th Annual Nautical Night of Lights Lighted Boat Parade – travels east down the Intracoastal Water Canal, starting at LuLu’s Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores, moving past The Wharf in Orange Beach on its way to Perdido Pass. Onlookers may view the parade from any public area along Canal Road.

 

Thanksgiving Dinner Out

If you are visiting in the area and want to enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner out, we have lots of options to accommodate you. Following is a list of restaurants that will be open this Thursday, November 24. Some offer traditional dinners so you can have your turkey, others give you the opportunity to explore new traditions.

Traditional Thanksgiving Menu Only

Behind the Pines Restaurant

8818 Highway 180 W

Gulf Shores

251-948-3052

12:00 pm

 

Bubba’s Seafood

24621 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach

251-974-1800

10:30 am till closing. $10.99

 

Cobalt the Restaurant

28099 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach

251-923-5300

11:00 am, $26

 

Fish Camp Orange Beach

27121 Canal Rd.

Orange Beach

251-980-2267

11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Thanksgiving buffet

 

Guy Harvey’s Island Grill

4851 Wharf Pkwy.

Orange Beach

251-224-8180

11:00 am – 9:00 pm

 

The Hangout

101 East Beach Blvd.

Gulf Shores

251-948-3030

10:00 am – 4:00 pm, family style meal, $25 per person, kids under 10 eat free with a paid adult.

 

Hazel’s Restaurant

25311 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach

251-981-4628

11:00 am – 8:00 pm, $18.95, children 10 and under $7.95.

 

Ocean’s Restaurant

15849 Hwy 180 West

Gulf Shores

251-968-5441

11:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

The South Beach Bar & Grill at the Beach Club

925 Beach Club Trail

Gulf Shores

251-224-3600

10:30 am – 3:00 pm, reservations required, $24.95 adults, $9.95 children 5-12, 4 and under eat free.

 

Thanksgiving and Regular Menu

Bahama Bob’s Beachside Café

601 West Beach Blvd.

Gulf Shores

251-948-2100

11:00 am serving both a regular menu and traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

 

Doc’s Seafood Restaurant

1121 Gulf Shores Pkwy.

Gulf Shores

251-967-4800

10:30 am – 6:00 pm, old-fashioned Thanksgiving with turkey and prime rib. Adults $12.95, seniors 65+ $11.95. Complete seafood menu & children’s menu available. Reservations recommended.

 

Ginny Lane Bar & Grill At The Wharf

4780 Wharf Pkwy.

Orange Beach

251-224-6500

11:00 am – 8:00 pm serving a regular menu and a Thanksgiving three course dinner for $17.

 

Live Bait Food and Spirits

24281 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach

251-974-1612

Open all day with a traditional Thanksgiving buffet from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, $14.95 for adults and $5.95 for children.

 

Ribs and Reds Restaurant

128 East First Ave.

Gulf Shores

251-948-7337

10:00 am – 9:00 pm serving both a regular menu and a Thanksgiving feast for $21.99.

 

Shipp’s Harbour Grill

27842 Canal Road

Orange Beach

251-981-9891

11:00 am – 4:00 pm with traditional Thanksgiving dinner as well as a variety of gourmet meals.

 

Tin Top Restaurant, Oyster Bar and Country Market

17240 County Road 10

Bon Secour

251-949-5086

11:00 am – 2:00 pm serving both a regular menu and a Thanksgiving dinner.

 

Voyagers at Perdido Beach Resort

27200 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach

251-981-9811

11:00 am – 3:00 pm serving a Thanksgiving buffet, $31 adults, $15.50 children 5-12.

Grand Ballroom: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm serving a Thanksgiving buffet, $25 adults, $12.50 children 5-12.

 

Regular Menu Only

Rafters Restaurant and Sports Bar at The Wharf

4725 Main St.

Orange Beach

251-224-6900

3:00 pm

 

Shrimp Basket Gulf Shores

301 Gulf Shores Pkwy.

Gulf Shores

251-948-7687

11:00 am