Changing seasons

I love living on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast, especially when the seasons change. There is something good about every season and when a new one starts, I am ready for the change. I have a new favorite four times a year and right now, my favorite is spring.

There are patterns I follow throughout the year. One of them is taking my grandchildren to lunch after church on Sunday. After a winter of trying different places around Pleasure Island, we finally got back to our spring, summer and fall favorite, Bahama Bob’s in Gulf Shores. The sun was shining, the beach was beautiful and the Gulf of Mexico was reflecting the azure of the sky. The staff at Bahama Bob’s had the plastic rolled up and the porch was filled with the sweet smell of sand and surf. It was a perfect day.

Of course, kids being kids, they almost always get the same thing, chicken tenders. On this trip, I had the fried shrimp. As always, everything was excellent. Combining good food, a perfect view of the dunes and beach and quality time with my grandchildren is my favorite way to spend a Sunday.

Another sure sign of the new season is the 2010 Orange Beach Festival of Art. This annual event takes place March 13 and 14, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Waterfront Park, 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach. This year, it is part of the state tourism department’s Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns. The first fine art and fine craft show of the season features juried artists from the region and across the country. This year, four complimentary attractions have been added to the festival. A literary arts tent will house regional and celebrity authors, book readings and book signings. A drama and dance stage, children’s art alley and songwriters and musicians stage complete the list.

Early spring is a great time to visit the coast. A weekend getaway to the beach is the perfect way to experience the change of the season and see why the locals love this time of year.

post provided by Luanne Burnett