No Need for Improvement

Golf always makes my beach vacation better. Not that a vacation along the Gulf Coast needs much (or any) improvement—golf is more of an enhancement. I love the game, I love trying out new courses and re-visiting old favorites. And it’s a great way to spend quality time with certain family members (or escape family altogether for a little “me” time).

Brett/Robinson golf vacation packages make interspersing golf throughout my vacation that much easier. The packages are personalized and include green fees and cart fees for multiple rounds of golf, as well as accommodation expenses. Everything is already planned by the time I arrive at my vacation spot, so all I have to do is check in, relax, and play golf.

More information about Brett/Robinson golf vacation packages and area golf courses can be found here.

Excitement is building on the coast

There is an excitement in the air on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast. People are talking about parades, decorations are going up and ball gowns are being purchased. It is almost February. For locals, February means Mardi Gras.

Most people think about New Orleans and the crazy crowds when Mardi Gras comes to mind. But, Mobile has the honor of being the first to celebrate Mardi Gras. Mobile also has a more family-friendly celebration. The port city’s parades start January 29 with the Conde Cavaliers on the downtown streets.

Beads, Moon Pies and toys will be flying in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, too. The Mystics of Pleasure starts the Pleasure Island parades Saturday, February 13, in Orange Beach at 5:30 p.m. February 16, Mardi Gras day, the Gulf Shores parade rolls at 10 a.m. and the parade in Orange Beach is at 1:30 p.m. We even have a Carnival boat parade that starts 3 p.m. at The Wharf in Orange Beach, travels the Intercoastal Waterway and ends at LuLu’s in Gulf Shores.

If you have never been to a Mardi Gras parade, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are a good place to start. The floats are fun for all ages. All you have to worry about is where to put all the beads and throws you catch.

February is a great time to be on Alabama’s coast. Come get caught up in the excitement and don’t forget your purple, green and gold accessories.

post provided by Luanne Burnett

Our little zoo that could

One of the treasures on the Alabama Gulf Coast is a little zoo in the heart of Gulf Shores. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is only blocks from the beach, but a little off of Highway 59 and not easy to see. When you find it, you are truly finding a treasure.

I was talking to a friend recently and mentioned going to the zoo to take some pictures. He asked me what kind of zoo I was talking about. Of course, I had to explain that there is a “real” zoo in Gulf Shores and it is also famous.

The Animal Planet did a 13-week series in 2006 called “The Little Zoo That Could.” The series documents the trials and tribulations the zoo crew faced when evacuating for Hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Katrina in 2004 and 2005. The show about the little zoo was broadcast around the world and people everywhere fell in love with the zoo and its more than 300 inhabitants.

Last week was my first trip to the zoo and I fell in love with its up-close and personal feel. I’ve been to zoos before in Memphis and San Diego. You could see the animals, but there was a distant, antiseptic feel to the experience. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is like the rest of our coast, friendly. We didn’t have time to tour the entire 17 acres so that means I have to return soon to see the rest of the more than 300 animals that walk, crawl, jump, fly, swim and slither.

I admit, I was there on business and the zoo director, Patti Hall, gave my co-worker and me a wonderful tour. Patti allowed us in the barrier area between the fence and public viewing area. We blew our breath in the face of enormous Bengal tigers (through the fence, of course) and our palms were licked by tigers and black leopards. Camels stuck their heads out to have their noses rubbed. It was an amazing experience. But, like I said, we were getting special treatment. Or, were we? As we were watching two rare Bengal tiger cubs (one is snow-white with beautiful blue eyes), a family with two boys came by and were looking at the tigers, too. Patti asked if they had a camera and when she received a positive response, asked if the boys wanted to come where we were to interact with the almost-grown cubs.

The two boys were very excited and a little nervous. There was a very strong chain link fence between us, but the big cats were fast and had very big teeth. The boys greeted the female like a tiger by puffing breath into her face. She rubbed against the fence and they were able to feel her soft fur. It was definitely something they were going to go home and tell their friends about.

I am telling you this to show although this is a serious business with big animals and big responsibilities. Patti Hall, her crew and volunteers have big hearts. The community loves the zoo and the zoo loves the community. The menagerie will be moving a little north and opening a beautiful new zoo on 25 acres of donated land on Baldwin County Road 6 in early 2011. The new location is on high ground and the animals and keepers will be much safer from Mother Nature.
According to Patti, although the park will be larger with more attractions, the zoo will keep the “small park” feel everyone has come to expect from “The Little Zoo That Could.”

Golf & Gladiolas

It started with a field of gladiolas. That’s right, gladiolas. R.C. Craft, owner & founder of Craft Farms, had 870 acres of gladiolas and a dream of building a world class golf facility with home sites. Who to call? None other than the King himself, Arnold Palmer. As they say, the rest is history.

Today Craft Farms is home to two of the finest golf courses on the coast, Cypress Bend and Cotton Creek. Cypress Bend is links style course that features wide open spaces for the occasional errant shot. However, with water in play frequently, and numerous bunkers, it can also be challenging for a mid to high handicapper (like yours truly). The greens are generally spacious and gently sloped. The par four #2 generally is the toughest for me, a good drive and second shot are required to reach the green.

Cotton Creek is generally considered the more challenging of the two courses. It has fairways that are a little more confining and requires better shot making to score well. My favorite hole is #6, which requires two shots over water to reach the green.

The clubhouse houses the Cotton Creek Grill, a well appointed restaurant and locker room facility by anyone’s measure. They serve a full menu, but the Cotton Creek Club sandwich is my favorite. The clubhouse overlooks a lake and the 18th green of Cotton Creek. They also have several big screen TV’s, perfect for viewing the college football games during your after round meal. The food and the atmosphere are strictly top shelf.

If you’re planning on visiting the coast in the fall (and you should , the weather and the golf around here is unbelievable) make sure you pack your golf clubs and hit one of our excellent local courses.

Baldwin County Heritage Museum

If you drive east from Foley on U.S. 98 to Elberta, a hidden treasure awaits. In an unassuming wooden building with a windmill and few pieces of antique farm equipment out front, a wealth of ordinary and extraordinary treasure is hidden.

“…it holds bits and pieces collected from the daily lives of the men and women who built this county,” is on their website.

That statement says it all. I made my first visit to the Baldwin County Heritage Museum recently and once inside I wished I had been there sooner. It is not your typical stuffy museum. There are a few displays behind glass and a few “do not touch” signs, but most of the articles are within reach and can handle the touch of a hand or two.

The museum sits on 5 acres and has more than 20,000 square feet of display space. Outside of the main building, there is a school, a church, a potato shed, pole barns and a blacksmith shop along with numerous pieces of antique farm equipment and tractors. I’m talking about a real school and real church, not replicas, which were donated to the museum and moved to the property.

Back inside, there are so many small things to see that made up life in years past. One corner is furnished as a 1920s parlor. Exhibits include fishing tackle, tools, wooden wagons, scrub boards, antique sewing machines, clothing, children’s toys and so much more. Every room is filled with beauty, history and humor.

The BCHM is also home to Odyssey’s Shipwreck! Treasures from the SS Republic. This unique exhibit opened in August 2008. The SS Republic, a Civil War-era side-wheel steamship was lost in a hurricane off the Georgia coast en route from New York to New Orleans in October 1865. It was carrying a fortune in gold and silver and other goods to help rebuild the south after the Civil War. The crew of the Odyssey discovered the wreck in 2003. With videos, interactive exhibits and actual artifacts, you can relive the excitement of the discovery of the treasure-laden ship.

I recommend making this little museum a stop while you are enjoying the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast. It will give a little insight to early years of Baldwin County and how its future was shaped.

The 38th Annual National Shrimp Festival

Starting October 8, 2009, the boardwalk at the public beach in Gulf Shores will be filled with the tantalizing smells of culinary delights. For four days, vendors of food, fine art, arts and crafts and entertainment will take their spaces in the public parking areas and souvenir T-shirts, caps and trinkets will be sold. It is Shrimp Festival time.

Out of all the festivals I have been to in my life, the Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores is my favorite. I don’t know if it is because it is on my favorite beach, or if it is the variety of delicious food, the impressive art or all of the above. I do know another 300,000 (or so) people feel the same way.

For the last 38 years, locals and visitors have gathered on the second weekend in October to enjoy one last fling on the beach with great music food and art. This year’s entertainment includes Lee Ann Womack Friday night and Foghat Saturday night. Favorite local and regional acts will keep two stages “humming” all four days. The kids have their own entertainment as well with live music, games, face painting and too much other fun stuff to list. For those that are artistically inclined, or just love playing in the sand, there is a sand sculpture contest on Saturday.

I always find something I can’t live without at the festival and my visit is not complete until I have at least one Cajun pistol, a pastry filled with crawfish, cheese and spices (among other things). If you haven’t tried one, you haven’t had the full Shrimp Festival experience.

October is a great time to visit the coast and the Shrimp Festival is a good excuse. Plus, during this time of year you can live like the locals and see why we make the Alabama Gulf Coast our home.

Visiting An Old Friend

On rare occasions, you get to visit an old friend. You haven’t seen this friend in a while, but as soon as you’re together the time that has passed seems to fade away.

I renewed a friendship last week with the Golf Club of Gulf Shores. The Golf Club of Gulf Shores is the oldest course in the area, having been established in the 1968. The course underwent a complete renovation from tee boxes to greens. The course was lengthened by 300 yards. The par 71 course plays just less than 6000 yards from the white tees. From the “tips”, the course stretches to a robust 6800 yards. The multiple tees allow for an enjoyable experience for all levels of skill. This course has a little bit of everything, doglegs left and right; a few forced carries over water, numerous bunkers also come into play. The greens roll true and fast.

A new clubhouse, restaurant and pro shop are also on site. Try the burgers or the BLT in the restaurant; you’ll be glad you did.

As always, it’s good to see an old friend. Especially a friend that is new and improved. I wish I could say the same for my golf game!

Perdido Bay Golf

The Beachin' Foursome headed just across the state line Saturday for a round at the Perdido Bay Golf Course. For starters, it's only a 10 - 15 minute drive from Phoenix 10. They have a complete practice facility featuring a large driving range, putting green, chipping green, greenside bunker, and a fairway bunker. The course is well maintained and the greens roll true. A full set of tees will offer a challenge to golfers of all skill levels. It's a well bunkered course and water comes into play frequently, but with forced carries at a minimum. The rates are very reasonable all day and you can play a full 18 holes after 3:00 PM for only $29.
The Legends Bar & Grill is perfect for an after round meal and beverages, as well as a complete menu for fine dining in the evening. The French Dip sandwich is one the best anywhere.

We'll definitely be returning for another round with our new friends at the Perdido Bay Golf course.

Triple Whammy

July 31st will be another unbelievable line up for a concert here in Orange Beach. We have had a whirlwind of a summer with one awesome concert after another. The Bob Dylan Show will feature Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and John Cougar Mellencamp who together have 135 years in the business. Any of these performers could easily headline the show, but have joined together for only the second time in 24 years to knock us all out with a triple whammy. I for one cannot wait.

Willie Nelson will open the show with his sister on the piano and his son on the guitar. I will tell you that he never lets us down. His show will feature songs such as: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time, Whiskey River, and Beer for My Horses. I can just see him now with his trademark braids and easy going southern drawl playing his guitar that has holes worn clear through it. He always delivers a great performance.

Following Willie will be another headliner John Cougar Mellencamp, at 57 he is the baby of this bunch. He definitely has had his share of hits across the years with: Pink Houses, Authority Song, and Small Town just to name a few. His heartland rock will fill the amphitheater on this night to thrill us all.

Bob Dylan will close out the show. He has received numerous awards over the years, and has been a major influence on popular music for five decades. His hits include: Like a Rolling Stone, Hurricane, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, Lay Lady Lay, and Mr. Tambourine Man. Opportunities come few and far between to see a legend like this one and I am counting the days till he hits the stage.

We are readying the troops for the triple whammy of the summer. Not one, not two, but three major stars. I hope you have your tickets and will join us. If you do not – I have heard there are a few left, but they are going fast. This one is sure to be a sell out, and will certainly be a night to remember. See you there!

4th of July Fun

Ready or not the 4th is here. Myself I am so ready. I have been looking forward to this weekend for quite some time now. There are so many things going on here on the coast I just hope that I will be able to squeeze in all that I want to do. I may have to let my 4th celebration span a few days. I am sure that you have similar predicaments at hand. If on the other hand you do not know what to do for the fourth, I have listed a few ideas here.

1. Where – There is no better place to spend the fourth than on our beautiful beaches. I will have to say that we have something for everyone here.
2. Grilling – No matter what is going on that day you know you will have to eat. I suggest ribs, chicken, potato salad, corn on the cob, and of course watermelon and don’t forget the homemade vanilla ice cream to top off the dessert of your choice.
3. Swimming – There are many choices for this option. You have the beach, the pool, the bays and the lazy rivers. Maybe this option should be swimoating for those of us who prefer to float.
4. Shopping – Oh yes! There will be a sidewalk sale at Tanger, and I am sure that I will not miss this.
5. Fishing – It is the Red Snapper World Championship Saltwater Series. Check it out at www.redsnapperworldchampionship,com I must say I have been a few times this year, and the fishing is awesome this summer.
6. Golfing – You can definitely get your swing on here. There are over 10 fabulous courses to choose from in our area.
7. Spas – Pamper yourself at one of the many spas in our area.
8. Concert – I know that you must know by now that Montgomery Gentry will be performing in Orange Beach on the Fourth of July. Tickets are still available for as low as $16.50 and a fireworks show is included.
9. Fireworks – There will be 3 fireworks shows to choose from in our area. July 3rd there will be fireworks in Orange Beach visible from Phoenix 6, 7, 8, East and East II balconies. July 4th there will be fireworks with the Montgomery Gentry concert and in Gulf Shores that will be visible from Phoenix All Suites and Island Winds balconies.
10. Movies – We have not one but two great movie theaters in our area. The Cobb Theater in Gulf Shores and the Rave Theater in Orange Beach. There is also a Coastal Video in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to rent movies and games.

Well, that will be enough I am sure to get you started. I hope that whatever you do on the fourth that you will take the opportunity to realize how fortunate we are to be a part of such a wonderful country. We are truly blessed with all of our freedoms. Take care and have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Fort Morgan Candlelight Tour

A blog entry from our friend Luanne, aka Sunny.
The sun was hanging low in a hazy sky as I was driving west on Ft. Morgan road. My car was filled with excited chatter from three kids in the back seat.

“Grandmother, did you know ghosts feed off of energy?” My 12-year-old granddaughter asked. This question started a flurry of conversation between all of the occupants in my car.

I just shook my head. My daughter, the aforementioned granddaughter, one of her friends, my 8-year-old grandson and I were on the way to Ft. Morgan for the Candlelight Tour. Somehow, the imaginations of my back-seat passengers had conjured up ghost tales. I think it had something to do the stories they had heard from their friends about all the restless spirits that inhabit the old structure.

For anyone who hasn’t visited Ft. Morgan, it is a magnificent brick fort completed in 1834 to protect the entrance to Mobile Bay. The fort was manned, off and on, until 1946 when it was turned over to the state of Alabama

When we arrived, a large group of people were gathered outside the tunnel that leads to the interior of the fort. It was still very bright outside and I was wondering where the “candlelight” came into play. It didn’t take long for that question to be answered. There were lanterns containing candles spaced a few feet apart on both sides of the dark tunnel.

We emerged from the dark onto the fort’s courtyard and were greeted by interpreters dressed in Civil-War-era uniforms. The men looked right at home in their period clothing and didn’t look as hot as I would have imagined in the Gulf Coast heat and humidity. After a brief history of the fort and a few funny stories, we were guided to the laundry. Two women, also dressed in period clothing, explained how all of the clothing was washed in sea water. The cisterns on top of the fort collected rain water to be used for drinking and cooking and it could not be wasted for laundry services.

After looking through windows at the barracks and storage areas, we were guided outside the fort to a cannon pointed at Mobile Bay. By this time, the sun was touching the skyline across the bay and turning the calm water the color of fire. The solders quickly packed the cannon with powder and the lanyard was pulled. The crowd cheered and applauded as the plum of black smoke rose in the still air.

The fort remained open for another hour for visitors to explore the area in the twilight. The kids wanted to walk to the water and look across the bay. As the last of the light faded from the western sky, we explored the beach area. I asked if they had wandered through the dark recesses of the arched tunnels and was given a wide-eyed response of, “No.” The negative answer was almost in unison. The subject of ghosts did not come up on the way back to Gulf Shores. I guess the kids weren’t really disappointed with the shyness of the ghosts, I know I wasn’t.

The evening was fun and informative. I enjoyed the family time and seeing the fort at a different time of day. I recommend visiting the fort during the normal daytime hours, also. The view of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are breathtaking and the fort itself is an amazing example of architecture.

The tours start at 7 p.m. and continue every Tuesday through July.

Golf on a Budget

Sometimes you need to save a little money on the round for that new driver, right guys?
I've got a spot for you the next time you're in town. The Alabama Gulf State Park has a nice little 18 hole course, nestled in the center of the state park, with very reasonable rates. You can play 18 holes, with cart for $40. They have a small pro shop and snack bar as well. The course gets a lot of play, but it's in pretty good shape year round. Water comes into play on several holes, but there's no forced carries. It's a player friendly layout, with multiple tees.
There's plenty to do at the Park, so maybe the wife and kids can take in a nature hike while Dad plays 18?
See you on the links!

Lunchcation

A note from Ms. Beachin'.
Well, I went on a lunchcation today. I went to one of my very favorite places, LuLu’s. You are swept away the moment you step out of the car. From the giant Adirondack chairs to the tropical music you will know that you are not in any ordinary place. It’s no wonder that it is one of the most popular places here at the beach. Everyone needs to experience it at least once.

Here are a few pointers to make the most of your visit.
• Arrive early – 11:00am for lunch and between 4:00 and 5:30 for dinner
• Ask for seating near the water, it’s the best
• If you have to wait, make the most of it. Order a drink or snack from the outside bar and try out those Adirondack chairs.
• Enjoy the music
• Let the kids enjoy the sand pile
• Check out the neat gift shop

When you are seated, order some L.A. Caviar – MMMMM (recipe to follow), and if you would like to know my favorite item to order that would be the Mahi Tacos. They are a party for your mouth. A couple of other greats to try are the Fried Green Tomatoes and the Crab Claws, YUM!

Okay, it’s back to reality for me - until next time. Hope you enjoy your visit. I am leaving you with a recipe from LuLu’s Crazy Sista cook book. It’s a must have if you love cook books.

L.A. (Lower Alabama) Caviar
Dressing- ¾ cup balsamic vinegar, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup sugar, 2 t salt, 1 t black pepper
4 (15oz) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained,
1 cup chopped green bell pepper,
1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper,
1 cup chopped red bell pepper, and 1 cup chopped red onion,
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered, 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1. Combine all dressing ingredients and shake vigorously to dissolve sugar. Set aside.
2. Place peas in a large glass or stainless steel bowl.
3. Add all other ingredients. Pour dressing over top and toss well. Transfer to a plastic container, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
4. Serve with tortilla chips or saltine crackers.

The Spring Golf Tour continues...

If I hit it right, it's a slice. If I hit it left, it's a hook. If I hit it straight, it's a miracle. - Author Unknown

The standard foursome was in place: Beachin’ Bob, Beachin’ Brett, "Uncle Terr" and “Money” McVay. A Saturday morning tee time was selected. This week’s venue was Glen Lakes Golf Club. Glen Lakes is one of the most unique courses in the area. The Vista- Dunes course offers a true links style course experience. The course features undulating fairways and greens, extensive mounding and numerous bunkers. Water comes into play on several holes. It’s a challenging course for all skill levels of players and offers a full set of tee options. The signature hole is #16, a difficult par 5 with an island green. A misplaced approach shot (or two, or in my case, 3) frequently results in the dreaded “snowman”. Glen Lakes also sports a third 9 hole course, The Lakes is a traditional American style course. Appropriately named, The Lakes has water hazards on 6 of the 9 holes.

Under duress I must state this week’s clear winner was Money McVay. Which leads me to this quote:
Golf can best be defined as an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle.

Sugarland

This is going to be an awesome weekend to visit the beach. The weather is marvelous. The temps are in the 80’s, the skies are sunny, and the water is cool and clear. If that’s not enough to get you to the beach, we also have Sugarland coming to our sugar white beaches right here in Orange Beach. They are nominated for Duo of the Year, Video of the Year, and Performance of the Year. It is sure to be a fantastic show and there are still plenty of great seats left. Their concert is on Friday, May 15th. We have our tickets and our tailgate assignments, and plan to get there early for a guaranteed great time. I for one cannot wait!


Since the concert is on Friday that leaves Saturday and Sunday for some fun in the sun. Your options for what to do are only limited by your imagination. Take your pick from a few of my favorite activities:

• Relaxing under an umbrella reading a great book
• Walking on the beach
• Flying a kite on the beach
• Floating down the lazy river
• Taking in a few games of tennis or racket ball
• Going for a workout in the fitness center – Phoenix West’s is incredible
• Cooling off in the pool
• Soaking in the hot tub
• Renting a great movie
• Searching for sand crabs
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Sailing
• Cycling
• Add your own ideas to the list


I hope you have an incredible weekend here with Brett/Robinson. So grab your sugar and come on down to hear Sugarland in concert! We will be there waiting for you.

Show Those Toes

Note: Clearly, this is a blog entry by Ms. Beachin'.

Spring is here and summer is just a few short weeks away which means showing off your toes in cute open toed shoes or flip flops.  Me…I love a great pedicure. So this weekend for Mother’s Day I was off to the spa.

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores offer a great choice of places to be pampered while vacationing.  My favorites are Davis White Salon in Gulf Shores, Studio 3 in Orange Beach and Jewels Beach Salon also in Orange Beach.  Each has their merits but Cindy Clements who does my nails recently set up shop at Jewels Beach Salon across the street from San Roc Cay.  It is very close to Phoenix East and Phoenix East II.

Cindy overflows with southern charm and once you become a regular she’ll be calling you boo and honey all day long.  She’ll help you find the perfect color for your nails steering you away from anything that doesn’t match your skin tone or anything she deems “not appropriate for your profession”.  (no blue nail polish on these toenails!) And if you like a good foot rub, you’re gonna love Cindy!

Jewels Beach Salon is charming and cozy.  The ladies who work there are hard working professionals who throw in their southern charm at no additional cost.  

So while hubby is watching the kids at the pool, escape for an hour of relaxation and enjoy how adorable your feet look in your sandals.

Blue Angels

Oh my, its Wednesday morning and the Blue Angels just made a pass over my house.  Wow!  If you would like to experience a hair raising event

attend one of the Blue Angels practice sessions over NAS Pensacola.

The Blue Angels practice on most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 8:30 am behind the museum on the Pensacola Naval Base. (Maybe a 1/2 hour drive from most Phoenix locations.)

Practice is free and open to the public. Bleachers can accommodate up to

1000 spectators but you may want to bring your own chairs for comfort. 

Hats, sunscreen and water are essential.  I guarantee the whole family will enjoy this hair raising show!  After Wednesday practice sessions the pilots are available to sign autographs in the museum. 

This fascinating museum is world renown and the largest Naval Aviation Museum in the world. You and the kids can climb in and out of cockpits and let your imagination fly. Not only is this one of the best ways to spend a day it is FREE.  For additional info here

See You Soon!

Cinco de Mayo

This week we will have the 1st annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in Orange Beach, and I will have to say that I am looking forward to it.  It is at the entertainment district on Canal Road and sponsored by several of our local establishments.  It is May 5th of course and starts at 3:00 pm and lasts until you have had your fill.  I cannot wait to sink my teeth into some enchiladas, tacos, chips and salsa, and don't forget the margaritas.  Do I have to tell you that talking about food gets me excited?  There is sure to be plenty of food, music, and fun for everyone.  

You know, I just may have to have a Quatro de Mayo celebration to warm up for Tuesday.  There are many great local Mexican restaurants in the area, but my favorite by far is Tequilas in Gulf Shores next to Brunos.  They can surely satisfy my cravings and I do have a few at this time.  Come on down and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with us at the beach.  Phoenix on the Bay is right in the heart of the action, and I hear that lazy river calling your name.  Well, until next time. 

Adios Amigos 

Emerald Coast Coffee and Grille

A note from Ms. Beachin' for all you java nuts.
What a magnificent weekend. I would have to say that it was near perfect. I have found a new coffee shop that I just adore. I am also very excited that it is right here in Orange Beach and very convenient to just drop by whenever I get that sudden urge for caffeine. The name of it is Emerald Coast Coffee and Grille. They have their own coffee roasting facility here in Alabama.

Emerald Coast Coffee and Grille is a cafe that focuses on distinctive specialty coffees. They also offer a wide variety of teas and fruit smoothies. They have a breakfast menu which features burritos, pastry sandwiches, breakfast casseroles and baked goods. I tried the Sonrisa Sandwich which is sausage, egg, and cheese wrapped in a wonderful flaky pastry. It was delicious! I cannot wait to try some of the other breakfast items, and they are available all day. They also have a lunch and dinner menu that includes: soups, salads, Pannini’s, and a variety of kebab platters. Free WI-FI is also available. This is definitely on my list of favorite places. I dropped by twice this weekend to have a vanilla skinny latte mmm scrumptious. Next time you are in the area make sure you give them a try. It’s quite possible that you will see me there. They are located at 4725 Main Street, right next to the Rave Theater. Well, I am off to get my coffee buzz.

The Spring Golf Tour Continues ..Timber Creek

The Beachin' Bob foursome continued our Spring Golf Tour this Saturday at Timber Creek Golf Club. It's a short drive to Daphne on the Eastern Shore and Timber Creek, and well worth the trip. This beautifully maintained golf facility was designed by Earl Stone and has 3 distinct 9 hole tracts, Dogwood, Magnolia and Pines. As you would guess, the courses are lined with stately dogwood, magnolia and pine trees. It's a challenging course, that has a number of doglegs and elevation changes, with large greens. The greens roll true and are sculpted to provide challenging putts. They have some of the best practice facilities in this area, including a driving range, a putting green, a chipping green and a practice green with a greenside bunker to practice those pesky sand shots. Add in a full service restaurant and you've got a great day trip for any golf foursome. Take my word for it, this is a must visit for any golfer.
See You On the Sand !!