A Fresh Start on the Coast: Your Week at a Glance on the Gulf
Artful moments, bold flavors, community traditions, and island favorites–January 5-11
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A new year is rolling in like a gentle Gulf breeze, bringing with it a week filled with creativity, connection, and coastal charm. This week includes eco-friendly art classes, globally inspired menus, friendly community gatherings, craft beer releases, boutique shopping, and local legends, providing countless opportunities to enjoy a refreshing January along Alabama’s beaches and beyond. Whether you are a full-time resident, a returning snowbird, or just visiting our shores, this week offers a perfect mix of new experiences and cherished traditions, all uniquely connected to the spirit of the coast. Let’s explore some of the best events happening each day.
Monday, January 5th-
It’s a new year with old traditions this week in Gulf Shores, featuring fresh ideas hand-crafted with every stroke. If you’re looking for a fun and different way to spend your Monday, stop by one of two locations hosting art classes, where participants can create unique designs and detailed paintings on not-so-ordinary palettes. The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park will present an Eco-Art class from 9 to 10 AM, where you will have the opportunity to create your own oyster shell decoupage using recycled oyster shells from local restaurants. Registration is required for $16.50 and includes all supplies. Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores is kicking off their “Winter of Fun” series, featuring an Art al Fresco class from 10-11:30, arriving at least 15 minutes prior, where you can choose to paint rocks. This class costs $20 and includes a $10 Tacky Jacks gift card for lunch, along with all the necessary supplies to create and paint your beautifully unique rock art. No matter which class you choose, there will be plenty of fun, laughter, and the chance to develop feel-good art pieces! Happy painting.
Tuesday, January 6th-
Two top local restaurants are showcasing some delicate flavors during January and February with their new "Regional Menu Line-Up." Cosmo’s and Cobalt, favorites among both locals and visitors, will feature different menus on select dates inspired by cuisines from as far away as Belgium and Japan. This week, diners can visit Cosmo’s to enjoy Italian cuisine for both lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, Cobalt will offer a menu featuring Persian-inspired dishes, also available for lunch and dinner. That's not all! The talented chefs at both locations will not only serve these unique, regionally inspired dishes but also creatively incorporate Gulf seafood and Southern flair into the menu. This fusion approach means blending American South/Gulf Coast cuisine with Persian (Iranian) spices and techniques for Cobalt, and similarly combining Italian flavors with Gulf favorites at Cosmo’s. The result is a harmonious plate that beautifully complements both regions. This delightful limited-time menu is not to be missed! Whether you’re stopping by for lunch with clients or enjoying dinner with family, Cosmo’s and Cobalt are the perfect choices for anyone looking to expand their palate beyond our southern coastal shores while remaining true to the taste of our own island.
Wednesday, January 7th-
Welcome Wednesday is officially back! This event is hosted at Flora-Bama and runs from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you're new here, it's an excellent time for old friends to meet new ones, all coming together for fellowship and food, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy yourselves. Many seasonal locals, affectionately known as “snowbirds,” are already getting settled back in. These families migrate from the North to the South for the winter, and many are just now arriving to spend the next couple of months with us at the beach. Welcome Wednesday is an excellent opportunity for families to come out, meet new friends, and begin to integrate into the community during their stay. It's also a chance for full-time locals to reconnect with old friends and create new memories. The only requirement to participate is to bring a side dish to share, and in return, you’ll enjoy a potluck where Flora-Bama provides the main dish. Guests will not only share a meal but also have the opportunity to play games with prizes and participate in raffles. Join in starting this Wednesday and every hump day after through February, and don’t forget to sign up to become an official member. And start embracing your role as part of the Bamily. Welcome!
Welcome Wednesday's @ Flora-Bama
Thursday, January 8th-
There’s never a bad day to relax at Big Beach Brewing Company, and this Thursday is no exception! With exciting new winter hours, a winter jam series, and craft beer releases, let’s dive into the details. Starting on the 8th, the new taproom hours will be 11 AM to 10 PM, Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. The kitchen hours will also change on the 8th: they will open at 4 PM and remain open until 9 PM, Monday through Thursday, with earlier hours on weekends. This Thursday marks the launch of special beer releases at noon, just in time for carnival season! Big Beach will have an early release of the Kreweser Mardi Gras Amber Ale—a long-time favorite known for its robust flavors, which are light enough to enjoy throughout the day while celebrating on the parade route. Additionally, the Snowbird Live Music Series will run from noon to 4 PM. Don’t miss beloved island favorite, the Smokey Otis Band, followed by the melodic sounds of Miss Veronica Jean. You can't beat daytime music at the brewery, so why not join in the fun and try a mug or two of the new release? Bottoms up!
Friday, January 9th-
If you love island-specific merchandise but find it challenging to dress the whole family in similar or even matching gear, you’re in luck! Zeke’s Marina has recently launched a new boutique that features an expanded kids' section. That’s right, folks—there’s now another excellent one-stop shop for all your local and vacation needs, complete with a touch of finesse that goes beyond your typical beach shacks. These quality items not only pass the sophistication test but are also quite stylish. From onesies to youth clothing, and options for moms and dads, Zeke’s Dock Store is elevating its status with a touch of boutique. In our opinion, they’ve handled the transition exceptionally well. You’ll still find your beloved Dock Store T-shirts and other familiar items, but now they come alongside brands and styles that exceed what you'd expect from a once small-dock store, with some featuring the Zeke’s logo. Choose from all your essential boat gear, comfortable casual wear, waterside dinner attire, and more. The kids' section includes not only clothing but also cosy stuffed animals, toys, cups, and other boutique items. Whether you've shopped at the dock store before or this is your first visit, take this opportunity to check out what’s new and luxurious before the crowds arrive. We’ll call it a VIP first look—shh, don't tell or do! Let’s go shopping! Stroll over to the restaurant after, for dinner with a view.
Saturday, January 10th-
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter after the holidays? No worries! It’s time for the annual Coastal Alabama E-Cycling & Shred Day, happening this Saturday from 8 AM to noon. The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is hosting this event, where you can safely and securely dispose of your personal documents, electronic items, and more—all without ever having to exit your vehicle! It may sound too good to be true, but it’s not! There are a few rules and regulations that will make this decluttering activity a breeze. So why not replace the old and welcome the new? Gather all your excess items—ensure they don’t exceed 50 pounds per vehicle—and let our local business sponsors, volunteers, and Junior Leadership Coastal Alabama students help lighten your load. You do not need to remove paper clips; however, please avoid taping or tying any bags or boxes containing items to be discarded/recycled. This will make it easier and faster for our volunteers to handle your items. A special thank you to the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, Baldwin EMC, Riviera Utilities, Volkert, the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and the Gulf State Park for making this event possible. While other volunteers will be on-site, there will also be an optional cash tipping collection for the Junior Leadership Coastal Alabama students only. So, clean out those closets and file cabinets, toss the old electronics, and start 2026 off fresh and clutter-free!
Sunday, January 11th- For over fifty years, Wolf Bay, a family-owned seafood and steak restaurant, has been perfecting and serving local seafood to eager diners. The appeal of the restaurant lies not only in its delicious food, which keeps customers returning time and again, but also in the warm ambience, friendly staff, and inviting locations. From the moment you walk through the door, you'll feel a welcoming atmosphere, even during peak seasons. You can expect top-notch service, dedication, and charm at any time of the year. Wolf Bay consistently delivers quality food and service, a promise that few establishments can uphold as effectively. With two locations—one on the island and another in Foley—you can enjoy their offerings wherever you are. The restaurant showcases Southern flair while highlighting Alabama's coastal flavors in its dishes, served hot, fresh, and right to your table. What began as a bait shop has blossomed into one of the most popular restaurants in town. To maintain the shop's feel, the owners have included a gift shop where you can find unique knick-knacks embodying that sweet Southern coastal charm. Stop by Wolf Bay today to savor family recipes made from scratch, hand-battered, and made to order every day. You won’t regret it!
Share this article w/ Friends...
