Pick Your Paradise: Seven Days, Seven Ways to Do the Coast
From pirate breakfasts and hidden-away beach days to small town sips and bites, big stage legends, and sunset supper by the bay–this week proves there’s more than one way to live the coastal life.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Around here, paradise doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all itinerary — and thank goodness for that. One day, you’re chasing treasure with pirates and princesses; the next, you're cruising down Fort Morgan Road with sandy feet and nowhere particularly urgent to be. Add in a whimsical stop on Historic Downtown Foley’s Main Street, young anglers and baby gators, back-to-back nights of big-name music, and a Sunday seafood supper overlooking the bay, and suddenly, one week feels like seven entirely different getaways. Whether you're looking for what's happening this week, what to do at the beach, or simply a good excuse to explore somewhere you haven't been lately, this week’s What’s Up and What’s Good has a little bit of everything that makes coastal living so darn good.
Monday, July 20th-
Get ready for the ultimate imaginative adventure with pirates and princesses at The Hangout's all-you-can-eat breakfast! For a limited time each year, kids and families can dress up and join the themed breakfast fun at The Hangout! Dress up as your favorite characters and explore an extravagantly decorated cast, area, and more with breakfast filled with entertainment—skits, songs, dancing, and plenty of photo opportunities with the characters of the day. What’s on the menu? Classic breakfast staples—eggs, meats, potatoes, and bread—plus exciting add-ons like French toast, pancakes, and fruit plates for an extra treat. For adults over 21, enjoy refreshing Bloody Marys and mimosas! Be sure to save room and energy for the treasure hunt—an adventure that could take you anywhere! Get your tickets online or at the door. Kids 5 and under eat free, 6-12 can enjoy for $9.99, and anyone over 12 eats for $19.99. Seating times are 8:45 and 9:45 AM. Don't miss out—see you there, Maytee!
Pirates and Princess adventure show - GS
Tuesday, July 21st-
Take a little trip down Fort Morgan Road for a peaceful, scenic route with public beach access that adds a touch of adventure. Catch some waves and soak up the sunshine, look for shells, build sandcastles, and then enjoy a visit to the historic site of Fort Morgan—all located along the same stretch of beach. One of the best things about this area is that it’s never too far to reach another destination that feels like a wholly different holiday from the one you’re already on. Don’t stop there—spend the whole day down Fort Morgan Road. After a fun day at the beach, swing by another Tacky Jacks location, of course, at a Marina with plenty of water and boats in view. The same great food and live music await—this Tuesday, catch Rachel Lane from 6-9 PM, a unique artist who serenades the crowd with vocals and plays the guitar live, a true self-taught artist living her dream. Enjoy another little piece of our paradise, whether you’re visiting or a local. Fort Morgan is a wonderful way to change up your beach days and dining experiences.
Fort Morgan Beaches and Historic Sites-GS
Wednesday, July 22nd-
Your midweek pick-me-up and lunch spot this week can be found on the ever-vibrant Historic Downtown Foley Main Street. If you’ve passed through, you may have noticed the lovely flowers and greenery decorating the outdoor walls and side street access to a place called Gypsy Queen Java. As the name suggests, you might have guessed that this cool shop serves hot cups of Joe, but coffee and tea aren't all it offers. Along with the whimsical ambiance, they also serve up a variety of sandwiches. At GQJ, you’ll find classic deli sandwiches and a creative mix of gourmet between the bun delights, providing something for everyone to enjoy whether you decide to sit in or grab a quick take-away before heading back to the beach or office. And don’t forget to ask about their signature drink and sandwich, a pairing that can get any palate watering. Whether you're in for a quick lunch or relaxing with a day of shopping and sightseeing in Downtown Foley, Gypsy Queen Java is a great stop to add to the day's agenda.
Thursday, July 23rd-
Are you from a fishing family and want to improve, or not and wish you were? We’ve got just the thing for young anglers to get inspired while learning at the Angler Academy at Gulf State Park Pier. This two-hour lesson focuses on gear so you look like the pro you hope to be, bait so you know how to use the gear well, plus a temporary fishing license and a few good knots to master, as any good angler should. Choose between two classes, one at 7 AM and the other at 9:30 AM. Check out how to get registered below, and happy fishing to you. Afterward, grab some lunch and head over to Alligator Adventures at the Gulf State Park Nature Center from 1-2 PM, where you’ll meet the cute little baby alligators and learn all about them with interesting facts. You’ll also have an up-close experience while discovering how and where they thrive, from hatchlings to adulthood, right here in their natural habitats. Great for all ages and open to the public for free, with registration ( link below) to ensure enough space is available for all to learn and play.
Registration for Alligator Adventures
Friday, July 24th-
They say rock never dies, and I’m inclined to believe it. Whether it's raging, grunge, punk, or even Christian rock, the beats keep coming back stronger than ever—just like all the great decades. This week, the Wharf Amphitheater, one of the hottest outdoor venues in the US, is hosting Creed! This legendary American rock band from the 90s was a cornerstone of the post-grunge explosion in the late '90s and early 2000s. It’s no surprise that some of their greatest hits perfectly capture those epic years of touring. Their massively successful “Summer of ‘99” reunion tour—after an eleven-year break—was so electrifying, they’re bringing it back again and again. If it isn't broken, don’t fix it, right? Relive the good times with their timeless hits that have kept the legends alive through decades of new music, life changes, marriages, long breaks, and family dynamics. It’s proof that rock and roll truly never dies—especially when it’s this good. Come one, come all to the Wharf, enjoy great food venues, bars, get in some shopping, and explore all the onsite attractions before the show kicks off over at the Amphitheater at 7 PM. Grab your tickets now before it’s too late through the link below. Rock on!
Creed Tickets Summer of 99 Tour
Saturday, July 25th-
Word on the street is that Saturday on the Alabama Gulf Coast is bursting with lively energy and lots of big ways to dance and enjoy! The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach is hosting another nearly sold-out show—so grab your tickets now! This time, they’re celebrating southern roots with Luke Bryan’s Word On The Street Tour from 7-10 PM. Just a short drive over the bridge and down the beach express, OWA is hosting an enchanting night with Foley Lights The Night America 250. When your nation hits 250 years, it calls for more than just one night of celebration! Tune in to either event for an evening filled with music and patriotic fun in the making. OWA’s event kicks off at 8:30 PM and continues until 11:30 PM. Expect a spectacular laser show glowing with red, white, and blue—perfect for this ongoing family-friendly celebration as a nation. Get ready to be dazzled, and you are welcome to dress up and shine too!
Sunday, July 26th-
There’s really no such thing as a bad coastal dining experience, at least not around here. Some depend on your tastes and location convenience, but most find that there are so many extraordinary island getaway spots that it's difficult to choose just one. That’s why trying them all at least once is an absolute must. That said, you still have your staples and timeless spots that offer consistent perfection, and Sunday waterside sunset dinners call for just that with Zeke’s Landing—a place where class meets casual fishery in a beautifully blended way. Relax and unwind while enjoying always fresh, locally sourced seafood menu items and nightly chef specials, set against the stunning backdrop of the other side of Orange Beach–the back bay. From oysters to seafood boils and peel-and-eat shrimp, you’ll definitely get your salty yet satisfying fix here. Interested in light and healthy options? Check out the spicy tuna poke bowl with crispy wontons, pickled vegetables, avocado purée, pineapple salsa, and micro cilantro. Not into seafood? No problem. Zeke’s menu extends well beyond the sea with juicy 8oz beef burgers, Fried Chicken BLTs, Wagyu burgers, premium Angus ribeye steaks, and more. Take a stroll after dinner along the docks and check out some of the offerings from the largest fleet on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Take some numbers down for charters, dolphin cruises, and more, so you can call and book your next adventure at the beach. Be sure to stop by Zeke’s Store, where the merchandise surpasses the typical dock shop, offering everything you might need or find there, plus premier apparel and boat accessories. Come for the meal and leave with a full coastal evening at Zeke’s Landing—restaurant, marina, shop, and more.
Seven days, one coast, and plenty of paradise to go around. See you out there.
Share this article w/ Friends...
