Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Now and then, the best week isn't the busiest one–it’s the one that reminds you why you love living and visiting here in the first place. Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, life has a way of balancing adventure with stillness, where mornings begin over coffee, afternoons unfold beneath moss-draped oaks or salty skies, and evenings end with unforgettable sunsets and stories worth sharing. This week’s lineup celebrates those simple coastal pleasures alongside exciting events, local favorites, and hidden gems that make our little stretch of paradise feel like home. So grab your calendar, call a friend, and let’s make another beautiful week along the coast one to remember. 

Monday, July 13th- Calling all artsy coffee and tea lovers over the age of 18 who enjoy creating beautiful things to the library from 10:30-1:30. The Orange Beach Public Library is taking reservations now for 'Matinee Art,' a landscape paint-and-sip session, one of the first of its kind. Attendees will follow a step-by-step painting guide while enjoying their coffee or tea of choice. Space is limited for this exciting class; you can sign up through the link below. Afterward, take a stroll through the aisles and select your next book. Step outside for a stunning view—perfect spots to open your book and get started. The library is situated near Waterfront Park, which has swings, benches, and many lovely places to enjoy this beautiful town while turning the pages of your new book and letting your landscape painting dry. If you happen to miss this window, stop by the OBPL anyway and check out all the engaging things that are up next, including being a part of you aren’t already with the adult summer reading challenge. Happy Monday. 

Matinee-Art-Landscape-paint and sip @ OBPL

Tuesday, July 14th- As we continue with summer fun at Tacky Jacks, check out this week’s Hands-on Habitat from 11 to 12 PM. This is a free, educational, and interactive event for kids and adults. Everyone is welcome to come and learn about the ecosystem and interact with animals this week. Your hosts are the Marine Resources Division and the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Group. During this session, you will learn about the environment on the Gulf Coast and have the chance to interact with some native animals. Curious about which creatures you’ll see up close? Well, you’ll need to sign up and arrive to find out why you should come and participate. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early and check in downstairs at Jack's Bar. Lunch is not provided for this event, but can be ordered through Jack's Bar during the session. Join others and enjoy this week's summer fun at the 14th annual Tacky Jacks Summer of Fun series in Gulf Shores.

Reserve your spot for Hands-on-Habitat @ Tacky Jacks in GS

Wednesday, July 15th- Gone are the days when you could only eat oysters in months that did not end with a Y, and, as it goes, this was not due to seasonal changes but to refrigeration issues that, thankfully, no longer exist. Now, we can enjoy oysters whenever they are available to shuck. S&S Seafood Market, conveniently located on West Beach, is the perfect place to indulge in your favorite shellfish or even try oysters for the first time. S&S stands for Seafood by the Seashore, offering fresh raw or cooked seafood prepared to your liking. Open daily from 11 PM. to 8 p.m., their family-owned business provides exceptional service, top-quality food, and guaranteed freshness. They support local fisheries, package seafood for you to take home, and let you enjoy it with friends or family in your home, condo, or any location you choose. Their award-winning menu features a wide selection of local seafood, bold flavors, and a 10% discount for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach residents and first responders. Whether you need seafood for a shrimp boil, fish, or other specialties, S&S Seafood Market has you covered. Visit this week to enjoy homemade items like cucumber salad, gumbo, and crab cakes. It’s an ideal spot for lunch or dinner to go before or after a day at the beach. You won’t regret choosing S&S Seafood Market, happy shucking. 

S & S Seafood- West Beach- GS

Thursday, July 16th- If you love coffee or tea, odds are you enjoy exploring different brew shops, and the vibrant hotspots if you will along Main Street in Foley have plenty to offer. This area is bustling with excellent brews and cozy spots where you can browse and find your favorite drink — or, depending on your mood and the day, try a little bit of everything by coming back until you've tried it all! One such spot worth visiting is Coastlands Coffee, which offers a delightful variety of espresso drinks, including macchiatos, with alternative milk options to suit every taste. They also feature a popular selection of loaded teas, and loose leafs like Jasmine Bai Hao and others, perfect for tea lovers. Remember, this cozy spot is brews-only, so plan accordingly and enjoy your breakfast or lunch before or after your visit. Stop by Coastlands Coffee today to support local— and if you're planning a large gathering, big meeting, or party, they've got gallon-to-go containers available for your events. Cheers to happy sipping!

Coastlands Coffee-Foley

Friday, July 17th- If you’re not already part of the tournament fishing scene and out on the water, the Wharf is the place to be this weekend! The city is thrilled to host the legendary sports fishing event—The Blue Marlin Grand Championship—returning with all the excitement and flames. These talented anglers have been competing since spring, leading up to the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship right in our backyard. It’s fun for the whole family: kick off the festivities on Friday from 5 to 7, and then catch the action again on Saturday from 5 to 8. Get ready to see record-breaking catches, celebrate victories, enjoy lively festivities, and witness the iconic champagne spray to close each evening—it‘s the great show in sports fishing. And don’t miss Sunday night back at The Wharf, where Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band takes the stage at the Amphitheater presented by Margaritaville. No need to make other plans—your perfect weekend is booked solid at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Come join the fun!

Blue Marlin Grand Championship

Jimmy Buffets Coral Reef Band 

Saturday, July 18th- Downtown historic Foley is abundant with exquisite attractions, inviting repeated visits to explore its endless possibilities. The hotel Magnolia, for instance, not only allows guests to experience the magnificent offerings of this historic location but also provides lunch and dinner options, with royal treatment every time, including a daily chef’s special and a high-end, full-time menu. From the moment you enter, you are treated as a guest of honor; the servers put the "fine” in fine dining. The menu includes a variety of options such as filet mignon, fish, chicken, and even beignets. It is an excellent venue for a date night, company/client lunch, special occasions or just when you want the royal treatment. Lunch is only Monday-Saturday from 11-3 PM with dinner service available from 4 to 9 PM. After dining, guests are encouraged to take a stroll through downtown Foley to explore the local shops, take in all the quaint views, and find their next favorite spot to try. 

The Hotel Magnolia for dining- Foley

Sunday, July 19th- Before another busy week begins, take a moment to slow down and experience Gulf Shores the way many locals cherish—one peaceful step at a time. While our beaches are renowned for their sugar-white sands and emerald waters, some of the area’s greatest treasures are found when you venture a little further, deeper, and simply pay attention. Kick off your shoes, feel the warm sand beneath your feet, breathe in the salty Gulf air, and join others for a unique Mindful Wellness Walk that combines gentle movement, guided meditation, breathing exercises, and local storytelling into a revitalizing coastal experience. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden corners of Gulf Shores while reconnecting with yourself, leaving you feeling grounded, recharged, and ready for the week ahead. Whether you’re a visitor seeking a different way to experience the coast or a local in need of a peaceful reset, this relaxing outdoor adventure offers the perfect reminder that sometimes the best thing to do at the beach…is simply slow down. Hosted by Kat Nelson, owner of Allie Cat Adventures, starting point in front of the Pink Pony Pub in Gulf Shores, tickets on sale for under 30 bucks— link below.

Tickets for Mindful Wellness Walk-GS

Until next week…keep exploring, keep supporting local, and don’t forget to leave only footprints.