A Week of Local Events And History Lessons
Jessica Taylor • September 22, 2025
A great time to learn about OBA history
This week's Gulf Coast calendar is packed with community-oriented, family-friendly events and local attractions to explore. Highlights include a "Meet the Mayor" event at the Foley Public Library and a celebration of local heritage and heartbeat featuring live music gatherings at Lulu’s. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, private captain tours, cornhole tournaments, and much more. Shoppers can get a head start on the holiday season with unique gifts from Maggie's Gift Shop or by participating in the inaugural Orange Beach History Tours. At the Wharf, young anglers will have the opportunity to join the "Kids Win" fishing tournament. Additionally, there are local dining options that cater to busy schedules, offering quick and satisfying meals. There’s always something happening along this stretch of the coast, so be sure to check it out and enjoy the very best that the area has to offer!
Monday September 22nd- Island towns and others in Baldwin County, like Foley, are experiencing significant growth and developments, particularly in their infrastructure, drainage upgrades, and aviation sectors. Notably, proposals are in place for the addition of ten new T-hangars at the local airport, contingent upon grant approval. In light of these advancements, the recently re-elected mayor, Ralph Hellmich, will host an open forum at the library to engage with constituents and address inquiries regarding these initiatives and other pertinent topics including the recent election results. Starting at 10AM and going through to 1PM, attendees can hear directly from the Mayor as well as ask important questions about what matters the most to community members and home owners. This is a perfect time for anyone involved or affected to come and join others in the community to talk it out and share each other's concerns, hopes and visions. Looking for a great spot to have lunch pop in the new Foley location for a coastal favorite restaurant Doc's Seafood that recently opened their doors and are ready to serve you, located on County Road 20 across from the Coastal Alabama Farmers Market, enjoy.
Foley Public Library
319 E. Laurel Ave
Foley, AL 36535
Tuesday, September 23rd- Why wait for the weekend to enjoy festivities when you can dive into the vibrant local entertainment scene? Immerse yourself in an auditory experience enhanced by live music in an island-inspired ambiance. Indulge in a carefully curated selection of culinary delights and premium beverages, all while soaking in the stunning waterfront views, refreshing salty breezes, and the maritime lifestyle. Lulu’s Homeport offers all of this and more. Located on the north side of the Gulf Shores bridge, right on the canal, it boasts beautiful vessel views along the water, along with places to dock and dine. This prime venue attracts visitors year-round and is a beloved hotspot for locals who appreciate live music throughout the week. Every Tuesday, the musical talent features Smith & Kern/Repeat Offenders, a high-energy acoustic duo. They provide a wide range of sounds from guitar, mandolin, saxophone, blues harmonica, and slide guitar. Their ability to seamlessly switch instruments mid-song while harmonizing vocally makes them one of the most versatile music groups on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Regardless of your age or musical preference, this duo has a way of getting everyone on the dance floor or at least prompting a little chair wiggle or head bop. Come out and enjoy some midweek or evening entertainment, complete with great views and delicious food, such as Lulu’s famous gumbo (a family recipe), fish tacos, fresh catches, jumbo shrimp platters, grilled or blackened fried chicken dishes, and fresh Southern coastal sides. Open daily at 11AM, music starts at 6PM, have fun.
Lulu’s Homeport
200 E 25th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Wednesday, September 24th- Living in proximity to open waterways allows for year-round boating activities, transcending the limitations of traditional summer seasons. Although many marinas reduce operations for various watersports activities, fishing charters, and guided tours, that time is not now. We are entering a prime season for exploration and appreciating the picturesque views, enhanced by the refreshing breezes that accompany cooler temperatures. During this time, the waterways experienced decreased congestion, providing quicker dolphin sightings and nearly ideal weather conditions for light layers or small throws, depending on the time of day for excursions. The Flora-Bama presents multiple options to capitalize on these coastal conditions: consider the Bama Breeze, which is currently offering seasonal discounts for online bookings. This expansive passenger vessel accommodates a diverse group of individuals eager to absorb the natural scenery. It navigates down the old river and around the corner to showcase the islands, back bays, and local dolphin populations, with options for daytime cruises as well as an exceptional sunset cruise. For larger parties or those who prefer a personalized experience, the Coastal Cruiser can serve groups of up to 20 passengers. This vessel allows for customized itineraries, enabling guests to explore local waterways, canals, and bayous at their own pace with their own captain. Hop online to select from a range of other offerings, including boat rentals and jet ski adventures. To enhance the experience, patrons should also consider dining at nearby establishments like the Flora-Bama Yacht Club or Ole River Grill. Don't miss the opportunity to return to the Yacht Club on Saturday for the 6th Annual Barks, Bags & Bushwackers Cornhole Tournament and Social, hosted by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, commencing at 11 AM. Link for tickets and to register as a participant is below prices vary for members.
Flora-Bama Marina
29603 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Thursday, September 25th- As the holiday season approaches, it’s prudent to begin strategic planning when shopping for gifts, particularly focusing on stocking stuffers and teacher appreciation. Maggie's Gift Shop, located within Cosmo’s Courtyard on the upper deck, serves as an ideal starting point. The shop features an impressive selection of locally crafted jewelry, competitively priced, alongside unique bark artwork and pet-themed gifts. Additionally, there is various engaging items for children, including games and captivating fidget toys. For dog enthusiasts, the shop showcases an array of dog portrait displays, creatively exhibited throughout the store, courtyard, and within Cosmo’s Restaurant. These artworks are created by local artists, and customers are encouraged to inquire at checkout about commissioning bespoke pet portraits. Both Cosmo’s Restaurant and Maggie’s Gift Shop also provide a range of branded apparel, including shirts and hats that reflect the identities of both venues. Visit today to streamline your holiday shopping so you can devote more time to family and friends. While you’re there, indulge in some of the delightful offerings from Cosmo's—a complete one-stop experience tailored to meet all your seasonal needs. Happy shopping!
Maggie’s Gift Shop
25753 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Friday, September 26th- Exploring the historical context of Orange Beach, a coastal destination positioned as a southern paradise, reveals a complex narrative that predates its incorporation as a town just 41 years ago. This 32-mile island’s eastward side is steeped in history, encompassing the accounts of early settlers, pirates, and strategic hideouts from periods of conflict. The region’s development has been significantly influenced by fishing families whose legacies have shaped the community. For those interested in delving deeper into this historical tapestry, consider reserving a spot on one of the inaugural OB History tours. These guided excursions offer an immersive two-hour experience aboard a 14-passenger city vehicle, providing a thorough exploration of the town's landmarks and local anecdotes. This initiative represents a valuable occasion for both residents and visitors to engage meaningfully with the region’s heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for its cultural and environmental significance. Participating in the tour enhances understanding and encourages a commitment to preserving the area's natural and historical resources, alongside the communities that sustain them. The spots will fill up quickly for both dates, the next one being October 7th, so don’t hesitate and join others for this exciting new celebration of Orange Beach’s local history.
Orange Beach City Hall
4099 Orange Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Saturday, September 27th- The "Kids Win" fishing tournament, presented by Rouses Market, offers a unique competitive platform for young anglers. This event commences at 5 PM on Friday and concludes at 10 AM on Saturday, with registration accessible now at $50 per child for the first 100 participants. Each mini angler will receive a Goodie Bucket and fishing rod, and there are no restrictions on the number of assistant anglers per vessel. Participants will be divided into two age categories: Small Fries (ages 3-6) and Large Fries (ages 7-10). Both groups will have the opportunity to compete for an array of prizes and trophies. Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy various children's activities, along with snacks and beverages for participants courtesy of Bryant Bank and Rouses Market, during the weigh-in sessions at the renowned Marlin Circle, a hub for big game fishing. This tournament not only serves as a thrilling experience for young competitors and their families but also supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alabama. Participants are encouraged to prepare their gear, as it's time to bait hooks, cast lines, and reel in catches in this exciting event. In addition to fishing, a range of activities will be available on Main Street, including a complimentary Bubble Truck and face painting for a nominal fee of $10, ensuring that even non-participants can join in the festivities and enjoy the day's successes.
The Wharf
4830 Main St
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Every Kid wins fishing tournament
Sunday, September 28th- Bird Dog Chicken Co. is a quick eat establishment that warrants attention, operating daily from 7 AM. Their breakfast menu, available until 10:30 AM, features various items such as burritos, biscuits and gravy, Texas toast, and innovative waffle sandwiches. Transitioning into lunch and dinner service, the offerings continue until 9 PM, highlighting a range of appetizers fried with precision, including mozzarella cheese wedges, okra, jalapeño poppers, and fried green tomatoes. The menu further diversifies with sections that include wings, chicken tenders, nuggets, shrimp, sandwiches, and wraps. For those seeking lighter options, there are grilled selections as well as classic BLTs. A standout feature of Bird Dog Chicken Co. is their house-made sauces, which are meticulously crafted to enhance the flavors of the dishes. Customers have the flexibility to call ahead for pickup, utilize the drive-thru for convenience, or dine in for a more traditional experience. Regardless of the dining method, Bird Dog Chicken Co. stands out as a dynamic and efficient venue in Orange Beach that after trying will likely become a staple to go to not only for locals but visitors alike.
Bird Dog Chicken Co.
4575 Orange Beach Blvd suite 106
Orange Beach, AL 36561
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