Nature, Family Fun, and Festive Shopping This Week on the Gulf Coast

Monday, November 25th – Tap in and unlock the secrets of some of the local plants and animals in the Gulf State Park. Naturalists are meeting for an immersive, hands on journey ready to water any seeded spirit for the natural world. If you’ve ever been interested or are a lifelong explorer of the local flora and fauna this is the perfect program to get started with or to dig deeper. Participants will connect with the great outdoors and others on a guided walk along scenic trails. Discover fascinating characteristics while learning to identify and appreciate the diverse plants and animals that call the GSP ecosystem home through creative journaling, art, and cutting-edge apps. November afternoons on the Gulf Coast are sunny with a side of jacket so be sure to check the weather before you go to see what level of layer you’ll need plus plenty for hydration there will be a backpack provided with all other supplies upon arrival. Meet at the Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead at 1PM gauged to be completed by 4PM, registration link below.

Gulf Oaks Ridge Trail 

Registration 
https://reserve.alapark.com/register/become-a-naturalist

Map
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=30.271665%2C%20-87.654606

Tuesday, November 26th – Bluey a blue household dog name known or at least heard of by most, is an Australian cattle dog whose proved he can be everyone’s mate. The Disney plus pheromone was released in 2018 and the name of fame is still going strong. The show centers around the pup, his sister and their tight family unit. Parents across the globe have spoken out expressing that the show, though generated for children, is completely relatable and even enjoyable for them as well. The show navigates familiar family themes that resonate with both the children through childlike experiences as well as some past ones for the adults and is heavy on the ups and downs of the parenting ways of life. It’s no wonder this Aussie popularity rose and still rises. The Hangout in Gulf Shores has set up a fantastical meet the pup dinner for all ages to come meet and dine with Bluey the blue dog himself. Playtime will be from 4PM–7PM for one epic night to remember. Full menu available. 

The Hangout – Dinner with Bluey

101 E Beach Blvd 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://themobmom.com/event/blu-ey-dinner-at-the-hangout/

Wednesday, November 27th – The Brown Pelican, known as one of the great comeback birds once on the brink of extinction, now can be seen quite regularly plunging from the sky smacking right into the water for its prey. One of only two like it in America that dives down in this way, the pelican scoop dive imprints a familiar scene to many on the Gulf Coast. It’s no wonder that very mark is the look chosen for the new brand label beer release, the “PELI FLOP”, a red IPA. The skies the limit starting at noon when the new craft delight will be released at Big Beach Brewery. The BBB company will release new winter taps individually this season to showcase and highlight each one in their own flight, so be sure to check the calendar for other new releases. The Brew is open daily from Noon to 10PM often with a full and snack bar, food truck on weekends, live music, neighborhood fun and open airy fairy and starlight ambiance after dusk. 

Big Beach Brewery Company

300 E 24th Ave

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://www.bigbeachbrewing.com 

Thursday, November 28th – Happy Thanksgiving, a long tradition that has taken the west through a journey of history, friendship, fellowship and hardship since early glory days. Rather this seasonal time means green bean casseroles, pumpkin pies and football with long-distance family or the ones down the road or just a Holiday to take it easy the Gulf Coasts Thanksgiving meal celebrations have a little something for everybody. Check out what locations are serving what and when by visiting the link below.

Gulf Coast Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Feasts This Year

Friday and Saturday, November 29th–30th  There’s nothing dark about the Black Friday and small business Saturday shopping deals on and off the island this weekend. The Wharf in Orange Beach is your one-stop shop till you drop or dine to catch all the coastal prices this season with special open times for both days from 10AM-6PM. Throughout the powerhouse venue, Main St. is lined with participating specialty stores offering BOGO, percentages off as high as half and more on gifts to wrap or cards to gift. Spend the whole day and check out one of the first shops to open in the new PortSide Wharf shopping experience side. If in need of a break, the Wharf offers a variety of restaurants that will also be offering top dollar gifts and cards deals that make great teacher and family gifts or store them up for the next time family is in town to take them out for a fine meal at a deal. CoastAL, GT’s, Cosmo’s, Cobalt, and Luna’s are off site restaurants offering similar deals for these two days only. Stop by the skating rink before you leave, or visit Santa for some photos making everything merry and bright on this Black Friday. Happy Shop and Saving. Also, this Friday get swept away by the scent of pine in the enchanting ‘Christmas Tree Farm’ at the Wharf. Get festive and in the spirit of Christmas with a really fresh cut, Wisconsin Balsam fir, Fraser and Canaan Fir trees starting at $70 open at 10AM and every day after at the same time until all the trees are sold. These fabulously festive trees will sell out quickly, so be sure to get there early and enjoy the scents of the season. 

The Wharf

23101 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://alwharf.com

Sunday, December 1st –
Once known as Nashville’s best kept secret, artist J Edwards will take to the stage at the Flora-Bama for a night of musical wonder. Edwards gained a lot of his style and instrumental talent through the travels of growing up in a nomadic lifestyle. He and his family traveled and played together for churches,  festivals and beyond sharing his Dad played acoustic while his Mom could play anything with keys on it. A true music immersed upbringing that set the pace for a life filled with stages and new faces. At some point Edwards shifted from Christian only music to “blues bars, honky-tonks, and hootenannies” all up the East coast before landing in Nashville and eventually the Gulf Coast stages. This switch was the time when Edwards realized just how suited his voice was for the genre with a cross between country rock and a deep blues draw, vocalizing pipes that turn a nod to some of the greatest. This is one hot afternoon show fans won’t want to miss featured in the Main Room starting at 1:30PM. Come out and spend the day with J Edwards and watch and listen as the magic unfolds. 

Flora- Bama

17401 Perdido Key Dr

Perdido Key, FL 32507

https://www.florabama.com/live-music