Memorial Day in Orange Beach, Alabama is usually a bustling, busy time of year with tourists galore, but this year it was to be a low key weekend. Wanting to keep it simple for a relaxing time on the water, I rented a condo just off the beach. I located a 3rd floor condo, two bed, two bath condo with good amenities through Homeaway.com. It was fantastic.
The online reservation services very useful for busy locations where hotels can be crowded and pricey and all of the four rentals I have stayed in have been clean, accessible and a good value. Condo renting also affords the choice of whether to eat in versus eating out at every meal which can be a real money saver and can provide each traveler their own bedroom for a bit of privacy that you don’t have when staying in a standard hotel room.
Our condo, in a small complex of 16 units, was located near Adventure Island and Bubba’s Seafood House just off Perdido Beach Blvd. We had easy beach access just across the highway and the only obstacle we found was walking up the stairs after a long day out. We found the beaches nor the restaurants overly crowded.
On Saturday morning we attended a glass blowing class at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. It was a very hot day and I don’t know how the instructors every get used to the heat of the two thousand degree furnaces but it was great fun watching and creating an original piece with the assistance of the instructor.
The classes are $75.00 and last approximately two hours. This is something I would recommend for everyone to do if in the area. Located adjacent to the Intercoastal waterway and a public park, the Center is nearly complete on an expansion which will include a pottery area as well.
We were ready for lunch when headed Brick and Spoon. There we sampled the biscuits and Caribbean Scrambler. With grilled Jerk Chicken Breast, Grilled Pineapple, Onion, Monterey Jack Cheese & Mango Salsa we can’t go wrong. Brick and Spoon is also well known for their famous Big Spoon Build Your Own Bloody Mary’s. Yum Yum.
On Sunday, we enjoyed a late lunch at Bubba’s Seafood house, after a long walk on the beach, which was located next door to the condo. We enjoyed fried shrimp and oysters and hush puppies and the house wine of the South, sweet tea.
It was a low-key weekend of beach walking, bird watching and down time. Orange Beach is a lovely piece of the Alabama coast. Home to the Flora Bama lounge and Oyster Bar it has been an institution in the area since 1964 and is the location of the annual Interstate Mullet Toss each April. Yes, you read that right.
The sunsets are beautiful and the water warm. If you have the opportunity to head to the South, come to the beach that touches the Gulf of Mexico. Come on down, the water is beautiful!
If you enjoy visiting beaches with a local flair, you might also enjoy this article:
Glass Beach has a Hidden Secret – Fort Bragg CA
Charlene’s passion is travel and sharing her stories and travel memories. While usually a solo traveler, her trips are well planned adventures that provide for maximum fulfillment and affordability. A history buff, she has a particular interest in the Presidential Libraries. She calls the Alabama Gulf Coast home which provides her with beautiful sunsets, seafood and inspiration. Charlene is a member of ITWPA. Visit her blog Roadrunner Journeys.
If you enjoyed this post please Pin it to your favorites or share and save via Facebook with the button below.
Thank you!
I really enjoy this article.
That is one crazy bloody mary you made!