SALT & SHOREA LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL GUIDE

Beach BabyTop must-haves

to keep your little beach bum happy!

GULF COAST

FROM SUNBURNS TO JELLYFISH!

A HOW-TO GUIDE FOR EVERYTHING

Your Beach Survival Kit

YUMMY COCKTAILS

TO SIP ON THE BEACH

SPRING / SUMMER 2015

Salt & Shore Feature Destinations

ALABAMAGULF COAST

pg. 8

EMERALD COASTpg. 21

PENSACOLApg. 26

MOBILE BAYpg. 9

Salt & Shore Feature Destinations

PANAMA CITY BEACHpg. 27

FRANKLIN COUNTYpg. 20

ALABAMA GULF COAST

MAP OF ALABAMA GULF COAST

FLORIDA GULF COAST

MAP OF FLORIDA GULF COAST

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MAPS & REGIONS

ALABAMA GULF COAST

MOBILE BAY

FRANKLIN COUNTY

EMERALD COAST

PENSACOLA

PANAMA CITY BEACH

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FEATURES

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FOOD AND BEVERAGE

GULF COAST RECIPES

DISHING WITH LUCY BUFFETT

OUR FAVORITE DRINKS

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RECREATION

GULF COAST SURVIVAL BAG

BEACH BABY MUST HAVES

SEVEN GULF COAST EVENTS

DISCOVER MORE

contentsTABLE OF

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Gulf Coast Survival Kit

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Beach Safety

HOT HOT HOT!The sun is strongest between 10 am & 4 pm, but its ultraviolet rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes anytime of day. Protect yourself!

SUNSCREEN 101Always wear an SPF of at least 30 (no excuses) & make sure to reapply, reapply, reapply. Consider extra protection for the youngsters with SPF 50!

ROCK SOME SHADESWear protective eyewear whenever your eyes are exposed to UV light-- even on cloudy days & during winter months.

DON A HAT Wide-brimmed hats & caps can block about 50% of UV radiation from the eyes, neck, face, & ears. Get one for everyone in the fam (and not just because babies look adorable in those floppy beach hats).

ANOTHER FLIP FLOP SUMMER Flip flops are fantastic for the beach, but avoid picking up a flimsy, inexpensive pair. Instead, grab something that offers arch support & ensure they fit properly to avoid injury. Not kidding—we never joke about shoes.

FIRST AIDShould you bring a First Aid Kit to the beach? Your Dramamine-requiring family member will be sure to let you know the answer on your boat ride should you leave it at home.

WATCH OUT FOR JELLYFISH!If you have a severe reaction to a sting, call 911. For minor stings, try rinsing with vinegar or water from the Gulf (ignore those terrible rumors about ”alternative” methods).

RIP CURRENTS ARE SERIOUS BUSINESSBe aware of the danger of rip currents & avoid the water during hazardous conditions. If caught in a rip current, 1) stay calm, 2) don’t fight the current, & 3) wave & call to the shore for help.

BE A LIFESAVER Be aware of the danger of rip currents. Young children & inexperienced swimmers should always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in & around water.

WATER: YOUR BFFHeat stroke happens if exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged amount of time, & it usually is combined with dehydration. What speeds up dehydration? Alcohol, of course. Make sure to drink plenty of water while on the beach.

Understand Beach Flags

LOW HAZARDCalm Conditions, Exercise Caution

MEDIUM HAZARDModerate Surf and/or Currents

HIGH HAZARDHigh Surf and/or Strong Currents

WATER CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

DANGEROUS MARINE LIFE

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GULF COASTALABAMA

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GULF COAST

No matter the time of year, there’s always a way to please the senses on the South’s favorite beaches. Our Southern coastlines are the place for people who love dramatic natural settings, and we’ve got a special spot reserved just for you. Yep, there’s plenty of room in the sand for watching those awe-inspiring sunsets (we’ll even save you a bushwhacker). Of course, it’s not all sun and sand down here (although, would anyone really complain if it was?). Beyond the beaches, there’s something for every type of traveler. Are you an adrenaline-junking seeking adventure? A history buff looking for a story book worthy vacation? Or do you just have a serious hankerin’ for a moon pie and a neck filled with brightly colored beads? No matter what type of vacation you’re seeking, the Alabama Gulf Coast is filled with adventure, relaxation, and some of the best seafood in the country. So pack your bags, and get ready for a sweet Southern experience—anyway way you like it!

ALABAMA

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Alabama Gulf Coast

Mobile Bay

Gulf Coast

MISSISSIPPI FLORIDA

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IT’S TIME TO START PLANNING FOR SERIOUS FAMILY FUN ON THE ALABAMA GULF COAST. Sandcastles, skim boards and splashing in the waves are timeless activities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. But, here’s a few high-adrenaline ways to occupy your adventurous brood.

ZIPLININGWant a birds-eye view of the beach? Hummingbird Ziplines at Gulf Adventure Center is for you and yours. Opened in 2013, the mile-long zipline course soars between seven towers 90 feet in the air. During the 2 ½ tour, riders fly over Lake Shelby and enjoy amazing views of the beach.

NATURAL SPLENDORThe Backcountry Trail winds through Gulf State Park between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Thirteen miles of paved trails traverse a variety of ecosystems. It’s a great place to get away from the crowds for jogging, biking or just a leisurely stroll. There’s even a Boulder Park, where little ones can climb on massive faux boulders. The park sits adjacent to a butterfly garden and screened pavilion. Relax in the porch swing, and watch your youngsters climb.

UNDERWATER FUNSubmerge in the largest artificial reef system in the country. For years, scuba divers have gone down to find fish among the area’s sunken cars, culverts and even old Army tanks just off the Alabama Gulf Coast. The highlight may be the Lulu, a 270-foot retired freighter that sits 17 miles south of Perdido Pass. The ship’s superstructure is just 60 feet down, making the Lulu perfect for divers of all skill levels.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT GULFSHORES.COM

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AdventuresCOASTAL

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Visit Mobile BayMobile, Alabama has French, British, and Spanish blood coursing through her veins (with a little bit of saltwater and shrimp boil thrown in for added flavor). You’ll see much of this influence in the architecture of the vibrant downtown, which is dotted with local shops, galleries and restaurants. You’ll also find these influences in the historic neighborhoods lined by ancient moss-draped live oaks. Mobile’s pizzazz is more than a bunch of decorative facades, mind you. They’ve got 300 years’ worth of culture under their belts and bragging rights as the first American city of Mardi Gras.

Next to New Orleans, Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebration is the biggest in the southeast. When you’re here, line the parade route downtown and see if you can catch a Moon Pie or two. Speaking of Moon Pies, every New Year’s Eve, they have a Moon Pie drop as they count down to midnight to ring in the New Year.One of the most charming things about Mobile (besides the accent) is the weather. It’s comparatively warm most of the year. Residents and visitors take advantage of being outside, whether it’s dining on fresh seafood on a back porch or the front patio of a favorite restaurant. Mobile boasts an

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For more on what’s to see and love about Mobile, Alabama, visit MOBILEBAY.ORG.

annual Beer Festival in August, BayFest - a huge music festival about to enter its 20th year—every October, and monthly art walks downtown every second Friday of the month. In the summer, you can find a crawfish boil nearly every day of the week (it’s how locals know summer has truly begun).Mobile not only fills your belly, but it also fills your mind. This 300-plus-year-old Southern city with deep-rooted cultural influences changed hands a time or two “back when.” Visit the USS Alabama Battleship, Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines, Historic Blakely Park, or one of the many museums to immerse yourself in our rich history.Throw in the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail; the Alabama Bass Trail; the Mobile Tennis Center, the world’s largest public tennis complex; and the Bay Bears baseball stadium, you may just make like a live oak and take root here.

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Directions

Shrimp:Preheat oven to 425°. Spray a non-stick baking sheet with cooking spray.

Set up an “assembly line” of three bowls. Put the flour in the first bowl. In the second, combine coconut flakes and bread crumbs. Whisk egg and water into the third bowl.

Season shrimp with the salt and pepper. Dip the shrimp in the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, then in the coconut crumb mixture. Continue this process until all shrimp are coated.Place each shrimp onto the cookie sheet then spray the top of the shrimp with more cooking spray. Bake for about 10 minutes, then turn over the shrimp and cook another 7 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from oven and serve with salsa.

Salsa:Combine all ingredients and serve cold or at room temperature.

Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple SalsaGulf Seafood Baked to Perfection

A perfect meal in any coastal setting starts with the Gulf’s bounty of fresh seafood. With this Coconut Shrimp & Pineapple Salsa recipe, you can easily turn a few quality ingredients into a meal that tastes like summer and begs to be eaten outdoors. We keep it light by avoiding the fryer (and delicious by pumping up the flavor). Perhaps most importantly, it will quickly take you back to a more relaxed way of living, which is exactly what a Southern vacation should be.

Ingredients

Shrimp:1 lb large raw shrimp, tails on and deveined½ cup sweetened flaked coconut½ cup panko breadcrumbs¼ cup all purpose flour1 large egg, cracked and whisked with 1 tablespoon water½ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon black pepper

Salsa:1 cup chopped fresh pineapple½ cup chopped red pepper¾ cup chopped red onion2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro1 teaspoon sugar (or sweetener, whatever you put in your coffee)1-3 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeño pepper minced and seeded (adjust based on your preferred level of heat)Juice of one lime¼ teaspoon black pepper¼ teaspoon salt

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Directions

Put the onion, jalapeño, and garlic in a food processor and finely chop. Add the tomatillos, avocado, and salt and pulse until chopped but still chunky. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cilantro.

Heat a stovetop or outdoor grill to medium-high. Mix the olive oil, chipotle or chili powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Grill the shrimp until translucent, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side.

Grill tortillas, until slightly charred and pliable, about 20 seconds per side. (Alternatively, wrap in a damp paper towel and heat in a microwave.) Spoon sauce on the tortilla, then top with about 2 or 3 shrimp and a sprig of cilantro. Serve 2 tacos per person, with a lime wedge on the side.

From Food Network Kitchens

Chipotle Shrimp TacosMake taco night coastal with fresh, Gulf shrimp and bold flavors. This crowd-pleasing, casual meal is a perfect reflection of the coast: timeless with a simplicity that’s hard to replicate. And you know what they say about “when in Rome”. So, do as the Southerners do: whip up this fresh dish, dine al fresco, grab a cocktail, raise your glass into the salty air, and toast to the coast.

Ingredients

Avocado Salsa:1 small onion, quartered1 jalapeño, quartered, seeds optional1 garlic clove, smashed4 medium tomatillos, (about 8 ounces) husked, rinsed, and coarsely chopped½ Hass avocado, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

Shrimp:1 tablespoon olive oil1 teaspoon chipotle or blended chili powder1 teaspoon kosher salt1 pound medium shrimp (about 20), peeled and deveined8 corn tortillas8 sprigs cilantro for garnish2 limes, cut into wedges¼ teaspoon salt

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Lucy BuffettDishing With

Lucy Buffett is an Alabama Gulf Coast native, a local legend and fast becoming a Southern icon, just like her big brother Jimmy. With her restaurant, LuLu’s, Lucy turned a tiny, down-home marina restaurant into the place to dine on the Alabama Gulf Coast. True to her roots, the food is spectacular, the drinks flow freely, and there’s always music to be heard. And next year, she’s taking all the fun of the Alabama Lulu’s destination to Destin, Florida!

This self-proclaimed “Crazy Sista” has spent her life following her dreams, and we’re proud to call her a local. When we sat down to talk to Lucy, this Gulf Coast darling stole our hearts all over again, and it’s easy to see why!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING ON THE ALABAMA GULF COAST?I’m a water baby – most kids who grow up on any coast learn to swim before

they can even walk. The salt and brackish waters in this area run in my veins and heart. Living on a large body of water permeates every aspect of a person’s life. Coastal living always imbues a definitive lifestyle inspired by recreational and work-oriented water activities but somehow, I feel the Gulf Coast has an especially rich history - a sort of melting “gumbo” pot of its own with many different cultures and influences that centers around family, food, and fun. I know that sounds like

A SIT DOWN WITH OUR FAVORITE CRAZY SISTA

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an advertising slogan but it’s the truth. We Gulf Coast folks work hard and play hard. We know how to have a good time and enjoy the natural beauty with which we’ve been blessed.

WHEN YOU'RE NOT IN THE KITCHEN, WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO ENJOY THE ALABAMA GULF COAST?I have horses, so I tend to spend time at my barn when I’m not cooking or traveling. But one of my favorite things to do is road trip - exploring the back roads and little worn nooks and crannies here in Baldwin County. You can meet some pretty funny and interesting characters when you have the time to leisurely drive the Coast.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD MEMORY?My parents worked at the local shipyard in Mobile and they got paid on the 1st and the 15th of each month. If those days landed on a Friday, they would always take us out for “special” supper. One of our favorite things to do was to go to one of the seafood restaurants on the Causeway that runs from downtown Mobile to Spanish Fort. It was really a treat to have fried crab claws! That is one of my favorite childhood fun food memories.

WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOU AND YOUR COOKING THE MOST?Definitely, both of my grandmothers who lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are my greatest culinary influences. One was more of a boarding house style cook; there was always a pot of gumbo on the stovetop and a pound cake on the counter. Her idea of a Sunday lunch was an enormous spread of multiple meats like a ham, fried chicken, and maybe some ribs. Side dishes would be potato salad, green beans, lettuce and tomato salad, butter beans, squash casserole, and maybe some coleslaw.

Dessert would consist of the aforementioned pound cake with fresh strawberries, some kind of pie, maybe a bread pudding and some brownies she had made earlier in the week. She would consider this “just a few things for lunch.” My other grandmother was a dietitian at a girl’s finishing school and the food was much more upscale. When we went to visit her in the dining hall, we were offered shrimp cocktail and West Indies salad, an enormous round of beef with a gentleman carving, potatoes au gratin, green beans with slivered almonds and Charlotte Russe. They were two very different yet wonderful interpretations of Gulf Coast cuisine.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE GULF OR LOCAL INGREDIENTS?Seafood: shrimp, oysters, crabs, and the lovely warm water fish like Mahi, Grouper, and Snapper. We are so blessed to have such luxurious seafood bounty. But I am inspired and delighted by the local produce harvested every year right here in Baldwin

County! Sweet white corn, beautiful red new potatoes, juicy homegrown tomatoes, and the entire assortment of field peas and beans, not to mention the squashes and melons are just a smidgen of what’s available during our spring and summer harvest! You can regularly find me at a roadside stand on any given day when I’m driving from my home in Fairhope to the beach to go to work. It’s one of the sweetest pleasures of my life to pick through the day’s harvest.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO MAKE AT HOME?These days, I’m grilling a lot – almost everything with large salads made with lots of fresh ingredients and herbs. You have to do that when you get a little older- much to my chagrin! To me there is almost nothing as lovely as a piece of fresh grouper perfectly char-grilled. But when I’m having company or family visiting, I will make a Seafood Gumbo or my Lump Crab a la LuLu served over Cheese Grits. Those are my “go to” dishes when entertaining.

WHAT’S BEHIND THE “CRAZY SISTA” NAME?In the South, everyone has a “crazy” sister and they are usually called “sista.” I was a little bit wild and rebellious in my youth – imagine that? Since I often felt so misunderstood (she says while laughing) I could wear my heart on my sleeve, as they would say, and was sometimes considered a little difficult – or just plain crazy. So I was sort of dubbed “the crazy sister” in my family. Being much older and wiser, I now embrace my rebellious nature and recognize it as the epicenter of my creative expression. Crazy Sista, for me, is something I’m very proud to be. It’s my metaphorical badge of honor and courage that inspires me to continue to grow and choose to live a good, independent, fulfilling, and joyful life.

AMEN, SISTA!

For more information about Lucy Buffett and her restaurants, visit LULUBUFFETT.COM

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Gulf CoastFlorida

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Gulf CoastFlorida

Ahhh, Florida. It’s a Gulf-breezed, music flowin’, trail hiking, line casting, history learning, toes in the sand, margarita sippin’ kind of place. We’re not saying the sun shines brighter in Florida than in other places across the country...we’re just saying that it didn’t get dubbed the Sunshine State for nothin’. Although barefoot steps on the pristine coastline may give you a one-track-mind when vacationing in Florida, there’s something for every kind of traveler (and that means beyond the treasure trove of sand and surf). Foodies, the overworked, thrill seekers, honeymooners: everyone can find reprieve on the Florida Gulf Coast. Looking for signature golf courses? Epic concerts? Stores worthy of any shopaholic? Houses that belong on magazine covers? No matter what the question, the answer can be summed up in three sim-ple words: Florida Gulf Coast. It’s a timeless destination where dreams are made. We’re waiting for y’all on the Coast...it doesn’t get much better than this!

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Florida Gulf Coast

Pensacola Emerald Coast

Panama City Beach

Franklin County

ALABAMA GEORGIA

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FRANKLIN COUNTY PRIDES ITSELF AS BEING SALTY FLORIDA. AS IT TURNS OUT, WHAT MAKES FRANKLIN “SALTY” IS WHAT MAKES IT WONDERFUL.

RELAXING BY THE SALTY SEAFranklin County is not only one of Florida’s largest counties; it’s also one that boasts a lot of coastline (over 250 miles to be specific). Pet-friendly and picturesque, the beaches of Franklin County offer something other Florida beaches do not. Perhaps it’s the nearby state parks and protected forests, the abundance of nature or the shallow bays that make these “salty” beaches so intimate and unique.

SALTY? What MakesFranklin County

PRESERVING SALTY TRADITIONSSoak in some history by visiting the Dixie Theatre. More than a century old, the theatre features seasonal performances. You also can learn about the county’s unique Apalachicola Indian heritage along with its rich history as a port town at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum.

Walk along Eastpoint’s authentic working waterfront and watch history in action as commercial fishing boats unload the day’s catches for distribution. That’s why the seafood in Franklin County couldn’t be fresher. In Franklin, talented chefs will prepare the freshest oysters, clams, shrimp, crab and finfish there is to be had. Finally, partake in what gives Franklin County its zing: Shop eclectic boutiques. Tour stylish art galleries. And, play through on the area’s championship golf course.

If you’re ready to relax and to be inspired by the special seasoning that makes seaside Franklin County such a unique place to visit, check out SALTYFLORIDA.COM.

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DESTIN, FT. WALTON BEACH AND OKALOOSA ISLAND ARE POPULAR FLORIDA DESTINATIONS FOR SAND, SUN, AND FUN. START PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO THE HEART OF FLORIDA’S EMERALD COAST TODAY.

Go Emerald Coasting!

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WHAT IS EMERALD COASTING?

Emerald Coasting is 24 miles of sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-green water. It’s fun family attractions, like dolphin watching and pirate cruises. It’s snorkeling, parasailing, kiteboarding, and Jet Skiing. It’s sailing adventures, legendary deep-sea fishing and world-class golf. It’s catching a marine show at the Gulfarium and holding a baby alligator at Gator Beach. It’s dining al fresco on fresh seafood, while watching a gorgeous sunset and listening to a great local band. It’s beach volleyball, rockin’ festivals, and world-famous fishing rodeos. It’s lovely hotels, stunning beach houses, charming B&Bs and gorgeous condos for families and friends to share. It’s romantic strolls on moonlit beaches. It’s warm temperatures year-round, and even warmer hospitality.

A visit to Florida’s Emerald Coast is all about sand and salt water. Relax on the white sand beaches, or get your adrenaline pumping on a Jet Ski in emerald waters. You’ll find out for yourself why the Emerald Coast was named a “Top Place to

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For a complete calendar of events and to start planning your emerald escape, visit EMERALDCOASTFL.COM.

Go Emerald Coasting!

E M E R A L D C O A S T F L . C O M

Visit” by National Geographic, one of the “10 Most Beautiful Places” by “Good Morning America” and a “Top 25 Destination in the U.S.” by TripAdvisor. Come on a family vacation, a romantic getaway or a trip with friends. Before long, the reasons people rave about the Emerald Coast will be as clear as the water.

COASTAL CUISINE

On the Emerald Coast, you’ll find cuisine that is both inventive and fresh, brought in daily by Florida’s largest fishing fleet. Come get your fill at local, one-of-a-kind restaurants like AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Harbor Docks and Dewey Destin’s. Anglers take note: Many of these establishments will actually clean and cook your catch for you. But, Gulf

seafood isn’t the only thing they do well here. You’ll find mouthwatering steaks, sushi, wood-oven-fired pizzas, authentic Asian cuisine and more.

SEASIDE SHOPPING

If shopping is your passion, you won’t be disappointed. All along the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast, unique stores offer visitors extraordinary shopping experiences. You can take your pick from distinctive boutiques, traditional malls, charming downtown areas, enchanting open-air complexes and picturesque pedestrian villages. Go-to places for shoppers include Destin Commons, HarborWalk Village and downtown Ft. Walton Beach (where you’ll find shopping, dining, nightlife and more).

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SUN SMARTIES BABY BEACH TENT $29.95 | amazon.com

BURT’S BEES ALL NATURAL BABY POWDER $5.99 | amazon.com

MUD PIE SURFS UP CRAB BEACH BAG W/ TOYS $22.88 | amazon.com

NATURALLY COOL KID’S SUNCREAM $25.04 | nutriglow.com

POLKA-DOT BATHING SUIT $32.99 | Gap.com

STARS AND STRIPES SWIM-TRUNKS$19.99 | Gap.com

1. 4.

2. 5.

3. 6.

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NATURALLY COOL KID’S SUNCREAM $25.04 | nutriglow.com

POLKA-DOT BATHING SUIT $32.99 | Gap.com

STARS AND STRIPES SWIM-TRUNKS$19.99 | Gap.com

MELISSA AND DOUG COLLAPSIBLE BEACH-PAIL $8.95 | swimoutlet.com

BEACH BABY

7 of Our Top Summer Must-Haves to Keep Your Little Beach Bum Happy!

7.

LOCAL PLACES TO NAB BABY BEACH SUPPLIES

Little Monkey Toes – Mobile, AL Bungalows – Orange Beach, AL

Coconut Kids – Mirmar Beach, FL Envie Boutique – Pensacola Beach, FL Pier Park – Panama City Beach, FL

Island Adventures – St. George Island, FL

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FUN & SUNYou know what they say, “Families that play together, stay together.” Bring the family to the Florida Coast and bond while exploring historic downtown Pensacola, body surfing or sun bathing at the beach, or marveling at the thundering aerial acrobatics of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels). Pensacola beaches have been ranked among the best in the world. They’re perfect for surfing, scuba diving or just taking it easy. Explore the longest tract of protected seashore in the United States at Gulf Islands National Seashore, or go deep-sea fishing in family-friendly Pensacola.

COASTAL CUISINEDiscover the bounty of our deep waters. Indulge in a buffet of culinary delights

– from Southern barbeque and fresh local seafood to Cajun specialties and traditional American fare, you’ll relish the aromas and flavors of Pensacola’s coastal cuisine. Eat oysters on the waterfront at Atlas Oyster House or enjoy a world class dining experience at the 1912 Restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Grand Hotel.

HISTORIC GEMSPensacola, the oldest European settlement in the United States, recently celebrated its 450th anniversary. The city even hosted the king and queen of Spain. Relive history among national historic landmarks overlooking the glass-like water of Pensacola Bay. Discover the forgotten passages of Civil War forts, or let your imaginations soar through the prestige of a storied naval past. History comes alive in Pensacola.

For more information click VisitPensacola.com

Play Together in

PensacolaIn Pensacola Beach, crystal-clear, emerald gulf waters meet powdery, snow-white sand. Cast away the day’s worries and discover what lies beneath the surface.

SPONSORED

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Panama City

Paradise

SPONSORED

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Let’s be honest: Traveling with your family can be challeng-ing, right? So how do you keep your whole crew happy and still return from your trip feeling refreshed, relaxed and maybe just a little sun-kissed?The trick is picking the right location. For generations, the sand and sun of Panama City Beach, Florida, have lured vacationers to this beautiful beach. A CNN poll recently rated Panama City Beach as the top beach in the conti-nental USA – meaning that if you want to find a better spot to spread your beach towel, you’re going to have to cross an ocean. While PCB has long been a favorite vacation spot for travelers in the Southeast, a new airport has made getting to the beach easier than ever before. That ease of access and relative scarcity of traffic makes getting to and from the beach a breeze.

But the real trick that Panama City Beach pulls off is offer-ing something for everyone. Besides 27-miles of legend-ary white sand beaches and the emerald-hued water of the Gulf of Mexico, there are nearly endless opportunities to get out in nature, or enjoy shopping, dining, and enter-tainment.

Panama City Beach has two state parks to choose from. Camp Helen State Park, on the west end of PCB, and St. An-drews State Park, on the east end, both feature historic sites as well as world-class beaches. Or, stretch your legs at the Panama City Beach Conserva-tion Park, a 3,000-acre nature preserve crisscrossed with biking and hiking trails.

Visitors take to the water by boat, kayak or stand up paddleboard, while family

groups often choose one of the popular day cruises aboard a captained boat, or take the helm of a rental boat to chart their own course.

For shopaholics, Pier Park of-fers more than 1 million square feet of retail therapy. The walkable plaza is convenient to concert amphitheaters, enter-tainment options, restaurants and the beach.

If that’s not enough, PCB also has five championship golf courses, which is why Golf Magazine named PCB one of America’s top three golf towns.

Fun family vacations aren’t a thing of the past. It’s all about finding the right spot and having plenty of options. Even if the option you choose is simply relaxing on the beach.

To get started planning your Panama City Beach vacation, head over to VisitPanamaCityBeach.com

FUN IN THE SUN ON THE FLORIDA GULF COAST

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Our Favorite TwistOur Favorite Twist

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Margaritas

Dayby

Blue Lagoon Margarita RecipeIngredients:

4 lime slices3 tablespoons coarse sugar1/2 cup chilled lemon-lime soda1/2 cup tequila1/2 cup blue curacao1/3 cup partially thawed frozen limeade concentrate2 cups ice cubes

Directions:

In a blender, combine ingredients; cover and process until blended. Pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with lime slices and coarse sugar. Serve immediately.

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Tom Collins

Ingredients:

2 oz gin1 oz lemon juice1 tsp superfine sugar3 oz club soda1 maraschino cherry1 slice orange

Directions:

In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar. Shake well. Strain into a Collins glass almost filled with ice cubes. Add the club soda. Stir and garnish with the cherry and the orange slice.

byNight

Tom Collins Recipe

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THE HANGOUT BEACH, MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVALGulf Shores, AL May 15-17

Hangout Fest is a renowned music week-end that transforms Gulf Shores’ powdery white beaches into the world’s most epic sandbox. Six stages for world-famous musical acts flank the coastline giving you the opportunity to “choose your own experience” by (1) screaming at musicians in front of the stage, bouncing six-foot beach balls that surf the crowd, (2) reclin-ing in a nearby hammock, (3) devour Ala-bama Gulf Seafood, or (4) at some point, all of the above. Get your tickets here.

On the Gulf Coast, the dress code is casual, fresh seafood is abundant, and the drinks are ice cold. Enjoying the natural beauty of the area extends past the soft, sugar-white sand and the turquoise waters (but only if you want it to). From concerts to cook-offs, there’s something happening any given weekend down here. Plan your vacation around one of these hot events because these are 7 that you don’t want to miss...Trust us.

Gulf Coast Events You Don’t Want to Miss

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TASTE OF THE RACESeaside, FL February 27-March 1

Taste of the Race showcases amazing food prepared by some of the best local and regional chefs on the Gulf Coast, as well as craft beers and fabulous wines. Enjoy live music and a special reception with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse for VIP ticket holders! And no worries if you over-in-dulge a little—stay the weekend and burn off some excess calories running the Sea-side School Foundation half-marathon or 5K on Sunday, March 1. (As if you needed an excuse to spend the weekend!)

NATIONAL SHRIMP FESTIVALGulf Shores, AL October 8-11

Enjoy the sand (and shrimp) in Gulf Shores! At the 43rd Annual National Shrimp Festival, you’ll be treated to over 80 hours of great local, regional and na-tional music, ranging from Blues, Motown and Southern Rock to Jazz, Zydeco and Country. Taste the delicious offerings of over 50 local and regional food vendors along the boardwalk, and of course, the delicious fresh shrimp. As always, there are plenty of activities for the kids and fun and games for the whole family. Make your plans now to attend.

THE WHARF UNCORKEDOrange Beach, AL September 24-26

Food and wine tastings are an exciting way for culinary neophytes and epicures alike to experience unique cuisine and wines in a vibrant setting. The Food and Wine Event at The Wharf pops its cork with celebrity chef events, charity auctions, and, of course, food and wine tastings. The Wharf Uncorked Wine & Culinary Event poses a unique opportunity for guests to grow as epicures, to give back to local charity, and to gain culinary knowledge. Read more about last year’s event on VisitSouth.com.

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DESTIN SEAFOOD FESTIVALDestin, FL October 3-5

Kick-off October by following your nose to the Destin Boardwalk and Harbor for the Annual Seafood Festival. The festivities are a tribute to the rich fishing history of the Destin community. The big party stretches over a mile along the water featuring live music, arts and crafts, and (of course) seafood. The best part—admission is free!

APALACHICOLA ART WALK & WINE FESTIVALApalachicola, FLMarch 21

Art in all forms will be woven in and around picturesque downtown Apalachicola where artists and musicians will be showing, sell-ing, and demonstrating their talents. The festivities continue into the evening with a wine tasting, and afterwards area chefs will prepare dishes at their restaurants paired with special wines

THE FRANK BROWN SONGWRITERS’ FESTIVAL Alabama & Florida Gulf Coast November 5-15

Grammy Award winning songwriters along with up-and-coming stars from around the world bring their original music to the Gulf Coast. Find out more about how to enjoy this concert experience at Fbisf.com

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ART DIRECTOR ....................................................Autumn Wood, Matt Baltzell

DIGITAL PROJECT MANAGER ..................................................... Darcy Griffin

CONTENT ................................................................Kate Burke, Autumn Wood

CLIENT MATERIALS COORDINATOR ............................................... Jana Furr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER .................................................................... Matt Baltzell

INTERACTIVE SERVICES ............................................................... Jake Gillikin

VP OF SALES & MARKETING ................................................Dustin Gontarski

DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR Dianna Levin

PRESIDENT .......................................................................................J.Gary Ellis

CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER ...................................................Kathleen Stockham

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR .........................................................Brea Scott

Information in this publication is carefully compiled to ensure accuracy. However, the publisher does not assume responsibility for accuracy. No recommendation regarding the quality of goods and services is expressed or implied. Address: 175 Northshore Place, Gulf Shores, AL 36542. 251.968.4600. Copyright 2015 by Compass Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise—without the prior consent of Compass Media, Inc. Information in the sponsored sections is provided by the advertiser.

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