Crystal Shores West 106 Gulf Shores

09/19/2026

The sign may say seafood, but that steak is making a very strong argument. 🥩

09/19/2026

09/19/2026

Interesting…

CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH

The Alabama Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority has completed the bond and federal loan financing necessary to fully fund the $3.2 billion phase one construction of the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, clearing one of the final major milestones before full construction begins.

The financing fully funds the agreed-upon $3.2 billion phase one construction cost, which includes a new six-lane cable-stayed bridge across the Mobile River and six lanes of capacity across the existing Bayway.

No tolls will be collected during construction. Tolling will begin only when the new bridge and phase one improvements open to traffic, currently projected for late 2031. The Wallace Tunnel, Bankhead Tunnel, Africatown Bridge and Causeway will remain toll-free alternatives.

With financing complete, ALDOT expects to authorize the design-build team to proceed with full construction beginning on Oct. 1.

09/19/2026

Oooh, I need to go there!

Another sign that old Downtown Foley is becoming a completely different place

If you haven't been through Downtown Foley lately, you might be surprised by how quickly the restaurant scene is changing.

One of the newest additions is Half Shell Oyster House at 118 West Laurel Avenue.

The Foley restaurant opened June 24, 2026, bringing the Gulf Coast restaurant group's oyster-and-seafood concept into the historic downtown district. The South Baldwin Chamber announced the opening in June, and the restaurant's official site now lists the Foley location as open seven days a week.

This isn't another Highway 59 strip-center restaurant, either.

It's right in Downtown Foley, where an increasing number of restaurants and businesses are giving people reasons to park the car and spend time in the old commercial district.

As the name suggests, oysters are a major part of the menu. Half Shell serves raw oysters along with several baked preparations, plus seafood, steaks and other dishes. The Foley restaurant also serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

The current hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

What's interesting to longtime locals isn't simply another restaurant opening.

It's where these businesses are opening.

For years, a lot of South Baldwin County's explosive commercial growth followed Highway 59 south toward the beach, spread along County Road 20 or clustered around newer developments. Now Foley's older downtown is getting significant attention of its own.

Waffles R Wild recently opened its second location downtown, Half Shell arrived this summer, and the city's new 40,000-square-foot public library opened nearby after moving from its previous location.

The Foley some of us remember and the Foley of 2026 are starting to look very different.

But this time, some of the growth is heading back toward the old center of town.

09/18/2026

If you're wondering why Orange Beach is about to get a whole lot busier this weekend, here's your answer.

The 6th Annual Orange Beach Freedom Fest returns to The Wharf on Saturday and Sunday, September 19–20. This year's festival continues the city's celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

And there will be plenty happening besides looking at cars.

The hugely popular Bama Coast Cruisin' Fall Car Show will fill Main Street and Wharf Parkway with classic cars, hot rods, trucks and custom vehicles. There's also a Kids' Zone near the Ferris wheel, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, outdoor-experience displays, patriotic military booths and live music.

Saturday runs from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., while Sunday's activities are scheduled from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

And here's something locals need to know.

Saturday also includes a motorcycle and Jeep rally organized by the Marshals Mardi Gras group. The Orange Beach Event Center will host the Gulf Coast Gun Collectors Association's separate fi****ms show during the weekend as well.

Freedom Fest has become another example of how different fall looks on Alabama's beaches now.

Years ago, once summer vacation ended, things really slowed down.

Not anymore.

We've got Freedom Fest this weekend, Jeep Fest the following weekend, and the National Shrimp Festival arriving October 8–11.

Apparently somebody forgot to tell Orange Beach that summer is over.

If you're heading toward The Wharf this weekend, expect company.

A lot of it.

09/17/2026

If you start seeing an unusual number of Jeeps rolling down Highway 59 next week, there's a reason.

Gulf Shores is getting a brand-new four-day festival.

The inaugural Gulf of America Jeep Fest runs September 24 through September 27, 2026, with The Hangout serving as festival headquarters.

And this isn't just a parking lot full of Jeeps.

Organizers have scheduled a sound competition, light competition, poker run, scavenger hunt, beach rides, live music, raffles and door prizes. More than 50 vendors are expected, with activities scheduled throughout the four-day event.

Tourism officials are estimating attendance around 2,000 people.

One important detail: this is a registered Jeep event rather than a completely free walk-in festival. Current registration is $110 for one Jeep and up to four attendees, and the official event information says non-Jeep vehicles aren't permitted inside the event.

It's also another sign of how Gulf Shores is trying to strengthen the fall tourism season.

Summer may be ending, but the events definitely aren't.

Freedom Fest is this weekend in Orange Beach.

Jeep Fest follows the next weekend.

Then the National Shrimp Festival arrives October 8–11.

So much for September being the "quiet season."

And if you've ever wondered what Gulf Shores looks like when hundreds of Jeep owners descend on the beach at once, we're about to find out.

This is the first one.