From south Florida to the Texas/Mexico border, the Gulf Coast is teeming with life. Under the ocean, on the beaches, in the salt marshes and everywhere in between, species representing every animal kingdom and countless plants are abundant. In an effort to ensure this bio-diversity is around for years to come, wildlife refuges and nature preserves have been established across the Gulf Coast region.

While they share a common goal–conserve the resident flora and fauna and provide a platform for conservation education—they are as unique as their inhabitants. And just because the emphasis is on protecting Mother Nature, that doesn’t mean we humans aren’t welcome. Most of these areas offer a bounty of outdoor activities for individuals or entire families.

MISSISSIPPI

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

In an area designated by the Nature Conservancy as one of “The Last Great Places” in America, The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in coastal Mississippi’s Jackson County (made up of the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi and Alabama and the Grand Bay Savanna Coastal Preserve) protects nearly 18,000 acres of marine environment. The Reserve celebrated its 10^th anniversary in December 2009, and its success is the result of collaboration on grand scale. Established in 1999, the Reserve is managed by a local, state and federal partnership that includes the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, Mississippi State University, The Nature Conservancy, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Within the Reserve, you’ll find rich coastal wetland habitats, some that are unique to the area. Places like pine savannas, bays, maritime forests and salt marshes support many critical species like speckled trout, sea turtles as well as oysters and brown shrimp, which are important to the area’s commercial fishing industry.

The Reserve’s manager, Dave Ruple, explained the importance of keeping these areas intact and undisturbed. “It is crucial that we protect places like Grand Bay because of the continued pressures on resources elsewhere,” he said. “As time goes on, protected areas like this will become more and more important, and essentially be our green spaces,” he said.

But aside from their overall ecological significance, places like Grand Bay serve a simpler purpose—They speak to our souls. The Reserve is open all year and encourages exploration. Visitors to Grand Bay can expect a wealth of interesting experiences, the kind that wash away the stresses of our everyday lives. According to Ruple, “The Reserve offers many opportunities to observe and enjoy our coastal resources, things like the wide variety of wildflowers, motor boating, kayaking and saltwater fishing.”

Now Grand Bay has even more to offer its guests. In December 2009, the new Grand Bay Coastal Resources Center opened. The facility is the headquarters for the Reserve’s staff and also houses an interpretive area and laboratories.  “It is one of the greenest buildings in the state of Mississippi and demonstrates the Reserve’s commitment to sustainability. Our interpretative area is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

LOUISIANA

America’s WETLAND Birding Trail

Whether you’re a hardcore birder or just enjoy a nice outdoor excursion, a hike along some or all of America’s WETLAND Birding Trail on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast is one you’ll definitely want to add to your itinerary. The paths link with other birding trails in Mississippi and Texas, but in Louisiana, you’ll find four trails, each offering a distinct look at this special place and promising some serious bird-watching opportunities.

The land now dubbed “America’s WETLAND” is comprised of one of the largest and most productive expanses of coastal wetland in the country. The trails traverse land contained in numerous state parks, state historic sites, state preservation areas, National Wildlife Refuges, wildlife management areas and other natural spots throughout the state.

Since the 1930s, Louisiana has lost 1,900 square miles of land. Currently, Louisiana has 30 percent of the total coastal marsh and accounts for 90 percent of the coastal marsh loss in the lower 48 states. Commercial and recreational fishing and other activities centered around the wetlands have a massive positive economic impact on the state, a scenario American’s WETLAND managing director Val Marmillion explained in more detail. “Approximately 480,000 used the America’s WETLAND Birding trails in 2008, and Louisiana expects to generate approximately $30 million in direct and indirect economic impact from bird and wildlife watchers annually,” he said. “The importance of preserving America’s WETLAND goes beyond its status as an area of world ecological significance and as America’s largest wintering ground for waterfowl and songbirds. The wetlands are essential in protecting over 2 million citizens from damaging hurricanes, home to one of America’s most remarkable cultures, and strategically important to the national economy and domestic energy security.”

In the face of these facts, Louisiana is working tirelessly to maintain the integrity of these protected areas, launching a massive public awareness campaign with the America’s Wetland Foundation to educate citizens on their value. Find out how you can support this cause by visiting americaswetland.com.

ALABAMA

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Walk one of the nature trails at Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge in Alabama, and it’s like taking a step back in time. These protected lands in and around Gulf Shores boast a unique feature—the last intact dune ecosystem in the state. “When you see these dunes, you’re looking at remnants of what the entire Alabama Gulf Coast used to look like eons ago,” said Jereme Phillips, refuge manager at Bon Secour.

Part of the network of national wildlife refuges that is 545 strong, Bon Secour contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. While it is one of the smaller National Wildlife Refuges, it is no less essential. As a last bastion for some of the species it protects, the name Bon Secour, meaning “safe harbor” in French, is certainly fitting.

Phillips outlined how vital this “safe harbor” truly is, particularly for some migratory birds. “It is so important that this habitat be protected,” he said. “We have a spectacular migration in the spring, and we have really large number of bird ‘fallouts.’ That’s when birds, after traveling the long distance across the Gulf, will literally fall out of the sky. They’re exhausted, but they can rest here.”

Bon Secour is a bird-watchers’ paradise, with more than 370 different species flying in and out during the migratory season, including several species of hummingbirds.

“In the winter there is not as much diversity, but there are a lot of birds, including several warbler species and yellow-bellied sap suckers,” said Philips. “But during migration, we often get some very rare species, cerulean warblers for example. There are also peregrine falcons and bald eagles around the lagoon year round.”

But you can also observe loggerhead and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles as well as red and gray foxes, coyotes and armadillos. And you can discover all Bon Secour has to offer on its well-maintained trails. “There’s something for everyone at Bon Secour,” Phillips said. “Our trails make for a great nature walk amid beautiful landscapes. You’ll trek through maritime forest on your way to huge 30-foot dunes before you reach the Gulf.” If you hike at dawn or dusk, you have good chance of getting lucky and spotting a bobcat or a fox.

“The best times to visit are in the spring and fall, even winter is nice,” Phillips said. “The dead heat of summer not the best time for birding; that’s when we have our lowest bird population. In fall, we have the monarch butterfly migration. That peaks in October.”

And according to Philips, the one refuge resident you probably don’t want to meet on the trail is still the one most people would like to see. “Most folks want to see alligators, and they are actually most visible not on a trail, but on Mobile Street, the road that goes down to the beach.” That way you can get a look from the safety of your car.

FLORIDA

J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Named after a famous political cartoonist, The J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge provides sanctuary for an abundance of migratory birds—over 220 species depend on the refuge for safe nesting and roosting locations. Located on the Sanibel Island, it is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States.

Covering nearly half of the Island, the refuge is 6,400 acres of mangrove forest, submerged seagrass beds, cordgrass marshes and West Indian hardwood hammocks that shelter and support roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, ospreys and ibis, to name few of its more famous feathered inhabitants. Raccoons, alligators and otters can also be seen, and the best way to catch your glimpse is to bike, walk or drive the main thoroughfare on the refuge, Wildlife Drive. You can also catch a ride on an open-air tram and benefit from the expertise and eagle eye of the naturalist on board. There are a few walking trails too or you can choose to take to the water in a kayak or canoe.

TEXAS

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Thanks to its unique mix of temperate, subtropical, coastal and desert habitats, extreme south Texas is home to an amazing group of plants and animals, some found no where else. Here, thick patches of prickly brush and clay dunes called “lomas” dominate the landscape of thorn forest, wetlands, coastal prairies and beaches.

Today, almost 95 percent of this original brush habitat has been cleared, leaving local wildlife very little space and making the remaining 5 percent crucial to their survival. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is diligently protecting the little that is left. “The lower four counties of Texas are some of the most biologically diverse area in the country,” said Nancy Brown, the public outreach specialist for the South Texas Refuge Complex, which includes Laguna Atascosa NWR. “We have 20 federally listed endangered species.”

One of those species is the ocelot, a reclusive, medium-sized wild cat with a golden and black dappled coat. “Laguna Atascosa NWR has one of the last two known breeding populations of ocelots,” Brown said. “We center a lot of our management around the them, but if we get it right for them, it will be great for everything else here.”

“Everything else” includes 42 mammal, 33 reptile and 10 amphibian species as well as numerous fish and invertebrates.

Laguna Atascosa isn’t content to just safeguard the land within its borders either. “We aren’t just protecting the lands we manage; we’re always working with private land owners to preserve habitat on their land too,” Brown said.

And out of the 545 NWRs in America, Laguna Atascosa ranks No. 1 for bird variety. “You can see more bird species here than any other NWR, over 413,” Brown said.

If you’d like to get up close and personal with an ocelot, make plans to attend the NWR’s 11^th Annual Ocelot Festival, on Saturday, Feb. 13 in Harlingen, Texas.

(SIDEBAR)

Coming Soon…

East End Lagoon Park and Nature Preserve

The City of Galveston, Texas, is working to turn 685 acres of land at the east end of Galveston Island into a sustainable, natural recreational park and nature preserve. The purpose of the preserve will be to make Galveston’s citizens more aware of the natural resources and wildlife all around them.

The vision includes trails and an interpretive center. The Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, a community-based volunteer organization, has partnered with the city to bring the vision to life, and seems to be right on track. A master plan is scheduled to be complete by mid-2010.

Waterfront Weddings: The Texas Gulf Coast is known for its spectacular sunsets, variety of waterfront attractions and incredible cuisine. The variety of options for all budgets makes tying the knot here a breeze. Whether you’re thinking of a casually chic ceremony on the beach, a formal Portside, deck nuptial or an elegant bayfront hotel resort wedding, your venue choices are unlimited along the coast.

Gulfscapes, the premier upscale Gulf Coast living magazine is featuring coastal wedding destination in our upcoming Fall edition. The wedding section includes a support services directory, listing the name and contact information for wedding consultants, photographers, caterers, florists and other businesses that help make weddings successful.

Local Personalities: If asked to describe Jerry Diaz and Hanna’s Reef, the most common response would be “Gulf Coast beach band.” But there are other descriptors. A two hour tropical vacation. Beach party in a box. Beach music by beach people for beach people. You get the idea.

The band members are all Gulf Coast born and raised, hailing from that portion of the Lone Star State east of Houston and west of Louisiana known as the Gold Triangle. That geographic area contains several musical styles – Texas roadhouse, blues, zydeco, country, rock and beach. Jerry Diaz and Hannah’s Reef has absorbed all these styles and used them to create their own songs, some that are clearly in one of these genres, and some that are unique combinations that have a genre all their own. From the country tinged “I Dreamed of Jeannie,” to the accordion and scrub-board fueled Cajun number “Let the Good Times Roll,” to the steel drum island rhythms of “Tropical Girl,” the band revels in the musical gumbo of Southeast Texas.

Beach Homes: If Jimmy Buffett was a religion, Cindy and Scott Bates would be the high priests. So they’ve created their own little shrine to the Mobile, AL singer/author in their beach house in Port Aransas. Actually, it’s not so much a shrine IN their house, as their house IS a shrine. Complete with photos, memorabilia, books and decorations, they have transformed a cozy little beach house into a tropical explosion. And it works!

In his 1978 album “You Had To Be There”, Buffett says Margaritaville is located “anywhere you want it to be.” The Bates took that to heart! There aren’t many people who could take this eclectic mix of furniture and souvenirs and blend it into a great looking interior, but the Bates have pulled it off. You don’t have to wonder what kind of folks the Bates’ are. Just walk in the front door and it’s all there to see. They are in life for the fun of it. It’s evidenced by the palm trees, bamboo beds and even the huge Elvis rug (Buffett sings a couple of songs about The King). They didn’t skimp or compromise when they decided they wanted to make their beach house an expression of their Jimmy Buffett passion.

Coastal Bend Food Guide : The Venetian Hot Plate is a cozy, fine dining Italian restaurant where you can expect delicious authentic Italian cuisine, served hot, with a side of love.

If you’ve been there before, the owner, Linda Halioua, likely remembers your name and your favorite wine. If you’re a new face in the restaurant, you won’t be for long. Linda will be sure to come to your table to chat and soon you’ll be feeling like a regular.

At the Venetian Hot Plate, the staff is family, and you are a guest in their home. And in this home, guests eat like kings.

The Venetian Hot Plate’s most popular dishes include the Filet Mignon Medallions (medallions are covered in a gorgonzola cream sauce with roasted potatoes and garlic spinach), the Mistro Mare appetizer (seafood assortment of mussels, clams, shrimp and scallops poached in a white wine broth with fresh garlic, parsley and red pepper flakes served on a sizzling skillet), and the daily fish specials.

is proud to introduce the 17 FCR into the market. This new flats center console is built

for the fisherman in mind. This is not your cookie cutter skiff, it offers everything you’ll

need and more. The solid reliability of the Glasstream 17 FCR can be attributed to the

additional lengths that Glasstream will go to provide only the highest quality product.

The 17 FCR was designed to afford roominess, fuel efficiency and performance. But the

first thing you’ll notice is the hefty supply of fishing-friendly features. Glasstream’s

design offers spacious cockpit, while copious storage compartments hold a host of

fishing-related equipment.

LOA 17’3 BEAM 78”

FUEL CAPACITY 6 GAL Removable tank

COCKPIT WIDTH 54’

DRY WEIGHT 975 LBS

Cost starting at $12,900

THE STANDARD EQUIPMENT THAT IS OFFER ON THIS BOAT IS AS FOLLOWS:

•AUTOMATIC BILGE PUMP

•SS BOW & STERN EYES

•LARGE CASTING DECK W/ DRY STORAGE

•HEAVY PVC RUB RAIL

•WOOD FREE CONSTRUCTION

•FIBERGLASS GRID STRINGER (FOAM FILLED)

•W/ X-CELL CORE FLOORING SYSTEM

•4 GUNNEL ROD HOLDERS

•2 FOLD DOWN ANGLER SEATS W/ CUSHIONS

•COCK PIT LIGHTING

•HORN W/ GRIILL

•MOLDED CONSOLE W/ STORAGE & HATCH LID

•FULL INSTRUMENTATION

•ELECTRICAL PANEL W/ CIRCUIT BREAKERS OR IN LINE FUSES

•FISH BOX W/ THRU TRANSOM DRAIN

•(4) NYLON CLEATS

•(2) CUP HOLDERS

•FULL NAV LIGHTS

•W/ HEAT SHRINK WIRING & FUSES

•FISH BOX W/ THRU THE HULL DRAIN

•MATCHING CUSHION LID

•OFF SET TRANSOM

•REAR SEMI-PLATFORM

•REMOVABLE WINDSCREEN

•MECHANICAL ROTARY STEERING

•S.S.STEERING WHEEL

•10 YEAR LIMITED HULL WARRANTY

Just how complete is Baby’s control over the four story bay front home? Just ask the builder how long it took him to build the house. “Long enough for Baby to go from a stray to owning it!”, is the deadpan reply from Steven F. Paparcuri, owner of Gulf Coast Custom Homes, Inc.

As stray dogs go, you don’t get much luckier than Baby. First, she finds great owners in the Hankins. Gary is the chairman of the Ob/Gyn Department at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Barbara is a civil engineer. Both are friendly, kind and crazy about Baby. Then Baby gets to move into a house that features some of the finest quality craftsmanship on the Gulf Coast. And did I mention she had a bed in every room?

Speaking of quality craftsmanship, you can’t take a step without noticing some of the unique, upscale details in this 4 bedroom, 5.5 bath custom home. The first floor patio has a tongue and groove Cypress ceiling. And that’s just the outside. Inside, you’re greeted with a ground floor foyer that, when looking up, features a vision of sheer grandeur, viewing up two freestanding staircases, stacked one on top of the other, that soar up 45 feet to a coffered ceiling from which an artistic chandelier titled “Rain” is suspended. This is Mr. Paparcuri’s favorite feature of the house, and is a testament to the highly skilled craftsmen who were, according to Paparcuri, not subject to many of the normal constraints on home builders. “The Hankins are the most wonderful clients,” said Paparcuri, “It was a privilege to do their house because of the quality of those two people. It was really a joy to work with them.”

The joy he felt shows in the details. The stairs are attention getters. The railing is custom made wrought iron, with designs of cattails that were chosen by the Hankins to reflect the scenery in the wetlands that are just outside their front door. The steps are made from a light maple, while the faces are made from a contrasting dark Honduran mahogany. Once on the second floor, you enter the den, which also has an adjacent, soaring wine room, with drawers made from wooden wine boxes. Above the fireplace is a flat screen television, which is concealed behind a painting that is raised via remote control when it’s TV time. Spectacular red onyx countertops and matching splashboards adorn the wet bar area, which is flanked by a glass top table supported by a bronze dolphin, seahorse and fish sculpture created by noted Virginia artist Dr. William Turner.

Moving up to the third floor, you enter the living room and adjoining dining room. The kitchen is also on this floor. The living room’s most notable feature is a curving wall of windows, looking out over the bay, providing a perfect vantage point for sunset viewing. Outside is a balcony that is also curved, giving a onboard ship sensation.

Volga Blue Extra granite tops the kitchen counters, and is fascinating with its iridescent, large flecks of vibrant blue color, dancing amid the dark gray and black stone as the light changes. The gorgeous cabinets are made from two woods: the frames are of Honduran crotch mahogany, the panels are of Beeswing Sapia. Hanging above the kitchen counter are three orange hued Murano glass lamps.

The third floor also houses the master bedroom and bath. The bedroom ceiling is domed, and was painted with a dark center and light edges, and has a variable light switch for immediate mood control. The master bath has a barrel ceiling of Honduran mahogany, and a chandelier over the bubble tub.

The stairs leading up to the fourth floor are a tight spiral. They were entirely handmade on site, according to Mr. Paparcuri. The quality is evident in the sturdy feel and lack of any creaking as you ascend. On the fourth floor is the Hankin’s workout room and home theater. The theater has a remotely operated, descending screen that tucks nicely out of way when not used. Even when the screen is up, the theater still provides entertainment, with windows overlooking the wetlands that showcase pink tinged Roseate Spoonbills, Blue Herons and Peregrin Falcons.

From the fourth floor you can see the Hankin’s have a pier extending into the bay. It provides a great fishing spot for Gary and Barbara. It also is popular with local birds, who sometimes cover the entire pier. Until Baby notices. Then she trots out into the mass of birds, triggering an eruption of fleeing wings, until the pier is completely Baby’s. Fortunately, Baby isn’t as possessive of her home as she is her pier. She allows Gary and Barbara to keep her company inside. Lucky dog.

The Builder: The Hankin’s spectacularly detailed bay front home was built by Gulf Coast Custom Homes, Inc., owned by Steven F. Paparcuri. Mr. Paparcuri has more than 25 years experience in the high-end custom home industry and has earned a reputation second to none. He was chosen as one of the builders for Beachtown, the extravagant Galveston New Urban design, master planned community on the island’s East End. He has been awarded the building contract on some of the community’s most prominent homes.

Specifically, Gulf Coast Custom Homes has been selected as builder for a Beachtown home in Village One for a Houston attorney. The home is adjacent to the main dune walkover passage and will become a landmark. It is designed by celebrated architect Milosav Cekic.

Mr. Paparcuri has also been selected to build a Beachtown home for a Houston orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon looked to Mr. Paparcuri to execute the new beachfront home after having Mr. Paparcuri build the surgeon’s bay home in Galveston seven years ago. Repeat business in the high end custom market is the ultimate compliment. Designing the home will be nationally acclaimed architect Michael Imber.

The quality of construction is evident in the visible details of Gulf Coast Custom’s homes, and makes them beautiful to behold. The quality of the construction in the non-visible, structural areas, however, are more important than exterior beauty. Mr. Paparcuri builds all of his Beachtown homes to a fortified standard (Business & Home Safety (IBHS) developed “Fortified…for safer living®”), a standard that exceeds all required engineering standards for the State of Texas. It meets Dade County Florida standards, which are the toughest engineering requirements in the country.

The structural components of Mr. Paparcuri’s Galveston homes were tested in the extreme by Hurricane Ike, and, when many other homes failed completely, his did not sustain any major damage. One of his Beachtown homes, the King residence, was featured on ABC, and broadcast in New York’s Times Square shortly after Hurricane Ike, with Mr. and Mrs. King providing a tour through the unscathed living levels of their home.

From Mobile all the way down to the sugar-sand beaches, the Alabama Gulf Coast area has countless restaurants with many ways to satisfy your hunger. Each brings its own specialties and own personality to the table, so with the multiple options available, how do you choose the place that’s ready and able to conciliate your current craving? As always, Gulfscapes is here to help. To make it simple, we’ve assembled a handy dandy list of beach (and beyond) eateries and placed them in convenient categories. So here are our picks for the best places to…

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Cosmo’s Restaurant

251-948-9663

25753 Canal Rd.

Orange Beach, AL 36561

www.cosmosrestaurantandbar.com

If being at the beach alone wasn’t enough to relax you, a visit to Cosmo’s will melt away any residual stress. The easy-going atmosphere has a neighborhood pub vibe that makes everyone feel welcome. A guy strumming guitar and outdoor seating on a large deck are reason enough to visit, but the spectacular sushi pushes this place to the top of the list. And if you’re wondering about the doggie décor, it was inspired by Cosmo’s namesake, a black lab rescued by the restaurant’s owners.

GO NATIVE

Lulu’s at Homeport Marina

251-967-LULU (5858)

200 East 25th Avenue

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

www.lulubuffett.com

Lulu’s is the creation of perhaps the area’s favorite famous daughter, Lucy Buffet (musician Jimmy Buffet’s little sister). Chef Lucy returned home after some time in Los Angeles and opened Lulu’s on the Intracoastal Waterway. The food is fresh and prepared with lots of Lucy’s love, but it’s the laidback pace and the bay breeze blowing across the deck that bring people back.

King Neptune’s

251-968-5464

1137 Gulf Shores Parkway

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

www.KingNeptuneSeafoodRestaurant.com

Eat like a local at King Neptune’s, one of Gulf Shores’ oldest and most popular restaurants. After just one spoonful of the creamy, flavorful corn and crab bisque, you won’t notice the lack of designer décor or the tight squeezes in the tiny space. Try favorites like bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp (an instant heart attack, but at least you’ll die happy) or the tart and tangy West Indies Salad.

ROUGH IT

The Flora-Bama

850-482-0611 or 251-980-5118

17401 Perdido Key Drive

Pensacola, FL 32507

www.florabama.com

The Flora-Bama’s Oyster Bar & Grill is technically in Florida, but your kid could easily throw one of its delectable fried pickles over into Alabama, so we’ve included it anyway. It is a downright dive, but that’s a huge part of its appeal. You won’t find linens on the tables, and there’s sure to be sand on the floor, but you will find delicious versions of seafood shack standards like fried shrimp, oyster po’ boys and fried crab claws. And sitting just steps from the surf, it’s the best deal you’ll find on the beach.

BRING A FRIEND

Pirate’s Cove

251-987-1224

6664 County Road 95

Elberta, AL  36530

www.piratescoveriffraff.com

We mean a four-legged one. In fact, if you arrive Pirate’s Cove Marina without a dog in tow, you may be in the minority. Scallywags of all shapes and sizes are welcome. Hordes of people and their pets congregate on the rickety-looking deck adjacent to the marina, sipping Bushwhackers (a thick, chocolaty milkshake/cocktail) while waiting for their “cheeseburger in paradise.” A tiny kitchen turns out burgers that are legendary; some claim they inspired Jimmy Buffet’s famous song. The truth of this is irrelevant, one bite and you are in hamburger heaven. Everybody comes for the food and “pirate” environment, but the fact that you can enjoy it all with Fido just sweetens the deal.

SPLURGE!

The Trellis Room

251-338-2000

26 North Royal Street

Mobile, AL 36602

An elegant experience is always on the menu Mobile’s only AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant, the Trellis Room at the Battle House Hotel downtown. While this evening out will cost you, it’s well worth it. Indulge in sophisticated, contemporary décor amidst the historic hotel and “chef-inspired” cuisine with a Northern Italian influence. The menu changes often, but a dish like caramelized day boat scallops with wild mushroom risotto is just one example of the delicious offerings.

Voyagers

251-981-9811, x103

27200 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach, AL 35661

www.perdidobeachresort.com/dining/voyager.asp

Inside the Perdido Beach Resort, Voyagers is the classic fine dining establishment on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Staying true to its philosophy of using only the freshest local ingredients, Voyagers consistently serves authentic tastes of the area’s bounty. Reservations are highly recommended.

OGLE AWAY

Guy Harvey’s Island Grill

251-224-8180

4851 Wharf Parkway

Orange Beach, AL 36561

www.guyharveysislandgrill.com

Guy Harvey’s at The Wharf is the perfect place to ogle, but you won’t be leering at bikini bodies. You’ll be gawking at boats—big boats. This relatively new restaurant’s outside seating offers a straight-shot look at The Wharf’s marina. Of course, a diverse menu and the adjacent museum and retail shop showcasing the works of famed fisherman artist Guy Harvey are a big draw too.

OVERDO IT ON OYSTERS

Doc’s Seafood Shack and Oyster Bar

251-967-4800

26029 Canal Road

Orange Beach, AL

Or

1140 Gulf Shores Parkway

Gulf Shores, AL

www.docsseafoodshack.com

Briny and slightly sweet and prepared countless ways, oysters are little gifts from the ocean, and both locations of Doc’s Seafood Shack and Oyster Bar are making the most of what the sea has provided. Doc’s fried oysters are the area’s best. This casual joint is also reasonably priced and quick.

Wintzell’s Oyster House

251.432.4605

605 Dauphin St.

Mobile, AL 36602

Or

251-974-2122

24131 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach, AL 36561

www.wintzellsoysterhouse.com

Renowned for offering oysters “fried, stewed or nude,” this Mobile hallmark started in 1938 and now has a location in Orange Beach too. Order the Oyster Sampler and have it all—Oysters Monterey, Oysters Bienville, Oysters Rockefeller and Wintzell’s famous grilled oysters.

INVITE EVERYONE

The Original Oyster House

251-948-2445

701 Hwy 59, Bayou Village

Gulf Shores, AL

www.originaloysterhouse.com

Lots of space, fast, friendly servers and seemingly no noise restrictions make The Original Oyster House a best bet for families and large groups. And don’t let the kind-of campy digs fool you. They belie the establishment’s real charm—a wide array of expertly prepared seafood dishes.

Mikee’s Seafood Restaurant

251-948-6452

2nd Avenue, East 1st Street

Gulf Shores, AL

www.mikeesseafood.com

Mikee’s calls itself “a place for seafood.” The lack of creativity aside, it seems Mikee was right. It may be THE place for seafood. The atmosphere leaves a little to be desired, but the menu does not. Try the grilled triggerfish or Captain Ed’s Sautéed Scallops, and you’ll easily forgive the plastic seashells. Mikee’s is truly family friendly too.

EAT UP THE VIEW

Cobalt

251-923-5300

www.cobaltrestaurant.net

Nibble on tasty jumbo BBQ shrimp or crab-stuffed baby portabellas and watch the boats float by at Cobalt. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows frame a picturesque vista of the bay and Perdido Pass. And the raised bar ensures everyone gets a good look. The water wall and touch tank full of live fish at the entrance will keep you entertained if you (somehow) become bored by the view.

SKIP THE SEAFOOD

San Roc Delicatezza

(251) 981-8466

27267 Perdido Beach Blvd # 104

Orange Beach, AL 36561

San Roc Deli has a wide wine selection, gourmet pizzas and great sandwiches. Its Perdido Pass sandwich is the best non-aquatic treat on the Alabama coast. Tender roast beef smothered in gooey havarti cheese and kicked up with some creamy horseradish all on an onion roll. Need we say more?

PREPARE TO PARTY

Tacky Jack’s

251-981-4144

27206 Safe Harbor Dr.

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Tacky Jack’s 2 – Fort Morgan

251-981-4369

www.tackyjacks.com

Tacky Jacks has so much fun to pass around, they have two locations on the Alabama coast, both set on the backwater. There’s always a crowd of happy diners and drinkers at either, so they are great spots to socialize while satiating your appetite for ample portions of yummy food. Flat-screen TVs in the bar area at the Orange Beach location make a festive hangout for watching football games in the fall.

BE SWEET

Scoops Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor

251-948-4800

100 W. 6th Ave

GULF SHORES, AL 36542

www.scoopsicecream.org

Take a break from the beach and cool off with an ice cream cone at Scoops, one of Gulf Shores’ tastiest traditions for 25 years. This popular little nook has over 36 flavors of the cold, creamy stuff that are certainly worth screaming for.

SHOW UP HUNGRY

Wolf Bay Lodge

251-987-5129

26619 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach, AL 36561

www.wolf-bay-lodge.com

Now in its new location (at Zeke’s Marina) after the original building burned in a tragic fire, Wolf Bay Lodge is still serving up heaping helpings of seafood and steaks. This local treasure keeps things casual, and at lunchtime, Wolf Bay’s sensational salad bar is not to be missed. If you just got off one of the fishing charters stationed at the marina, Wolf Bay will clean and cook your catch for you.

Gulf Shores Steamer

251-948-6344

124 West 1st Ave.

Gulf Shores, AL

www.gulfshoressteamer.com

If you want to eat your fill but avoid the extra calories that come with fried foods, Gulf Shores Steamer is the place for you, dishing up piles of steamed seafood that’s been voted some of the best in Gulf Shores by Southern Living and USA Today. True foodies will appreciate the unadulterated flavors of Royal Red shrimp, crab and fish that come through thanks to the simple steaming. Go for a Bucket of Shrimp if you’re really starving.

Similarly, crab patterns, baitfish imitations, and a host of other fly types attempt to imitate natural fish food and are tied by commercial tiers and amateurs alike. I have two friends (PJ & Jim) who loved tying and did it for many years before they ever fished a fly. Tying combines art and science to imitate life. Good tiers usually like to demonstrate, too, which is good news for us. We get to see the creation of a feather and tinsel jewel in real time.

Selecting a fly to cast depends on a number of variables and, even in saltwater, we are trying to “match the hatch.” The fly should obviously imitate a known and favorite available food source. It should match the conditions – shiny in bright sun light, darker in overcast situations. Also, to some extent, it should match the general bottom color. This last is often overlooked, but is important in fooling a wary target. After all, only well camouflaged creatures matching the surrounding weeds and bottom would be present as the fish forages. A blue crab in the right conditions can be deadly or obviously a fake depending on their surroundings and the local availability of blue crabs as an example. A pink shrimp when none are normally present will likewise send out an alarm signal.

Size matters too! Sometimes a bigger fly than the average size of the prey which is normally available in nature triggers aggressive strikes, sometimes not. Likewise, a fast retrieve is good for barracuda, but not bonefish. No retrieve or soft short tugs entice permit to bite crab flies. Remember, we are imitating prey species with the fly so our retrieve and size selection should mirror naturally occurring flight response and prey shapes.

A few years ago I fished Los Roques National Park – an atoll off the coast of Venezuela. It was there that I learned just how many of my preconceived ideas and helpful tips from my buddies about fly selection were not necessarily true. I was targeting bonefish and was throwing bonefish bitters, Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, and other “standard” bonefish getters. The fish were big (averaging 4-6 pounds), were not leader or fly shy because of restrictive fishing rules limiting the number of anglers per day. I believe only twenty anglers per day get to fish the three hundred islands and hundreds of square miles of flats there. I know I was casting to fish which had never even seen a fly before and I was doing well, but not spectacularly as I had hoped.

Then I talked to another American who happened to be there hanging around and waiting for a guiding job. I told him about what I was experiencing and, as his grin deepened and his head nodded, he said “the bonefish here key on the minnows.” He showed me some of his hand made Gummy Minnows in various sizes and colors. I asked if I could buy a few. And that’s how I learned he was a hard man to do business with. What could I do, though? We were eighty miles off the coast of Venezuela, and an eight hour flight from a fly shop in Dallas. He could name his price. And did!

Sure enough, those bones loved the minnows! Gummy minnows, Clouser minnows, any minnow imitation would take fish. As an added bonus, the juvenile tarpon liked minnows, too. In a pea soup lagoon, tarpon from 10 to 25 pounds just hammered large Gummies, blind cast as far as you could throw them onto the soup. Leaping repeatedly, the hooked tarpon’s gill plates rattling; bow to the leaping fish – tarpon on a fly!

I almost forgot to mention that the Jacks (Blue runners) liked those Gummies too. Everything there eats the minnows. I mean everything – one afternoon upon returning from a great day of fishing, the cook served fried minnows as an appetizer. They were great! I have absolutely no idea what species I was eating. Might have been anything – I was a human bonefish.

The point is, if logic and perception don’t work, ask a local, and then pay the price.