STRUMILA PUBLISHING Mailing Address PO BOX 1334 Gulf Shores, AL 36547 (251) 504.1001 OFFICE www.coastobserver.com Coast Observer Virtual www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/ GulfCoastObserver/current/ Search: Alabama Coast Observer OBSERVER STAFF Cheli Strumila Editor/ Owner / Graphic Design cheli@coastobserver.com Ben Fant Graphic Design Robert Baudier Photographer WRITERS Kelly Lott Restaurant Reviewer kelly@coastobserver.com Kelli Parris Attractions & Bar/Nightclub Writer kelli@coastobserver.com Christine Cramer Lifestyle/Historian Writer christine@coastobserver.com Bryan Bennett Fishing/Outdoor Writer bryan@coastobserver.com ADVERTISING SALES Bobbie Brisse Advertising Manager 251.504.0397 bobbie@coastobserver.com James Rixe Advertising Rep james@coastobserver.com Coast Observer strives to provide a very accurate informative publication. At times entertainment listings change and mistakes are made by Human Error...or they are put there for those of you looking for error...if this happens we apologize but are not responsible for any typographical errors that occur or changes in listings. The contents of Coast Observer may not be reproduced in any form without written permission by the Publisher and Owner, Cheli Strumila. All rights reserved. If you have anything you would like listed in Coast Observer, any stories or poems that uplift the spirit, or if you have any ideas you think would interest the rest of our readers, we are always open to new ideas!! This is your paper too!! This Month's Features w Rafter's Restaurant & Sports Bar w Island Time Daquiris w American Legion Post 44 w Diane Davis Photography Adventures & Watersports Page 6 w Beach Services w Boat Rentals w Fishing & Charter Boats w Kayak & Canoe Rentals Attractions Page 8 Attractions w Amusement Parks w Bazooka Ball & Laser Tag w BiPlanes w Dolphin Cruises Dining Heeelllloooo Gulf Shores Orange Beach & Foley!! OK, I think I blinked and summer ended..WHAT?!...Why is it the older I get the faster my years fly by!! What happened to the endless summer of my youth where it seemed like summer lasted forever and then it was time to get back to school clothes? All the more reason for me to always grasp every moment of fun I can and enjoy it to the fullest!! That's why here at Alabama Coast Observer we're always encouraging everyone to get out and enjoy our beautiful coast in it's entirety and trying to provide you with some great tips in which to experience!! Oh Yeah Baby, It's Football time!! Our favorite event of the fall!! This month we stop by Rafter's in the Wharf as those 5 humongous screens showing all the games make you feel like you are right there..but who would have ever thought that a sports bar would have some of the Best munchies!!!?? Wow, we were blown away!! The wings were some of the absolute BEST I have ever eaten!! The chili cheese burger and prime rib french dip have my mouth watering just typing this!! Their grilled oysters were off the chain!! And their spinach topped tilapia with a side of corn meal battered fried green tomatoes, OMG...I can't wait for my next visit!! I'm gonna get to watch my Cowboys and Saints all at the same time while dining on some incredible entrees!! Now that's football season Heaven!! If there's one thing we make sure to do on a trip to NOLA, it's to stop in Slidell and get us their infamous Daquiris to sip on as we make our way to the Superdome and Bourbon Street!! Well now we don't have to wait for our drive over there as we now have Island Time Daquiris right here at The Wharf!! Frozen Margarita, Strawberry Daiquiri, an awesome w Check out our Review on Rafter's Restaurant & Sports Bar w Flippin' for TaTa's w Redneck Riviera w Share the Beach w Reachin' Inside to Touch Your Soul w Paddleboard Rentals w Parasailing w Sailing w Waverunner & Jet Ski Rentals w Go Carts w Hot Air Balloon Rides w Miniature Golf w Zoo w Dine at our Restaurant Advertisers Golf Courses Page 15 Museums & Historic Sites Page 15 Bushwacker, Son of a Peach, Yellow Frog, Pirate Punch, OBAttitude and Whiskey Bent are just a few of their potent concontions being poured from their NOLA style daquiri machines!! Throw me sumthang mista..Oh wait...for a minute there I felt like I was at Mardi Gras..LOL... If there's one thing we love at Alabama Coast Observer, it's poker runs and motorcycle rides for a good cause!! This month all you motorcycle lovers will have a chance to join up with others that share your passion and come together to raise money for Christian Service Center's Food Bank, while enjoying the wind in your hair from the open road, during the Redneck Riviera!! With the fall comes some of the Best in local Fests!! We at Alabama Coast Observer are so proud to be a sponsor of the upcoming Bayfest in Mobile!! If there's one thing we do right here in the coastal south is throw some incredible fests and Bayfest is gonna make us all proud once again with some of the best of the best in the music industry as well as some of the coolest fest atmospheres!! Bush, Journey, Pat Benatar, Loverboy and so many many more will have us rockin' and jammin' the days and nights away!! 9 stages and 125 bands to be exact!! So what are you waiting for...Get out & have some fun and enjoy everything that life and Gulf Shores / Orange Beach / Foley has to offer!! I know I'm going to, so I'll see ya there!! Until Next Month... Cheli PS...Don't forget to join our facebook page www.facebook.com/alcoastobserver or download our smartphone app for more updates and to post your fun & exciting events!! And you can always check out our most current issue virtual on the web by going to our website coastobserver.com and clicking on "Alabama Coast Observer" cover. Alabama Coast Observer w October 2012 w 3

1. Island Times Daiquiris - The Wharf, 4830 Wharf Parkway, Orange Beach 3. City Grill - 2200 East 2nd St, Gulf Shores 4. Cold Mil Fleet Dolphin Cruises - 5749 Bay La Launch Ave 5. Flippers - 5749 Bay La Launch Avenue, Orange Beach 6. Live Bait & Live Bait Too - 24281 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach 7. Papa Rocco's - 101 West 6th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 8. LuLu's - 200 East 25th Avenue, Gulf Shores 9. Mud Bug's Pub - 624 Hwy 59, Gulf Shores 10. Seascape Pet Spa - 25910 Canal Rd Ste K, Orange Beach 11. Studio 3 - 25299 Canal Rd, Orange Beach 12. Tacky Jacks Orange Beach - 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, Orange Beach 13. The Hangout - 101 East Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores 14. Waterville - 906 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores 15. After Ours - 131 Cove Avenue, Gulf Shores 17. Cohiba Dunes Cigar Bar - 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy #210, Gulf Shores 18. Rafters at The Wharf - 4725 Main St Ste 228, Orange Beach 19. 20. Shades - 4851 Wharf Pkwy & 25741 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach 21. Tacky Jacks Gulf Shores - 250 East 24th Ave, Gulf Shores 22. Merle Norman of Foley - 8725A Highway 59 South, Foley 23. Bird of Paradise BiPlane Rides - 3190 Airport Drive, Gulf Shores 24. Beach'N'River Kayaks - 18743 Keller Rd, Foley 25. Florabama - 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, Fl 26. Happy Shak - 1544 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 27. Sugarbugs Bakery - 229 E 20th Ave #12 Gulf Shores, AL 28. Wildflowers Boutique - 25814 Canal Rd Orange Beach, AL 30. 2 Helen's - 25122 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach, AL 31. IP Casino Resort Spa - 850 Bayview Avenue Biloxi, MS 32. West Beach Grille - 1154 West Beach Boulevard Gulf Shores, AL Help Us Say Thank You to Our Advertisers ~ Check them out... & Tell'em Alabama Coast Observer sent ya!! Here are some of Alabama Coast Observer's Favorite Places that You want to make sure to Check out!! 33. Happy Harbor Tiki Bar & Pizzeria - 27212 Marina Rd Orange Beach, AL 34. Happy Harbor Oyster Bay Pizzeria - 4205 County Rd 6 Gulf Shores, AL 35. Happy Harbor Oyster Bay - 4159 County Rd 6 Gulf Shores, AL 36. Happy Harbor Coffee & Creamery - 29601 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach, AL 37. Happy Harbor On the Line - 17400 Perdido Key Dr Florida/Alabama Line 38. Action Charters - 27844 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 39. Odyssey Events, LLC - The Wharf, 4651 Main St. Suite 4, Orange Beach, AL 40. Baumhower's Restaurant - The Wharf, 4851 Wharf Parkway, Suite 130, Orange Beach, AL 41. Compleat Angler Seafood Grille & Boat Bar - 4851 Wharf Pkwy, Ste 116, Orange Beach, AL

A Orange Beach Sailing Adventure 4575 S Wilson Boulevard Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.981.SAIL (7245) www.sailob.com Gulf sailing adventures specializing in family day trips and romantic sunset getaways. Come experience true offshore sailing just 10 minutes from our dock! Located at Hudson Marina. ABC Parasail 26651 Perdido Beach Blvd. East Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.981.8877 www.abcparasail.com Float high above beautiful coastal Alabama waters. Visit our website for complete details. Action Charter Service 888-558-3889 www.FishEmeraldSpirit.com www.ActionCatCharters.com As local family owned boats, our personalized customer service and southern hospitality excel. Capt. George and his lifetime passion for fishing (and catching) is unsurpassed. We are consistently rated 5-star in every category by our customers. We provide year round fishing trips from 4 to 48 hours to meet your wants, needs and budget. Visit our Facebook page for specials or call toll free any time to book your Reel Fun! Alabama Kayak Adventures 251.379.5143 www.Alabamakayakadventures.com Kayak the Gulf Coast with Alabama Kayak Adventures Inc. Paddle inshore waters and discover native wildlife, or hook the big one on an inshore or gulf fishing trip. "get the paddling you deserve". Alabama PaddleSports 251.279.0703 www.alabamapaddlesports.com Alabama PaddleSports is a delivery only, kayak and stand up paddleboard rental company that offers the Gulf Coast area the best in paddlesports delivery. Bad Habit Charters 23650 Cotton Bayou Drive Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.981.6899 48' Newton, air conditioned, three bedroom, two bath enclosed salon on board cooking facility. 6 w October 2012 w Alabama Coast Observer BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals 18743 Keller Road - Foley, AL 36535 251.971.8359 beachnriverkayakrentals.com Offering single and double sit-on-top kayaks for self-guided still water floats from a shaded, onsite shallow launch at river's end of the cool, clear, spring-fed waters of the Bon Secour River located just 10 min from Gulf Shores beaches. Blue Reef Watersports-Parasail 27075 Marina Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.504.7411 www.bluereefwatersports.com Group discounts. Your premier watersports activity center. Offering Parasailing, Jet Ski rentals, 2-hour guided jet ski tours and Dolphin tours. Call for reservations. Serving Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key. Chute em up Parasail 27212 Marina Rd Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.981.7673 Have a birds-eye view of the beautiful gulf coast aboard the largest most comfortable parasail boat. Longest flight time. Bring your cooler! Down Under Dive Shop 1129 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.968.3483 www.downunderdiveshop.com Specializing in exciting scuba charters, guided snorkel trips, PADI and NAUI instruction, exotic group trips, equipment repair, and an excellent selection of quality scuba equipment. Gary's Gulf Divers 27844 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.747.6563 www.gulfdiver.net We are a full-service scuba diving center. We offer rental gear and charter boats for scuba trips, scuba training, spearfishing trips, snorkeling and much more. Located at Sportsman Marina. Gulf of Mexico Trips 1577 Hwy 180 Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.540.2628 www.gulfofmexicotrips.com We offer a fleet of rental boats and watercraft including pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, surfboards and bicycles. In-shore and deep sea fishing charters and scuba diving charters are both available. Gulf Shores Beach Rentals 3873 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.609.4577 Toll Free: 888.896.9854 www.gulfshoresalbeachrentals.com For all your vacation needs! We Deliver: Beach Chairs/Umbrellas, Kayaks, Bicycles, Grills, Baby Equipment and much more! Call today to set up a reservation! Happy Harbor Water Sports at Sun Harbor 27212 Marina Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.981.6111 www.happyharbors.com Pontoons with slides, waverunners, craigcats, run-a-bouts, kayaks, bikes and more! Ships Store, Fuel Dock and boat storage.. Hudson Marina 4575 S Wilson Boulevard Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.981.4127 Toll Free: 877.783.3474 www.hudsonmarina.net At Hudson Marina you can experience it all. Fishing, dolphin cruises, dinner cruises, jet ski and pontoon boat rentals. You will have fun here year round! Ike's Beach Service, Inc. 800 West Beach Blvd Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.948.3757 www.ikesbeachservice.com Beach chairs, umbrellas, full size cribs and beach wheelchairs, kayaks, high chairs, roll away beds. Lucy L Charters 26350 Cotton Bayou Drive Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.454.6693 www.lucylcharters.com It's all about you! Fish, fun, family and friends. We take up to six people. The boat offers the luxuries of home. We offer fishing trips, sunset cruises or design your own trips.. Orange Beach Parasail 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.981.8359 www.obparasail.com Up to 2 passangers can ride at the same time! Experience the thrill of a sky high ride over the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach Our boat - Six Chute'R is docked @ Zeke's Marina Perdido Beach Services 25328 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.981.4807 www.perdidobeachservices.com Lounge chair and umbrella rentals. Delivery of beach equipment to private homes and condos. Water sports rentals: Kayaks, Sailing, Boogie Boards, and Sunscreen product sales. Perdido Key Parasail 401 East Beach Blvd. Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.948.7433 www.perdidokeyparasail.net From 800 feet in the air, enjoy spectacular views of our emerald waters and stunning beaches. We offer Jet Ski and Banana Boat rides. No trip to the beach is complete without a stop at Perdido Key Parasail. Sea Rocket 27212 Marina Rd Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.923.9862 Cruise the scenic gulf coast and intracoastal waterways. Dolphin tours. We'll pick you up. Shoreline Pontoon Boat Rentals 251.989.2205 Toll Free: 877.637.9527 www.pontoonboatrentals.com Boats are delivered to the customer at a boat launch within a 20 mile radius of Foley. Very nice, clean and maintained boats. Must be 21 years or older to rent or operate. Sky High and Pleasure Island Parasail at SanRoc Cay 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.946.9000 www.pleasureislandparasail.com Independently owned and operated, Pleasure Island Parasail is your one stop beach destination for Jet Ski rentals, beach chair rentals and world class parasailing adventures.Two Locations: Pink Pony Pub and San Roc Cay Marina. Wahoo Water Sports 29603 Perdido Blvd Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.979.0150 www.wahoowatersports.com Waverunners, pontoon boats, and dolphin cruises. Open 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Seven days a week. Located at Flora-Bama

Gulf Shores, AL--The 41sth Annual National Shrimp Festival™ is just a few weeks away, and organizers believe this year's lineup of entertainers will help make this one of the most memorable Shrimp Festivals to date. Produced by the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, this year's Festival will take place Oct. 11 - 14 where Ala. Hwy. 59 meets the Gulf. What began as an event to bring a few extra people to the beaches in 1971, the Festival is now widely recognized as one of the strongest festivals in the south, regularly attracting more than 250,000 people to Alabama's beaches. While the Festival is named for the tasty Gulf shrimp that are featured in numerous food vending booths, many come for the top-flight entertainers that grace two stages from morning to night for four straight days. This year, veteran rocker Eddie Money will headline Saturday's entertainment and country star Phil Vassar will headline Friday's lineup. The traditional Thursday headliners of local favorites the Sand Band and the Tip Tops will once again take the stage to rock the first night of the Festival. Tradition will also round out the Festival on Sunday with the Andy Smith Band closing out the Festival entertainment schedule for at least the 12th year in a row. From Money's straight ahead rock and roll to Vassar's country stylings to the Motown showband sounds from Tip Tops, Tyn Tymes and the Swinging Medallions to the mellow sounds of Roman Street and Cool Change, this year's entertainment lineup has something for everyone. "This year's lineup is diverse, and with entertainment taking place at both the Wind Creek Casino East Stage and the Organized Seafood Association West stage, not to mention the Runa Packa Wind Rhythms Native American band, everyone should be able to find a style of music to their liking," Chamber Special Events Director Ann Motes said. "As much as we like our headliners, we have some great bands opening up for them as well," Festival Entertainment Chair Tammy Halco said. "The Jukebox Superheroes that will open for Eddie Money are a riot. They're an '80s tribute band that come out on stage dressed as Batman, Superman, Flash, Robin and the Green Lantern. We'll have the Swingin' Medallions open up for Phil Vassar. The group had a big hit in the early '60s with 'Double Shot (of my Baby's Love)' but the current members are all sons of the original members. They do a great mixture of '60s hits that will definitely pump up the crowd at Alabama's original beach party." On the stage both Friday and Saturday night will be Shrimp Festival favorites Dr. Zarr's Amazing Funk Monster - a '70s and '80s era tribute band. Festival Chairman Ron Kutter has been known to don '70s era clothing and an afro-style wig, then grab a guitar and jam with the band during their Shrimp Festival performances, according to Halco. "At this point I don't know if he'll do it, and if so, what night he'll do it this year," she said. Also appearing both Friday and Saturday will be Voodoo Bayou. "This band has Cajun roots and plays their own music," Halco said. "But they also do a great mixture of popular songs they put their own twist on." "I believe Tammy, along with the other members of the entertainment committee, have done a fantastic job bringing a wide variety of acts to this year's Festival," Chamber Special Events Director Ann Motes said. "Anyone should be able to find several acts that appeal to their musical taste." For a complete lineup of Festival entertainment see their website at www.nationalshrimpfestival.com and click on the Entertainment link. PLEASE NOTE: Some new policies pertaining to the crowds will be implemented this year. There will be a 'No Chair' policy for the areas directly in front of the stages this year and barricades will be placed "probably at least 20 or 30 feet from the stage" and security guards will be there to make sure the area right in front of the performers is reserved for people to stand and dance. Alabama Coast Observer w October 2012 w 7

Adventure Island 24559 Perdido Beach Boulevard Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.974.1500 www.adventure-island.com Rides and thrills for entire family! Mini-golf, bumper boats, gokarts, paddle boats, and lazer tag arena. Kiddie rides and 100+ arcade games. See the 5-story volcano erupt nightly! Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 1204 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.968.5731 www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org Explore the natural habitats of more than 400 animals. Elevated viewing decks offer close-up viewing of everything from alligators to wallabies, plus Reptile House, Aviary, Petting Zoo, Gift Shop, Concessions, shaded picnic area. LIONS, TIGERS AND BEACH. OH MY! Alligator Alley 19950 County Road 71 Summerdale, AL 36580 251.946.BITE (2483) www.gatoralleyfarm.com See over 150 alligators in their natural environment with an opportunity to feed them! Meet Captain Crunch, the world record holder for bite strength-he's over 13 feet long! Enjoy bird watching and a Giant Snake Safari. Seasonal feeding times: 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Arena the Next Level 4720 Main Street Ste 205 Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.224.5297 www.arenaorangebeach.com The newest and prettiest family attraction on the Gulf Coast. Our Lazer Tag and Bazooka Ball are safe and fun for all ages. Bird of Paradise Biplane Rides 3190 Airport Drive Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.609.2043 Toll Free: 866.687.8359 www.866mustfly.com The Bird of Paradise takes flying to a new level...providing adventurous passengers open cockpit flights and romance of yesterday. Ferris Wheel at The Wharf 4985 Wharf Parkway Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.224.1000 Toll Free: 877.942.7325 www.thewharfal.com The Southeast's tallest Ferris Wheel at The Wharf. Open Monday through Saturday from 10am-10pm and Sunday from 1pm-8pm. Tickets are $4.00 each. 8 w October 2012 w Alabama Coast Observer Gulf Bowl 2881 South Juniper Foley, AL 36535 251.943.4575 www.gulfbowl.com Join a league, have a party, or just bowl for fun. Restaurant, snack bar, party rooms, mezzanine viewing area, pool table room, family arcade/redemption and much more. Jimmy's Casino Shuttles 8275 Hwy 59 South Foley, AL 36535 251.943.2744 Toll Free: 866.943.2744 www.casinoshuttles.com Biloxi Casino trips are available from Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, and Loxley, Alabama. Visit the IP Casino and The Beau Rivage Casino. At either casino, you get $15.00 in FREE PLAY. Exciting daily trips to the fabulous Biloxi casinos. The best deal in town. Call for reservations. Lakewood Stables 15523 Lillie Lane Summerdale, AL 36580 251.945.6711 Trail rides, Group parties, Riding lessons. Landmark Tours 26 Hoffren Drive Fairhope, AL 36533 251.928.0207 www.landmarktours.com Day tours aboard luxury buses. Trips planned for your group of 20 or more. We'll visit historical mansions, Civil War relics, forts and museums, nature centers, hikes, zoos, boat sightings of dolphins and alligators. Mobile Bay Ferry 51 State Highway 180 West Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.861.3000 www.mobilebayferry.com Vehicle/passenger ferry operating between Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan. Daily departures every 1 1/2 hours. Check our website for rates and schedule. Oak Hollow Farm 14210 Greeno Road Fairhope, AL 36532 251.928.4840 Toll Free: 877.OAKHOLLOW www.oakhollowfarm.net Open six days a week by appointment. One hour guided horseback rides on a 300 acre scenic farm. Nature trails, group hayrides, horseshoes, playground. Pirates Island Adventure Golf 3201 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.968.4653 www.piratesislandgolf.com Two 18-hole courses among waterfalls, caves, tropical plants, a pirate ship and sea fog. Sea Horse Stables 14537 State Highway 59 Foley, AL 36535 251.971.RIDE (7433) Trail rides, Pony rides, Birthday parties, and Riding lessons. Shrimpy's Mini Golf & Arcade 204 East 2nd Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.948.6464 18 hole mini-golf with arcade inside. Candy, chips, ice cream and sodas available. Fun for the whole family! Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Company 708 West Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 251.970.3598 www.gulfviewballooning.com Gently lift off into an adventure where you'll experience the scenic vistas of the Alabama Gulf Coast from a whole new vantage point! Great for weddings or honeymoon! The Track Recreation Center 3200 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.968.8111 www.gulfshorestrack.com Go-karts, bumper boats, Kids Kountry, arcade, mini-golf, skycoaster, and refreshment center. Wales West Light Railway & Family Fun Park 13670 Smiley Street - Silverhill, AL 36576 888.569.5337 www.waleswest.com Real train ride, 1 mile through rural setting. Train station, gift shop, tea room. Month-long event trains at Halloween, Christmas, & Easter. Day Out With Thomas in May. Parties. Waterville USA 906 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251.948.2106 www.watervilleusa.com The ultimate in family fun, is a 20 acre Water Park and Amusement Park located in the beach resort community. Amusement park opens March 5th. Waterpark opens May 14 on weekends only and every day after May 28th.

Orange Beach, AL--Back to The Wharf, that's right y'all, we love this self contained complex! I am always saying I could live here; work, shop, and party all in one location! This month kicked off football season, so we'd like to share with you a great location to enjoy all your favorite games while noshing on some top-notch bar food! Once upon a time there was a small town barbeque joint right off the Gulf Shores public beach called Smokey Mac's. Growing in notoriety for their great smoked treats and "fall off the bone" ribs, Smokey's moved two blocks north on 59 and expanded into a overthe-top sports bar becoming Rafters Sports Bar and Grill. Unfortunately, Hurricane Ivan took out this location, hence, the new location at The Wharf, Orange Beach. Still serving the awesome smoke house delicacies, along with fresh seafood, salads, premium burgers, and wraps, the new location offers the same high quality eats along with several large screens so that you can actually SEE all the games at one time. I was naturally watching my Saints while Cheli was watching her Cow- boys, and, the screens enabled us to both view every play, as well as the other games being aired at the same time. This was much more exciting than numerous small screens where you can actually only see one screen at a time. I really liked this concept! James, the shift manager was quite a hoot, and got us seated and greeted in no time. Our waiter Billy, a precious young stud, was very helpful in recommendations, and, patiently took care of the two of us as we tried to order a large variety of selections to cover as much information as two people can possibly cover without exploding! Even just sampling, this task can become quite overwhelming, hey, don't be a hater! We began with fresh gulf oysters, 3 Rockefeller, and 3 Cajun, both sooo good, but, I'm going to suggest trying the Cajun, unlike any we've had elsewhere. Next we had 6 naked wings and 6 breaded wings with hot sauce, teriyaki, and bbq sauces on the side, served with homemade ranch or bleu cheese dressings and fresh celery and carrots. These wings were some of the best we had sampled before. We both pre- ferred the breaded with sauces on the side, but, if you prefer your wings soaking, I'd suggest having them naked! Cheli and I are both seeing a dozen wings a piece to-go on our next stop in town, yeah, none of these made it home this time! Still sampling appetizers, we then had the Homemade Spud Skins, 3 topped with cheddar cheese, bacon and scallions, and 3 topped the same with BBQ pork added. Both ways were fabulous,and, as good as the pork was, on hind sight, I wish we had ordered the ½ Smoked Chicken. Ben came out from behind the bar to share his recommendations and a laugh or two before we moved forward. Cheli agreed that we could do the Chili Cheese Burger since we tend to always lean toward the Black and Bleu burgers, and, was surprised at how much she enjoyed this messygooey explosion of flavors! All of Rafter's burgers are a ½ pound premium patty topped any way you want or doubled for a full pound burger, really?! They also serve humongous all beef hot dogs topped any way you like. We really enjoyed Ben's suggestion- the Prime Rib French Dip, we added bacon and sautéed mushrooms to this juicy prime rib sandwich topped with swiss cheese and served with homemade au jus, which we added horseradish to. The crispy baguette and au jus were perfectly matched to this fabulous sandwich which I enjoyed again later that night. Then we had the Rock'n Quesadilla-spinach alfredo with green onions and parmesan, and, we added blackened shrimp. Sound yummy yet, this isn't your everyday sports bar food folks! From the Main Event, we enjoyed the Rock'n Talapia-blackened or fried tilapia topped with spinach alfredo and parmesan cheese. Served with garlic Texas toast and a side, we had steamed veggie mix with this, this entrée was wonderful! Other sides we enjoyed were crispy fries, (not too potatoey for Chel), golden fried onion rings, and fried green tomatoes. The oldschool fried green tomatoes were done in the traditional way, fried in cornmeal. Cheli had never had them this way and was delighted with this treat! They also serve fried crab claws, shrimp, oysters, catfish, and chicken. From the smoker they offer pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, and a smoked ribeye. All salads can be topped with any of these listings of mouth-watering temptations, and shrimp can be added to any entrée, grilled, fried or blackened. And if there is anything else you need, just ask. Ranee Steele has done a great job in carrying-on grandpa Mac's tradition in providing great food in a fun and friendly atmosphere! If you happen to have Kelli as your bartender, tell her hello, she is ACO's talented bar feature writer. Let's rumble y'all, football is here with Rafter's kicking off the superstar tailgate feasts! Until Next Month!! ^xÄÄç

Gulf Shores, AL--Sometimes fate hands you a better deal than you could have engineered yourself. That's what happened five years ago when we decided to follow our dream of moving to the Alabama Gulf Coast. We sold our business in Monticello, AR and moved to the coast, after coming here on vacation for about fifteen years. Today I am the owner of Diane Davis Photography in Gulf Shores- Orange Beach area. I offer family beach photography services to all of my customers and clients from all over the US. I love the fact that I get to capture their life's special moments in a place I call paradise. My dream has finally come true. The path to the gulf was long and hard but worth every minute of it. My love of photography started at the age of 10, when my mom and dad hired a local photographer to take photos of my sister's wedding. I met Ms. LeVella Porter, the photographer for the wedding. As I grew up in Monticello, I started taking photos about age 13 after being inspired by Ms. Porter. After graduation from high school and a year of college at the age of 19 I was lucky enough to land a job with Olan Mills as a portrait photographer in Little Rock, AR, later moving to New Orleans, LA, to work in the position of studio manager of the largest pho- tography studio at that time in the south. I was promoted to District Manager where I traveled the 5 state areas hiring and training new photographers for their studio. It was at that time I was sent to the beach in Florida to work for a month. I fell in love with the beach and knew someday I would live close to the ocean. After being on the road for 3 years as a photographer, I decided to move back home Orange Beach, AL--Join us for a Flippin' Fun Event that will Help Find A Cure! October 6, 2012 (12pm-7pm) Hosted by: Flippers Restaurant & Tiki Bar at Bear Point Marina Orange Beach, Alabama. Flippers will be offering a Shrimp Boil all afternoon that will have all the trimmings and you have to be sure and get our Flippin' for Ta-Ta's souvenir cup filled with our famous "PINK Bushwacker!" Same delicious bushwacker recipe....just PINK!! The Tiki bar will have Live entertainment all afternoon THANKS to Scott Koehn & Friends!! And just around Sunset there will be a "Not so GIRLY Ta-Ta Pageant." These guys will be sure to show their best GIRLY Fashion! Bring your dollar bills because for $1 per vote you can support your favorite contestants and our cause! There will be a Silent Auction, Raffle, and Bake Sale throughout the day thanks to all of the generous people & businesses in the community! Some of the prizes include restaurant gift certificates, boat rentals, overnight boat slip rentals, fishing rods & tackle, private dolphin cruises, gift baskets AND MUCH MORE!! While you are at the dock be sure to hop aboard one of the participating Dolphin Cruises or Sailing Cruises at our location. They will be donating a portion of their tickets sales of the day to our cause!! Be sure to bring the KIDS too!! There will be a 65' Waterslide THANKS to Pelican Pete Party Rentals!! We will be selling wristbands for all the sliding you want to do the whole afternoon!! MORE INFO COMING SOON! Check our website for details too! www.dolphincruiseforacure.com For more info and if you would like to donate any gifts for our Silent Auction, Raffle or Bake Sale please contact Paula Taylor @251-943-3510 or Kathy Adams@251-981-3547 The funds raised from this event will be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in memory of Brenda Woerner Cook. A beautiful woman that is greatly missed by many! Brenda is the daughter of Flippers Restaurant owner Eddie & Sharon Woerner. Also the niece of Flippers Restaurant owner Ray & Kathy Adams. to Monticello, AR to be around family and friends. That is where I met my husband and we raised our three children of whom we always brought to the Gulf Shores beaches on vacation for over 15 years. The chance came up for us to sell our business and it was our time to follow our dream of moving to the gulf. It has been the best decision we ever made. We love the laid back coastal lifestyle here. Once here my husband and I secured jobs, I first worked at all the little places I said I wanted to work at such as LULU's selling tshirts. I have spent most of my summers taking my family and friends beach photos, posting them on my Facebook page. Just as I took a job at the local Gulf State Park this year, one of Arkansas's local TV stations came to Orange Beach to give away a beach Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, AL - The beauty of Alabama's beachfront communities was recently recognized by the Paint Quality Institute's competition to find the prettiest painted places in America. According to the institute, both of the coastal cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach advanced to the next round of competition as nearly 200 nominees vie for a place among the nation's 12 "Prettiest Painted Places." Other Alabama communities advancing include Guntersville, Huntsville and Selma. "It is an honor for the City of Orange Beach to have been selected as a nominee in the "Prettiest Painted Places," and it is a great testimony to the focus that our city leaders have maintained for many years on the image and impression that our skyline makes," said Ken Grimes, Orange Beach city administrator. "We are proud to display our internationally recognized architecture and building design that complements our coastal re- vacation. As fate would have it, I was able to get on the Good Morning Arkansas Show and talk about my road to the coast and my photography; GMA showed my photos for the two day broadcast here. Needless to say my business exploded after that. I am working in photography again with a new passion because of the digital age. No more film developing. My love for photography has just grown deeper while living here. I love sunrises, sunsets, dolphin trips and just walk- ing the beach. I am thankful to be blessed with a gift that I love and the ability to make money doing what I love. Find me on Facebook under Diane Davis Photography. Book your next family beach photo session now. Diane Davis Photography 251-978-4754 cell Email: c.dianedavis@hotmail.com Facebook/Diane Davis Photography Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Communities Advance to Next Round in Prettiest Painted Places in America Contest There were nearly 200 other national entries sort feel, which blends right alongside waterfront cottages and beach bungalows. Orange Beach, Alabama was incorporated in 1984 and although young in years of existence, our city has blossomed with style and creativity while following strict building codes and design standards that are positively impacting the tourists experience while visiting our beautiful beaches and bays." Along the same lines, Grant Brown Director, parks and recreational cultural affairs for the the City of Gulf Shores said that "Gulf Shores is honored to be selected as a nominee for one of the "Prettiest Painted Places" in America. Our 'small town, big beach' atmosphere is accentuated by the vivid colors of homes & cottages lining our pristine, white sand beaches. Our community is home to some of the most picturesque scenes of architecture and coastline in the world and offers an unmatched family-friendly atmosphere to residents and visitors alike."