Coastal Alabama ~ The Southern Scoop’s Featured Locale of the Month
Sweet Home (Coastal) Alabama is our Featured Locale of the Month! Did you know that Alabama’s shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico stretches for 60 miles? That the tidal shoreline in Baldwin and Mobile counties extend another 600? How about that the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef and Restoration Foundation provide one of the largest artificial reef programs in the world thanks to a collaboration with the Department of Conservation’s Marine Resource Division! That, and so much more to learn! Read on!
Alabamians really like their coastline. So much in fact, that they’ve been developing artificial reefs since the 1950s. They placed 250 car bodies off the coast of Baldwin County! Throughout the years, the state of Alabama has used demilitarized obsolete tanks, planes, and “ghost-fleeted” liberty ships to create over 4,000 square miles of artificial reefs! These reefs have created diverse new habitats for a multitude of species of marine life. Not to mention the positive impact that incredible fishing, diving, and other tourism industry-related economic activities have had! Watch the movie below to watch a demonstration of the sinking of LuLu by the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef & Restoration Foundation (Not sure if she was named after Jimmy Buffett’s’ sister Lulu who once called Mobile, Alabama home!)
Alabama Gulf Coast Reef & Restoration Foundation sinking “LuLu” to further develop Alabama’s artificial reef system!
Alabamian Cuisine ~ Click here to see which five restaurants you need to try in Orange Beach!
Alabamians are resilient! In 2004, Hurricane Ivan brought catastrophic damage to Coastal Alabama and the communities in Northwest Florida such as Perdido Key. Coastal Alabama was hit especially hard. 14-foot storm surges brought extensive damage to much of Orange Beach, nearly completely collapsing the Winfield resort. Water levels can be seen in some older businesses that have proudly noted marks on walls that say things such as “Ivan, 2004” with a line created by a marker, and then “Katrina, 2005”. Despite the damages, Alabamians rebuilt to astounding economic success!
It’s important to point out that you can always check our Southern Perks program for exclusive discounts and access to activities and dining for the whole family. Parasailing, horseback riding, dolphin tours, evening cruises, fishing charters, exquisite Gulf seafood, the possibilities are endless! Annual events such as the Orange Beach Billfish Classic in May, The Wharf Boat Show, among many others, draws thousands of visitors each year. Finally, make sure you also check our local events and add some local flavor during your stay to your dream vacation plans! Thanks for checking out Coastal Alabama ~ The Southern Scoop’s Featured Locale of the Month! We’ll see you next month for another featured locale in the Southern Scoop!
