"Girlfriend Getaway to Alabama's Gulf Coast"
Guest Blogger Jennifer Kornegay writes about her "Girlfriend Getaway" to Alabama's Gulf Coast.:
While the Alabama Gulf Coast is a great place to visit year round, a late February trip isn’t very conducive to sunning on the beach or swimming in the sea thanks to blustery breezes and chilly temps. So what’s a group of girlfriends enjoying a weekend away in Orange Beach supposed to do for entertainment? As four of my friends and I found out, the answer is easy…eat, eat, eat and then shop.
We arrived at our condo on a Friday afternoon to find the sun shining and gentle waves lapping the shore. We took in the beach view for a moment before the cold pushed us back inside, and after we exhaled a relaxed sigh in unison, the talk turned to dinner.
The restaurant selection in the area has grown in the years since Hurricane Ivan hit. Old favorites are back in business and better than ever, and new eateries are upping the ante on coastal cuisine and bringing a fresh food in a fun atmosphere to the forefront.
Our group chose two of the best names in Alabama beach eats: Cosmo’s and Cobalt. Show up at Cosmo’s on Canal Road and make yourself right at home. The easy-going, neighborhood pub vibe 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. Other popular dishes include chicken roulade with risotto and the grilled tuna salad. 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.
Cobalt’s wall of windows facing Perdido Pass offers a picture-perfect water view. Nosh on tasty jumbo BBQ shrimp or the tuna and avocado stack as you watch the boats float by. And the raised bar ensures everyone gets a good look. Sleek décor and friendly service seal the deal. We finished our meal with Cobalt’s tiramisu split five ways. Yum!
Tacky Jack’s in Orange Beach is an old standby, and for good reason. After an evening of indulgence, nothing satisfies a craving like a pile of Jack’s Mexican Garbage nachos. There’s almost always a crowd of happy diners and drinkers making it great spot for socializing while satiating your appetite for ample portions of delicious food.
Once you’re good and full, walk off the calories with a shopping excursion to the many stores at The Wharf. Sassy Britches is a good bet for cute tops and flirty dresses. H.L. Hood has classic offerings and some funky options, and Shades has a huge selection of sunglasses from every designer name you can imagine. A welcoming staff is just fine watching you try on pair after pair in your search for the “right look.” Two of my gal pals found some cute and stylish sunglasses on our visit.
So if you’re in need of a beach escape, go ahead and make a break for the Alabama Gulf Coast. Don’t worry about the weather. Close proximity to the ocean will always provide instant stress relief, and there’s plenty to do (a.k.a. buy and eat) no matter what’s going on outside.
While the Alabama Gulf Coast is a great place to visit year round, a late February trip isn’t very conducive to sunning on the beach or swimming in the sea thanks to blustery breezes and chilly temps. So what’s a group of girlfriends enjoying a weekend away in Orange Beach supposed to do for entertainment? As four of my friends and I found out, the answer is easy…eat, eat, eat and then shop.
We arrived at our condo on a Friday afternoon to find the sun shining and gentle waves lapping the shore. We took in the beach view for a moment before the cold pushed us back inside, and after we exhaled a relaxed sigh in unison, the talk turned to dinner.
The restaurant selection in the area has grown in the years since Hurricane Ivan hit. Old favorites are back in business and better than ever, and new eateries are upping the ante on coastal cuisine and bringing a fresh food in a fun atmosphere to the forefront.
Our group chose two of the best names in Alabama beach eats: Cosmo’s and Cobalt. Show up at Cosmo’s on Canal Road and make yourself right at home. The easy-going, neighborhood pub vibe 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. Other popular dishes include chicken roulade with risotto and the grilled tuna salad. 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.
Cobalt’s wall of windows facing Perdido Pass offers a picture-perfect water view. Nosh on tasty jumbo BBQ shrimp or the tuna and avocado stack as you watch the boats float by. And the raised bar ensures everyone gets a good look. Sleek décor and friendly service seal the deal. We finished our meal with Cobalt’s tiramisu split five ways. Yum!
Tacky Jack’s in Orange Beach is an old standby, and for good reason. After an evening of indulgence, nothing satisfies a craving like a pile of Jack’s Mexican Garbage nachos. There’s almost always a crowd of happy diners and drinkers making it great spot for socializing while satiating your appetite for ample portions of delicious food.
Once you’re good and full, walk off the calories with a shopping excursion to the many stores at The Wharf. Sassy Britches is a good bet for cute tops and flirty dresses. H.L. Hood has classic offerings and some funky options, and Shades has a huge selection of sunglasses from every designer name you can imagine. A welcoming staff is just fine watching you try on pair after pair in your search for the “right look.” Two of my gal pals found some cute and stylish sunglasses on our visit.
So if you’re in need of a beach escape, go ahead and make a break for the Alabama Gulf Coast. Don’t worry about the weather. Close proximity to the ocean will always provide instant stress relief, and there’s plenty to do (a.k.a. buy and eat) no matter what’s going on outside.
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