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December 2022 PUBLISHER
Ashley Roberts | ashley.roberts@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR
Summer Abston | summer.abston@citylifestyle.com
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Hello Christmas, Goodbye 2022...
AD DESIGNER
Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER
Jayme Emery CONTR IBUTING WR ITER
Summer Abston CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S
Welcome to the December issue of Gulf Coast City Lifestyle. This busy time of year can sometimes be overwhelming for us. I am challenging everyone to please take the time to reflect on what is truly important during the colder months ahead. We are inspired by our unique community and hope this magazine inspires you. We also hope that you look forward to a new issue in your mailbox at the start of each month. Sharing memories with family, friends, and colleagues can be very rewarding this time of the year. Reach out and share the joy of the giving season with a stranger, make a new friend, and continue to elevate our little beach town making it a better place. This month we share the stories of commitment and dedication by some incredible people who are giving back through their time, charity, and financial donations. Per everyone we spoke with, please reach out to any of these organizations and donate in whatever way you can. They will greatly appreciate it! Also, a special cheers to the local businesses featured in our gift guide. This year we chose a wellness lifestyle theme for the guide--inspired by none other than the title of this very magazine you are reading. We hope you find some inspiration in the guide for those family and friends that can be hard to shop for. Thank you for inviting us into your home and lives, we can’t wait to see you around town! Love local, live local, and spend locally,
John & Co Photo, Derek Keller, Ashley Roberts, Winston McQuitery
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Happy Holidays, ASHLEY ROBERTS, PUBLISHER @ G U L F_ C O A S T _ C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E
Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise
Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/GULFCOA ST |
Proverbs 3:5-6 Gulf Coast City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Gulf Coast area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Gulf Coast City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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DECEMBER 2022
inside the issue The Holiday & Giving Issue
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
16 Gift Guide
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
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Business Monthly
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Gift Guide S HO PPI NG
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Back Stage EV ENT PLA NNI NG + SE RV IC E S
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Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E
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Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E
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Inspired By LI FE + C U LT U R E
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Events
Health, Wellness, and Lifestyle Gifts for All
20 Christmas on the Coast
The Wharf’s Sheena Mizell Discusses the Ultimate Holly Day
24 The Perfect Creme Brûlée
Orange Beach Concierge’s Chef David Pan’s Delicious Recipe
26 Beachy Benevolence Coastal Residents Give, Not Receive
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Winston McQuitery The Wharf lights up at night during the holiday season.
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DECEMBER 2022
city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen. RYAN MOBERLY
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1: Tara McMeans, the official artist for the 49th Annual Shrimp Festival, with chairman Andrew Hart. 2: Folds of Honor Alabama at the 2nd Annual Freedom Fest. 3: Friends of the Orange Beach Public Library enjoying their book sale at Freedom Fest. 4: Benny McDaniel won Top 25 and the raffle for a free ceramic coat from KleenWorks. 5: Cary Thigpen’s 1937 Packard won KleenWorks pick of the show award. Congratulations! 6: Bob Helms won the live auction for this cool racing jacket benefitting Folds of Honor. 7: Brooke Jones of Red Door Marketing Agency presenting the BOLD marketing plan to Coastal Chamber members.
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C I T Y SC E N E
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8: OBFD co-hosted the annual community cookout. Stations 1 & 2 pictured above. First responders rock! 9: Newly launched Engel & Völkers Gulf Shores announced their partnership with South Baldwin Literacy Council. 10: Our local community came together to fill this donated truck for Ian relief items.
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DECEMBER 2022
business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. The Surfside Shuttle for Holiday Travel In the summer, The Surfside Shuttle is always on the move safely transporting tourists all around and running The Original Bushwacker Tour. Since the holidays are here, let The Surfside Shuttle drop your family off at the airport or greet them upon arrival. Why fight the minimal parking options at PNS; let TSS drop you curbside! The Original Bushwacker tour is available year-round. The family that Bushwacks together has a better holiday visit!
Scan to read more.
SOS Opens for Business in Baldwin County SOS Mobile Medical delivers primary, urgent, and emergency care in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Clear and transparent cash pricing makes concierge-level care affordable for everyone. SOS solves the problem of the tremendously overpriced and underperforming US primary and emergency care systems. Americans pay too much for healthcare that is inconvenient to access and does not address their needs. Let SOS address yours!
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Severance Security Services Taking on New Clients Severance Security Services, known as the premier provider of COA, HOA, and POA onsite services, is now taking on new clients. If you want to feel more secure, call them today for a free security evaluation and consultation. Keep your property Severance safe. Call 251-333-0308!
Scan to read more.
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
Donna Worley Joins Engel & Völkers Real Estate Gulf Shores Donna Worley, a local real estate advisor, has joined the team at Engel & Völkers Real Estate Gulf Shores. Engel & Völkers aims to help you turn your real estate dreams into a reality. They know that property dealings are far more than mere business transactions. After all, homes are where we choose to live and where precious memories are made for a lifetime. Call Donna today 251-209-1690 for sound real estate advice!
Scan to read more.
Home Design Center Has Your Home Needs in Stock Today Home Design Center has undergone a complete overhaul to make sure they can deliver on their promise of completing your renovation within budget and time! They have a large selection of in-stock products and have added a cash and carry selection of flooring, countertops, and cabinets! They are your one-stop shop for a 5-star experience and are located right off Foley Beach Express.
Scan to read more.
Engel & Völkers Ribbon Cutting With the Coastal Chamber Global Real Estate Brokerage Engel & Völkers has headed south to the beautiful Gulf Coast. For over 40 years now, E&V has specialized in the brokerage of premium residential property, commercial real estate, yachts, and aircraft. As a leading global service company, they currently operate in over 1000 locations in more than 30 countries. Engel & Völkers has also launched a community partnership with the South Baldwin Literacy Council.
Scan to read more.
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/GulfCoast
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The Coastal Gift Guide Out-of-the-ordinary gifts for the holiday season.
ARTICLE BY SUMMER ABSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN & CO. PHOTO
We are speaking it into existence, the theme of this year’s Christmas season is giving, not receiving. We have partnered with some amazing businesses locally to bring you hot commodity gifts that are sure to be a hit at any gathering, party, or under the tree. To take things up a notch, we have featured lifestyle and wellness gifts. Lifestyle gifts will make an impact on someone’s day. It will leave them with a pep in their step and with a smile. Wellness gifts are truly the gifts that will keep on giving this year. Instead of giving someone a typical gift, give them the gift of rejuvenation, vitamins, and top-notch skincare! This year, we are challenging everyone to give not only gifts but their time to an important cause. Since we are the type to stand by what we believe in, we will be doing the same thing. If you are not sure where to start, flip through through the issue you are holding right in between
your fingertips. Inside you will find stories that will not only inspire you to give back, but inspire you to start a movement. Take advantage of the wonderful community we are fortunate enough to live in–we have awesome residents who are more than willing to lend a hand. After all, isn’t that what makes us so great to begin with? In addition to giving back, we challenge you to think about everything you have achieved this year. Be proud of yourselves! We are proud of you. We are also very thankful for you. None of what we do would be possible without your support. Every time you like one of our posts on social media, share our magazine with your friends, or let us know that you have an event going on, it matters to us. We do this not for praise, but to be a large part in the community that has given so much to the both of us. Happy holidays, friends. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from our homes to yours.
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Infuse Your Own Cocktail from Gulf Shores Family Pharmacy
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Designer Bags from CoCo LOUIE
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Be on the lookout for Santa at The Wharf this season
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B ACK STAGE | EV ENT PL ANNI NG + S E RVI CE S
Christmas on the Coast THE WHARF’S SHEENA MIZELL DISCUSSES THE ULTIMATE HOLLY DAY New Year's Eve at The Wharf
ARTICLE BY SUMMER ABSTON
Living on the coast during the holiday season can often feel as if Christmas cheer is lumped in between our two seasons–actual summer and actual winter. After all, snow is not falling, temperatures barely drop, and we aren’t able to partake in movie-depicted Christmas activities such as sledding down a white hill hoping little twigs do not snap beneath us. However, one group in South Baldwin has taken matters into its own hands. The Wharf’s Director of Marketing, Sheena Mizell, recently spoke with Gulf Coast City Lifestyle on how the iconic coastal property is looking to change things for residents with ice rinks, festivals, and more. CONTINUED >
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE WHARF
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“We will ring in 2023 with our 16th Annual Reelin’ in the New Year Street Party. This celebration has grown over the years to include live music, fireworks, family-friendly activities, and the Marlin Drop.”
“Over the years of trying different holiday events and attractions we have learned what visitors like to see—Santa! We offer photos with Santa throughout the season and people may even catch a glimpse of him at the Christmas Tree Lighting, a horse and carriage ride, or even while shopping and dining at The Wharf.” To keep things fresh, Mizell says the key is adding an element or a twist on a popular event that is set to return. “Over the years we have changed the size and location of the Ice Rink and added an enormous walk-thru lighted Christmas present in Palms Plaza that makes for a great photo op. New events such as Holly Days Festival on Main and Kids Confetti Drop have also been added to the lineup in recent seasons. Even though the holiday happenings at The Wharf have evolved over the years, we continue to bring back the events and attractions that visitors and families across the coast have turned into traditions with their loved ones. We offer one of the most consistent seasonal Ice Rinks on the Gulf Coast where children have grown up taking their annual spin.” To prepare for such an iconic coastal Christmas, Mizell and her team start early. “Preparation for the Ice Rink begins as early as mid-October and goes into high
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gear on November 1st. Once the Ice Rink opens, it is full speed ahead.” After Christmas preparations end, the team heads straight into ringing in the new year. “We will ring in 2023 with our 16th Annual Reelin’ in the New Year Street Party. This celebration has grown over the years to include live music, fireworks, family-friendly activities, and the Marlin Drop. It has been voted one of the most popular New Year’s Eve events in the state and has become a favorite for visitors that make it their annual celebration.” However, it is not just about the flashy lights, the amazing Ice Rink, and hosting one of the most popular events for New Year, it is about the true spirit of the season. “We love Christmas at The Wharf and hope to help spread the joy of the season. One way we do this is by partnering with Toys For Tots to help make local children’s holidays a little brighter. We host a bike drive at the Ice Rink and also give back $5 for every skater that skates on Tuesdays; these efforts go straight to Toys For Tots for their seasonal toy drive.” The Wharf’s Holly Days will be on December 10 from 7 am-3 pm and will feature several local vendors.
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The Perfect Creme Brûlée INGREDIENTS • 1-quart heavy cream • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped • 1 cup vanilla sugar, divided • 6 large egg yolks • 2 quarts of hot water
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. 2. Place the cream, vanilla bean, and its pulp into a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. 3. Remove from the heat, cover, and allow to sit for 15 minutes. 4. Remove the vanilla bean. 5. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar and the egg yolks until well blended and it just starts to lighten in color. 6. Add the cream a little at a time, stirring continually. 7. Pour the liquid into 6 (7 to 8-ounce) ramekins. 8. Place the ramekins into a large cake pan or roasting pan. 9. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. 10.Bake just until the creme brulee is set, but still trembling in the center, approximately 40 to 45 minutes. 11. Remove the ramekins from the roasting pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days. 12. Remove the creme brulee from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to browning the sugar on top. 13. Divide the remaining 1/2 cup vanilla sugar equally among the 6 dishes and spread evenly on top. 14. Using a torch, melt the sugar and form a crispy top. 15. Allow the creme brulee to sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
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Beachy Benevolence COASTAL RESIDENTS GIVE MORE THAN THEY RECEIVE.
Jim Ribley serves as the Toys for Tots coordinator for our area. In addition to getting involved with the organization due to his involvement with the Marines, his inspiration comes from the heart. “I am both a father and a grandfather. I think that part of me makes it easier to want to help out in any way I can. It makes you feel good to give back, and this community makes giving back easy.”
ARTICLE BY SUMMER ABSTON
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“It makes you feel good to give back, and this community makes giving back easy.”
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Over the last few years, Toys for Tots has seen tremendous growth. “In 2020 we donated 10,000 toys and in 2021 we donated almost 14,000. As people become aware of the program it is going to continue to increase the amount of toys we give out to children in need.” Also partnering with Toys for Tots is Jimmy Harrell of Jimmy G’s Toy Box in Orange Beach. If you are familiar with Jimmy, we featured his garage in our launch issue. On November 12, Jimmy G’s hosted the second annual Toys for Tots gathering. Attendees brought an unwrapped, new toy and helped fill up the tailgate of a 1953 pick-up truck. While Jimmy G’s assists with Toys for Tots, the garage has also been recently used as a donation site for Orange Beach’s Hurricane Ian Relief Initiative. People gathered and filled up an 18-wheeler donated by ACE Hardware with supplies to the brim. Harrell is also a big supporter of local schools in the area, offering up his garage for fundraising. Stan and Janice Moss with the Christian Service Center (CSC) know a thing or two about giving back. The Center, which has given over 94,300 meals to people in need this year, is eager to help. “If we get alerted that someone needs something we always lend a hand,” says Stan. “We have a summer program where families can come once per week and get a basket full of food for each family member. Inside the basket is food to last each person one week until their next pick up,” says Janice. The CSC also features a Birthday Wishes Box lead by Mary Claire Dover that comes
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stocked with goodies for a child anywhere between 2-12. In addition to Birthday Wishes Boxes, the CSC also aids in a local Christmas cause; Toys for Kids alongside Wildflowers Boutique owned by mom-daughter duo, Terri Long and Candice Duncan. “The CSC came to me one day and said they were in need of bikes for Christmas presents. Since we gathered toys in the store as well, I went on down to Fisher’s and asked if we could gather them in the downstairs area,” says Long. “We made it an entire event. We asked people for $25 to get in the door; by the end of the night we had bicycles.” Over the next two years, the event would outgrow Fisher's. “Perdido Beach Resort reached out and said ‘we can do it’ but I was scared.” Two years later, they reached out to Long again; she accepted. “We are so blessed to live here. Everywhere you turn someone is saying something about how the people there helped them. This year will be the biggest event we have held; we added three live auctions and sponsorship levels. When you go to the CSC, you can see how much giving means to everyone. That is why we do what we do. Giving is a lifestyle; every dollar we make goes directly to the CSC to use for families in need.” If you would like to bring a donation or drop off a toy for the event, stop by Wildflowers Boutique in Orange Beach, a pick-up location for the CSC. For questions, please call the store at 251-961-9453.
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The City Lifestyle
Giving Campaign Now in its third year, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign will give away $300,000 this holiday season to help individual community members who would benefit from a helping hand during their time of need. But they need YOUR HELP to make it happen! Maybe you know of a single parent struggling to provide, an elderly person who has experienced loss, a child enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need—even if nobody else does. To preserve and protect the dignity of every recipient, the City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized in ANY way. (Even those who nominate others may remain anonymous if they choose.) Last year, City Lifestyle was able to give to more than 70 recipients all over the country by sending checks in the mail through New Year’s Eve. (This year, the goal is to double that number with checks ranging in amount up to $3,000 each.) With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.” Together with Matthew Perry, Chief Sales Officer, Steven adds that the outpouring and gratitude from the recipients was overwhelming and affirmed that this is a tradition they want to continue. “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success,” Matthew adds, “so we in turn want to be a blessing to others.” City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep doing it on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is so rewarding that it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster that culture of generosity.”
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I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE
“This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
W here ha s t he c a mpa ig n g i f t e d?
Scan Code to
Nominate between Dec. 1 – 15, 2022
Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @citylifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ G UL F C OAST
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DECEMBER 2022
events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. DE C E M BE R 3 RD
Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Arts Market
GULF S HORES FIRST PR ES BYTE R I A N C H UR C H | 9 :0 0 A M The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance (GCAA) Art Market, in partnership with Gulf Shores First Presbyterian Church, will be held from 9-3 on December 3. The market will showcase original art by local/regional artists and has grown to be a favorite day-long event for locals and tourists alike. DE C E M BE R 3 RD
Sims Park Christmas Celebration
JOHN N IE S IMS PARK, 348 W 19 T H AV E . G UL F S H O R E S , A L | 6 :0 0 P M Enjoy a night celebrating the holiday season at Johnnie Sims Park! Enjoy pictures with Santa, holiday treats, crafts, and stay for the 6th Annual Snowball Drop; a blizzard of 4000 ping pong balls dropped by Santa! Winning snowballs will have a number that correlates with a prize. Delicious chili will also be available for purchase from Gulf Shores Fire Rescue. DE C E M BE R 4 T H, 11 T H, & 1 8T H
Very Merry Coastal Grinchmas
2 0115 STATE PARK ROAD, G UL F S H O R E S | 5 :0 0 P M Bring the whole family out to stroll Whoville under the lights at the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park. There you can meet the Grinch and Mayor of Whoville, dance with a DJ, get a “Who”-do at the Beauty Parlor, enjoy some “Who”-treats, make an ornament, send Santa Grinch a letter, decorate cookies at Woodside Restaurant and much more!
D EC E M BE R 1 0 T H
Lower Alabama Young Professionals Santa Pub Crawl
REG ISTRATION AT THE SAN DS H A KE R AT T H E WH A R F | 7 :0 0 P M Start the holiday season off with a pub crawl! Requirements are simple; put on your best Santa or Santa's helper costume, bring an unwrapped toy or a $10 donation for Toys for Tots, meet up with everyone at the Sandshaker, and have fun! There will also be a drawing for prizes during a special Toys for Tots presentation on Sunday. D EC E M BE R 1 0 T H
The 3rd Annual Holly Days on Main Festival
MAIN STR EET AT THE WHARF | 9 :0 0 A M Join The Wharf for a favorite Christmas tradition right in the heart of the Alabama Gulf Coast! Holly Days on Main will feature two days of vendors down Main Street, music, dance performances, a Santa Pub Crawl, and the Annual Lighted Boat Parade! D EC E M BE R 1 0 T H
Gulf Shores Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
LULU’S TO THE W HARF | 5:00 P M The Annual Lighted Boat Parade will depart from Lulu’s Restaurant at dusk and head to the Wharf in Orange Beach. Boats will be visible along the canal and with plenty of room along the water for viewing. Bring out the family and your favorite holiday treats and watch the boats light up Canal!
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/GulfCoast
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EVE N TS
THE WHARF
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