Hello Orange Beach! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Hands-on glassblowing classes, a new indoor aquatics center, and summer of fun beach games + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Coastal week of fun: Adventures continue this week, from three-hour Foley Public Library history class to sunset cruises and Tacky Jack’s Summer of Fun, plus art sessions with a $25 gift card and markets -- read the full lineup.
Hands-on coastal creativity: Visitors are swapping souvenirs for experiences at the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach, where Alabama’s premier glassblowing Hot Shop and the Clay Studio offer hands-on classes boosting campus visits -- see what classes await.
Year-round swimming facility: Foley will build a $6.5 million indoor aquatics center at Max Griffin Park with competition and therapy pools. Construction is set to begin, with bidding expected later this year -- see what’s planned next.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Petal power for locals: Skip the big-box bouquets and let All Island Flowers put some color back in your week, from just-because stems to special-occasion showstoppers. They know our coastal vibe, they listen, and they’ll craft something that actually fits your space, your budget, your Orange Beach life.
Kid energy solution: When the walls start climbing them, Edward H. Carroll, Sr. Kids Park hands you a renovated playground, shaded spots, and Wolf Bay views. Let them conquer the slides while you decompress, then stroll the pier and pavilions because you also deserve recess.
Swap sand for space: When the Gulf humidity wins, dip into sci-fi at Outer Limits VR Game Room. Locally run at The Wharf with 30+ immersive rides and games, it’s a breezy way to squad up for multiplayer chaos or let the kids roar through dinosaur coasters while you supervise heroically.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🐦 Crafty Kids: Nesting Bird Family @ Orange Beach Public Library | Wednesday (6/24) at 10:30 AM – Let the crew color a bird and mold model magic eggs to build a nesting family, no binoculars required. Wholesome, hands-on, and refreshingly low-tech. All ages welcome, no registration, but supplies disappear faster than backyard seed at dawn.
🐢 Hands on Habitat @ Tacky Jacks | Wednesday (6/24) at 11:00 AM – Ready to trade gossip for Gulf wisdom? A hands-on program with the Share the Beach Sea Turtle crew delivers touchable critters and a tour of Gulf ecology, so even the grown-ups learn something. Free, family friendly, reservations required, and leave pets at home.
🏖 Summer of Fun Beach Games @ Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores) | Thursday (6/25) at 11:00 AM – Bring the 6-to-12 crew to Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores for beach games, goofy challenges, and a cameo on Tacky TV. Free to play, RSVP required, with a free kids' meal, prizes, and a parents round of water balloon dodge ball for cathartic fun.
🎨 Art MESS-tival @ Orange Beach Public Library | Thursday (6/25) at 2:00 PM – The library is going rogue with an outdoor messy art day, no shushing, just splatter and tie-dye. Wear clothes you do not mind ruining, and bring a pre-washed white shirt, towel, or whatever fabric needs a second life, then let the colors do the talking.
🧱 Lego Club @ Orange Beach Public Library | Friday (6/26) at 4:00 PM – If your inner architect needs a workout, swing by this Lego Club freeplay and build something worthy of the display case. All ages are welcome, no registration required, just buckets of bricks, patient bragging rights, and the satisfying click of nostalgia.
🎪 Brandon Styles Variety Show @ Brandon Styles Theater (Foley) | Saturday (6/27) at 7:00 PM – Brandon Styles packs comedy, slick magic, and dead-on impressions into Gulf Coast’s favorite one-man variety show. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a closet magic nerd, you’ll laugh, question your eyesight, and leave wondering how one guy outperformed your last three nights out, combined.
🎮 Smash Bros & Mario Kart Tournaments @ Arcade at OWA (Foley) | Sunday (6/28) at 12:00 AM – Whether you still call it Nintendo or actually know the buttons, Arcade at OWA hosts Sunday throwdowns in Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart. For $12, flex those thumbs, chase bragging rights, and relive dorm-room glory, minus the instant noodles, plus local smack talk.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Orange Beach report Weather forecastToday — High: 87°F — Low: 77°F — Precip: 37%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10pm and 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tomorrow — High: 88°F — Low: 79°F — Precip: 40%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 79. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. This house is wildRecently refreshed on Ono Island, this waterfront retreat pairs unobstructed views of Old River and Perdido Key State Park with elevated coastal style. Walls of windows, tall ceilings, crown molding, and a wood-burning fireplace set the tone inside, while quartz kitchen finishes, updated baths, new carpet, a pool, boathouse, lift, and workshop bring the fun outside.
Take a peek inside → |
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