Explore Art, History and Community In This Week's Events
Jessica Taylor • January 13, 2025
Highlights Include Workshops and Family Entertainment
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are buzzing with activities this January, offering something for everyone, from art and history enthusiasts to families and food lovers. With unique events lined up throughout the week, locals and visitors alike can enjoy creative workshops, explore historical discoveries, and partake in community gatherings. From shadow box crafting at Tacky Jacks to ice skating at The Wharf, this week is packed with engaging experiences that highlight the charm and diversity of the Gulf Coast.
The lineup kicks off with "Wacky Winter of Fun with Tacky Jacks," where participants can design custom 12"x12" shadow boxes using personal keepsakes or materials provided on-site. Later in the week, delve into the "History of Navigation" at the Gulf State Park Nature Center, join a potluck celebration at Flora-Bama, and snag deals at the Friends of the Library book sale. Whether it's art, history, or family-friendly fun, the Gulf Coast offers a vibrant range of events to brighten up the winter days.
Monday, January 13th - Wacky Winter of Fun with Tacky Jacks is introducing a way to cross art with heirlooms, photos, keepsakes and more. Learn how to make a one-of-a-kind 12" x 12" shadow box using your own special items, of memorabilia. All items brought in for the custom design class should fit within those dimensions. Don’t think you have enough to make a shadow box, not to worry, items to supplement your items will be provided onsite. Invite your friends and reserve your spot for a lunch and learn event at a cost of just $35, open to all ages. A $10 lunch card is included in the price. Call today to secure your station and be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to get checked and settled in.
Tacky Jacks
240 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Tuesday, January 14th - Explore the past for yourself with, “History of Navigation” a course diving back into key discoveries that advanced experts' understanding of the solar system and transformed navigation into what we know today. Examine the contributions of influential figures like Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton with other interested individuals and guides. This course is perfect for star enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone curious about the scientific roots of navigation. Uncover how human curiosity and creativity have shaped navigation abilities with proficiency from 1-4PM at the Gulf State Park Nature Center.
Gulf State Park Nature Center
Orange Beach, AL
Wednesday, January 15th - For the first two months of the year, renowned Flora-Bama secures the Tent for two hours of feasting and fellowship with friends and family. Join in on this fun and free potluck with Welcome Wednesdays. Tent entry requirements call for Bamily and soon to be to bring a covered side dish or dessert to share. FB provides the main dish first come, first served with lunch served at noon and doors opening at 11AM. Not only is this a great time to welcome in the new year with those you’ve missed seeing but it’s also a great opportunity to meet new friends that might be flocking to this coastline for the time this season. Be sure to pop in for this first meet up for 2025 and enjoy great food, raffle prizes and so much more every Wednesday from 11-2PM through the month of February.
Flora- Bama Package and Lounge
17401 Perdido Key Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32507
Thursday, January 16th - Everyone loves a good sale, especially rare one’s like Library hosted book sales. The event is held at the Orange Beach Community Center and is offering some sweet perks for its members with an exclusive presale from 6-9PM. Orange Beach offers open membership for the program, ‘Friends of the Library’ your ticket in for the preshow. This year at the door sign-ups to become a member will be available at the door for anyone wishing to attend the members-only Wine and Cheese Pre-Sale a day early. Being a part of a community can be not only fulfilling, it may also reap in the rewards and with ‘Friends of the Library’ you’ll feel right in the heart of the paradise many call home. Be sure to stop by the Library and pick up a calendar of events to be sure not to miss any of the exciting perks and volunteering that come with being a member of the best book club.
Orange Beach Community Center
27235 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Friday, January 17th - Adventure Island in Orange Beach is the perfect spot for non-stop fun for the whole family! With so many exciting rides and attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy all year round. Race your friends on go-karts, bop around in bumper boats, or challenge each other in the electric laser tag arena. This fantastic destination offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, from adventure golf to a vibrant arcade. You can even relax on a paddle boat ride or let the little ones enjoy the kiddie rides! Whether you're celebrating a birthday or just having a fun Friday, be sure to check out all the adventures waiting for you on the island. With plenty of prizes and lots of laughter, it's an experience everyone will cherish.
Adventure Island
24559 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Saturday, January 18th- Hot off the press and the talk of the town, pop in for a cuppa, a mocha, or a muffin and catch the buzz for an in-person book launch of, “Naked Young Woman in Front of the Mirror.” Local creative writing and more guru Jessica Langston aka Jessica Jones released her second book of poetry last month that has readers praising the achievement. Peers in the field like Alabama’s poet Laureate Ashley M. Jones recounts the collection as “spirited verse which embodies childlike wonder and deep sensory experience tied to memory and nature.” The poems embody all the ups and downs of childhood emotions, expressions and lessons painted with a diverse perspective that still exposes a southern charm. Don’t miss the chance to meet the poet herself and mingle with other lovers of the arts at BuzzCatz from 10Am–1PM. For more updates and to follow along in the journey, you can find the author on Facebook socials.
BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets
25689 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Sunday, January 19th- Gliding across an icy glass rink in a white dome of wonder can make any islander feel a bit magical and in season. Ice Skating at the Wharf presented by Pepsi is something everyone local or passing through can attest to looking forward to during the Holiday months and the one’s the coast calls winter. The sandy shores past the connecting bridges doesn't experience much of a chill, making the man-made rink a dependable tradition for the warm-blooded natives. This whimsical world will soon take its leave until next year, but there’s still time with 12-8 opening today, marking tomorrow’s 10-10 as the last chance to lace up for the 24/25 ice skating at the beach season. Make sure if you haven’t already to skip the wait and e-sign those waivers before arrival, happy skating.
The Wharf
23101 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
https://alwharf.com//events/2024/05/17/45654
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