This week on the Gulf Coast offers a variety of exciting activities for locals and visitors alike. From nostalgic farewells to beloved eateries to engaging family-friendly adventures, there’s something for everyone. So mark your calendars and enjoy all the wonderful events taking place this week.

Monday, July 15th - A Gulf Shores original family favorite will be closing the doors today after over six decades of satisfying customers that became more like family. Nearly 44 years of dedication to the local restaurant industry, the now 82-year-old second owner of Hazel's Nook, Richard Schwartz has decided to pass the torch to a rebrand that carries its own weight in popularity for these parts. Open from 7AM–2PM grab your friends or come alone to enjoy one last buffet or made to order omelet whipped up by the best for a farewell to a legend that has marked many memories for locals and visitors alike since 1957. For more details on this story and what’s next for the iconic spot, see the link below. 

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Hazel’s Nook

120 E Fort Morgan Rd

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

For more information, please visit their Website.

Tuesday, July 16th - Looking for something fun to do, try, ‘What to do at the Zoo,’ presented by the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. For the price of zoo admission, guests can enjoy a number of activities throughout the day. Some include up-close looks at parrots with their training, a chat about Bobcats, a walkabout with the day’s animal ambassador, feeding chats and more. Get up close with "Reptile Feedings” and give a tasty treat to a small or baby alligator starting at 11AM and then head over to the ‘Savanna’ for lunch and your own special treat of Bananas Foster and an Espresso Martini before taking on the rest of the zoo features and exhibits. Take a walk on the wild side and bring the whole family for a day at what was once “A little zoo that could” if you can. For a schedule of the day's activities and to purchase tickets ahead of time click the link below. 

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

20499 Oak Rd E

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

For more information, please visit their Website.

Wednesday, July 17th - Calling all cool cats and hip chicks, it’s time for a rewind with a cherry on top. Sunliner Diner’s is the place to be all week for a 50s throwback and sock hop. For a selected time only the team will be dishing out a free Dream Sundae with any adult entrée from 2-4 PM. Come on down for a juicy burger or meatloaf of your choice and receive a special treat that beats the heat. This blast from the past is offered at both locations, so put on your poodle skirts and slip into those leather jackets or bring for the photos and join the groovy crew at Sunliner Diner for an afternoon delight you don’t want to miss. 

Sunliner Diner 

100 E 2nd Ave

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

For more information, please visit their Website.

Thursday, July 18th - Meyer Park presents Cameron DuBois and Bama sound for this week's ‘Music at Meyer Park.’ DuBois started as an indie artist developing her craft in Nashville, ultimately discovering her perfect sound of bellow in good ole’ Muscle Shoals where she recorded in collaboration a groovy country/rock/soul album. Gulf Shores is proud to present this combo as a part of its free concert series. The show will begin around 5:30. In the event of rain it will be relocated to Big Beach Brewery. Lawn chairs are welcomed as well as blankets and coolers. Food trucks will also be set up for anyone ready to take it easy and purchase dinner on sight as well as the usual Coastal Alabama Business Chamber with beverages for sale for all ages. Get ready to dance or sit under the stars while enjoying live free entertainment. 

Meyer Park 

400 E 22nd Ave

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

For more information, please visit their Website.

Friday, July 19th - ‘The Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival expands its reach throughout the year in various small gatherings to highlight artists and pair up with past ones. Now partnered with OWA Theater to present ‘Songs & Stories Songwriters Showcase’ for an intimate night with some amazingly talented creators. This event will feature Grammy Award winners and soulful melody writers from Muscle Shoals including Gary Nichols, Trey Nichols and more for an unforgettable evening of original sound and storytelling. If you love music and those behind the pen and string, this is an event catered just for you. The event starts at 7:30PM so plan to come early and have a nice dinner before the show at one of the many restaurants throughout downtown OWA. 

OWA Theatre 

205 N OWA Blvd 

Foley, AL 36535

For more information, please visit their Website.

Saturday, July 20th-21st - Every summer, local not for profit organization ‘High Hopes for Autism’ partners with iconic beach bar Pirate's Cove for a fundraiser to raise awareness. High Hopes is unique in that they tailor each child’s program to their specific needs using proven methods and tools. During the year they work with local kids focusing on developing various skills in socialization, imitation, communication and more. This weekend’s event plays a pivotal role in the upcoming year's success. Sought after artists from all around the Gulf Coast, like Nick Cantrell, Melanie Klass and Maya Blume and more, come out in support of this event, setting up tents to showcase their talents with part of the proceeds donated to the program. There will be sunshine, live music, cheeseburgers in paradise and a chance to win a 2024 Jeep. Come out and bring your fur babies to one of the few beach friendly for pets locations around, all while being a part of something big for local kids in the area and having fun. For more on this event and to enter to win the jeep, see the link below. 

Pirates Cove

6664 CR 95

Elberta, AL 36530

For more information, please visit their Website.

Sunday, July 21st - Every little girl at some point dreams of princesses and boys of pirates. The Hangout in Gulf Shores aims to celebrate this fantastical fantasy by bringing to life a child's imagination with ‘Pirates and Princess Breakfast Adventure.’ Ticket registration is required to ensure everyone has a chance to participate in the action and engage with the actors while they perform for the audience royal court style. Come hungry and ready to fill ye bellies with their all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. The meal includes a platter of biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and breakfast potatoes. For an additional charge, guests can enjoy French toast, pancakes, fruit, and for the adults, refreshing mimosas and bloody Mary’s. Children five and under eat free, up to 12 $8.99, and adults can enjoy for $19.99. Ahoy mateys prepare for a swashbuckling good time, where full on characters are welcomed by all and treasures of every kind can be found. To purchase tickets, click on the link below. 

The Hangout Gulf Shores

101 E Beach Blvd 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

For more information, please visit their Website.