It may be Thanksgiving week, but that doesn’t slow down this little beach town. We’ve got something fun and adventurous to share with you each and every day. 

Looking for the perfect place to spend your Thanksgiving, shopping and where to dash for Black Friday specials, good eats, outdoor and water exploring with history and more? The Alabama Gulf Coast has just what you need and more.

Monday, Nov 20th - Gearing up for the Holiday’s is always better with a little festive pastime experience. When we think of winter we think of sledding, skiing, making snowmen, snowball fights and ice skating. All things that come with the seasons changing, colder weather and snowfall. At the beach you may not expect any of these things to be possible, but think again. Presented by Pepsi and located at one of the island's prime locations, the Wharf Orange Beach brings winter to you. Featuring real ice, join in for an exceptional holiday ice skating showdown that brings old and new skaters together in a winter zoned enclosed ice rink. Skaters only are required to complete a waiver before taking on the rink. Come experience this special display of Holiday pastime and grab a pair of skates to see if you've still got it. Located near the Main Street entrance, tent style open 10 AM through 10 PM. General Admission:$15 (includes skate rental), Combo Pass (Ice Rink + Ferris Wheel):$20, Frequent Skater Pass (10 passes):$100. 

The Wharf Orange Beach

23101 Canal Rd.

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://alwharf.com/events

(251) 224-1000

Tuesday, Nov 21st - When visiting the Gulf Coast, The Orange Beach Store is a must stop in for the whole family. A timeless location situated on the most southern side of our coastal shores is an original build surrounded by stifling condos that curate a salty fresh air that flows through to the bone. Step up and step in to see our pride and joy, our town logo, a simple yet satisfying orange. Inside feast your eyes on all things slender sleeves to snuggling pocketed crew sweatshirts, hats, tees, eco-friendly love where you live cups, mugs, tumblers and huggins plus more. Inspired to deck the whole family out in true Orange Beach style this Holiday Season all the way down to the fur babies? This not all one size fits all, but a good land marked logos do shop offers custom Orange Beach Dog Collars and Beach towels, so in participating beach locations your pals can join you in look, comfort and Orange Beach class all year long. Stop by to see for yourself just how quaint and exhilarating this little local shop is. 

The Orange Beach Store

25122 Perdido Beach Blvd #7

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://theorangebeachstore.com

(251) 981-0988

Wednesday, Nov 22nd - The day before Thanksgiving can bring anyone visiting or local a sense of insecurity on what activities to choose that may or may not be open for the Holidays. Although this little beach town slashes through traditional traditions to bring you not only open but themed oriented events during the holidays, it also offers year round landmark guarantees. Take a break and a drive down to Fort Morgan and visit the Third System masonry fort named after Revolutionary War Hero Daniel Morgan. Fixated on a most pristine spot where the Bay befriends the Gulf of Mexico. The fort has seen many storms of war and siege and still stands tall to whisper the sounds of bravery in war and history with a cost that tells the tales of days long-lost. Grab a friend, bring the family, pack a lunch and camera and dive into one historical beach adventure that will always remain a time capsule with a still beating pulse. 

Fort Morgan

110 Hwy 180 W 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://ahc.alabama.gov/properties/ftmorgan/ftmorgan.aspx

Thursday, Nov 23rd - Happy Thanksgiving let's pot luck Bama style. Turkey and Ham will be provided, the rest will set off family/Bamily style. The Flora-Bama Thanksgiving brings everyone together, Bamily or not, for one big thank you to guests, and hats off to an incredible team for the year. It is encouraged but not required to bring your favorite covered dish to share. Take the Holiday’s in with white sandy shores and emerald water glistening views for the best part of our small town big beach lifestyle, you. The Bar will be open and ready to serve up your favorite holiday or regular liquid beverage delights, plus the gift shop and you guessed it, music. 365 days of the year the Flora-Bama brings to you a guarantee of live music that will make anyone dance to the beat. 

Flora-Bama 

17401 Perdido Key Dr

Pensacola, FL 36507

https://www.florabama.com/thanksgiving-potluck

Friday, Nov 24th - Happy Black Friday let's save. Some of our best award-winning restaurants are offering limited time specials you don’t want to miss.  Cobalt, GT’s on the Bay, Luna’s Eat and Drink, and Cosmo’s are offering a $25 gift card back with any $100 or two $50 gift card purchases. This is a great idea for teacher Christmas gifts, friends or family that also gives a gift back to the giver. Head on over or dial up to secure experience gifts with season pass deals for OWA, including tropic falls, The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and The Factory, some only offered this time of year. Don’t forget not all local small businesses will have online Black Friday deals, so driving or strolling around town to see who has pop-up specials is also an option, plus you can walk that turkey off. Later on, stop by Big Beach Brewery for some tantalizing tunes by Cowboy Johnson and Sugarcane Jane as they light up the outdoor stage.

Big Beach Brewery 

300 E 24th Ave

Gulf Shores, AL 36535

https://www.bigbeachbrewing.com

Saturday, Nov 25th - To keep with keeping it local and supporting those that have crafted it all year long, let’s head to Foley, AL. Coastal Alabama Market opens each Saturday on CR 20 with smiles and the welcoming phrase “follow me to the market.” This weekend, join some amazing local vendors with items like honey or veggies, fresh fish, a handmade trinket, stools, decor and so much more. Shop with Wildcat Soaps and candles and grab some sensational natural scents for home or gifting items to get the job done. 

Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen's Market

10215 Tony Dr

Foley, AL 36535

https://www.coastalalabamamarket.com/home

Saturday, Nov 25th - Feeling Full after Thanksgiving, try burning off those calories by joining Team Magic in one of three racing categories. Starting at 8 AM, racers will meet up to run, jog, walk or stroll the smooth paved trails of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system. Participants can look forward to not only shedding a few but also having their chance to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Gulf State park, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach. Races offered are as follows: 13.1 miles Half Marathon, 5k- 5 kilometers, and the 1-mile Fun Run. Link to sign up below.

Orange Beach Sportsplex 

4385 William Silvers Pkwy

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://www.team-magic.com/events/280

Sunday, Nov 26th - It’s never too cold until it is for paddleboarding and watersports with Ike’s and we haven't got there yet. Early morning sunrise exploring, and dusk bring a crisp cool air and local marine and flight life action. Midday one can enjoy a warmer coat from the sun beamed sky but not quite too cool or warm, it's just right. Our back bays offer large open to explore areas as well as coves and bayous to tickle the fancy of any and all nature enthusiasts. Not only will you work your strength muscles and your brain muscles for this activity but you also might have a good stretch and balance or two. Rather you are seeking it for thrill, exercise or art, bringing a way to capture your journey safely can make all the difference when looking back on the memory. It is recommended to bring a dry bag, phone/camera waterproof case or box to secure all your personal items including that which you plan to capture the experience with. Lighter is better and remember when paddling going the extra mile means double time coming back. Enjoy safely and smartly and snag those extra memory shots. Ike’s Beach Service also offers kayaking this time of year. 

Ike’s Beach Service

800 West Beach Blvd

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://ikesbeachservice.com

(251) 948-3757