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Hi Orange Beach, we made it to Thursday!
In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Mardi Gras beads get new life, Ballyhoo Festival, and Waterville USA opening day + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
Sustainable twist on celebration leftovers: Gulf State Park gives Mardi Gras beads a new life. The park is collecting donations at headquarters to reuse throws for parades and art instead of sending them to landfills — see how you can help.
Sensory room and more planned: After a record book sale, Friends of the Foley Library donated $40,000 for the new building now under construction. It will be twice as large with kid and teen spaces — see what’s planned inside.
New investments shape public spaces: Gulf Shores council discussed a 10-foot multi-use path on West Beach Boulevard and approved pursuing $17 million financing, with a TAP grant helping costs and a possible Windmill Ridge trail — see what’s planned and funded.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
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 Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Burger night, upgraded. Craving a pick-me-up? At Bleus Burger, hand-smashed fresh CAB chuck meets house-made sauces, plus 15 craft beers on tap. It’s a no-fuss, high-reward move when you want indulgence without chaos… basically the weeknight win you deserve.
Bounce, climb, repeat: When the beach weather misbehaves or the kids need an outlet, The Factory Gulf Shores brings the fun indoors with wall-to-wall trampolines, 30-foot climbing walls, batting cages, and an arcade. Easy, local, and guaranteed to wear everyone out.
A little local time travel: Inside a 1910 schoolhouse, Orange Beach History Museum gathers our town’s Native American roots and salty fishing lore with care. It’s small, thoughtful, and very Orange Beach. Need five minutes of perspective… and AC? Wander through and remember why this place feels like home.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Orange Beach for grown ups
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎨 Matinee Art: Shibori Ink Art @ Orange Beach Public Library | Thursday (3/5) at 2:30 PM – Think you can fold a fitted sheet? You can handle Shibori. Learn the traditional Japanese dye technique, fold and dip fabric into patterns you’ll brag about, and head home with chic textiles; registration required, opens exactly one month ahead, sign up here: https://orangebeach.librarycalendar.com/event/matinee-art-shibori-ink-art-3610
🏃 Perdido Beach Resort Half Marathon, 5k & Fun Run @ Perdido Beach Resort | Saturday (3/7) at 7:30 AM – Perdido’s serving scenic miles with a side of Gulf breeze, as the half, 5K, and fun run cruise the beachfront for the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation. Score swag, the post-race party at Perdido Beach Resort, and the right to a poolside nap, with race-cation rates.
🏃 Bunny Hop 5k & Fun Run @ The Wharf Orange Beach Alabama | Saturday (3/7) at 8:30 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to earn brunch, the 14th Bunny Hop 5K and Fun Run at The Wharf is calling, honoring Ann Reese Grote and funding scholarships for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach seniors. Jog, stroll, or just rock the cute tee.
🎨 Ballyhoo Festival of Fine Arts & Culture @ Lake Shelby Gulf State Park | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Nothing beats fine art with a Gulf breeze, and Ballyhoo at Gulf State Park is the classy kickoff we actually want. Think 110 juried artists, the Poarch Creek Indians, a fiddle and banjo showdown, music, food trucks, Lake Shelby views, free entry, and shuttles.
🎢 Waterville USA Opening Day @ Waterville USA | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – Waterville USA is kicking off the 2026 season with Opening Day, and your inner kid just called shotgun on the first coaster. Treat the grandkids, your knees, and your nostalgia, then supervise from the lazy river while calling it cardio, recovery, and quality time.
🌷 Fuel: Lego Flower Creations @ Orange Beach Public Library | Tuesday (3/10) at 4:00 PM – Let your 3rd-5th grader swap YouTube for victory laps at a LEGO flower or succulent build, then bring home two cheerful sets for your mantel. You get quiet time, they get bragging rights, and the coffee table finally looks intentional. Sign up here: https://orangebeach.librarycalendar.com/event/fuel-lego-flower-creations-3633
🥞 Iowa Snowbird Club March Breakfast @ Another Broken Egg Cafe | Wednesday (3/11) at 8:30 AM – Before you flock back to Iowa, grab another breakfast at Another Broken Egg Café on Canal Road in Orange Beach. No program, no prizes, just pancakes, coffee, and catching up with the snowbird crew. Order off the menu, pay your tab, and sign up ahead.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Orange Beach report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 73°F – Low: 64°F – Precip: 15%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 74°F – Low: 65°F – Precip: 26%
A chance of rain showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
Set high on the 16th floor, this rare 5-bed, 5-bath Phoenix Key residence offers 3,000+ sq ft and an oversized balcony with a private hot tub and gas grill, all with unobstructed Gulf views. Ten-foot ceilings and 8-foot solid-core doors meet top-tier appliances. Resort perks include a 6th-floor lazy river, waterslide, indoor pool, hot tubs, and fitness center.
Take a peek inside →
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