Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Growth-driven road improvements: Foley City Council approved plans to add turn lanes on South Juniper Street, including a southbound left onto Beignet Drive, to ease congestion. Funding will come from impact fees -- see what's planned and funded.

Broader access for cart drivers: Golf cart rules changed in nearby Gulf Shores. The council approved updates on April 13, letting anyone allowed to drive in Alabama operate carts in designated areas after public input -- read the full story.

Nature and recreation showcase: Gulf State Park will host its first Venture Out festival May 15-17, bringing guided tours, beach and nature walks, a rope course, workshops, and live art near Orange Beach -- get all the festival details.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

A breezy brain break: When the wind’s extra or the kids need a reset, trade sand for putts at Beachside Mini Golf. Expect lighthouse views, a tropical waterfall, and a cheeky charter-boat obstacle... plus the first nine holes are ADA-friendly, so everyone’s welcome to the victory dance.

Coastal sips await: Feeling midweek meh? Gulf Babe Wine Boutique brings the coastal-pink vibe, crisp martinis, and curated wine that turns a quick glass into a full catch-up. Swing by this week, try something you haven’t had yet, and let the stress clock out early.

Local gift lifesaver: Hosting out-of-towners or need a quick birthday fix, Souvenir City of Orange Beach is a treasure trove of locally themed keepsakes, beach gear, and custom airbrush made in-store. Two Orange Beach locations mean you can pop in between errands and still look like you planned ahead.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🀄 Mahjong Mondays @ Gulf Babe Wine Boutique | Monday (4/27) at 5:00 PM – Whether you spot a pure double chow at twenty paces, just got hooked, or you’re Mahjong-curious, Gulf Babe Wine Boutique hosts open play every Monday. Bring a set or join a table, sip something lovely, and enjoy the only Monday meeting worth attending.

🎵 Soundcheck Music Bingo Night @ Big Beach Brewing (Gulf Shores) | Tuesday (4/28) at 7:00 PM – Nothing beats singing along to the wrong lyrics, then scoring a prize when you nail bingo. Big Beach Brewing’s music bingo turns Tuesday nights into a nostalgia trip through the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s, free to play, low on pressure, high on bragging rights.

🌕 Full Moon Beach Meditation and Sound Bath Journey @ The Lodge at Gulf State Park (Gulf Shores) | Wednesday (4/29) at 7:00 PM – Craving a reset under the Flower Moon? Hit the beach by The Lodge at Gulf State Park for a full moon meditation and sound bath, $22 via Venmo to @Desiree-Hullaster. Bring a mat, pillow, blankets, and water, then let the waves handle the heavy lifting.

🍷 April Wine Dinner @ Villaggio Grille at The Wharf | Thursday (4/30) at 6:00 PM – If your idea of multitasking is chewing, sipping, and nodding like you know terroir, this four-course, four-wine dinner is your kind of night. Real pairings, zero guesswork, just good company and grown-up flavors. Call 251-224-6510 to reserve your table.

🎈 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 @ OWA Parks & Resort (Foley) | Thursday (4/30) – Clear skies mean a sky full of hot air balloons, local artists, and that slow Gulf Coast kind of happy. Stroll, snack, browse, and watch giant colors drift by, and yes, bring your lawn chair, camera, and weather app just in case.

🎭 Seussical @ Orange Beach Performing Arts Center | Friday (5/1) – Thursday night means Seussical in town, a bright, funny spin through Whoville with the Cat in the Hat, Horton, and tunes you will hum in the parking lot. Bring the kids, or claim it’s for them and enjoy it yourself, no green eggs required.

🏇 Kentucky Derby Viewing Party and Hat Contest @ Coastal | Saturday (5/2) at 3:00 PM – Derby Day at Coastal Orange Beach means live music, cocktails, and a beachside menu. Wear the hat, pretend it's practical. Best Dressed Duo gets a Flora-Bama pontoon rental, and Best Hat, male and female, snag $300 gift cards from The Orange Beach Store and Coastal.

This one of a kind eight bedroom residence rises in the highly anticipated Phoenix Key on Orange Beach’s east side, showcasing sweeping coastal views and an amenity lineup built for coastal days and starry nights. Completion in 2027 offers the chance to tailor select finishes. A chef’s kitchen anchors the plan with a 48 inch Wolf/Sub-Zero fridge and premium appliances.