Victor Block

By Victor Block Travel Writer

My first thought was that I had taken a wrong turn. This couldn’t be Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. That’s known for long stretches of magnificent sand and unspoiled nature.

I was passing glitzy highrise condominium buildings and restaurants ranging from gourmet elegant to beachdive casual.

It wasn’t long, though, before I understood. I was in a something-for-everyone place. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach combine attractions available at many sunand-sand destinations with a number of enticing add-ons.

Those who like to commune with Mother Nature have plenty of opportunities. Active types may choose from a long list of pursuits. Folks seeking learning experiences head for museums devoted to a diversity of topics.

Granted, beach tourism is why many people visit Gulf Shores, a town of about 12,000 residents; Orange Beach, with about half that number, and the sun-drenched area surrounding them. Tan-seekers find a total of 32 miles of pristine white quartz sand lapped by the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have eight miles of beach. Gulf State Park encompasses two miles, and Fort Morgan fronts 14 miles of seashore.

Pentagon-shaped Fort Morgan was completed in 1834 to strengthen the country’s coastal defense following the War of 1812. The site contains historic military buildings, artillery batteries and a museum with exhibits of weapons, photographs and letters written by soldiers who served there. A living history program interprets the military periods in the fort’s active life. To top it off, the setting overlooks a broad, snow-hued beach.

While Gulf State Park is home to the shortest stretch of beach, other claims to fame account for its popularity. Nine ecosystems nestled in its 6,000-plus acres include pine forests, coastal hardwood swamps and freshwater marshes. Boggy streams and three spring-fed lakes are among the water features.

A backcountry trail complex stretches for 28 miles. Hikers may spot white-tailed deer, an alligator basking in the sun and even a bobcat looking for its dinner. Boating and fishing are available and, for those seeking modest accommodations, there are cabins, cottages and campsites.

Visitors seeking a more extensive selection of activities also are in luck. Kayaking and paddle boarding attract people of all ages. Dinner, sunset and dolphin watching cruises appeal to those preferring to take to sea without any effort.

Lake and ocean fishing tempt anglers. Some try their luck off a pier stretching 1,540 foot over the Gulf of Mexico’s water.

Snorkelers and divers also find much to like. Artificial reefs provide experiences geared to everyone from children and beginners to advanced divers.

Golfers may spend time on 14 courses either in the immediate area or within an hour’s drive. Two of them, Craft Farms and Kiva Dunes, have ranked high on Golf Digest “best courses” lists.

People who prefer indoor pursuits also are in luck. Small museums provide insight into the region’s history and character.

The Gulf Shores Museum is located in a pre-World War II beach house. A permanent exhibits tell the story of 19th century settlers and of hurricanes, including how they originate and how a community rebuilds from their destruction. Rotating displays deal with a variety of other topics.

In keeping with its name, the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum provides introductions to the area’s Native American and fishing heritages. The USS Alabama at Battleship Memorial Park, an hour drive away in Mobile, is home to the massive ship, which saw action for 37 months during World War II, a World War I submarine and a collection of historic aircraft.

An hour’s drive in the other direction leads to the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla. Despite its name, the collection of more than 250 aircraft represents every military branch. The complex also is home to the famous Blue Angels, the aerobatic team of Navy and Marine aviators who thrill onlookers with their literal flights of fancy.

Battle ships and historic airplanes, golf and a Gulfrelated museum might seem to have little in common with an inviting beach destination, and that’s the point.

Inclusion of the place on “Top 10” and “Most Beautiful” lists is based upon the magnificent stretches of sand as well as the long list of other attractions that the Gulf Coast and Orange Beach offers those who go there. As one repeat visitor told me, “I came here the first time for the beaches. Now I return for everything else.”

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Eating a nutritious, balanced diet and exercising regularly is important for leading a healthy lifestyle.

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• Eat 5 meals a day – don’t skip! • Choose a variety of dairy, vegetables, fruit, protein and whole grains for every meal • Limit fat, sugar and salt • Drink plenty of water • Avoid excess sodium

• Go for a lunchtime walk • Skip the elevator, take the stairs • Stretch or exercise at your desk • Stand up during phone calls or use a standing desk • Park far away to get in more steps • Cleaning or dancing counts

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LISBON — JMG students at Lisbon High School went on a business tour of call center Wayfair’s Brunswick campus.

Wayfair is an international company with offices in both Brunswick, Brunswick Landing, and in Bangor. Wayfair has had immense growth in their company requiring that they hire new employees with varying education credentials.

Students were impressed by the break-out areas with ping pong tables and a snack wall. The tour brought them through the business and call center areas and training rooms.

The tour culminated with a question and answer period, where employees shared their backgrounds, and described the qualities that make a good employee. A Wayfair employee said that the company has the best work environment they have ever been a part of.

A JMG senior said, “I really felt that it was an open and welcoming place that I could see myself applying to once I graduate.”

JMG students also toured the Southern Maine Community College Midcoast Campus at Brusnwick Landing.

A few highlights were finding out that SMCC offers EMT basic training courses, finding a Career Center in the commons, and seeing the dorms that were once officer quarters back when it was a U.S. Navy base.

JMG has College Success Programs on 10 campuses across the state, including SMCC, which provide important support aimed at ensuring JMG college students are successful in earning degrees.

Submitted photo

SABATTUS — The American Legion Harry J. Conway Post 135 will hold its monthly public Community Breakfast Sunday, March 3, from 7:30 to 10 a.m., at the post building, 40 Island Road.

The cost is $8 per adult and $3 per child (10 and under). The menu includes scrambled eggs, eggs to order, French toast, chipped beef, pancakes, sausage, ham, baked beans, two types of country fries, toast, muffins, orange juice, coffee, tea and milk.

Proceeds from the breakfast support community and veteran’s programs, such as veteran rehabilitation, national security, Americanism and children and youth.

The next breakfasts will be the first Sundays of April, May and June. The annual scholarship breakfast will be held at the June breakfast.

The Sabattus Harry J. Conway American Legion Post 135 has been serving the local community since December 1924. The American Legion celebrates its 100 year of service in 2019!

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LISBON — Positive Change Lisbon and Lisbon Recreation held the 10th annual Father Daughter Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, Feb. 9, at at the MTM Center. The organizers said, “Our thanks to a fabulous team of volunteers and the Lisbon DARE program and the Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union for their continuing sponsorship.”

March 7

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