Food Traveler Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 94

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach , Alabama ’ s 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches boast a unique culinary scene filled with fantastic festivals , nationally-recognized chefs and fresh Gulf seafood .
GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH , AL
This fall , Alabama ’ s beaches will play host to several recurring food festivals and events . The Wharf Uncorked Food & Wine Festival ( Sept . 14-16 ) will kick off the season with food tastings prepared by local chefs , wine from all over the country and live music . The National Shrimp Festival ( Oct . 12-15 ) will celebrate its 46 th year on the public beach in Gulf Shores with nationally-acclaimed musical acts , 200 pounds of Gulf shrimp and hundreds of arts and crafts vendors . The Hangout Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Weekend ( Nov . 3-4 ) will showcase more than 70 chefs , breweries from across the southeast , live music and much more . Then , rounding out the season is the World Food Championships ( Nov . 8-12 ). Chefs compete in nine categories , then face off at The Finale Table , with the winner being awarded the grand prize of $ 100,000 . This year , the event is expected to bring more than 400 teams from around the world . The week-long event will be held at The Wharf in Orange Beach .
Along with the exciting culinary events , Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have a multitude of dining options .
From waterfront and open-air seating to live music performed nightly , many restaurants have become destinations on their own . Many take pride in serving not only fresh local seafood but locally-sourced produce , cheeses and meats as well .
Visit GulfShores . com to learn more about the Alabama Gulf Coast . While there , be sure to request a copy of the 2017 vacation guide , a 100-page magazine that features a photographic tour of the area , and includes complete listings of accommodations , things to see and do , and great places to eat .