Food Traveler Magazine Winter 2017 | Page 150

WINTER AIR ON ALABAMA’S 32 miles of sugar-white sand Beaches. with warmer weather, an array of activities and events, and impeccable culinary cuisine, the holiday season truly comes alive in gulf shores and orange Beach. Beginning shortly after thanksgiving and con- tinuing to new year’s day, the area is in full swing with coastal christmas. coastal christmas includes many events, including a lighted boat parade, the annual merry market which offers more than 70 unique arts and gifts ven- dors, and a dip into the gulf at the public beach on new year’s morning. this year’s lineup is sure to give even the scrooge of the family a few smiles and laughs. along with coastal christmas, the cities of gulf shores and orange Beach offer their guests a plethora of activities and attractions to enjoy. Bike rides through the gulf state park, fishing on the back bays or the gulf state park pier, christmas shopping at the wharf and area boutiques, and eat- ing a variety of coastal delicacies including royal red shrimp and gulf oysters are just some of the ways guests spend time in the destination during the winter season. alabama’s beaches also offer a multitude of accommodation options. from nation- ally-recognized hotel brands to resorts complete with indoor pools, fitness facilities and on-site din- ing, there is something for everyone in gulf shores and orange Beach. to learn more about the holiday season on alabama’s beaches visit GulfShores.com or OrangeBeach.com. Be sure to request a free copy of the 2018 vacation guide, where you'll find information about area accommo- dations, things to see and do, and the best places to eat. “With warmer weather, an array of activities and events, and impeccable culinary cuisine, the holiday season truly comes alive in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.”