High S. Branyon Backcountry Trail contains many elevated boardwalks suitable for hikers and cyclists.
answered knowledgeably (largely based on personal experiences), and made us feel like they were genuinely glad we were there. Sweet home Alabama hospitality at its finest! In addition to housing a gracious staff, Orange Beach’s Welcome Center is brightly lit, meticulously organized and squeaky clean. Just inside the double doors, a lively painting in the shape of a giant oyster shell depicts local shore and sea life. A great blue heron wades and a sea turtle swims. On the wall to the left, whimsical green turtle sculptures are lined up in single file, reminding guests to protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles on nearby beaches. In plexiglass display cases, realistic 3-D models of sea turtle hatchlings clamber out of cracked eggs left behind in a sandy nest—in route to their first risky dip in the Gulf of Mexico. Best of all, helpful published materials about area attractions are bountiful. A stop at the Welcome Center certainly sparks a visitor’s interest in exploring Orange Beach’s appealing range of
SWEET HOME ALABAMA By Paula Loehr
Howmany times have youhummedor sung alongwith the classic country tune Sweet Home Alabama ? In Alabama’s southeastern corner, the sweet ‘n’ juicy city of Orange Beach offers visitors a terrific home away from home. Orange Beach also provides nature-loving travelers with a full spectrum of engaging outdoor wonders—from picture-perfect sandy seashores to winding, wooded backcountry trails. Orange Beach's bright white Welcome Center on Perdido Beach Boulevard is topped off with a teal blue roof that is easy-peasy for the passersby to see. The building’s high visibility is a good thing, because no one should miss meeting the Welcome Center’s friendly crew. When we arrived at the center on a breezy Saturday morning, a smiling energetic woman met us at the door and presented a “goodie bag” brimming with brochures, local maps and promotional offers. She and her cheery co-worker listened intently to our touristy questions,
natural assets. Hit the Beach
First and foremost, Orange Beach’s seascapes are visual masterpieces. Wide expanses of pure white sand and remarkable blue-green Gulf waters present eye-popping
SWEET HOME ALABAMA
COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2020
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