Thing to Do Guide 2021

Meet Jasmine Dimitriev

Tuscany Pizza and Grill

Four four years, Tuscany Pizza
and Grill has been thrilling
Gulf Coast residents and
visitors with its unique twist
on highly authentic Italian flavors.

After moving to the Gulf Coast in
2013 to be closer to her family,
Jasmine Dimitriev decide to
put her 10 years of hospitality
experience — as both a
server and a bartender — to
good use along with her time
spent working in banking and
accounting.

She says working with good
people is a big part of the secret
to her success.

“My knowledge of
restaurant operations is
based on the talented co-
workers I’ve had the privilege of
working with throughout the years to
help further my career.”

Jasmine said introducing Tuscany’s creative and delicious dishes to new
diners, as well as watching the business grow, is one of the ebst things
about her job.

“To see the positive growth in business that you and your staff have created
and strive for is something wonderful and fulfilling.”

Along with opening another location sometime in the next five years and
continuing to innovate with the menu, Jasmine says the restaurant will keep
its most important goal in mind as it continues to grow:

“I consider Tuscany Pizza & Grill unique because of the culture my staff and
I bring to the restaurant. We have a small establishment but we try to make
everyone feel like family here.”

AM

Burgers • Salads • Pasta • Breakfast • Sandwiches

3639 Gulf Shores Parkway • Gulf Shores

251.948.0088

52 Things To Do on the Gulf Coast Scan here to
see our menu!

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LOCAL-LIFE-AD-052821.indd 1 53Things To Do on the Gulf Coast

5/28/21 12:30 PM

RENTALS

MAKE YOUR VACATION

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RENT A SLINGSHOT FOR $225/24 HOURS RENT A JEEP FOR $200/DAY

Select from our selection of High-End Beach Equipment Rentals, Beach Chair Rental,
Umbrella Rental, Crib rentals, Polaris Slingshot Rentals, Sweet Jeep Rentals,

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You are able to select what we have from the comfort of home and have

our staff deliver for FREE, all of your rentals and pick up on the day you leave.

It’s really that simple.

54 Things To Do on the Gulf Coast 251.510.7226

25150 Canal Road, Orange Beach

www.gulfcoastrentalco.com

Meet Tater &
Sarah Harris

When you ask Tater Harris why the beach. We decided in 2015 to
he loves owning Gulf Coast Rent- live in the place where we got mar-
als Co., his answer is as customer- ried and where we love to vacation.”
focused as the business itself. On a birthday trip to Hawaii, the
couple saw the beach equipment
“We enjoy seeing the smile on our rental concept in action and de-
customers’ faces. It feels good to cided to make the idea their own
know you’ve helped someone have here on the Gulf Coast.
a good vacation or a day out with “We owned a Polaris Slingshot that
their wife or girlfriend.” we were renting out already, so
He also says owning a business this we decided to add the beach
makes him more able to be a posi- and baby equipment because we
tive force for the community. saw there was a need for that in our
“It is also extremely rewarding to small town.”
not work for a corporation, to live Gulf Coast Rental Co. is di erent
the American dream of owning because they also provide roadster
your own business and being able rentals for particularly adventurous
to create jobs for others.” who feel the need for speed. Cus-
Born and raised in Saraland, tomers can rent a roadster for an
Alabama – just one hour north of incredible experience around town
Orange Beach – Tater met his wife, and then also rent all the equip-
Sarah, while in Peru for a job, and ment they need for a great day at
the couple spent two months in the beach.
Orange Beach after leaving the In the end, the Harrises and their
South American country. company truly live up to Tater’s life
“This was Sarah’s rst trip to philosophy:
Alabama, and we knew we always
wanted to call this home, “said “You only live once… but if you
Tater. “We both have always loved do it right, once is enough.”

55Things To Do on the Gulf Coast





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surfsupdolphincruises

60 Things To Do on the Gulf Coast

61Things To Do on the Gulf Coast







VISIT OUR THINGS TO DO FLIPBOOK ONLINE AT

TODAY!

A gift shop in Orange Beach, Emporium @ C carries distinctive gifts and
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@emporiumorangebeach

[email protected] 1 6/8/21 3:35 PM

Meet Trisha & Mike
Emporium @ C — Coastal Gifts & More

T risha and Mike Carlson
bought Emporium @ C
(originally the Emporium)
in late 2019, and though
they’d never owned
a retail store before the couple
jumped in with both feet and
haven’t looked back, bringing their
unique blend of style and beachy
chic to shoppers on the Gulf Coast.

Brought to the area from New
Orleans on a quest for a second
home, Orange Beach stole the their
hearts, so the Carlsons decided
to invest in the community by
becoming business owners.

“I love meeting people, whether Trisha said the couple used the
it’s our neighbors, people from time to make changes and plan for
NOLA, tourists…it’s a fun people the future.
business,” said Trisha. “I love
it when people rediscover the “We not only updated the location
store (since we moved across the in 2020, we also added a website
parking lot from the original location (www.emporiumatc.com),
after Hurricane Sally) or find us for enhanced our social media (Facebook:
the first time. We’re grateful for our @emporiumorangebeach,
employees, too, who have stayed Instagram: emporiumatc_ob) and
with us from the beginning.” changed up the inventory we
carry. We want to be the place
Making it through the ups and people know and go for all things
downs of 2020 — including the gifts! Orange Beach, Gulf Shores,
pandemic and Hurricane Sally — coastal, holiday, collegiate etc.
shortly after buying the business Watching the business grow and
was a challenge, she said, but the expand would be great!
store made it through.

“We thank the locals and those
who were able to come visit for
helping us make it through some
challenging times. Our plans for the
store definitely got escalated with
both events.”

PM

more than a coffee house

SHOP
SIP

ENJOY

TWO The Wharf
Hotel Indigo On The Beach
Convenient
Locations

JiMmemeyt & Jaime

Located Directly Across From Target &
Longhorn Steakhouse On Hwy. 59
Local Family Owned & Operated
Proudly Featuring Technology

“BEST COLOR IN THE COUNTY!”

Cutting Edge Digital Equipment
Full Service Printing & Copying

.25 COLOR COPIES WITH THIS COUPON

28lb. Hammermill Premium White Color Copy Stock

(Maximum 1,000)

Open Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
3817 Gulf Shores Parkway, Suite 3 I Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542

251.968.7901 I 251.968.7903 Fax

www.printingzone.com

E-mail: [email protected]

For years, if not decades, industry “experts” have been proclaiming that

“print media is dead”. For locally-owned

Printing Zone in Gulf Shores, though,

21 years of serving the local community

says otherwise!

Specializing in high speed digital printing

and copying, Printing Zone has earned a

reputation of having “the best color around.”

Serving personal clients as well as corporations,

property management associations, and more,

the list of services provided is lengthy. Printing Zone Owner Matt Drouillard
“We have been blessed with over 20 and wife, Becky.

years of success and abundance,” said Matt

Drouillard, who owns the business along with his wife Becky and

since-retired parents, Marv and Eydie. “We have seen some major ups

and downs, but the last several years we have experienced sales growth

despite all of the challenges.”

From standard copying services to spot-on color photo reproduction,

Printing Zone also offers up products such as parking passes, carbonless

forms, postcards, letterhead, envelopes, banners and signs.

“We have made it through numerous hurricanes, the Deepwater

Horizon Oil Spill, even a Global Pandemic,” said Matt. “It was not always

smooth sailing, but we are still here, in great shape, and look forward to

serving our community for decades more!”

A strong sense of community pride is a driving force behind the

success of Printing Zone, and the company has been a supporter of local

schools, churches, and civic organizations since its beginnings in 2000.

Printing Zone is conveniently located on Highway 59 in Gulf Shores,

directly across from Longhorn Steakhouse and The Pelican Place at Craft

Farms Shopping Center. Hours are 9 am - 3 pm Monday through Friday.



Meet the

Fishers

Jack and Hayden Fisher have riences o ered at Top Tier Waters-
spent the last six years ports a perfect t.
loving life and living their Jack says he loves the ever-chang-
business dreams with Top ing nature of owning a company
Tier Waterports. where people come to have fun and
Born and raised in Baldwin County, stay active.
Jack worked as a deckhand for
Southern Rose Dolphin Cruises “Every day is something
in high school; he says things new! I wake up every
came full circle for him years later morning and get to do
when he was able to purchase the something di erent.”
company and grow it into what it is
today. The Fishers hope to continue
Jack says one of the best things expanding the business with new
about the job is the hardworking, o erings and adventures. When
customer-focused employees he asked what he sees happening for
gets to work with every day. the company in the future, he’ll
“We love our work family. Even tell you their long-term goal is to
though we are a seasonal business, “Expand! Expand! Expand!”
most of our crew comes back year And with the popularity and stellar
after year!” reputation enjoyed by the company
Jack and Hayden, along with their here along the Gulf Coast, there’s
little girl, Penelope, enjoy outdoor no doubt the Fisher family will
adventures and activities – from continue to make their dreams a
traveling to snowboarding – which reality.
makes the kinds of high-thrill expe-



Meet the Specchios

One of the main draws to the Gulf ownership at Happy Harbor, though,
Coast is the abundance of water he knew his way around the marina
related activities. As owners of Happy environment.
Harbor Marina, Dominic Specchio
and his wife Jessica are able to share “My father bought a storage marina
their passion for the Gulf Coast and its when I was a senior in high school,
waterways while helping others fall in so that’s the first place I got to work
love with the area, as well. around boats and the water. After that
experience, I determined that’s what
Now in its 14th year, Happy Harbor I wanted to do and make a career out
is the largest watersports rental of.”
company in Orange Beach. They
boast over 50 vessels to choose from, Long and short term boat dry storage
including double and single deck is offered, as well as high grade
pontoons for the whole family, center gasoline and diesel fuels available
console runabouts, jet skis and paddle on the docks and a fully stocked
sports. ship store to pick up all your boating
necessities and souvenirs.
These days, when not working at
the marina, Dominic enjoys boating, “We just have so many different things
exercising, being outdoors and and options for all interests,” said
spending time with his wife, 4-year- Dominic. “We try to pride ourselves
old son, 4-month-old daughter and on all the different features our
two Labrador Retrievers. Even marina and business can supply to
before starting the successful run of customers.”

Rentals

book online and save!

Rentals

book online and save!

251.980.8410
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28101 Perdido Beach Blvd

Orange Beach, AL

RENTALS, FUEL,
LIVE BAIT,
AND MORE.

Our dock store has everything you need in a pinch.
We offer friendly service, information, and a
wide range of products.

28101 Perdido Beach Blvd I Orange Beach, AL 36561

(251) 980-8410

Email: [email protected]

Charter Fishing

best rates
on the island!

251.980.8410
caribemarina.com

28101 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach









Bottom Fishing & Deep Sea Fishing
Up to 6 people a trip
AL/FL Snapper Season
Free Fish Cleaning
Kids Welcome
Deckhands LOVE Tips!

251.979.0150 I 251.981.1998

WahooWaterSports.com

ENJOY A DAY

OUT ON THE BOAT

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[email protected]



We Love Our Kiddos!

Where pups play while you’re away!

Moving from another part of personal “one-on-one” time or
the country to the beautiful Gulf even simply “couch potato” time,
Coast, starting a “resort style” Sea Paws will take care of your
business, and making a living “fur baby”.
doing what you truly love is the
dream of many. “We want our guests to enjoy
their stay - and being able to live
For Paula Gonzales, those on site makes it an extra bonus
dreams are now a reality - with for us,” said Paula. “There will
her own unique twist! The always be activities for your loved
“customers” she loves pampering ones to participate in.”
and catering to are those of the
four-legged variety! Sea Paws After vacationing the Gulf Shores
Dog Resort — opened in October area since 2009, Paula decided
last year — is a facility nestled in the summer of 2014 to start
on 3 acres of land in Bon Secour plans to move and relocate
geared toward a complete permanently from Austin, Texas.
“resort” experience for dogs.
Sea Paws looks forward to
The “guest experience” is fully “giving back” to the community,
customizable. Whether you will be involved in many
have an athletic dog that needs associations and events offered
extensive exercise (running, locally and hopes to reach out
playing ball, socializing with other and help with fund raisers for the
dogs), or one that prefers to have shelters in the area.

SHOPPING

RESTAURANTS

HISTORY THE ROSE TRAIL

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Welcoming, Authentic Downtown Foley.
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FT J M T, S

Board of Directors

Chad Watkins, President; Justin Shanks, Vice President.
Shannon Tierney, Treasurer; Barbara Ingram, Secretary

Board of Directors at large

Kristin Hellmich, Frances Holk-Jones, Anthony Kaiser, Todd Konair,
Clark Stewart, Deborah Mixon, and Charlie Ebert

‘‘D...And We’re Looking Forward to a Bright Future
owntown Foley is the heart of Foley. Our plans are to make
Downtown Foley a place to spend the day and enjoy the
evenings as well! In the coming years, our plans include
organizing alley parties, utilizing an entertainment district
and sporting a plethora of public art. We will have virtual tours and
virtual scavenger hunts, so people can experience Downtown
Foley anytime they want. Along with that, we are working on a sound
economic plan to expand our downtown in an organized way, while
keeping existing businesses strong. Encouraging sound development
that compliments the warm, friendly welcoming atmosphere that
Downtown Foley is known for.”

—Darrelyn Dunmore, Executive Director

Married to Stephen Dunmore, who is also a small business owner, Darrelyn
has a heart for small businesses and has passed the entreprenuership
gene on to her two daughters, Jessica and Caitlin.

Comics! Toys! Games!
Records! Sports
& Pokemon Cards!
Funko Pops!

CALL US TODAY! 251.377.9690

107 S. McKenzie St. • Foley, AL 36535

[email protected] @CovertComicsF

Meet Jason & Lucy

Covert Comics & Collectibles

L and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
ucy and Jason Henderly — and it’s not hard to see that the family
have owned Covert feels blessed.
Comics and Collectibles
for five years, and the store has become “Many shops have closed but
a favorite of locals looking for like- we’ve been blessed with a
minded friends and visitors hoping to growing business. We have a
find the perfect read or that last, ellusive large tourist customer base
piece for their collection. A native of that visits us every year on
Pensacola, Jason said he has been a vacation. And so many faithful
collector almost all his life. customers from the Gulf Coast
area. We also strive to have
“I started collecting baseball cards our shop be a place the whole
when I was 7 years old. Sold them all family can visit.”
when I was older, and then got into
collecting again. I’ve always had a love Jason said he appreciates all the
for collecting cards and comics and support he and his family have received
had the dream of opening a comic and from the area. The couple — alongside
collectibles shop. After a 24-year career their sons Cole, 10, and Brant, 9, and
in sales, I decided to make the jump and daughters Lois, 6, and Cate, 1 — hopes
open my shop. I turned ‘do what you to possibly open another location in the
love’ into a career.” next few years.

Jason added that the family’s favorite
quote is a Bible verse — But as for me

Check Us Out!

There’s Fun For the Whole Family

APPAREL TOYS CRAFT SODA UNIQUE GIFTS
Be sure to grab Enhance their From crazy Need something
some Yabba’s imagination with selections like unique for a special
Gear. Tank Tops, our extensive grass, dirt or
Sweatshirts, Tie selection for butter soda to someone?
Dye, Kid’s Dresses We’ve got you
all ages! nostalgic favorites
& More! - and everything in covered!

between!

251.943.1977

100 W Laurel Ave • Foley, AL 36535

Meet the Tuckers

abba’s Wacky Snack e orts and ideas.”
Shack has been bringing Kristi and Monte keep their focus on
fun and fantastic avors the customer and strive to not only
to the Gulf Coast for more provide something sweet but also to
than 10 years! Owned and create a unique experience for locals
operated by a Kristi Tucker — a Gulf and visitors alike.
native — and her husband, Monte, “We try to create an experience
this local-favorite sweet spot has that our customers have never seen
had a location in Foley, Alabama, for before. This means we o er a lot of
almost three years but has been a variety and have to do a lot of things
beloved household name for treat really well. So for me, no two days
lovers for much longer. are ever the same. It keeps me on my
Kristi comes from a long line of Gulf toes, and I wouldn’t have it any other
Shores small business owners, so she way.”
was born to thrive in the community. The Tuckers hope to continue ex-
She credits her family with giving panding as they develop, learn and
her the knowledge and support grow in the industry and the area
she needed to create her successful while also enjoying family time
company. with their daughters, Riley, 5, and
“My mom was a major in uence, Reagan, 1.
she said, noting that her family has In the end, nding a career and own-
owned and operated local busi- ing a business that brings people joy
nesses for decades. “She gave me also makes the Tuckers smile, Kristi
the support and the platform. We said.
started with a small idea and con- “I get to create, buy, and study every-
tinued to work diligently to grow thing sweet! It’s hard to be unhappy
and expand it. Building the store in when you are talking about candy!”
Foley was a culmination of all of our

Organic Açaí Fruit
bowls made right
here in Gulf Shores,
Alabama!

Delicious, nutritious

and good for the Mind,

Body & Spirit!

68 N Bancroft St 119 S McKenzie St
Fairhope, Alabama, AL 36532 Foley, AL 36535

(251) 210-6999 251-943-1518

1551 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542

251-948-7685

4413 Old Shell Rd.
Mobile, Al 36608

251-287-1922

VISIT OUR THINGS TO DO FLIPBOOK ONLINE AT

TODAY!



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100 Things To Do on the Gulf Coast