We’re really not “beach people” — so what the heck are we doing in Gulf Shores, AL? Well, we’re water people; coastal dwellers; sea food lovers; and we love the salty air and atmosphere a coast provides. So at least once per year (this year in May) we make our way to Gulf Shores, AL, to Bay Breeze RV Park on the Northern shore of the Ft Morgan peninsular about half way between Gulf Shores and Ft Morgan. 
If you’re looking for lots of concrete, a swimming pool and Tiki bar, this ain’t it. But if you’re looking for a small (Approx 20 slips), laid back, drink your coffee on the deck and watch the sunrise (or sip your Zin and watch the sunset) kind of place, it doesn’t get any better.
After reacquainting ourselves with “Fresh Market Seafood”, we picked up our daily ration of the night before caught in the bay seafood. Fresh shrimp along with fresh tuna, lemon fish, snapper… well, you get the picture. This keeps our grill supplied for our nightly fresh seafood fix!
Then, after checking out the ice cream joints, it was time to venture out during the day after our morning bike rides. 
One of our favorite stops only happens on Friday or Saturday (only time they’re open) – Sweet Home Farm. Picture the first licensed farmstead cheesemakers in Alabama (1985), cheese made solely from the milk of their herd of Guernsey cows, with no herbicides, pesticides growth hormones, preservatives or colorings, and you have the best, melt in your month local cheese you’re likely to find in the country! This trip, we purchased four cheeses:
- Elberta, a house recipe and most popular cheese, a semisoft and slightly tart cheese. It is great for melting and wonderful with fresh fruit.
At room temperature, it melts in your mouth. - Perdido – one of the farm’s signature cheeses. It is layered with ash from home grown herbs and has an herbal, slightly smoky flavor with a carob coated rind. This cheese is aged at least four months.
- Gouda – a Dutch style cheese that is smooth, mild and highly versatile. We purchased two varieties:
- Garlic and
- Provence, seasoned with herbs.
Along with the cheeses, they sell a small variety of complimentary products. One item sold is bread made locally by the Elberta Bread Lady. We purchased a loaf of walnut wheat. This bread was a rich brown in color, with a light texture and had pieces of walnuts.
I guess you get the hint by now that we like the small mom & pop places, farmers markets, the hole in the wall places – almost always fresh and places the locals go. Another stop for us in Elberta was the Farmers Market. Held from 8 to Noon on Saturdays in the Summer, May-July, and in the Fall, Oct-Dec, the Saturday we shopped there were seven farmers. We bought peaches, okra, fig preserves and mayhaw jelly.
If you take Hwy 59 from I-10 to get to Gulf Shores, you’ll pass through Foley, AL. Most people that are familiar with Foley know it because of the Tanger Outlet Mall – the mall is huge and put Foley on the map. However, there is more to Foley than the Outlet Mall. During the summer, there is a farmers market, music, and a movie every Friday night from May – July. Heritage Park on Chicago Street is the site for the events. The market is from 4 pm to 7 pm, the free concert begins at 6 pm, and the movie begins at sundown. Bring a blanket or chairs along with a picnic supper and enjoy a summer evening under the stars. We shopped the first market of the season and came away with squash, zucchini, eggplant, and honey. The Gallberry Honey was from Kittrell’s Daydream Apiary, and was the most delicate and light honey we have had. In addition to the honey Kittrell’s offers Milk and Honey Soap, Beeswax Candles, and Wildflower Honey.
Another local gem is The Oar House Restaurant, 321 S. McKenzie Street, Foley, AL, a small seafood restaurant yet large on freshness and flavor. The restaurant is on the side street behind the seafood market, is family run and everyone is treated like family.
Another find in Foley is a long time local diner, the Foley Coffee Shop. The diner provides lots of local color, is located across the street from Heritage Park and is open for breakfast and lunch Monday-Saturday. It’s a typical old time diner with cooking back of the counter so you can watch everything going on in the diner. You can no doubt find better food elsewhere, but not the full package you’ll get at the Foley Coffee shop.
