A Perfect Destination For A Fall Foodie Vacation

 

With our kids back in school and fall sports for the kiddos in full swing, it can make us feel like our summer fun has to come to an end.  Not so! Alabama Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is an ideal destination to let us “Keep on Summering” well into the fall months with pleasant mild weather well into November.

The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach region won me over on my first visit last year with soft white sandy beaches, breathtaking sunrises, and especially the delectable food.

It’s a foodie’s playground and the shoulder season offers so many reasons to plan a fall foodie vacation to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, whether it’s with family, a couple, or getaway with the girls.

| This post is part of a partnership with Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to bring you awesome reasons to #KeeponSummering on the white sandy beaches of Alabama’s Coastline. |

Festivals

 

In mid September there is the Wharf Uncorked Wine & Culinary Event, with wine dinners and the delectable tasting event.  October is the 46th Annual National Shrimp Festival. 200 pounds of shrimp a day being prepared by the area’s best chef’s is a seafood lover’s dream.

Late October brings Alabama’s own take on Ocktoberfest, with the Elberta Sausage Festival. This is a biannual event celebrating community and all things German food. There are cloggers and polka band in the line-up for entertainment to truly bring German culture to the South.

In early November is The Hangout Oyster Cook-Off & Craft Beer Weekend. The oysters of the region are not to be missed and this festival is a great way to experience the different varieties of the Gulf Coast as well as oysters from the Pacific Northwest, New England, the Maritimes, British Columbia, the Mid-Atlantic, Baja Peninsula.

Learn more about the festival dates and activities on the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach website.

Seafood

 

It’s no surprise that seafood is the most common and most popular food genre at a place blessed with such a prime location on the Gulf of Mexico. GSOB has put together some awesome “Eat Your Way Around the Beach” foodie trails! It’s a great resource to give you suggested itineraries based on the type of food you’re looking for.

The oyster trail, fresh fish trail, shrimp trail and the crab trail will unlock the keys to the best seafood in the area.

 

A visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach isn’t complete without a meal at Fisher’s Dockside and trying the infamous Murder Point oysters.  They are perfect for a first timer because they are small but flavorful and buttery.

Lulu’s is Gulf Shores stable eatery on the water with a fun atmosphere and no frills seafood.  The blackened redfish was one of my favorite meals.

Variety of Restaurants

Of course there’s more options than just seafood on a foodie vacation. There is literally everything from Italian, to steaks, Mexican, Asian, and burgers. There’s something tasty for every palette.

Don’t let the white sandy beaches fool you. The Gulf Shores area is still very much in tune with its southern roots and that means an abundance of southern cuisine.

 

Gumbo, red beans and rice, beignets, and pig candy bacon are just a few of my favorite southern delights I’ve eaten in the area. I also absolutely loved the southern spin on eggs Benedict at the Ruby Slipper Cafe.

Views

One of the best perks of dining in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is being able to dine on the water with spectacular views. There is no shortage of locations on the beach or on the inland waters where you can enjoy a scrumptious meal and take in a view.

The Gulf beachside restaurant hands down is one of the best places to take in Gulf breezes, a good meal, and refreshing cocktail.

 

With the helpful food trail itineraries and easy to use restaurant search tools, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach makes it a breeze to plan your next  foodie vacation or as I like to call it, “Foodcation”, as you keep on summering with the family, a couple, or a group of friends.

 

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