BIRDSA Winter Visitor - FREE! - Snowbirds Gulf Coast
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SnowBIRDS
E ! Gulf Coast
E
FR
A Winter Visitor
Publication
January 2023
Calendar
pages 12-13
Clubs
pages 10-11
Snowbird
Events
page 14
In print and online
InSnowBirdsGulfCoast.com
print and online
S NOW BI R D S 17 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y Y E A R
Gulf Coast
SnowBIRDS
ON THE COVER
Canadian couple Beverley Lee,
72, and Charles Vertes, 77, met
aboard a cruise ship pre-Covid.
They are calling the Alabama Gulf
Coast home port for the winter,
with plans to set sail several
times throughout the season. At
left, they enjoy Luna’s, a favorite
snowbird spot in Orange Beach.
INDEX
Publisher’s Welcome............................................................................................................6
Cover Couple......................................................................................................................8-9
Clubs...................................................................................................................................10-11
Calendar.............................................................................................................................12-13
Snowbird Events..................................................................................................................14
Casino Entertainment........................................................................................................16
Leisure Learning...................................................................................................................17
Cruises.....................................................................................................................................18
Publisher: Karen Harrell / Publisher@SnowbirdsGulfCoast.com / 850.291.1266
Art Director: Jahna Jacobson
Writers and Contributors: Karen Harrell
Photography: Randy Hamilton/Hamilton Art Agency
Join our Facebook Page and Enewsletter.
February edition ad deadline: Jan 10
Welcome! Welcome! Another January is here! New respect. That’s what I have for folks who’ve endured many tough winters and now spend time on the Gulf Coast. My family traveled to Arkansas over the holidays, anxiously awaiting our daughter‘s arrival (the day before, the arctic blast freakily charged through, dropping temperatures by some 40 degrees). She miraculously made her flight (her connecting gate in Charlotte had changed, but the flight had to be delayed because the plane had a glancing blow with the retreating stairs. So she arrived late but in time to “hunker down“ with us and assorted other family. A nephew took a 24-hour bus ride home from Arizona, and although there were delays, he arrived late at night, and the station happened to be across the interstate from our hotel. What an ordeal! Many of you are just returning, while others are first-time visitors. Some are refugees from Hurricane Ian. All are welcome. This region’s community organizations organize “Welcome” events for you all. Vendors set up, and they give you a chance to interact. I highly recommend you try to make as many as possible and explore! From the casinos of Mississippi to the beautiful beaches along Alabama and Northwest Florida, there are many rich experiences to be had. Our cover story this month is a wonderful story of finding love on a cruise ship after losing their spouses. Yes, it can happen! If you’ve been here before, you will notice the magazine is a bit smaller this time. Like many news media, we are working to survive and will do all we can to bring you winter visitor news. As long as we can... Ok, put a smile on your faces and get out there and engage each other. That’s the spice of life. Best wishes, Karen Harrell, publisher@snowbirdsgulfcoast.com 850-291-1266 Be sure to “Like” our Facebook page, go to our website, and sign up for our Seasons, our e-newsletter. We try to have fun with both. Take care. Be well.
Canadian Couple makes Alabama home port for cruise season
Beverley Lee, 72, and Charles Vertes, 77, have been spending winters here since had known about
met aboard a cruise ship pre-Covid with then. (I) stayed at the Beach Club, Fort cruising and
a made-for-television movie-type script. Morgan, from 2008 until 2020. (I) was snowbirding before
Both are fit and adventuresome with active as a volunteer yoga instructor retirement?
bright, welcoming smiles. This year they and helped snowbirds with technology. No… in my wildest
are renting a three-bedroom condo at (I) still help with their snowbird imagination, I did
Turquoise in Orange Beach. Here is their Facebook page. (I have) made many not think retired
story as told by Lee. friends and keep in touch. life could be this
amazing. Highly
Q. Are you married? Charles visited in winter 2020. Then,
recommend it. Live
(We are) not married. Our spouses Covid (happened) and we were unable
every day to the
passed away several years ago. We met to travel until the fall of 2021. We are
fullest.
on a transatlantic cruise in November thrilled to be back again.
2019. Q. What kind of
Q. You met on a transatlantic cruise
activities do you
Q. Are you still working or retired? and were both traveling solo? How
like to do on the
I retired as a school principal in 2006, did that happen?
coast? Are there
and Charles retired as a McDonald’s We both love cruising - a safe and fun
any you miss doing
franchise owner in 2019. way to travel alone. Ship excursions
at home?
provide numerous opportunities to
Q. Where are you both from? Enjoy symphony
explore each port. As a woman, I would
I am from Midland, Ontario, and Charles and theatre in Gulf
not have felt confident going to many of
is from Vancouver, British Columbia. We Shores, Orange
these places. Charles and I boarded the
spend our time between our two homes Beach, Pensacola
ship in Barcelona, Spain.
and travel extensively. and Mobile. Walking
Charles left after 15 days in Miami, the beautiful beach,
Q. Do you have children and
while I continued on the same ship local trails and
grandchildren?
for 15 more days through the Panama practicing yoga
No children for me. Charles has two
Canal and other ports, all the way to are my favorite
boys and eight grandchildren – four-
San Diego. As an avid boater, it had activities. Charles
year-old triplets (two girls and a boy),
been my dream to do this repositioning loves golf. He
a nine-year-old boy, three teenage girls
transatlantic cruise. participates in
and a teenage boy.
the Iowa-Alabama
Q. For those who don’t know
Q. How did you decide to spend your Snowbird Golf Club
how cruising works - particularly
winter on the Alabama Gulf Coast? group several times
transatlantic cruises - explain what
Back in 2008, I visited friends here and a week. We both
attracted you guys to that option.
instantly fell in love with the area. (I) love trying new
Transatlantic and/or repositioning
restaurants, especially seafood. The Q. Do you ever take side trips to and
cruises are usually longer and involve
Gulf, Cosmos, Acme (and) Cobalt are from the coast?
many sea days. Ships are being moved
long-time favorites. Both our homes are No! Usually, (we) can’t wait to get
to or from their seasonal locations. We
on the water, but we miss the sights here. (We) normally drive down from
both love days at sea and exploring
and sounds of the Gulf, the beautiful Toronto in two or three days. (We) often
new destinations not easily available by
quartz sand and fresh seafood from Joe stop in Niagara Falls, Nashville and/or
car, train or plane.
Patti’s in Pensacola. Birmingham.
Q. How did Covid affect your
Q. What are your favorite places to This time, we did a cruise out of NOLA
relationship?
go? Any new ones? before our vacation. (We) loved doing
Our travel plans changed dramatically.
Love Fairhope, Pensacola, New Orleans cruises from Mobile to Mexico. Usually
We canceled several cruises and missed
and the National Seashore between (we) took at least one a winter. (We’re)
a winter on the Gulf Coast but enjoyed
Gulf Breeze and Navarre. looking forward to them being back
many Canadian winter activities,
including snowshoeing. Our first cruise Q. Do you have out-of-town visitors in Mobile. We are doing another
since Covid was in November out during your stay? cruise from Jacksonville to the
of New Orleans to Mexico and the Yes, over the years, (we) have had many Bahamas in January and will likely
Western Caribbean. Short cruises are a visitors for a week’s stay. Since Covid, visit friends in Florida before and
great way to get started. no. Most Canadians find it too difficult afterward.
to fly here and are not keen on the cool
Q. Is there anything you wish you
temps.
10 FLORIDA 12, 26 and Feb. 9 at Destin United dates are Jan. 11, Feb. 1 and March 1 at Original Hootenanny. Tickets are $10. Panama City Beach Senior Center has Methodist Church, 200 Beach Dr. , Fort Walton Beach Rec Center, 132 Jet Details: www.perdidochamber.com become the hub for local and Snowbird and Feb. 23 (St. Andrews by the Bay.) Drive, Fort Walton, Fla. Registration at ALABAMA activities, from exercise classes, Doors open at 9 a.m.; meetings start 9 a.m.; meeting at 10 a.m. Club socials Alabama Snowbird Fundraisers: Check craft shows, dances, potluck, games, at 10 a.m. Annual dues: $20. Details: are Jan. 16, Feb. 20 and March 10 plus with individual clubs for participation woodworking and more. Information www.waltoncountysnowbirds.com. a Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance. information. Dates and events: Feb. is updated regularly on the center’s DESTIN: At the Destin Community Details: fwbsbc.com 7 - Baldwin County Heritage Museum Facebook page or you can pick up a Center, 101 Stahlman Ave., Destin, NAVARRE: A Snowbird Welcome is set Golf Scramble Fund Raiser, Glenlakes list on-site at 423 Lyndell Ln, Panama Fla. The annual “Big Registration” is 1 for 10 a.m. Jan. 10 at the Santa Rosa Golf Course; Feb. 10 - Low Country Boil. City Beach, Fla. Details: (850) 233- to 3 p.m. Jan. 3 and 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. County Welcome Center, 8543 Navarre Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo; Feb. 11 - Trivia 5065. prior to meetings. The 2023 calendar Pkwy, Navarre, Fla. A list of Snowbird Night 6 p.m. OBEC; Feb. 14 - Pin Tap PCB WINTER RESIDENT APPRECIATION includes weekly 10 a.m. meetings winter classes is available. Space is Bowling Christian Services ,The Gulf DAYS at Laketown Wharf Convention Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21 and limited. “A Groovy 70s Festival” is 2 to Bowl. Center. Jan. 13 (ticket sales for Jan. 28. Meetings include vendors and 4 p.m. Jan. 19 at St. Sylvester’s Catholic ILLINOIS: Jan. 6 – 9 a.m. Welcome Back 20 Homecoming Dance at Laketown entertainment. Activities include cards Church. Details: (850) 981-8900 Coffee & Donuts, Orange Beach Senior Wharf), Feb. 8 (ticket sales for Feb. and games, crafts, golf, pickletball, PENSACOLA BEACH: The annual SRIA Activity Center; 13 – Breakfast meeting 20 Senior Prom at Edgewater Beach casino outings and more. Details: Snowbird Beach Bash is Jan. 19 at Our 7:45 a.m. GT on the Bay (reservations Resort) and Feb. 22 (ticket sales for thedestinsnowbirdsclub.com. Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, Mary Lou Brunner 219-869-1138); 17- Feb. 24 Grand Finale at Edgewater FORT WALTON BEACH: This is the 920 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach, Fla. Potluck, 5:30 p.m. at Orange Beach Beach Resort.) 8 to 11 a.m. $10. clubs’s 46th year! Registration dates PERDIDO KEY: The popular Senior Activity Center; 27 - Breakfast WALTON COUNTY: One of the largest are: 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 7 and 10 and Hootenanny’s are back at the world- Meeting, GT’s pm the Bay. Updates are clubs in the region! 2023 Registration 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 11. Weekly 10 a.m. to famous honky tonk Flora-Bama. Dates on the Illinois Club Facebook page. dates include Jan. 2, 16 and Feb. 6. noon on Tuesdays starting Jan. 18. Fee are Jan. 12 - New Year New Boots; Feb. INDIANA: The Indiana Snowbird Club Annual dues: $20. The club meets Jan. is $10 for the season. General meeting 2 - Sweetheart Saloon and Feb. 16 - meetings are Jan. 12 and 26 and
11
Join the Club !
Feb. 9 and 23 at the Orange Beach www.michiganclubalabama.com or meetings start Jan. 10 at GT’s on Snowbird Club meets weekly at 9.
Community Center, 27280 Canal Road, michiganclubalabama@gmail.com. the Bay, 26189 Canal Road, Orange a.m. on Wednesdays for breakfast at
Orange Beach, Ala. Doughnuts, coffee, MISSOURI: The club extends an Beach, Ala. Doors open at 7:30 BuzzCatz Restaurant on Canal Road in
tea and orange juice will be served. invitation to ALL SNOWBIRDS for a.m., breakfast, 8:15 a.m. There is a Orange Beach. 2023 breakfast dates
Please RSVP with Sharon Kimmel, (260) activities. There are two or three minimum number of 75 to host the are Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25; Feb. 1, 8, 15
229-4344, at least five days before the activities every week during January breakfast meetings through March 14 and 22; and March 1 and 8. Details:
meeting. Dues are $2.50 per person. and February. A “Welcome Back” (except Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21). Cost is Rich Smith at (610) 217-6674
Please bring correct change or a check. party is scheduled for Jan. 7 at $12 per person and sign up is the prior WISCONSIN: First 2023 general
50/50 raffle and door prizes. January Phoenix V. The club meets at 8:30 Tuesday at www.mnal.org. Tuesday meeting is at 9 a.m., Orange Beach
meetings feature ticket sales for a new a.m. Wednesdays for breakfast at lunch meetings are mid-March through Event Center. Other meeting dates
Calendar Drawing fundraiser for the Tacky Jacks, 240 E 24th Ave, Gulf May at The Ugly Diner, 2200 E 2nd St., are Jan. 17 Feb. 2, 16 and March 1.
fire departments. Luncheon is Jan. 19 Shores. Cost is $14 includes a buffet Gulf Shores, Ala. Other events include: Jan. 6 - March
at Glen Lakes Golf Club in Foley, Ala. breakfast, tax, and tip. RSVP on the NEW YORK: The NY Snowbirds meet 10: Weekly cards 9 a.m., Gulf Shores
Open to members and non-members. website. Activities include a mixed for lunch Jan 12, 26, Feb 9, 23, and American Legion Post 44. Jan. 25
RSVP three days prior to Becky golf scramble every Wednesdays at 1 Mar 9 at Ginny Lane at the Wharf in - Pot Luck, 11 a.m., Orange Beach
Heidenreich (260) 760-5130. p.m. at the Gulf Shores Country Club, Orange Beach, Ala. at 11 a.m., order Community Center. Other upcoming
MICHIGAN: Club meetings held at 520 Clubhouse Drive in Gulf Shores, off their special lunch menu, with club events include: Jan. 30 and Feb.
The Island Church, 25550 Canal Ala. Weekly Happy Hour, 4 p.m. separate checks, have guest speakers, 13 - Golf Fun Day, Glen Lakes Country
Road, Orange Beach. Coffee and Mondays at Cobalt, the Restaurant, a meeting, and door prizes. $1 per Club. Feb. 21 - Fat Tuesday/ Mardi
doughnuts are served at 9 a.m. with 28099 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange person collected at registration for Gras and Feb. 23 - picnic. Details:
the meeting to start at 10 a.m. Dates Beach, Ala. RSVP on website preferred. expenses and year end donations to www.wisconsinsnobirds.com
are: Jan. 5, 19; Feb. 2, 16 and March Details: https://missourisnowbirds. the community. RSVP at nysnowbird@
Many clubs also have Facebook
2. Annual picnic is Feb. 23. Annual org/ or mer2@charter.net gmail.com.
pages.
membership is $5 per person. Details: MINNESOTA: Weekly breakfast PENNSYLVANIA: The Pennsylvaniaperform jazz with other musicians. Lighthouse Climb on Jan. 6, from 6 to 8
Drummers, please bring your own sticks/ p.m. See the views of the St. George Sound
brushes. Vocalists, please bring your own and Carrabelle Beach. SGI Lighthouse
mic. Details: www.jazzpensacola.com. or Full Moon Climb also happens in January
oddcolony.com with views of St. George Island, the Gulf
of Mexico, and Apalachicola Bay. Details:
1/4-6/21
www.crookedriverlighthouse.com
“Spirits of the Passage: The Story of the
Transatlantic Slave Trade” - In conjunction 1/7
with the 160th anniversary of Abraham Todd Herendeen
Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, Elvis Tribute - Todd
the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf Herendeen pays a
of Mexico (GulfQuest) hosts a powerful and birthday tribute to
important exhibition exploring the strength the king! Dinner-
of the human spirit through a display of and-show tickets
nearly 150 historical objects spanning more or show-only
He’s back! Snowbird favorite “Chef Nino” returns to the Gulf Shores and
than 350 years. 155 S Water St, Mobile, Ala. tickets available.
Orange Beach Rouses Markets for weekly cooking demonstrations (and
Details: (251) 436-8901 Doors open at
tastings) through the end of February. Fridays at 10 a.m. (Orange Beach) and
5:30 p.m., dinner
3 p.m. (Gulf Shores) and 10 a.m. Saturdays. Good fun! 1/6 - 2/4
at 6 p.m., show at
Crooked River Lighthouse Full Moon
7 p.m. Doors for show-only guests 6:45
ONGOING Gardens and Home - Wednesday Climbs - The Crooked River Lighthouse
p.m. Todd Herendeen Theatre, 8010 Front
Brandon Styles Live - Theater & Magic workshops cover special features of at Carrabelle Beach will host a Full Moon
Shop at OWA. Be sure to check out this the Gardens or Home, gardening tips
lively variety show during your stay! The
show features 60 different celebrity and
and guest lectures. Programs begin
at 10:30 a.m. and last about one hour.
Celebrate '23 Southern style!
speaking impressions in a fast-paced Winter Wednesday events are included Cities across the Gulf Coast are Celebrate the New Year! - 7 p.m. End
show. Performances are held Tuesdays in Gardens admission. Admission for celebrating a fresh start for the new the year with the most memorable
and Saturdays year-round. Brandon Styles members is free. Reservations are year with fireworks, moon pies, a musical theater melodies performed
Theater, OWA, 1501 South OWA Blvd., requested. Details: https://bellingrath. beach ball drop and frigid dips! by the Pensacola Symphony
Foley, Ala. Details: https://visitowa.com/ or org/experiences/events/winter- Orchestra. Saenger Theatre, 118 S.
New Year's Eve
(251) 237-3330 wednesdays/ or (251) 459-8868 or Palafox Place, Pensacola, Fla. Details:
12th Annual Beach Ball Drop at Pier
bellingrath@bellingrath.org https://pensacolasymphony.com
Seville Savories Food Tours - Seville Park - 600 Pier Park Dr., Panama City
Savories, an innovative food tour deeply SATURDAYS Beach, Fla. New Year’s Eve Beach Ball New Year's Day Pensacola Beach
rooted in area history, is led by Pensacola Grand Boulevard Farmers' Market - Drop that features an 800-pound LED Polar Bear Plunge - Paradise Bar &
native Duel Christian. Options include 600 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach, Fla. illuminated beach ball. Free family Grill, 21 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola
lunchtime and evening tours with tastings 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: https://www. celebration with live entertainment, Beach, Fla. Head to Pensacola
at Pensacola’s finest restaurants. Details: mirmamarbeachfarmersmarket.com/ fireworks display, 10,000 beach Beach and plunge headfirst into
ww.sevillesavoriesfoodtour.com or (850) farmers-market balls & more! Details: https://www. the Santa Rosa Sound! Registration
341-5731. Niceville Florida Community Farmers' visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/ begins at noon. All proceeds go to
Market - 1003C John Sims Pkwy., Niceville, holiday-events/new-years-eve-beach- the Pensacola Beach Chamber of
The Pensacola Ice Flyers – Pensacola’s Ice ball-drop/ Commerce. Details: https://www.
Fla. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: https://
Flyers play several January home games at pensacolabeachchamber.com/polar-
nicevillefloridacommunityfarmersmarket. Moon Pie Over Mobile - Ring in the
the Pensacola Bay Center. January home bear-plunge/ or call 850-932-1500.
business.site/ new year with a 600-lb. electric
games have a 7:05 p.m. start time except
where noted. Game dates include Jan. 6, SUNDAYS Moon Pie! During the street party, Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip - Flora-
14, 16 (4:05 p.m. start), 20, 21 and 27. 201 E 30A Farmers Market - The 30A Farmers you can dig into the world’s largest Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Dr., Perdido
Gregory St, Pensacola, Fla. Details: www. Market is an International Farmers Market edible Moon Pie, join the second Key, Fla. Take a dip in the Gulf of
Iceflyers.com Event, featuring foods from around the line, watch live entertainment Mexico at high noon! Those who
world, as well as wth delicious food from and fireworks! Details: https:// fully submerge will get a free draft
WEDNESDAYS moonpieovermobile.com/ beer and a free New Year's lunch of
the South. 28 N. Barrett Square, Rosemary
Boardwalk Talks at Dauphin Island ham, black-eyed peas, greens and
Beach, Fla. Details: https://www.facebook. Pensacola Beach New Year’s
Sea Lab Estuarium - The Northern Gulf cornbread at the New Year’s Day
com/30aFarmersMarket/ Eve Firework Display - Free
Institute presents informal talks about beach party.Details: http://www.
the Gulf of Mexico region. 101 Bienville 1/2 firework display along the
florabama.com/polar-bear-dip
Blvd., Dauphin Island, Ala. First and third Jazz Jam at Odd Colony Brewing Co. - Pensacola Beach Boardwalk at
Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m. FREE. Details: www. Join Jazz Pensacola at its first 2023 Jazz midnight. Details: https://www. Gulf Shores Kiwanis Club Polar
disl.org/estuarium or (251) 861-2141 Jam at downtown Pensacola’s Odd Colony pensacolabeachchamber.com/new- Bear Dip - Details: http://www.
Brewing Co. Led by professional musicians, years-eve-firework-display/ gulfshoreskiwanis.org/polar-bear-dip.
1/4-2/15 html
Jazz Jams are strictly fun opportunities to
Winter Wednesdays at BellingrathBeach Rd. Panama City Beach, Fla. Details. Trash Bash with the Navarre Beach Sea 2/4 www.eventbrite.com/e/fort-morgan-home-
toddherendeentheatre.com or (850) 381- Turtle Conservation Center - 8 to 10 Fort Morgan Home Tour - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. tour-tickets-467783582287
0310 a.m., 8739 Gulf Blvd., Navarre Beach, Fla. Share the Beach Sea Turtle program is
1/11 - 3/1 Help clean up our beaches! Navarre Beach hosting a Tour of Homes to raise funds for
Murder in the Bayou - When Aunt Parking lot near the Sand Crab Pavilion. a UTV to help us with our morning patrols.
Thelma goes missing, her sister, Mrs. A limited supply of gloves, buckets and The tours will consist of 6 beautiful homes
Gladys White-Clark-Lash-Von Schmitt, pickers are provided, or bring your own. along the Fort Morgan peninsula including
fears the worst. Join in this interactive Details: www.navarrebeachseaturtles.org the amazing Skywalk. Details: https://
whodunnit! Wednesday evenings Jan.
11 through March 1. Limited seating
and cash bar. Tickets are $45 for
Mardi Gras kicks off 2023 season
Mobile, Ala., the birthplace of Mardi Garden District. Tickets include food, drinks
adults and $25 for children 12 years Gras, has a full slate of activities and and a wild concert by the Chee-Weez!
and under. Buffet will be open 5:15 to parades throughout the Mardi Gras Details: https://pensacolamardigras.com/
6:15 p.m. Showtime 6:30 p.m. Details: season. See a full roster of events at kick-off-celebration/
https://lunaseatanddrink.com/events/ https://www.mobile.org/events/mardi-
1/21
1/14 gras/
Krewe de la Dauphine parade, 1 p.m.,
Apalachicola’s annual Oyster Dauphin Island, Ala. Details: https:// open
Cook-Off - Downtown Historic www.gulfshores.com/events-calendar/ to well-behaved people
Apalachicola at Riverfront Park. byway/krewe-de-la-dauphine-mardi- and pets. Free for humans, $10 per pet.
The event features oysters galore, gras-parade/ Pets must be on a short-leash. Registration
shrimp, smoked mullet, hot dogs, at 1 p.m. Dancingly Yours PreParade
hamburgers, local beer, live music, 2/3-4
Showcase at 1:30 p.m. Parade starts at 2
kids’ activities, dancing performances Panama City Beach Mardi Gras
p.m.
and a 5K run! Well-mannered Celebration & Music Festival - Staged
pets are welcomed on a leash. All with the Krewe of Dominique Youx's Navarre Beach Mardi Gras Parade, 1 p.m.,
proceeds benefit the Apalachicola great Mardi Gras at the Beach parade. Navarre, Fla.
Volunteer Fire Department. Details: Kids' parades, costume contests,
2/18
https://www.floridasforgottencoast. fireworks, 5k, live music and fun! At
Harborwalk Village Mardi Gras
com Visit Mobile Pier Park, Aaron Bessant Park and
Mobile Mardi Gras, Celebration - 2 p.m. Celebrate Mardi
Frank Brown Park. Details: www.
1/28 1/7 Gras with LIVE music by Fais Do-
visitpanamacitybeach.com/mardi-gras
OWA Art and Craft Festival - 1501 S. 10th Annual Pensacola Mardi Gras Do, followed by beads, dazzling
OWA Blvd., Foley, Ala. Noon to 6 p.m. This Twelfth Night Kick-Off Party - 5 to 11 2/11 floats, and street performers as the
family-friendly event is completely free to p.m., 36 E. Garden St., Pensacola, Fla. You’re Kids & Kritters - Walking procession parade rolls through the Village at 4
attend and enjoy. Stroll Downtown OWA invited to party with the Krewes! Pensacola for pets and people in the Casino Beach p.m. Details: www.nicevillechamber.
and experience a wide variety of local arts Mardi Gras is taking it to the streets and parking lot, west side near the Pensacola com events/details/mardi-gras-
and crafts for sale plus live performances. taking over several blocks around East Beach Visitor Information Center. Entry is celebration-02-18-2023-6836
Details: visitowa.com14
Upcoming events welcome Snowbirds across the coast
January 19 January 12
Navarre: Ready to rediscover your FWB Winter Guest Fest: This popular
groove? “A Groovy 70s Festival” is 2 – event will move to a new location this
4 p.m., January 19, at St. Sylvester’s year: Christian Life Center at First
Catholic Church. Loads of fun planned! Baptist Church, 21 First St., Fort Walton
Beach. Fla.. 8 a.m. to noon. Admission:
January 10
$2. The event includes a variety of
Also, the Snowbird Welcome (for all
food vendors, attractions, hospitality
staying along the coast or interested
and more. Presented by Fort Walton
in learning more) is scheduled for 10
Beach Chamber and Tammy’s Journeys.
a.m. on January 10 at the Santa Rosa
Details: 850.244.8191 or www.
County Welcome Center, 8543 Navarre
fwbchamber.org
Pkwy, Navarre, FL. A list of Snowbird
winter classes is available. Space is January 19
limited, and people are urged not to Pensacola Beach: The annual SRIA
delay. Details: (850) 981-8900 Snowbird Beach Bash is scheduled
a.m. on January 13, February 8 and 22.
for 9 a.m. January 19 at Our Lady
January 12 Details: wwwvisitpanamacitybeach.com
of Assumption Catholic Church, 920
Perdido Key, Fla., the sweet little beach Paradise Music Festival: Great live
Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach, Fla. A
town that rests adjacent to Orange music at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach
variety of vendors welcome guests
Beach, Ala., will welcome back winter Convention Center to wrap up the
2 Sweetheart Saloon and February 16 with food, information, prizes and
residents with three ”Hootenanny’s” season on Feb. 18! “Paradise Bayou”
Original Hootenanny. Tickets are $10 entertainment. Details: www.sria-fl.com
staged at the world-famous honk-tonk plays at 4 p.m. followed by Eagles
Flora-Bama, a roadhouse style bar/ and available at Perdido Key Chamber/ PCB Winter Appreciation Days at
Visitor Center, 15500 Perdido Key tribute band 7 Bridges at 7 p.m. Tickets
lounge. Dates and themes are January Laketown Wharf Convention Center. are $25 in advance, $30 at the door
12 – New Year New Boots; February Drive. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Join fellow snowbirds from 8 to 11
Details: perdidochamber.com Details: ParadisepromotionsFl.com15 Snaps! Destin Snowbird Club Ribbon Cutting The Destin Snowbird Club opened the season with the annual ribbon cutting at ”The Roost” at the Destin Community Center. Far right photos are representatives from Destin/Fort Walton meeting sites and Welcome Centers.
1/7 1/20 2/10
Mississippi Coast Keith Jophnson and the Big Muddy Band,
8 p.m., Ground Zero Blues Club, 814 Howard
Pure Love on the Coast, Mississippi Coast
Coliseum, 2350 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss.
38 Special, 8 p.m., Beau Rivage Resort &
Casino, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., Details:
2/25 Ave., Biloxi, Miss. Details: 228-910-6600 or 800-726-2781or www.mscoastcoliseum.com 888-566-7469 or www.beaurivage.com
Gladys Knight, 8 p.m.. Beau Rivage Resort www.groundzerobiloxi.com
1/14 2/17
& Casino, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 1/12 Chrisette Michele, 8 p.m., IP Casino Resort Stayin’ Alive, A Tribute to the Bee Gees, 8
Miss., Details: 888-566-7469 Aaron McCall Band, 8 p.m., Ground Zero & Spa, Studio A, 850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, p.m., Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 777 Beach
or www.beaurivage.com Blues Club, 814 Howard Ave., Biloxi, Miss. Details: 228-436-3000 Blvd., Biloxi, Miss. 228-374-7625 or www.
12/31 Miss. Details: 228-910-6600 or www. hrhcbiloxi.com/
1/20
The Molly Ringwalds, groundzerobiloxi.com
Rock Show NOLA, Hard Rock Hotel & 2/18
10:30 p.m., Beau Rivage 1/14 Casino, 777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss. 228- Home Free, 8 p.m., IP Casino Resort & Spa,
Resort & Casino, 875 Super Chikan & The Fighting Cocks, 8 374-7625 or www.hrhcbiloxi.com/ Studio A, 850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, Miss. 8
Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., p.m., Ground Zero Blues Club, 814 p.m. Details: 228-436-3000
Details: 888-566-7469 or 1/21
Howard Ave., Biloxi, Miss.
www.beaurivage.com Big A & The Allstars, 8 p.m., Ground 2/24
Details: 228-910-6600 or
Zero Blues Club, 814 Howard Ave., Biloxi, Dancing With The Stars, 8 p.m., Beau
1/6 www.ground
Miss. Details: 228-910-6600 or www. Rivage Resort & Casino, 875 Beach Blvd.,
Muddy Alexander, zerobiloxi.com
groundzerobiloxi.com Biloxi, Miss., Details: 888-566-7469 or www.
8 p.m., Ground Zero 1/20 beaurivage.com
Blues Club, 814 1/27-28
Ed Willis &
Howard Ave., Biloxi, Rodney Carrington, 8 p.m., Beau Rivage
Blues4Sale, 8 p.m.,
Miss. Details: 228- Resort & Casino, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi,
Ground Zero Blues
910-6600 or www. Miss., Details: 888-566-7469 or www.
Club, 814 Howard
groundzerobiloxi. beaurivage.com
Ave., Biloxi, Miss.
com Details: 228-910- 1/28
6600 or www. CAM, 8 p.m., IP Casino Resort & Spa, Studio
groundzerobiloxi.com A, 850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, Miss. 8 p.m.
Details: 228-436-300017
Snowbirds keep learning after retirement
Kick off 2023 by learning something new! certificate program. Students enrolled in non-credit way from Bear Creek to the Lake Shelby Overlook.
courses receive all of the benefits of the regular It’s an easy-grade hike, perfect for all ages and
Lifelong learners can explore new or different
students, including use of the library, access to experience levels! Leashed pets are welcome to join.
ideas, skills and hobbies at community colleges,
special events, and free parking. Details: nwfsc.edu Details: Nature Center (251) 948-7275 ext. 2092 for
universities, senior centers and other resources
updates.
along the Gulf Coast.
Leisure Learning: The University of West Florida in
Snowbirds in Santa Rosa County/Navarre Beach
Pensacola has multiple field-trip-type outings that
area can reserve space in a wide range of lectures
highlight many local topics. One of the most popular
in January, February and March. Topics range from
is a day trip to Pensacola’s award-winning Double
making Mardi Gras masks to learning about sea
AA baseball stadium, which features a meal cooked
turtles and other aquatic creatures to snorkeling,
by a team chef. Details: www.uwf.edu/
history of the area, fishing and casting, seafood
cooking and more. Details: (850) 981-8900
Gulf State College: Gulf State College in Panama
City offers Education Encore. Classes start Jan. 20
and run for a variety of times. Topics range from
history and ancestry to art, health, fitness, computer
programs and much more. Details: gulfcoast.edu
Pensacola State College: Adult Education classes are
Northwest Florida State College: Courses offered
offered for just $30 per semester on a wide range of
through these options range from personal
topics. Details: pensacolastate.edu
enrichment, recreation, leisure, and crafts to
professional development and customized business/ Learning Campus at Gulf State Park: Ring in the
industry training. These courses are non-credit and first day of the new year on a hike through nature!
may not be used toward any NWFSC degree or Naturalists at Alabama’s Gulf State Park lead the18
Cruises and casino trips: Travel fun made easy
One of the great things about spending Walton Beach, Fla., has 2024 group
a winter along the northern Gulf Coast space for three six-night sailings on the
is access to numerous cruise ports. Spirit (one Bahamas and one Western
Caribbean) and one five-night sailing on
New Orleans is home to Disney Cruise
the Carnival Elation from Jacksonville
Lines, Norwegian, Carnival and Royal
13-18, 2024.
Caribbean. Also, Mississippi River
Cruises via American Cruise Lines The six-night Bahamas sailing is January
and American Queen. The port has 14-19, 2024, and the six-night Western
numerous year-round options. Visit: Caribbean sailing February 11-16,
www.portnola.com for the list. 2024. The ship has balconies, ocean
views and interior cabins. Reservations
In Mobile, Ala., the Carnival Spirit is
and deposits are being taken now
slated to return in Oct. 2023 with six to
to hold space. Final payment is due
eight-day sailings. Port of Call includes
in October 2023. Details: visit www.
a variety depending on the length of
tammysjourneys.com, or (850) 243-
the cruise: Mexico - Cozumel, Costa
2809 or tammy@tammysjourneys.com
Maya; Bahamas – Bimini, Freeport,
Mahogany Bay, Nassau, Princess Cays CASINO BUS ROLLS: Why drive when
and Half Moon Cays. someone else can handle those duties?
Rock - $15. Grocery; Orange Beach, Cactus Cantina,
Jacksonville, Fla., is an easy drive from The Good Time Tour buses roll out from Florida pickup locations include Piggly 25311 Perdido Beach Blvd; The Track
most northern Gulf Coast locations several Gulf Coast locations daily to the Wiggly, 251 Mary Esther Blvd., Mary 3200 Gulf Shores Pkwy; Foley – The
along I-10. Carnival offers four and five- Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos, including Esther; Winn Dixie, 8674 Navarre Pkwy., Train Station (Carolina Street, east side);
day Bahamas trips aboard the Ecstasy free play. The price begins at $30 per Navarre; and Pensacola, 8084 N. Davis and the Fairhope Walmart. To reserve
with discount prices starting at $196. person, depending on your departure Hwy., Northcross Shopping Center. your trip, call (850) 476-0046. Check
point. Free play includes Beau Rivage Alabama pickup locations include updated locations and times at www.
Tammy’s Journeys, located in Fort
Casino - $15, IP Casino - $20 and Hard Perdido Bay, 12255 Lillian Pkwy., Greer’s goodtimetours.com.19
Beau Rivage unveils new rooms and Wind Creek offers stay/spa packages
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino: Known are reminiscent of the seashore and of dining
for grace and elegance, MGM Resort incorporate details of driftwood, high options, a spa,
International’s Beau Rivage Resort gloss surfaces, coral and aqua blue. a golf course
& Casino in Biloxi, Miss., recently and more.
Beau Rivage’s colorful array of
unveiled its newly completed $55 Sign up for
flowers and evergreens creates an
million room remodel of the resort’s MGM Resort’s
unforgettable arrival experience.
1,645 guest rooms. rewards
Guests are greeted by 29 Live Oaks
program for
The Beau Rivage is recognized for its flanking the front drive, creating
special deals.
mini-Bellagio style. All rooms feature a graceful canopy reminiscent of
views of the Mississippi Gulf Coast or the entrance to a stately Southern The Beau
historic Biloxi and its Back Bay. mansion. Visitors enter the lobby and Rivage is
are greeted by an indoor arboretum located at
The refreshing new designs feature
featuring a glass ceiling with specialty 875 Beach
upgraded amenities and state-of-the-
lighting designed to highlight the Blvd., Biloxi,
art technology.
grandeur of the atrium’s elements. Miss. Details:
high-speed internet and the option of
The King room features a buttercup www.beaurivage.com or (228) 386-7111
The guest rooms feature a custom- a spacious walk-in shower or standard
yellow palette reflective of the sky
commissioned triptych that honors Wind Creek Atmore: Looking for a tub and shower combo. Sign up for
at sunrise, while the Mississippi sky
flora and fauna indigenous to the casino getaway close to home? the Wind Creek Rewards program to
inspires the two-Queen room’s coral
Deep South. The newly redesigned The Wind Creek-Atmore has a $159 tap into special offers. Daily rates at
tones at sunset. Both boast finishes
corridors are fresh and bright, with overnight stay (Monday-Thursday) the on-site RV resort start at $38.
infused with textures and patterns
tranquil carpets reflecting the spirit package that includes a $70 spa
reminiscent of Southern homes. Wind Creek is located at 303 Poarch
of the Southern Mississippi River package. Additional nights (Monday-
Rd., Atmore, Ala. Details: www.
With a color palette that pays waterways. Thursday) can be added for $99. The
windcreek.com/atmore or (866) 946-
homage to local sunrises, sunsets and AAA Four-Diamond hotel features 237
The expansive resort features 3360
reflections of the water, the finishes rooms with premier bedding and free
headliner entertainment, a rangeFind your copy of Snowbirds Gulf Coast! Thank you to all of our Snowbirds Gulf Coast partners!
Snowbirds Gulf Coast prints four editions each winter: Holiday, January, February
Show your support by patronizing our advertisers! Tell them Snowbirds Gulf Coast sent you!
and Spring, distributed regionally from Panama City Beach, Fla., across the Florida
We are grateful to our loyal partners who have helped bring this magazine to you for the past
panhandle to the Alabama Gulf Coast and Biloxi Visitor Center. We also push out
17 years!
.pdf editions through our e-newsletter and Facebook page: Snowbirds Gulf Coast.
A selection of locations include:
Alabama Gulf Coast Rouses Mobile Visitor Center
Wind Creek Casino and American Snowbird Majestic Oaks RV
Supermarkets RV Park offices throughout the coast Resort - Atmore Network Buzzcatz
Alabama Welcome Center at I-10 Magnolia Grill Beau Rivage Key Concepts Realty GTs
Area libraries Majestic Oaks RV Resort
Area Senior centers Navarre Beach Visitor Information OWA SRIA Cosmos
Beach House Restaurant/Spring Hill Center Retina Specialty Distro Data - Lunas
Suites Navarre Beach OWA Rouses Bellingrath Farmer Markets
Biloxi Visitor Center Panama City Beach Senior Center
Brick Oven Foley Panama City Beach Visitor Center Baptist Health Care Seville Savories Tour Sinfonia Gulf Coast
BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets Panama City Chamber St Landry Parish Remax Realtor Tammy’s Travels
Condo lobbies throughout the coast Pensacola Beach Visitor Center
SRC/Navarre Brick Oven Foley Beach House Bar and
Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce Pensacola Visitor Center
Destin Chamber of Commerce Perdido Key Visitor Center Westminster Village Good Time Tours Grill
Emerald Coast Convention & Visitor Perdido Bay Golf Course Navarre Beach Snowbirds TheGrove Paradise Music Festival
Center Santa Rosa County Visitor Center
Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce
ACI Transport Magnolia Grill Gibson Beach Rentals
Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center Village Baptist Church, Destin Visit Spring Hill Suites Navarre Hamilton Images
(FWB Club locale) Pensacola Visitor Center Perdido Hootenanny Hilton Head RV
GTs On The Bay Walton County Visitor Information
SnowBIRDS
Gulf Coast
J.W. Renfroe Pecan Co. Center
Joe Patti’s Seafood ...and may more!
Juanas PagodaYou can also read
