Fielder’s Choice
It doesn’t get much better than walking down the beach, going into a restaurant, ordering oysters on the half shell, and then of course, eating them.
That was one highlight of a relaxing spring break week in Gulf Shores, Ala.
I spent a lot of time on the balcony of the condo – just doing nothing.
Pam, Emma and Erin went on a brief shopping spree Wednesday. That’s when I made the short walk for the oysters. Then when I returned, I crashed on a small piece of outdoor furniture on the balcony, overlooking the ocean. That’s where they found me when they returned, and thank goodness, they didn’t wake me.
The weather wasn’t perfect on the coast last week. We had eyed the forecast for several weeks. At first, it was supposed to be in the 70s. Then when the cold front hit Marshall County, it stretched south, too. Tuesday through Thursday, the temps were a bit chilly at Gulf Shores, but it didn’t keep me off the beach. I just wore a sweater with my shorts.
Then Friday was great – with the temperature reaching almost 70. That’s the day the most time was spent beachside.
Of course, Saturday when we left for home, the temperature climbed even higher.
But our good times on the beach are definitely not tied totally to the weather. We have spent Thanksgiving there many times over the past 20 years, and those have been the best of times.
Much of our love for the coast revolves around the food.
Pam and I (on a date night) tried a new seafood place this time around – new to us but definitely not new to the coast. We had seen Mikee’s Seafood, right off the main strip, many times but never went there. I’m not sure why. But we will be going back. The food was great, and so was the service.
Each visit, we just have to go to King Neptune’s, perhaps my family’s favorite. It’s a small restaurant on the Gulf Shores Parkway, usually with a wait, but always well worth the wait. This year we took advantage of lunch-time specials – including a dozen oysters for just $8.
Friday, we drove about halfway between Gulf Shores and Pensacola, Fla., so Emma could spend some time with a friend (Rebecca) from her college days at the University of Southern Mississippi.
On the drive back, Pam, Erin and I enjoyed dinner at another one of our all-time favorites. Trigger’s Seafood is a little off the busy path in Pensacola. We discovered it several years back, thanks to a conversation with a friend, but this was our first trip there in a few years. Once again, it did not disappoint.
We enjoyed a few hours of putt-putt golf and games. The golf is always fun but also frustrating. I hardly ever win. This time I finished third.
Our stay at the arcade was one of our best ever. Erin walked away with yet another stuffed animal to add to her collection, plus a coin bank and more.
Pam, Emma and Erin loved Beauty and the Beast on its opening night at the theater. I watched some March Madness on TV while eating more seafood.
It was a great break.