Roman Street to Perform at Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Last September a coworker who is also a pianist in her spare time told me about an amazing band from Fairhope named Roman Street. Their story was interesting and I took her word that these classically trained guitarists had a great sound. Then when she let me know that they are scheduled as one of the 60 bands playing at the Hangout Beach, Music and Art Festival the weekend of May 14-16, I made a mental note to put them on my must see list for the festival.

However, it was not until yesterday that I became one of the newest fans of Roman Street. I had the privilege of hearing them play an open air informal concert at the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. Of course I immediately bought their latest CD entitled "Amore" and as soon as I returned home searched their website to find out where else they are playing locally.

Wow, I'm very impressed with their music and now more than ever look forward to hearing them again in May at the Hangout Music Festival.

Make sure you put them on your must see list along with dozens of other bands you've already chosen to see. If you haven't already reserved your accommodations for the Hangout Beach, Music and Art Festival don't wait any longer.

Meyer Real Estate's Relay for Life Family Fun Day at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores Alabama

It's Relay for Life season and one of my favorite events is happening soon at Family Fun Day on Sunday, March 28 from noon to 5 p.m. at Waterville USA on Hwy. 59 South in Gulf Shores. This is the one afternoon that Waterville USA partners with Meyer Real Estate to host an American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser and donate 100% of the proceeds.

You are not going to believe this but the ticket price for an entire afternoon of Waterville USA amusements is only $10 for this special day benefiting Relay for Life.

You can play mini-golf, ride the roller coaster, race each other on the go-carts as many times as you want all afternoon. There is also a trampoline and lots of kiddie rides for the little ones. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the family bonding moments. The only amusements not included in the $10 ticket are the arcade games, Flowrider and waterpark rides (waterpark is not open yet).


Advance tickets are being sold at the Meyer Real Estate Gulf Shores office (1585 Gulf Shores Parkway) and buying your tickets before March 28th entitles you to a FREE lunch voucher valued at $5. So stop by Meyer's Gulf Shores office and purchase your tickets in advance if you wish or buy tickets at the door. Either way you are sure to have a blast and feel good about supporting a worthy cause at the same time.

Sunny Skies & Warm Weather for Orange Beach Festival of Art

The weather predictions are excellent - warm and sunny - for this weekend and I think it will be a perfect time to get out and enjoy the Orange Beach Festival of Art. One of the reasons I enjoy this cool festival is the location directly on the Intracoastal Waterway at the Waterfront Park in Orange Beach (26389 Canal Rd. - Hwy. 180). I like the atmosphere of the park and always enjoy walking out on the pier for a great view of the backwaters.

Sixty-five amazing artists will exhibit their creations of acrylics, folk art, glass, jewelry, mosiacs, oils, pen & ink, photography, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, wood and watercolors. I love glass so one of the highlights for me will be glass-blowing demonstrations onsite at the Hot Shop featuring Cal Breed.

The Festival will also include a Literary Authors’ Tent, a Children’s Art Alley, a wine tasting tent, a live musical stage, and a performing arts stage. Bruce Odell of Lafayette, Louisiana will be demonstrating the art of the Raku firing which should be fascinating.

I'm shedding my winter clothes in exchange for shorts and heading for the Festival of Art, won't you join me? If you need a condo or house for a last minute trip to the coast this weekend check our HOT Deals.

The Best Banana Pudding on Gulf Shores Island

In my humble opinion the best banana pudding on the Alabama Gulf Coast is served at Wintzell's Oyster House , which is famous not for their banana pudding but for their seafood, more specifically for their "oysters - fried, stewed or nude." Wintzell's Oyster House was established in Mobile (AL) in 1938 by Oliver Wintzell and only recently opened their Orange Beach location, which is restaurant number eleven for them. They are conveniently located in the former Ruby Tuesdays building in Orange Beach on the northside of the beach road (Hwy 182) across the street from the gulf beaches.

I believe I'm qualified to judge this dish because growing up each Sunday my mother made the family a banana pudding. I'm assuming it was my father's favorite dessert. I loved it on the first day but by the second day the bananas were dark and mushy, which I did not like. Well, problem solved by Wintzell's because their dessert is served almost like a banana split. A big bowl arrives at your table with the delicious pudding in the center along with vanilla wafers arranged in the pudding and a firm, delicious banana cut in half and placed on each side of the pudding. Yum, yum.

Winzell's also passes my test for all seafood restaurants - great gumbo and fantastic oysters. They also have many seafood delights served fried, grilled, broiled and blackened.

On your next trip to the coast I strongly suggest a visit to Wintzell's Oyster House for oysters and banana pudding or whatever makes you smile.

Bands at the Beach Coming Soon at Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores

Check out the latest lineup of bands for the Hangout Beach, Music & Art Festival to see how many of your favorites are playing at the beach in Gulf Shores May 14-16. Some of the headliners include Zac Brown Band, John Legend, Gov't Mule, Alison Krauss and Union Station, The Black Crowes, OK GO, Blind Boys of Alabama, Matisyahu, Ben Harper & Relentless 7, The Flaming Lips, Trey Anastasio and Classic TAB, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and the Funky Meters.

Tickets are now on sale at a very reasonable weekend pass price - only $159 for three days and 60 bands. A limited number of tickets are being sold, so my best advice is to secure your spot now at this inaugural event that is sure to grow in popularity.

We have condos for rent within walking distance of the Festival (see properties and Festival map) but I'm sure you know these will be the first to go, so I also advise you to secure your accommodations as soon as possible. You can also choose to stay at a house or condo at nearby beach locations (Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and Perdido Key) and receive a 25% discount (4th night FREE). Book online or call (866-727-6089) and provide promo code XMUS. Limited shuttle service will be available.

The Hangout restaurant is on the Festival grounds and there are more restaurants and shopping opportunities also within walking distance.

The weather is amazing in May, so you are in for a real treat when you head to the Hangout Beach, Music and Art Festival for great music, food and fun.