Coastal Alabama has a unique local feel. Despite being a top vacation spot, the area maintains a small-town, southern hospitality. Part of that can be attributed to our love for locally owned businesses and products. Here are a few locally owned businesses for you to try out on your next visit!
Local Farmers Market
The Coastal Alabama Farmer and Fisherman’s Market has everything from locally grown produce, locally-made empanadas, fresh seafood to gluten free cupcakes. You never know what you might find at this open air market in Foley. They are currently open on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm.
Local Celebrity Business
If you are a fan of the ABC show, Shark Tank, you might already know about this local business, The Yard Milkshake Bar. They make beautiful, over-the-top (literally) milkshakes. The first shop opened right here in Gulf Shores, but you can now find them in cities all over the country.
Local Craft Beer
Enjoy the craft beer from Big Beach Brewing Company, founded and operated by a local Orange Beach family. They started brewing in their basement, but the beer they came up with was too good to keep to themselves! They opened the taproom and ten-barrel brewery on the same site in 2016.
Local, Fun, and Quirky Shops
There are some fun, locally owned gems in the area, including Covert Comics, a comic book and collectible shop in Foley, Gulf Coast House of Jerky, an in-house made jerky shop at the Wharf, Gulf Coast Paddle Company, a coastal sporting supply store in Orange Beach, and Emporium at C, an Orange Beach gift shop that showcases local authors and artists.
Locally Owned Restaurants
Many of the well-known restaurants in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area are locally owned! One of our favorite restaurant groups is owned by locals. This group includes Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar, Luna’s, Cobalt, and BuzzCatz. Across the street from Cosmo’s is Big Mike’s Steakhouse, which is Alabama owned as well!
We love our local businesses and are proud to support them! We hope you will enjoy them too on your next visit.
