Gulf Shores Alabama Condo Rentals
Orange Beach & Perdido Key

Spend a day in Foley, AL

Most people recognize Foley as the sleepy little Southern town that is the longest 10 miles from the
beaches one could ever dream possible. And Foley is home base for that shopper's paradise, The Tanger Outlet
Center. But there is more in Foley much, much more. You truly step back in time to those days when
cell phones didn't run your life and mail was something people only expected you to look once a day.
Foley is a beautiful charming southern town whose charm is only eclipsed by the friendliness of the
townsfolk.

Start with a fountain treat from Stacey Old Tyme Soda Fountain

The Train Museum in Foley is in the old Train Depot. A minature town and train will delight visitors of all ages.

Foley Alabama Railroad Museum - It may be one of the best kept secrets in Baldwin county but we are
putting you on the right track. All aboard for a ride on the L & N Hummingbird to catch a ride to Main Street USA!
A fascinating exhibit of over 1/4 mile of railroad tracks with trains winding through farms, sawmills, an oil refinery
to the village of Main street USA. Main Street harkens back to the 50's when the car wash was operated by
you and the Hub Drive In was playing Robert Mitchum's Thunder Road. Mr. Alan Goldman donated his model
trains to the city of Foley with the stipulation that the exhibit be free and available to children. With time
and expertise contributed by The Caboose Club, the railroad museum is an experience that children and train
buffs should not miss out on. The museum is located in the old L & N Depot building that also houses the City of
Foley Museum. Inside the City of Foley Museum are displayed items from days long passed. You can view
everything from wringer washing machines to feed sacks to a pipe organ. Those were the days, my friend
please visit. For adults, your visit will bring back memories and for your children, you will make memories.

Visit some of the antique shops and charming cafes.

	Antique table with Limoges china Bronzes and porcelain
A variable treasure chest for a lover of antiques and collectables!
Shelves to explore And something for the lady in red.	Take home a different kind of souvenir from the Gulf Coast...something meaningful for you home.

 

As you drive through Foley, it's hard to miss the stately white house behind the iron fence where a wrought
iron dragonfly announces The Magnolia Inn. Adjacent to the newly restored Inn is one of Baldwin County's
best kept dining experiences, Magnolia Court. Quietly stated elegance and a friendly wait staff makes Magnolia
Court a treat for visitors and locals alike. But it's the food, based in Southern style with a twist, that commands
repeat visits. My daughter on a recent visit from California announced, "I don't care where we eat just as long
as they have real (real meaning sweet ) tea." I knew the place to go, Magnolia Court. We started lunch with a true
Southern classic, Fried Green Tomatoes with Magnolia Court's own homemade remoulade sauce and crab fritters with
Jezebel sauce...that would be sweet and hot sauce. Perfect! We were so happy with our choices that we couldn't
decide between the cheese tart or the day's fresh catch sandwich or crab cakes. So we ordered them all and
smoked Gouda cheese grits and lemon risotto. The meal was superb! And if you visit, don't leave without a peak
at the magnificence crystal chandelier that graces the foyer.

The second dinning experience is my "go-to" when time-is-flying-and-so-must-I days. I run into Stacey's Drug and order
one egg salad and one pimento cheese sandwich to go. The friendly staff takes the order and delivers the goods and I am out
the door with two huge home made sandwiches for under $5.50. But when time allows, I like to sit down at the
soda fountain, order a milkshake and listen to the Wurlitzer jukebox spin records. Needless to say, walking into Stacey's
Drug is like slipping back into time when cell phones didn't constantly ring and Elvis was king. And, writing of Elvis, Stacey's
offers peanut butter and banana sandwiches. And coffee. Forget paying an arm and a leg, a cup of coffee is $.10, that would
be a dime! But please keep in mind the sign that reads "Our Prices vary depending on the disposition of customers.".
You can order milkshakes, malts and a black cow. The store is filled with collectibles and memorabilia. So sit back,
" take a load off" and enjoy life!

Most everyone who loves to shop has visited Tangers Outlet Center with over 120 stories that offers great buys from clothes
to jewelry to kitchen ware. Don't forget to pick up a coupon for a coupon booklet at our front desk. But don't forget to
check out the unique shops in downtown Foley. Orange Blossom Square is located in the heart of downtown Foley.
And, if you are in the market for a full size buffalo, have I got a store for you!

	Wild Outdoor Collection--The guardian of the streets of Foley.
Everyone remembers the buffalo gazing serenely over those tourist covered in oil, heading for the beach. Grandly he guards the entrance to Wild Outdoor Collection, stately overlooking the silly moose that announces " UNUSUAL FINDS". But the moose announces the truth! Wild Outdoor Collection offers unique and eclectic rustic decor from wild turkeys in flight to beautiful handcrafted wood furniture. And Wild Outdoor Collection is just the first stop through  the treasures and unique finds that await you as you wander into the next rooms that offers modern furniture for condos to elegant dining pieces for the finest homes. Next are the rooms that may be my personal favorites. antiques and collectibles. Limoges dinner service set on gleaming polished dinning tables. Graceful clipper sailing ships from yesterday. Truly these shops offer something to fit every one's taste...and you don't have to walk back into the heat or rain. Just step next door.	Buffalo, moose and bears, oh my!
Handed crafted furniture.	Wild Turkeys in flight and a moose, too!

Be sure to drop in to the newly opened a cozy tea room where the coffee is great and the fresh
muffins soooo delicious. Just why the South is famous intimate & personal shops, great food and the
owner's and regulars warm southern hospitality. Step next door to Classy Dawg Music and meet owner
Bill Smalling. The guitars Bill sells are works of art. Heck, I can't play but I would love to buy one just to display.
There's a red guitar that even Dickie Betts would love to play and a blue guitar that is a stand alone piece of art.
Classy Dawg Music offers sales, lessons, repairs, they even offer guitar rentals. That's what I call one stop
shopping at guitar heaven.

April 27, 2012