Sometimes we look at sights in nature but don't really see. While hiking in the woods the other day, it became a realization that we need to open our heart and eyes to see the beauty of the simple things in nature with each season. There is so much order and purpose in His creation. God has given us awesome beauty in this world to see and enjoy... if we would but stop to see and feel it. Join us as this blog is about stopping to see the real beauty around us...to touch and feel it... "Through the Lens".

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Sunday, November 26, 2017

Wrapping It Up in Gulf Shores for Now

                       
The time in the gulf area really flew by!!  They say time flies when you're having fun and it sure did for us!!        
As we got closer to our departure time we decided to do a few last drive throughs some of our favorite places.
 
Foley, Alabama
We noticed that Foley had really gotten in the Christmas spirit with decorating their town.  Downtown Foley is a sweet place and our favorite stop there would have to be Stacey's Rexall Drug and Olde Tyme Soda Fountain.  No we didn't get sick....we got hungry!!  They have delicious ice cream and quaint little tables and chairs to sit at and enjoy the many flavors of ice cream and other foods.   But most of all they have a model train that runs around the inside perimeter of the building!!  We were introduced to Stacey's in 2010 by Darrell and Judy Patterson and enjoyed ice cream with them then and enjoyed it once again this trip!!        



After getting our tummies full we decided to stroll the downtown sidewalks and enjoy the festive Christmas decorations.  Come along and stroll with us!!          


                   




Fairhope, Alabama
Without a doubt our favorite city in Alabama!!  So quaint and charming!!  We tried to make as many sunsets as possible on the pier in Fairhope and on this night we noticed that many of the streets were about to be blocked off.  What is happening??  I got on my trusty iPhone and googled "what's happening in Fairhope today?"  and it told me they were having the annual grand lighting of the trees!!  What luck!!  So we not only got to see one last sunset from the pier, the beautiful fountain but also the gorgeous trees lining the downtown streets of Fairhope!!  Come along and enjoy the sunset, fountain and beautiful Christmas decorations with us!!!
           






The Beach at Gulf Shores
The beach is a place I grew up on!!  I was born in Daytona Beach, Florida and remember so many family outings on the beach there.  The beach in Gulf Shores is just as spectacular but I must say the sand at Gulf Shores is incredible!!  So white, thick and clean!!  I had to take another walk on this beautiful beach!!  I was so excited to see our Blue Heron friend was still hanging around at this particular place on the beach and got to visit with him pretty up close and personal!!
       




We made a stop by Billy's Seafood in Bon Secour to pick up some fresh shrimp right off the boat.  Well, not exactly but pretty close....the boats were docked right outside the area where we purchased our jumbo shrimp!!  Boy I can't wait to eat those guys!!          

               
    

This pretty wraps up our gulf area visit for this trip!!  We really love this area and plan to return very soon!!                      
A house near Rainbow Plantation decorated for Christmas



I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!  We all have so much to be thankful for!!
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14 comments:

  1. Chuck and Anneke's RV travelsNovember 26, 2017 at 11:34 PM

    Great pictures of the area. We will be heading there for a club outing in Jan:)

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    1. HappytrailsNovember 26, 2017 at 11:42 PM

      It is a beautiful area with lots of different things to see and do in the area...we do love this area,

      Delete
  2. Jim and SandieNovember 26, 2017 at 11:38 PM

    Beautiful Christmas lights. A lot of folks really enjoy that area so I'm glad you plan on going back.

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    Replies
    1. HappytrailsNovember 26, 2017 at 11:43 PM

      We really do enjoy this area, there are so many different things to see and do. Thanks for the comments.

      Delete
  3. Mike and Peggy EvringhamNovember 27, 2017 at 6:59 AM

    I recall having shakes and polish hot dogs with you two and D&J at Stacey's while waiting for the Mardi Gras parade!

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    1. HappytrailsNovember 27, 2017 at 9:10 AM

      We thought about that time also, it was really fun and great company. We even have a picture of all of us on the blog back in 2010.

      Delete
  4. Betsy Banks AdamsNovember 27, 2017 at 7:45 AM

    Wow----this post made me smile.... It really puts one in the Christmas spirit for sure.... What a beautiful area... I've been blogging since 2006---and don't think I have ever had anyone post much of anything from Alabama... It's really pretty down there especially this time of year. Love the sunset too....... Gorgeous...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    Replies
    1. HappytrailsNovember 27, 2017 at 9:14 AM

      Betsy, it really is beautiful in this area with so much to see and do. Seeing Christmas lights does put one in the Christmas spirit for sure. Thank you for you comments.

      Delete
  5. Linda at To Behold The BeautyNovember 27, 2017 at 9:20 AM

    I've never been to Gulf Shores, but I've been to Daytona Beach. I used to raise horses, and a man in Daytona Beach bought several of them from me. Chances are slim that you would know him, but his name was Bob Barbieri. I love the shot of the pelican and the close-ups of the heron, especially that one with his tracks in the sand. Beautiful Christmas lights, too. And the drug store with the old-fashioned soda fountain brought back memories. Fun post.

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    1. HappytrailsNovember 27, 2017 at 9:47 AM

      Thank you for your comments, as always they are very kind. My parents may have know him but I do not know of him. I bet you enjoyed raising horses! It was really neat being able to get up close and personal with the pelican and the heron. That is a special place for Mike and me and there is so much to see and do. Fairhope is an awesome community and it is right there on the Mobile Bay. Old fashion soda shops do bring back a lot of good memories.

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  6. Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009November 27, 2017 at 7:00 PM

    Awesome photos. I love seeing all the decorations.
    We love that area also. I must say that we haven't visited Fairhope but we sure will when we visit that area next fall! Thanks for the heads up.

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  7. Ruth HiebertNovember 27, 2017 at 7:46 PM

    Amazing sights. Seems like the folks down south know how to really decorate for Christmas. I love that.

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  8. horstDecember 1, 2017 at 4:08 PM

    Just got to read your last two posts....GREAT stuff...I have been in the Golf Shores area, but never been to Fairhope, Ala. I now have it bookmarked... Really enjoyed the Christmas decoration nightime photo's Gives one a warm feeling...Take care and safe travels. Horst sends

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  9. AnonymousDecember 15, 2017 at 9:22 PM

    We loved visiting these areas when I was assigned to Mobile. Such great memories! Beautiful pictures and especially the sunsets!

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