Random Alabama Musings

Okay. I’ll admit it. I may have come into the great state of Alabama with a whole lot of preconceived notions – perhaps even prejudices – about this “Sweet Home” state. First there’s the fact that I am a New England Yankee, through and through. Then, of course, there’s my long association with Neil Young’s lamenting about Alabama “coming to its senses”. And of course, Andre’s aforementioned “Alabama Ass Whoopin” reference.

Now admittedly, when we crossed the border from Florida into the part of Alabama affectionately referred to as “Florabama”, it didn’t look immediately hopeful. The state turned rural quickly and felt distinctly different from Florida; I’d say hick, but I’m not sure if that was just me projecting my expectations. Nevertheless, at the flea market we stopped at shortly after crossing over the border, we were greeted at the van by the slightly mangy resident flea-market dog that gave us pause (we haven’t met too many dogs who don’t want to take a bite out of Andre). He turned out to be mostly harmless, but the flea market was a bust. Not much to see but some folks who were overtly friendly but stared at us a bit longer than necessary, in my opinion.

This initial impression of the state was quickly reversed as we spent a fantastic 24 hours in the Gulf Shore and Orange Beach areas of coastal Alabama.  The weather was fantastic, the people friendly, and unlike back in New England, the beaches were abundant, free and fully accessible to the public. We never once paid to park or to get on to a beach, or paid a cover to get into an establishment. The beaches were beautiful white sand and folks were not blanket to blanket, piled on top of each other. That might just reflect the fact that it is technically not ‘in season’ yet here, but there sure was plenty of room.

And then there was the general attitude. Coming from the North where there is a rule for every possible thing you might even be thinking about doing, and most every sign starts with the word “NO”, the Gulf Shores area was completely relaxed, and decidedly not “in your face”.  As we are not great fans of incessant or arbitrary rule-making, this was a decided plus for us.

We spent a great afternoon lazing at the beach at Gulf Shores then got in the van and headed inland to Foley to take advantage of our buy one get one free all you can eat pizza coupon for CiCi’s Pizza Buffet. Finally, we headed down to the Orange Beach area where we spent the night and part of the morning before heading back again to Gulf Shores to walk the beach boardwalk again.

If there is an “Alabama Ass Whoopin” to be had, it hasn’t found us yet…….

Wish you were all here.