Tourism to the United States generally revolves around the biggest and most famous cities. New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Miami, Chicago.... These are the places you tend to read the most about, and they do indeed provide many of the highlights for international and domestic travelers alike. But the United States is a vast country filled with all kinds of unique destinations, and if you have the time or inclination it's a good idea … [Read more...]
Alabama’s Newest Summer Destination for Family Fun
In the summer of 2017, a new amusement park opened its doors in Foley, Alabama. OWA, pronounced like oh-wah, is located just 9 miles from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. It is the only park of its kind in the state of Alabama and the Gulf Coast as well, since Hurricane Katrina destroyed Six Flags New Orleans in 2005. OWA is the perfect destination for family summer fun along Alabama's Gulf Coast. The name OWA was inspired from the … [Read more...]
Where Should You Eat? Restaurants in Coastal Alabama
If you've never been on a beach vacation in Alabama, you are missing out. I had the opportunity to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama recently and what a treat it was. From the white sugar sand beaches to the deep sea fishing, the Alabama coast has it all. To me, the Alabama coast was a great beach vacation without the pretense of some other popular beach locations in the U.S. When you don't want to "keep up with the joneses" and just … [Read more...]
Planning a Sea, Sun and Sand Vacation in Panama City Beach
I have been fortunate to have visited Florida a number of times - sunshine, warm temperatures and the fact the state is ground zero for tropical fruit in the lower 48 has always appealed to me. My first Florida experience was perhaps not the norm - during college we transported a solar car we built in California to the East Coast for a race and then ultimately down to Florida. Camping in July in the middle of the Everglades surrounded by clouds … [Read more...]
Travel Media Showcase & Lake Charles, LA
Travel Media Showcase is an annual industry event focusing on the USA domestic market, pairing representatives from mostly small to medium sized regions with a variety of journalists. Travel shows for the industry such as this one are a great way for journalists to make personal contact with destinations and brands - learn about some of the latest activities and attractions in each region and help coordinate future visits. This show was TMS's … [Read more...]
Crazy Sista Cooking
Crazy Sista Cooking by Lucy Anne Buffet This is a collection of Lucy's favorite recipes sprinkled with her "food philosophy" and stories about how the recipe was created. Lucy is Jimmy Buffet's younger sister; the Buffets grew up with food, music and hospitality in their blood. Lucy has operated Lulu's Buffet Restaurant in Gulf Shores Alabama since 1999. From how to knead the dough, salads, specialty drinks, to southern cuisine this book … [Read more...]
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
With only a limited amount of gulf coastline in the entire state, this part of Alabama really delivers in regards to long white sand beaches, bright blue sunshine and clean air, world class southern cuisine, but most of all, the genuine Southern hospitality. The area certainly becomes crowded in the summer. This is a true family destination with a wide range of visitors coming from the Midwest and the East Coast. Visitors come year after year; … [Read more...]
On the way to Alabama
"Above the Clouds" - the name of this blog, is an appropriate one for this post! Internet is everywhere these days - always nice to be working/surfing at 35,000 feet where I currently am! It appears that we are over the Texas panhandle on the way to DFW for a stopover and then down to southern Alabama where a group of travel, wine and food journalists will treated to some Alabama hospitality over the next week and especially to some excellent … [Read more...]
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Beach Hotel Set to Open, Pensacola Beach
"IT'S NOT JUST A HOTEL, IT'S A STATE OF MIND." FINS UP PENSACOLA JIMMY BUFFETT'S NEW MARGARITAVILLE BEACH HOTEL SET TO OPEN THIS SUMMER IN PENSACOLA BEACH, FL. (MAY 2010) - Pensacola Beach, FL. - Margaritaville and Little Sabine, Inc. are pleased to announce the world's first Margaritaville Beach Hotel opening this summer on the pristine white sands of Pensacola Beach, Florida. As President of Little Sabine, Inc., Marilyn Hess was … [Read more...]