Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Episodes

Melea Hames is the social media manager at Visit North Alabama, also known as the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. She is also the host of the Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama Podcast. WHAT WE DISCUSSED How did the idea for the North Alabama Waterfall Trail come about, and what factors were considered when selecting the waterfalls to include on the trail? How has social media played a role in promoting the North Alabama Waterfall Trail and attracting visitors to the region? H...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! Kay Donaldson, the director of the Alabama Bass Trail, is our guest today. Get ready to dive into the exciting world of fishing tournaments and angling in Alabama as Kay shares some incredible insights and experiences with us. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Who influenced Kay's love of fishing in the waters of North Alabama? What are the main reasons people travel to North Alabama for fishing? 3. How has the Alabama Bass Trail expanded marketing efforts in ...

Jackie McGonigal, Coordinator at Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center, is our guest on the Outdoor Adventures Series Podcast today. Jackie is a passionate outdoor educator with a strong background in outdoor leadership, environmental science, and education. Growing up in the community, Jackie spent significant time on the waterways she now teaches on. With a desire to combine her academic knowledge in biology, ecology, and community-based conservation with outdoor recreation, Jackie beca...

Mark Berte is the Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF) executive director; the ACF is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The ACF was formed to bring together individuals from coastal Alabama's private and governmental sectors to address various issues. Inspired by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's successful work in another part of the country, ACF was modeled after its approach. TOPICS WE DISCUSSED How has the Alabama Coastal Foundation evolved over the past 30 years, and what are some of i...

Chandra Wright is the Director of Environmental & Educational Initiatives at the Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel. She works on sustainability initiatives at the Lodge and our other facilities in the park and curates and creates educational opportunities for guests of all ages. TOPICS WE DISCUSSED How does the Gulf State Park interpretive center exemplify environmentally friendly building practices? What are some of the specific features of the interpretive center that contribute to...

Eston Colvin is the Public Relations Coordinator for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism. Enjoy our episode with Easton as we discuss all things fishing, angling, conservation, and the delicious eating aspect of Golf Shores and Orange Beach. TOPICS WE DISCUSSED 1. What are some of the different species of fish that can be caught in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area? Which fish are particularly exciting or challenging to catch? 2. What are the opportunities for fishing and outdoor activiti...

Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is our guest on the Outdoor Adventure Series Podcast today. The ADCNR is responsible for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, State Lands, State Parks, and the Marine Resources Divisions. Alabama is the most aquatically biodiverse state in America, with more miles of navigable waterways than any state. Questions We Asked What is your favorite division of your department? What are some of the pro...

Cortney Weatherby is our guest on the Outdoor Adventure Series today. Cortney is the Coastal Outreach Manager for Alabama Audubon. She is an environmental educator and conservationist. She loves spending time outdoors in various capacities: birding, fly fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, or diving when the opportunity arises. Questions We Discussed What threats do beach-nesting birds face? How can people help these birds when they visit the beach? Why would you recommend people get into birding...

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism sponsor this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. Warm temps and fresh seafood make the Alabama Gulf Coast the perfect beach destination for family vacations, couples getaways, outdoor adventures, meetings, conferences, and conventions. Our guest today is Suzanne Downing. Suzanne is the Publications Editor for the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). Suzanne is an outdoor communicator with environmental science and journalism background, livi...

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism is the sponsor of this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. Warm temps and fresh seafood make the Alabama Gulf Coast the perfect beach destination for your family vacation, couples getaway, outdoor adventure, meetings, conferences, and conventions. Our guest today is Scott Bannon. Scott is the Director of the Marine Resources Division, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Questions What is the role of the Marine Resources Division,...

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism is the sponsor of this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. Warm temps and fresh seafood make the Alabama Gulf Coast the perfect beach destination for your family vacation, couples getaway, outdoor adventure, meetings, conferences, and conventions. Our guest today is Anthony Ricciardone. Anthony is the Co-Owner of Admiral Shellfish Company, based out of Fort Morgan, Alabama. Admiral raises and harvests prime oysters grown in South Alabama. Topics we di...