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There are times that even the most devoted sun-worshippers can't go out on the beach. I mean, if all the warnings are true, we really don't need that much exposure anyway, right?
How about some shopping? The Gulf Shores area has some neat little shops where you can browse, wish, and even buy, if you have any money left! Of course, the Strip has its share of the giant chain souvenir and beachwear shops-who can resist looking at the seashell lamps and T-shirts bearing various versions of "I've been to Gulf Shores"? Go on, have fun-buy yourself a tacky hat and an air mattress. But there's more! One of my favorite places to spend time is Bayou Village. Some time ago, I told you that John's favorite place to eat at the Gulf is the Original Oyster House. It's at the end of a cute little shopping center up on stilts; we like to go early enough to look in some of the shops before we go stuff ourselves. Being the obsessive-compulsive soul that I am, I always like to go down to the far end, around the turn, and start there. I slowly work my way back through all the shops until I get back to the restaurant. My very favorite shop in the Village is The Village Sport. The Village Sport has the cutest jelly shoes you ever saw-remember jelly shoes? Well, these are updated and come in lots of colors. Trust me-they're great. And, like so many other items in the shop, they're not things I see at home in stores. Oh, the name-Village Sport? They carry golf and tennis attire for ladies, but that doesn't stop this dedicated non-enthusiast. It's ok for the rest of us to look sporty, too. I was heartbroken last time we went to the beach. H.L. Hood, the greatest clothing store south of Birmingham, was no longer in its building under Perdido Pass restaurant. (Do I see a pattern emerging here? If I ever open a clothing store, I think I'll build it next to a popular restaurant.) I nearly wept at the thought of those wonder linen dresses and designer sandals, not to mention the funky jewelry-all gone! The good news is, I found H.L. Hood, along with several other wonderful shops, in a new shopping complex that has just opened on the main drag at Orange Beach. San Roc Cay features soft coastal colors, interesting architecture, and plenty of parking for the hordes of shoppers it is certain to attract. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Shopping at the Gulf in Southeastern U.S. is owned by Martine G. Bates. Permission to republish Shopping at the Gulf in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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