(ORANGE BEACH, Ala.) - LOCAL 15's Coastal Community Spotlight this week: Orange Beach. LOCAL 15's Darwin Singleton discovered a city that offers much more than beautiful beaches.
For decades, thousands of seasoned anglers have flocked to Orange Beach for charter fishing trips into the Gulf. If you look closely at Capt. Troy Frady's boat at Orange Beach Marina, those anglers are looking a little young these days! He's gearing his charters to families.
"That is what I do best," Capt. Frady said. "I'm a specialist in families and children!"
Across town, youngsters are trading fishing rods from bats and gloves. The Orange Beach Sportsplex attracts thousands of young people who come here for national baseball, softball, even soccer tournaments! It's an economic engine for the city.
The old Orange Beach Hotel is the oldest building in Orange Beach. It was built in 1923. It's no longer a hotel, it's the arts center for the city.
The hot shop! There's nothing else like it in the region. Glass blower Sam Cornman doesn't just show you how it's done, he'll even allow you to give it a try!
"It's a lot of persistence, practice and patience," he said.
Put on your helmet and hop on your bike! Orange Beach invites you to ride the six trails and 11 miles that make up the Hugh S Branyon Back Country Trail. No Bike? Then stroll. There are plenty of benches and even swings along this scenic trail. Complete with a butterfly garden, pavilion and even a turtle or gator or two!
