Garland’s Auto Body

Garland’s Auto Body is an easy find located directly on Highway 59 in Robertsdale.  Shop owners, Garland and Machelle Kahl, operate the business that specializes in collision repair and classic car restoration.  They have been in business for two years and at their current location for one year.

Garland’s is a family owned and operated business and both of the Kahl’s sons, Johnathan and Joe, are actively involved in the business.  The family strives for service and quality in all of their repairs and restorations.  At Garland’s, customers often comment that they feel as if they get more for their money while receiving quality work.

You can reach Garland’s Auto Body at 23701 US Hwy. 59 in Robertsdale or at (251) 978-3197 and, in case of collision repair, most types of insurance are accepted.  At Garland’s, quality work and integrity are guaranteed.

Pirate’s Cove

You are sure to find three things “great” about Pirate’s Cove in Elberta – great food, a great atmosphere and great entertainment.  Whether you arrive by boat or car, you’ll find Pirate’s Cove nestled into a quiet, peaceful spot on Wolf Bay with plenty of water and lots of sand.  The cheeseburgers are phenomenal and the beautiful view simply improves the overall experience.

Pirate’s Cove is kid and pet friendly.  There’s a big shade tree with a rope swing and a nice open spot for the kids to swim and play in the sand.  You will always find a happy group of dogs on the premise and, if you’re willing to share a few fries, you may meet a new best friend.  You’ll find it tough sharing a bite of burger, though, as Pirate’s Cove is committed to ingredients like high quality ground beef, local fresh produce, yummy wings and hot pizza made with homemade dough.

Pirate’s Cove hosts a number of great events and local entertainers throughout the year and has been doing so for the past 55 years.  The Mueller family is always glad to have you and be sure to check their events calendar on the web at www.piratescoveriffraff.com.  In celebration of Mardi Gras, Pirate’s Cove will host a parade Sunday, February 19^th at 3:00 pm.  Their daily hours of operation are Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Friday – Sunday 8:00 am – until and be sure to check out their coupons in our Local Bits section.

Dutchman’s Lawn and Garden

Dutchman’s Guns and Ammo

How did they get the name Dutchman’s?  Well, there’s definitely a story there according to Ron de Kok, owner and operator of Dutchman’s.  Ron’s mother and father immigrated to the United States from Holland.  The Dutch government allowed the husband and wife $50.00 for their overseas trip and by the time the reached their destination in Ohio, the couple had $7.50 to their name.  The family chose to use the name Dutchman’s to honor their heritage.

Ron de Kok moved to the area after serving in the Navy and, soon after, his mom and dad moved here as well.  Ron’s dad purchased a piece of property on Highway 98 and Ron and his dad opened Dutchman’s Lawn and Garden in June of 1986.  Dutchman’s Lawn and Garden sells the Husquvarna brand exclusively, and their inventory includes commercial and residential mowers, chainsaws, tillers, trimmers and parts.  The parts department at Dutchman’s Lawn and Garden also features parts by other manufacturers.

After several years in the lawn and garden business, Ron, his fiancee (now his wife) and his brother began participating in gun shows with an emphasis on World War II weapons.  In 1992, they built an addition on to the building and opened Dutchman’s Gun and Ammo.  Their store offers handguns, tactical weapons, military weapons and collectables and is the only store in the area with such variety and diversity.  From the Spanish American War to Vietnam, there is a weapon or collectable in the shop to represent every major war.

Ron offers a standing cash discount and tells his customers to bring cash to either store and they are always willing to make a deal.  You can visit Dutchman’s Lawn and Garden and Dutchman’s Guns and Ammo at 22482 US Hwy. 98 in Foley and their phone number is (251) 943-7043.  Their hours of orperation are Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm.  You can visit them online at www.dutchmansguns.com.

Tropical Linens & Accessories

Alicia Owen knows the “beach life” and she had devoted her career to transforming an ordinary room into an island retreat.  Owen purchased Tropical Linens & Accessories from a customer to whom she had sold beach bedding and décor for many years.  Her store has been at its current location for nine years offering beach bedding and tropical and traditional accents for any room.

Whether you’re looking for traditional or “beachy”, Tropical Linens offers an extensive selection of chic bedding and accessories.  The store carries a wide variety of unique beach items, lamps, sheet sets, comforters, quilts, pillows, shower curtains and more.  Loyal customers love the quality and prices at Tropical Linens and even the men enjoy the store because of the help provided by the friendly staff.  The store gladly accepts coupons and they almost always have a sell on featured items.

Tropical Linens would love to work with you in making your home or vacation rental a haven of tropical pleasure.  If, for some reason, you don’t find something in the store to meet your specific needs

they will gladly assist you in custom making special items.  Tropical Linens & Accessories is located at 3800 S. McKenzie Street, Suite 5 in Foley.  Their hours of operation are Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.  You can view them online at www.tropicallinens.com.

Gifts from the Heart

“People tell us that they think Gifts from the Heart is just a gift shop but the name certainly holds special meaning for us”, explained floral designer Lori as she smiled and nodded at her co-designer Vickie.  It was from personal tragedy that gave way to the business Gifts from the Heart in Elberta.  Lori, whose son passed away and Vickie, who also lost her grandson both experienced trying times that motivated them to spin their grief in a positive way.  Lori owned a small floral business in North Carolina and Vickie had done the same in Kentucky.  They decided to join forces at Gifts from the Heart doing what they loved most – floral design that makes others happy.

From the corner, shop owner Alan Farrar exclaimed, “They can do anything with flowers!  People bring in their own containers and these ladies help them build an arrangement just like they want.”  In fact, the ladies had recently completed a large funeral piece for a customer who collaborated with them by email and cell phone pictures to create the perfect piece for his mothers’ funeral.  “We can do any color or variation in our shop.  If you see something you like but would like to modify the arrangement, we are always happy to alter or add flowers to suit your design needs.

Gifts from the Heart offers silk arrangements, memorial flowers, all occasion wreaths and yard decorations at affordable prices.  They have specialty items like kitchen set towel cakes and diaper cakes that can be made in various sizes and colors to suit your special event.  They also hand make some very unique beaded safety pin items that include angels and spiders that would make great stocking stuffers.  Gifts from the Heart is located at 25042 A State Street in Elberta.  Their hours of operation are 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday and their phone number is (219) 776-3955.