Tidbits – A Baldwin County Newspaper – Weekly Stopping In

All Time Cutters

This week’s stopping in is more of a “stopping out” of sorts.  I spotted landscaper, Terry Morgan owner of All Time Cutters, working hard maintaining the lawn at my condominium complex.  I was most impressed that he was able to manipulate large amounts of pine straw into nice, neat piles around the pine trees so I stopped and chatted with him a few minutes.

Terry Morgan is originally from the Birmingham, Alabama area and, years ago, he fell in love with  Baldwin County and decided to relocate.  He has been in the commercial and residential lawn and landscaping business for 18 years and offers an array of services.  His lawn care services include weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and year around maintenance.  Terry also specializes in sodding, seeding, fertilizing and aerating in addition to building and maintaining flower beds.  His larger projects include landscape design, tree work, land clearing and the ability to build ponds – from small, lined Koi ponds to larger, full size ponds.

For your lawn and landscaping needs, you can reach Terry Morgan of All Time Cutters at (251) 223-3267.  You are sure to receive professional, quality work at affordable prices with All Time Cutters.

Tidbits – A Baldwin County Newspaper – Stopping In

Unleashed Dog Park

On our visit to Unleashed Dog Park in Orange Beach, the Lab (and Lab mix) was king.  There were five energetic furry friends frolicking about and I’m certain two of the five believed they were competing in an Olympic track meet racing for the gold.  The dogs played and their people laughed, socialized and wished the energy in the park could be bottled and sold.

Unleashed offers two separate fenced in areas for large and small dogs.  There is plenty of seating for humans and the trees and decorative fire hydrants encourage potty breaks away from the human seating.  There’s a water hose and bowls available for pet hydration and doggie waste bags are inside the fence for convenient waste pick up and disposal.

There are a few simple rules to be followed while at Unleashed Dog Park and they are as follows:  Dogs must be current on vaccinations.  Dogs must be leashed while entering and exiting the park.  Dogs must be under visual control at all times.  No more than two dogs allowed, per handler.

You can find the list of rules, in its entirety, posted near the front gate of the park and at the web link listed below .  Unleashed Dog Park is located at 27920 Canal Road in Orange Beach and is open from sunrise to sunset.  There is a donation box located just inside the front gate where donations for park upkeep can be made.  For more information about Unleashed Dog Park, please visit www.obparksandrec.com/parkstrails/dogpark.html

 

 

Tidbits – A Baldwin County Newspaper – Weekly Stopping In

Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant

With over 48 entree items at Jade Garden, the lunch buffet selection is tough to beat.  Our family sampled a number of items including soup, egg rolls, chicken and beef dishes, sushi, boiled shrimp and grilled oysters, just to name a few.  There are a number of soups to chose from on the buffet and I found my favorite, hot and sour, chock full of egg, tofu, mushrooms (with a sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions) and great flavor.

Jade Garden also offers a number of fresh seafood selections such as boiled shrimp, grilled oysters, stuffed crab and baked fish.  They have a great salad bar, several sushi selections and a dessert bar with soft serve ice cream.  Their traditional Chinese favorites include but aren’t limited to; sesame chicken, general’s chicken, Mongolian pork, vegetable lo mein, sweet and sour chicken, wontons and terriyaki chicken on a stick.

We experienced great, friendly service from our waitress and a very pleasing moment occurred when the check arrived.  The adult buffet price is $6.50 per person, kids eat for $3.95 and beverages cost $1.35 each.  You can visit Jade Garden Chinese restaurant at 2630 S McKenzie St. in Foley or place a take out order at (251) 943-2988.  Their hours of operation are Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm.

Tidbits of Baldwin County Weekly: Stopping In

Taylor’s Wrecker & Towing

You may have already met Taylor’s Wrecking & Towing owner Rob Taylor in times of trouble in the Bay Minette area.  Not only does he come to the rescue of stranded motorists, but he has also served as Fire Chief at Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department for the past three years.  Rob has spent 24 years in fire service and has come to the aid of many in need over the years whether it be fire or automobile related.

In his towing business, which he operates with his wife Heather, Rob offers towing and wrecker services 24 hours a day 365 days a year.  Recalling a very busy time, Rob said they have towed as many as 100 vehicles in a week.  Rob and Heather are expecting their first child and even with a due date of “any moment”, Heather continues to stay active and involved with the business.  “I’ve tried to get her to ease up for about a month, now” Rob laughs, “but she likes being busy.”  Heather also enjoys her role in the Pine Grove Women’s Auxiliary.

Taylor’s Wrecker & Towing is located at 2505 Hwy. 31 S. in Bay Minette.  They offer 24 hour efficient service at affordable rates, offer lockout services and provide a safe, secure facility for vehicles involved in auto accidents.  You can contact Taylor’s Towing at (251) 423-7091 or (251) 580-0376 for more information on their services.

Tidbits of Baldwin County Weekly: Stopping In

Yogurt+Plus

Trendy and hot are two words that most accurately describe Yogurt+Plus in Orange Beach.  In fact, the business is immaculate and the décor is as delicious to the eyes as the yogurt is to the tummy.  The striking neon green and red themed shop is fitted with custom designed displays and seating areas, as well as four high definition televisions.

There are 16 flavors of yogurt and over 50 toppings to be had at Yogurt+Plus.  I had eggnog yogurt and it was absolutely delicious.  The plus in the name Yogurt+Plus represents items such as muffin tops made fresh daily, self serve oatmeal, lattes, mochas, hot chocolate, and chai lattes.  They also have a flurry machine which whips your topping into your yogurt and produces a Razzle frozen explosion.  The beverage selection includes sodas (Jones Soda is in the lineup), energy drinks, water and the ability to make your own floats.

Owners, Winston and Tiffany Nelson opened Yogurt+Plus approximately one and a half months ago.  They are not a franchise but locally owned and operated and the Nelsons plan to open a second location in Foley in March 2012. They offer many discounts at their Orange Beach location including discounts for Facebook fans, locals and snowbirds.  A customer loyalty card is also available and punched with each purchase.  You can visit Yogurt+Plus at 25241 Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach.  You can reach them at (251) 974-1900 or online at www.yogurtplusonline.com.

Tidbits Weekly Stopping In: Summerdale Western Store

Once you walk through the door it only takes seconds to realize that Summerdale Western Store has everything to outfit a cowboy or cowgirl, head to toe.  With a large selection of hats from Bailey, Stetson and Ranger Company to a wide range of boots from makers like Justin, Ariat, Nocona and Dan Post Cowboy Certified, Summerdale Western Store has numerous hats and boots in stock.  They even carry western gear for the youngest cowboys and cowgirls.

For those working livestock on a daily basis, the store offers a large line of Carhartt clothing and outwear and Wrangler jeans for men and women.  Carhartt work boots are also featured along with a number of additional name brand work boots.  New and used saddles are available, as well as Triple E Barrel Pads and horse blankets for nippy Baldwin County nights.  Although much of the inventory at Summerdale Western Store is made for work, they also carry great items like handbags and jewelry for the ladies, belts, men’s wallets and western themed decorative items.  Remember, if they don’t have it, they will be happy to order it!

Take the time to check out Summerdale Western Store for yourself, you’ll be glad you did. Summerdale Western Store is located at 107 Highway 59 N in Summerdale, their phone number is (251) 989-7555.  Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Tidbits Weekly Stopping In: Summerdale Country Cafe

You may not have noticed the new Summerdale Country Cafe that opened just over a month ago but don’t fret, the signage will be up this week.  Summerdale Country Cafe was suggested to me and is located in the back of the Summerdale Flea Market.  While there is no affiliation with the flea market, Cafe owner and chef Mack Vick enjoys the weekend
visitors from the market.  Vick, who was born and raised in Baldwin County, is a trained chef who has been in the business for 11 years and spent those years as a casino and restaurant chef.

We had a look at the menu and ordered a hamburger with fries, an order of chili cheese fries and a slice of buttermilk pie.  Mack had a pot of potato soup simmering so he brought a cup for us to try while we waited for the burger.  Only fresh meats (never frozen) are used at the Cafe.  Fresh beef is pattied up, seasoned and grilled on the spot and served with fresh, hot, crispy fries right out of the fryer. While my kids scowled and tend to shy away from anything with buttermilk in the name, I got two small bites of Mack’s buttermilk pie and my son devoured the rest.  It was absolutely delicious.

Summerdale Country Cafe is open 6:00 am – 11:00 pm and breakfast is served all day.  You can get a full breakfast plate for $3.50 or a loaded omelet for $4.25.  The shrimp burger, fried or grilled chicken tenders and meat with three plates are reasonably priced, too.  “If you leave here hungry then you didn’t clean your plate.” Vick laughs.  A few surprises are featured on the menu like homemade pizzas with fresh dough made daily, fresh greens and thick hand made milk shakes.  Summerdale Country Cafe offers a family friendly atmosphere where people can socialize and enjoy good food in a smoke free environment.  When the weather is nice, you can have your meal in the outdoor picnic area. Summerdale Country Cafe is located at 804 S. Hwy. 59 and the phone number is (251) 222-0959.

Tidbits Weekly Stopping In: The Gulf Bowl & Captain’s Choice Restaurant

My mother in law decided to treat her grandchildren to bowling and arcade games during the Thanksgiving break and reserved a lane at Gulf Bowl in Foley.  When we entered the building, the kids were amazed at the size and wow factor Gulf Bowl had to offer.  Big Al and Aubie (in inflatable form) greeted us at the door standing next to a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

After checking in and sorting out shoe sizes for seven pair of growing feet we began our bowling experience.  Assistant Manager, Lisa Jacobson gave the kids some helpful hints and hit the cosmic lights and music for her first lane of customers for the day.  The kids finished off their fun with arcade games.  Gulf Bowl has streamlined the arcade experience with game cards which kids can swipe at each game and the play amount is deducted from their card.  Gone are the days of keeping track of tokens and tickets, the game card does both and leaves parents free of lost tokens and hand cramps from holding long strands of tickets.

Gulf Bowl also features a full service restaurant in Captain’s Choice.  There’s plenty of seating and the food smelled delicious as the lunch crowd began to trickle in.  You will also find a snack bar with retro decor and burgers, hot dogs and seafood boxes on the menu.  A billiard room provides plenty of tables for the pool players and a bowling shop is also in-house with bowling balls, shoes and sportswear.  Gulf Bowl has several specials including After School Madness for $7.99 per person Tuesday – Friday, 3:00 – 5:30pm and Pizza Bowl for $11.99 per person Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.  You can check out Gulf Bowl & Captain Choice Restaurant at 2881 S. Juniper St. in Foley or at their second location Eastern Shore Lanes in Spanish Fort.

Orange Beach Power Sports

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you like full sized or radio control power sports, Orange Beach Power Sports & RC Hobbies is the place for the enthusiast. The walls of the shop are lined with all things radio controlled – from planes and helicopters to boats and cars. If the bigger toys are more your thing, jet skis, ATVs, dirt bikes and street bikes can receive repair and maintenance at the shop.

Co-owner Matt Adams specializes in jet ski repair and maintenance and promises his customers affordable labor and fast turn around on their power sports repairs. Matt has been a power sports mechanic for 12 years. Co-owner Louis De La Parra has been in the hobby business for 38 years and designs, builds and manufactures his own RC planes, boats and cars. He also sells new and used RC vehicles and repairs and sells parts to the RC hobbyist.

Orange Beach Power Sports & RC Hobbies recently opened a RC track for boats and airplanes. The track is currently open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on weekends. In January, they plan to open the RC track seven days a week. The track is located off Sweetwater on Canal Road in Orange Beach. Their store location is in Wolf Bay Plaza in Orange Beach at 25637 Canal Rd., Suite D. You can reach the sports department at 251-213-3135 and the RC department at 251-224-1695.