The Lou Blog

Hidden Gem Restaurants in Gulf Shores

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Hidden Gem Restaurants in Gulf Shores: Local-Feeling Places Worth Finding Gulf Shores has plenty of well-known restaurants that visitors hear about before they ever arrive. The Hangout, LuLu's, Original Oyster House, Sunliner Diner, and other popular spots are part of the classic vacation experience. But sometimes the best meals are the ones that feel a little more local, a little more relaxed, and a little less polished. This list is focused on those places — casual restaurants, local fav...

Gulf Shores Eating Hot Spots

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Where to Eat in Gulf Shores: Popular Hot Spots Visitors Love Gulf Shores has no shortage of places to eat, but some restaurants are popular for more than just the food. They are part of the vacation experience. This list is focused on the well-known, high-traffic, visitor-favorite spots — the places guests often ask about, kids remember, and families like to try at least once during a beach trip. We will save the "hole in the wall" local favorites for another post. Whether you are looking...

Things to do in Gulf Shores

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Things to Do in Gulf Shores: Family Fun Beyond the Beach The beach may be the reason most people come to Gulf Shores, but it is definitely not the only thing to do while you are here. One of the best parts of staying at The Lou is that guests can enjoy a peaceful Fort Morgan setting while still being close enough to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, and nearby attractions for a full vacation experience. Whether you are traveling with kids, teenagers, extended family, or a group of friends, t...

Mini Golf Marathon

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Mini Golf Marathon: A Tradition Worth Keeping Some traditions start small. Years ago, my nephew and I started a simple Gulf Shores tradition: we would go play a couple rounds of mini golf together. Nothing too complicated. Just an uncle, a nephew, a putter, and a scorecard. But like the best traditions, it grew. Now that he is a young adult, we still keep it going. What started as a couple of courses has turned into a full-day mini golf marathon — breakfast, as many rounds as we can...

Best Times of Year to Visit Fort Morgan

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Fort Morgan Year-Round: The Best Season for Your Beach Trip One of the best things about Fort Morgan is that it is not just a summer destination. Every season offers something a little different, and each one has its own reason to visit. Some guests come for classic summer beach days. Others prefer the quieter pace of fall, the fresh feel of spring, or the peaceful escape of winter. There may not be one perfect time to visit Fort Morgan — it really depends on the kind of trip you want. At...

Beach Vacation Packing Guide

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

What to Pack for a Beach Vacation Packing for a beach trip can be simple, but a little planning makes the whole vacation feel easier. Whether you are coming for a long summer stay, a spring break getaway, a fall beach trip, or a quiet weekend by the water, the right items help you spend less time running errands and more time relaxing. Here are a few helpful things to pack for your beach vacation. Beach-Day Essentials Start with the items you will use every day at the beach: * Sunscre...

Golf Near The Lou: Fort Morgan & Gulf Shores Courses

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Golf Near The Lou: Fort Morgan & Gulf Shores Courses Worth Playing One of the best parts of staying at The Lou is that you can enjoy a quiet Fort Morgan beach getaway while still being close to some of the best golf on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Whether you are planning a dedicated golf trip, sneaking in a morning tee time before the beach, or looking for a fun activity during the spring and fall seasons, The Lou is a great home base for golfers. Kiva Dunes Golf Course If golf is part of your...

Rodents at the Beach

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Rodents, Beach Homes & the Alabama Beach Mouse: What Guests Should Know Staying near the beach means enjoying beautiful sand, dunes, wildlife, and a more natural coastal setting. It also means we share the area with creatures that call this environment home. While an occasional insect can happen in coastal homes despite regular pest control and cleaning, rodents are different. Guests should not see mice, rats, or evidence of rodents inside the home. If you notice anything concerning during...

Places to eat in Fort Morgan, Alabama

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Where to Eat Near Fort Morgan: Favorite Restaurants Close to The Lou One of the best parts of staying at The Lou is enjoying the quieter Fort Morgan side of Gulf Shores while still being close to great food, beach-day treats, coffee, golf, and easy family dining. Fort Morgan has a more relaxed pace than central Gulf Shores, but that does not mean guests are short on good places to eat. Whether you want a casual seafood dinner, pizza after a beach day, coffee before golf, or ice cream with t...