Jimmy Buffet Meeting of the Minds 2023

Parrot Heads

The annual Jimmy Buffet “Parrot Head Gathering,” also known as “Meeting of the Minds,” is coming to Gulf Shores, AL October 25-29. In the late 90s, Jerry Diaz and Scott Nickerson initiated this event in New Orleans. This year, Gulf Shores, where Jimmy spent his formative years on the beach and where is sister, Lulu, still runs the popular Lulu's restaurant & bar, will host a fantastic gathering of Parrot Heads celebrating Jimmy's life. Registration closes on September 15th, and you can find more information at www.MOTM.rocks

Best Sports Bars | Local Favorites

Wondering where the best places in Gulf Shores are

The Sloop

to watch the NFL playoffs, Super Bowl, March Madness, and all the other sports? There are several sports bars that offer the games (Google them), but the locals’ favorites (at least in this writer’s opinion) are listed below. So, read on and find your favorite spot to watch the big game like a local.

The Sloop is a locally owned unicorn (part dive, part fantastic food, part sports bar, part live music venue) with TVs everywhere, all the sports packages, and a crowd that is heavily local, friendly, and welcoming. Fair warning to get there EARLY on game days. The Sloop is not large, parking is not plentiful, and when people get their seats they tend to stay until their game is over (and longer).

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Island Wing Company

Island Wing Company offers everything you expect from a quality sports bar. The food is good, the service is good, there are TVs everywhere, and the place is huge with plenty of parking, so you don’t have to worry too much about being able to get a seat to enjoy your game, even if you are running a little late. It's little bit up Gulf Shores Parkway/Hwy 59 from the heart of Gulf Shores, so plan (and pace) accordingly for that drive home after the game - better yet, consider using that ride-sharing app on your phone!

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The Cove

The Cove Bar & Grill is a nice little dive in Gulf Shores that locals love for its friendly atmosphere, great food, pool tables, and live music – but it also doubles as a great game-day spot with plenty of TVs and fans rooting for (and against) the teams that excite them. The burgers are especially good, and the drinks are cold and delicious. Tucked away on Cove Ave in the heart of Gulf Shores, the Cove is not a large place, nor is there a ton of parking, so if you want to watch the big game like a local, get there early.

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Big Beach Brewing

Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores is a terrific brewery offering great locally made craft beers and wine. The atmosphere is classy, open-air (when it’s warm) and offers plenty of comfortable seating (including couches) inside and outside where you can watch your games in style. Its a laid-back place complemented by an on-site food truck for those moments when hunger strikes. Located across from Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores, Big Beach has more parking availability on-site and down the street than some of the other local favorites detailed in this article, but you will still want to be there early to secure you favorite seats. And one last bit of advice from this writer’s personal experience: Pace yourself! Those craft brews pack a punch!

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