Shrimp Creole with Pecorino Grits: A Crowd Favorite from the 30A Songwriters Festival




shrimp grits 30a songwriters festival

There’s something magical about the intersection of music, food, and coastal living, and this year’s 30A Songwriters Festival was the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable culinary experience. Among the many highlights was the Shrimp Creole with Pecorino Grits, a dish that left festivalgoers raving. Chef David Townsend, owner of Townsend Catering, was gracious enough to share his recipe, allowing us to bring a taste of the festival home.

If you love the bold, rich flavors of Creole cuisine and the comforting creaminess of Southern-style grits, this dish is for you. It’s an elevated take on a Gulf Coast classic, packed with succulent shrimp, a vibrant…

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Ono Island POA vs. Ono Island FPA: Understanding Their Roles and Responsibilities

Ono Island Orange Beach Alabama


As a homeowner and expert real estate advisor on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama, I often receive questions about how the island is managed and the different governing bodies that oversee its services. Two key entities that play a role in maintaining the community are the Ono Island Property Owners Association (POA) and the Ono Island Fire Protection Authority (FPA). While they may sound similar, they serve distinct purposes that every homeowner should understand.

What is the Ono Island Property Owners Association (POA)?

The Ono Island POA is a private entity made up of all property owners on the island. Its primary function is to uphold the community's …

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Sunset Dining at The Perch: A Gulf Coast Treasure


Perch Dining Restaurant Gulf Shores Orange Beach Alabama Hilton

Last night, my friend and I visited The Perch, a fabulous oceanfront restaurant located at Gulf State Park in Alabama. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was more than just a meal—it was an experience infused with the natural beauty, southern charm, and hospitality that make the Gulf Coast so unique.

The Perch is perfectly positioned with views looking due west, directly over the recently reconstructed fishing pier. As the sun began its descent, the sky was painted with fiery hues of red, orange, and pink, casting a warm glow across the water and the surrounding dunes. There’s a wooden boardwalk nearby that leads visitors to the beach, and it’s the perfect place for a…

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A Winter Wonderland in Orange Beach, Alabama: Community and Roadway Update from Your Local Real Estate Advisor

 Orange Beach Ono Island Alabama Snowstorm

Today is a unique and breathtaking day here in Orange Beach, Alabama. After a rare snowstorm blanketed our coastal paradise, the community has awakened to a stunning scene of blue skies and shimmering white powder snow—a sight that feels straight out of a winter postcard. While snow is a novelty here, it has brought both beauty and challenges to our area.

The Foley Beach Express Bridge and Alabama East Point Bridge are both now passable, but with caution advised. The Alabama East Point Bridge still has significant ice patches, so drivers are urged to remain vigilant. Areas of Perdido Beach Boulevard, particularly near Turquoise…

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Winterizing Your Home for Cold Snaps and Snow in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Baldwin County, Alabama


Winterization Orange Beach Alabama

While the Gulf Coast is known for its mild winters, unexpected cold snaps and even the occasional snowstorm can happen. In Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Baldwin County, these rare events often catch homeowners by surprise. Proper preparation and winterization can protect your home, save you money on repairs, and ensure your family stays comfortable during cold weather.

Here are the key preventative measures, emergency contacts, and tips to keep in mind for winter storms in our area.

Preventative Measures for Winterization

Protecting Your Pipes

  • Wrap and Insulate Pipes: Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape for exposed…

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Understanding Property Taxes on Vacant Land on Ono Island


By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

When I’m helping clients evaluate the purchase of vacant land on Ono Island, one of the most important conversations we have is about property taxes—how they’re calculated, when they’re due, and what role they play in holding land for future development or investment.

Let’s break it down.

How Are Property Taxes on Vacant Land Calculated?

Baldwin County calculates ad valorem property taxes (Latin for “according to value”) using three key factors:

  1. Assessed Value of the Land
    Vacant land on Ono Island is typically assessed at 10% of its market…

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Understanding Real Estate Closing Costs: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

As a Gulf Coast real estate advisor, I often encounter questions about closing costs and how they are divided in a real estate transaction. A common misconception is that when a contract states the buyer and seller will "split the closing costs," it means all costs are combined and divided equally. That’s not the case. Instead, each party is responsible for their own respective closing costs, and those costs are very different for buyers and sellers. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the fees and expenses associated with finalizing a real estate transaction. These costs vary depending on whether you’re the buyer or the…

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A Rare Snow Day on Ono Island: A Winter Wonderland by the Gulf

Ono Island Snow Winter 

A Rare Snow Day on Ono Island: A Winter Wonderland by the Gulf

As a homeowner and real estate advisor on Ono Island, I've come to appreciate the unique beauty of our coastal paradise in every season. But waking up this morning to find the island transformed by a rare blanket of snow was nothing short of magical. The combination of blue skies, shimmering white powder, and our tropical landscape created a scene like nothing I’ve ever experienced here before.

The palms, magnolia trees, and sea grass, usually swaying in warm coastal breezes, were adorned with sparkling snowflakes. Each branch seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, casting delicate reflections that made the…

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Understanding DSCR Loans on the Gulf Coast

GULF COAST LIVING

As a real estate advisor licensed in Alabama and Florida, I often work with investors seeking opportunities along the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re exploring condos in Gulf Shores or vacation homes in Orange Beach, understanding financing options is key. One increasingly popular option for real estate investors is the Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan.

What is a DSCR Loan?

A DSCR loan is a type of financing tailored for real estate investors. Unlike traditional loans that heavily rely on personal income and employment verification, DSCR loans evaluate the property's income potential. The focus is on whether the rental income can cover the property’s debt obligations, such as mortgage payments,…

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A Snowstorm on Ono Island: A Rare Winter Wonderland

Ono Island Snow Day

 


As I sit here looking out over the quiet canals of Ono Island, I can hardly believe my eyes. Snow is falling softly, blanketing the island in a delicate layer of white—a sight so rare in Orange Beach, Alabama, it feels like stepping into a dream. Ono Island, known for its tropical vibe and sunny days, has been transformed into a winter wonderland.

This morning, I woke up to the unusual hush that only comes with snow. The vibrant greens of the palm trees now peek out from beneath a soft dusting of snowflakes. The familiar waterways look almost otherworldly, their glassy surfaces reflecting the gray sky above. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime view for this Gulf Coast island.

A Surprising Start…

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