Found 17 blog entries tagged as Coastal Living.

December Magic Over the Harbor on Ono Island


Ono Island • Orange Beach, Alabama

Ono Island Search The Gulf Waterfront Homes


 “December sunset over the harbor on Ono Island with calm water reflections and marsh silhouettes.”

I took this photo in December, looking out over the harbor on Ono Island in Orange Beach, and it still feels like a small miracle every time I look at it. The water is glassy and quiet, the marsh edge creates that graceful curve into the distance, and the sky stretches wide with wispy, wind-brushed clouds that seem to glow from within.


December light on Ono Island has a way of slowing everything down, like the day is giving you permission to linger a little longer.

There is a particular kind of winter calm here that I’ve grown to…

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Top Italian Restaurants in the South and Along the Gulf Coast




A lifestyle guide I share with friends, neighbors, and homeowners relocating to the coast

I’m Meredith Folger Amon, and when someone is weighing a move to Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Ono Island, I always talk about more than bedrooms and boating amenities. I talk about the rhythm of a place, including the dining scene. A truly authentic Italian meal can be a full-sensory reset: warm bread, bright citrus, a proper al dente bite, and a wine list that feels curated with intention.

My favorite cities and coastal towns in the South are the ones where a great dinner feels like part of the local culture, not a special occasion.

Meredith Folger Amon

Below is my…

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Flex Rooms on the Gulf Coast: The Smart Space That Boosts Everyday Living and Resale Value

By Meredith Folger Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida.

Gulf Coast Home Design Search The Gulf

Flex rooms have become one of the most requested features I see in new construction along the Gulf Coast, especially in Orange Beach and on Ono Island. Homeowners want floorplans that reflect real life: remote work, boating weekends, guests in and out, hobbies that need a dedicated corner, and storage that does not steal square footage from the main living spaces. A well-designed flex room yields timeless elegance because it balances function with aesthetics, and it often becomes a major resale advantage when it is planned correctly.

Gulf Coast design note

The best flex rooms…

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December Gulf Waves in Motion: A Calming Timelapse from Orange Beach, Alabama



Orange Beach Ocean Waves Meredith Folger Amon


Every season on the Gulf Coast has its own personality, but there is something especially peaceful about December on the beaches of Orange Beach. Recently, I set up my camera in the sand and captured a timelapse of the ocean waves that felt less like a video project and more like a small therapy session with the Gulf of Mexico.

The water that day was a beautiful shade of turquoise, rolling in gentle, steady lines. The sand was as white as snow, almost glowing against the blue of the sky. Frame by frame, the scene unfolded like a living postcard, and I knew this needed to live on my website, www.searchthegulf.com, not just on my camera card.

“Sometimes the…

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An Afternoon on Ono Island


Ono Island Homes

This afternoon, I am sitting on Ono Island, feeling overwhelmingly grateful to call this island home. The world feels quiet in the best way, and as I look out over Old River, the view pulls me into one of those rare moments where everything slows down.

The December light is softer this time of year. The sun drifts through the clouds and sends rays from every direction, almost like the sky is putting on a quiet, private show for anyone taking the time to notice. Right in the middle of that light are two pelicans in flight.

On this December afternoon, it feels like the entire island has taken a deep breath and decided to just be still for a little while.

They are flying together so beautifully that it…

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Frutti di Mare Pasta, Ono Island Style (Clams, Mussels, Garlic, Olive Oil)


Ono Island

When I want a coastal dinner that feels effortless but still yields timeless elegance, I make this garlic-and-olive-oil Frutti di Mare with clams and mussels. It’s the kind of plate that exudes Gulf Grandeur without asking you to babysit the stove, and it pairs beautifully with an evening at home near Ono Island and Orange Beach. Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Folger Amon.

“The secret is intention: strong olive oil, gentle garlic, a little steam, and just enough pasta water to turn it all into silky coastal comfort.”

Meredith Folger Amon

Recipe Overview


Prep Time 20 minutes Cook Time 15…

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GULF SHORES, ALABAMA: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR VISITORS AND RESIDENTS

Gulf Shores Alabama Beaches

Ah, Gulf Shores! This charming seaside town on Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers a mix of sandy beaches, warm Southern hospitality, and endless adventure. Whether you're planning a getaway or thinking of making Gulf Shores your new home, there’s no shortage of things to explore—from culinary gems and art galleries to top-notch golf courses and waterside excursions. Let’s dive into all that Gulf Shores has to offer!

1. Beaches: The Soul of Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores’ beautiful beaches are famous for their powdery white sand and inviting turquoise waters. The main Gulf Shores Beach, located along Beach Boulevard, is popular with locals and visitors alike, providing easy access to…

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