The Painted Apron

Home Decor, Outdoor Spaces

Posted by the Painted Apron on May 8, 2013 · 15 Comments 

Over the weekend we went to the Gulf Coast.  The first weekend in May is usually bathing suit and boating weather, but not this year…even our tropical zone Alabama Gulf Coast city of Orange Beach was cloudy and cool last Friday.  We decided to check out a new local hot spot, The Gulf

This outdoor restaurant/bar is situated on the beach at Alabama Point, 1 mile from the Florida state line where the panhandle of Florida meets the eastern edge of Alabama.

One side of the entrance is flanked by this wall of bright green grass bordered by natural sea oats and grasses

The entryway is through a boardwalk bordered by sky blue metal corrugated buildings that house the kitchen, equipment, and supplies. The buildings are actually 3 shipping containers that are stacked like giant legos.

This light fixture was just vertical slats banded by 2 circles of wood.  It looked so cool!  Large chalkboards hung ready to announce specials

The bar is just through the entry way on one side, and the friendly bartender greets you and gets busy fixing your libation of choice

Passing the bar you arrive onto a large stepped wooden deck full of funky furniture and tables of all shapes and sizes.  Light bulbs are strung from tree to tree to light up the space at night

Newly planted palm trees are everywhere and once they’re established their fronds will provide lots of shade from the Alabama summer sun. The furniture is an eclectic mix of vintage finds with an occasional rug and decorative accessory thrown in~

Plants and grasses are potted in galvanized tins, barrels and other unexpected places.  There is a huge section of perfect bright green grass between the deck and the sand

Beyond the sand is the water of Perdido Pass, the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico

In the distance you can see the large Alabama Point bridge that connects these Alabama barrier islands, Pleasure Isle and Perdido Key,  on either side of Perdido Pass

The deck steps are stamped with yellow stars and the restaurant’s logo

Surf boards are casually leaning against palm tress and in corners and this grass walkway leads out to more seating on the beach

Oversized couches and chairs invite you to lounge and relax. The beach in view across the water will be filled with swimmers and sunbathers as the temperature rises…

It’s hard to imagine, on this gray, windy day,  that during the summer season the waters beyond will be full of fishing boats, big and small,  coming in and out of the Pass

What a great chair!  This place is full of things that were rescued and given new life, and the energy just vibrates throughout the area with bright colors and funky decor

There’s even an upper deck for dining and viewing!  Once we had thoroughly checked the place out we decided to get some lunch

Fresh flowers in pretty bottles decorated the tables

The menu is written on a large chalkboard.  Order here and find a seat and they will bring you your food

We choose these comfortable chairs and table made out of a huge slice of a tree

HH loves people watching so he was in heaven while we waited for our lunch to arrive

We choose simple lunch standbys of a hamburger and grilled cheese sandwich

I was still snapping photos on my way out, there was fun decor in every space!

I know we will be back often to enjoy this family friendly spot but I sure was glad I came on this quiet cloudy day with such a light crowd so I could take and share all these fabulous photos.

I got TONS of ideas for decorating our outdoor spaces I hope you did too!

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