Surprise Day Trip! September happenings on the Gulf Coast! New on YouTube! Bosses on the Move!
- Charlsie Pecoraro
- 5 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Easy Day Trips from Mobile: Exploring Ocean Springs, Mississippi
One of the best parts about living in Mobile or Baldwin County is how easy it is to take a day trip. In less than an hour, you can be exploring Fairhope’s charming streets, dipping your toes in the sand at Gulf Shores, or heading into another state for a change of scenery. Mobile is unique in that you can reach beach parks across three different states—with spots like Pensacola, Dauphin Island, Destin, Biloxi, and Gulfport all just a short drive away.
But sometimes you want more than just a sandy car ride home. That’s when a destination like Ocean Springs, Mississippi hits the spot. This coastal town has been gaining national attention as a hidden gem for shopping, dining, and arts—and we set out to discover why it’s quickly becoming one of the best day trips from Mobile, AL.
Things to Do in Ocean Springs
Stroll the Ocean Springs Farmers Market
We kicked off our visit at the Saturday farmers market, a must-see for anyone spending the weekend in Ocean Springs. With friendly local vendors, handmade goods, and plenty of fresh produce and beef, it’s the kind of market that makes you feel instantly connected to the community.
Explore Downtown Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs’ walkable downtown is lined with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. While everything is within easy walking distance, the town has also embraced golf carts. Rentals are available, and there’s even designated golf-cart parking throughout downtown. It adds a playful, small-town twist to getting around.
Eat, Shop, and Soak Up the Vibe
We were amazed by how alive the town felt. Restaurants were packed, shoppers carried bags of local finds, and the streets had a steady buzz. Ocean Springs has the energy of a destination town, without losing its coastal charm. We’re already planning to return in the evening to experience its nightlife.
Take a Drive Toward the Beach
On our way toward the water, we passed a home covered in Halloween decorations—specifically, more skeletons than I’ve ever seen in one place. It’s proof that Ocean Springs has a quirky, creative side too, and we’ll definitely swing back at night to see it all lit up.
Why Ocean Springs Belongs on Your Day Trip List
If you’re looking for day trips near Mobile, AL, or even a fun Gulf Coast weekend getaway, Ocean Springs should be at the top of your list. With its vibrant downtown, welcoming locals, and unique vibe, it’s no surprise this small Mississippi town is getting well-deserved national recognition.
Living in the Port City makes adventures like this easy. Next up for us: New Orleans, where we’ll eat our way through hubby’s hometown and play tourist for the weekend.
September 29th is National Coffee Day, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by shining a spotlight on my favorite local coffee shop—RedBar Espresso in West Mobile.
Why RedBar Espresso & Market Stands Out
RedBar is more than just a place to grab a latte—it’s a community hub. Whether you’re meeting a client, catching up with friends, or just looking for a quiet corner to recharge, this spot has the perfect mix of cozy atmosphere and creative energy.
The menu goes far beyond your typical coffeehouse offerings. Sure, the espresso drinks are spot-on (my personal favorite is cafe au lait), but RedBar also serves locally sourced, healthy food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s one of those rare places where you can come in for a cappuccino and end up staying for a full meal.
A Local Gathering Place
One thing I love most about RedBar is how versatile the space is. In the morning, you’ll find students studying or professionals getting a jump on the day. By lunch, families and friends gather for fresh, hearty meals. And in the evening, it transforms into the perfect place to meet up and unwind. The bar offers cocktail specials and all of the standards! The vibe is relaxed but buzzing with creativity—it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
Celebrate National Coffee Day Locally
This National Coffee Day, skip the chain drive-thru and celebrate by supporting a local West Mobile coffee shop that pours its heart into the community. RedBar Espresso is a reminder that coffee is more than a caffeine fix—it’s about connection, conversation, and celebrating the flavors of the Gulf Coast. Located on Old Shell Road in West Mobile, just a block off of Schillinger Road.
What's New on YouTube?
Easy No-Bake Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls | Low Carb Dessert Recipe
Looking for a quick and delicious keto dessert? These No-Bake Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls are one of the BEST low-carb treats you’ll ever make! (my personal favorite) With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a rich, creamy, chocolatey peanut butter dessert that’s completely sugar free and keto friendly.
Whether you call them keto fat bombs, energy bites, or chocolate peanut butter bliss balls—this recipe is an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track. Perfect for meal prep, holidays, or just keeping in the freezer for when cravings strike.
✨ Low Carb & Keto Friendly✨ Sugar Free Chocolate Dessert✨ Quick & Easy No Bake Recipe
If you love easy keto desserts, make sure to try this one—it’s a game changer!
👉 Click here for the video and watch until the end for my tips on storing and serving these keto chocolate peanut butter balls.
🔥 New Video Alert! 🔥Think ribeye is king? Wait until you try chuck-eye — the “poor man’s ribeye” — cooked blackened style in under 10 minutes!
In my latest video, I’m showing you how to make a Blackened Chuck-Eye Steak using Chef Paul Prudhomme’s famous Magic Seasoning Blend. The result? A smoky, bold crust with a juicy, tender inside — pure steak perfection.
This recipe is:🥩 Keto & Carnivore Friendly⚡ Ready in Less Than 10 Minutes👌 Flavor-packed & Budget-friendly
If you love big flavors and quick cooking, this one’s for you. Watch the full video now and learn why chuck-eye might just become your new favorite cut of steak!
Boss Partners Shaking things Up!
This summer has been a season of growth at AlaCoast Insurance Agency. Under the leadership of Lisa Harkey, she expanded the team to make sure her clients along the Gulf Coast continue to receive the personal service and expert guidance they deserve.
Insurance is not one-size-fits-all. Living on the Gulf Coast means dealing with unique risks like hurricanes, flooding, and severe weather. Lisa recognized that to truly meet the needs of families and businesses in our community, she needed more hands, more expertise, and more local support.
By welcoming new team members over the summer, they’ve:
Increased availability so clients can get questions answered quickly.
Added specialized knowledge in homeowners, auto, flood, and business insurance.
Strengthened our community presence with a team that lives, works, and invests right here in Mobile and Baldwin counties.
Lisa’s commitment has always been clear: to put people first. By building a stronger team, she’s ensuring AlaCoast Insurance remains not just a place to buy a policy, but a trusted resource for guidance, education, and peace of mind.
As we head into the busy fall season and another stretch of hurricane preparedness, they’re proud to say: we’re ready, we’re local, and we’re here for you. Insuring everything under the sun!
Check out the latest blog on AlaCoast Insurance's website by clicking here. The topic is Insurance for Millenials: Addressing the needs of a new generation.
Big News from Zoltek Healthcare Services!
We’re excited to announce that Zoltek Healthcare Services is now part of Funk & Zoltek Healthcare Benefits Advisors.
👉 What does this mean for clients? Nothing changes! You’ll continue to work with the same trusted Zoltek agents and receive the same personal service.
👉 What’s new?
A larger office space for client meetings
Educational seminars on Medicare, Individual & Group coverage
Networking opportunities for local businesses
Expanded services: Medicare, Individual, Group, Dental, Vision
"We’re growing to serve you even better, and we can’t wait to welcome you into our new chapter".
Mike Zoltek has joined the team as a licensed insurance agent specializing in Major Medical Coverage. Mike is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue professional, where he dedicated his career to serving others and saving lives. Now, he’s bringing that same passion for service into a new vocation—helping individuals, families, and small businesses find the right Major Medical Insurance coverage.
With a strong commitment to protecting and guiding others, Mike is excited to continue making a difference in people’s lives—this time by ensuring they have access to the health coverage they deserve. Give him a call at 251-588-2921.
This has been a sad time for our nation and during times like these, when the world feels divided and heavy, it’s worth remembering that small moments of connection—like sharing coffee with a friend—are what keep communities strong. Integrity, compassion, and love for one another start right here, in the places where we gather, listen, and lift each other up. The best thing we can do is to take time to express our gratitude to those in our lives. Be kind to one another and look for ways to help shine the spotlight on one another.
Sending you my love. ~ Charlsie Pecoraro