GULF SHORES, Ala. — The hospitality and tourism industry on the Alabama Gulf Coast prepares to usher in a busy travel year by welcoming the first guests of the new year.

Seeking the inviting winter temperatures and picturesque white powder that they don’t have to shovel, these annual guests from the cold northern states make an annual migration to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area.

“While a few of our winter guests appear in late November and December, the majority are arriving now,” said Herb Malone, president and CEO of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). “Not only do these guests have a positive economic impact on the area but they generously donate their time and talents to the surrounding community through their volunteer work.”

Expressing its appreciation for these winter guests, the CVB will be serving free coffee and cookies at its Welcome Centers in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach until Feb. 27.

After sampling the tasty cookie selection, guests will probably want to check out the following activities.

New to the area is “Shipwreck! Treasures from the SS Republic,” which is on display at the Baldwin County Heritage Museum in Elberta. This unique Civil War era find is courtesy of the Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.

Bound for New Orleans, which was in the midst of reconstruction, the Republic sank about 100 miles off the Georgia coast during a hurricane. Prior to its demise, this vessel participated in the Battle of Mobile Bay (August 1864) when Adm. David Farragut issued his famous “Damn the torpedoes, Full speed ahead” command in the waters between Forts Morgan and Gaines.

The “Shipwreck! Treasures from the SS Republic” exhibit will be on display indefinitely at the museum, which is open Thursday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the second and fourth Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Although museum admission is free, exhibit admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children (ages 2-12) and $6 for school groups of any age. Reservations are recommended.

The Baldwin County Heritage Museum is located between Mobile and Pensacola on Highway 98 in Elberta, about 3.5 miles east of the Foley Beach Express.

For more information, visit www.baldwincountyheritagemuseum.com, or call 986-8375.

In addition to this exciting exhibit and charming museum, the musical beat is alive on the Alabama Gulf Coast as the South Baldwin Community Theatre recently announced the lineup for its 2009 season. “Seeing Stars in Dixie” will run Jan. 8-11 and 15-18.

Other winter shows include “Don’t Dress for Dinner” (Feb. 11-15 and 18-22) and “A Bad Year for Tomatoes” (March 12-15 and 20-22).

Shows are held at the Gulf Shores location on West Second Avenue, and begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinee.

Some shows also feature a special Wednesday afternoon performance.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $7.50 for students and $5 for preschool children. Season tickets are also available.

For more information, visit www.sbct.biz, or call 968-6721.

Returning for another year of exciting concerts, the city of Gulf Shores Special Events Division presents Entertainment Series 2009, which will satisfy a wide variety of musical tastes. The concerts start at 7:30 p.m. at the Erie Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores, and ticket prices range from $22 to $36.

The toe-tapping lineup includes Say Good Night Gracie (Jan. 19-20), Puttin’ on the Hitz (Jan. 26-27), Roger Williams (Feb. 9-11), New Christy Minstrels (Feb. 16-17), Mel Tillis (Feb. 23-24), Roslyn Kind (March 2-3) and The Gospel Music Elvis Loved to Sing with The Blackwood Quartet, The Stamps and The Imperials (March 9-10).

For detailed ticket information, visit www.cityofgulfshores.org, or call 968-1172.

The toe-tapping tunes continue at the National Naval Aviation Museum’s Concert Series. Located in Pensacola, this expansive museum will host a Jan. 15 performance of Ron Gartner’s Scotch Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll show and a Feb. 24 concert from the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Doors open at 5:15 p.m., and the big band tunes start at 7.

Tickets are $25 per person.

For more information, visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org, or call (850) 453-2389.

Also on slate for 2009 is the 11th Annual Snowbird Bratfest on Jan. 31. Held at the Erie Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores, this event kicks off at 10:30 a.m., and will feature great tasting brats and music from a local chorus.

For more information, call 550-7303.

In addition, the Annual Alabama Lifestyles Expo is set for Feb. 5 at the Caribe Resort in Orange Beach.

This free event will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will provide upbeat information and products that promote a healthy and quality life.

For more information, call (800) 235-4757.

Then, move over to the Orange Beach Seafood Festival on Feb. 14. This charming event features fresh local seafood, arts and crafts, live music and a silent auction, and will be held at the Orange Beach Sportsplex from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 981-6626.

Finally, the Coastal Chorale Snowbird Serenade 2009 is set for Feb. 19-22 at the First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores.

Evening performances begin on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. while matinees start at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are $10, and may be purchased at any area Vision Bank.

For more information, visit www.coastalchorale.us, or call 938-3952.

For a complete list of other exciting winter events in 2009, visit www.gulfshores.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND. The CVB also has a special section on its Web site devoted to these annual visitors at http://gulfshores.com/travel-tools/snowbirds/.