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As National Travel and Tourism Week highlights the power of travel to strengthen communities and fuel local economies, Baldwin County is showing why it's not just a great place to visit — it’s a great place to call home.

From exciting new restaurant openings to time-tested local favorites, the region offers experiences that reflect its charm, creativity and coastal spirit. Whether you're discovering bold flavors, exploring award-winning attractions or revisiting beloved spots, there's never been a better time to experience all that Baldwin County has to offer.

NEW ON THE SCENE: 5 FRESH SPOTS TO TRY

Are you hungry? One thing Baldwin County is definitely known for is great food, and there’s never been a better time to dig in. The region’s culinary scene is experiencing a surge of new energy, with exciting restaurant openings that go beyond just dining. These fresh spots are reimagining local spaces, serving bold flavors, and giving both visitors and residents even more reasons to explore the area’s growing food and hospitality offerings.

Here’s a look at five standout openings:

Pier House

5872 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort

Opened Feb. 22

Open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Closed Monday

Originally launched in Orange Beach, Pier House expanded to the Eastern Shore with a second location in Spanish Fort. The restaurant focuses on scratch-made food with clean ingredients and allergen-conscious options, including gluten-free fried seafood. Highlights include the Pier House Platter, house-made Seafood Pasta and the Shrimp and Grits with gator-smoked sausage. Guests can unwind with live music, enjoy a game of volleyball or dine inside in a welcoming space designed for comfort and community.

Colt Grill BBQ & Spirits

118 W. Laurel Ave., Foley

Opened Jan. 16

Open daily for breakfast, 7 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch and dinner, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Colt Grill breathes new life into the former Foley Bakery, a 1925 building that has been carefully restored. Known for slow-smoked barbecue and an expansive menu that includes tacos, burgers, salads and brisket sandwiches, the restaurant serves meals in a casual setting with counter service and a full bar. Guests can explore a wall of house-made sauces, try signature cocktails like the Colt Margarita and Foley Bushwacker or enjoy a hearty breakfast to start the day.

First Watch

3060 S. McKenzie St., Foley

Opened April 7

Open daily, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The national breakfast chain brings its fresh, daytime-focused menu to Foley with health-conscious dishes and a changing seasonal lineup. Menu staples include Million Dollar Bacon, wild berry lavender French toast, power bowls and plant-based options like veggie burgers and wraps. First Watch also promotes sustainable practices and animal welfare standards.

Fairhope Social Club

14 N. Church St., Fairhope

Opened April 23

Open Monday through Saturday, 2 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to close

Fairhope Social Club brings playful energy and modern comfort food to downtown. Created by Jessica Barnhill of Rae’s Kitchen along with Drew Burroughs and Noah Matthews, the eatery offers inventive dishes like charcuterie nachos, fried bologna sandwiches and truffle fry Caesar salads, plus cocktails such as Giggle Juice and the Social Club Kool Aid. A family-friendly atmosphere, outdoor deck and optional memberships with perks like priority seating and monthly appetizers round out the experience.

Shipp’s Dockside Grill

27075 Marina Road, Orange Beach

Opened mid-March

Lower Deck open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Upper Deck open daily, 4 to 9 p.m.; Sunday brunch (Upper Deck only), 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A beloved name returns to the coast with the reopening of Shipp’s Dockside Grill in the former Fisher’s location. The waterfront restaurant features two experiences: the Lower Deck offers casual counter service with lunch and dinner, while the Upper Deck provides a full-service setting with coastal entrees, craft cocktails and a more elevated atmosphere. Menu favorites include Grouper Pontchartrain, Fried Oyster Salad and Blackened Duck.

BEST OF BALDWIN: 5 LOCAL STANDOUTS THAT KEEP SHINING

While the new restaurants bring fresh flavor and creative energy to Baldwin County, longtime staples continue to earn the community’s praise. Each year, local residents cast their votes in the Best of Baldwin awards, spotlighting the places that keep people coming back. From standout seafood and fine dining to family-friendly attractions and hidden-gem getaways, these five winners are local favorites for a reason.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

20499 Oak Road East, Gulf Shores

Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last admission at 3:30 p.m.)

Just minutes from the beach, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is home to more than 300 animals and offers interactive exhibits and up-close experiences that make it a family favorite. Guests can feed giraffes, hold sloths or get a selfie with a kangaroo. The 25-acre property includes shaded walkways, an on-site restaurant, a butterfly garden and frequent educational programs, making it a full-day destination. Nicknamed “The Little Zoo That Could,” this nonprofit attraction blends fun and conservation with charm.

Best of Baldwin winner for: Best Attraction for Visitors

Original Romar House Bed and Breakfast

23500 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach

Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tucked along the sugar-white shores of Orange Beach, the Original Romar House is a step back in time with a front-row seat to the Gulf. Built in 1924, the historic inn preserves its roots with vintage furniture, antique doors and stained-glass windows, while offering modern comforts like a pool, hot tub and complimentary breakfast. It’s a favorite for couples celebrating anniversaries or seeking a quiet coastal escape. The peaceful, adults-only retreat captures the romance of Old Florida with Southern hospitality.

Best of Baldwin winner for: Bed & Breakfast

Tamara’s Downtown

104 N. Section St., Fairhope

Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Closed Tuesdays

Tamara’s Downtown has anchored Fairhope’s dining scene since 2008, blending classic coastal fare with a relaxed, refined setting. Guests dine inside a historic building with an open floor plan, hand-painted murals and a wine bar that draws both connoisseurs and casual sippers. Signature dishes include pecan-crusted fish, lamb chops and hand-cut steaks, alongside brunch favorites and decadent desserts. Add in live music on select nights and a beloved Bloody Mary bar, and you’ve got a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

Best of Baldwin winner for: Best Brunch and Best Brunch on the Eastern Shore

S&S Seafood Market

1154 West Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores

Open daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

S&S Seafood Market has built a loyal following with its combination of fresh-off-the-boat seafood, homemade sides and laid-back beach-town charm. The Gulf Shores market offers everything from shrimp and crab claws to house-made gumbo, hush puppies and its signature smoked tuna dip. Guests can grab a to-go order after a day at the beach or stock up on raw seafood to cook later. Affordable, authentic and consistently top-rated, S&S is a staple for vacationers and locals alike.

Best of Baldwin winner for: Tuna Dip

Kiva Dunes

815 Plantation Road, Gulf Shores

Call 866-540-7100 for tee times and lodging information

A destination in itself, Kiva Dunes blends the best of Gulf Coast living with one of the South’s premier golf courses. The resort offers upscale beachfront accommodations, pools, private beach access and two on-site restaurants. The 18-hole course, designed by golf legend Jerry Pate, winds through protected dunes and coastal landscape, drawing accolades from Golf Digest and Golf Week alike. With on-site rentals, real estate, and a beach club with cabana service, Kiva is more than a golf course — it’s a full-service coastal retreat.

Best of Baldwin winner for: Golf Course