Sport/Outdoors – Go Gulf States – Find Yourself on the Third Coast

⚜️ Stirrup Some Fun This Thanksgiving at NOLA’s Human Horse Races

Go Gulf States staff — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 14:05:00 +0000

No foaling around: Horses deserve a holiday as much as we do. New Orleans’ Human Horse Races leave the horses in the stalls to chillax while the humans are saddled with racing duties. Yes, it’s a real event. Every Thanksgiving. Via NOLA Vie offers this history of the event. The story is from 2021, and some details within may pertain to just that year, so be sure to check the event listing. Bottom line: if you seek a spur-of-the-moment holiday trip, trot on down to this mane event. – Editor

Have you ever dreamed of waking up and instantly falling under the spell of a man wearing a horse’s head, as did the Fairy Queen Titania in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream? Or, like a child, dreamily circling a carousel in the saddle of a steed, grasping its reins? Even perhaps galloping ’round a golden meadow with a colorfully painted horse’s head atop a pogo stick?

Well, then, Human Horse Races may rouse your vivid imagination. Human Horse Races is a community event intended to support injured or retired horses while having a jolly good time.

Makeup artist Ingrid Anderson came up with the novel concept for an alternative Thanksgiving outing so participants can still have an opportunity to show off their finery and fabulous chapeaux while leaving the horses to relax in their stalls.

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🎅🏽 Parading Pirates Light Up Alabama’s Fish River for Christmas

Go Gulf States staff — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 13:55:00 +0000

🎅🏽 Parading Pirates Light Up Alabama’s Fish River for Christmas

By Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey’s

Well folks, here we are in the midst of another holiday season. That means it’s time once again for Christmas lights, Mariah Carey only wanting you for Christmas, and pirates on parade.

“Wait a minute,” you’re probably saying to yourself now, “Did they just say ‘pirates on parade’?”

Yes. Yes we did.

That’s because it’s that time once again for the annual Pirates of Fish River Christmas Parade in Baldwin County, Alabama.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Though pirates parading down the river may seem a bit unusual, Christmas boat parades are all over the Gulf Coast and have been around for years. In fact, the first Santa Claus parade in America was held in 1887 on the Illinois River in Peoria, Illinois. Assorted boats, floats and barges floated down the Illinois in celebration of the completion of a new bridge. At the end of the parade was the main attraction – Santa Claus!

The next year Peoria held a land parade through the center of the city. The guest of honor, Jolly Old St. Nicholas, has ended the parade ever since. In fact, Peoria’s parade is the oldest running Christmas parade in the world and celebrated its 137th year on November 25.

A Christmas Miracle

Along with parades and lights, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas nowadays without a Lifetime or Hallmark Channel Christmas miracle story. And if any story is a worthy Christmas miracle story, it’s the story of the Pirates of Fish River.

On September 16, 2020, Hurricane Sally, a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph winds, made landfall in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Sally’s winds brought with them storm surges, freshwater flooding, and widespread destruction. Making matters worse, Sally was a slow-moving hurricane traveling inland at only 5 mph and causing even more sustained destruction.

One of the Gulf’s hardest hit areas was the Fish River community where Hurricane Sally caused massive flooding along the river. Many homes and vehicles that sat near the river’s banks were submerged. Power was out and local roads were impassable for many days after.

There’s an old, overused adage that says: “Every cloud has a silver lining.” For four Fish River neighbors, that silver lining was the new friendship they formed in the storm’s aftermath.
As the community came together, Charli Linn, Leah Wilkins, Mitzi Rollins, and Sayle Roberts became quick friends. Soon after, they would come to be known as “The Pirates of the Fish River.”

When COVID necessitated the cancellation of the traditional Fish River Christmas Parade, the group took action. They decided to hold their own parade – a Christmas Boat Parade. On December 5, 2020, about a dozen boats all lit up in their Christmas best set sail down the Fish River. Even a little Alabama rain wouldn’t dampen their Christmas spirit as locals stood out on their docks cheering them on. The parade was a success – a Christmas miracle in the time when COVID was playing the Grinch to everybody’s Christmas.

A Christmas Tradition

When COVID-19 cancelled the country’s 2021 Mardi Gras parades, the Pirates stepped up again with their own boat parade. By the summer of 2021, the Pirates of Fish River became an official community organization. Along with their annual boat parades, they also hold annual poker runs, river cleanups, and other get-togethers throughout the year.

This year marks the fifth year of their annual Pirates of the Fish River Christmas Parade. And they just keep getting better every year.

Previous parades have sailed 30+ boats featuring dancing dolphins, Santa’s workshop, a 12′ Christmas Pirate, and much more!

The parade will set sail at 5:30pm on December 14, 2024, from Weeks Bay at the 98 Boat Launch. The parade sails north on the Fish River for about 6.5 miles. Once it reaches the basin just past the County Rd 32 Bridge, the parade will then turn around. The journey from Weeks Bay to the turnaround takes about an hour and a half.

For more boat parades, light trails, festivities, and other holiday events, check the regularly updated Events section at Go! Gulf States to see what’s lit along America’s third coast. 🌊

No matter where you go in the Gulf States, don’t forget to check in with our friends at Go! Gulf States for lots of fun on the coast. And as you search for the special Christmas gift for that special someone, head over to Stuckeys.com. There you’ll find great Christmas gift ideas like our Stuckey’s “Merry Christmas, Y’all” holiday T-shirt. You’ll also find a variety of Stuckey’s hoodies to help keep you comfy cozy throughout the year.

What’s more, Stuckey’s has brought back the Stuckey’s Mystery Box for the holidays. Each all-new Mystery Box includes an EXCLUSIVE Stuckey’s Santa hat. Every box is different and packed full of retro fun, but one thing’s for sure. They’ll all contain a 2 oz pecan log roll and a Santa hat. Ho Ho Ho! Enjoy!

Stuckey’s: We’re Making Road Trips (and Holidays) Fun Again!

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Renovations Revealed at Reopening of Gulf State Park Pier

Go Gulf States staff — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:11:00 +0000

The newly repaired and restored Gulf State Park Pier in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Photo @2024 Billy Pope, ADCNR

The Gulf State Park Pier has officially reopened! The newly repaired pier “soft” opened on Monday, Aug. 19 to rave reviews from locals and tourists.

A proper ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together civic, business, and community leaders to officially celebrate the re-opening of iconic pier on Friday, Sep. 13, 2024. This more formal event allowed community leaders to show their appreciation for the Gulf Coast landmark. The commemoration occurred just three days shy of the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Sally, which destroyed significant portions of the pier on September 16, 2020.

The pier underwent an extensive $13.6 million renovation project that began in November, 2023. These repairs were paid with funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Deepwater Horizon Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) funds, and Alabama State Park revenues. The pier’s restaurant, gift shop, and beach access are fully operational. However, the observation deck, located above the octagon on the pier’s south end, will reopen later this season.

Anglers enjoying the reopened Gulf State Park Pier. @2024 Billy Pope, ADCNR

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Buried Treasure at the Rosenberg Library: Jack Johnson Cigarette Cards

Go Gulf States staff — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:27:00 +0000

Collage of Rosenberg images by the Elegant Fowl

Each month, the Galveston, Texas Rosenberg Library Museum displays great finds and acquistions from the archives. The latest Treasure of the Month is a pair of cigarette cards featuring portraits of Jack Johnson – Galveston native and first Black world heavyweight boxing champion. It’s just in time to honor Juneteenth in Galveston – the birthplace of the holiday. Look for related Juneteenth events and posts as we get closer to the official day, June 19. – Editor

World Heavyweight Champ, Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson, nicknamed “The Galveston Giant,” was born in Galveston in 1878. He first learned to box in his travels as a young man. In 1898, Johnson returned to Galveston and made his professional debut. In 1908, Johnson won the titles of World Heavyweight Champion. He held the title until 1915. Johnson faced racist press throughout his career. After one fight, race riots broke out in more than 25 states and 50 cities, killing at least 20 people and injuring hundreds more.

Why Cigarette Cards?

From the 1870s to the 1940s, cigarette companies often included cardboard trading cards in their products to stiffen the packaging and advertise their brand. The cards covered a variety of subjects, such as popular actresses and models, athletes, military figures, animals, and much more. Collecting these cards became a popular hobby.

The cards in the Rosenberg collection date from 1910 and are part of the “Champion Athlete & Prize Fighter Series,” issued by two American companies, Hassan Cigarettes and Mecca Cigarettes. Both cards in the collection have a full-color illustration of Jack Johnson on the front, and a short biography with information about his most important matches through 1909.

The Library purchased these cards at auction as part of ongoing efforts to preserve and display diverse stories within Galveston’s history. The fact that the island has kickstarted so many stories of incredible success, including Jack Johnson’s undefeated talent, reflects the true meaning and influence of Juneteenth in Galveston’s culture – having the opportunity to excel and be the best human you can be.

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Catch a Grapefruit Game on Your Next Florida Road Trip

Go Gulf States staff — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:45:00 +0000

Catch a Grapefruit Game on Your Next Florida Road Trip

By Stephanie Stuckey

Well, folks, the holidays have already come and gone and here we are, so close to spring. Of course, this can only mean two things. The first is that road trip season is just around the corner. The second thing is baseball, baseball, baseball.

So, if you’re a baseball fan itching to get back on the road again, it’s time to buckle up! Today we’re taking you on a trip around Florida’s Grapefruit League that’s sure to be a home run.

THE BOYS OF SPRING: FLORIDA’S GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE

Baseball has been migrating to Florida for spring training since the Philadelphia Phillies first spent two weeks there in Jacksonville in 1889. By 1913 other baseball teams like the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians joined them in the Sunshine State. The next year saw two more teams move to Florida for spring training, and suddenly, they had a league.

Every year since (except during WWII), nearly half of the teams in baseball descended on Florida for spring training until 2010. Today, it’s split even with 15 teams playing for the Grapefruit League and 15 playing for Arizona’s Cactus League.

Nevertheless, from Ruth to Ripken, spring training in Florida has witnessed some of the greatest names in baseball over the years.

HOW FLORIDA’S GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE GOT ITS NAME

Aviator Ruth Law in 1915

The weather in Florida has always been great for spring training. However, it has also served as a great place to get some good PR in for the teams as well.

One day in 1915, Brooklyn Dodgers manager Wilbert Robinson and outfielder Casey Stengel noticed that aerobatic aviator Ruth Law had a pretty good publicity stunt. To advertise a local golf course, Ruth would drop golf balls from her airplane.

Robinson and Stengel got the idea to do the same thing at their baseball field in Daytona Beach except with a baseball. Robinson himself would even stand on the pitcher’s mound to catch it. They took the idea to Law, and she agreed.

The day of the PR stunt, however, Ruth found herself 525 ft. in the air, without a baseball. Accounts vary about what happened next. The popular version goes like this: Acting quickly and noticing the grapefruit she brought with her lunch, she dropped the citrus fruit below. However, Robinson missed the catch. The grapefruit hit him in the chest, exploding on impact. Robinson looked down and saw red. Because he was expecting a baseball, he thought he had been mortally wounded. Nevertheless, he soon realized he was fine.

And it’s through this little publicity stunt that the Grapefruit League got its name.

THE 2024 GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE

Today, there are 15 major league teams scattered throughout the Sunshine State for spring training. Starting with Stuckey’s favorite – the Georgia-grown Atlanta Braves – here’s where to find some of your favorite teams:

Team	Ballpark	City
Atlanta Braves	CoolToday Park	North Port
Baltimore Orioles	Ed Smith Stadium	Sarasota
Boston Red Sox	JetBlue Park	Fort Myers
Detroit Tigers	Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium	Lakeland
Houston Astros	The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches	West Palm Beach
Miami Marlins	Roger Dean Stadium	Jupiter
Minnesota Twins	Hammond Stadium	Fort Myers
New York Mets	Clover Park	Port St. Lucie
New York Yankees	George M. Steinbrenner Field	Tampa
Philadelphia Phillies	BayCare Ballpark	Clearwater
Pittsburgh Pirates	LECOM Park	Bradenton
St. Louis Cardinals	Roger Dean Stadium	Jupiter
Tampa Bay Rays	Charlotte Sports Park	Port Charlotte
Toronto Blue Jays	TD Ballpark	Dunedin
Washington Nationals	The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches	West Palm Beach

The first two games of the spring training season happened Friday, February 23, 2024. The Northeastern University Huskies took on the Boston Red Sox at Jet Blue Park in the first game, 7-2 Boston won. And the Minnesota Twins beat the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Hammond Stadium at Lee County Sports Complex.

For the complete spring training schedules of all 15 major league baseball teams, visit the Grapefruit League’s official website here.

Also, check out the inaugural edition of MLB’s Spring Breakout taking place March 14-17 at Grapefruit League ballparks across Florida. The event showcases the league’s up-and-coming talent through 16 exhibition games featuring each team’s top 20-25 prospects. This is definitely a series you don’t want to miss.

Finally, are you planning a road trip along America’s third coast this summer? Then why not catch nine innings with the Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, or Miami Marlins while you’re there? Click on the team name for regular season schedules.

Take Stuckey’s out to the Ol’ ballgame

Sure, peanuts and Cracker Jacks have always been the go-to snacks of every American ballpark. However, why not step up your game this year with Stuckey’s Hunkey Dorey popcorn mix? Its perfect blend of premium popcorn, house-made caramel, crunchy almonds, and Georgia-grown pecans make it the grand slam of ballpark snacks. Order some now from stuckeys.com and have some on hand for the entire season.

Along the way, pick up some delicious Stuckey’s pecan snacks at select Bealls, Wawa and Stuckey’s stores throughout Florida. Click on the stores for locations and more info.

And whether it’s baseball, barbecue, or the bayou, start planning your road trip along America’s third coast today – only at Go! Gulf States!

Stuckey’s – We’re Making Road Trips Fun Again!

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Not Their First Rodeo: JCMF Pro Event Celebrates 25 Years at the Roundup

Go Gulf States staff — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:55:00 +0000

Looking for some “spur of the moment” excitement? A number of high profile rodeo events are happening on the Gulf Coast! Each has a unique story which we hope to follow and cover more deeply in the future: The Liz Cook Texas Super Ryde & Rodeo is an annual Creole trail ride. It rolls from all points, through East Texas, and culminates in a rodeo in Wharton, Texas, southwest of Houston. The exhilarating Mississippi Coast Annual Black Rodeo has earned its title as the “Baddest Show on Dirt!” And the JCMF Pro Rodeo in Robertsdale, Alabama (read below) is an awareness-raiser and fundraiser for a very important cause. – Editor

The Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation is celebrating 25 years of its primary fundraising event, the annual Professional Rodeo.

Proceeds from the JCMF Pro Rodeo event will aid the nonprofit organization‘s continued efforts. The group provides resources within local communities and schools to foster social and emotional well-being of the area’s youth.

For its commemorative year, this award-winning Professional Cowboy Association event will relocate to the Robertsdale Arena. The move will accommodate the anticipated larger crowds while continuing to provide attendees with a memorable rodeo experience. It will feature eight nightly events: bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and calf roping, barrel racing, and more.

Gates will open nightly at 5:30pm with the main rodeo action commencing at 8pm. Pre-rodeo festivities for children include face painting, play tattoos, a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, and more.

About JCMF

The Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation is a non-profit organization established in memory of Jennifer Claire Moore, a 16-year-old high school student who tragically lost her life to suicide in 1997. It is dedicated to providing programs, services, and resources across Baldwin County communities. These offerings that support the social and emotional well-being of area youth when they need it most.

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Congrats, Gulf State Backcountry Trail: Number 1 According to USA Today!

Go Gulf States staff — Tue, 09 May 2023 13:25:00 +0000

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail photo by Laura Grier / @LauraGrierTravel

It began with one section less than two miles long. It now boasts a trail system of 28+ miles of coastal wilderness just minutes from the beach. And it spans nine Alabama ecosystems through Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park, and Orange Beach. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail beat out a lengthy list of national competitors, including the Great Allegheny Passage across Maryland to Pennsylvania and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Idaho, to win the nationwide competition and earn the coveted title.

“We are excited that USA Today’s readers have chosen the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail inside Gulf State Park as the number one recreational trail in the U.S.,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.

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🏀🏆 Take a Fast Break to Houston for the NCAA Final Four

Go Gulf States staff — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:05:00 +0000

Photo via Visit Houston

It’s the hottest ticket in Houston, in Texas… maybe even the planet this weekend. It’s Final Four time for college basketball, and all eyes are on the largest city on the Gulf Coast.

Basketball fever is no stranger to Houston. The Bayou City hosted the Final Four in 2016, when Villanova reigned supreme. And in 2011, current 2023 contender UConn also made it to the four, back when NRG was known as Reliant Stadium. The games themselves are the main draw, of course, but Houston often out-glitters its headliners. Be sure to explore what else this glorious city has in store.

There’s so much going on in H-Town this weekend: Let our links guide the way! Click the title of each event to see the full listing.

NCAA EVENTS IN HOUSTON

Final Four Fan Fest

The George R. Brown Convention Center, in the heart of downtown Houston, will be the place to be this weekend for anyone with even a touch of the March Madness. The Final Four Fan Fest promises to be an action-packed sports wonderland for all ages, with interactive games, special appearances. autograph signings, and much more. Kids 12 and under are admitted free.

George R. Brown Convention Center

March Madness Music Festival

Maximize your March Madness with music. With Houston hosting the NCAA championship, you know the party will be lit! This year, the March Madness Music Festival goes all out, featuring big buzz talents Lil NasX, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and Omar Apollo. But wait, that’s not all! The Friday night headliner is Houston’s very own hometown homegrrl, Megan Thee Stallion. And it all takes place in Discovery Green, a beautiful 12-acre park in the very heart of downtown.

Discovery Green

NCAA Men’s Final Four

Owls & Aztecs, Huskies & Hurricanes! The stages are set, the brackets are bracketed! They say that March is supposed to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb, but this Friday, Houston kicks off a jam-packed weekend that includes live music, tailgating, and more to keep the city roaring all the way until April 3, when the winners face off for the title downtown at NRG Stadium!

April 1, FAU vs. San Diego State, 5:09pm; Miami vs. UConn, 7:49pm, Airing Live on CBS
April 3, Gates Open for Championship Game, 6pm; Championship Game Tip-Off, 8:20pm, Airing Live on CBS
All times CST
NRG Stadium

Click Here for Full Men’s Schedule

HBCU All-Star Game

The Final Four in Houston has another trick up its sleeve: The top HBCU players in the USA will play on a national stage, at Texas Southern, also in Houston during this wild weekend.

April 2, Team Dick Barnett vs. Team Willis Reed., 4pm, Airing Live on CBS
All times CST
H&PE Arena at Texas Southern

Click Here for Streaming Info

MORE, MORE… MORE! EVENTS IN HOUSTON

You might think one major sporting event would be enough for one weekend, and maybe it is for some cities. But this weekend, Houston also boasts the Astros playing against the Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park, and the Rockets facing off against the Detroit Pistons at the Toyota Center – all downtown. Whew!

What? Not a sports fan? Maybe check out Drunk Shakespeare at the Emerald Theatre, Art & Cocktails at Holman Draft Hall, or even The New Edition: LegacyTour at the Toyota Center.

How do we even know all this stuff? Visit Houston is a one-stop shop for all the info you need to get the most out of America’s fourth largest city: Where to stay, what to do, what to se… and considering it’s one of the greatest culinary cities in the world: What to eat!

Click Here for Visit Houston – Events

NCAA WOMEN IN DALLAS

NCAA Women’s Final Four

We admit, the women’s playoff and the championship games do not happen on the Gulf Coast. But they happen in a Gulf State! Also, we’d be remiss if we didn’t celebrate the fact that the fabulous LSU women’s team made it to the NCAA Women’s Final Four. (Geaux Tigers!) The women’s rounds will be played this same weekend in Dallas – with as much of the fanfare and exciting events as its brother series in Houston!

March 31, LSU vs. Virginia Tech, 6pm; South Carolina vs. Iowa, 8:30pm, Airing Live on ESPN
April 2, Doors Open for Championship Game, 1pm; Championship Game Tip-Off, 2:30pm, Airing Live on ABC
All times CST
American Airlines Center

Click Here for Full Women’s Schedule

Okay, B-ballers, you know what to do: Tune in or head out to Houston, get ready to cheer, and get ready for the tip-off! May the best teams dominate!!! 🌊

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🇺🇸 For 5 Days in 2023 NPS Offers Free Park Days for All

Go Gulf States staff — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

A ranger at Gulf Islands National Seashore welcomes guests • photo courtesy National Parks Service

National parks are America’s best idea, and there are more than 400 parks available to everyone, every day. On five days in 2023, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.

The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. These parks include Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida-Mississippi, Everglades National Park, Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, and Padre Island National Seashore, Texas.

Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2023:

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🇺🇸 See America First! Free Admission on Veteran’s Day and Lifetime Military Pass

Go Gulf States staff — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

All visitors are invited to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day.

The NPS, in partnership with Operation Live Well would like to thank military personnel and their families for their service and invite them to enjoy their national parks.

Starting November 11, 2022, a new lifetime Military Pass is available for Gold Star Families and US military veterans. A free annual Military Pass is available for current US military members and their dependents. The passes provide free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests.

National Park Service holdings proximate to or along the Gulf Coast include:

Big Cypress in Ochopee, FL

Biscayne in Miami, Key Biscayne & Homestead, FL

De Soto in Bradenton, FL

Dry Tortugas in Key West, FL

Everglades in Miami, Naples, and Homestead, FL

Gulf Islands in Gulf Breeze, FL and Ocean Springs, MS

Jean Lafitte in New Orleans, LA

New Orleans Jazz in New Orleans, LA

Big Thicket in Beaumont, TX

Padre Island in Corpus Christi, TX

Palo Alto Battlefield in Brownsville, TX

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