As we get close to Spring, festivals crop up all over the place offering samples of our amazing Southern coastal cuisine. If you are visiting at the right time, be sure to indulge in one of these local favorites.

March 16 – 18      60th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival of Fairhope
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Over 230 fine arts & crafts exhibitors.  Live local entertainment.  Unique festival food.  BRATS shuttle service from shopping centers at Greeno Rd. & Fairhope Ave. for $2 each way (3 minute ride).  This an Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce event.

March 17      4th Annual BBQ & Blues Cook Off, Foley
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Located in Heritage Park in downtown Foley from 10am – 6pm. Live music and BBQ tastings! This is a ticketed event. For more information please call 251-943-3291 or visit www.sbchamberfoundation.com.

March 31        The Original German Sausage Festival – Elberta, Georgia
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The best German Sausage you have ever tasted! Made from a secret recipe developed by the founding fathers of Elberta, AL. This is the only place you can get the real thing! Arts & crafts, live music, carnival rides, baked goods & more. Don’t forget to visit the Bier Garten for a large selection of imported beers. Phone: 251-986-5805, Website: http://sausagefest.elbertafire.com

March 31      American Red Cross Gumbo Cook-Off in Bienville Square, Mobile, AL
11:00 am – 2:00pm

$10.00 each in advance, $12.00 at the gate, Kids 10 and under get in free. The competition includes seafood and chicken/sausage categories with amateur and professional divisions.  Call  251.544.6140 or visit facebook.com/redcrossalcoast. Proceeds benefit the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross.