Get Creative at These Beach Hot Spots

If you’re looking for an off-the-beach activity that’ll give you a dose of coastal culture, you’ll find plenty of offerings in these two beachside cities and their surrounding communities.

Take a blast into the past and learn the age-old art of weaving with artisan Celia Dionne at Clara’s Loom and Coastal Textile Center in nearby Bon Secour. Vacationing for an extended period on Alabama’s beaches? Clara’s Loom offers classes for long-term projects, including handwoven shawls. If you only have a few hours to spare, you can still learn this heritage skill by working on a smaller project and taking home the necessary supplies to finish the job.

Create a handmade souvenir and craft unique jewelry with an afternoon at Blue Girl Beading. If rainy beach days call for beading, check the crafting schedule for classes in metal stamping and jewelry making by crafter Tara Gifford and her team of instructors. Open beading is also available, but the schedule varies by the season.

Your vacation can really heat up with a visit to The Hot Shop at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. The Hot Shop offers a one-of-a-kind experience on Alabama’s beaches with glass-blowing lessons and onsite demonstrations at its location on scenic Wolf Bay. The picturesque surroundings may inspire you to try your hand at this unique skill and turn molten glass into an ornament, flower or paperweight. While you’re at The Hot Shop, stop in at the Clay Studio to throw clay on a potter’s wheel or to glaze pre-made pottery. Both are perfect for your creative fix and for packing up a memorable souvenir from your beach vacation.

These are just a few of the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach attractions offering an outlet for your creativity. If you prefer to see rather than do, browse the Art and Museums directory on our website, as well as the Attractions directory.