On my second visit to The Park at OWA, I was pleased to see that OWA has added more shops and restaurants. The Park, with its signature Rolling Thunder roller coaster, is as exciting as ever. And The Park’s thrill rides do not disappoint. I still found the Twister frightening to watch as it turns its riders upside down multiple times.
For this year’s fall festival, The Park added a new ride, the Mystic Mansion. It features a haunted-house-themed ride with target shooting. This one was definitely more my kind of ride.
DOWNTOWN OWA
Restaurants
Quickly becoming a dining destination in Foley, Downtown OWA will soon be home to three more restaurants. But first, we had to try some of the downtown favorites. And we found three secrets to share about Downtown OWA.
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Groovy Goat -
Crazy Donut -
Trattoria -
Wahlburgers
The Groovy Goat-We started our culinary weekend adventure here. We tried several appetizer selections from the menu, but the pulled pork sliders were a home run.
Wahlburgers-We lunched here on Saturday. Brian Walsh, the general manager, invited us to try everything, and we did. We started with their signature appetizer, Poutine. The Bacon cheeseburger was a hit, and the crispy onion rings made for the perfect side dish. The accompanying frappes hit the spot. There is a full bar offered here, too.
Trattoria Pizza and Italian serves Italian fare with a family vibe. Our Saturday night dining choice could easily become anyone’s regular spot for dinner. The prices are right, and the service is first class. We indulged in a medium Trattoria pizza and a Boston Tea Party, a blue-colored take on a Long Island Iced Tea. The evening football games were played as we enjoyed our pizza.
Crazy Donuts-Seriously crazy flavor combinations made with tasty, freshly made doughnuts. The first of the best-kept secrets at OWA is its full bar with top-shelf labels. Truly the best deal in Downtown OWA for adult beverages.
Hershey’s Ice Cream Parlor-Who can argue with a tasty treat after a long day of fun at The PARK!
The second-best-kept secret in Downtown OWA is Thirsty Thursdays in the Park. This special happy hour on Thursdays through November features half-priced appetizers and special drink prices at the participating restaurants.
Soon, OWA will have three new additions to the restaurant scene: Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant, C’est Le Vin, a wine bar and shop, and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. Paula Deen’s arrival at OWA is happily anticipated. Paula’s restaurants are culinary destinations on their own, so be ready to wait for a table. I have eaten at Lucy’s in New Orleans; I’m sure their laid-back surfer vibe will be a fun addition to the Park.
SHOPPING!
Fairhope Soap Store-The smells here are free. Here you will find almost everything needed to rejuvenate your bath time.
Pepper Palace-If you like it HOT and SPICY, then this is the place for you. Approach some items with caution. For one combination, you must sign a waiver to try it.
The Spice and Tea Exchange-Your senses will feast on the aromas found here. From the ordinary to the exotic, locally blended spices line the wall here. Do you want something specially blended? They will do that for you.
The manager, Kara, found my favorite tea, the Earl Grey Crème. Come in and have a cuppa; they will brew it to your specification. Be warned; they brew it hot at either 175° or 212°, so be prepared for a perfectly brewed cup of tea.
Alvin’s Island-It would be hard not to find something to buy in Alvin’s.
Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon-Tasty treats to entice your taste buds.
ENTERTAINMENT
BRANDON STYLES
Brandon Styles is a talented, young, energetic magician and performer who began performing magic at the age of seven. His impersonations came along later through his father’s love of music. In fact, the majority of his impressions are of singers, from Justin Bieber to Frank Sinatra.
It is a family affair at Brandon’s show; his wife, Diamond, is his assistant and manages the show, and his seven-year-old daughter, Bailey, also performs with him. This is a fun, family-oriented show. Be sure to see one of his performances. You will be amazed.
LEGENDS IN CONCERT
The third best-kept secret at OWA is Legends in Concert. It opened at OWA in June, and it is still finding its audience. Legends is a first-class Vegas show featuring some of the biggest names in tribute performance entertainment. It’s fun, professional, and rocking. You will hear screams for “Elvis” nightly.
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George Strait -
Taylor Swift -
ELVIS -
Aertha -
Brooks and Dunn
We enjoyed a musical evening with George Strait (Doug Brewin), Aretha Franklin (Denita Ashbury), Taylor Swift (Tina Dawn), Brooks and Dunn (Doug Brewin and Larry Taylor) and Elvis (Travis Powell). I must say Denita belts a song just like Aretha could. Travis embodies his role, and when he told me he had been portraying Elvis since he was four years old, it is no wonder his performance is enthralling.
I spoke briefly with Tina (Taylor Swift) and discovered she was a classically trained singer and had previously worked as a backup vocalist and dancer for Legends. I was impressed with Larry Taylor’s singing skills as he portrayed Ronnie Dunn. Larry told me he also portrays Alan Jackson on occasion, and the two singing skills are miles apart.
New performers are added to the lineup regularly, so be sure to check the website for updates. You don’t want to miss one of your favorite performers. The four-hundred-twenty-seat theatre provides the audience with an intimate setting in which to thoroughly enjoy one of the six performances each week.
Come and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants, then see the show. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Unfortunately, the Legends Show is no more at OWA, but it does host entertainers regularly
ACCOMMODATIONS
Town Suites by Marriott is the only hotel at OWA at present. We were greeted warmly by Casey, who checked us in quickly. After we got settled in our room, we headed to the lobby for a drink at the evening’s happy hour.
Located at the edge of Downtown OWA, it was an easy walk from the Town Suites to the park and the restaurants for dinner. The lighted fountains will dance as you make your way to dinner.
The room was comfortably furnished with a full kitchen, table, chairs, and an ottoman. The breakfast had ample selections. The biscuits were tasty, which is something you don’t always find at a hotel breakfast buffet.
Find the magic
This low-key overcast weekend made for a nice getaway, and we thoroughly enjoyed spending time at the Park, Downtown OWA, experiencing the magic of Brandon’s show and the excitement of the Legend’s performers. A water park will be the next addition to the park. OWA has experiences to offer all who visit. From a thrill ride to the magic of music, come and find your magical experience at OWA.
