Celebrating Jimmy Buffett’s Life Through Food and Drink
Reflecting on the news of the death of Jimmy Buffett, and it is amazing how much he has impacted our travel itineraries over the years. While Margaritaville is a made-up place, we’ve managed to find Jimmy Buffett food and drink on many vacations.
From resorts inspired by his songs, casinos, restaurants and bars, the inspiration and the brand of Jimmy Buffett is synonymous with a vacation vibe. It would be easy to talk about the influence of Jimmy with our Key West vacations, and will explore that another time. But for now, we’ll focus on some tasty food related destinations with a Jimmy theme that don’t end up at the end of A1A; the highway that ends in Key West, Florida.
Celebrating Jimmy Buffett – Food and Drink
Before we even knew of a Jimmy Buffett Gulf Shores connection, annual trips to Gulf Shores were something our family looked forward to. Jimmy may have claimed to be Nobody from No Where , but it turns out he’s a big deal along the Gulf Coast in Alabama and Mississippi. He’s especially a big deal at his sister’s restaurant, which is a must stop while in Gulf Shores. Lulu’s is the perfect family beach vacation restaurant. Located on the intercoastal, Lulu’s offers live music, southern comfort food, fresh seafood, perfect beach cocktails and the perfect atmosphere for the family. It is a popular destination, so be prepared to wait. The wait is worth it, trust us! And the time will fly by as you shop the boutiques on premises, grab a Bama Breeze drink or play corn hole or one of the other activities to help pass the time. There are so many favorites on the menu, including delicious peel and eat shrimp, and our personal favorite the crab melt. Lucy Buffett has expanded her southern cooking empire to three locations, including Destin, Florida and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. But for us, Lulu’s in Gulf Shores was one of our favorites.
Just east along the Gulf of Mexico from Gulf Shores, you’ll run into a legendary bar that Jimmy performed at, and then immortalized in song. If you’re a fan of Jimmy Buffett, then you must hoist a drink at the Flora-Bama. Situated exactly on the state line between Florida and Alabama, the Flora-Bama was the inspiration for many Buffett song. Most notably, Bama Breeze was about his time as a bar singer at this popular seaside watering hole. The Flora-Bama is a great place to head to for live music and a cold beverage. The cold beverage of choice is the Bushwacker, maybe the perfect frozen concoction for vacation. In addition to adult beverages, food and live music, Flora-Bama has a world class selection of vacation t-shirts. Not sure they do this every year, but we’ve been there at Halloween one year when they hosted trick or treaters, which was a fun family experience at this otherwise adult oriented place.
Head west along the Pascagoula Run, also known as Interstate 10 until you get to the Crescent City. Before Buffett was hanging out in Key West, he was singing in bars and telling stories in New Orleans. Musician and member of Jimmy Buffett’s Corral Reefer Band Mac McAnally refers to New Orleans as the big pants city – wear loose fitting pants because of all the amazing food available. One of those amazing stops in the Big Easy is Café Du Monde, which is featured in the Buffett song The Wino and I Know. While we were not fans of the chicory coffee featured at this landmark in the French Quarter, it is easy to fall in love with the beignets. Deep fried dough and lots of powdered sugar is a wonderful appetizer, dessert, or snack when your sweet tooth is calling.
The Jimmy Buffett Key West connection is well documented and one of the main reasons we started heading down A1A. If it is a Cheeseburger in Paradise you crave, then a trip to Margaritaville might just be what you need. Starting in Key West, the Margaritaville restaurant chain has grown over the years. You can find them at many touristy areas in large cities or small islands. They’re known for their cheeseburgers, naturally. But if a good salad is what you crave they can satisfy. A personal favorite of ours on their menu is their volcano nachos, and of course the Who’s to Blame Margarita.
The stories of Jimmy Buffett have inspired great music, amazing food and even this website. As he reminded his fans in many different lyrics and stories, we need to live life to the fullest.
Follow us as we live life to our fullest. Check out other restaurant reviews and suggestions to help plan your next island adventure.
