I first learned about the Flora-Bama on our first trip to the Alabama coast in the early 2000s when we visited my in-laws wintering in that area. My father-in-law raved about it, so we went for dinner and music while not knowing what to expect.
“Honky tonk” is a good first-impression description. The weathered siding – floors probably hosed down at the end of the day. The room was full of patrons engaging in food, beverages, and conversation while listening to music in a room with many pieces of underwear hanging from above. I recall enjoying watching the patrons.
However, over time I learned that “honky tonk” isn’t applicable – after all, I introduced it to you in this past post as the Last Great American Roadhouse.
My in-laws would change locations every few years, so time passed between my visits to this local icon. The next would be between 2005-2007 they rented about 2+ miles away. It’s also easy to remember because in September 2004, Hurricane Ivan brought havoc to the area – including upon the Flora-Bama. National news even reported that Ivan devastated it.
Despite the fake news (I couldn’t resist), the legendary Flora-Bama would not die. Battered and sand-filled, it re-opened after cleaning and a bit of restoration that probably included nails and hammers.
I recall it seems more rickety than ever – but that was part of its charm. Refrigerated trailers were in front of the building for storing food and beer. A temporary shack sold souvenirs.
The housing-financial collapse of 2008 delivered another crushing blow as the principal owners filed bankruptcy because of failing real estate investments. The long-time owners became minority owners and the new ownership restored the venerable venue.
The trailers and the souvenir shack are gone, but the rustic weathered look remains. The new Flora-Bama is a mixture of old and new that maintains the original character. The original area I first sat remains as another music area – as does the adjacent large tent area.
Inside the new brick front contains a large area for merchandise with a main lounge and stage on the second floor. The decor is a display of pictures, framed news articles, fishing nets, underwear, musical instruments, license plates, and more to go along with the countless names written with a black marker onto the walls.
With 3 stages, music is plentiful at the Flora-Bama. Yep – there are times when three musical acts are playing at the same time! On this night, only Rhonda Hart and Jonathan Newton were performing. We enjoyed them so much, we heard them three times.
The Flora-Bama is alive and well. The colorful place with a colorful past that includes a large cast of colorful characters remains. A place for a wide range of ages from different places – from northern snowbirds to colors – from retirees to young adults. From low-key weekday afternoons to raucous weekend nights. If you are ever in Pensacola, Perdido Key, Orange Beach, or Gulf Shores, consider stopping by the Flora-Bama Lounge Oyster Bar and Package Store
Entering from the beach – Notice the tents to the right!
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One of the opportunities to take a picture.
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Because many enjoyed the Kenny Chesney song about the Flora-Bama in my previous post, it’s still appropriate here.
Thanks again, Frank. Good to get more history on the place. You didn’t mention the food. I guess you don’t go there for the food.
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John,
Food is there …. simple, bar type food … a variety though. People love fried pickles in these parts.
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Hmmm. I guess you have to be there.
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… and the have free popcorn in the main stage bar!
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More than enough reason to go. The fact that it is free is Obama’s fault.
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Absolutely!
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🙂
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Looks like a very interesting place to visit. About the photo op at the end of your post; my guess is you would choose the guy on the right. 🙂
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Sylvia,
It is an interesting place as well as a place we enjoy. A fun place to watch people, too! As far as the photo ops at the end, I would be the cat.
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Let me guess, O-bama fault too!!! 😉 Happy Monday, my friend and week ahead! 🙂
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Marina,
The ups and downs in the Flora Bama’s life is unquestionably Obama’s fault!
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😂😂😂😂
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Nothing is a good as a well seasoned local place. Looks like fun.
We have one that’s been through hurricanes located under the tall bridge at the entrance to Clear Lake. A survivor with scars, but lots of people find relaxing and enjoy it. (when tourist don’t find it). Sadly the highway department will be doing what nature hasn’t managed – a new bridge and road going right through that spot before long……wonder if it could be moved…probably not with all the glue and string holding it together HA HA
Have a great week, Frank
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Mouse,
I wonder how many local institutions and considered as survivors exist in our land … I’m guessing a few more than we realize, thus credit to their stamina!
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A place with quite a history…as well as a well-earned reputation for getting back up whenever it’s knocked down. Frank…did you affix your name to one of those walls?
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Bruce,
Great point of Flora-Bama’s ability to bounce back after a knockdown. Oh this place looks so different now since even 6 years ago, let alone 2005.
I have not added my name to a wall, but hey … I guess it’s time to make it a priority!
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I like this post. It has a kitsch quality, which is always rich fun.
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Resa,
The Flora-Bama is legendary and a local institution … and there are a lot of applicable descriptors. 🙂
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Lotta character and Americana there. Gotta wonder where all the bras came from.
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Brenda,
Regarding the bras, who knows how many have been washed away .. but they seem to replenish. Meanwhile, the Flora-Bama remains a slice of Americana.
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There is something quintessentially American about it, from what I could see in the video. Something honest, something strong and something maybe smelling of beer.
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The Flora-Bama definitely has a bar feel … and the beer can readily flow – especially on weekends and during its events (when thousands attend). .. I like “honest” as an adjective in terms of authentic, which is (in my opinion) one of its charms.
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Yup. I’m probably one of a dozen people in Romania right now that enjoys country music. And, based on my wife’s expression when I played this song, she’s not one of the dozen 😉
So thanks for bringing a bit of culture to our little part of the world.
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Gabe,
Cheers to you being one of the dozen. It’s a fitting video and song for this place, thus why I had to bring it back.
Romania? … I assuming hiking. I’ve heard that Romania is beautiful! Enjoy!!!!
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Large musical venues of distinction, seem to be becoming increasing scarce, like bookstores. If I ever find myself misplaced on the Alabama coast I would not have a problem spending some time here -honky tonk or not.
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Calvin,
Good for you and your willingness to turn the misplacement into an opportunity! PS: … another beach walk coming in 15-20 minutes.
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Since reading this, I have been sitting at my desk reminiscing of a honkytonk of sorts from my past.Gingers was the oldest and longest running tavern in one location on Holis Street in Halifax. I lived over top of it for six months whilst attending art school in the early the mid eighties. It was ‘the place’ to go for live music of all genres and for beer -Keith’s, Schooner and Moosehead -period, bottle or pitcher. It was a rough and tumble kind of establishment -a second home for locals and passing merchant/naval sailors for it’s seedy side -a side which often flowed out the doors and onto the street. A plethora of stories, none which I would repeat here. Six months was long enough. My next place I lived was more sedate across the harbour in Dartmouth.
Thank you Frank, I will be sure to give the next beach walk a read. And thank you for stirring up some memories from my past.
And here is an image link from the web I found of Ginger’s -from the late sixties I suspect. The building and street did not look that ‘homey’. My three windows were on the front farthest corner.
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Calvin,
Glad I was able to rekindle a memory for you. Gingers sounds like a classic, so thanks for sharing and with a pic! I’ve got the feeling you would enjoy the Flora-Bama.
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oh crikey, the link…………… http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/64650354.jpg
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It’s a colorful, musical place indeed. Most of the peeps up north aren’t familiar with the area, and not having been there myself, I am just going off the representations I’ve been gifted by those who have visited. As per usual, you provide the knowledge AND the fun.
(Fake news . . hahaha!)
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Cayman,
If you are ever in Pensacola or along the Alabama coast, keep the Flora-Bama in mind. Weekday vibes are different than on weekends … predictably so! Glad you caught my fake news reference.
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Love it!
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We have seen so many “beach city wonders” come and go, and some, from my childhood, although gone for a long time now, continue to be happy memories. I think that Flora-Bama brings nostalgia into the present and is really special! How wonderful that it has survived when so many other beach-city venues have been torn down to make way for condominiums. LOL! Love it!
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Debra,
When I first saw the place, my first thought was about the land’s worth vs. the building. After all, it is flanked by condos. But since I’ve learned more about it, cheers to its existence! Glad you enjoyed the two posts about this place … and I hope you get to visit it someday.
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Thanks for the fascinating history behind this Frank. It’s just under a three hour drive for us, so I’m adding it to my list.
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The place is an institution. Their Buckwackers is like a Frosty from Wendy’s – but alcoholic. The musical talent there is very good. Hope you watched the Kenny Chesney video of the song he wrote about it. If he’s in the area, he’ll stop by and take the stage. Neil Dover (a regular there) also wrote this song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eagiS5DtG50
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