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Mobile

Celebrate Mardi Gras on the Gulf in a scenic city

As the original capital of Colonial French Louisiana, this Alabama gem on the Gulf of Mexico is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States. Home to fantastic seafood, historic architecture and all things Southern, visitors and locals alike can find new discoveries at every turn.

Mobile, Alabama, has been dressed to impress since its founding in 1702. Situated on Mobile Bay at the outlet of the Mobile, Tensaw and Apalachee rivers, Mobile attracted enough wealth to become a showplace for mansions, hotels, port city trade and Gulf Coast charm.

Today, Mobile continues serving as a bustling commercial port center and showcase for Southern culture. Stroll parks in the city in the shade of elegant oaks and maples, and then sample the delectable seafood on offer at the city’s many prime seafood eateries.

Mobile Makes History

The people of Mobile are passionate about preserving the city’s larger-than-life past. After witnessing some of the monuments, museums and attractions throughout the town, you’ll see why history is so important to this town on the Gulf.

Mobile is part of the Alabama Civil War Trail, with a number of historic sites dotted around the city. As Alabama’s only open port on the Gulf of Mexico, with river and railway connections to Confederate territory, Mobile played a vital role in pumping much-needed supplies to Confederate soldiers in the field.

For a close-up glimpse into the city’s past, check out historic Fort Condé, located near downtown Mobile.

The trail’s interpretive signage stretches from the gulf port district into town, recounting the fierce battle between the Union and Confederate troops to control this important port city. Take the Mobile Bay Ferry to cross the water between the Civil War-era Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. Sail aboard Joshua, the classic 72-foot wooden schooner that is the official tall ship of the state of Alabama.

World War II history lives on aboard the USS Alabama battleship and the USS Drum submarine, both designated as National Historic Landmarks. Walk the decks of these preserved vessels to get a sense of the challenges faced by sailors fighting the Axis powers. An aircraft pavilion houses more than two dozen warbirds, and there’s also a new exhibit commemorating World War I. Visit the History Museum of Mobile, where the entire family can enjoy interactive exhibits, noteworthy artifacts and special museum-hosted events.

Mardi Gras in Mobile!

Move over, New Orleans! Mobile was celebrating Mardi Gras 15 years before the Big Easy was even founded. The Mobile Carnival Museum is where you’ll find the glory of Mobile’s Mardi Gras past, from ornamental robes to jewel-colored encrusted crowns, floats and fun, interactive displays.

Established in 1703 and held every February, Mardi Gras in Mobile is the oldest celebration of its kind in the United States and draws an estimated 100,000 people each year to enjoy parades with strutting marching bands, vibrant floats and, of course, fabulous Gulf seafood.

Mobile has several attractions that are great for the entire family. Start with the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, a museum with hundreds of interactive exhibits and a gigantic Imax film screen. Or take the family on a river cruise aboard the Southern Belle during your visit to Bellingrath Gardens and Home. On the grounds of this 65-acre attraction are a museum home and a bayou boardwalk. Another great find is Mobile Botanical Gardens, 100 acres of colorful gardens that allow you to stroll along woodland trails.

Take a stroll through Langan Park, home to the Mobile Museum of Art, which features a permanent collection of works spanning some 2,000 years. For a glimpse of Old South architecture at its finest, enjoy the French Quarter charm and Hollywood connections of the Admiral Hotel (formerly the Admiral Semmes Hotel), whose celebrity guests have included comedian Bob Hope and the King, Elvis Presley. Kate Shepard House is touted as the oldest bed-and-breakfast in Mobile. Hundred-year-old magnolia trees give visitors a clue to its longevity and its pecan praline French toast is touted as a not-to-miss treat.

Check out Bienville Square, a historic city park in the center of town. Named after Mobile’s founder, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, the park takes up the entire block. In the center of the park, a large cast-iron fountain with an acanthus leaf delights visitors.

Enjoy Nature From a Canoe

Natural attractions abound just a few short drives beyond town. The 200-mile Bartram Canoe Trail in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta is one of the longest of its kind in the United States. There are 13 different routes, giving visitors prime views of up to 250 species of birds as well as alligators and some 230 species of fish. Swamp tours are available on everything from large pontoon boats to small motor-powered pirogue canoes.

Meaher State Park is the perfect access point to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. With more than 1,300 acres nestled in the wetlands of Mobile Bay, the park draws thousands of visitors each year, including anglers who can look forward to a catch of either fresh or saltwater fish. There is a boat ramp and a fishing pier, along with two nature trails, including a boardwalk with sweeping views of the delta region.

Enjoy a wetlands view while you bring your best game to Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Magnolia Grove features three courses complete with wetlands, creeks, streams, woods and some pretty large, sandy bunkers. For cyclists, the Mobile portion of the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route has points of interest and historic sites marking this 2,100-mile corridor stretching from Mobile to Canada.

Water, Water and Restaurants Everywhere!

Mobile boasts some of the best restaurants below the Mason-Dixon Line, many of which feature the area’s prized Gulf seafood. Wintzell’s Oyster House, founded in 1938, serves oysters “fried, stewed or nude,” the latter meaning raw. Another cherished local eatery, The Blind Mule, showcases an upscale version of a Southern staple, shrimp and grits. For the sweet tooth in your group, check out Tanner’s Pecans and Candies, whose best-seller is, naturally, candied pecans.

For More Information

Visit Mobile

800-5-Mobile

www.mobile.org

Alabama Tourism Department

800-252-2262

www.alabama.travel