Sweet Home Mobile
Written: Aug 13 '02 (Updated Aug 13 '02)
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Pros: Family-friendly; great food; lots of attractions
Cons: Can be very hot during summer
The Bottom Line: Mobile is a great destination for Southerners wanting to get away to the beaches and Northerners who want to experience what it's TRULY like in the South.
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| jentnews's Full Review: Mobile |
What can I say about Mobile, Alabama? I don’t want this review to be biased, as I lived there for the first 18 years of my young life … but even if I were not a Mobile native, I think I would recommend this city as a good, enjoyable destination for almost any sort of traveler. From families to college students, Mobile has something for almost everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about the “Azalea City.”
Location and Weather
Mobile is situated at the southernmost tip of Alabama, adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico and right on Mobile Bay. Sunny weather prevails all year-round, and you can expect hot temperatures from late April to about mid-October. Hurricanes are also a fairly common occurrence in this region, and they’re most common from May 15 to Nov. 30. If you plan to travel to Mobile during these months, check weather forecasts.
The rest of the year sees pretty rainy weather (Mobile has one of the highest precipitation rates in the U.S.), and it’s really only cold from mid-December to about mid-February. To experience everything that Mobile and the surrounding areas have to offer, though, I would recommend going during the spring or summer – you’ll have an opportunity to comfortably explore the outdoor attractions!
What To Do in Mobile
As I said before, there’s something to please almost everyone in Mobile. I’ll break the attractions down in an easy-to-read list:
The Battleship (USS Alabama): Located at Battleship Memorial Park, the USS Alabama is great if you have kids or war buffs in the family. The battleship is open for tours daily and includes a number of interesting artifacts from the time it spent on the water during WWII. Adjacent to the battleship are a number of fighter planes in the Aircraft Pavilion. A gift shop and snack bar are available. For more information, visit www.ussalabama.com.
Fort Conde: This is a reconstruction of the actual 18th-century French fort. Costumed guards give tours of the expansive, authentic-looking fort – and fire muskets! Another great opportunity to learn some of Mobile’s history. Information about Fort Conde can be found at www.mobile.org.
Bellingrath Gardens: This is one of my favorites. Bellingrath, located 10 miles south of Mobile in Theodore, features 65 acres of beautiful manicured flowers and shrubs unmatched by most botanical gardens. During the summer you can see tropical flowers such as hibiscus, crepe myrtles and roses; fall features chrysanthemums and distinctive camellias. In the winter, you can attend Bellingrath’s “Christmas in Lights,” an annual event during which much of the garden is draped with dazzling light displays. River cruises also are available here. For more information, visit www.bellingrath.org.
Mardi Gras: Don’t let New Orleans fool you. Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras. While the parades are not as big or as rowdy, Mobile has a fantastic Mardi Gras celebration every year, complete with kings and queens. Take the kids to the Floral Parade or the Comic Cowboys parade, both during the day, and attend the Krewe of Columbus and Conde Cavaliers parades for more grown-up fun. Mardi Gras day falls on March 4, 2003, so expect parades for at least a week before that date.
Arts and Culture: Mobile boasts a ballet company, an opera company and a symphony for those who enjoy the performing arts. The talented ballet gives annual performances of well-loved classics such as Sleeping Beauty. Their schedules can be found at:
www.mobileopera.org
www.mobileballet.org
www.mobilesymphony.org
Gulf Shores: Located about an hour and a half from Mobile, Gulf Shores is a growing beach town that boasts beautiful white sand great for hours of laying in the sun. There’s also many attractions, such as the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Warning: Gulf Shores gets awfully crowded with college kids during Spring Break season. Go to www.gulfshores.com for detailed info.
Where to Eat
Situated right on the Gulf of Mexico, seafood is a must-try for Mobile visitors. I have had many a good meal at Nan Seas, not far from downtown off Dauphin Island Parkway. The restaurant, which sits right on a Mobile Bay inlet, features outdoor dining and TERRIFIC fried shrimp. Cost isn’t bad – about $12-20 a person – and the atmosphere is casual.
Also try Drayton Place on Dauphin Street downtown, which is good for a casual lunch as well as a relaxed dinner. The Crawfish Tasso Monica is to die for. Go on a weekend night to hear live jazz music, and smoke one of Drayton’s fantastic cigars. Price is $8-10 for lunch, $14-25 for dinner. Their website is www.draytonplace.com.
Pizza lovers and kids won’t want to miss Picklefish on Dauphin Street, a 2-story pizza joint that features a famous “white pizza.” It’s also cheap, about $5 per person. Beware, though – the place turns into a tavern of sorts at night!
Where to Stay
Downtown or nearby is the most logical place for Mobile visitors. Those who have the cash might want to stay at the Adam’s Mark Hotel, a plush facility in the heart of downtown that includes several bars and a restaurant. Rooms start at $79 a night for special rates and can go up to $150 a night for nicer rooms. Visit www.adamsmark.com.
The Radisson Admiral Semmes Hotel on Government Street is also a good choice. The restaurant on the hotel’s first floor, Oliver’s, is excellent. Plus, it’s within walking distance of many downtown restaurants and attractions. Like the Adam’s Mark, rooms go for about $80-$160. Visit www.radisson.com.
Budget travelers will find a good value at the Holiday Inn Express on Church Street downtown. While it doesn’t have the amenities of the other hotels, it is conveniently located and well-kept. Rooms will run you $50-90. Visit www.holiday-inn.com/mobile-church for reservations.
Those wanting an even better deal can find cheaper places outside of the city. Try the Super 8 in Tillman’s Corner, south of Mobile, for $50-60. Their phone number is 251-666-0003 and reservations can be made at www.super8.com.
A Note: Most places in Mobile and surrounding areas are safe, but do NOT stay in Prichard, a small town north of Mobile. It is rife with crime and known as the "ghetto" of the city. Avoid staying in motels near that area. For your safety.
Have I Left Anything Out?
If you have further questions about Mobile, you can write me at jentnews@aol.com, or contact the Mobile Convention and Visitors' Bureau at 800-5-MOBILE. Happy visiting!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May
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Epinions.com ID:
jentnews
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Location: Texas, USA
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
A struggling writer, tryin' to make it in Texas.
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