Alabama may conjure images of Forrest Gump and the like, but the state is more diverse than most people realize. If you’ve ever visited coastal Mobile, you might feel as though you’re in New Orleans or Savannah.
The row houses and bougainvillea evoke similar images. First settled as a fort in 1702, the French, British, and Spanish have all held the city at one point or another, so you’ll see influences from all three. It was once even the capital of French Louisiana.
Water is important to the city, as one of the busiest ports in the country. Seafood and shipping are major industries and the GulfQuest Museum is devoted to the maritime history. The city is also known as the original home of Mardi Gras, with Mobile’s celebrations dating back to 1830.
They even have a museum devoted to the Carnival season with elaborate costumes that are worn by local kings and queens every spring.
Dauphin Street is the main thoroughfare through Mobile, where you’ll find the best shops, bars, and restaurants in one place. Parts of the street allow you to have to-go drinks, so restaurants have their own go cups. A daiquiri bar will open on a busy corner within the year, making it even more reminiscent of its Louisiana counterpart. But you’ll also find galleries along this street.
Mobile also has its own art culture. The galleries on Dauphin Street play host to monthly art walks when locals and visitors alike come together to sell their pieces and enjoy drinks along the way. The city is home to two art museums, including the Alabama Contemporary Art Center.
The museum emphasizes regional artists, specifically those from Alabama. Their current exhibition is about outsider artists like Thornton Dial.
If none of these have convinced you, the best reason to visit Mobile, Alabama is for the food. At Noble South, you’ll dine on modern interpretations of Southern classics. At Wentzell’s, you’ll slurp down fresh gulf oysters at this family-run establishment. At Cafe 615, you can have brunch served to you by a “champangel,” a waitress dressed in an angel costume who tops up your mimosas. One thing is for certain: in this city that was “born to celebrate,” you won’t go hungry.
My visit to Mobile was coordinated by Visit Mobile and Geiger Public Relations.
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