What to do in Mobile, Alabama

Jan Slagell — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:13:36 +0000

If you have never spent any time along the Alabama coastline, then it is possible that you have missed out on one of the best kept secrets in Alabama tourism. Located just a short drive from Florida and Mississippi, Mobile is called Alabama’s “Port City”. It is one of Alabama’s larger cities and got its beginning in 1702 as the first capital of French Louisiana.

When you visit Mobile, you will find the charming juxtaposition of the historic homes and buildings with vibrant modern architecture. Consequently, be sure to spend some time touring antebellum locations like the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion and modern art venues such as the Mobile Museum of Modern Art. If you want a slightly macabre activity, go to Mobile’s Medical Museum where you will see rare medical artifacts, tools and bullet extractors from the Civil War.

Perhaps two of the most well known attractions, aside from its beautiful beach, are the USS Alabama and Bellingrath Gardens and Home. The 35,000 ton USS Alabama is a memorial to American veterans since WWII. As you tour the ship, you will also see the USS Drum submarine, WWII aircrafts, a B-52 bomber and an A-12 Blackbird spy plane.

For 20^th Century designs of a softer sort, spend some time at the gorgeous Bellingrath Gardens. The nearly century old flower gardens contain approximately 250,000 azalea plants, camellias, roses, and lilies. You can also tour the home or take a 45 minute river boat cruise on the Southern Belle.

Mobile, Alabama is full of places to see, stories to hear, activities to enjoy. Be sure you spend some time in this coastal Alabama city.

Civil Rights in Selma, Alabama

Jan Slagell — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:57:58 +0000

Alabama tourism offers many opportunities to trace one’s family and stand where famous leaders once stood. From Montgomery to Mobile and Tuskegee to Tuscaloosa, cities all across Alabama have been recognized for their accomplishments and forward thinking in the realm of civil rights. One well-known history making city is Selma.

Situated above the Alabama River, Selma has seen its share of conflict. Beginning with its besiegement during the Civil War, division of the population began to cause strife. Then, 100 years after the Civil War, discrimination’s ugliness was to be born no more. On March 7, 1965 almost 600 African American’s began their march to Montgomery; unfortunately, the governor responded with violence in the form of police officers with clubs, whips and tear gas. Two days later, Dr. King, Jr. tried again but was unsuccessful; eventually the marchers made it on a third try.

When you visit Selma, be sure to go to these important historic Civil Rights Movement locations: The Old Depot Museum which features artifacts from Selma’s history, the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute with its collection of photos and documentation of those who “fought for freedom” in a system determined to discriminate or book a place on the Black Heritage Tour and visit the key places in Civil Rights history.

Selma, Alabama- a city of history and courageous people. Come see these important places that helped shape the South.

Janet Slagell

Southeast Travel Guide » AL tourism

What to do in Mobile, Alabama

Civil Rights in Selma, Alabama