Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Mobile, AL

Mobile eagerly awaits the blooming of the Azaleas at this historic home.

by Mark Roberts | March 22, 2010

If you visit Mobile in the next few weeks, you'll understand why it's known as "Azalea City."

It's here where the colorful flowers will soon bloom dotting homes, businesses and streets with splashes of red, white and pink.  

Having lived across the country, I know many cities brag about their spring abundance.  But in Mobile, this floral beauty is one of a kind.

This is where southerners held garden parties and …

Hot Rod Power Tour, Mobile, AL

Event Considered World's Finest High-End Auto Tour

by Mark Roberts | March 06, 2010

There are road trips, and then there are ROAD TRIPS.

If you own a set of wheels that would make an auto mechanic cry, the best way to showcase your ride may be the 16th Annual Hot Rod Power Tour.

The seven-city tour's last stop is Mobile, Alabama on Saturday, June 12. The tour to the Gulf Coast begins on June 5 in Newton, Iowa and winds its way through Springfield, …

Spring Break 2010, Mobile, Alabama

Alabama's Gulf Coast Promises Affordable Spring Break Fun

by Mark Roberts | February 26, 2010

It’s been a long year.  Studying and exams have taken their toll.  Finally, you get the chance to take a break.

So where do you go to rest, rejuvinate and soak up the sun?

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is throwing out the welcome mat to the nation’s college students and families hoping to enjoy the time off.

The combination of affordable rates and fun attractions ensures spring breakers make the most of the …

Travel Guide to Mobile, AL

Why You Should Visit Mobile, Alabama

by Mark Roberts | February 19, 2010

What do you get when you combine southern charm, stately homes and the world's oldest Carnival celebration?  You get a wild party in one of the most pleasant and unique cities in the south.  Gateway to the Mobile Bay, the city is the first stop for many vacationers heading to the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

But Mobile is not a drive-through destination.

Its French, Spanish, Creole, Catholic, British, and …

Fort Morgan, Mobile, AL

Military landmark has been watching over Mobile Bay since 1812

by Mark Roberts | January 31, 2010

While exploring the wildlife preserves or fishing along the Gulf Coast, don't hesitate to make a stop at one of the more important dry land destinations in the area.

Fort Morgan protected the Mobile Bay from the War of 1812 until the end of World War II.  Regarded as one of the finest examples of military architecture in the New World, it prevented enemy ships from sailing into the bay.  It also provided cover …

Ecotoursim Alive and Well in Mobile, Alabama

Attractions Provide Sightseeing and Education

by Mark Roberts | January 31, 2010

Eco-Tourism may be a popular buzzword in the travel world, but few travel experts admit they know what it means.  The reason:  its definition is the subject of debate between environmentalists, tourism officials and political leaders.

The Ecotourism Society defines it as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people."

Tourism officials along the Mobile Bay try not to worry about the official definition.  They work instead …

The Truth: Mardi Gras in Mobile, AL

Mobile content knowing city was first to celebrate Carnival season

by Mark Roberts | January 15, 2010

You’d think after nearly three hundred years, Mardi Gras historians would finally give credit where credit is due.

But alas, the traditional decadence and magnificent mayhem surrounding the New Orleans celebration hides an important fact: New Orleans is not the original home of Mardi Gras.

That’s right. The magnificent parades and outlandish costumes seen each year in the Crescent City are but cheap imitations of the party held each year in Mobile, Alabama.

It all began …

Malaga Inn, Mobile, AL

Inn proves life (and vacations) aren't meant to be rushed

by Mark Roberts | January 14, 2010

If you've ever traveled with your family to the Grand Canyon, the Empire State Building or anywhere in between, your vacation itenerary was probably built around the idea of "seeing" something. After all, who misses famous local landmarks? 

But is the best way to enjoy a vacation? What if you instead planned your itenerary around the idea of "experiencing" something? This is the best way to visit Mobile, Alabama, where the "experience" can be found in Southern Living—the kind you'll find at the Malaga Inn.

Memorial Park, Mobile, AL

USS Alabama, World War II Submarine and 22 Military Planes on display at Memorial Park

by Mark Roberts | January 04, 2010

Few landmarks capture the pride of Mobile and the state of Alabama more than the USS Alabama Battleship docked in the Mobile Bay.  With her 16-inch guns pointed skyward, she looks every bit the warrior she was at the height of World War II.

Today, she rests at Memorial Park—the centerpiece of a unique military exhibit that includes a World War II submarine, combat aircraft from several of our nation's military conflicts, a Vietnam River Patrol Boat and …

Dining Panache at True in Mobile, AL

Chef Cooks Up Cuisine with "Southern Softness"

by Mark Roberts | December 30, 2009

When you think of south'n eatin', it's easy to imagine all things fried (oysters, shrimp, crab, etc.)  And while there's nothing wrong with that (after all, who doesn't love a fried shrimp po' boy), at True Restaurant in Mobile, Alabama south'n eatin' becomes southern fine dining at it's best.

Chef Wesley true describes the menu as New American and contemporary French cuisine made with a "southern softness."  Diners can enjoy entree's such as the Lamb 2 Ways -- a half rack of lamb, …

Toys of Christmas Past in Mobile, AL

Museum of Mobile Shares the Joy of Christmas Morning aboard the Holiday Express

by Mark Roberts | December 13, 2009

If your Christmas shopping is relegated to buying the latest hand-held, game-playing gadget for your kids, then consider a trip to Mobile, Alabama.  This month, the Museum of Mobile provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the toys Christmas past on board the Holiday Express.

The exhibit provides a look at the toys, gifts and other holiday goodies of yesteryear.  Imagine waking up on Christmas morning and discovering a Stream Line Electric Train, a Tin Lizzy toy car or …

Christmas Illuminated in Mobile, AL

Bellingrath Gardens Shimmers During the Holidays

by Mark Roberts | December 11, 2009

Traveling to the Mobile Bay, you may not encounter a White Christmas.  But few places in the country offer the visual spectacle you'll find at Mobile's Bellingrath Gardens. 

During the holidays, the 65-acre Garden estate is aglow as part of Magic Christmas in Lights.  Displays …