12 www.mobilebay.org      800-5-MOBILE

We’ll let you in on a little secret...

When it comes to things to do, Mobile

is rich with all sorts of activities.

Abundant attractions, outdoor and

water-based adventures, historical and

cultural pursuits, sports and more await

you. It’s just one of the reasons we think

you’ll agree that we’re kind of a big deal

on the Gulf Coast.

THINGS TO DO - ATTRACTIONS

Don’t miss this… LoDa ArtWalk is my favorite event inMobile. You can check out all the art spaces in downtown Mobileeach month and just enjoy the atmosphere!

You have to try… You can find crawfish cooked anynumber of ways in Mobile, but you should try crawfish tails friedwhile you’re here.

Ssshhh, my favorite spot is… Bienville Books - anindependent bookstore located in the heart of downtown onDauphin Street.

“Mem-Mobilia”… MoonPies might be from anotherSouthern town, but Mobilians love them. We even celebrate eachNew Year with a MoonPie drop!

MySecretly

Awesome

Mobile

Ansley A., Azalea Trail Maid

Kick off your visit with a

delicious breakfast

downtown, then walk over

to the Gulf coast

exploreum to catch their

latest hands-on exhibit or IMAX® film. Right next door is

the history museum of mobile, where you’ll be

immersed in over 300 years of history. A few blocks

away is the one-of-a-kind mobile carnival museum

where you’ll revel in all things Mardi Gras. The uss

alabama battleship memorial Park is just a short

drive away and while you’re on ‘the causeway’, be sure

to hop on an airboat or kayak to discover the Mobile-

Tensaw River delta up close. The next day, tour

beautiful bellingrath Gardens and home and take a

leisurely ride on the southern belle, continuing on to

Dauphin Island for a day on the soft, white sand

beaches. You’ll enjoy historic fort Gaines and the

Dauphin island sea lab and estuarium as well as bird

watching, water sports and a laid-back, island attitude.

2-Day Family

Itinerary

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Hours: Open year-round, 8am - 5pm (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and

New Year’s Day). Extended hours in December for Bellingrath’s Magic

Christmas in Lights, 5pm - 9pm. Free parking. Group rates for groups of

20 or more.

Directions: I-10 west to exit 15A (Theodore). West on Hwy. 90. South

on Bellingrath Rd. (eight miles to Bellingrath Gardens and Home.)

Bellingrath Gardens and Home12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd., Theodore, AL 36582

(251) 973-2217 (800) 247-8420 www.bellingrath.org

"The Charm Spot of the Deep South." Enjoy 65 acres of year-round floral

pageantry in a Southern estate garden, including the 2004 Top Public

Rose Garden in the United States. Visit the Delchamps Gallery of Boehm

Porcelain, the largest public collection of Boehm porcelain in the United

States. Tour the Bellingrath Museum Home, featured on A&E's America's

Castles series, filled with priceless antiques and furnishings. Relax on a

scenic cruise of Fowl River aboard the Southern Belle river cruiser.

Special Events & Seasons:

Winter camellias: December - February

Spring Azaleas: March - April

camellia classic car Show: 1st Saturday in

April

Rose Garden: Mid-April - October

Rose Show: 3rd weekend in April

Mother’s Day concert

Wonderful Wednesdays Activities: June - July

Mum Festival: November

Magic christmas in Lights Show: Friday after

Thanksgiving - Dec. 31st (closed Dec. 25th)

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USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36602

(251) 433-2703 1-800-GANGWAY www.ussalabama.com

At Mobile’s Battleship Memorial Park, you don’t have to look very far to find

heroes. From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM

and over 25 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well.

Aboard the battleship you will

be able to explore 12 decks.

Among those, you can climb

inside gun turrets, get locked in

the Brig, man a 12mm gun and

much more.

Also at Battleship Memorial

Park, you will be able to go

aboard the oldest Submarine on

public display, the USS DRUM.

Go below and see firsthand the

conditions that confronted our

Navy’s submariners.

In the Aircraft Pavilion as well

as in the park, you will be able

to view many rare and historic

aircraft. A few in our collection include: A-12 Blackbird spy plane, OS2U

Kingfisher, F-86L Sabre Jet, YF-17, B-52 Bomber, VH-1N (otherwise known

as Marine One.) These are just a few of the rare warbirds you will find on

display.

Come visit America’s most unique military attraction. An unforgettable

adventure for the entire family.

Open daily 8:00am (except Christmas Day.)

Location: I-10, exits 27 or 30 D R

Coupon Code: 13MBCVB

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THINGS TO DO - ATTRACTIONS

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center

& IMAX® Dome Theater65 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 208-6873

(877) 625-4FUN www.exploreum.com

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center  is a not-for-profit, mission-basedscience center that promotes science learning through exhibits, IMAX films,and exciting demonstrations. Visitors can experience more than 150 hands-on science adventures in Hands on Hall, My Body Works, and Wharf of Wonder.

• Best Family Attraction in Mobile for ten consecutive years• Among Top 25 Science Centers in the country by Parents magazine• Top Ten Things for Families to Do in Alabama by Trekaroo.com• Only science technology center serving the Central Gulf Coast

For traveling exhibits, IMAX films and hours of operation,visit www.exploreum.com.

Geri Moulton Children’s ParkUSA children’s & Women’s Hospital 1700 center St., Mobile, AL 36604

(251) 415-1000 www.usahealthsystem.com/childrenspark

Imagine a place of quiet contemplation... a peaceful place, where art andnature come together to nurture mind, body and soul.

Geri Moulton Children's Park is such a place.

Located in a wooded setting adjacent to USA Children's & Women'sHospital, the park is filled with more than 50 life-size bronze sculpturesdepicting children and families, providing a wonderful place of enjoymentand contemplation.

The park has been featured in Southern Living and received the TreePreservation Award from the Mobile Tree Commission.Location: I-65, exit 5A, right on Springhill Ave., then 2.8 miles on left. R

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Location: Downtown Mobile,

exit 26B off Interstate 10

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History Museum of Mobile111 S. Royal St., Mobile, AL 36602

(251) 208-7569

www.museumofmobile.com

The History Museum of Mobile, located in the

Southern Market/Old City Hall, a National

Historic Landmark building; featuring exhibits

highlighting 300 years of Gulf Coast history.

View artifacts from native inhabitants, relive

the voyage of enslaved people, hear tales of

Civil War soldiers and discover how our

diverse history has influenced Mobile.

Adults: $7, Seniors: $6, Students: $5, Under

6: FREE

Tuesday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm, Sunday: 1pm - 5pm.

Location: I-10, exit 26A/B

Phoenix Fire Museum203 S. claiborne St. (251) 208-7554

Tues. & Thurs., 9am - 5pm

Visit the home of the Phoenix Volunteer Fire

Company No. 6 and see a unique collection of

antique equipment and 19th century steam

engines. Free admission.

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The Site of Historic

Fort Condé150 S. Royal St. (251) 208-7304

The Site of Historic Fort Condé is where Mobile

begins, past and present. Beginning in early fall

2013, take a walk through the Fort’s new main

exhibit and explore life in Colonial Mobile. Stroll

along the Fort’s second-floor walkway for one-

of-a-kind views of historic downtown and the

bustling waterfront.

For information about first-rate attractions and special events in and around

Mobile, visit the city’s Official Welcome Center, located inside Fort Condé.

Mobile Carnival Museum355 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602

(251) 432-3324 www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com

Mardi Gras in its true birthplace. Majestic crowns and robes. Become part

of the party. Self-explore or guided tours. Groups welcome. Childrens' area.

Wheelchair accessible. Gift Shoppe. Rentals. Mon, Wed, Fri-Sat, 9am-4pm.Location: I-10, exit 26A, left on Government St. D

Mobile Mystery Dinner Theater(251) 479-3212 www.mobilemysterydinners.com

An evening of dinner, wine, play and a museum tour. Reservations required.Location: I-10, exit 26A, left on Government St. to the carnival Museum. D

THINGS TO DO - ATTRACTIONS

THINGS TO DO - ATTRACTIONS

Mobile International Speedway7800 Park Blvd., Irvington, AL 36544

(251) 957-2026 www.mobilespeedway.net

Alabama’s fastest 1/2 mile track featuring exciting oval track action

including the Southern Super Series, winged sprint cars, demolition derby

and more. Home of the ARCA Mobile 200.Location: I-10, exit 10, then two miles south. R

Mobile Medical Museum(251) 415-1109 www.mobilemedicalmuseum.com

Three centuries of Medical History located in Mobile's oldest home.Location: 2.9 miles east of I-65, exit 5A D

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University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum6052 USA Drive S., Mobile AL 36688 (251) 460-6106

www.southalabama.edu/archaeology/museum.html

Come and discover the rich prehistory and history of the Gulf Coast!Location: I-65, exit 3 west to the University of South Alabama campus.

The Portier House(251) 441-7138 www.portierhouse.org

Historic tours and gift shop. Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 3pm.Location: Downtown Mobile, facing cathedral Square. D

Condé-Charlotte Museum House104 Theatre St., Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 432-4722

www.condecharlottemuseum.com

Reflecting Mobile’s history under five flags. Tours Tues. – Sat., 11am - 3pm.Location: In Fort condé Village adjacent to Fort condé Welcome center. D

Richards-DAR House Museum(251) 208-7320 www.richardsdarhouse.com

National Register of Historic Places. Daily tours and gift shop.Location: Historic DeTonti Square D

Bragg-Mitchell Mansion(251) 471-6364 www.braggmitchellmansion.com

Guided historic tours Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 3pm (on the hour.)Location: 2.4 miles east of I-65, exit 5A. R

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A Living History ofAmerican Architecture

With its first settlers arriving in 1702, the city of

Mobile is rich in history and our beautiful historic homes

tell the story best. There is no better way to get to know

Mobile than to visit the city's beautiful historic homes,

nestled under giant live oak trees or among centuries old

azalea bushes. Each home hosts special events year-

round from literary lectures to afternoon teas to

beautiful holiday receptions. The spring Annual Historic

Homes Tour, sponsored by the Historic Mobile

Preservation Center, gives you a glimpse into other

homes not typically open to the public. Or, pick up the

Historic Driving Tour

brochure and get out

on your own (on foot,

by bike or by car).

Mobile's varied

architectural styles,

lush green parks and

squares and colorful

cast of characters

brings 300 years of

history alive.

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Bay City Convention & Tours(251) 479-9970 (800) 338-5597 www.baycityconventions.com

Daily sightseeing tours – 10:30am or 2:00pm. Reservations required.Location: Downtown Mobile. Departs from Ft. condé Welcome center. D

Oakleigh Historic Complex350 Oakleigh Place, Mobile, AL 36604 (251) 432-1281

www.historicoakleigh.org

Visit Mobile’s official period house museum. Tues - Sat, 10am - 3pm.Location: Minutes from downtown in the Historic Oakleigh Garden District.

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