Mobile

You can feel Mobile’s unique personality through its art, music, and delicious food. A city that once flew under six flags; Mobile is an eclectic fusion of flavours, sights, and melodies. Gulf-to-table seafood dishes decorate the menus of local restaurants. Hand painted oyster shells adorn sidewalks. The upbeat jazz tunes of the Excelsior Band fill the streets during Mardi Gras and any other excuse it can find for celebration. Mobile’s culinary and art scenes feed each other in vibrant and unexpected ways.  

Mobile is the home of America’s very first Mardi Gras celebration; giving it a long history of fun traditions and celebrations. Today, the lively festivities showcase a variety of cultural influences and feature parades, elaborate costumes, and other prized traditions. Catch a parade, visit the Mobile Carnival Museum, or snag a revelry-inspired sweet treat at local eateries to celebrate Mardi Gras the original way. In Mobile, Mardi Gras lasts far longer than a day; they were “Born to Celebrate” all year long. 

Raleigh isn’t called the “Smithsonian of the South” for nothing. From the elegant State Capitol building to African American heritage sites, this city packs an impressive lineup of free museums and cultural gems perfect for curious travellers looking to bring the city’s fascinating past to life. Explore the North Carolina Museum of Art with its 5000-piece world-class collection and outdoor sculpture park or get up close to prehistoric giants at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences featuring the famous “Dueling Dinosaurs.”  

The Lower Dauphin Area, also known as LoDa, is Mobile’s designated entertainment district. Take a stroll on the second Friday of each month for LoDa Art Walk; a downtown block party where the streets are lined with artists and vendors celebrating music, art, and culture. Art enthusiasts will stumble upon gems like Sophiella Art Gallery and the Alabama Contemporary Arts Center. LoDa is home to the iconic Saenger Theater; constantly playing host to enticing musical acts and stage performances.  

In a city nearly 325-years-old; you can count on Mobile’s historic districts to bring on the charm in neighbourhoods like Oakleigh Garden District, De Tonti Square, and Church Street East. Rest your head at the Fort Conde Inn and have brunch at Bistro St. Emmanuel before a day of exploring historic Mobile! Within Mobile’s downtown historic districts; you can grab a bite at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, have a brew at Iron Hand Brewing, or take a leisurely walk through Washington Square.

Located only a 45-minute car ride from downtown Mobile; the sprawling sandy beaches of Dauphin Island beckon visitors to come out and play. Home to historic Fort Gaines, The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, a public beach, pier, and boat ramps; Dauphin Island is a popular destination for Mobilians and tourists alike who prefer a simpler beach experience. This quaint little beach community offers fun for the entire family, even those with paws. 

Whether it’s Fat Tuesday, New Year’s Eve, or just another day of exciting goings-on in the Port City; Mardi Gras Park is one of the favourite places to be. A showstopping 40-foot tree is lit in the square each holiday season and its ornaments transition to purple and gold in time for Mardi Gras. Situated on the Mardi Gras parade route and across from the History Museum of Mobile; the park is a popular location for concerts, events, and parade festivities. 

In a city that is exceptionally eclectic, uniquely uncommon, and perpetually born to celebrate; there are always things to do and see! An attraction that is undoubtedly Mobilian; the Mobile Carnival Museum holds stories of Mardi Gras past, present, and future. Wander through exhibits showcasing a “behind-the-mask view” of the fashions, fanfare, and history of Carnival. While you’re in the Port City, you’d be remiss not to visit one of the attractions showcasing its home on the Gulf. The USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park and National Maritime Museum of the Gulf beautifully tell the stories of Mobile’s military and maritime history.