Travels along the Delta

By Blake Guthrie

For the AJC

Unlike Atlanta, six different flags have actually flown over this port city throughout its long history, so it is a bit ironic that there is no Six Flags amusement park in Mobile. Founded before America was established, the French, Spanish and British all flew flags here before the U.S., the Confederates and the state of Alabama did.

With Mobile’s long and varied history, combined with its modern zeal for preservation, travelers find many reasons to visit one of the oldest cities and largest bay estuaries in the country.

Don’t Miss

Fort Conde Welcome Center

Start things off with a visit to the Fort Conde Welcome Center and Museum, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Part of the Museum of Mobile, this isn’t your ordinary tourist welcome center. A replica of the 18th century fort that protected the city, Fort Conde provides tours by musket-wielding guides in colonial-era garb who will fire off their weapons, giving young ones a thrill. Even if you’re sans children, make a quick stop here for brochures and helpful advice. 251-208-7569, www.museumof
mobile.com

Battleship Memorial Park

Located on the bay, this is one of the area’s most popular attractions. Here you can tour the World War II-era battleship USS Alabama and submarine USS Drum. If you’ve only seen naval battle vessels in the movies, you’re in for a surprise. Seeing one up close and from the inside will give you a new respect for our troops who serve in such close quarters. If you suffer from claustrophobia, skip the submarine tour and enjoy the aircraft museum and battleship deck. 251-433-2703, www.ussalabama.com

Bellingrath Gardens and Home

A short drive south of Mobile is the 65-acre estate of Bellingrath. Tour the historic 15-room home (more like a mini-mansion) and the extensive gardens where something is always in bloom, even in winter. There’s a river cruise available, and during the holidays the “Magic Christmas in Lights” is popular with its 3 million-strong display of tiny bulbs strung throughout the grounds. 251-973-2217, www.bellingrath.org

Mobile-Tensaw Delta Boat Tour

Five rivers empty into Mobile Bay to create the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, the second largest river delta in the U.S. Whether by hovercraft, pontoon boat, paddle boat or Wave Runner, a tour of these protected waterways and wetlands is an off-the-radar adventure that many locals don’t even know about. Five Rivers Delta Safaris offers tours for all ages and skill sets. 251-259-8531, www.5rds.com

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras was celebrated in Mobile before it came to New Orleans and residents like to make an entire season out of it. Things really get kicking for tourists, though, on the Friday before “Fat Tuesday.” The entire city seems to shut down for the many parades and masked balls. If you plan on visiting during this time, make hotel reservations early or you might find yourself staying a good distance from downtown, where all the fun takes place. Also, bring a fishing net to scoop candy and trinkets from the air when they are thrown from the parade floats. Some even bring rakes to scoop up the prizes that fall on the street behind the barricades. This is, after all, a time of indulgence. 251-432-3050, www.mamga.com

If you go

Getting There

Mobile is about 330 miles and a five-hour drive from downtown Atlanta. Take I-85 south, merge with I-65 south in Montgomery, Ala. and continue to Mobile.

Where to Eat

Original Oyster House. Fresh seafood on the bay near Battleship Park. Entrees $7.95-$19.95. 3733 Battleship Parkway, Mobile. 251-626-2188, www.originaloysterhouse.com

The Pillars. Historic mansion converted into a restaurant serving steaks and seafood. Entrees $16-$34. 1757 Government St., Mobile. 251-471-3411, www.thepillarsmobile.com

Where to Stay

Malaga Inn. Two 19th century townhouses converted into a modern inn in the downtown historic district. $94-$195. 359 Church St., Mobile. 251-438-4701, www.malagainn.com

The Battle House. A Mobile mainstay, declared one of the Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. $159-$300. 26 N. Royal St., Mobile. 251-338-2000, www.historichotels.org/hotel/Battle_House

Visitor Information

Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau. 800-566-2453, www.mobile.org

Provided by Demand Studios