Weekend in Mobile, Ala., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Situated along the shoreline of Mobile Bay on the Gulf Coast, Mobile is known for its fresh seafood, scenic waterways, museums and as the host of the country's oldest Mardi Gras celebration (http://themobilemask.com).
Getting there: Road trips from Atlanta are under five hours. Nonstop Delta flights from $313 round-trip; 21-day advance purchase notice.
BUDGET
Stay: Fort Conde Inn, built in 1836, is one of Mobile's oldest residences. The AAA Four Diamond historic boutique inn is within walking distance of historical landmarks, museums, dining, entertainment and the waterfront. Guest amenities include gourmet breakfasts, and a courtyard and large porches for relaxing. Rooms from $129; suites from $169. 165 St. Emanuel St., 251-405-5040, www.fortcondeinn.com.
Eat: Find blue plate specials, comfort dishes and ice cream desserts at the Big Time Diner; $6-$12. 4936 Cottage Hill Road, 251-666-2141.
Experience: Architectural styles in the Church Street East Historic District (one of six historic districts) include Federal, Greek revival, Italianate, Queen Anne and Victorian. Take a walking tour of the homes (www.churchstreeteast.com) and stroll the Oyster Trail where local artists have created a dozen oversized oyster statues to bring awareness about the importance of oysters to Mobile Bay (one adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day); www.theoystertrail.com.
MODERATE
Stay: Guests at the historic Malaga Inn can take a complimentary tour into the secret tunnels beneath the West house where Confederate soldiers hid during the Civil War. Historic rooms at this elegant boutique inn, circa 1862, start from $134, including breakfast. 359 Church St., 251-438-4701, www.malagainn.com.
Eat: Award-winning Kitchen on George, located in the Oakleigh Garden Historic District, is a teaching lab for culinary and pastry arts students. Small plates on the dinner menu, $7-$12; entrees, $17-$28; $8-$13 for lunch. 351A George St., 251-436-8890, http://kitchenongeorge.com.
Experience: Built in 1855, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion is one of the Gulf Coast's most elegant homes and grounds with Mobile's trademark live oaks and azaleas. Historical tours are offered on the hour (Tuesday-Friday); $10. 1906 Spring Hill Ave., 251-471-6364, http://braggmitchellmansion.com. Celebrate Mardi Gras in its true birthplace of Mobile (since 1703). The 2015 parades begin on Jan. 30 and run through Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17. Immerse in the more than 300 years of Carnival history at the Mobile Carnival Museum housed in the historic Bernstein-Bush mansion; $5. 355 Government St., 251-432-3324, www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: Step back in time with a stay at the Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa. This classic Southern hotel (AAA Four Diamond) is home to the Trellis Room, Mobile's only Four Diamond Restaurant. Book on Marriott.com by Jan. 1 (use promo code 1AH) to receive a daily $25 credit for dining or other amenities on weekend stays through Jan. 19, 2015. Rates from $149. 26 N. Royal St., 251-338-2000, www.marriott.com.
Eat: Oysters at Wintzell's are served fried, charbroiled, stewed or nude. An Oyster Sampler Plate is $23. Founded in 1938, Wintzell's has seafood gumbo that is often recognized as the city's best. Surf-to-turf menu choices to $29. 605 Dauphin St., 251-432-4605, www.wintzellsoysterhouse.com.
Experience: The Bellingrath Museum Home & Botanical Gardens is a 65-acre estate along the scenic Fowl River. On site are a 1,600-foot Bayou Boardwalk, a path through an elaborately built rock garden, a riverfront grotto, Mirror Lake, Asian-American Gardens, and more. A self-guided gardens tour and a guided tour of the 15-room Bellingrath Home are $20.50. 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, 251-973-2217, www.bellingrath.org.
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