Mobile Favorites

Favorite thing: The Mobile and Tensaw Rivers (and the other rivers that run into them)making the Delta hold some sort of mystery (at least to me.) Part of this is because there is little easy public access in the area where they come together so it seems so wild. Another reason is because you may recall the Amtrak distaster in the early 90s when a barge hit a bridge and the train plunged into the bayou near Saraland (a town close to Mobile) At this point, I learned the Mobile River was perhaps the most alligator "infested" (their words) river in the nation. Imagine people waiting to be rescued from that!

Anyway, it's a very signficant and important area home to a large percentage of Alabama's wildlife. If you're driving through the state heading to Mobile, you'll pass through the area that makes up the watershed and Delta.

Fondest memory: I came across this article that explains the area a bit better than I can...but backs me up when I say this is something worth mentioning.

"The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta is the second largest river delta in the U.S., second only to the Mississippi River Delta. It is characterized by many distributary rivers, streams, bayous and creeks which form a maze of waterways. The Delta is formed by the confluence of the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers which combine to form the Mobile River, which in turn divides into several major distributaries: the Tensaw, Appalachee and Blakeley Rivers. The Delta itself covers over 400 square miles or 300,000 acres of swamps, marshes, and river bottomlands that are among the most impressive in the world, so impressive that Congress recently named the Delta a National Natural Landmark.... the Mobile River Drainage Basin is one of the largest in the world... through ten different physiographic regions (including Alabama’s Cumberland Plateau, Valley and Ridge formation, Piedmont Uplands, and Coastal Plain.) " From the Alabama Wildlife Federation Website

Favorite thing: Mobile really has unusual history and LOTS of it. Though it wasn't settled until 1702 and didn't become a city until 1711, it was under 6 different flags from then until now. Hence, the seal of Mobile has 6 flags--one for each of these periods.

The French were the 1st, Spanish 2nd, British 3rd, America 4th, Republic of Alabama 5th and then the Confederacy. Finally, again, the US. Though the flag is controversial, it is a historical representation of the changes this city has endured. All of these periods and some not even represented have influenced Mobile...its rich in culture, tradition and history.

Favorite thing: Mobile is an ideal spot for a major hurricane to make landfall. With the Mobile Bay cutting so far inland and the city itself lying right on the banks of the Mobile River and Bay, there could be major devastation. Fortunately, it's not happened recently, though it came close this past season as Ivan was slated to come right up the Bay until the last minute. (Gulf Shores, part of the barrier island chain that protects Baldwin and Mobile counties was not so lucky) If Mobile gets hammered, I'll change this to a warning or danger. Just to let you know, Mobile Bay has an average depth of only 7-10 feet. When a hurricane came through in the past, it sucked up all the water from the bay and dumped it right on the city. It does get flooded. Know that hurricanes CAN come through during the season.
Right after I moved there in 1998, Hurricane Georges came through. Luckily all we received was lots of rain and some minimal damage. Ivan caused some structural damage earlier this year...and shown by the sign from the hotel where we stayed

Favorite thing: This is probably my favorite road in Mobile. If you take I-65 to exit 5 (A) and head east toward downtown, you'll drive on a street canopied by live oaks covered in Spanish moss and pass by some of the prettiest houses and buildings in Mobile.

Fondest memory: My drive to work from school everyday:) I worked near downtown on Springhill and this drive always put me in a good mood:))

Favorite thing: Mobile is a little different in that a lot of people, when they visit or even know the city, don't frequent downtown that often. While West Mobile is growing and expanding and sprawling into Mississippi (it seems), downtown is improving its image, though quietly. People sometimes don't ever go down here, but during a weekend day, when it's quiet, I LOVE downtown. The nightlife is probably what it's best known for, but I tend to hit up local bars rather than clubs. It's a trade off, really...you get completely different things depending upon the time of day and even the day. Sundays are REALLY quiet, but a perfect day to relax in the squares. Other mornings, you can shop and get some coffee...visit a museum. Nights are crazy downtown (especially weekend nights) and special occasions like the Mobile bowl and Mardi Gras are insane.

Fondest memory: I love the downtown. The city is so different from area to area. There are walking tours available...take one of those independently or with a group. It's safe during the day, definitely.

Favorite thing: Mobile does have quite a few parks, but Cottage Hill Park is probably my favorite. It's larger than most of them and very nice. There's a nice wooded trail that you can take--probably the reason why I like this park the best. It's quiet, pretty and an easy walk--a good "get out of Mobile without leaving" sort of place. In addition to this trail, there's also a good playground for kids, a paved loop that goes around the fields (excellent for rollerblading and running), baseball, disc golf and tennis courts. Lots of people come here, but it's never very crowded...and mostly the come to take their kids to the playground or play an organized sport. I really do enjoy the trail, though:))

To get here, take either Airport Blvd or Cottage Hill to Hillcrest. You may pass it at first, the last time I was there, the sign wasn't large at all. It's on the northbound side of Hillcrest.

Check out This Pagefor a map of the park.

Favorite thing: This building really stands out in the downtown city area. The award winning design was completed in 1994. The building has outdoor terraces, riverwalks and of course the views with all that glass is extensive. Located on the waterfront in Downtown Mobile.

1 South Water Street, Mobile.
.

Favorite thing: Visit the Gulf Coast Exploreum in Mobile. It is a regional science center with interactive exhibits (like the International Space Station that you can walk through) and big screen films.

Other exhibits in the Hands On Hall include the following topics: Force and Motion, Energy, Diversity of Life, Water, Scientific Reasoning and Inquiry, and Technology.

The Exploreum is located at 65 Government Street, directly across from the Mobile Convention Center and the Adams Mark Hotel.