You may not get everything here, but Mobile has ample wide list of the things to attract millions of eyeballs. Be ready to get welcomed by myriads of surprises hidden and locked inside its treasure of beauty. Its impressive array of architectural beauty, fascinating greenery, agreeable climate, accommodating people, alluring culture, home-like hotels, scrumptious chains of restaurants, dazzling nightlife, and ever-flourishing recreational spots will never let you go anywhere else. If you really think that traveling means everything to you and it brings immense happiness to you, then you should leave your place right away, and the reason to pack your bags is quite conspicuous. You don't want to miss a chance to experience this travelers' paradise in the lap of Alabama, do you?
Image by Scot Terry Grins2Go (Photographed by Scot Terry Grins2Go) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
History of Mobile
Fort Louis de la Louisiane, Dauphin Island, and Dog River were three establishments in Mobile Bay by 1706. Mobile is said to be the oldest permanent settlement in and the first capitol of Colony of French Louisiana. During its early years, Mobile enjoyed trading of fur with the Indians. In the wake of the death of King Louis XIV, the French Regent, the Duc du Orlean released the orders of moving the Capitol of French Louisiana to New Orleans in 1722. In 1763, French lost the French-Indian battle, and as a corollary, Mobile, besides French territory of east Mississippi, was ceded to England. During the Revolutionary War in 1780, the Spanish government captured Mobile from Britishers and continued ruling until 1813. Today's Mobile is enjoying its immense success in its traditional businesses, namely, port facilities, shipbuilding and repair, shipping, chemicals, seafood industry, oil and gas production and exploration, forest products, and water oriented tourism and recreation.
Important Locations in Mobile
USS ALABAMA (BB-60) Battleship Memorial Park
Named
after the state of Alabama, USS ALABAMA (BB-60) Battleship served in
World War II. On January 9, 1965, the stones of USS ALABAMA (BB-60)
Battleship Memorial Park were laid in order to preserve the battleship
and to honor those who sacrificed their lives in World War II. The ship
pinned another feather to its cap by being added to the list of National
Historic Landmark in 1986. Boasting a 34,000 square feet aircraft
pavilion, the park showcases military equipment, 25-plus vintage
aircraft, and artifacts belonging to war-time.
Know more here.
Mobile Carnival Museum
Mobile Carnival Museum opened its doors for
the visitors in 2005. Delve into the astonishing history & tradition
of the renowned Carnival celebration, i.e., Mardi Gras in Mobile.
Mobile became French Louisiana's first capital to host this festival as a
French Catholic tradition. It takes you back to the time of coronation
of the Queens of Mardi Gras. Catch the glimpse of pomp scepters, royal
robes, and crowns donated by the families of monarchs. The museum is
beautifully decked up with 14 gallery rooms, theater, area for social
gathering, a pictorial hallway, and a gift shop.
Click here to know more.
Conde-Charlotte House
The
stones of Conde-Charlotte House were laid in 1850 on the site of a jail
built in the 1820s. The house was established by Jonathan Kirkbride and
his wife, Elizabeth. Cell doors and a certain portion of the jail were
kept intact and can be seen even today during your visit to the house.
You can enjoy the splendid view of the five flags, namely, French,
American, English, Confederate, and Spanish hoisted over the house. The
house boasts a British Commandant’s room, two American bedrooms, two
Confederate parlors, a French sitting room & bedroom, and an
American Federal dining room.
To know more about it, click here.
Ladd–Peebles Stadium
Are
you all set for a football match? Then, you should go no farther from
Ladd–Peebles Stadium. This is the right place to delve into real sports
revels. Though the sports events held at the stadium are unprecedented,
but its opulent assemblage of seats and wide array of amenities make the
stadium outshine its rivals. Its high-end facilities include
premium parking, climate-controlled atmosphere, convenient elevator
access, on-site catering, private Skybox Level restrooms, and a lot.
Click here and know more.
Mobile Botanical Gardens
If
nature lures you the most, then you must not miss a chance to visit the
breathtaking Mobile Botanical Gardens where the nature remains at its
best and gives an unprecedented view. The organization is dedicatedly
engaged into inculcating passion & love for nature and promoting the
conservation thereof. The most eye-catching part of the gardens is its
display of diverse plants belonging to Gulf Coast. Besides, the gardens
introduces you with its array of local plants and wildlife. Picnicking,
photography, bird-watching, walking, drawing, hiking, and painting can
be enjoyed to the fullest in this mesmerizing natural setting.
Find more here.
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
Judge
John Bragg laid the stones of Bragg-Mitchell Mansion in 1855. He gave
birth to this magnificent creation for his beloved wife and family. In
1931, A.S. Mitchell became the last owner of this property and
remarkably up-kept it for years. In turn, the mansion earned an
unprecedented popularity and became a noteworthy spot in Mobile. In
1970s, the mansion turned into an interactive science museum in the wake
of being donated by A.S. Mitchell foundation to the Explore Center. The
mansion opened its doors for visitors tours in 1987, and since then, it
has been engaging into inspiring, educating, and facilitating historic
& cultural preservation for the existing communities and the
posterity.
Find more details here.
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
To
create and promote the educational opportunities through play-way
methods is the core mission of Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. This
sincere step has been taken to ensure a quality life for the people of
the Gulf Coast. Its science-based exhibits and experiments have been
showcased in its three permanent galleries, namely, My BodyWorks, Hands
On Hall, and Wharf of Wonder. To demonstrate certain science expeditions
and to educate people about the same, Gulf Coast Exploreum Science
Center has been marked with ChemLab and BioLab.
Get detailed information here.
Mobile Museum of Art
The
Mobile Art Association laid the stones of the Mobile Museum of Art in
1957, and it opened its doors for the visitors in October 1964. The
permanent collection of the Mobile Museum of Art represents the artworks
of the artists representing Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. The
artworks include drawings, paintings, sculptures, decorative art, and
prints. The 19th century American landscapes, turned wood and ceramics,
contemporary international studio glass, and realist paintings belonging
to the WPA era are believed to be the most eye-catching.
Get more details here.
People and Culture of Mobile
Mobile is home to more than 195,239 people boasting a varied racial makeup. The vastness of the city is evident from its varied races, religious groups, and ethnic groups, namely, African American or Blacks, White, Native Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Latino, and Non-Hispanic Whites. Being the oldest city in Alabama, Mobile has witnessed the invasion and establishments of various settlements representing various regions, like, French, British, Catholic, Creole, Spanish, Greek, and African. As a corollary, Mobile's history and culture has become a melting pot retaining and prospering the vestiges of different religions and cultures. The annual Carnival celebration best epitomizes the above-mentioned fact. Mardi Gras was first celebrated in Mobile only. Azalea Trail Maids are said to be the official cultural ambassadors of Mobile.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Mobile
Mobile is in the Central Time Zone (UTC-6). The Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST) is Central Daylight Time (UTC-5).
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -6 hours
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -5 hour
Time zone abbreviation: CDT
Phone Code of Mobile: 251
Best Time to Visit Mobile
The time period from the first day of April till May 3 is believed to be
the ideal time to go ahead and explore the city. The weather remains
too soft on you. The air wafting through the entire city remains neither
muggy nor dry.
If you plan your vacations during the month of April, then rain can no
longer hamper your ways. October 6 onwards, the weather conditions in the city remain at their
best. During this time, the city receives no muggy air nor dry air. If your other seasons are packed, then you can also explore the city during the month of December. During this time, there are no complaints regarding dry or muggy
air. The
time period February 16 onwards is also believed to be the agreeable time to
explore the city due to no muggy or dry air. By and large, a
perfect time to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
March-MayFestival of FlowerFunk FestBlues Spring FlingJune-AugustB-Fest Teen Book Festival: B-First
Watermelon Festival
Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz FestivalSeptember-NovemberEastern Shore Jubilee Festival2016 GULF COAST SUMMER FESTIVALBayFestAnnual National Shrimp FestivalArts Alive! at the FairGreater Gulf State FairChristmas JubileeMobile International FestivalAlabama Pecan FestivalDecember-FebruaryWinter JamMobile Boat Show
A Map Guide on Important Locations in Mobile
