Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Museum of Mobile - Mobile Alabama

The Museum of Mobile is located in downtown Mobile Alabama. While it may not be the biggest museum it still has a lot to offer. You can travel back in time and go through the history of Mobile and see what happened to shape Mobile into the city that it is today. You can see a canon that came from a real battleship and many artifacts that come from Mobile's past. This is actually a great museum if you want to learn more about the past of the this city but there are a few things to remember.

               While the museum is something that can be fun for all ages and has things that could entertain people of all ages there are some things that you should be aware of. There are some things such as photographs and exhibits that have warnings because they aren't suitable for everyone. Mobile's past includes things such as the building of the Bankhead tunnel where you can hear the sounds of the tunnel being built as you walk through a replica of the process. There are also tales of slavery, and the yellow fever outbreak. Make sure that you pay attention to what you child looks at as there are photos that are covered and have warnings before you lift it to see it. There aren't that many places that will have something like this but you don't want your child seeing that. There are many different things and most of which everyone can enjoy, it's a good idea for you to make sure that you stop by and visit this museum if you are in Mobile, you can also buy a special pass that will allow you to visit this museum as well as the Firehouse Museum and the Mardi Gras Museum, both of which are worth seeing.

The Museum of Mobile is located at
111 S. Royal Street
Mobile, Alabama 36602

Hours are:
Tuesdays through Saturdays - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission
$5.00 - Adult
$4.00 - Senior Citizen
$3.00 - Student
First Sunday of Each Month is Free

Saturday, April 2, 2011

The Pier - Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Pier Fountain
The pier in Fairhope Alabama may actually seem like something that would be fairly boring and not really all that exciting to see. Well you would be right, sorta. If you are looking for just a quiet and calm walk then walking down the pier can be exactly what you need. Or you can take a walk along the shore and enjoy the waves crashing aganist the wall. I personally prefer to walk along the shore, because if you choose to walk down the pier then you have to deal with people fishing and the smell that can come with it. If you don't mind the smell or simply just want to walk to end of the pier then it's actually quiet nice, and its not so long that you get tired. Also on the pier is the restuarant, its a very nice restaurant but is not open all year so make sure that you check the hours.


Baby Ducks Swim in the Duck Pond
 You will notice if you visit here that when you are driving in to the right there is a drive that leads somewhere else. This is my favorite part of the pier. This drive will lead to a picnic area and a park that is actually quite long and very peaceful, this is also the area in which you are allowed to swim. At the end of the road there is a pond that will have ducks and geese. If you head down here its work it to go and get a loaf of bread to feed to the ducks. They are actually friendly and many of them will actually come right up to you and take it out of your hand, but don't forget to feed the squirrels as well. There is only one thing that you need to remember about the duck pond, at certain times of the year the ducks will lay eggs so during this time be very careful of where you step and go. But once this time is over if you are lucky you will be able to see the baby ducks after they hatch. This area is free to everyone during the cooler months but once the summer hits then there is a small fee if you are not a Baldwin Country resident.

If you choose to visit this area at a busier timeframe, there are always different festivals and activites that go on down here. Every fourth of July the city holds a fireworks display and almost like a little carnival that is at the pier. Sometimes music festivals and even art festivals can be found by the pier. There is always something going on, so its a good to check in advance.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Colony Cemetery - Fairhope Alabama


Colony Cemetery Step Entrance

While cemeteries are something that a lot of people find interesting you will find just as many that have no interest in seeing them. However if you are interested in history and not just the aspect of seeing as many cemeteries as you can then if you happen to visit Fairhope Alabama then there is one cemetery that you should visit. Colony Cemetery is located in downtown in the area of Oak Street. While you will not find any famous names buried here and there were no great battles that left many men dead and buried here there is some history. Many of the people that were responsible for shaping Fairhope and even Baldwin County itself rest here. If you are interested in seeing one of the most beautful cemeteries there is then go here.


One of the many stone graves
 It has a drive that leads down into the cemetery that some people would say is a little creepy, but I think it's peaceful, or if you are on foot there is a step entrance, which is where the sign is located. It seems as if you are going into the woods and not a cemetery, once in the cemetery it almost seems like you are in another place. You can hear the passing cars, and sometimes when looking in the right direction you might be able to see one, but it's far from modern. For a long time this was the only cemetery in Fairhope and therefore is the oldest. It's free to see, but remember that you're not to go in at night, and should you decide to visit please be respectful as this is a graveyard and respect should be given.

Colony Cemetery
North side of Oak Street between N. Section Street and North Church Street

Office Phone number:
251-928-8162

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Toomer's Corner - Auburn Alabama

Toomer's Corner located in Auburn Alabama has been a tradition in Auburn 1896. You can find the historic Toomer's Drug Store where you can get the best fresh squeezed lemonade in south, it's a must see if you happen to be in Auburn. Not only do they have great lemonade but their old fasioned soda fountion will prove as a way to take you back in time, with good food and even ice cream. As you walk to Toomer's Drugs make sure to take special note of the stars that you pass on the sidewalk. They are decorating the entire Toomer's area with names of past Auburn legends like Pat Dye and Bo Jackson.

Another tradtion that Auburn fans, alumni and student hold dear is the tradtion of the great oaks at Toomer's Corner. For generations after every Auburn football victory students flock down to Toomer's Corner and throw toilet paper over the trees and surrounds lamps, poles, and even the traffic lights. The oak trees serve as a staple and tradition not only in Alabama but in the south, and stand as a symbol of the states love for football and Saturday afternoon rivalries. This tradition is held so close to heart that you can even buy special Toomer's Corner toilet paper rolls in Auburn to take with you to the game, so that you can run right over to the corner after the game.

Please note that sadly in early February 2011 in was announced that these trees were poisoned, by a so called Bama fan (I myself being a Bama fan, do not claim him). While currently the future of the trees remains unknown, one thing is for sure. Regardless of the outcome the Toomer's Cornet tradition will live on, and those that remember this awful event will never forget how fans from all teams joined together to mourn this senseless act.

Toomer's Corner is located on the corner of Magnolia Avenue, and College Street.