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.

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

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.

"Damn the Torpedos" Historic Fort Gaines - Dauphin Island AL



Historic Fort Gaines



Fort Gaines is home to the famous phrase "Damn the torpedos full speed ahead!" Fort Gaines is located on Dauphin Island off the coast of Mobile Alabama. This fort has weathered many storms and now stands has a historical landmark, a gateway to the past. Built in 1821, this fort is a landmark and best know for it's role in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Visitors can see not only the fort but also the USS Hartford which is where the famous line from above was said. The fort has the original cannons that were used during the war on display.

                Fort Gaines is a landmark not to be missed and one that could soon be gone. In March 2009 the Cival War Preservation Trust placed this site on the "History Under Seige" list, this list is for the ten most endangered Civil War battlefields in the country. With the many storms that the fort as weathered it has sustained many damages and with the fort itself sitting only a short distance away from the Gulf then with weather that continues to erode the beach, the fear is that one day this historic site will be lost forever. If you do get the great chance to see this site then you will no doubt be amazed. Many of the walls and brick are still the original that was laid over a hundred years ago. While some of the fort that has been damaged has been repaired or perhaps turned into a model of what it would have looked like years agos when the fort was still in use. Please be advised that many of the tunnels are quite low, and there are some areas that you will not be able to see unless you bring a flashlight. There are also many areas that have an "enter at your own risk" sign on them. These are just small portions of the fort and one can still enjoy it even if they don't want to deal with these areas.

Dolphins in Mobile Bay, as seen from the ferry

If you want to get to the historic fort there are only two ways. The first is to drive across the bridge that comes from Mobile. The second however is the more unique and scenic way. If you go to Fort Morgan that is near Gulf Shores there is a ferry and you can take the ferry, you can either walk on or take or car. If you take a car they will make you pay by the car otherwise it's per person. Then the ferry will take you across the bay to Dauphin Island where you can visit the fort. If you take the ferry you will have the change of seeing Mobile Bay's sealife swimming around. Dolphins can often be seen from the ferry boats and can sometimes even get close to the ferry. If you are lucky enough to be able to see these creatures in their natural habitat then it is something you will never forget. You can then take the ferry back to Fort Morgan. They have a strict running time so make sure that you check on it before you head out.

Fort Gaines is located at

251/861-6992
51 Bienville Boulevard
Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528

The ferry's website

http://www.mobilebayferry.com/schedule.html