Mobile, AL - The "South's Easy Vacation Port"

It only seems fitting that we give a plug to the cities and communities we've either lived in or visited since last August. Since we're currently in Mobile, AL, we'll start here.

Mobile is a very nice city with canopies of majestic oak trees lining the streets. It's about the size of Omaha, NE, but with about half the population. Here's some comparisons of the two cities, according to http://www.idcide.com

Land Area: Omaha, 100.6 sq. mi.; Mobile, 118.0 sq. mi.
Population: Omaha, 390,007; Mobile, 198,915.
Medium household income: Omaha, $40,006; Mobile, $31,445.
Medium value of homes: Omaha, $93,300; Mobile, $80,400.

We've truly enjoyed our stay in Mobile. When we arrived we found a very nice one-bedroom furnished apartment in a gated complex. It's fairly easy to get around although major streets get clogged during rush hour, like any other city. One thing we've noticed about these southern cities is the lengthy traffic signals. When stopped at a red light you can be assured you'll be sitting there awhile. The good thing is if you're far back in a left-turn lane, chances are you'll make your turn in one light.

We'll let the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitor's Bureau do the commercial for the area. This is from their website at http://www.mobile.org

EXPERIENCE MOBILE BAY
Located on the sparkling shores of the magnificent Gulf Coast is exciting Mobile Bay, the South's Easy Vacation Port. Come enjoy a splash of Southern charm when you visit this historic and distinctive coastal city.

Mobile Bay is recognized worldwide for having many unique attractions. The legendary Bellingrath Gardens and Home and the USS ALABAMA Battleship, winner of nine World War II battle stars, are just waiting to be explored. Mobile Bay is also the birthplace of the nation's Mardi Gras, widely known as America's Family Mardi Gras.

Nestled along the banks of Mobile Bay's magnificent waterfront is America's newest cruise terminal. Book your voyage from Mobile Bay to the western Caribbean on a Carnival Cruise Line Fun Ship. Make it a true BAYcation® and combine your cruise with one of our exciting and affordable Pre and Post Cruise Packages.

Unique attractions, exciting outdoor adventures, fresh delicious seafood, Delta excursions, fascinating museums, twenty-one world-class golf courses, white sandy beaches, beautiful historic homes, the possibilities are endless. Plan the perfect Mobile BAYcation® and discover why Mobile Bay is the South's Easy Vacation Port.

Featured Events
Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition - Extended Dates
Jan 20, 2005-May 08, 2005
Delta Queen Sails Into Mobile
Feb 11, 2005-Dec 22, 2005
The Devonshire Inheritance: Five Centuries of Collecting at Chatsworth
Apr 09, 2005-Jun 19, 2005
FREE Night of Comedy sponsored by Christian Meetings and Conventions Association
Apr 23, 2005
9th Annual Mobile BayBears Celebrity Baseball Game and the Charity Beach Bowl V
Apr 29, 2005-Apr 30, 2005
56th Annual Blessing of the Fleet in Bayou La Batre
Apr 30, 2005-May 01, 2005
73rd Annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo
Jul 09, 2005-Jul 17, 2005
National Senior Games Championship Festival
Oct 19, 2005-Oct 28, 2005

We're not sure if the azaleas are still in bloom at Bellingrath Gardens, but we heard they were just awesome. We drove by the Gardens one day on the way to a claim but didn't have time to stop. We wanted to go a couple of weeks ago, but Mobile got 10 inches of rain and the road to the Gardens was closed. We hope to make it there before we leave.

We also want to see the USS Alabama. We see it often in the distance when we go east on I-10 to Pensacola but again just haven't had time to stop. Guess it's time to stop and smell the roses . . . or azaleas.