Mobile is Happening, Lively & Welcoming

Mobile and Mobile Bay boast oodles of unique attractions, indoors and outdoors, ranging from: festivals, arts and crafts fairs, literary sites, state and national parks and waterways allure fishing buffs, hikers, water sports enthusiast, dolphin watchers, and golfers (the Robert Trent Jones Trail stretches north to south). In Mobile, history buffs can tour The Explorium (science museum), The USS ALABAMA Battleship, winner of nine World War II battle stars; the fantastic, and the costume-filled Mobile Carnival Museum featuring Mardi Gras Museum. In antique and art gallery-rich Fairhope, art and art lovers overflow onto the streets every March during the Arts and Crafts Fair presented by the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. The vibrant art communities in Fairhope includes famed international artist Nall.

Photo: Oysters at Winzell's Oyster House, Mobile.

In Monroeville, a short ways east of Mobile Bay, literary heritage is continued at the Alabama Southern Community College at Monroeville with an annual Literary Workshop and Conference. The library displays five commissioned art works by Nall commemorating the state’s top writers.

The Battle House Hote, Mobile, is a treasure that was closed for 31 years. Two years ago the retirement systems of Alabama invested heavily into many tourism facilities such as cruise ship terminals and hotels in the region. This hotel's lobby has a round glass ceiling and on the second floor, circular balcony let's you look down at the balcony. Debutantes sashay down the staircase in the Crystal room, and the balconies that face North Royal Street become prime spots to watch the Mardi Gras parade. The Presidential Suite is has a large living room, bedrooms, even a pool room, an outdoor fire pit and hot tub, with views of the river and downtown. Another popular place to watch the Mardi Gras.
At 3 p.m., I enjoyed a massage in the luxurious spa and After, I lounged in the women’s relaxation area, drank tea, sat in the Jacuzzi, showered, ate some fruit, and returned to my elegant room to dress for dinner. For more about the spa, visit my www.spas.bellaonline.com site.