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If you would like to explore an old, southern city at a reasonable price, you can't beat Mobile, Alabama. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, it has lots of kid-friendly activities and reasonable hotel rates for a family.
Architecture plays a big part in the history of Mobile. You could start your explorations at Fort Conde in downtown Mobile, a reproduction of the original fort founded in the early 1700's. There are plenty of exhibits at the Fort to see - no entrance fee is required. Within walking distance of the Fort is the City of Mobile Museum, with tons of information on the history of the city. This museum is housed in the old courthouse, built in 1850.Right next door to the Museum is the Exploreum, with wonderful hands-on activities for children.
A short driving distance away is the WWII destroyer, the ""Alabama"". Nestled right next to it, the submarine the ""Drum."" Also included in the complex is an airplane museum, with some fine examples of aircraft used by our military. Picnicing is allowed on site. There is an entrance fee to the park, but it is well worth the price. Where else can you go aboard a military ship and climb around to your heart's content?
There are several hotels with reasonable rates found close to the ""Alabama"" complex. Also close by are some great seafood restaurants featuring catches from the Gulf. Try the Original Oyster House - great prices and a wonderful selection of shrimp, crab and of course, oyster dishes.
If you would like to go to the beach, the closest is a public beach found on Dauphin Island. They also have other activities, like a ferry ride across the mouth of Mobile Bay, anchored by two forts used in the Civil War - Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. Relatively untouched by tourism, Dauphin Island is a great experience you will not soon forget. |
