Alabama

Dauphin Island

       
Fort Gaines - built in 1861, to protect the western opening of Mobile Bay. From Fort Gaines Confederate troops lost the Battle of Mobile in 1864, one of the most important sea battles of the Civil War. Read our postcard.

Fairhope

   
One of the prettiest towns in America, Fairhope sits on the eastern side of Mobile Bay. Nice restaurants and shops, lovely parks. Charming town.

Gulf Shores

RV Parks:
       
Bella Terra RV Resort (in nearby Foley)
101 Via Bella Terra
Foley, Alabama 36535
866-417-2416
GPS: N30°20.806'/W087°39.508'
Altitude: 47 feet
Exclusively for Class A motor coaches, the 176 lots at Bella Terra are wrapped around a nine-acre lake. Sites are landscaped with grass and palms, and offer every amenity imaginable: stained concrete pads, cable TV, high speed wifi, water, sewer, on-site garbage pick-up and 200 sweet amps of power. The resort provides security and on-duty staff, an impressive (6000 sq. ft.) clubhouse, fitness center, spa with a massage therapist, sauna, putting green, sport court, infinity pool, hot tub, laundry and bath houses. Bella Terra is close enough to anything you need to do in the Gulf Shore area, yet far enough away from the touristy congestion. The resort is very quiet, no traffic noise and access is easy, even for the largest RV. The resort opened in November 2008. See more of our photos and read more about the resort.

In the area:
       
Alligator Alley - Owner Wes Moore, has turned a twenty acre swamp into a sanctuary for "nuisance" alligators rescued from (mostly) Florida. Here, with a stream running through the property, over 150 alligators live peacefully in the Alabama sunshine. Raised walkways have been constructed over the cypress-filled swamp, so it is easy (and safe) to walk in every direction to view - and photograph - the alligators. We really had a very, very enjoyable time at Alligator Alley - actually spending over three hours at the facility. Definitely something we don't do everyday... or ever - we loved Alligator Alley! Admission fee, toilet facilities, gift shop, RV parking. Read our postcard and see more photos.

Restaurants:
   
LuLu's - Owner Lucy Buffett is Jimmy's sister. Though she is rarely in the restaurant, the recipes are her own. Fun "beach shack" sits over the inter-coastal waterway. Drive your car, or arrive by boat. Burgers and margaritas of course, but mostly seafood. Best fried okra we had throughout the south. Naturally, there is a gift shop.

 
Tacky Jack's - Great setting, fun bar scene and delicious fried pickles. We were very disappointed with our entrees though... maybe this is a good place for a drink and a snack.

The Hangout - Right on the beach. Huge bar and restaurant inside and outdoor stage with several outdoor bars. If I was in college and it was Spring Break... this would be the place you could find me.

       
Flora-Bama Bar - straddles the Florida-Alabama state line. (Jimmy Buffett wrote Bama Breeze in tribute to this roadhouse.) The Flora-Bama was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, closed for about a year and has since reopened as a hodge-podge of discombobulated beach shacks running together to form the most popular beach bar in America. Massively popular with tourists and locals alike - young and old. Beer is flowing, fish is deep-frying (and deep fried pickles of course). There are hundreds of bras hanging from the ceiling and, naturally, they have a souvenir shop. The Flora-Bama is a must-stop if you are in the area.

Mobile

Restaurants:
       
The Brick Pit - Mostly locals here. Bill Armbrecht, owner of The Brick Pit, offers three items on his menu. Smoked pulled pork, smoked pork ribs and smoked chicken. You can order these items on a plate, with the usual sides (potato salad, cole slaw, beans) or you can order the meat in a sandwich. Ice tea and soft drinks and one dessert - Mrs. Waits Homemade Banana Pudding. Our chicken was simply delicious. The skin is black from the smoker and the tangy sauce is poured over the meat before serving. Parking in back.