The city of Mobile throws a good Mardi Gras parade. This is where Mardi Gras originated from long ago before New Orleans before all these other people have Mardi Gras. It was Mobile, Alabama. A lot of people don't really know that but it's family friendly. The city did a great job felt very safe everybody was very nice. Parking was great. Traffic was great. Everything was great. read more

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I like Mobile! My former best friend and I went to a Mardi Gras Ball back in the day! It was a lot of fun! Mobile's Mardi Gras actually predates the famous New Orleans Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras has been in Mobile since 1703 - wow! Today, Mobile's family-friendly Mardi Gras consists of 40 unique parades, numerous balls, and tons of flying moon pies, beads, and trinkets! Elaborate themed floats manned by masked mystic societies, mounted police and marching bands wind through downtown Mobile and surrounding areas, entertaining nearly a million revelers each year. At the balls men wear white tie and tails and women wear full length evening gowns. It was really fun to get "dressed to the nines" for the ball we attended! Various clubs and bars offer their own particular events. Hank Aaron, my favorite baseball player, was born in Mobile and is honored by the Mobile "Hand Aaron Stadium." The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is just outside of Mobile and has a memorial section honoring the men and women who fought in all of our modern wars. Bellingrath Gardens and Home located about 30 minutes from Mobile proper is definitely worth a visit, especially during azalea season. read more

On 2 separate occasions we went to Mobile Bay and Orange Beach. Worst vacation we have ever been on Mobile is not the place to visit. The people are extremely rude and disrespectful. The food is not as advertised and Very over priced. 0 stars. We do not recommend. read more

I have to say that I am a huge fan of the city of Mobile, Alabama. Not only is it a city rich in history, but it is a Vibrant Community that offers a great nightlife scene and dining options. On the historical side, we cannot forget that Mardi Gras was first celebrated here in the United States in Mobile, Alabama and not New Orleans, Louisiana. I look forward to visiting this amazing city every time business draws me here. I enjoyed walking the streets last night and of course every time I am in mobile, I have to have a po' boy. Dauphin and Government Streets are cool places to check out. Also, the USS Alabama is docked just outside of Mobile, Alabama and definitely worth a visit. All in all, I would definitely recommend a visit to this amazing city. If you come during Mardi Gras, make sure you check out the seven merry widows. I love this bit of local folklore. read more

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I'm here to mention that I liked my time in Mobile. I was visiting the city and exploring for the very first time. In fact, outside of checking out the football stadiums in Tuscaloosa and Auburn...I truly knew nothing about what the state of Alabama even held! Or what made it unique? But overall, I appreciated my time wandering around this southern Gulf Coast city. Here are some of the memorable activities, sites and attractions I went to during my time in Mobile... First off when I arrived in late afternoon coming from Biloxi along I-10...I liked how the city skyline crept up on me and I had clear views of downtown Mobile while driving. All of a sudden I got excited knowing I was checking out the city and immersing myself in some southern charm. Now, I knew right away that one of the first priorities on my to-do list was to see the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Since it was late in the day already, I figured I'd have to save visiting this iconic landmark for later on along my itinerary. I was ready for dinner though. I quickly Googled restaurants symbolic to Mobile. I stumbled upon Mary's Southern Cooking, which was situated right outside of the downtown area. I enjoyed Mary's. For me, it was a different experience to eat some "off the grid" types of entrees and southern cuisines such as chitterlungs, oxtails, turkey necks, hogmaws, slop pot, gumbo and swai. And best of all I had the chance to devour real homemade mac-n-cheese, cornbread and collard greens. I certainly felt like I was transported within the heart of the southern United States. The following day I planned a fulfilling local trip to Dauphin Island including checking out Historic Fort Gaines and the Gulf Coast waters. Then I returned north towards Mobile while first stopping at Bellingrath Gardens which was great for being surrounded among flowers, trees and nature with plenty of time for me to walk around and breathe in the fresh Alabama air. Next...I finished out my first full day by going to Ladd Peebles Stadium. I'm a big sports fan and I know over the years Ladd Peebles Stadium has been host to a College Football Bowl Game. So it was nice to stroll around the stadium and get some pictures of it. Here, for so long I watched games on television and ESPN of Ladd Peebles and now finally having a moment to visit the stadium was pretty cool. Ladd Peebles Stadium I'd say, is located within the suburbs of Mobile. Finally, the following day I went over and hung out at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Yes this was my favorite activity and most memorable activity from my time in Mobile. Wandering around the ship and understanding how the crew and service members went to battle to protect our freedom in this very valuable location near the Gulf Coast was so honorable. I felt prideful to be here and there were lots to see and do. I used about half the day on board the USS Alabama. Truly, I give all credit to the crew who risked their lives for America. Oh...I can't forget to mention also nearby Mobile (welp, actually about 35 short miles away) in the town of Foley was iconic Lambert's Cafe. They throw rolls around the room and are famous for their southern fried cooking. Spending about two and a half days witnessing what Mobile had to offer was for me....pretty worthwhile. Although I mostly spend time at national parks and hiking in remote locations, it was still nice to catch a glimpse of this pleasant southern Alabama city. Thank you Mobile for being hospitable to me during my time here. read more

I really hadn't spent much time in Mobile, and truth be told, I still haven't spent that long here. When I first moved to Alabama I spent about a week down there for work. Really didn't have time to explore. Now, several years later we are here for a long weekend. Kind of cool, the bridges that lead into the city. Lots of swamp land out and about, and some of the bridges are crazy long. The city itself is on Mobile Bay and provides for some pretty amazing settings (back drops). From the first place we stopped - The River Shack - to the numerous places in between. We really couldn't have been happier. The people here, for the most part are very friendly. The downtown area has some squares (grass areas) that make for some good places to picnic or hang out with family/friends. It appears that there are some large areas that have been recently renovated, but they keep with the traditions of the area with murals on the walls. A small area downtown also reminds me of what they are doing on Bourbon Street and Nashville down town music scene. We were here on a Sunday morning and a lot of these places were closed, but it had the same feel as those locations. If you find yourself across the lower part of Alabama, do yourself a favor and stop by the City of Mobile ...... just maybe not in July, the humidity is a little extreme. read more

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For nearly three decades I drove through Mobile on my way to the beach. I rarely stopped other than for a meal or gas, after all after a 7+ hour drive we were anxious to get to the beach down the road, of course. However since retiring, at the beach, I've gotten to know the city. Having lived in and around several big cities (L.A., Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Columbus and Charlotte) I mean I had been accustomed to the smaller city life in Ft Wayne and the Memphis area, but this is a city with fewer than 200k people. I've come to see Mobile as a place with an interesting blend of small town values and big city aspirations. It has a historic city with beautiful old homes, lovely squares, and a vibrant cultural scene. This port city is also home to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, one of the main attractions along this stretch of coast. Museums, Science Center, Forts, and of course lots of great food and people. This port city was founded by the French in 1702, Mobile is Alabama's oldest city. But it was Spanish explorer Alonzo Álvarez Pineda first explored the area that would become Mobile in 1519 during a voyage on which he charted much of the Gulf of Mexico. The city was the first to host the first Mardi Gras festivities in North America and is older than New Orleans and has a rich cultural heritage. I had long known about how big the Mardi Gras festivities were here in Mobile but it wasn't until our retirement to the Gulf Coast that I experienced how big it really is. It kicks off weeks before and had countless celebrations, they even have a Carnival museum :-) Just in time for Halloween month there's spooky and delicious events going on for entire month of October. It's coordinated by Mobile's Bienville Bites and these food tours help folks explore Mobile's cuisine and drinks as well as its haunted history. Bites & Frites Tour- Saturday's in October at 3:30 p.m. Sips and Scares Tour- Thursdays in October 5:30 p.m.  Haunted Mobile Scavenger Hunt- Saturday's in October 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  https://bienvillebitesfoodtour.com/haunted-scavenger-hunt/ If you're interested in ghosts and hauntings in general and specifically about local stories in the Mobile, AL area here's some books that are easy to read and pretty spooky. Elizabeth Parker has 3 books,  Mobile Ghosts: Alabama's Haunted Port City, Mobile Ghosts II, and Haunted Mobile. For a family-friendly drive-thru light show synchronized to music playing through your car radio with friendly ghosts & more check out "Thriller Nights of Lights" at Hank Aaron Stadium 7pm-10pm every night through Halloween. https://mobileseg.com/events/thriller-nights-of-lights/ For more October events like "Movies in the Park" with "Coco" & "Hocus Pocus" and "Boo at Bellingrath" or "Scarecrows in the Gardens" and more check out: https://www.cityofmobile.org/calendar-of-events/ Bottom line: Mobile, AL is known for it's soul with good food, a warm and friendly environment with good weather on the expansive Mobile Bay. read more

City of Mobile - There's fun stuff happening in Mobile, AL for October. (see review) - Public Services & Government Near Me

"What I like about YOU!... You hold me tight! Tell me I'm the only one, Know you make me feel alright, yeah!" (Sorry, I couldn't resist! It popped into my head, so I put it here!) As a Floridan, I've traveled through Mobile many times over the years via road trip to get (heck) almost anywhere northwest of my state. But in these last two years, I've had the pleasure of truly experiencing Mobile via "football wifing" with the hubs! His team plays at Ladd-Peebles annually, and the bid to the GoDaddy Bowl allowed us to visit and venture around the city for a solid week, experience their Mardi Gras parade, and even usher in the New Year-- Mobile style, with Moon Pies! (who knew?) In that time, I fell in love with Mobile's history, food (especially the seafood), and classic southern charm. Mobile is really laid back and has beautiful scenery, the Mobile natives are kind and proud to share that they hosted the original Mardi Gras, and I also love the cute Azalea Trail Maids and the photo-ops they bring! Although admittedly overlooked, I truly enjoyed the city of Mobile! (Cue the singing) "That's what I like about you That's what I like about you That's what I like about you That's what I like about you Hey, uh, huh, huh, hey, hey, hey Hey, uh, huh, huh Hey, uh, huh, huh, hey" read more

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I'm not from Mobile and I'm not from Alabama, I grew west of here and currently live east of here, so I've driven through this town many times. Rarely do I miss an opportunity to stop in Mobile, it's usually has something to do with BBQ but not always. Mobile has lot going for it and a lot of historic significance, spending some time here will make you love it more all you need to do is drive through a few of the historic neighborhoods and you'll fall in love too. Ashland Place - location of the Greek Revival antebellum house called Ashland it was the home of Augusta Evans Wilson - Campground - named for the Old Camp Ground, a military encampment that occupied the property during the American Civil War - Church Street East - contains portions of Mobile's 19th century downtown area and features government, museum, commercial, and residential structures in a variety of 19th century styles. The buildings range in age from the 1820s to 1900 - De Tonti Square - nine-blocks containing townhouses built between 1840 and 1860 - Lower Dauphin Street - a beautiful area filled with old building starting in the 1820's of many architectural styles - Midtown also known as the "loop" - was the site that was significantly affected by a tornado on December 25, 2012 - Old Dauphin Way - is the largest historic district and is filled a variety of working class homes with a few mansions scatter throughout - Spring Hill - what started out as a summer retreat is a beautiful community with a number of natural springs, the list is practically endless. Another unique thing about Mobile is it music and the influence it's had on so many people. Elvis - Guitar Man So I slept in the hobo jungles, Roamed a thousand miles of track, Till I found myself in Mobile Alabama, At a club they call Big Jack's Chuck Berry - Let it Rock (remakes by Bob Seger and The Rollin Stones) In the heat of the day down in Mobile Alabama Working on the railroad with the steel driving hammer I gotta get some money to buy some brand new shoes Tryin' to find somebody to take away these blues This town has a little bit of just about anything, but it's the people that really makes this city special, you'd be hard pressed to find a place where the people make you feel more welcome. This is still a place you don't have to be afraid to speak to the locals on the street if you need to know anything, the only problem you'll have is finding a way to walk away from the conversation and continue on your journey I swear it's like everyone here are neighbors... read more

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My first time in Mobile came about for a wedding of some really great friends of mine. The Bride is a native, and her, the Groom and my BF attended the same university. My BF was apart of the wedding party and I was honored to be able to witness such a union. Five of us roadtripped it to Mobile. It took us almost 10 hours to get down there. When we came off the ramp and drove into Downtown Mobile, I was immediately in a trance. Mobile is one of the most beautiful cities I've been to. The architecture and old buildings were breathtaking, the shipyard was dope and the sprawling oak trees created a backdrop like none other. In addition, the locals were so hospitable, but that's that Southern charm for you. We stayed at the Holiday Inn downtown, and while everyone else went off to rehearsal, I decided to take a walk around downtown that featured the Mobile Carnival Museum, shops/boutiques, Dauphin & Government Street and old historic homes. The homes were vibrant, colorful and well-manicured. The streets were clean as well. There's cute little parks scattered throughout downtown. Later on that night, we all met on Dauphin Street to club hop and drink. I really want to come back to experience Mardi Gras. The Bride's family schooled us on the fact that Mardi Gras originated here, NOT New Orleans. The trip wasn't only pleasurable, but educational, lol. Our visit was short, so exploring came at a minimum. Hopefully this experience won't be my last time in Mobile. read more

City of Mobile - Old world rod iron gates. Government St. - Public Services & Government Near Me

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When God looks down on Mobile, I think he smiles and thinks "That little bity city was a magnificent creation". This might be the most fascinating little city you'll ever visit. It has so much charm and charisma. The first thing out-of-towners might want to know is the proper pronunciation; it's "MO-beal", as in the head stooge and the street in Memphis. I mention this because Siri and MapQuest mispronounce it and I don't want people to snicker at you for pronouncing it like it's a phone. When it comes to some of the street names, just hope you still remember everything you learned in French class. I can't help you there. The second thing you need to know is that our tunnels have names. The large one on I-10 that takes you onto the bridge referred to as the Bayway is the Wallace Tunnel. The small and creepy one on Government Street that takes you onto the Causeway (Battleship Parkway) is the Bankhead Tunnel. That's the tunnel the locals take on Fridays during the summer to avoid beach-goer traffic. You'll lose radio signals in both. Let me be the first to apologize for the people who can't drive in the tunnels, causing wrecks and traffic delays. The third, and possibly most important thing you need to know, is that Mardi Gras started here. That's right. It started 15 years before New Orleans was even settled. We still celebrate carnival season and do it up right. Our Mardi Gras is very family friendly, so children and grandparents get to enjoy the festivities as well. You can learn all about the history of it at the Mobile Carnival Museum on Government Street. Until you experience the parades and the vendors, you don't know what you're missing! It's one of the most fun and festive holiday seasons of the year! In fact, the schools and government offices here are closed on Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras days (otherwise known as Monday and Tuesday). It's a big deal to us. This city really has a lot of life and spirit! In addition to the parades, the bay, battleship, and the way they light up the skyline in colors corresponding to the seasons, the general life and feel of the city make you feel joyous while in Mobile. The Mobile Bay is one of the largest bays in America, and has 5 rivers that run off of it, as well as several smaller bays. It's full of gators, so don't jump in, but definitely watch them cruise around in the sun on a summer day. There are many great little shops and restaurants in downtown Mobile and West Mobile, but you definitely don't want to miss Three Georges Candy, the Crescent Theater, and Wintzell's. If you happen to be in town on the 2nd Friday of the month (except February) the LoDa Art Walk is a unique experience. LoDa is Lower Dauphin, and by the way, that's pronounced "Daw-fin" not "daw-feen". When you leave, I suggest driving down Dauphin Street or Government Street just to look at all of the old historic homes. The plaques on the houses reference the 6 flags that Mobile has been ruled under: French, British, Spanish, Confederate States of America, Republic of Alabama and, of course, the United States. You can learn more about the history of Mobile at the Mobile History Museum, and believe me, this city has an amazing history! If you have time, you may want to drive down Spring Hill Avenue during the daytime just to see the giant live oaks that stretch out as wide as they are tall, and cover the street like a covered bridge. Seeing the majestic live oaks next to stately Southern magnolias and palm trees still takes my breath away. Oh, if you're here for New Years Eve, we have a Moon Pie drop with live music. The giant Moon Pie is on the Trustmark building (one of the 3 skycrapers downtown). Moon Pies are favorite throw of the revelers attending our parades. You can also pick up a copy of Lagniappe, Mobile Mask, or Mobile Bay Magazine to find out specific information about current events, festivals, bands, etc. If you happen to pass one of our police cars while you're in town, it may not be shiny and new. Don't laugh. Our police aren't writing a bunch of tickets so they can afford fancy new cars. They still believe in Protect & Serve, and they do a great job of it. You're pretty safe here. Our mayor and most of the city council really take pride in the city, and are not there to serve their own agendas. Jobs here don't pay as well as they do in larger cities, but we're getting a lot of new industry in this area, so that could easily change. Oh, that reminds me - before you yell at your significant other on the way through town or stop to see if your car is on fire, that's just the smell of Mobile. If you could capture those fragrances in a candle, no one would buy it. You get used to it. It's the smell of industry and money. That sums up the good, the bad and the ugly of Mobile. Be warned when you visit, you may never want to leave! That's okay. People here are friendly and we'd love to have you. read more

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We moved here from St. Louis and it has been one of the best decisions we ever made! The people are friendly, the restaurants are AMAZING, the climate is hospitable, and there is always something going on. So many places are overrated, but Mobile is underrated. This city is destined to become one of the great cities of the south in the 21st century. read more

I love this town!!! I live in New Orleans but got to know Mobile while living in Montgomery, AL. New Orleans and Mobile are sister cities, founded by the same peeps...or so the liberal history "experts" would tell us...All I know is that its got a very Southern, relaxing, and friendly charm to it that will leave a lasting impression. I'm specifically referring to the downtown area, I don't know too much else of the city. Mardi Gras started here...but don't tell any New Orleanians that... There is a beautiful cathedral, and a series of parks right smack dab in the middle of down town. The fancy hotels are locate on Royal St. (STAY AT THE BATTLE HOUSE) and all the action is essentially on or off of Dauphin St. The food options run the gamut from sports bars to one of the best restaurants (and most expensive) within a 200 mile area...Noja. If your looking for a place to drop some cash on that special someone (who could just be youself), go their or to The Bull (cheaper but still fancy). But yelp places to eat as I didn't want to name drop too much...but try.. Three Georges, Spot of Tea...Serda....Panini Peets...OK...NO MORE! There are some very very good burger places in and around the city as well. Just yelp it man! Take a drive down government street and see how the muckey mucks do (or did) it, and there is some beautiful architecture all over the place. Check out the old train depot and of course there is Bellengrath Gardens, the USS Alabama, and great sea food off of Battleship parkway. The other side of downtown, away from the Battle House and closer to The Bull, seems to be jumping. There is a BBQ place there, an awesome Taco stop...just get outta the car and walk around...you'll be glad you did! I'm not a local, and I don't know what it says when the two reviews (so far) are from out-of towners, but its a great city. I'm sure I don't know all the cool local spots but hey, you figure that stuff out and holler at me! read more

Wow, I can check into the City of Mobile? If I could check into all the minor cities of Houston I would be duchess of all of them!!! Let me just say that I was with the unauthorized king of Mobile for the enchanted evening that I spent in your fine city. (Off the subject, I prefer to pronounce it like the phone, or the gas station... does that offend?) A few things I particularly like about your city: 1) Krispy Kreme. the presence of the prior two words in your city is marvelous 2) Weird laws. apparently you have to have some kind of private membership to bars? They open really late... really late. 3) Balls. No your city doesn't have huevos. People get entirely dressed up like characters I don't understand with masks and walk around drinking for hours. Other people than get really dolled up and also get down drinkin with them. I don't get it. I was born in California. But boy did I enjoy watchin it! 4) Southern hospitality. Ok, we have this in Texas but it's slightly more charming here. The houses are different. I asked, where are you freeways and why must we take all these small roads everywhere in a major city? Cause its a charmed life! That's why! 5) Krispy Kreme. I just can't say that enough. 6) My accent is in full swing and now won't go away. Thanks, Mobile. - FTR! - read more

French founded, multi- cultural filled port city. Original home of Mardi Gras, many MLB hall of famers, CEO of Apple, Battleship Park, The USS Alabama and around 192,904 mobilians. Depending on what area you choose to visit or reside decides your experience. But I gotta say I've lived in many of mobiles areas n I just enjoy being At home read more