Mobile is the home of the Mobile Bay Bears, the USS Alabama and USS Drum, Americas Junior Miss and the Senior Bowl. Mobile is also the birthplace of Jimmy Buffet, Hank Aaron and Wet Willie, Will Kimbrough and many, many other.

Mobile is the largest seaport on the Gulf Coast and is the southern terminus of the Tennessee Tombigbee waterway. Mobile is an often overlooked southern stepchild but there is much more here than you here about from travel promoters. The city site at the head of Mobile Bay and extends down the western shore of the bay.

Over the past few years the downtown scene has grown considerable. For years the downtown area was dead as offices and people moved west. A few years back restaurantuers and developers began to see the potential in all the old vacant building and downtown was reborn.

Today, you can stroll the streets of downtown to discover a multitude of fine restaurants, bar, and clubs. Entertainment continues into the wee hours.

Mobile Mardi Gras is a spectacle you don't want to miss. Without a doubt the Mobile Mardi Gras celebration has everything you will in New Orleans or any other town that now honors the event. You also avoid crushing and obnoxious crowds of drunken idiots.

Places To Stay In Downtown Mobile

Downtown hotels provide plenty of places to stay within walking distance of what is happening on Dauphin Street. Our favorite is the Malaga Inn . More a Bed & Breakfast than a hotel, you will love the quaint courtyard and old time decor.

If old world is something you are looking for, the Admiral Semmes Hotel, a Radisson hotel, is the place to be. Jimmy Buffett sings about his days in the "Shipwreck Lounge" that sits on the left as you walk into the Admiral Semmes form the Government Street entrance.

The Holiday Inn Downtown is an interesting place to stay. This round hotel is located directly across the street from the Admiral Semmes.  301 Government St, Mobile, AL‎ - (251) 694-0100‎

The Battle House Hotel: When I was a kid the Battle House was the fine hotel in Mobile. I've always compared it to The Plaza Hotel in New York, The Peabody in Memphis and the Hermitage in Nashville. These hotels were of the same vintage and were simply grand. The Battle House closed back in the late 70's or early 80's and sat vacant for years until Marriott took over the property. I finally had the chance to stay at the New Battle House for my tenth anniversary. The first thing I noticed was the absence of the fountain that used to grace the center of the lobby. I also saw that great care had been taken with the renovation. The new Battle House Many not be the same old Battle House I recall from my childhood but sometimes change can be good.

The eastern side of the hotel faces the Port of Mobile and offers an animated view of port operations. there is always something going on in the port and your can spend hours just watching the ship traffic.

The Battle House is an excellent choice for a weekend stay or longer. It is perfect for the Mardi Gras season since every parade route used by the carnival association passes directly in front of the Royal Street main entrance of the hotel.

Hampton Inn is the latest addition to the Mobile skykline. I haven't stayed there yet but I'll let you know when I have.

Things To Do In Downtown Mobile

You can catch a show at the Saenger Theatre. Many national know acts make their way to this renowned venue for an intimate show you will never forget.

There is a thriving nightlife in downtown Mobile. Grand Central, Club Insanity, The Hurricane Brew Pub, Noell B's and The Garage are just a few of the  hot spots that make up the bar and restaurant scene in downtown Mobile.One of our favorit, however, is Veets on Royal Street. Veets has been around for quite awhile and provides excellent entertainment. Doug Previto and the Family Jewels are hundreds of years of musical experience and they make every night they play a memorable one.

Grand Central is another popular venue. It typically attracts a younger crowb but the music can be exceptional.

Noell B's is a fine restaurant and bar in downtown Mobile at the corner of Conti and Conception. 19 S Conception Street, Mobile Al 36602, 251-432-3535. One of my favorite things about Noell B's is the location. During Mardi Gras this is an excellent place to enjoy a parade. You have great food great drinks and a place to get out of the weather when it is cold, rainy or both. And one last thing,you have a nice clean little restroom instead of a dark port-a-potty or a place behind the bushes.

One of my favorite downtown restaurants is NoJa at 6 N. Jackson Street, (251-433-0377). Been there several times, most recently on my 10th anniversary, and I've never been dissapointed. The food is always exceptional, the staff is knowledgable and friendly and the atmosphere is nothing but perfect. NoJa is a tiny little restaurant and is the only place in Mobile with a little New Orleans style courtyard. Try NoJa, where you can't go wrong, and always save some room for dessert. I suggest the Ginger Donuts, fantastic.

Wintzell's Oyster House has been around longer than me and that is more that 50 years at the writing of this little article. When I was growing up it was still owned by Ollie Wintzell. It always was, and still is a unique place. The walls of the original downtown location  are covered with hand lettered cards of jokes and anecdotes that were penned and in many cases thought up by Ollie's brother or cousin, I forget which, Jack Wintzell, who was my science teacher in elementary and high school and who gave me a sense of humor, a love of flying and an inquisitive nature.Wintzell's is growin, with locations in west Mobile, saraland, Tuscaloosa and other places. You need to visit the downtown Wintzell's for the authentic flavor.

If you make it to Mobile and are looking for things to do you will find it. Over the past few years Mobile has developed a thriving downtown club scene but there are many jewels you will find that lie a little of the well beaten path. Sailors should consider the Dog River area and Dauphin Island. Buccaneer Yacht Club on any Thursday night is an opportunity to enjoy the company like minded sailors. The Mariner Restaurant at the Grand Mariner Marina, on the south side of the Dog River Bridge.

Heading South:

 Sailors should consider the Dog River area and Dauphin Island. Buccaneer Yacht Club on any Thursday night is an opportunity to enjoy the company like minded sailors. The Mariner Restaurant at the Grand Mariner Marina, on the south side of the Dog River Bridge.

You can visit the Zebra Lounge (251-473-2997) on Dauphin Island Parkway (DIP), a funky bar atmosphere. You might wnat to head even further south to Julie's Place on DIP, just south of the Theodore Industrial Canal. While you're down that way you can stop in at The Pelican Reef Restaurant at Fowl River for some great local seafood. Another excellent choice is Baudean's (251) 973-9070, you'll find it on the right just before you get to Pelican Reef.

If you keep going down DIP from the Pelican Reef you end up in Dauphin Island so we'll save anything further south than the Pelican Reef for the Dauphin Island page.

Heading East:

The Battleship (USS Alabama) and submarine, USS Drum, are on the casueway just east of Mobile. This is a great family destination with something for the whole family.Visit the Battleship.

The causeway as it is know locally has long been a local favorite for seafood. years ago Palmers Restaurant had a line out the door and around the building and for good reason, the seafood was impeccable. Sadly Pamers is long gone but other restaurants have appeared.

Original Oyster House site atop piling on the north side of the causeway where is moved following Katrina, or was it Ivan. The Original OysterHouse also has a location in Gulf Shores.

The Blue Gill is a restaurant and a music venue for some pretty talented musical acts. Come site by the water and enjoy a good meal and great shows. Come for the Original Alabama Idol competition.

Ed's Seafood Shed is another causeway hot spot. Great food a nice overlook of the north end of Mobile Bay. Stop by any chance you get for some great local seafood.

Felix's Fish Camp Grillmay not sound like much and if you leave it at that you are missing a really good thing. The dining room  upstairs serves up some incredible seafood creations and there is usually some good music playing too. Come early and plan to stay late.

Oysterella's Seafood Restaurant on the causeway is a fairly recent addition. Music and good food in a beautiful location on the north side of the causway.

Keep heading east and you quickly find yourself in Spanish Fort. This is a nice new shopping center there with a Bass Pro Shop if that is your thing.

Heading West:

This means you're headed toward Mississippi. West Mobile has some pretty decent restaurants as well.

Tiny Diny is another restaurant that is off the beaten path. If you don't find it you'll miss some of the best home cookin' around and you'll certainly miss the banana pudding. It's worth the trip all by itself. The Tiny Diny is locatet on Halls Mill Road at Pleasant Valley. 2159 Halls Mill Rd, Mobile, AL 36606

Nan Seas (251) 342-1353. Nan Seas used to be on the Bay just north of Dog River but that property was last destroyed in hurricane Katrina and the owners decided to move inland a little for the next blow. Now this little restaurant sits on a small lake but still serves the great seafood it has always been known for.

Big Time Dinner is another place serving excellent food. You'll find the Big Time Dinner at 4936 Cottage Hill Rd Mobile, AL 36609 - (251) 666-2141

Annual Events:

The Senior Bowl has been going on since before I was born. College seniors get together on two allstar teams to play for the public and,  more importantly, pro scouts. The Senior Bowl is always great football.

GMAC Bowl is a relatively new event. This one ususally happens just a little before Mardi Gras and is another fine football venue.

Azalea Trail Run: a world renowned 10k road race. This event takes over the city for a day. You can sit back and enjoy the performance of some world class runners as well as you fat lazy neighbor.

BayFest: a music festival in downtown Mobile. National and local acts on stages scattered around downtown Mobile. Bayfest is always a lot of fun.

Things To Do In Mobile

• The Mobile International festival
• The Battleship USS Alabama and the USS Drum
• The Mobile Bay Bears
• Mardi Gras
• Bayfest
• Saenger Theatre Concerts
• Azalea Trail Run
• Learn to Scuba Dive - See Gulf Coast Divers for that!
• Go to the beach

Mobile, Alabama Links

• Antiques
• Attorneys
• Banking
• Bed and Breakfast
• Business
• Canvas Shops
• Children and Family
• Churches
• Education
• Events
• Gymnastics, Cheerleading and Dance
• Historic Mobile
• Local Media
• Mardi Gras
• Performing Arts
• Photography
• Real Estate
• Restaurants
• Things to do in Mobile