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Great Escape
A look at what to do in the major U.S. and
worldwide tourist destinations. -- February 10, 2006
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Located on the sparkling shores of the magnificent Gulf
Coast is Mobile, Alabama. Make no mistake, Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi
Gras, circa 1704, some sixty years before New Orleans began its celebrations.
Mobile is also the Azalea Capital of the world, displaying 50 varieties in an
array of colors, from white, pink, red and translucent lavender.
Mobile Bay was the first body of water in the New World to be accurately
charted.
Come for the history, the attractions, culture or whatever reason and you too
will fall in love with its Southern charm.
This year's Mardi Gras
festival takes place from February 10 to February 28. If you really want
to see Mobile's azaleas, catch the Festival of Flowers from March 22 to
March 26. One other attraction that's
not to be missed: The USS Alabama Battleship, winner of nine battle ship
stars during World War II. Call 800-426-4929 for information.
Median income -- $31,445
Median house value -- $81,400
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| The Top 10
Attractions in Mobile |
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| Mobile Police Museum 251-208-6306
Located in the downtown precinct office,
peruse artifacts and documents tracing the history of law enforcement in
Mobile. Infamous crimes are represented, including the arrest of Mobile
native Patricia Krenwinkel, who was part of the Charles Manson
"family." |
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| Mobile Zoo, Inc. 251-649-1845
A non-profit wildlife park that was
established for the education and to continue the existence of wildlife. |
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| National African-American Archives Museum
View portraits, biographies, carvings,
artifacts, books and history of the "Colored Carnival." |
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| Mobile Museum of Art 251-208-5200
At 95,000 square feet, the Museum of Art
is now the largest along the Gulf Coast from New Orleans to Tampa. See
collections of American, European, Asian and African art. |
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| Mobile Botanical Gardens 251-342-0555
100 acres of nature trails and picnic
areas. See azaleas, herb gardens, daylilies, roses, camellias and koi
ponds. |
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| Hank Aaron Stadium 251-479-2327
Named for the All Time Home Run King and
Mobile native, Hank Aaron Stadium is the home of the Mobile Bay Bears.
Included are monuments to Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Willie McCovey,
Billy Williams -- are born in Mobile and every one of them National
Baseball Hall of Famers! |
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| Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and IMAX Theater
877-625-4386
Mobile's premier science and family fun
museum. View nationally prestigious traveling exhibits and IMAX films. |
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| Flea Market Mobile 251-633-7533
The Gulf Coast's largest flea market
boasts 800 booths all under one roof! |
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| Bragg-Mitchell Mansion 866-471-6364
Built in 1855, this 20-room mansion
was restored and is adorned with period furnishings, art and decor.
Outside are Mobile's trademark live oaks and azaleas. |
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| Alligator Alley 866-99G-ATOR
The best place to see 150 alligators in
their natural environment -- you can even feed them. You'll also Captain
Crunch, the world record holder for bite strength, who's over 13 feet
long! You can also bird-watch -- owls, osprey and more. |
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Copyright © 2006 Great Escape. All Rights Reserved
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