For three centuries, Mobile (pronounced "mo-beel") has welcomed visitors from practically every nation, earning the reputation of being one of the most gracious cities in the South. Explore find momentous historic sites and a lot more in the Port City. Your first stop in Mobile should be the Fort Conde Historic Museum & Welcome Center. Built between 1724 and 1735, the fort was once headquarters of the French colony. A replica of the original 18th century French Fort, there are many Mobile artifacts, a Black heritage displays at Fort Conde, as costumed guides lead tours, fire muskets and cannons, and take you back safely to early days.

 

   Instituted in 1704, Mobile is also the original home of Mardi Gras, sixty-two years before New Orleans adopted the celebration. Although rated "G" and considered a family event for all ages, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is the biggest and most popular event in Mobile. Held each year beginning on the day before Lent, Ash Wednesday. You will get caught up in the spirit and participation with locals.

 

   General attractions include shopping and dining along historic Dauphin Street, then perusing fine art at the Mobile Museum of Art and enlightening historical exhibits Museum of Mobile. Families will enjoy the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and the aquarium highlighting the sea life of Mobile Bay at Estuarium in Dauphin Island Sea Lab. As the cultural hub for southern Alabama, Mobile also features Bellingrath Gardens -- a must-see attraction for horticultural lovers.

 

   Since maritime activities are the lifeblood of the economy, shipping and fishing industries have attracted a multitude of ethnic groups who formed working relationships. In other words, Mobile did not develop a racial dichotomy as severe as most other cities in the Deep South. Locals are quite proud of this point.

 

   Aside from soulful restaurants and nightclubs, Mobile has the oldest Black churches in the state, with four pre-dating the Civil War. The National African-American Archives Museum houses artifacts from the Clotilde, the last slave ship to America. At the Bishop State Black History Museum and Mobile Black History Museum highlight Mobile County's African American history. No visit to greater Mobile would be complete without a visit to Africatown, as it was here that the heritage of these citizens from the Tarkar tribe brought from the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa to Mobile, lives on.

 

   This American Heritage, Black Heritage and Maritime destination is a charming place to for a weekend visit. Given the climate, low costs, close proximity to 32 miles of gulf beaches, mobile represents a nice weekend getaway for heritage and family travel.