Celebrate The Original Mardi Gras
Heralded as "America's Family Mardi Gras," your group will enjoy delightful parades and learn more about the "Birthplace of Mardi Gras in the New World."
Day 1 - MORNING
Museum of Mobile
Visit the Museum of Mobile, located in the Southern Market/Old City Hall, a National Historic Landmark built in 1857. View the rich history of Native American, Colonial, African-American and Antebellum influences that come alive in the museum's 21st century exhibits and Discovery Room, a hands-on gallery for children and adults.
Mobile Carnival Museum
This museum highlights the history of Mardi Gras in the true birthplace-Mobile, Alabama. There are two faces of Mardi Gras-one regal, one raucous. Experience the royalty in the restored mansion-majestic crowns, scepters and bejeweled robes. Get rowdy in the Den with a behind the mask view of the street party. Enjoy a short film telling the story of the original Mardi Gras.
Oakleigh Historic Complex
Visit the Historic Oakleigh complex, where period costumed docents guide visitors through two museums on one site. The Oakleigh Mansion (c. 1833), and the CoxDeasy Cottage (c. 1850), feature 19th and 20th century furnishings. Explore the two very different antebellum houses to learn more about life in Mobile during the 19th century.
Day 1 - AFTERNOON
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
See courage up close as you explore 175 acres of history and seven decades of heroism, from WWII to Iraqi Freedom, at one of America's finest military parks. At Battleship Memorial Park you will walk the decks of a mighty Battleship. Go below in a WWII submarine. View cockpits of over 24 vintage aircraft. You will also see tanks, a Vietnam River Patrol Boat and much more. Its all here. All waiting to be discovered by you.
Day 1 - EVENING
Mardi Gras Parade
Heralded as "America's Family Mardi Gras," Mobile holds the reigning title as the "Birthplace of Mardi Gras in the New World." The celebration dates back to 1703, when the tiny French colony of Mobile observed North America's first Mardi Gras. The parades delight families from across the country with brightly lit, brilliantly colored, paper mache floats.
Day 2 - MORNING
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
"The Charm Spot of the Deep South." Enjoy 65 acres of year-round floral pageantry in a Southern estate garden. Visit the Delchamps Gallery of Boehm Porcelain, the largest public collection of Boehm porcelain in the United States. Tour the Bellingrath Museum Home, featured on A&E's America's Castles series, and filled with priceless antiques and furnishings. Relax on a scenic cruise of Fowl River aboard the Southern Belle River Cruiser.
Dauphin Island
Only a short drive away, Dauphin Island is just off the Alabama coast, making it the southernmost point in the State. A barrier island, it has protected the coast from many storms and hurricanes...and Union soldiers. Fort Gaines, established in 1821, played a major role in the Battle of Mobile Bay, the largest naval battle of the Civil War. In addition to the Fort, there are Indian shell mounds, rich in legend, and the Dauphin Island Estuarium where you can see live marine life in their natural habitat.
Day 2 - AFTERNOON
Three George's Candy
The 86-year old treasure is in the heart of downtown Mobile. It is a mainstay for all the locals. Demonstrations in the art of southern candy making are available by request. Take a step back in time to enjoy the classic, fifties era soda fountain and candy store.
Ft Condé Museum and Welcome Center
Visit historic Fort Condé, a replica of the original site built by the French in 1711. Costumed soldiers will lead you through the complex and recount the 300 year history under the French, British, Spanish and American flags. Guests can also browse through the Visitor Center that includes a gift shop and big-screen video of Mobile.
Day 2 - EVENING
Mardi Gras Parade
See the brightly lit floats with costumed revelers in satin and sequins complete with full-face masks and armed with such as throws, beads, moon pies, doubloons, and candy. Between each float, parade goers will enjoy the tunes of marching bands.
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