Alabama Road Trip
Travel Destinations in Alabama
When we started RVing full-time, I never considered Alabama as a destination at the top of my “must-see” list. However, when we recently made our way southeast from the St. Louis area to our destination in Tallahassee, FL, I found myself wishing that we had scheduled more time to enjoy “The Heart of Dixie”.
Rich in history, especially of the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement eras, Alabama also offers diverse topography, excellent food, loads of rivers, and college football!
We made our way from Missouri to Florida, following this route through Alabama. I will say that it is worth while to stray from this route a bit in order to see some of these attractions. After we left Montgomery, we had to hustle along to Tallahassee, so that’s where this road trip ends. I have added information about Mobile as a bonus, even though we didn’t make it there – it is too good to miss, if you have the time!
Alabama Weather
Alabama has a subtropical climate, with high humidity, hot summers and mild winters. We did see some rain when we visited in late October / early November, though the rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year. The northern counties get thunderstorms and tornadoes, while the southern coastal areas can get hit with tropical storms. The worst time to visit Alabama is in December through April. December and January are when temperatures are coldest, and tornadoes occur most often in the early spring. The best time to visit is early fall, September or October. Temperatures are mild and crowds aren’t as bad. I have never been to Alabama in May or June, but have heard that it can get crowded then.
1. Muscle Shoals
Where we stayed: Colbert Alloys Park
This is a very small county campground with full hookups. It is next to Wilson Lake on the Tennessee River. It features a boat launch, kayak rentals, walking trails and an archery range. Ah yes, and a tornado shelter! Clean restrooms and showers, and really nice walking trails. A short walk down the hill to the water, and some really nice covered picnic areas next to the water.
Other campgrounds nearby:
• Fisherman’s Resort RV Park. This campground boasts 3,300 feet of waterfront on Wilson Lake, and their own boat launch. Most sites have just electric and water hookups, but there is a dump station. A few sites have full hookups. Restrooms, laundry and playground.
• Heritage Acres Campground. Large, level sites on a gravel lot, with full hookups, fee WiFi, 48 TV channels, a laundry room that is open 24/7, and bath house that is rated “9.5” by Good Sam.
• B & J Campground & RV Park. A quiet, family owned campground near Wheeler Dam and boat launch. Full hookups, grassy areas and lots of trees, and a pond.
• Hidden Creek Campground. In a rustic setting, this campground is near the Hellen Keller Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Wilson Dam and Tennessee River. Full hookups available, showers and laundry facilities.
What to See in Muscle Shoals
• Muscle Shoals Sound Studios – an historic recording studio opened in 1969 by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (also known as The Swampers). Tours are offered every half hour.
• Alabama Music Hall of Fame – honoring all types of musicians with exhibits displaying their accomplishments.
• Tennesee River – Check out the Tennessee Valley Authority Wilson Dam and Reservoir, and hike the trails along the river.
• Wilson Lake – Go boating, kayaking, paddling, or fishing in this beautiful area in the Tennessee River Valley.
• Singing River Sculptures – See these 20-foot plus sculptures of musicians at the Sheffield-love Plaza and Muscle Shoals Library. Great photo ops!
Where to Eat in Muscle Shoals
360 Grille. This rotating restaurant is atop the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa. It is actually across the river in Florence, just a short drive from Muscle Shoals. It is well worth it! A little pricey, but the views over the Tennessee River are amazing! Go before sunset so you can enjoy the views both before and after dark.
River Road’s Cafe. A great little place for breakfast – super prices for lots of good food! This place was right down the road from our campground Colbert Alloys Park.
We did not try any other restaurants while there for the week, but the top-rated restaurants in the area are:
BBQ – OK Corral BBQ. In business for 43 years! Their menu offers ribs, chicken, pork, stuffed potatoes (!), sandwiches, stew and cornbread. Sounds good to me!
CHICKEN – Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken. 40 years of family secrets go into this highly rated fried chicken.
CAFES – Golden Gate Cafe. In business since 2007, this family restaurant has a special menu for each day of the week. Great sandwiches and sides, and comfort foods like casseroles.
DELI – Sweet Peppers Deli. This deli actually has 19 locations. They specialize in sandwiches, soups and stuffed potatoes.
STEAKS – Stanfield’s Steakhouse. These folks have an extensive menu, and very fair prices. Besides quite a few steak options, they have soups, sandwiches, burgers, salads, pizzas, chicken, pork, pasta dishes, BBQ, seafood and wonderful desserts! They also have a kids’ menu.
2. Huntsville
Where we stayed:
We did a day-trip here, so we did not stay at a campground. However, I’ve listed some options below!
Other campgrounds nearby:
• Parnell Creek RV Park (A Good Sam park). This place is highly
rated, and they have a pool, a dog run, a camp store, and fire rings.
• U.S. Space & Rocket Center Campground. That’s right, you can camp right there next to the space center!
• Sharon Johnston Park (Madison County park). This campground is on Jimmy Johnston Lake. Full hookups, fire rings, pets allowed, swimming and fishing, and a playground. This looks like a great place!
What to See in Huntsville:
• U.S. Space & Rocket Center. This place is a must-see! Not only is it a museum, there are many interactive displays and activities offered, such as the Discovery Shuttle Simulator, Apollo Virtual Reality, a Flight Simulator, Multi-Axis Trainer, Planetarium, and SeaTrek – a guided underwater walking experience.
• Huntsville Botanical Gardens. 112 acres of meadows, paths, aquatics, floral displays and trees. See Alabama’s native plants. There are also events like classes or “dog days”, and a butterfly house!
• Monte Sano State Park. Set on 2,140 acres, there are 20 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of biking trails, a disc golf course, Japanese garden and a planetarium.
Where to Eat in Huntsville:
1892 East. Farm-fresh foods, and a menu that changes seasonally. Vegetarian options and interesting options, with a sustainable focus.
STEAK – Connors Steak & Seafood. Start with the truffled deviled eggs with brown sugar bacon (yum!) and then follow with one of their many steak or seafood specialties. There are also quite a few amazing side dishes to choose from. Not everyone likes spinach, but asiago creamed spinach is perfect!
PIZZA – Yellowhammer Brewing, and Earth & Stone Wood Fired Pizza. Grab a local craft beer or cocktail and pair it with a wood fired pizza or a calzone. Finish off with their home made ice cream (or “adult” ice cream, which has alcohol in it).
3. Decatur
Where we stayed:
Quail Creek RV Resort (a Good Sam park). This is actually 24 miles south of Decatur in Harselle, but close enough to main points of interest. A nicely maintained park for golf lovers, as there is a golf course and driving range on the resort property. Not bad prices, either, for full hook-up, pull-through sites!
Other campgrounds nearby:
• Point Mallard Campground. The campground has a section for short-term stays, and several sections for extended stays. Amenities include free wi-fi, a laundry facility, dump station, a grocery store, three covered pavilions with restrooms & showers, an enclosed meeting facility, kids playground, and grills. The campground is walking distance to the Golf Course, soccer fields, tennis courts, Water Park (mentioned below), and the Ice Complex.
• Jay’s Landing Marina & RV Park. Waterside sites with spectacular views! Brand new pool and bathhouse, fire pit and gazebo area. Rates are not bad, even the waterside sites!
• Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA. This KOA has some waterfront sites, trees, and rates are not bad at all! They have their own boat ramp, plus kayak, canoe and bike rentals.
What to See in Decatur:
• Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Sandhill cranes and lots of other waterfowl to see in this 35,000 acre refuge. There are 5 different hiking trails, and 6 boat launch areas with access to the Tennesee River.
• Point Mallard Waterpark. Within walking distance of the Point Mallard Campground. Enjoy waterslides, a lazy river, Olympic size pool and more!
• Delano Park. at 130 years old, this park is a designated historic landscape. See the rose garden and 28 acres of beautiful plants, trees and sculptures.
• Historic Railroad Depot. A restored 1905 depot, with a train museum and model railroads.
• Wheeler Lake. A 65,000 acre reservoir on the Tennessee River. Enjoy fishing, boating and tons of wildlife.
Where to Eat in Decatur:
BBQ – Big Bob Gibson BAR- B-Que. Pork, ribs, smoked chicken with white sauce.
STEAK/SEAFOOD – The Railyard. Not super fancy, but lots of options – and the filet with scallops and garlic mashed potatoes is amazing!
PIZZA – Mellow Mushroom. Stone baked pizza specialties, or Build-Your-Own pizzas. Besides great pizza, there are also some great hoagies, burgers (even a pizza burger!) and salads.
CAFE – City Cafe. Try them for breakfast – big, hearty breakfasts served all day long! A huge menu for lunch options as well, and fabulous desserts like cakes, pies and pastries. And any place that has cheese fries is okay by me!
4 & 5. Warrior/Birmingham
Where we stayed:
We actually stayed north of Birmingham in Warrior, AL, at the Rickwood Caverns Campground. Nice treed sites that are fairly roomy, with electric and water hookups but no sewer. There is a dump station on site. There is also a swimming pool, but it was closed for the season when we were there in November. Campers get a discount on touring the caverns. We just missed the Christmas decor, they were just setting up for it in November. The entire grounds are decorated (we did get to see some of the lights after they were all set up!) and so are the caverns. This is the most popular time for the caverns, according to personnel. There are some walking trails and a gift shop with snacks. We did get some Friday and Saturday night noisy partiers – just so you know!
Other campgrounds nearby:
• Oak Mountain State Park Campground. At 9,940 acres, this is Alabama’s largest state park. If we had not stayed at Rickwood Caverns, this would have been my next choice. They do have some full hookup sites and a ton of activities. Go mountain biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, or enjoy the beach, the BMX course, cable skiing, boat rentals, and the golf course and driving range. Prices are very reasonable at around $30 + per night.
• Birmingham South RV Park. This campground has a pool, laundry facilities, playground, on site cable, and a game room for around $35 per night.
• Brookside City Campground. A simple campground located on Greenway Park. Shady spots, and a relaxing setting by the river. Amenities include WiFi and laundry facilities.
• Hoover Met Complex RV Park. This is basically a parking lot but campers have access to the sports complex and tennis complex, EXPLORE playground and splash pool (seasonal). There are no restrooms, showers or laundry facilities, so I would say this is a fun place to stop for a short stay.
What to See in Birmingham:
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Learn more about the civil rights movement in Alabama while supporting the mission to build a better future for all. BCRI tells the story of past civil and human rights struggles. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, BCRI supports civil rights by educating the public and creating a dialog about equality and social justice.
• McWane Science Center. Not just for kids! However, if you have kids, you can pretend like you’re going there just for them, while you enjoy the IMAX theater, aquarium, shark and ray touch tank, the BUBBLE ROOM(!) or the VR Transporter, which allows you to take a virtual trip to outer space or into the ocean. Kids ages 5 or under will love the Itty Bitty Magic City.
• Rickwood Field. Billed as the oldest ball park in America, Rickwood was opened in 1910 and was home to the Birmingham Barons. Baseball fans will love this place as it has been preserved and is undergoing a restoration to be a “working museum”. The Barons no longer play here, but other games are played at the field as special events, with players wearing historic uniforms.
• Red Mountain Park. 1,500 acres of nature, with 15 miles of walking trails. The park is also home to Remy’s dog park, 6 acres of fenced area for your furry friends. Ages 6 and up can also participate in the “aerial adventures” such as zip lining or the climbing tower.
• Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. Over 1,000 acres of conservation area with 14 miles of hiking trails, with some cliffs (be careful if hiking with young children). Visit the nature center, where 25-30 animals are being cared for at any given time. There is a parking fee of $5 for non-members. Leashed dogs are allowed.
What to See in Warrior
• Rickwood Caverns. Take the tour of the caverns – 260 million year-old limestone formations that were carved out by ocean waters. The tour is one mile long, and takes about an hour. Visit at Christmas time if possible, when the campground and caverns are decorated with thousands of lights for the holiday season.
Where to Eat in Birmingham
BEST ALL-AROUND – Highland’s Bar & Grill. A James Beard Foundation Award winner, Highland’s has a daily changing menu featuring the best meats and veggies of the season.
CAFE – The Garage Cafe. An interesting place to grab a sandwich and a cup of soup for lunch, or a drink after dinner. Outside, per their Facebook page, is an “architectural salvage shop”. Antiques / collection of unique items. A local favorite!
STEAK/SEAFOOD – Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill. Perry’s opened in 1979 as a butcher shop, and now has locations in major cities across the country. Try their signature pork chop, rubbed with a special blend of seasonings and then smoked and topped with garlic-herb butter. Also on the menu, starters like shrimp cocktail, blue point oysters, caviar, and blue lump crab meat. Other notables are the pecan-smoked caramelized prime rib and cedar-plank fried redfish.
BBQ – Saw’s Juke Joint. Voted the best barbecue in America by the Men’s Journal. There are four locations serving Carolina-style smoked pulled port, chicken and ribs. Sides include BBQ essentials like baked potatoes, Mac ‘n cheese, grits, garlic herb fries, and turnip greens.
PIZZA – Slice Stone Pizza & Brew. Whether you like your old standards like pepperoni or sausage, or to try something new and interesting, Slice has it all. Interesting choices like portobello mushroom with truffle oil, or BBQ pizza with smoked brisket and white BBQ sauce. They also have gluten free crust as an option.
6. Prattville
Where we stayed:
Kountry Air RV Park. Owned and operated by some of the nicest folks you’ll ever meet! They are available any time you need anything, and gave us tips on what to see and where to dine out locally. Bathrooms and showers are super-clean. I’m a weirdo about using public restrooms or showers, but I didn’t have any problem using these. Heated pool (open seasonally), two laundry facilities, and a fenced dog run.
Other campgrounds nearby:
Rendezvous Station Campground. In nearby Millbrook, this campground has 93 pull-through full hook-up sites, and an RV service shop – get your maintenance done while you stay.
Jackson Lake Island. Stay next to the Town of Spectre, the fictional town / movie set built for the movie “Big Fish”. Rates are very reasonable, and you can hang out with the goats and sheep that wander the island. More about the Town of Spectre under “What to See in Prattville”.
What to See in Prattville:
• Historic Downtown Prattville. Located along Autauga Creek, Main Street in downtown Prattville is a great place to walk and stop at shops, cafes, museums and historic buildings.
• Creekwalk. The creek walk begins in historic downtown, and runs along Autauga Creek and through Pratt Park. We did this walk at night, and the lights along the paths shining in the water were really beautiful.
• Autaga Springs Canoeing or Kayaking. Launch your kayak or canoe in the downtown area. It’s a 13 mile canoe trail, but there are points to exit starting after 4 miles.
• Town of Spectre. This fictional town was built for Tim Burton’s 2003 movie “Big Fish”. The remains of the movie set still stand on nearby Jackson Lake Island. Though a little run-down, and some of the original buildings no longer there, this is a pretty cool place to stop and visit. The island is privately owned, and there is a $5 fee per vehicle to enter the island. The natural beauty of the area alone is worth that, and there are also goats and sheep just wandering about on the island. You can also camp on the island for very reasonable rates.
• Buena Vista Mansion. A beautiful antebellum home. Construction began in 1822 and was completed by its second owner, William Montgomery, in 1844. Tours are available for $5, but on Tuesdays only for some reason.
• Wilderness Park. The appeal of this park is the many different types of bamboo growing here, identified by signs throughout. There is a fairly easy, short hike around the park.
Where to Eat in Prattville:
PIZZA – Fox’s Pizza Den. In downtown Prattville, attached to Teddy’s Bourbon Bar (see below). Build your own pizza, or try one of their specialties. Also great Stromboli, hoagies, and what they call “wedgies” – their own specialty sandwiches.
BEVERAGES – Teddy’s Bourbon Bar. Well, I don’t usually drink bourbon – I’m more of a “sissy” drink type – HOWEVER, Oh My Gosh…. there are something like 400 choices here! The bartender brought over a huge book for us to choose from. Have any of your favorite drinks made using your choice from the book! They have their own drink specials as well. I recommend the Rebel-rita, a margarita with bourbon instead of tequila.
CAJUN – Uncle Mick’s Cajun. A local favorite! We met the owner, a great guy with many years in the business. Cajun favorites like crawfish étouffée, and seafood gumbo, and other specialties like port tenderloin with cream and red wine sauce or shrimp a la creme. Delicious!
BBQ – Fat Boy’s Bar-B-Que Ranch. A local favorite, all homemade goodness – Smoked sausage, brisket, chicken, port and turkey, stuffed taters and great homemade desserts. Try the fried blackberry pie!
7. Montgomery
Where we stayed:
See above, under “Prattville”. We stayed nearby in Prattville at the Kountry Air rv Park and then drove into Montgomery to see the sights and try the local restaurants!
Other campgrounds nearby:
Capital City RV Park. Full hookups, patios, laundry facilities, hot showers and WiFi offered at this campground. Conveniently located near
Gunter Hill. Some electric only sites, as well as 76 sites with electric and sewer hookups and new concrete pads. This campground is on Catoma Creek, among hickory and pine trees. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, laundry, a dump station and a boat ramp for easy river access.
Montgomery South RV Park. One of the newer campgrounds in the area, the reviews for this campground are mostly about how CLEAN it is. With bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities and a clubhouse, this is a nice place to stay while visiting Montgomery.
What to See in Montgomery
• Rosa Parks Library & Museum. Part of Troy University, this memorial to civil rights icon Rosa Parks includes historically significant artifacts relevant to the life and lessons of Rosa Parks. Also learn more about the Montgomery Bus Boycott, see a 1955 Montgomery city bus and a 1955 station wagon that was used to transport protesters. Located at the site where Rosa Parks was arrested.
• Freedom Rides Museum. Exhibits that trace the journey of the young people who helped end racial segregation in public transportation. The museum is located in the historic Greyhound bus station and is a destination on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.
• Legacy Museum. A comprehensive history of the United States, focusing on the history of slavery. From the Transatlantic Slave Trade through domestic slave trade, Reconstruction and Jim Crowe laws, and mass incarceration in the 20th century. Stunning and powerful exhibits – everyone should visit this museum.
• Alabama Safari Park. Set on 350 acres, this park is dedicated to the conservation of animals. Drive through in your vehicle to see the animals in their natural habitats. There is also a walk-about and an area where you can feed the giraffes! This is a great adventure for all animal lovers, young or old.
• Riverfront Park. There are many nice parks in Montgomery, but I preferred this one because I love to be around the water.
The park features an amphitheater, a riverfront walk and a splash pad. There is also a riverboat cruise on the Harriott II Riverboat, which leaves from near the amphitheater.
• National Memorial for Peace & Justice. This memorial opened to the public in 2018. Construction began in 2010 when staff of the Equal Justice Institute began investigating thousands of lynchings that occurred in the south, many of which had never been documented. This memorial is a sober reminder of racial inequality in the United States.
• Alabama State Capitol. The Alabama State Capitol is listed as the first Confederate state capitol in the National Register of Historic Places. It functions partially as a museum, and its Senate Chamber has been restored to its original 1861 appearance. There is also a gift store with many locally-produced items like artwork and unique gifts.
Where to Eat in Montgomery:
Chris’ Hot Dogs. When people told us we HAD to try this place, I wondered what could be so special about a hot dog place. Well, the answer is Chris’ famous chili sauce! Order the special dog.. or better yet, get the hot dog and hamburger combo. You can walk to Chris’ from Riverfront Park if you like. While in the area, see the State Capitol and the Civil Rights Memorial as well as the Legacy Museum.
D’Road Cafe. Serving delicious Latin food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This cafe has an extensive menu, with very interesting and amazing dishes like cachapa, a corn pancake with brisket or chicken topped with eggs and cheese. Go on a Friday night for their International Dinner, when each week they feature a different country’s special meal including appetizer, salad, drink, entree and dessert.
Central Restaurant. Located in downtown Montgomery, this restaurant has the number one rating on Trip Advisor. Try some fresh Gulf seafood and other local ingredients while sitting at their outdoor dining area. Not only amazing seafood options, the menu also has some interesting dishes like roast duck or quail. Menu changes seasonally.
LUNCH – Scott Street Deli. The best sandwiches you’ll find anywhere! Scott Street Deli has been in Montgomery since the 1800s ! Their sandwiches are PILED HIGH with great combinations of quality ingredients. And try an ice cream or fresh baked cookie while you’re there, too.
SEAFOOD – Vintage Year. Fresh Gulf seafood including a catch of the day option. Besides the tasty seafood, they also have fantastic entrees like stuffed acorn squash and duck pappardelle pasta. There’s also an amazing Sunday brunch, and a Tuesday burger night. These are not your average burgers! Try ingredients like caramelized onions or candied jalapenos.
ITALIAN – SaZa. Enjoy outdoor seating while sipping a specialty martini – and dining on some of the best Italian food you’ll ever have! Lobster ravioli, pizza with wild mushrooms (including morels!), short ribs… oh my! A must-try when in Montgomery.
SUSHI – Sushi Cafe. I’m not a sushi fan, but it seems like most people are. Sushi Cafe is a 2021 “Best of the Best” winner. Even though I don’t like sushi, this menu looks amazing to me. I might be tempted to try again…I would definitely eat the tempura ice cream!
8. Mobile
Where we stayed:
We did not stay in Mobile, unfortunately, since we were on a schedule to get to Tallahassee. However, I could not write an article about great places to see in Alabama without including Mobile! We did get to pass through this area and make a couple of stops here after our stay in Tallahassee on the way to New Orleans. I did find some great camping options – listed below.
Campgrounds nearby:
Meaher State Park. 61 full hookup sites with picnic tables and grills, right next to the bay. The sites are spacious and paved. The campground also has air conditioned/heated bathhouse and laundry facilities. I think the rates are very reasonable considering the amenities and the natural beauty of the area.
Wales West RV Resort. This campground is located in nearby Silverhill and offers a unique camping experience. This family-friendly campground includes discounts for rides on the Wales West Light Railway, as well as a community building, supply store, great room, library, full laundry, heated indoor swimming pool, family bath, exercise room, sun deck, nature trail, and playgrounds. They even have live bluegrass music in the winter months. Full hookup sites, some back-in and some pull-through. Rates are pretty reasonable, considering all of the amenities they have!
Dauphin Island Campground. A huge park in an absolutely gorgeous setting. There are 150 campsites here, with access to a secluded beach and two boat ramps. Enjoy all that Dauphin Island has to offer while staying here (see below, under “Things to do in Mobile”. Reservations can only be made by calling; there is no online reservation system.
What to See in Mobile
• USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. This park is one of the most popular places to visit in Mobile. The 1940 battleship USS Alabama was employed in World War II in 1943 in the north Atlantic, and then later that year in the south Pacific. Instead of retiring this battleship and sending it to the scrap yard, it has been preserved at this veteran’s memorial park. View the ship, the USS Drum submarine, as well as military aircraft all at the park.
• Gator Boardwalk. A half mile boardwalk where alligators can be viewed safely. It’s in a busy area, but it’s still a nice walk and a great way to see gators in the wild. If you go in the winter months, you may not see any – spring and fall are the best times to visit here.
• Meaher State Park. On the big island at the north end of Mobile Bay, this park is actually in the town of Spanish Fort. Enjoy 1,327 acres of natural beauty! A great place of you love hiking, fishing or paddling. Where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee and Blakeley rivers flow into Mobile Bay, there are opportunities to catch fresh or saltwater fish. A 300 foot pier is available to fish from, or if you prefer just taking a peaceful walk there’s a pier just for walkers. There is a campground in the park and rates are reasonable for spacious RV spots with full hookups in this beautiful area. More about the campground above underneath “Campgrounds nearby”.
• Dauphin Island. Located at the southwest end of Mobile Bay, this island offers natural beauty and a quiet, relaxing vacation spot. Enjoy the beaches, hiking, fishing, the Audobon Bird Sanctuary and Sea Lab’s Estuarium. You can also tour historic Fort Gaines or take a ride on the Mobile Bay ferry. And as mentioned above, you can camp right on the island.
• Oakleigh Garden Historic District. The district covers 1,453 acres and contains 288 historic buildings, ranging in age from the 1820s to the 1940s. Bordered by Rapier Avenue, Selma, Broad, and Texas Streets. Walk or drive through the area. Also visit the Oakleigh House Museum, a cotton broker’s mansion that has been preserved and offers tours Tuesday through Saturday.
• Wales West Light Railway. A favorite family activity in this area! There are two train attractions, one narrow gauge and one grand scale. Does that mean much to me? Not really… but the important thing is that not just kids can ride, but adults can too! There are fun holiday events like a pumpkin patch ride and the Easter Cottontail Express, when kids can ride the train and hunt for Easter eggs.
• Chickasabogue Park. A Mobile County park in nearby Eight Mile, AL, only 15 minutes from Mobile. The park was closed for improvements in early 2022 (when we drove back through this area on our way from Pensacola to New Orleans) and the updates were to include a play area/splash pad, events center, additional disc golf holes and improved RV parking/campground. Enjoy 17 miles of hiking and biking trails through the nature preserve, a boat ramp and a beach on Chickasabogue Creek.
• Gulfquest Museum. This maritime museum has over 90 exhibits, on display in a replica of a container ship with outstanding views of the Port of Mobile. Try one of the many interactive displays or games (try your hand at being a boat captain!), or see one of the 3 theaters like the Ocean Planet Theater, where a 6-foot diameter planet Earth is suspended and seems to rotate, displaying information utilizing satellite data. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is a favorite destination in Mobile, and is a fairly low-cost activity for families.
Where to Eat in Mobile:
Dauphin’s. Breathtaking views of Mobile Bay await you at this fine dining establishment. Located on the 34th floor of the Trustmark building on St. Francis Street, you will find one of the best views in the city, as well as some of the best cuisine. Enjoy fresh local seafood with a Caribbean and Creole flair. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, including Gulf seafood and shrimp, produce from local farmers and some local cheeses.
Dumbwaiter. Described as “Southern heritage cooking with a coastal flair”. The key to their success is the use of high quality, fresh ingredients, and putting their own spin on classic dishes. Try the Creole seafood pasta, the shrimp and grits, or their signature “Tensaw Tournedos”… Filet medallions with grilled shrimp, goat cheese and scallion mashed potatoes and bourbon peppercorn sauce.
The Noble South. Born and raised in Mobile, the owner/head chef has been cooking since he was a child. The freshest local ingredients mean that the menu is ever-changing, and what an interesting menu it is! A sample of their menu at the time of this writing includes Parrotfish with spoonbread, saffron braised cabbage and kumquat marmalade. Brunch and lunch choices are just as interesting!
ITALIAN – Via Emilia. Not only will you have your choice of amazing Italian dishes, but also choose from delicious seafood, steak and chop options. Filet with gorgonzola cream sauce or crab-stuffed flounder would be my choices! Sunday brunch is also served, and you’ll have some great Italian dishes to choose from – or maybe the brisket benny or crab and smoked Gouda crepes.
BBQ – The Brick Pit. This place gets rave reviews. Slow roasted over hickory and pecan, the smokey ribs, chicken and pulled pork get some of the best reviews I’ve seen for a barbecue place. Temporarily closed at the time this was written, but reopening soon… please check before going.
OYSTERS – Wintzell’s Oyster House. Get oysters any way you want ’em : wild caught or farm raised, Rockefeller, Bienville, Monterey, Chargrilled, or a combination platter. Wintzell’s also has other seafood platters, po’ boys, pastas, salads and a low country boil. Besides all that, there are plenty of reviews about the super-friendly staff!
STEAK – Briquette Steakhouse. Almost any cut of steak you can think of, cooked over pecan, red oak and charcoal briquettes (hence the name). You will also find seafood, chicken and pasta dishes that sound delicious, like parmesan chicken or chipotle BBQ shrimp. A local favorite!
FUN atmosphere – The Blind Mule. A casual place offering Cajun and creole style dishes. Great burger and sandwich options as well as some southern classics! While enjoying your seafood gumbo or shrimp and grits, listen to live music by a local favorite. They also host comedy shows and trivia nights.
OTHER – Spot of Tea. Where to begin? An extensive breakfast and brunch menu – one would have to visit many times to ensure that they would get to try all of these delicious things…. Their signature brunch dish is an English muffin topped with a crab cake, eggs, seafood sauce with blackened grouper and crawfish. For lunch, you will have trouble choosing from the many, many sandwiches that are served with hash browns or chips. And then there’s the beverages: specialty cocktails, specialty hot drinks including loose leaf teas and fancy coffees. Definitely save room for dessert, because these look incredible! Maple butter white brownie served with vanilla bean ice cream – oh yeah!
Other Destinations in Alabama
That concludes this tour of Alabama, though there are many, many more things to see. We would love to hear about your favorite things to do and see in Alabama; share with us below!
For other destinations, see the New Life RV website.