Car Hire Mobile - Mini guide to Mobile
The historic city of Mobile, in the extreme southwest of Alabama, is an interesting place to visit. The city retains its old Southern and French flavour, and is known for its magnificent gardens and old houses, many of which are decorated with elaborate wrought-iron work.
The Fort Condé Museum and Welcome Center should be a first stop for travellers making their debut in Mobile. Fort Condé, a replica of an early 18th century French fort, boasts a garrison of knowledgeable tour guides, all of whom are dressed in time-appropriate garb. Working reproductions of period weapons, including cannons and muskets, give tours added authenticity.
The fascinating Museum of Mobile, housed in white 19th century Italianate buildings opposite Fort Condé, has temporary shows chronicling the history of Mardi Gras and the influence of the French in the United States. Permanent holdings include antique furnishings, artwork, and the Discovery Room Interactive Gallery, where visitors take a hands-on approach to the city’s history.
The Museum of Art, one of the centrepieces of Mobile's arts and culture landscape, houses permanent exhibits of historical, local and regional significance. Well-lit galleries display paintings, sculpture, furniture and decorative arts of American, Asian and European origins. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits each year, including the Haverty International Glass Collection.
The scenic, oak-shaded Spanish Plaza is one of downtown Mobile's more photographed places. At one end of the plaza is a beautiful European-style inn with iron-lace railings whose name references Mobile's sister city in Spain, Malaga.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, built in the first half of the 19th century, is a Greek revival basilica noted for its glorious stained-glass windows, hand-carved Stations of the Cross, and smooth-polished marble designs. Additionally, the cathedral's front façade offers a spectacular photo opportunity any time of day.
Explore the South Dakota-class destroyer in the USS Alabama Memorial Park along with the submarine, USS Drum, and 23 combat aircraft. The USS Alabama was winner of nine battle stars during WWII and has a splendid array of guns and turrets.
A sightseeing cruise up and down Mobile Bay aboard the Cotton Blossom is very popular with tourists. This authentic stern-wheel riverboat also offers Saturday night dinner cruises, 4th of July BBQ cruises and private charters. Mobile also has some green outdoor areas, including shady Cooper Riverside Park, a favourite place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
