We spent the month of November exploring the Gulf Coast. This involved staying in a lovely AirBnb in Mobile, Alabama, and taking day trips to the Gulf Shores, AB, Pensacola, FL, Biloxi, MS, and several trips to New Orleans, LA! This whole region provided copious amounts of fresh, delectable seafood, gorgeous Southern architecture, plentiful beaches, and a whole lot of history and culture. We had an absolutely magnificent time checking off quite a few bucket list items in each location. In addition, we spent some wonderful quality time with an old friend and her incredibly welcoming family!
Mobile Highlights
As the majority of our days were spent in Mobile, we got to know the city fairly well. Between going out for random drives, trying food at several local restaurants, and seeking out as much history as we could find, I fell in love with Mobile pretty quickly. Below are some of the best parts of our visit to Mobile:
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park (✅)
While driving on I-10 past Mobile in the past, we noticed this imposing and impressive looking battleship. Now, we actually had time to see it up close and personal! We scheduled a day where one of my oldest best friends brought her family from Pensacola to come and tour it with us.
The USS Alabama allows for self-guided tours of it’s many decks. There are several colors of arrows marking potential paths. Otherwise, it would be ridiculously easy to get hopelessly lost, which we kind of did anyway. So many different rooms and galleys stood out to us:
The engine room made me sweat just thinking about how hot it was for the sailors. We searched for ages to find the Bridge, and finally found it up top. The bunks the sailors slept on differed between lower level sailors and the officers. The surgical suite gave us nightmares, while the brig made me chuckle. The communications rooms took up a great deal of space, as did the mess hall. We also found a room housing many artillery shells, as well as the guns which would shoot them on the top deck. Surprisingly, no one complained of claustrophobia down below. Though, I think we all took a deep breath of the fresh air when we reached the open deck towards the end.
There is so much more I could say about our tour, but I don’t want this to be a mile long post again. Perhaps I’ll write about it more in the future. I will say, sharing this experience with some people I deeply cherish made me love the experience that much more!
WWII Shipbuilding Spot (✅)
Years ago, we watched Ken Burns’ documentary The War. This focused on four US cities and the lived experiences of their citizens before, during, and after World War II. The cities were Luverne, Minnesota, Sacramento, California, Waterbury, Connecticut, and of course, Mobile, Alabama. We became fascinated with the war efforts of this previously sleepy town. How on Pinto Island, the shipping and shipbuilding industries exploded in response to the increased need for resources for the War.
One day, we went out in search of the potential spot where the ships were made. The Alabama Dry Dock and Shipping Company (ADDSCO) still occupies the area where the majority of ships were assembled. I walked into their HR office to ask some questions. Alas, the young woman working there was unaware of the history of that spot. Nonetheless, it was still interesting and exciting being there, knowing what so many of the Mobile residents at that time went through. Located in the deep South, racism at the time made life exceedingly difficult for many Black workers who simply wanted a fair wage, no hiring discrimination or violence against themselves, and to support the war effort and serve their country.
There was a big sign saying No Photography, so all I have are memories and this story.
Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (✅)
We attended Mass at the Cathedral several times, for a variety of reasons. The church is beautiful, for one; to fulfill our Sunday obligation, for another; and they had a convenient Mass time that fit with the rest of our plans. The interior was lovely, and the outside grounds were quiet and peaceful too.
The Joys of Domestic Life
Every day, our sweet little ones would grow a little older, a little bigger, learn a little more, and play together. We especially loved when they could play with the same toys without fighting, or even just play quietly and independently in the same vicinity. As it got closer to Thanksgiving, Victoria and I indulged in some baking! We made two pumpkin pies using Frank’s grandma’s recipe, also known as The Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe. This pumpkin pie made me actually start liking pumpkin pie years ago, and is always a big hit at parties. We knew we were going to get together with my friend and her family, and we wanted to bring something special. Victoria was, as always, my big helper. We had a blast baking together and plan to do it far more often!
In addition, I kept up the habit from Gainesville of going out on random drives for naps for the kids. Personally, I loved driving around Mobile. The trees reaching out to each other across the streets, with their twisty, long branches going in every direction, never got old to me. Frank didn’t care for how they blocked out the sun so much, but that didn’t bother me. I just thought the whole region was charming and whimsical.
Gulf Coast Highlights
Gulf Shores
We took a half day to visit the beach in Gulf Shores, AB. Though the air and water were a little chilly, it was a Perfect day. We built sandcastles, splashed in the water, and simply relished being out in the fresh sea air! My hometown is a beach town, so this felt like another little taste of home. Also, as I mentioned, Frank wasn’t loving how overcast and generally dark Mobile had been for a while. The bright sun and breeze on our faces was, as we said repeatedly, “just what we needed!”
Pensacola
We followed up that wonderful morning with an equally wonderful afternoon and evening! We continued our drive down to the Pensacola region, where my friend and her family live. One of her relatives (I think it was a cousin’s son, maybe?) was celebrating his first birthday party. This friend and many of her family members are Filipino, and I LOVE Filipino food. We all shared lechon, a massive roasted pig, which was incredible. Though, I might have loved the barbecued pork skewers even more; I still see those in my daydreams. The lumpia was similarly spectacular, and the only thing that topped the food was the company.
It was so lovely spending that time with my dear friend, whom I had missed so much. In addition, her entire family was so welcoming and made us feel completely at home. Victoria and Dominic loved playing with the other younger children. They are quite good at making friends everywhere they go.
Biloxi
We spent one Saturday morning visiting Biloxi, MS in order to see the Biloxi Lighthouse. I was mistaken thinking we could go up into it. Nevertheless, we admired it for a little while, and then played on the beach again. Victoria built another sandcastle, and Dominic liked splashing in the water. Though the outing proved slightly anticlimactic, it was a perfectly fine excuse to get us out the door and onward to our preferred destination of the day – New Orleans!
New Orleans Highlights
We visited New Orleans quite a few times over our month in Mobile. Though it was a roughly 2.5 hour drive, we had more than a few things we wanted to see and do.
French Quarter and Jackson Square
Excluding a walk through the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, we mostly only ever drove through the French Quarter. I requested this frequently, as I really admire the wrought iron balconies, hanging gardens, and general architecture there. I also loved how the Cathedral looms over the entire Square. This area of town tends to be the most heavily trafficked, and we figured out early on that there is much more to New Orleans than just the French Quarter.
FOOD
We ate at quite a few places throughout New Orleans and the surrounding suburbs. Two of them stood out head and shoulders above the rest. I found our chief highlight in an article touting the best seafood in New Orleans. Harbor Seafood and Oyster Bar in Kenner, LA provided one of the greatest meals we’ve ever had, twice. Both times, Frank got the stuffed lobster, which he still maintains is one of the most delicious things he has ever eaten. I did a tour of oysters; the first time, I got the charbroiled oysters and sampled the kids’ fried oysters. The second, I stuck with a dozen raw oysters, which is always my favorite. We also got fried gator both times, and the second time the kids had and loved the fried catfish. We could eat there over and over again, and miss it to this day.
What can top the splendiferous and unique treasure that is a beignet? We made multiple stops to Café du Monde, a New Orleans institution celebrated for their beignets and café au lait (BL ✅). I will always remember and cherish the memory of my first one. They say, “If your shirt isn’t covered with powdered sugar, you’re doing it wrong!” Writing about them, I want one. Right now. There are multiple locations, with the original located adjacent to Jackson Square (where the line is Always a mile long). Our preference was within City Park, as there were many exciting things to do and see in there while munching on these delicacies.
City Park
We just kept coming back to City Park. Our initial draw was Cafe du Monde. Yet, we noticed that there is a fantastic playground right next to it! The kids had the time of their lives swinging on the swings, running around, climbing, and sliding on the slides with so many other children. The best part, however, was the woman who had a bubble machine! It produced millions of bubbles that Victoria and Dominic chased, trying to pop them. We witnessed the glories of childhood, that amazing childlike wonder and glee on full display. Naturally, we had to experience that multiple times.
Celebration in the Oaks
We enjoyed an absolutely perfect day during this month. It started with that pit stop in Biloxi for the lighthouse, and was followed up with our second visit to Harbor Seafood. That was chased with beignets at Cafe du Monde and our first encounter with the magical, bubble-filled playground. We lingered there long enough to then proceed to Children’s Storyland and the Botanical Garden for Celebration in the Oaks! This is a New Orleans tradition since the late 1980s, where both areas are covered from head to toe in some of the most beautiful Christmas lights! There are dozens of rides in Storyland and many familiar faces, though many/most of them are for slightly older children. Plus, it was one of the first nights this was available, so the playland was Packed.
We strolled through the botanical garden half for quite some time, pushing our kids in their strollers and admiring the many, many lights. Again, seeing the amazement and joy sparkle in our childrens’ eyes reminded us for the millionth time why we are doing what we’re doing. While they may yet still be too young to remember much of this, we are starting them young. We want their whole lives to be full of wonder, awe, and appreciation for the many varied traditions and cultures out there.
Po’Boy Fest
Another Sunday, we mosied over to New Orleans again for Po’Boy Fest. Now, these pictures and reality might not necessarily mix. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of positives to the day. Most of the po’boys we ate were delicious, the kids enjoyed some frozen lemonade, and the energy of the massive crowd was infectious. Look, didn’t we have such a great time?
Here’s the thing, though. At Po’Boy Fest, you had to purchase a wristband in order to be able to purchase any po’boys or other food. We figured we only needed one, so I got the wristband. Frank found a spot to hang out with the kids, and I went out to wait in the lines for food. I didn’t wait too long for a catfish po’boy, which was delicious but was finished far too quickly. I was looking forward to a special one, but it had a massive line. Thus, I snagged that frozen lemonade first so they would have something to tide them over while I went to get a po’boy for myself. I got back in line and waited for about 45 minutes. When there were about six people left in front of me…they ran out of the one I wanted.
I called Frank, incredibly upset, and made my way back up the block to where they were. Eventually, I got back in another line and got an escargot po’boy for myself and a jerk chicken po’boy for Frank. His didn’t have very much chicken, and mine was pretty good because I was starving. The day had its pros and cons, but I’m still grateful we did it. I think.
Garden District and Frenchmen Street
On one of our other visits to New Orleans, we took a scenic drive through the Garden District. This is a historic district full of lovely old houses and trees that stretch across the street to form a beautiful canopy. The Michigan vs Ohio State football game was also happening that day, so while I randomly got out of the car to go and take a few pictures, Frank would enjoy watching the game on his phone. He has been a lifelong Michigan fan, so their win that day made his day. That was technically also the day we saw the Cathedral in Jackson Square, which was neat.
We followed that up with dinner at Bamboula’s, a live music bar on Frenchmen Street. It was very important to me that we get to see live jazz in New Orleans (BL ✅), the birthplace of jazz. While Bamboula’s wasn’t the kind of music I was expecting, it was still a fun atmosphere. The food was meh, but again, no regrets. We kept walking along the street after our meal and paused outside of Maison, another jazz bar. That was more along what I had in mind, so lingering there to listen to their saxophone was delightful.
Streetcar on Canal Street
We nearly left town after we made it back to our car. This happened to be our last planned visit to New Orleans as well. Victoria began feeling upset over the fact that we never did end up riding in a streetcar. Now, Victoria Loves trolleys/streetcars/trains, etc. The night before was Celebration in the Oaks, where Victoria wanted to ride on the Carousel. The line was massive, so Frank said no. Determined not to disappoint her this time, Frank said, “Let’s do it.”
We got back out of the car and went over to the nearby streetcar stop. Not too long after we got there, the streetcar arrived! We rode along for a while, taking in the lights and sights of the downtown area on Canal Street. Eventually, we figured we should probably head back, so we got off on a stop. Long story short, it took us ages to make it back to our car and find somewhere to use the bathroom before heading back to Mobile. Yet, we did it, and we are so grateful for that last big spontaneous adventure!
Wrap Up and What’s Next
We had ourselves some adventures and experienced some special things during this month. The kids grew a lot, we enjoyed quality time with some wonderful friends, and explored many new cities. The Gulf Coast is quite a lovely region, full of rich history, delectable food, and relatively unique architecture. For the time being, we feel we really made the most of our time here, so it may be some length of time before we come back. Following all of this, we had a solid month of family time for the holidays! (I know, I got way behind here, trying to catch up now.) We spent several weeks in Ohio, then Cocoa Beach again for Christmas and New Years. I can’t wait to share about all of the wonderful shenanigans we got up to there!
Catch you later!
