Mobile is one of those cities that has a hidden side to it. The port city has over hundreds of things to do on any given day. If you go to South, and you are not from Mobile, it’s very likely that your time here is spent mostly on or around campus, on Airport Boulevard, or Downtown on the weekend. This city and surrounding areas are full of festivals, food, and hidden fun scattered about.
Depending on the time of year, there is, at least, one big event going on. January through February is legendary Mardi Gras, which REALLY DID start in Mobile. The city pretty much transforms into a party all day and night throughout Mardi Gras. The end of spring and the beginning of summer are when most of the festivals happen. The most popular are the zalea, watermelon, strawberry, hot air balloon…The list keeps going, and they are as random as it can get. Throughout the year, it spans to barbeque, chocolate, pecan, and even the Greater Gulf State Fair in October.
If there is anything that Mobile is known for, it’s food. We have anything from fast food to top of the line restaurants. With a 15 minute drive from campus, you can wind up at The Hickory Pitt Too in Semmes. Their Boss Hawg is a 45-minute challenge to eat a 20-ounce burger piled high with pulled pork, cheese, and all the fixings. They also have daily specials that are cheaper than a Big Mac. On the Causeway, you have Felix’s Fish camp. Known for their seafood, it’s hard to miss the giant red fish on the roof. And for the day you make the adventure to the beach, The Flora-Bama Yacht Club is a hidden gem. On the other side of the road from the Flora-Bama, you can either drive your car or your boat since it’s right on the waters of Old River. This restaurant sits right on the Florida-Alabama line and incorporates aspects of both states. They have everything from fish tacos and blackened chicken to burgers and their beignet fries for dessert.
If you have a free day, going on an adventure is much better than binge-watching Netflix all day long (I promise). The Fairhope Brewing Company is one of the only local breweries around Mobile. They offer trivia nights on Wednesdays and Yoga for $5 followed by, you guessed it, beer. A 30-minute drive from campus to The Mississippi line with take you to the Escatawpa Hollow Campgrounds. This is one of those things that make you happy to be in the south: the river. They offer canoe and float trips, or you can set up a spot and just hang out in the river. They also have cabins for rent. You can fish, walk the trails, or camp if you are really adventurous. A few other one-day-getaways include heading to the beach in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. The Pass in Perdido Key is a popular spot for college students because of the shallow water on one side, then the deeper water where you can jump off the bridge into. To make it even better, it’s free.
Even though you may only be in the South for four years (or more), take advantage of all of the fun Mobile has to offer. Eat some soul food. Get too burnt on the beach. Ride all the rides at the fair. Enjoy the south and love Mobile.
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