Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
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The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is situated on 740 acres of ground in Birmingham.
It is the home of the worlds most comprehensive and fine collections of vintage automobiles and motorcycles.
It was created by George Barber, who has a private collection of vintage motorcycles thanks to his interest in them.
He used his collection to open the museum in 1988.
Barber was more than just a collector, though.
He had 63 first-place wins from racing Porches and was advised by his friend, Dave Hooper, to focus on motorcycles due to the common collections of cars already existing.
Barber listened and began gathering what is now the biggest collection of motorcycles in the world.
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum now has more than 1,450 motorcycles that span over a century of production from 20 different countries.
Famous bikes onsite include everything from common brands like Honda and Harley-Davidson to rarer ones like Cagiva and DSK.
Aside from motorcycles, the museum is also home to a fun collection of Lotus racecars the biggest of its kind worldwide!
Theres no denying that the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is one of the states things to see that shouldnt be missed for motorcycle enthusiasts!
Address: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Leeds, AL 35094, United States
Are There Nice Beaches In Mobile
Not in Mobile but a short distance away there are gorgeous beaches that make for an ideal day trip. The closest beaches are 45 mins away on Dauphin Island or the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach a little over an hour away.
All of these beaches have white sand and warm turquoise water along the Gulf of Mexico
Best Things To Do In Mobile With Kids
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Mobile, AL, is a city booming with culture, cool restaurants, and an all-over fun vibe. When this Northern gal headed south for a month this winter, Mobile was my last stop on the whirlwind visit and I couldnt be happier. Its a cool city to visit with kids or as a couple and offers plenty of culture-filled activities and outdoorsy spots to enjoy the weather. Here are the 6 coolest, funnest, and best things to do in Mobile with kids.
Disclosure: I was graciously hosted by the folks at Visit Mobile to give you the scoop on what makes it a great city to visit. All opinions are my own!
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Five Rivers Delta Resource Center
Approaching Mobile from the east, before you pass over the bay, theres a resource center called 5 Rivers Delta, the gateway to one of Alabamas natural wonders.
Its where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee, and Blakeley rivers meet and flow into Mobile Bay.
Because of the fresh and saltwater mixing together, the 260,000-acres known as the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta is a hotbed for rare plants and animals.
There are a couple of short walking trails, picnic areas, a conference center, reception hall, and theater. Start your visit at the Cypress Welcome Center and Gift Shop filled with outdoor gear, local books, woodwork, and crafts. You can pick up a map and get more information for your visit here.
Next, head over to the Exhibit Hall. With live animals, maps, taxidermy displays, local artwork, conservation education, and traveling exhibits, it is a fantastic place to learn all about Americas Amazon.
Several outfitters offer guided canoe, kayak, and boat tours to experience the wild wetlands of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
More Info: Free Admission, open 7 days a week from 8 am-5 pm.
Where: 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort
FULL DISCLOSURE: We were provided hotel accommodations and access to a few of the attractions on the above list. But as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
What are your favorite things to do in Mobile, Alabama? Tell us in the comments below!
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Things To Do At Night In Mobile Al Click Here
Looking for some ideas for your night out in Mobile Al? The city comes alive after dark and you dont want to miss seeing its streets lit up in all their twinkling glory. Whether youre visiting Mobile Al for a few days or a Mobile Aler looking for new ideas, here are our favourite things to do in Mobile Al at night. We have also included safety tips and night transport information.
We are huge fans of taking tours on our travels and also to discover a different side to the city we call home. Mobile Al has some brilliant night tours that take you back in time, on a foodie journey of discovery or simply seeing the sights. Here are some favourite Mobile Al night tours
There are countless activities to do and sights to see during the day, but you may wonder what there is to do when nightfall hits. Vibrant is one way to describe Mobile Al at night. Activities are plentiful so dont worry as limited as your options may seem, there is actually an abundance of things for you to choose between.
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Lifes A Party At The Mobile Carnival Museum
Experience the citys biggest party even if your visit doesnt coincide with the festivities. Its the only museum in the country devoted to the history of Carnival, the official name of the festival season that includes Fat Tuesday. This museum has rooms of the lavish attire donned by the courts of krewes. You can also see everything that goes into planning a parade float. Stop by the gift shop for masks of your own.
Free And Cheap Things To Do In Mobile Al
Ladies, gentlemen, and freebie lovers! Ready to know all the things to do in Mobile Al for Free? Mobile Al does not have to be expensive. There are many many things for free in Mobile Al.
One of the best things to do in Mobile Al is visit all those spots in the movies that bring magic into your heart. Notting Hill for example! Most of them are completely free for viewing and can be added to your free things to do in Mobile Al bucket list!
It doesnt matter if your pockets are filled with fifties or stuffed with mothballs, whether youre skint or just tight-fisted, theres plenty of free things to do in Mobile Al . Heres our guide to the best of them.
Mobile Al has so much to offer, but its often difficult to find places that are not only interesting but suitable for budget travellers. However, there is a selection of free things to do in Mobile Al that you can explore.
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Things To Do On Winter In Mobile Al
With top class museums, galleries, pubs and restaurants, Mobile Al is a city very much geared up for the colder weather. So if youre wondering what to do during winter, and indeed Christmas, in the city, heres a helpful guide to some of the best places to go. In no particular order, here are our top 50 things to do in Mobile Al in the winter
Visiting Mobile Al in December, January and February provides some unique challenges. The days are cold and darkness sets in early and you will probably want to spend a lot of time indoors. But you might be surprised to learn there are some fun outdoor attractions too.
Here is the list of things to do in Mobile Al in winter:
The Richards Dar House Museum
We first came upon the Richards DAR House during our diverted duck tour. It sounded and looked fascinating, so we returned on our own for a tour. Its mean to be haunted so we were hoping to make some new friends.
As you can see from the outside, its striking cast-iron facade is from the Italianate style and this beautiful townhouse tells the story of Mobile during its antebellum period.
The house was built in 1860 by Captain Charles Richards, a steamboat captain, and remained in their family until 1946.
The Ideal Cement Company purchased the house from Richards descendants in 1946. After being turned over to the city of Mobile in 1973, it was leased to the DAR for operation as a museum.
It is said to be haunted, and little Savannah was hesitant to enter at first, but we didnt see or hear anything, lol.
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The Best Hotels In Mobile
I split up my stay with a few nights at two different hotels and absolutely loved both. They are centrally located downtown with most of the Mobile attractions within walking distance.
The Battle House Renaissance Mobile
I cant recommend staying at The Battle House Renaissance Mobile enough! If you want to stay in a historic and luxury hotel then look no further.
Located in the heart of downtown steps from everything, the hotel is in a beautiful 1851 building that showcases elegance, class, and that wow factor.
After a long day of walking around, I slept like a baby in the comfiest bed, surrounded by excellent décor, and all the charming touches of one of the best hotels in the United States.
Oh, and did I mention they have a spa, pool, and great food?
Staying at The Battle House for a few nights exceeded all my expectations and a place I will without a doubt be returning to again
Tip: Dont leave before experiencing the whispering arches! As someone that works there and they can help you out.
If you stand facing an arch and someone else is at the other side, you can whisper and hear each other clearly. For those that have been to NYC, it is similar to the whispering arches in Grand Central Station!
Feel the breeze in your hair as you venture out onto Mobile Bay on a sailboat! Plus, you can join in and gain some sailing experience.
Tour Mobile’s Historic Districts
Visitors can gain a sense of Mobile’s history by walking through the city’s romantic historic districts. There are seven designated Historic Districts in Mobile, each with its own unique character and architectural heritage. Self-guided driving or walking tours are available to explore these interesting areas.
One of the highlights is the De Tonti Square in downtown Mobile, with historic buildings in Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Victorian architectural styles. The clay-brick townhouses and houses were built in the 1850s and 60s along brick sidewalks that still maintain the original gas lamps. The Oakley Garden District, which covers more than 60 blocks, is home to a mix of mansions and cottages characterized by varying architectural details from the 1830s to the 1930s.
The Old Dauphin Way District is west of Mobile. The older structures consist of simple frame cottages, while larger homes line Dauphin Street and Spring Hill Avenue. Church Street East is the most diverse of Mobile’s historic districts. Many of the colonial French, Spanish, and English structures were destroyed by fire and then rebuilt in the late 19th century. Lower Dauphin Street is Mobile’s only predominantly 19th-century commercial district with two- and three-story brick structures built in the Victorian, Federal, Italianate, and 20th-century Revival styles.
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The Gulf Coast Explorium Science Center
Source: Wikipedia
If youre looking for hands on fun for the whole family, the Science Center offers a Hands on Hall with over fifty different activities to spark your interest and make learning exciting. If your child is under five years old, the Wharf of Wonder is a must see. Your child will be able to climb aboard a ship and even do a bit of fishing.
The Scoop On Mobile Al
Mobile has been on my radar as a place to visit for at least a decade. Not only is it a city filled with military and marine history and its location offers an ideal view of Southern city life. Another cool feature about Mobile that I didnt know until I visited: it was founded as the capital of French Louisiana at the turn of the 18th Century. Mobile is less than an hour from Orange Beach & Gulf Shores, AL, so its a fun day trip or weekend visit as well.
And if Im giving you road trip ideas, its just under an hour to Biloxi, MS.
Its downtown area has the same sort of vibe as New Orleans but without the uber party scene, making it a really good place to celebrate Mardi Gras for families. So, when youre walking around, youll get to see the quintessential Creole Townhouse architecture and wrought-iron railings and balconies. Ahh.
So, my teen daughter and I spent three days touring the city and learning about not only the cool things to do but the things to eat in Mobile as well. Here are my must dos.
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Kayak Among The Alligators
The five rivers that feed the delta are ripe for boating. We spent a blissful two hours kayaking the Bartram Canoe Trail, bird watching and alligator watching. Thats right. Alligators. Luckily, the two we saw were babies. The most they could have eaten would have been a couple of fingers. At least thats what I told myself as I paddled past them.
Perhaps the coolest thing about the 5 Rivers Delta Center is its kayak launch. Its the first fully accessible launch I have seen anywhere. My kayak partner, a kayaking rookie, struggled getting into our double kayak. Thanks to the accessible launch, we didnt end up in the river. Without it, we definitely would have taken a dip.
Once we were safely launched, we joined our knowledgeable guide for a paddle around the delta. It was early spring, so the plants were just coming alive. But the birds were everywhereshe pointed out several varieties, none of which I remember because I couldnt write anything down while I was paddling.
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Why We Recommend This Activity
One of the most popular kids activities in Montgomery, AL is checking out the Dexter Parsonage Museum.
See the actual living room, dining room, bedroom, and study used by Dr. King as well as old photos and mementos of Dexter pastors.
A perfect learning experience for you and your kids, youll also watch videos about Dr. Kings family, community, and pastoral life.
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Feed The Squirrels At Bienville Square
This must-do might look a bit out of place but, trust me, youre going to want to do this. The squirrels in Bienville Square are used to folks and they have no problem coming right up to your hand and grabbing peanuts in the shell to snack on.
But where do you get peanuts? On Dauphin Street , head to A & M Peanut Shop and let them know you want to feed the squirrels. The have inexpensive roasted nuts put aside for them and theyre less expensive than the ones in the cases.
Cake Balls For Them Coffee For You
Cream & Sugar is a favorite neighborhood cafe and coffee shop in a former house. They make everything in-house and from scratch, including cake balls, sandwiches, quiches, soups, coffee and espresso drinks. The outdoor garden is the perfect place to sit on a sunny day and they also have bike racks if youre riding over from downtown.
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Visit Nearby Dauphin Island
Yep, Alabama does have islands in the Gulf of Mexico! What is better than an island getaway that is super easy to get to?
If you have the time, spend a few days relaxing on Dauphin Island, where time slows down and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy.
If you would rather stay in Mobile, Dauphin Island makes for an excellent day trip. From Mobile, the quickest way to get there is to drive across via the bridge taking 45 minutes.
If you happen to be coming from Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Fort Morgan then taking the ferry across would be the quickest. And yes, your car can go on the ferry too!
The top activities to do on Dauphin Island are lounging on the beach, going for a nature walk in a swampy forest preserve, visiting a fort, camping, and more.
For an in-depth list of what to do on Dauphin Island, read my post 15 Best Things To Do On Dauphin Island, Alabama!
Crescent Theater Mobile Alabama
Located on Dauphin Street in historic downtown Mobile, Crescent Theater presents independent films, live performances, and locally-produced films. The theater originally opened in 1885 as a vaudeville theater and switched to a movie theater in 1912.
Rebuilt in 2008, the theater plays an important role in the Entertainment District and the LoDa Arts. With a seating capacity of 90 people, the theater screens art-house films that are not shown at other standard movie theaters in the Mobile area.
The live performances include improvisation comedy troupes, live music concerts, radio plays, and more. The theater also hosts the SoAL Film Festival and the Mobile Bay Film Scramble.
208 Dauphin St, Mobile, Alabama 36602, Phone: 251-438-2005
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