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Crawfish, crabs, shrimp, oysters. Mardi gras, Bayfest, Block parties. Canoeing the delta, running the ATR, fishing in the gulf, sailing on the bay. Antebellum homes, historic districts, civil war forts and battlefields. Exploreum, Maritime Museum, Aerospace Museum, USS Alabama. Whether it’s eating, celebrating, sporting, sightseeing, or visiting historic and educational sites, Mobile is a great place to live. At the head of Mobile Bay (among the best places to sail in the US), Mobile has been “immobile” for 300 years. During that time she has developed a unique culture that needs to be experienced to be believed.

History

Mobile and the surrounding delta have been settled by man for many centuries. Remains of Native American settlements (including mounds dating back 3500 years) can be easily visited. European explorers were in the area at least since 1500 AD and a permanent settlement (the capitol of Louisiana) was begun in 1703 by Bienville. The city was moved to its current site in 1711 and a Fort (Fort Conde/Charlotte) was constructed to protect the settlement. Several battles and 3 countries later Mobile became a part of the Territory of Alabama. Left from this period are the street names, the tradition of Mardi Gras, and a European flavor with a tropical flair.

Economy

Mobile’s economy is dominated by the University of South Alabama but the city is rapidly developing as a center for technology innovation. The seaport continues to provide employment but Mobile can no longer be described as a seaport town. The University with its associated healthcare concerns employs the largest number of people but a growing number of high tech firms have begun to call Mobile home. Housing costs remain low, which continues to benefit those who come here for training.

Sports

Mobile has a large number of participant sporting opportunities. Because of the weather, outdoor activities can occur year-round. Running, cycling, swimming, golf, and other individual sports are very popular. Spectator sports are dominated by college football (3 SEC teams within 3 hours), minor league baseball (the Mobile Bay Bears play in the Southern League), and the only post season football game sanctioned by the NFL. There is always something to do or see in Mobile

Culture and Entertainment

The home of Jimmy Buffet, Mobile is not just for Parrot-Heads. Entertainment opportunities abound in Mobile and surrounding areas. If you are a classicist, Mobile offers a full season of Opera and Symphony. If live theater is what you enjoy, the Mobile Theatre Guild and the Joe Jefferson Players offer performances of topical Off-Broadway hits as well as old standards. Live music on the water more to your taste? Then look no further than the Blue Gill or Lulu’s in Gulf Shores. Thanks to our climate, several street festivals also offer musical entertainment throughout the year. Like to eat? So do we. Restaurants specializing in everything from fried fish to fine cuisine are within the downtown entertainment district. If you have nothing to fill your free time, it is not because there is nothing to do.

Mardi Gras

No discussion of Mobile is complete without mentioning Mardi Gras. Brought over from Europe by the French and the Spanish, the celebration did not start in earnest until the 19th century. Contrary to populary belief, it was in Mobile where Michael Kraft and some rambuncious pals began the first Mardi Gras parade in this country with cowbells and clamour, calling themselves the Cowbellion de Rakin Society, in 1841. Now a 2-week public party and a longer private one, carnival celebrations confer a distinct flavor on this port city. The public celebration includes parades complete with beads, doubloons and moonpies. The Mardi Gras balls involve a celebration of a very un-American concept, that of a royalty based on blood. Come and catch some beads and holler “Throw me something, Mister” for yourself.

Education

The site of the first public school in Alabama (the building continues to be used for education today), Mobile has long been an educational hub for the region. With a strong tradition of public and parochial education, Mobile offers many different types of primary and secondary education experiences from which to choose. At the post-secondary level, Mobile has several smaller liberal arts colleges as well as the University of South Alabama. The University has 14,000 students and offers strong training in Nursing and Business as well as Medical Education.

Area

The Gulf coast is rapidly becoming a destination. From cruises to casinos, sailing to sunbathing, the leisure industry has a strong foothold on the region. Within a 2 hour drive to the west is New Orleans. Long known as Mobile’s younger sister, Mobilians often drive there to reassure them that they are much better off. To the east is the Florida panhandle and further east is the Magic Kingdom. Atlanta is a bit more of a drive but can make for a fun long weekend.