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Small towns and downtowns, Alabama, much more than football, part 1
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What's in Alabama? Actually, there’s actually a whole lot to entice you to go to Alabama.
Particularly to its small towns, because there’s something about being in a small town. You just somehow feel more welcome and more like you belong there. And that’s the feeling you get in many of the small towns near Mobile, Alabama. That’s why the Alabama Tourism Department named 2010 as the Year of Small Towns and Downtowns.
Mobile
Not that there’s anything wrong with the large town of Mobile itself. With a population of just over 300,000, it still has a small town feel. Architecture and a sense of history can be found everywhere. Take the Battle House Hotel for instance. The original was built in 1852 and burned in 1905.
The hotel is synonymous with southern charm and was a gathering place for the high society of the day. It was here at Battle House on October 27, 1913 that Woodrow Wilson said, just before World War I, that the United States would never again wage a war of aggression again. Ah, if only that were true….At the hotel you can view the rich work of Alabama artists on display, all curated by the artist, Nall. Or how about telling a secret from 35 feet away along the Battle House’s Whispering Arch? Gives a new meaning to the expression “the walls have ears”.
Spa Treatments
With all the sightseeing you’ll be doing in the area, get yourself prepared in advance with a spa treatment. Best places to check these our are the Battle House Hotel or the Grand Hotel. Either one will have you relaxing or snoozing within minutes.
Fairhope
Once you’re relaxed, set out for the small town of Fairhope. This upscale community boasts a museum and several elegant small cottages and bungalows. Here they use a system called the Single Tax, after the theories of Henry George, who advocated no taxes other than a single land tax.
Not only is the town known for its monetary system, it’s also known for its romantic appeal. In fact it was described as “One of the most romantic coastal towns in the South” by Coastal Living Magazine because this area of 4,500 acres offers inspiration to artists and romantics alike. It’s not surprising then to learn that Fannie Flagg, author of Fried Green Tomatoes and Winston Groom, author of Forrest Gump live here.
The name Fairhope itself is interesting – it comes from the fact that when the town first started, it had a “fair hope” of being successful. But success it has certainly had, and even today locals don’t feel any need to lock their cars or doors. And so popular has it become as a tourist destination, that this town of 16,000 actually has 700 hotel rooms. But don’t confuse upscale with prudish - the town has had its share of colorful characters – including 3 nudist colonies.
Eastern Shore Art Center
Check out the local art center with its Dale Chihuly-style chandelier in the entrance, actually produced by Ed Pennebaker. Two glass exhibits are currently going on at the moment. If you have a spare $18,000 you can buy the twin towers sculpture that is on display.
While you’re here, don’t forget to stop by the French Quarter, where quaint village shops nestled in an alcove area invite you to check out their handicrafts and upscale wares.
Foley
Shopping is big in Fairhope, just as it is in Foley. This little town of 13,000 people has 5 million visitors per year. They come to see the outlets center and the quaint cafes.
Lack of snow in this sunshine village brought about the idea of bringing in some of the frozen powder and that’s exactly what the locals do every winter. Their “Let It Snow” campaign lets children experience snow when they normally wouldn’t.
Train buffs shouldn’t miss out on the Train Depot and Model Train Display. Any model train lover will be in his glory -- the whole display is sixty feet long and twenty-two feet wide and boasts having tunnels, a miniature town, a plethora of freight trains and lots of activities going on. You’ll see, for instance, that there’s a drive-in movie where the model waitress roller skates to the waiting car to deliver her drinks.
And check out the model fire station that has the fireman sliding down the pole as the bell goes off. The value for the layout alone is $300,000. The era depicted by the train museum is 1930-1960s – note there is no McDonalds! It took 14 months of hard work to put the train museum into this building.
In addition, check out Stacey’s Old Time Soda Fountain and the Holmes Medical Museum. One of the docents at the museum was one of the babies born at the hospital. Take a look at the birthing chair and the forceps on display and if you are a mom, you’ll be glad medicine has come a long way since then!
It's well worth checking out. For more information, see part 2 by the same author.
For articles by this author, click here: http://www.examiner.com/x-29076-SF-World-Travel-Examiner
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