Southern Breeze 2007 Holiday Issue

Mobile is spreading its branches and always growing, while maintaining its beauty and charm. Back in the city of Mobile, you can’t help noticing the mansions that line Government Street and, if you’re like me, wishing you could tour them. Several “museum houses” will give you insight into antebellum architecture and life. I highly recommend the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion on Springhill Avenue, a striking Greek Revival home with a circular driveway lined with giant oaks. The Bragg is one of the most popular wedding reception sites in Mobile, but during the week it’s open for tours. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet Ruth Gunter, who will greet you at the porch in her period dress, complete with petticoat, with a sweet “Hello! Welcome to Bragg-Mitchell!” My new favorite place is the Museum of Mobile, housed in the former City Hall building on Royal Street, within walking distance of Fort Conde, the city’s official welcome center, downtown. Unbelievably, I’d never been there before. I could spend all day there, soaking up information about Mobile’s history, from hurricanes to baseball to wars to Civil Rights. Everything is presented in unique ways in this well-done museum that’s now headed by Bellingrath Home and Gardens (opposite, right) offers breathtaking tours year-round, and don’t miss out on a Southern Belle cruise (opposite, left). Take in some of Mobile’s fantastic antebellum architecture, such as the Greek Revival style Bragg-Mitchell Mansion (center). There’s always something new to discover at the Museum of Mobile (left), and no trip to Mobile is complete without visiting the USS Alabama (right)! Mobile native David Alsobrook, who has worked as director of three presidential libraries, most recently the Clinton Library in Little Rock. The museum is adjacent to the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, which has made a name for itself by hosting traveling blockbuster exhibits that have included “Dead Sea Scrolls” and “A Day in Pompeii.” Coming in January is the controversial “Our Body” exhibition, featuring real human bodies. The Exploreum also has an IMAX dome theater that’s nothing short of amazing. If you think all IMAX theaters are the same, think again. The dome makes an incredible difference, immersing you in a 360-degree experience. PLACES TO STAY I can’t rave enough about the Battle House, a building that had been boarded up almost my whole life until it reopened in May. The beautiful lobby is so inviting, with its domed ceiling and marble details. Be sure to check out the “whispering arch” that overlooks the lobby. Holiday 2007 43

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2007 Holiday Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Words & Notes Coastal Calendar Storefronts Sweet Dreams Art of Living Fixtures Our Backyard Make Yourself at Home Beach Bam! A Big Easy Christmas Upwardly Mobile Can't Drive Old Dixie Down Rock On! The Play's the Thing Cheers Dish Chef's Table Let's Eat Reader Services Last Bite

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