alabama trips

Mobile Symphony

Mobile Symphony is considered the leading producer of live symphonic music in the Gulf Coast region. It is dedicated to enhancing the lives of every member of the community through attaining the highest standards in live symphonic music and music education. This is also one of the attractions on the Gulf Coast region.

In 1970 the Mobile Symphony was recognized as the Symphony Concerts of Mobile. During those years its mission was to present excellent touring orchestras for about six evening concerts. The orchestra includes Alabama Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and many others.

In 1996, the board of the group decided to truly serve the educational, quality of life and economic developments needs of the of the community by means of creating a local version of the symphony. The goal of it is to utilize and develop local professional musicians. In 1997, the Symphony Concerts of Mobile were changing its name to Mobile Symphony, Inc.

Between years 2000-2001 marked as the beginning of the new era for the Mobile community. Scott Speck was recognized as the first Music Director of Mobile Symphony. Speck’s talent, passion and love of music has elevated the orchestra to new levels and created a new standard of excitement for the entire community.

During these years, new education programs for young people were developed and lengthened and free outdoor concerts were added to its usual concert season. As well as, during those times the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra completed its first year under the auspices of Mobile Symphony.

In 2001-2002, a new acoustical shell transformed the whole concert experience for orchestra and audience alike.  The educational program Mobile-Symphonyencompassed eleven areas of elementary schools. Until at present the symphony still continues its goal on finding and developing young musicians to develop its talent.

This is the orchestra the gives opportunity to the locals and youth to develop more their talent in music. It is the group’s practice to inform each individual has an opportunity to make their dreams come true. Mobile Symphony does not only make perfect music but also makes the lives of its members perfect.

Mobile Alabama

Mobile, Alabama is a wonderful southern city with a population in the area nearing half a million people. This is the place that even considered populous offers an entertainment that you will never forget. This is also the home of many talented musicians and if you are into music or a love of tunes, then coming here should be cool choice for a vacation destination. Aside from this, here you can witness some of the spectacular concerts which are staged for most tourists.

Mobile is considered the third most populous city in Alabama and is the primary municipality of the Mobile Metropolitan Statistical Area, a region of 199,843 residents composed solely the Mobile County. This made Mobile the second largest MSA in the state. Also, the city is included in the Mobile-Daphne Fairhope Combined Statistical Area with a total population of 540,258, which is the second largest CSA in the state.

Mobile, Alabama began as the first capital of colonial French Louisiana in 1702. The City gets its name from the Native American Mobilian tribe that the French colonist found in the area of Mobile Bay. During its first 100 years, the city was a colony of France, and then Britain and the last one is Spain. Mobile first became a part of the United States of America in 1813 and left United States with Alabama in 1861 to become part of the Confederate States of America and then returned back to the United States in 1865.

Mobile, Alabama
is one of the Gulf Coast’s cultural centers, therefore the city houses numerous art museums, a symphony orchestra, a professional opera, a professional ballet company and a large concentration of historic architecture. Mobile-AlabamaMobile is famous for having the oldest organized Carnival celebrations in the United States, dating to the 1700s of its early colonial period. The city was the host of the first formally organized carnival mystic society or “krewe” in the United States, dating to 1830.

The city offers a spectacular history as well as magnificent shows of art. This place will open your mind to several works of arts through the museums and orchestras around this place. Mobile, Alabama can truly let you experience entertainment through a rich world of music.

Huntsville Museum Of Art

Huntsville Museum of Art is considered as North Alabama’s leading visual arts center. It was originally recognized by City Ordinance No. 70-134 last August 13, 1970. This decree also established the Museum Board of the City of Huntsville. The museum conducted its first exhibition in 1973 and moved to its first permanent facility at the Von Braun Center in 1975. The museum moved to its current building at Big Spring Park in March 1998.

The nationally accredited Museum fills its seven galleries with an array of exhibitions on the entire year, which includes prestigious traveling exhibits and the work of nationally and regionally acclaimed artist. The Museum’s possess 2,522 pieces permanent collection also forms the basis for numerous exhibitions each year.  In addition to that, the Huntsville Museum of Art offers reception areas on the gallery level and in the Great Hall for weddings, meetings and other events. The visitors are as well as allowed to shop for local art in SPACE 300 and Art for Today’s Collector. The museum also acquired works that are of particular importance for the Huntsville and its scientific community.

Huntsville was named one of the state’s Top 10 destinations by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, the Huntsville Museum of Art is gaining a reputation throughout the South for bringing high-caliber touring exhibitions to the region. It is nearly 40, 000 people visited the Museum during a taste for Splendor: Russian Imperial and European Treasures form the Hillwood Museum. There are another 23, 000 visited the blockbuster exhibition Land of the Winged Horseman: Art in Poland. In addition to its exhibitions, the Huntsville-Museum-Of-ArtMuseum offers art classes for children and adults together with special programs, lectures and musical presentations that as extra dimensions to art work on display.

Basically, the Museum of Art in Huntsville does not only showcase arts made by the Americans but pieces from other continents such as Asia, Africa and Europe. During your stay in Huntsville, do not miss to visit this great palace. Huntsville Museum of Art will not only allow you to appreciate the city itself but can offer learning from other countries.

Huntsville Alabama

Huntsville Alabama is considered the High Tech City of today.  This place sprawls at the foot of a mountain in North Alabama. The Huntsville’s tourist attractions reflect the heritage of Alabama’s first English speaking city. So, when you are thinking to have a vacation this place is a must try.

If you desire to visit the place to give you an idea about it, Huntsville is a city in Madison and Limestone counties in the U.S. state of Alabama and the county seat of Madison Country. It is considered as the fourth largest city in Alabama. It is named after Revolutionary War veteran John Hunt, which is the first settler of the land around the Big Spring.

Huntsville became the first incorporated town in Alabama in 1811. However, the renowned birth year if Huntsville Alabama is 1805, the year of John Hunt’s arrival. The Huntsville quick growth was form wealth generated by the cotton and railroad industries. The Memphis and Charleston Railroad was constructed through Huntsville in 1855, becoming it the first railway to link the Atlantic seacoast with the lower Mississippi River.

After knowing the history of Huntsville Alabama it is the time to know the famous attraction that the place offers. The famous destination here is the Clay House Museum that shows decorative styles and outstanding collection of Noritake Porcelain. The Lydia Gold Skatepark is a free venue open to the public from sunup until showdown.

Huntsville Botanical Garden
is must be visited if you are along with you kids because this place features educational programs, woodland paths, broad grassy meadows and stunning floral collections. Big Spring Jam is the annual three-day music festival that is held on the last full weekend of September in Huntsville-Alabamaand around Big Spring International Park in downtown Huntsville. The festival features a diversity of music that includes rock, country, Christian, kid-friendly and oldies.

If you are looking for a place that is full of fun and excitement you must try this place. There are still plenty of attractions offered and featured by this city. Huntsville Alabama is a destination that should come to mind when you want to explore America’s rocket science.

Gulf Shores Restaurants

Gulf Shores restaurants in the state of Alabama offer unique delectable cuisines from the south. Facing the coastal area of the city in Baldwin County, Gulf Shores restaurants will surely provide you a salty experience that you will remember for long time. An experience that will make you excited again to visit the city every time you remember it. Most hotels, condos, and vacation houses are facing the Gulf of Mexico making your stay in the city relaxing since you breathe fresh air and the sound of the waves in the beach are soothing thoroughly onto your ears.

The coastal city of Gulf Shores is well known for its bright sugar white quartz sand that is powdery comfortable and soft to the feet. Gulf Shores restaurants are also a big factor why visitors and travelers are continuously going to the city whole year round.  Here is a list of some restaurants that you certainly need to check out once you take a vacation or short visit in the city.

  • Dosotos Seafood Kitchen  – This restaurant is perfect for the whole family for any meal be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It features fresh sea foods, chicken, steak, pasta, salads, hamburger steak, fresh baked rolls and many others.
  • Sea – N- Suds Restaurant – This restaurant is located in 405 E Beach Boulevard. It also features mouth watering fresh sea foods.
  • Gulf Shores Steamer And Grill – Among the top 20 restaurants in the whole United States in Coastal living that specializes in steamed seafood, and casual family dinning. This restaurant is perfect for the whole family craving for real fresh sea foods.
  • King Neptune’s Seafood – A seafood restaurant offering traditionally prepared sautéed, grilled, broiled, steamed, fried, baked, blackened, boiled sea foods. The drinks here are great such as wine, beer, and many others.
  • Gulf-Shores-RestaurantsOriginal Oyster House – This restaurant is the perfect place for local seafood that was already in the business for over 20 years. This is a non-smoking restaurant that is very ideal for the whole family since you are assured for your kid’s health.

Gulf Shores restaurants provides mouthwatering seafood dishes that are really satisfying, so the next time you visit the city you should never miss any of the numerous restaurants in the area.

Weeden House Museum

Weeden House Museum is a very interesting place. In case you are going to Alabama, you have to make sure that you do not miss this museum. Do not just explore the breathtaking beaches and amazing theme parks and gardens of the state because sometimes, the other side of Alabama’s beauty is hidden in the museums.

The Museum should be at your top list, not just because it is a great place but because finding it is quite easy. It is at 300 Gates Avenue in Huntsville, Alabama. To have an overview of the museum, let’s dig deeper through its history.

weeden-house was originally built around 1819 by Henry C. Bradford. This is considered as a good example of Federal architecture as it is composed of two-story brick house features, where there is an stupendously artistic leaded glass entrance fanlight, a spiral staircase, and a hand-carved mantels. Just imagine how meticulous the design was!

During the Civil War, the museum was used by Federal officers and was actually the home of John McKinley, Barley M. Lowe. And the reason why it is named Weeden House Museum is that because it was the birthplace and lifelong home of countrywide famous artist and poet, Maria Howard Weeden.

Maria Howard supported her poor family by teaching art in this today’s house museum. Being the youngest child in the Dr. William Weeden family, Maria had little formal art training yet she has excelled in this field. She became well-known for her watercolor portraits. Maria also had books that were published by Doubleday, McClure and Company. Truly, Maria has become an inspiration for everyone. If you want to be inspired more, you surely would want to take the time and visit the place.

The Weeden house was opened as a house museum in 1981. Since then, people longed to see Maria’s arts and other masterpieces.  Historic Homes Tour of different houses in the Twickenham District actually benefits the House Museum.

If you want to visit it, you can go there any day but admission is not free. The museum is not just a place to exhibit arts but also among Alabama’s favorite spot for weddings and receptions.

Weeden House Museum is one gift that the local people are quite grateful for and simply a “must do” for your Alabama vacation.

Awe-inspiring Birmingham Zoo

It’s been some years back when the Birmingham Zoo came into existence with its first exhibit of the Monkey Island in 1955. Out of the very meager funding of $250,000 in only a 50-acre piece of land, now rose the ultramodern Birmingham Zoo. Who would say that this was once in the brink of collapse? That aside from the very small budget from where it started, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association pulled its accreditation from the zoo almost putting its humble beginning to an end?

birmingham-zooGood thing that with Mayor Richard Arrington’s coordination with some of the community leaders, a new set of board was established converting the zoo into a private non-profit organization. As of now, there are more than 800 animals permanently housed in the zoo. It also accommodated a string of travelling animals like koalas, bats and penguins. Its accreditation from AZA was also regained and in fact, Birmingham Zoo now is considered as one of the most renowned zoos of United States.

With this brighter horizon for the Birmingham Zoo, the plan to hold various new exhibits was designed. It includes the Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo which aims to educate children of domestic and foreign species. All kinds of animals from all over the 6 continents in the entire world are permanently sheltered in the zoo. Reptiles, mammals, birds and everything can be found at the Birmingham Zoo. There are also endangered species like the bald eagle of which maturing chicks will soon be freed in the wilderness since conservation and rehabilitation is one of the objectives of the zoo.

Another sight to behold is the Sea Lion feeding at 10:30 to 3:00 daily. Keep an eye at how these marine animals jump, dive, splash and dance. Have a stop at the educational show of the Zoo’s Alligator Keeper as he introduced you to all gators and reptiles around. Don’t you find it fun and exciting? Indeed, it is!

Take also the chance to drive by the 200-mile road to Harmony Park Wildlife Refuge where a number of wandering animals, from buffalos to llamas, are present in this open-range zoo. You will truly get awestruck with this spectacle!

The history of the foundation of the Birmingham Zoo is but one of a kind. From the point of closure because of insufficient financial resources, now it becomes one of the most visited attractions of Alabama. Despite all odds, the zoo’s programs always upswing year after year, from community works to conservation plans and educational programs as well. Support such an institution. See for yourself the awe-inspiring place of the Birmingham Zoo.

Enterprise Alabama Hotels

Enterprise, Alabama hotels, inns and suites are not that numerous compared to the number of hotels available in other places in Alabama. However, this scale does not affect the kind of service that the hotels in Enterprise can offer to visitors, travelers, businessmen, and vacationers.

The city of Enterprise is an ideal place to visit all year round. Here you can find the very famous Boll Weeivil monument that has a big significance in the city. Aside from that, the city is also the home of Verizon Wireless Bama Jam Music Festival where you can joy rocking with famous country singers and bands such as Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Alan Eugene Jackson and Randall Hank Williams Jr.

enterprise-alabama-hotelsThere are lots of shopping centers, restaurants, and theaters in the city of Enterprise. During stay there, you can visit all of these to taste some the delectable cuisines in the city and to have souvenirs. However, if you are planning to have a romantic vacation with your partner, surely the theaters will let you to have more memorable and precious moments with your love one.

Comfortable and stylish Enterprise, Alabama hotels will complete your vacation experience here where you can have full relaxing moments with your partner or family with soft pillows and warm master beds. Flat screen television, fast Internet connectivity and other modern amenities are also available in some hotels within the city. Here are some Enterprise, Alabama hotels, suites and inns that you can check:

  • Enterprise Inn and Suites – One of the most affordable hotels in the city where you can enjoy quality service. Very affordable hotel with a total of 100 rooms that are furnished with modern facilities and electronic lock system.
  • Comfort Inn Enterprise – It is located in 615 Boll Weevil Circle near the city’s theaters, shopping centers and restaurant, the starting price per room is very tourist friendly.
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel And Suites Enterprise – A note worthy hotel in the city that is very popular for its cool services and utmost hospitality. It is located in 9 North Pointe Boulevard with still has an affordable starting price.

Enterprise Alabama hotels and suites may be less in number compared to the total number of hotels in other city, however with modern facilities and remarkable services, your stay will surely be that memorable.

Grand Hotel Point Clear, Alabama

Grand hotel Point Clear, Alabama is just the place that you can depend on if you are searching for a place that can comfortably accommodate and provide you with satisfying services. And if you say grand hotel in Point Clear, Alabama, there are many hotels that really stand out. These hotels are definitely first class and luxurious which is perfect to your vacation, but there are also hotel that are rated with reasonable price.

Point Clear is one of the communities in Alabama that has lots to offer. From the wonderful sights, towering establishments, interesting places, and a lot more, this place is really filled with many interesting places that you can be with when you are in a vacation. There is one thing that is really needed for vacation aside from the interesting places and it is the hotels. There is one grand hotel Point Clear, Alabama and it is the Grand Marriott Hotel. This place signifies extreme luxuriousness and classiness. This is the hotel where you feel like you are one of the celebrities in a first-class hotel. The hotel is definitely big where it has eight tennis courts, many extravagantly designed rooms, two spacious golf courses, luxurious 20,000 sq ft. European-style spa, array of outstanding beaches, and astonishing pool complex. The services are also rendered with pleasure to satisfy the guest.

grand-hotels-in-Point-ClearAside from the grand hotels in Point Clear, there are also other hotels in this place that can be accommodated inexpensively. Compared with the grand hotel Point Clear, Alabama these hotels can be also a perfect place to stay for a vacation because the services and amenities here are also great which can satisfy your needs also. These hotels provide also safe and comfortable place to live in just like with the grand hotels. And these are also accessible to several interesting places in Point, Clear that are perfect to visit.

It is not important for you vacation to stay in expensive or affordable hotels, but what is important is that you enjoy your vacation. Grand hotel Point Clear, Alabama is somewhat the best from other hotels if you want to stay in the hotel where you will experience utmost classiness and luxuriousness.

Grandeur of Gulf Coast of Alabama

gulf-shore-alabamaNothing more beats the beauty that the Gulf Coast of Alabama has to offer. You will surely be allured to the splendid white sand beaches of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores and that you might come to realize how you almost want to find yourself staying forever in this place.

A lot of things await you at the Gulf Coast of Alabama. You will truly love to get a glimpse of the 2006 Alabama Tourism’s Director Award winner, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, wherein more than 300 animals are housed on this 16-acre zoo. This is a home for bears, tigers, lions and many other species of animals. Sight-seeing is truly fun and wonderful at the elevated viewing decks.

Mobile, Alabama is another precious city of the Gulf Coast of Alabama. Not everyone is aware that it is in Mobile and not in New Orleans that the very first American Mardi Gras was ever held. For over three centuries ago, the French armies brought the Mardi Gras tradition to America that is why those in Mobile are seriously taking this event. Of course, Mobile also homes the many popular museums like the Richard DAR House and the Oakleigh’s Historic Museum. A remarkable example of Italianate style, the DAR House is an 1860 antebellum townhouse found at 256 N. Joachim Street in Mobile. Its walled in garden, marbled mantles floating above the grand fireplaces and the cantilevered staircase are truly awesome and breathtaking! Actually, the Oakleigh’s Historic House Museum is a compilation of three different homes. One is the Oakleigh, a gorgeous Greek revival home that has been recognized as the official antebellum museum of Mobile.

Another is the Cox-Deasy located in the complex, is a Creole cottage believed to have been put up around 1850’s. Lastly is the Mardi Gras Cottage which is complete with furnishings collection of the 19th- and early 20th century. Don’t miss to go and see the 1908 built Battle House Hotel which has been reopened after its closure for about 25 years. You will truly admire the artfully and skilfully done hotel.

Do you simply love beaches with all its beautiful sunsets, bright sparkling waters and salt grain-like sands? All these are available at Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. If you just get enough of these beaches and wanted to stroll at some stores, try at Foley’s. An amazing 20-70% off on retail prices on over 100 outlet shops awaits you at the Tanger Outlet Stores found on the South McKenzie Street. You can surely have simple mementos of the place in your way back home.

Abound with many places to explore, beaches to swim, museums to visit and even outlet stores to shop, you can really say that spending a vacation at the Gulf Coast of Alabama is but just worth it. It is fun, exciting, educational and wonderful indeed!

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