MoonPies, Mardi Gras and Much More

Mardi Gras on Dauphin Island

MOONPIE OVER MOBILE: Ring in 2018

Forget about the other been-there, seen-that ball drops and join more than 50,000 revelers New Year’s Eve in downtown Mobile. The New Year’s Eve MoonPie Drop is like having the best annual celebrations all wrapped up in one. It is as colorful and jubilant as Mardi Gras, as festive as the 4th of July and full of giddy anticipation like Christmas Eve. READ MORE

MoonPie over Mobile

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL:  Dauphin Island Starts the Party

While the rest of the country is taking down their Christmas decorations, here in Coastal Alabama we just adjust the color scheme and get ready for Mardi Gras! And the first to kick off the party are two parades on Dauphin Island. On Saturday, January 13, the Krewe de la Dauphine takes to the streets, followed on Saturday, January 20 by the Dauphin Island People’s Parade.

Mardi Gras on Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island parades offer a slower pace for families. Photo from Facebook.com/visitSOMO

The parade pace is just what you’d expect on the island. It’s slower and more laid back, making it ideal for families. Here the float riders toss treats to the crowd, often leaning over to meet an outstretched hand.

Even though the vibe is relaxed, you don’t want to wait to make the drive. Traffic backs up across the bridge as crowds make the trek to get their first beads of the season. Get the full details on all parades here.

REGIONAL VIEW: Mardi Gras Revelry

Mardi Gras in Coastal Alabama is so much more than a series of parades and balls. It is a source of the originality and spirit of the people of our region. Join us as we celebrate on land and on water. Catch a few beads and MoonPies with a few thousands of your coastal friends. READ MORE

Mardi Gras in Mobile
Mobile’s nighttime parades are extra awesome. Photo from Facebook: Mobile Mardi Gras
Facebook.com/Mobile-Mardi-Gras-300791515836

 

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ELFIE SELFIE

On the Eastern Shore, shopping local now comes with a little bit of Christmas magic. The “Eastern Shore Elf” is visiting a different Eastern Shore retailer each day, offering customers great deals and chances to win prizes.

Eastern Shore Elf
Where is the Eastern Shore Elf headed next?

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce will feature where the “Eastern Shore Elf” is each day on their social media sites, and let shoppers know where they can find him. Stores are offering great discounts and promotions while he’s there.

“It’s going to be exciting to see where he shows up each day and just like with the ‘Elf on the Shelf’ holiday tradition, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets into a little mischief,” said Eastern Shore Chamber President Casey Williams.

Each night the Eastern Shore Elf will leave a little clue on the Chamber’s Facebook page where he’s headed next. The first to guess where he’s going will win a prize from that shop.

Shoppers can also win an amazing gift basket worth more than $500, just by sharing their selfie with the elfie in the comments of the daily Elf Post on the Chamber’s Facebook page. The gift basket is overflowing with prizes from each participating retailer and the winner will be announced December 27 on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

“This is a fun way to get shoppers engaged with our local stores and we hope they’ll find a new favorite place to shop. It gives us an opportunity to truly highlight each of these locations and all the great gift ideas available locally,” said Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Communications Director Denise Curtis.

The Eastern Shore Elf’s visit runs from Black Friday till Christmas Eve. To keep track of him, follow the “Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce” on Facebook, @eschamber on Twitter, or @easternshorecc on Instagram. Also look for the hashtag #EasternShoreElf.

GRAND BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Life is in transition in the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge where fresh water and salt water merge to form a truly unique ecosystem. Explore this South Mobile County gem and gain appreciation for its special role in our region. LEARN MORE

Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Photo- Gretchen Grammer
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Photo- Gretchen Grammer

PERDIDO VINEYARDS

From farm to bottle. That’s the delicious way of life at Perdido Vineyards in Perdido, Alabama. Here you can discover sweet muscadine wine, wine vinegars and hot sauces. LEARN MORE

Sweet and spicy treats from Perdido Vineyards. Photo from North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce
Sweet and spicy treats from Perdido Vineyards. Photo from North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce

 

BEACH ART

The breeze from the Gulf inspires artists in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to create stunning works. Find them at The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance in Gulf Shores and other locations. LEARN MORE

Discover amazing local artists in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Photo from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism.
Discover amazing local artists in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Photo from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism.

 

HOLMES MEDICAL MUSEUM

A visit to the Holmes Medical Museum in Foley will give you a deeper appreciation for today’s modern medical facilities. Displays include surgical instruments, operating room machinery and a human skeleton. LEARN MORE

Holmes Medical Museum. Photo from Visit Foley.
Holmes Medical Museum. Photo from Visit Foley.

 

BOWL TIME IN MOBILE

Appalachian State And Toledo will face off in the 2017 Dollar General Bowl on December 23. Then on January 27, tomorrow’s NFL stars take the field for the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Cheer from the stands at Ladd-Peebles Stadium as we celebrate these bowl games.

The Dollar General Bowl and Reese's Senior Bowl bring gridiron action to Mobile.
The Dollar General Bowl and Reese’s Senior Bowl bring gridiron action to Mobile.

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