Gulf Coast Activities for Summer 2007

Mobile and the Gulf Shores area is really a lot like New Orleans, though most people don't realize it. Mobile was highly Catholic in the past and many of the festivals are continuations of old Catholic traditions, like Mardi Gras. But Mobile is a neat place to visit in the summer. There is always boating and fishing, and a short trip to nearby Gulf Shores will provide a weekend of sunbathing and swimming in the blue waters of the Gulf on glistening beaches to the southeast of the city.

http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/
The Fiesta of Five Flags has become one more reason for fun-loving Gulf Coast area residents to celebrate. This particular event is a celebration of the whole history of Pensacola and the coastal area around it. No, it is not the Gulf Shores area, but it's just a short drive to this celebration and it's worth a couple of hour's drive for people who are staying at Gulf Shores. Highlighted are the contributions of the countries that enriched the area with their cultures.
May 31 - June 10, 2007.

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center presents Pompeii
Date: 1/12/2007 - 6/3/2007
This would be a very interesting visit. The Center is very popular with locals and it puts on some fine exhibits every year. This one is fascinating, since Pompeii was itself a city wedded to the water. Much of its culture was focused on it watery location. The museum has set up full scale frescoes and hundreds of authentic objects from the area. Visitors or locals can catch the tail end of this exhibition at the beginning of this summer. Call 251-208-6879 for further information or consult the web site: http://www.exploreum.net/
This museum is just fascinating. I love science museums and visit all and any wherever I am. But Exploreum is really state of the art. It has an IMAX theater and a hands-on room for everyone. It's been voted the #1 attraction on the Alabama Gulf Coast. This year's IMAX is putting on "Greece, the Secrets of the Past." People who have never seen an IMAX show before, get ready. They're spectacular.
The Exploreum
65 Government Street
Mobile, AL (at the corner of Water and Government Streets, Exit 26B,Interstate 10)

http://www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com/
From June 15-June 17, in the Foley Soccer Field, the annual Gulf Coast Hot Air balloon Festival would be a great way to pass a weekend. There will be motorcycle poker, balloon rides (tethered for the public) and competitions, give-aways, arts and crafts and a Children's Village, plus live music. This is just a great outdoor coastal celebration with the balloon events as a focal feature. It lasts from morning till evening at 10:00 p.m. Fri., Sat. and Sun. Be aware that weather can cause cancellation of some of the events, though. Call them if more information is needed or consult their web site. Phone 251-943-3291.

Gulf Shores will also have a candlelight tour of Fort Morgan on 51 Hwy 180 West in Gulf Shores. The old civil War fort is a fascinating place and to tour it by candlelight should be really fun. I've only seen it in the daytime. These candlelight tours will be from 7-8 p.m. on June 19, and June 26. They will cost $5 for adults and $3 for children 6-12 yrs. old. Guides tell tales about the Fort's part in the Civil War as the visitors wander through the narrow stone halls and up the steps.

Orange Beach is a place to visit for the Mudbugs and Music Crawfish Boil this summer. It takes place June 2, and there will be lots of live music by local bands
It's going to be at the Orange Beach Sportsplex and there's a $15 entrance fee. Drink tickets will be $2.00, which is a real bargain. This is a whole day affair from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. It's just good, healthy entertainment for the entire family. They'll have lots of crawfish with drinks and activities for children.