The culture of life on the Gulf Coast is very unique and allows for many opportunities to discover marine life, ecology, and cultural traits of the local residents. This blog is for discussion on the diverse ecology and physical and cultural traits that are found only in this area. Please discuss your favorite things about this area and what makes it special.
When I think of the Gulf Coast, I think of Mobile as the heart of it. I love that Mobile is a small city with a hometown feel. Being the hometown of Mardi Gras is a great feat. It is a time for family. I think of Dauphin Island and its Sea Lab. Bienville Square is beautiful to stroll around downtown (with those mean squirrels). I love to partake in the ArtWalk which gives downtown Mobile a different ambience. Mobile's history is versatile with French, Spanish, and Indian heritage. I have not touched on the cuisine of the Gulf Coast. Fresh seafood! Baked goods with pecans. The Peanut Shop stands out in my mind. Another hometown staple is Pollman's Bakery Shop. The beautiful Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception holds a lot of history, as well as its indescribable beauty. As well as the African American Heritage Trail Tour, which takes you on a journey through Mobile's own black history. Strawberry Festival in Baldwin County with its delicious strawberries. The Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores is great. Operas at the historical Saengar Theatre. I can go to Orange Beach and feel like I'm in Orlando, FL with the calming blue and green water. The Gulf Coast is full of live music fests, Bayfest, The Wharf, and Soul Kitchen. Mobile has its Botanical Gardens and Bellingrath Gardens. The more I thought about it, there is a lot that is special about this area, I could keep writing.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin and Mobile Counties alone are incredibly diverse in regards to ecology and wildlife. Through Five Rivers Delta Safaris, I recently went on an eco-tour of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta where we kayaked to the state’s second largest tree, a centuries-old Cypress. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the area’s unique ecosystems and all their creatures, from ospreys to alligators. I also read in an E.O. Wilson article (possibly in Alabama Heritage magazine?) that Alabama is home to many rare species of pitcher plants, many of which are on view at the Weeks Bay and Splinter Hill pitcher plant bogs. Additionally, Dauphin Island attracts many visitors for its abundance in bird species.
ReplyDeleteAnna, I just drove by the Weeks Bay pitcher plant bog yesterday! I plan to go back when I have time to stop because pitcher plants are an endangered species and in my undergraduate school, we found a pitcher plant area in north Alabama and it has now been added to the list of endangered sites.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for the information and also for giving me some ideas of places to visit and take students for field trips!
Donna - this is an interesting topic! There are many things that come to mind about Mobile's unique environs, and the aspects of it that you mentioned. I think about the Dauphin Island area and the Sea Lab, as well as the wildlife and bird-watching that goes on there. It boggles my mind that a barrier island, Dauphin Island, has endured so many geographical rearrangements due to the gulf's natural changes, but also from hurricanes. I also think the Mardi Gras culture is unique - I knew nothing about this side of Mobile while growing up in Jackson, MS. All I knew about Mobile was crossing the bay way to get to the beaches! I had a lot to learn! In other words, I think Mobile's distinct blending of countries' cultures is fascinating, as are it's geographical curiosities, not to mention the whole Mardi Gras season is definitely unique. I don't know that I can pick one aspect as being more memorable than the other - they're all intriguing.
ReplyDeleteA. McCall
Abby, I am from northern Alabama and I had no idea what Mardi Gras was until we moved here. I have asked around and everyone loves and participates in it but few can tell me why. One thing I really love about this area is that there are so many different cultures all in close proximity to another but they all work so well together. You can see farmers, creoles, fishermen, etc. This area is a Geographer's paradise because of the multi-faceted cultures within.
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