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Posted: 7/17/2021 2:08:53 AM EDT
[#1]
Quoted: Hi Alabama HTF, The family is finally taking vacation and I am looking for some input..... We are driving from MKE to Louisville, KY to tour the Slugger Museum on day one. Then off to the Mammoth Caves before spending the next night in Birmingham (Hoover). Anything to see or do in Birmingham / Hoover area? From another thread it sounds like Hoover area should be ok to spend the night. From there we spend a week in Mobile in a condo. While there we are planning to see the Blue Angles practice in early August in Pensacola, tour the USS AL, see BAMA Stonehenge and hit some local restaurants from other threads here. Mobile: https://www.wintzellsoysterhouse.com/location/downtown-mobile/ Pensacola: https://www.mcguiresirishpub.com - or - https://m.facebook.com/CubsCrawfish850/ Wondering if there are any recommended places for fried catfish and hush puppies or fresh fish market / restaurant. When we visit Mayport / Jacksonville, FL there is a great local place on the water with great shrimp and scallops, looking for something similar along the gulf......or good local BBQ? Anything else we should not miss in Mobile or while driving through AL? Thanks for any insights You might want to hit the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville on your way back!! |
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Posted: 7/17/2021 7:26:13 AM EDT
[#2]
If you're into motorcycles, the Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham is awesome.
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Posted: 7/17/2021 9:09:51 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You might want to hit the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville on your way back!! That looks promising. I’ll run it by the boys |
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Posted: 7/17/2021 10:05:21 AM EDT
[#4]
Southern Museum of Flight in Bham
Dreamland BBQ for Ribs in Bham |
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Posted: 7/17/2021 10:35:31 AM EDT
[#5]
If you have time, the helicopter museum at Fort Rucker is a hidden gem.
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Posted: 7/17/2021 1:57:11 PM EDT
[#6]
Catfish House is Millbrook is GTG, between B”ham and Mobile.
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Posted: 7/17/2021 5:44:52 PM EDT
[#7]
With BBQ being subjective, I’ll add some local chains Saw’s, Full Moon, Jim N Nick’s, and Moe’s BBQ (not a local chain, but still good) to the list for bbq restaurants around the metro area. They all have multiple locations from Gardendale (north of Birmingham) through Alabaster and Pelham south of Hoover.
Hoover is fine to stay in, I would not stay at any of the 3 hotels immediately off of I-65 along Highway 31, I believe the exit is is the “Montgomery Highway” exit. Birmingham also has some good fish places with Hot and Hot or Fish Market (one location is in Hoover). I second Barber Motorsports Museum. It has the largest racing motorcycle collection in the world on display. |
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Posted: 7/17/2021 8:46:46 PM EDT
[#8]
Anything to see or do in Birmingham / Hoover area? Hoover Tactical rents Machine Guns.  If you go to the Galleria(largest shopping mall in Alabama) be aware that they have gun sniffing dogs. It's technically legal to carry in the mall(if you read the law as written) but the cops don't seem to care. The Hoover area along Hwy 31, around the Galleria and up Hwy 150 is loaded with Restaurants. Birmingham(the city of) to Bessemer is dangerous and not worth it unless you like to look at old architecture. Birmingham also has a Civil Rights museum and in my opinion the best museum in the State. There are four Jim 'N Nick's BBQs along your route, one above B'ham and one in B'ham, one below B'ham and one in Prattville(North of Montgomery). Jim 'N Nick's has the best muffins that I have ever tasted. Peach Park in Clanton(has a huge Peach Water Tower and north of Prattville) makes their own ice cream. There's a BassPro shop just north of Montgomery in Prattville and they have(last time I was there) a nice restaurant and Lots of interesting aquariums. If you need to eat, eat in Prattville and skip over Montgomery. Montgomery(Southern BLVD is not a place that you want to stop) is not much of a tourist trap. The road south of Montgomery is pretty lacking. Bates House of Turkey in Greenville is a great place to eat. Atmore has a prison and an Indian(feather) casino.  P.S. In case you didn't know, it's a Federal Crime to leave animals in your vehicle while you are at Mammoth Cave. They provide cages to keep animals in while you are in the park. Anything else we should not miss in Mobile or while driving through AL? Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island, Alvin's Island. P.S. No Alcohol or sex allowed on the beaches. 
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Posted: 7/17/2021 10:25:34 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Catfish House is Millbrook is GTG, between B”ham and Mobile. Smokehouse BBQ in Millbrook on Main St (AL Hwy 143) has decent BBQ. Locally-owned too. You can access Main St from Exit 181 or Exit 179 on I-65' it's just a couple of miles east and somewhat parallels the interstate. |
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Posted: 7/18/2021 10:19:41 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That looks promising. I’ll run it by the boys Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: You might want to hit the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville on your way back!! That looks promising. I’ll run it by the boys Any area's to avoid around Huntsville? We are going to stop there for the night and visit the center. |
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Posted: 7/18/2021 10:36:03 PM EDT
[#11]
Thanks for all of the idea's. I have added a few of the BBQ places, Catfish House for lunch as we drive down to Mobile and the Space and Rocked Center as a stop on the way home.
I guess we are not really staying in Mobile. We have staying at Caribe Resort in Orange Beach.....so I guess I have to look for places around there. |
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Posted: 7/19/2021 12:39:22 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks for all of the idea's. I have added a few of the BBQ places, Catfish House for lunch as we drive down to Mobile and the Space and Rocked Center as a stop on the way home. I guess we are not really staying in Mobile. We have staying at Caribe Resort in Orange Beach.....so I guess I have to look for places around there. IMO, Huntsville is the safest of the 4 major cities(Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville and Mobile, ordered largest to smallest). Birmingham(the city proper, along with Bessemer, Lipscomb and Brighton, all in the Birmingham metro are to be avoided). Montgomery(the capital) has really gone down and Mobile has it's bad spots.
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Posted: 7/19/2021 9:22:50 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: staying at Caribe Resort in Orange Beach.....so I guess I have to look for places around there. Desoto's Seafood Kitchen is a decent restaurant in Gulf Shores, adjacent to Orange Beach. Enjoy your stay. |
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Posted: 7/19/2021 12:43:24 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Desoto's Seafood Kitchen is a decent restaurant in Gulf Shores, adjacent to Orange Beach. Enjoy your stay. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: staying at Caribe Resort in Orange Beach.....so I guess I have to look for places around there. Desoto's Seafood Kitchen is a decent restaurant in Gulf Shores, adjacent to Orange Beach. Enjoy your stay. +1 for DeSoto's. We go there every time we go to Gulf Shores. |
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Posted: 7/19/2021 2:10:41 PM EDT
[#15]
Cobalt is damn good eating.
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Posted: 7/19/2021 7:04:28 PM EDT
[#16]
Check out docs seafood and the ruby slipper (breakfast) in orange beach.
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Posted: 7/19/2021 10:37:11 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Any area's to avoid around Huntsville? We are going to stop there for the night and visit the center. The area West of UAH is good. The run-down areas in my opinion are between the Eastern side of UAH and go to 231... I've only been here for a year do not take what I say as gospel. |
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Posted: 7/20/2021 8:00:07 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Any area's to avoid around Huntsville? We are going to stop there for the night and visit the center. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: You might want to hit the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville on your way back!! That looks promising. I’ll run it by the boys Any area's to avoid around Huntsville? We are going to stop there for the night and visit the center. Yeah. Avoid Larry's Pistol & Pawn unless you have a very tolerant wife.
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Posted: 7/21/2021 7:41:26 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yeah. Avoid Larry's Pistol & Pawn unless you have a very tolerant wife. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: You might want to hit the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville on your way back!! That looks promising. I'll run it by the boys Any area's to avoid around Huntsville? We are going to stop there for the night and visit the center. Yeah. Avoid Larry's Pistol & Pawn unless you have a very tolerant wife. Greenbrier Restaurant |
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Posted: 7/21/2021 6:23:43 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Southern Museum of Flight in Bham Dreamland BBQ for Ribs in Bham BOOOO Dreamland. It's a franchise now and while I can't speak to the one in the Ham the one in Huntsville is AWEFUL. If you go to Barbers do yourself a favor and go to Rustys BBQ in Leeds, just a couple miles down the road. The best IMHO! |
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Posted: 7/21/2021 6:25:56 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If you have time, the helicopter museum at Fort Rucker is a hidden gem. We were just talking about how awesome that place is. It's really amazing. And +1 for the Southern Museum of Flight. It really impressive. |
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Posted: 7/21/2021 7:30:55 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: BOOOO Dreamland. It's a franchise now and while I can't speak to the one in the Ham the one in Huntsville is AWEFUL. If you go to Barbers do yourself a favor and go to Rustys BBQ in Leeds, just a couple miles down the road. The best IMHO! Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Southern Museum of Flight in Bham Dreamland BBQ for Ribs in Bham BOOOO Dreamland. It's a franchise now and while I can't speak to the one in the Ham the one in Huntsville is AWEFUL. If you go to Barbers do yourself a favor and go to Rustys BBQ in Leeds, just a couple miles down the road. The best IMHO! Rusty’s makes some good barbecue. I second this suggestion. |
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Posted: 7/22/2021 11:04:34 PM EDT
[#23]
Thanks for the continued recommendations. It's end of little league baseball season so I don't get to check the inputs every day but I am taking notes.
Are there any other food items we should look for beyond BBQ, sea food and catfish? I am also onboard for the bread pudding and have seen that on a few restaurant menu's. In WI we have cheese curds, brauts and beer......and Friday fish fries, so it will be nice to have other options. |
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Posted: 7/23/2021 8:08:27 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks for the continued recommendations. It's end of little league baseball season so I don't get to check the inputs every day but I am taking notes. Are there any other food items we should look for beyond BBQ, sea food and catfish? I am also onboard for the bread pudding and have seen that on a few restaurant menu's. In WI we have cheese curds, brauts and beer......and Friday fish fries, so it will be nice to have other options. In Clanton, get some peach ice cream or other peach-based foods. Also, go to Priester’s for pecan-based snacks. Find an old hole in the wall or a diner for breakfast and get grits and real biscuits and gravy. Anybody know how Bogue’s in Birmingham has been lately? If not Bogue’s, how about Another Broken Egg or Over Easy? Also, you could search for 100 things to eat in Alabama before you die and get a lot of good suggestions and see if any of the foods you’re interested in are on your way. |
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Posted: 7/23/2021 1:18:29 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: In Clanton, get some peach ice cream or other peach-based foods. Also, go to Priester’s for pecan-based snacks. Find an old hole in the wall or a diner for breakfast and get grits and real biscuits and gravy. Anybody know how Bogue’s in Birmingham has been lately? If not Bogue’s, how about Another Broken Egg or Over Easy? Also, you could search for 100 things to eat in Alabama before you die and get a lot of good suggestions and see if any of the foods you’re interested in are on your way. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Thanks for the continued recommendations. It's end of little league baseball season so I don't get to check the inputs every day but I am taking notes. Are there any other food items we should look for beyond BBQ, sea food and catfish? I am also onboard for the bread pudding and have seen that on a few restaurant menu's. In WI we have cheese curds, brauts and beer......and Friday fish fries, so it will be nice to have other options. In Clanton, get some peach ice cream or other peach-based foods. Also, go to Priester’s for pecan-based snacks. Find an old hole in the wall or a diner for breakfast and get grits and real biscuits and gravy. Anybody know how Bogue’s in Birmingham has been lately? If not Bogue’s, how about Another Broken Egg or Over Easy? Also, you could search for 100 things to eat in Alabama before you die and get a lot of good suggestions and see if any of the foods you’re interested in are on your way. I just ate at over easy this morning. The heuvos rancheros and French toast are excellent. Also you guys are spot on with Rustys bbq. There is a reason why all of the Indy 500 people order from him when the race is in town. |
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Posted: 7/23/2021 5:45:11 PM EDT
[#26]
I'm also heading to Gulf Shores,the last week of August. Stopping in Gardendale on the way down. Then Best Western on the Beach. After Gulf Shores,heading to Vicksburg National Military Park,then home.
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Posted: 7/23/2021 6:13:07 PM EDT
[#27]
That’s near me, walk across the street to full moon when you stope in gdale.. Then go to papa rococo’s in gulf shores.
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Posted: 8/11/2021 8:57:21 PM EDT
[#28]
Made it to AL and are now about halfway done. Hope Fred does not stop by for a visit.
We started in Louisville and toured the Louisville Slugger Museum. The kids enjoyed the tour and the ‘free’ mini bat. We stayed near by and ate at “Mussel & Burger Bar” The food was pretty good. We then drove on to Cave City to spend the night and the next morning went to Mammoth Cave. They have several tours through the caves. We did the Historic tour. It takes ~ 2 hours and was a lot of fun. One boy was not looking forward to it, but came around and had fun. After the cave tour we moved on to Hoover and ate dinner at ‘Jim’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q”. The wife loved it and we bought a box with sauces and muffin mix. Thanks for the recommendation. The white sauce is awesome. We finally made it to Orange Beach. We toured Fort Morgan yesterday and saw the Blue Angles practice today. The practice was great. Right on the flight line and only about 100 people. Highly recommend it to anyone with an ID to get on base to experience the show. We then spent a few hours in the Air Museum. Even better than the SAC museum in NE from our last road trip a few years ago. We had our first dinner at a local chain, “Shrimp Basket” and it was decent for a quick dinner. Last night we ate at De Soto’s Seafood. Great place to for sea food. We have a few more days left. USS AL is next on the list and a few more local restaurants….wife wants to get a Bushwacker at Flora-Bama before we go……so maybe some drinking Sunday afternoon. I’ll post a final report when we are done. |
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Posted: 8/11/2021 9:51:33 PM EDT
[#29]
Glad y'all are having a blast, op.
Fun vacations have been a little scarce lately.  I think you'll really enjoy the USS Alabama park, there's a lot more than the ship to see. |
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Posted: 8/12/2021 8:30:21 AM EDT
[#30]
Very cool, travel safe.
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Posted: 8/12/2021 9:15:04 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks for all of the idea's. I have added a few of the BBQ places, Catfish House for lunch as we drive down to Mobile and the Space and Rocked Center as a stop on the way home. I guess we are not really staying in Mobile. We have staying at Caribe Resort in Orange Beach.....so I guess I have to look for places around there. Fish River Grill is pretty good (it's in OB I believe) as well as GT's on the Bay in OB. McGuire's Irish Pub in Pensacola is a nice place (go earlier than 5 if you can). |
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Posted: 8/12/2021 9:16:48 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm also heading to Gulf Shores,the last week of August. Stopping in Gardendale on the way down. Then Best Western on the Beach. After Gulf Shores,heading to Vicksburg National Military Park,then home. If you are into Civil War. You have Ft. Blakely and Ft. Morgan in South AL. |
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Posted: 8/12/2021 9:17:46 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Made it to AL and are now about halfway done. Hope Fred does not stop by for a visit. We started in Louisville and toured the Louisville Slugger Museum. The kids enjoyed the tour and the ‘free’ mini bat. We stayed near by and ate at “Mussel & Burger Bar” The food was pretty good. We then drove on to Cave City to spend the night and the next morning went to Mammoth Cave. They have several tours through the caves. We did the Historic tour. It takes ~ 2 hours and was a lot of fun. One boy was not looking forward to it, but came around and had fun. After the cave tour we moved on to Hoover and ate dinner at ‘Jim’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q”. The wife loved it and we bought a box with sauces and muffin mix. Thanks for the recommendation. The white sauce is awesome. We finally made it to Orange Beach. We toured Fort Morgan yesterday and saw the Blue Angles practice today. The practice was great. Right on the flight line and only about 100 people. Highly recommend it to anyone with an ID to get on base to experience the show. We then spent a few hours in the Air Museum. Even better than the SAC museum in NE from our last road trip a few years ago. We had our first dinner at a local chain, “Shrimp Basket” and it was decent for a quick dinner. Last night we ate at De Soto’s Seafood. Great place to for sea food. We have a few more days left. USS AL is next on the list and a few more local restaurants….wife wants to get a Bushwacker at Flora-Bama before we go……so maybe some drinking Sunday afternoon. I’ll post a final report when we are done. I pass the Big A everyday going to work. |
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Posted: 8/12/2021 6:00:30 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If you are into Civil War. You have Ft. Blakely and Ft. Morgan in South AL. Made a stop at Ft Blakely 2 years ago on our way to the Panhandle. Planning on Ft Morgan this time. Did the USS Alabama and Pensacola Naval Air Museum then too. Got a dolphin tour out of Orange Beach booked. |
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Posted: 8/12/2021 7:24:57 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: BOOOO Dreamland. It's a franchise now and while I can't speak to the one in the Ham the one in Huntsville is AWEFUL. If you go to Barbers do yourself a favor and go to Rustys BBQ in Leeds, just a couple miles down the road. The best IMHO! The BHAM restaurant is the best one. |
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Posted: 8/12/2021 7:52:37 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Made a stop at Ft Blakely 2 years ago on our way to the Panhandle. Planning on Ft Morgan this time. Did the USS Alabama and Pensacola Naval Air Museum then too. Got a dolphin tour out of Orange Beach booked. That's got to be a place out of the Wharf. If it is, that is a classic shopping stop that has come good places to shop for visitors. |
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Posted: 8/18/2021 5:44:13 PM EDT
[#37]
One more question-How are the CCW rules in the area? I have an Illinois CCW license which is recognized by Alabama.
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Posted: 8/19/2021 1:21:10 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: One more question-How are the CCW rules in the area? I have an Illinois CCW license which is recognized by Alabama. AL (and TN) recognize all other states CCWs regardless of reciprocity. What other questions do you have? |
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Posted: 8/19/2021 2:14:02 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: AL (and TN) recognize all other states CCWs regardless of reciprocity. What other questions do you have? Can you carry on the beach? In bars/restaurants? |
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Posted: 8/19/2021 5:56:21 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Can you carry on the beach? In bars/restaurants? If there is reciprocity, you can carry any place "legally" that is not posted "no guns". |
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Posted: 8/19/2021 9:41:33 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Can you carry on the beach? In bars/restaurants? @Bama-Shooter for better information...... |
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Posted: 8/19/2021 9:47:55 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Can you carry on the beach? In bars/restaurants? Yes. With a permit. Private places can ban weapons. |
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Posted: 8/20/2021 10:30:30 PM EDT
[#43]
So, op, aar?
Really hope y'all enjoyed it. |
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Posted: 8/21/2021 2:48:29 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Made it to AL and are now about halfway done. Hope Fred does not stop by for a visit. We started in Louisville and toured the Louisville Slugger Museum. The kids enjoyed the tour and the ‘free’ mini bat. We stayed near by and ate at “Mussel & Burger Bar” The food was pretty good. We then drove on to Cave City to spend the night and the next morning went to Mammoth Cave. They have several tours through the caves. We did the Historic tour. It takes ~ 2 hours and was a lot of fun. One boy was not looking forward to it, but came around and had fun. After the cave tour we moved on to Hoover and ate dinner at ‘Jim’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q”. The wife loved it and we bought a box with sauces and muffin mix. Thanks for the recommendation. The white sauce is awesome. We finally made it to Orange Beach. We toured Fort Morgan yesterday and saw the Blue Angles practice today. The practice was great. Right on the flight line and only about 100 people. Highly recommend it to anyone with an ID to get on base to experience the show. We then spent a few hours in the Air Museum. Even better than the SAC museum in NE from our last road trip a few years ago. We had our first dinner at a local chain, “Shrimp Basket” and it was decent for a quick dinner. Last night we ate at De Soto’s Seafood. Great place to for sea food. We have a few more days left. USS AL is next on the list and a few more local restaurants….wife wants to get a Bushwacker at Flora-Bama before we go……so maybe some drinking Sunday afternoon. I’ll post a final report when we are done. To continue on from above…..we toured the USS Alabama. The tour is pretty nice. We toured the USS Missouri in HI a few years ago and the AL allows tours into more spaces (Engine room and bottom of the turret) and has much better information on the ship. The sub tour was interesting as it is the first diesel boat I have seen up close out of the water. It was a little sad to see the A-12 just sitting outside with no real display. It pales in comparison to the SR-71 at the SAC museum. Overall still worth the time. On the drive ack we stopped at Buckee’s. Quite the truck / travel stop…..a little Wal-Marty, but still ok. We don’t have them in the Mid-west. We grabbed some brisket sandwiches, some fresh made potato chips and drinks for dinner. The next few days were pool and beach time. Not really my cup of tea, but the family enjoys it. Food wise, we ate at Flora-Bama (basically bar food) and breakfast at Ruby Slippers. The breakfast was great and as we were leaving the wait was well over an hour…… Our last adventure was watching Fred and seeing what happened as we left on Monday. Thankfully it slowed and we did not have any issues on the way home. We decided against the Space and Rocket Center as a stop on the way home. Kids were ready for their own beds and it leaves us something for next time. We would definitely like to go again. The Caribe resort was nice but a little busy at times. We will see if we can find a place that still has pools, lazy river, etc, but not quite as many buildings and people if that is possible. |
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Posted: 8/21/2021 8:28:09 PM EDT
[#45]
Outstanding, glad you enjoyed visiting our state.
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