Summer Vacation in Sweet Home Alabama

Summer Vacation in Sweet Home Alabama

Now is the time to discuss places to go on your summer vacations. I think that some of the best destinations in the world are right here in our great country, America. So starting with Alabama and ending with Wyoming, I will choose one or two cities in each state to highlight and it may not always be the most popular city. If this is the year decided to skip a vacation perhaps when I get to your state I can provide you with information for a wonderful staycation.

Mobile Bay Secretly Awesome that situated along the vibrant shoreline of Mobile Bay on the Gulf Coast, our climate is as inviting as our people. We have the country's oldest Mardi Gras celebration, beautiful waterways, fresh seafood and so much more. Founded in 1702, Mobile offers a unique Southern experience you won't find anywhere else. Maybe that's why it's taken so long for the word to get out.

Mobile

Founded in 1702 as the original capital of the Louisiana Territory and nestled along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, few American cities boast a history as rich as Mobile's. The birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, the area’s sheer beauty, modern architecture, amazing museums and famous seafood continues to impress visitors and locals alike.

What To See & Do

A-Team Fishing Adventures

Outdoor Recreation Site

Inshore charter fishing with Captain Bobby Abruscato,  Joey Abruscato and Chip Deupree.

Admiral Raphael Semmes House

Historic Site

Raphael Semmes became Captain of the CSS, capturing 65 union vessels worth more than $6 million, until it was sunk on June 2, 1864.

African-American Archive & Museum of Mobile

Museum

Portraits and biographies. Carvings, artifacts, books, documents. History of Colored Carnival, military memorabilia, Hank Aaron Fan Club, African-American participation in Mobile Mardi Gras. Audio/video histories.

African-American Heritage Trail

Historic Site

Mobile's African-American Heritage Trail reveals stories of courage and contributions made by unsung heroes from city's ethnically diverse past.

Azalea City Golf Course

Golf Course

Beautiful, forgiving course overlooking lakes at Municipal Park. Owned and operated by City of Mobile.

BellSouth Pioneers Living Memorial Park

Historic Site

Park honors military veterans. Planted with 67 live oak trees (one for each county) in the shape of Alabama, with sidewalks running like rivers through the park.

Big Zion AME Zion Church

Historic Site

Church organized 1842, now one of oldest African-American institutions in Mobile. Originally named Little Zion, but after extensive remodeling in 1896, renamed Big Zion.

Bragg-Mitchell Mansion

Historic Site

Built 1855. Canopied by century-old oaks, furnished with fine antiques and crystal chandeliers. Rare glimpse of life in Old South. Available for rental.

Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Historic Site

1828 First Church building on present site. 1829 Diocese of Mobile formally established with Michael Portier as First Bishop of Mobile..

Cathedral Square Gallery

Collectible

One of the largest selections of art on the Gulf Coast featuring 70 regional artists, all media and price ranges. Buses welcome.

Cathedral of Immaculate Conception

Historic Site

1850. Oldest religious congregation in the Alabama. Architectural masterpiece encompassing basilica design, German stained-glass windows, and magnificent baldacchino-covered altar. Burial site of Mobile's bishops.

Christ Church Cathedral

Historic Site

Site of Alabama's oldest Protestant church. Tiffany stained-glass windows.

Conde-Charlotte Museum House

Museum

Museum furnished with period antiques to reflect Mobile's history under five flags: French, English, Spanish, American and Confederacy. Also includes Spanish Courtyard and kitchen.

Crescent Theater

Historic Site

Located in the heart of downtown's entertainment district, the renovated art house theater is home to the city's "fine purveyors of independent film."

Deupree Outdoor Guide Service

Outdoor Recreation Site

In-shore saltwater charter fishing along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Target game fish such as redfish and sea trout with light tackle.

Ezell House

Historic Site

Historic home with sculptures, furniture, and paintings dating back to 1866. Bas-relief busts of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson embellish archway. Available for weddings and other events.

Fort Conde Museum

Outdoor Recreation Site

One-third replica of the original Colonial brick French fort. Limited access during repairs.

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and IMAX Dome Theater

Science Center

One of Mobile;s #1 family attractions. Play with hundreds of hands-on science exhibits and interactive virtual reality games. Larger-than-life IMAX films, new exhibits and traveling exhibitions.

GulfQuest National Maritme Museum of the Gulf of Mexico

Museum

Opening in 2013, GulfQuest will provide hands-on exhibits designed to inspire visitors to understand and appreciate the maritime heritage of the Gulf of Mexico.

Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum

Museum

Museum honors life and career of Mobile's own Hank Aaron. It features artifacts and memorabilia from his historic baseball career and showcases the Aarons' family life in Mobile.

Historic Magnolia Cemetery

Historic Site

One of the largest and oldest Victorian cemeteries in southeastern United States. A masterpiece of Victorian history and funerary art.

History Museum of Mobile, The

Museum

Built 1857. Once known as Southern Market/Old City Hall, a National Historic Landmark where visitors discover history of Mobile.

Laura Kay's Nursery

Home And Garden

All types of giftware, fresh flowers, huge selection of seasonal plants, including variety of native Mobile species, acres of trees, including great selection of Christmas trees.

Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art--University of South Alabama Library

Museum

A variety of exhibits displayed throughout the year featuring paintings, photography, quilts, basketry and book arts. Gallery located on third floor of the USA Library.

Mobile BayBears

Sports Arena

Class AA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball organization. Located at Hank Aaron Stadium.

Mobile Botanical Gardens

Botanical Garden

100-acre site with azaleas, camellias, herbs, native plants, nature trails and longleaf pine forest. Education programs, plant sales. Docent tours by appt.

Mobile Carnival Museum

Museum

Experience carnival in Mobile, the birthplace of Mardi Gras. View robes, crowns, and sceptors. Enjoy interactive displays; board a float. Kids area and gift shop.

Mobile Medical Museum

Museum

Extensive collection of instruments, equipment, photographs, teaching materials and authentic letters which portray medical practice from the early 1700s and medical education since the 1800s.

Mobile Municipal Archives

Museum

Houses official non-current records of City of Mobile from 1814 to present day, as well as historical artwork, paintings and statues.

Mobile Museum of Art

Museum

Art museum in Langan Park. Permanent fine arts and crafts collection covering 2000 years of cultural history. Blockbuster and traveling exhibitions, theater, interactive gallery.

Mobile Opera

Historic Site

Alabama's oldest Performing Arts Organization, founded in 1946. Located in the designated Downtown Arts District, the Josephine Larkins Music Center.

Morrison's Nursery & Garden Center Inc.

Home And Garden

Located in West Mobile, Morrison's has supplied gardeners for many years with plants needed to complete a small flower bed or a complete landscaping project. Begun in the early 1950's the center offers azaleas, camellias, lilies, trees, bedding plants and more.

Oakleigh Historic Complex

Museum

Three museums: Oakleigh, a beautiful Greek Revival home, is Mobile's official antebellum museum; Cox-Deasy, cir. 1850 Gulf Coast cottage; Cook's House, cir. 1850.

Phoenix Fire Museum

Museum

Restored 1859 fire house, once home to Phoenix Fire Company. Collection of steamers and fire engines from 19th century inspire imagination in everyone.

Richards-DAR House Museum

Historic Site

1860 antebellum townhouse. Highlights include Cornelius chandeliers, Carrara marble mantles, cantilevered staircase, period furniture, walled-in garden. Gift shop. Complimentary tea and cookies served.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Magnolia Grove

Golf Course

Three courses: one 18-hole par 3 (voted Top 10 in country by Golf Digest), 2 championship courses - home to the Bell Micro LPGA Classic.

Saenger Theatre

Historic Site

1,921-seat theater built in 1927. Former vaudeville and movie palace, now grand theater. Hosts national and international performers, Broadway musicals, orchestras, concerts, more.

Spring Hill College Golf Course

Golf Course

Recent renovations have upgraded every aspect of this course.

Sunshine Canoes

Outdoor Recreation Site

Half-day, full-day trips or up to five-day trips on the beautiful Escatawpa River. Guided trips by canoe and kayak into Mobile-Tensaw River delta.

The Portier House

Historic Site

1834 home of first Catholic Bishop of Mobile; and Father Abram Ryan, Poet Priest. Tours and gift shop.

Three Georges/Nuthouse

Historic Site

In business 80 years. Visit candy and gift company, pecan factory/bakery or retail shop in Mobile.

USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

Historic Site

Mighty battleship, Mach 3 A-12 Blackbird, B-52 stratofortress Calamity Jane, submarine USS DRUM, an original plane that was used by the Tuskegee Airmen, plus 22 other aircraft, weaponry from all military branches. 2 National Historic Landmarks.

Wintzell's Oyster House

Historic Site

Mobile's oldest restaurant at its original location, founded 1938 as a 6-stool oyster bar. Thousands of humorous signs and historical memorabilia. Tours upon request.

Research Sites      http://alabama.travel/places-to-go/mobile

                               http:/www.mobile.org/

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

^{SECRETS OF FLYING SMART}

^{MAKING YOUR SAFE TRIP EVEN SAFER}

   When you fly on the commercial airlines of the United States, you are flying on the safest, most efficient form of   transportation. When the rare accident does occur, more and more people survive due to advances in aircraft manufacturing and design, air traffic control technology, emergency planning, and cabin safety.

 Aviation manufacturers, air carriers, and the Federal Aviation Administration are proud of their contributions to aviation’s impressive safety record.  You, the air traveler, play a very important role in aviation safety.  You can take responsibility for your own safety. 

• Listen To The Safety Briefing
• Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened
• Wear Sensible Clothing 
• Acceptable ID

 Fly Smart.  Be responsible for your safety and make your safe trip even safer.

 

LISTEN TO THE SAFETY BRIEFING

 Fly Smart travelers always listen to the safety briefing, because they know that every aircraft is different.  The following are some tips to ensure that you are familiar with the aircraft you are on:

1)     Take the passenger safety card out of the seat pocket and follow along while you listen to the safety briefing.  Always take a moment to review the card before subsequent takeoffs and landings.

2)     One of the best things you can do to be prepared is to mentally plan the actions you would need to take in an emergency.  As part of this plan, count seat rows between you and at least two exits.

3)     If you have any questions about the safety procedures, ask the flight attendant.  Flight attendants are professionals; they know about the safety procedures of the aircraft.

 FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT

 Of all the safety features aboard the aircraft, one of the most important is right at your fingertips, “Your Seat Belt.”  In a recent study, nearly 300 turbulence-related serious injuries to passengers were reported over a 10-year period.  None of the injured had their seat belts fastened.  To prevent turbulence-related injuries, Fly Smart travelers should always:

• Keep their seat belt fastened at all times.
• Make sure their seat belt is secured snugly and low across the hips.

WEAR SENSIBLE CLOTHING

For ease of movement and protection in the unlikely event of an evacuation, Fly Smart travelers should follow these guidelines:

• Wear clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, denim and leather.  They offer the best protection.  Synthetics may melt when they are heated.
• Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement.  Avoid restrictive clothing.
• Wear low heeled shoes or boots that are easy to slip on and off at checkpoints.
• Arms and legs should be as fully covered as possible. (Long sleeves/pants are recommended.) 

Acceptable ID

Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight.

Acceptable IDs include:

·        U.S. passport

·        U.S. passport card

·        U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)

·        Permanent Resident Card

·        Border Crossing Card

·        Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)

Prohibited Items

For the safety and security of the traveling public, TSA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and/or airlines have prohibited certain items from being brought onto airplanes in carry-on and/or checked bags. To help you plan ahead and avoid the potential of additional screening, be sure to check Transportation Security Administration.

 

 



More Starwood Hotels Information

I am going to continue talking about the Starwood Hotel and Resorts, this will be the last post about the Starwood collection.

Starwood uses the phrase, “For a better you” and personal, instinctive and renewal to describe the Westin Hotels and Resorts. The Westin has over 180 locations worldwide. According to the website the hotel offers:

Sleep Well- the Heavenly Bed designed to promote superior slumber has crisp, white, 250–thread count sheets to the down duvets, 5 plush pillows and custom pillow-top mattresses.

Eat Well- SuperFoodsRx dishes packed with nutrients and energy that are antioxidant rich and naturally low in calories.

Move Well- a world-class fitness studios, that has a gear lending program with New Balance and local running maps that will help keep you moving.

Play Well- located at all Westin resorts an on-site Kids Club Discovery Room is the hub of activity for kids ages 4–12. Each child receives a Discovery Pack filled with everything they need to explore that destination. Children will go home with memories they can’t make anywhere else. I think this is the best feature of the Westin Hotels.

I feel I have saved the best for last, stated on the site as;

 “An Industry Innovation Inspired by Westin Hotels & Resorts, Element Hotels promotes balance through flowing, multi-purpose spaces. Influenced by nature, the smart, environmentally-friendly design maximizes space and enables you to use each area in multiple ways. The philosophy is for you to achieve a sense of balance particularly while traveling for extended periods. By stimulating the senses and soothing the spirit, Element helps you relax and refresh, so you can get back to your best self. The Element Hotels guest rooms reflect the smart design of urban residences to provide maximum space and flexibility. Each studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom is specifically designed for ease of use. The flowing layout and multi-functional furniture allows you to customize the space to match your personal needs whether more workspace or a place to enjoy a meal with others”.

So when you are choosing a hotel consider the Starwood Hotel and Resort and start booking today.

W Hotels and Aloft

The Starwood Hotels and Resorts portray the W Hotels as flirty, insider, escape and “The insider’s access to a world of wow.” The W Hotels opened in New York in 1999 and have over 60 locations worldwide. You can escape to where design, music and fashion set the stage for an extraordinary experience.
  

According to the web site,  “From the moment of arrival, guests are invited into surprising, sensory environments where amplified entertainment, vibrant lounges, modern guestrooms and innovative cocktails and cuisine create more than just a hotel experience, but a luxury lifestyle destination. Each hotel and resort is uniquely inspired by its destination, mixing cutting-edge design with local influences and creating a place to play or work by day or to mix and mingle in high-energy spaces by night. So, while every hotel is unmistakably a W hotel, each has its own personality that is brought to life by our collaborators who are always on the cusp of what's new and next in design, music and fashion.” 

 

While W Hotels are promoted as luxury lifestyle destinations, their sister hotel Aloft are depicted as, “Urban cool in unexpected places expect sassy, savvy space. Aloft is style at a steal.” The hotel features loft design, platform beds, 9 foot ceilings, plug and play docking stations, and free wifi.  Re:mix is the lounge where guest can meet, mix and mingle, Re:fuel is the 24 hour snack bar and Re:charge the 24 hour fitness center offer a splash pool.

Starwood states, “For the traveler open to possibilities, Aloft Hotels is a modern, fresh, and fun destination. Aloft is a hotel that celebrates the individual and gives you freedom to control and customize your travel adventure to fit your personal style. It is a place where walls have been knocked down to create a space that is open in design and open to possibilities. A place where energy flows, personalities mingle, and opportunities abound. A place where anything can happen around the globe.  Aloft hotels are always popping up in the most unexpected places, lighting cities all over the world with a social spark. Each Aloft hotel is ultra unique, but all share a sense of excitement that leaves guests amazed and abuzz.  

 Check out Aloft Hotels - - and rise and shine to a better tomorrow! That's because for every day you pay the regular rate, the next night is 40% off, now through December 31, 2013. Stay 2 nights or more and just breeze into a participating Aloft hotel on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

Welcome to my Blog

I am a home based travel agent and I have been doing outside sales for a host agency for the past 12 years. I work with an agency that has a large presence in cyberspace and accommodates my needs as an outside sales agent.  I am a CTA (Certified Travel Associate). I became a member of CLIA and I have my ACC (Accredited Cruise Counselor) and my MCC (Master Cruise Counselor) certificates. My niche is planning cruises for groups; family reunions, weddings, anniversaries, celebrations or fundraising for organizations.

Now, that is enough about me let’s talk about my blog, “Why Clay Travels”. Because I am curious and have a love of learning I have acquired many credentials and certificates during the past twelve years. I will be sharing with you information about the many fascinating destinations, cruises, hotels, resorts, tours or other tidbits I find interesting about travel.

I have found that when I talk to people about travel, they seem to feel they have to plan a huge expensive vacation; nothing could be further from the truth. A vacation can just be a break from the daily routine, a weekend escape visiting a hotel for a Friday and Saturday night. I am working on a certificate from the Starwood Hotels and Resorts a company that includes the Sheraton Hotels among their nine different brands of hotels. As I studied the different brands of hotels I was amazed how each brand was uniquely different and how as a group they addressed all interest. I will tell you a little about the different brands over the next week as I post.

Today I will share with you information on the Sheraton Hotels, they have 400 properties located in over 100 countries. The hotel is described as, “The world’s gathering place that is warm, comforting and connecting”.  According to the website, the Sheraton has the Sweet Sleeper Bed, it is found in each of the guest rooms and is comprised of luxurious sheets, a deluxe duvet, a selection of feather down and hypoallergenic pillows, and a custom mattress.  Okay, that alone sounds like a great get away for any couple and if you decide the family needs to get away the Sheraton Hotels have over 60 resorts with  22 resorts located in North America.