best of mobile, The

Southern Living, Oct 2002 by Latham, Tanner C

Enjoy all the city has to offer between rounds at Magnolia Grove.

You've seen the best of the LPGA-now see the best of Mobile. As a bonus you are the lucky guest at a tricentennial birthday party the city's been celebrating all year long. Here are a few of our suggestions for where to go and what to do outside of the tournament.

Dining on Dauphin

Dauphin Street cuts right through the heart of downtown and hosts some of the area's premium restaurants. Cafe 615 is a chic spot where you'll find many of Mobile's up-and-comers sipping martinis. The menu varies, so check the blackboard for their specials ($20-$25 for entrees).

Another favorite is next door. Wintzell's Oyster House, a Mobile landmark, is basic oyster dining. Slurp down a few on the half shell ($6.95 per dozen). The walls are decorated with signs and sayings, most by the late founder, J. Oliver Wintzell.

Start and Shop

Spring Hill College students frequent Carpe Diem Coffee &Tea Company (just across from campus on Old Shell Road), and we encourage you to stop by for breakfast. They roast all their coffees on-site. What a great way to start the day

A fun place to shop on Old Shell is Ashland Gallery, a converted service station that houses an art gallery and frame shop. Light shines through the many windows on the exposed brick walls and provides a comfortable setting to peruse gifts and artwork.

We also like etc! on Airport Boulevard. Self-dubbed a "gift emporium," this store has a clean, sophisticated look. The items are expensive looking, but they aren't expensively priced. Another good stop is Antiques at the Loop, which specializes in outdoor furniture and accessories.

Strolling Through a Special Park

One of the city's secret treasures is a beautiful bronze sculpture park on Springhill Avenue. Adjacent to the University of South Alabama's Children's and Women's Hospital, Children's Park was initially designed by the hospital as a respite for their patients and families. The park is now a popular destination for locals. The 35 sculptures depict lifelike children and animals running and playing and just living their lives. The realistic details and expressions are stunning. You'll find the park a real treat to visit.

So enjoy your time in Mobile, and see as much as you can when you're here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the Mobile Convention and Visitors Corporation, 1 South Water Street, Mobile, AL 36602; 1-800-566-2453 or www.mobile.org.

Lodging: Radisson Admiral Seemes Hotel, (251) 432-8000; Malaga Inn, (251) 438-4701; Adam's Mark Hotel, (251) 438-4000.