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BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON February 21, 2017

Mardi Gras Revelry in Mobile, Alabama!

All Aboard for Mobile’s Magical Mardi Gras Tour!

Where better to celebrate the fun and festivities of Mardi Gras than in the city that claims its rightful birthplace in the United States? If you’re guessing New Orleans, cher, guess again. We’re in Mobile, Alabama, “The Little Easy,” where moon pies, music and merriment abound in the city “born to celebrate.”

Dining with a View of Mobile at Dauphin’s Restaurant

It wasn’t hard to coax this Pacific Northwest wanderboomer to a land of sunshine, southern hospitality, grace and charm in February. Add good old-fashioned family fun for Mardi Gras, and my bags were packed.

Ready to plan your own Mobile Mardi Gras adventure? Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

Start Your Day with Traditional Southern Foods.

Breakfast at Royal Street Café

Nothing says “Rise and shine!” in the South more than a breakfast of biscuits, gravy and grits. Order the cheese grits and cathead biscuits at local favorite Royal Street Café. Cathead biscuits? Fluffy, light-as-air, these delicate concoctions seem so-named because of their size, about as big as a cat’s head.

Have a hankering for hot beignets instead? Head to Panini Pete’s to experience Mobile’s version of this New Orlean’s classic. Tip: Ask about Panini Pete’s wet vs. dry baking process and adding a twist of lemon to your beignets.

Miss Ruby

How about an order of bananas foster French toast? You’re in good hands at Miss Ruby’s Spot of Tea downtown where exceptional service is a way of life.  “Everybody eats two meals a day and we never know when someone comes to our door what they walked away from and what they’re walking back to. My thrust in life is that people are fed well and have gotten information about what Mobile has to offer.”

Miss Ruby makes the rounds at each table in her role as part concierge, part Mobile ambassador, asking patrons about their interests. It’s also her way of keeping up to date on what’s happening in the city. “If at the end of the day, my customers ask themselves what they experienced, they would say at Spot of Tea someone looked me in the eye and paid attention.”

Stroll the Downtown Commercial District.

Mobile is home to seven historic districts within 600 square blocks, each with its own distinct character. Before jumping into your fun Mardi Gras events, take time to get acclimated in your Southern surroundings. Walk off your hearty breakfast with a leisurely tour of Royal and Dauphin Streets for an overview of popular restaurants, restored Art Deco, brick and stone buildings and museums.

Notable stops on Royal Street (besides the Royal Street Café) include: Fort Condé, where visitors can explore the city’s colonial past; the History Museum of Mobile, with its permanent collections and rotating exhibits; and the beautiful Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa.

Rest up from your shopping excursion on Dauphin Street in one of Mobile’s public parks, Bienville Square or Cathedral Square. Or stop in to view the beautiful art glass windows and hand-carvings at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Take a Driving Tour of Mobile’s Historic Homes and Districts.

A grove of century-old oaks welcomes visitors outside the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion in the Midtown Historic District. Inside, a grand circular staircase, immense double-parlor ballroom, crystal chandeliers and treasured antiques, hint at Southern-style entertaining of times gone by. A fainting couch prompts our guide’s comment: “If you think about the corsets they had to wear, you know why they needed them.” 

Soak up more Southern ambiance in the Greek-revival architecture that defines the Oakleigh House in the Oakleigh Garden Historic District. In the home’s authentically-restored period rooms, visitors can step back in time to 1833 when James Roper began one of the first homes built outside Mobile’s city limits.

Visit the Mobile Carnival Museum.

For a preview of coming Mardi Gras attractions, learn about its history at the Mobile Carnival Museum. From intricate costume designs to elaborate float constructions, you can view past parades and balls through videos and exhibits. By the time you have finished your museum tour, you’ll be ready to join in the neighborhood parties and line the parade routes, if you haven’t already.

Rent Your Ballgown or Tux.

If you receive an invitation, or purchase a ticket when possible, to one of the Mardi Gras balls, you will need to dress the part to attend. “Costume de Rigueur Strictly Enforced” means white tie and tails for men and floor or ankle length dress for women. No military uniforms allowed. No exceptions. Otherwise, you will not be admitted.

To avoid getting turned away at the door, pack your formal wear or visit Francia’s Formal Wear for your tux or gown fitting.

Line the Parade Routes.

So many Mardi Gras parades, so little time! To join a parade, you will either need to be born into one of the groups hosting one or pay for the privilege.

Party Reveler at Joe Cain’s Parade

The good news is you don’t need to be in a parade to enjoy the revelry. Plan to see as many parades as possible during your stay. The more the merrier! From the Floral Parade with its MCA Juvenile Court, including a king and queen for children, to Joe Cain’s “People’s Parade,” one of the oldest and most secretive krewes (group hosting a parade, ball or social events), each has its own unique history and festival theme. Look for the schedule, a list of balls and parade routes in Mobile Mask, The Reveler’s Guide to Mardi Gras.

Along the parade route, partygoers throw bushels of Mardi Gras beads, small toys and moon pies from their floats. Before long you will be toe-tapping, screaming and reaching for throws along with everybody else. Trust me. Just be sure to stay alert to avoid getting hit in the eye.

Party On! 

Mystics of Time Ball

By the time you wrap up your Mobile Mardi Gras adventure, you’ll be a party-goer pro. Memories of good-time parades, coronation balls, delicious Southern dishes and warm hospitality will dance in your head for years to come.

For more information:

Mobile Mask
Alabama Travel
Visit Mobile
Hunter Livery

Many thanks to Alabama Travel for the opportunity to join in the revelry for Mobile Mardi Gras!

Wander on!

“Miss Nancy” 

What’s your favorite Mardi Gras memory, wanderboomers? Please share with us here.

Filed Under: Alabama, Festivals Tagged With: Mardi Gras, Mobile

BY Nancy Mueller 5 Comments ON July 29, 2015

How to Make the Most of Your Great Escape to Charlevoix, Québec

Parc national des Grands-Jardins

The more I travel to Québec, Canada, the longer I want to stay . . . From following the culinary trail in Montréal, to celebrating Winter Carnival in Québec City, to sampling the restorative spas in Lanaudière and Mauricie . . .

For my latest exploration, I’m off to the charming Charlevoix region an hour northeast of Québec City for a few days of summer play. Infused with the natural beauty of a mountainous landscape, plus the immensity of the St. Lawrence River (Fleuve Saint-Laurent), the area attracts outdoor enthusiasts, art & culture lovers and passionate foodies.

Recreational adventures abound here – hiking, biking, kayaking, whale-watching, and star-gazing, with plenty of culinary discoveries and comfortable lodgings along the way – making Charlevoix, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the perfect getaway for traveling solo, with friends or family.

Take a Hike and Discover the Via Ferrata.

Hotel Le Germain Charlevoix

After an overnight stay and tasty breakfast at Québec City’s Hôtel Royal William in the trendy New St-Roch district, we’re off on our road trip to discover the wonders of Charlevoix. Upon arrival, we drop our bags at Hôtel Le Germain Charlevoix, our home-away-from-home for the night. Contemporary in style, the hotel combines artistic, urban sophistication with country ambiance, in a nod to its cultural and historical roots.

Hiking Parc national des Grands-Jardins

Following a lunch that features flavors of the region, we head out for a light afternoon hike at Parc national des Grands-Jardins. My first clue that our planned activity entails a bit more than light hiking comes when we meet our guide who offers helmets and harnesses for our venture. Uh-oh.

Waivers signed, we start our hike, pausing occasionally to take in the spellbinding views and snap a few photos, and for some of us to catch our breath. Made it!

But wait – our guide leads us to the “Practice Rock,” the first step to the via ferrata circuit on the Mont du Lac des Cygnes. Uh-oh, again.

via ferrata Tourisme Quebec

Way too slowly, it dawns on me: Via ferrata. Translation: “Iron Way.” Ohhh. Now I get it. Mountain climbing, of sorts, with cables and clips and pegs, oh my! Where’s my high school French when I need it?

Willing to keep an open mind for the promise of spectacular views on a safe itinerary, I give it a go, but within a few upward steps, I learn my limit while translating the phrase, “Geez Louise” to my Quebecois host. Instead, I opt to take the trail back down to the lodge and wait for the others to follow. But for other wanderboomers in our group, the via ferrata proves irresistible. Challenging, sure, but ultimately rewarding. The rest of us applaud their accomplishment as we head to Le Saint-Pub Microbrewery in the heart of Baie-Saint-Paul to celebrate. Cheers!

Go Kayaking on Rivière du Gouffre.

With the new dawn comes a new adventure – river kayaking! After a short, hands-on demo on how to hold and use our paddles, our small group of single and double kayaks heads out on our 6 km (roughly 3.7 miles) expedition. Easy whitewaters and shallow waters make for a fun outing for novice and experienced kayakers alike as we descend down the Rivière du Gouffre to Baie-Saint-Paul.

A few beachings, seaweed entanglements and waves of laughter later, we thank our guide for the chance to explore beautiful Charlevoix from the water’s edge.

Bike Around Isle-aux-Coudres.

After a quick stop to pick up boxed lunches, we board the ferry to Isle-aux-Coudres for our next outdoor adventure, a bike tour of the island, with a few planned stops along the way. My Charlevoix host sets the pace on our tandem bike as we pedal along on the flat, country roads while enjoying the soft summer air and scenic views.

Before long we arrive at our first destination: Les Moulins de L’Isle-aux-Coudres, the unique site of an authentic working watermill, restored windmill and miller’s residence. We watch as guides demonstrate how wheat and buckwheat are ground into flour at the mill, explaining the process in both French and English.

All that biking worked up a thirst! Fortunately, we happen to be close to a cidery, Cidrerie Vergers Pedneault, the next stop on our island tour. Our cider tastings include several of the cidery’s award-winning artisan apple, pear, plum and Saskatoon berry products. Yum!

Discover Innovative Regional Cuisine.

Dining at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

Charlevoix is a food lover’s paradise easily discovered by following the region’s Flavor Trail from Petite-Rivière-Saint-François to La Malbaie. Over 40 regional growers, producers and chefs welcome visitors along the trail with delicious gourmet treats like artisan breads and pastries, pates, charcuterie, chocolate, honey, duck, pork, cheese, ciders and beer.

Playing Golf at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

After our afternoon adventure on the Isle-aux-Coudres, we check in at the historic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu overlooking the St. Lawrence River in La Malbaie. On site, we continue our regional and classical cuisine discoveries at Le Charlevoix Restaurant with Executive Chef, Patrick Turcot, who introduces us to delectable trout carpaccio from les Eboulements, pan-seared scallops and foie gras with calvados and apple crisp, seared crab salad and red pepper cream and maple salmon gravlax, puffed quinoa salad and roasted almonds. Time to go hiking, biking and kayaking again!

Enjoy a Night of Star-gazing.

What better evening entertainment than a star-gazing session at the Astronomy Observatory (Observatoire Astronomique)? In partnership with the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, the observatory invites guests to search the skies with specialized telescopes under the guidance of scientifically-trained staff. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of a scale model of the solar system by following a 3 km (just under 2 miles) trail along the St. Lawrence River.

Curious about the landscape and geology of the region? Through exhibits and lectures at the observatory, you can learn how the impact of a 15 billion tons’ meteorite that hit 350 million years ago created the mountainous character of Charlevoix.

Take a Whale-watching Zodiac Cruise.

Whale watching Quebec

On our last day in Charlevoix, we’re all suited-up in weather-resistant gear and ready to start our whale-watching adventure for the chance to see blue, fin, minke, humpback and beluga whales at play. In calm waters, before long we spot several seals near our boat while holding out hope for whale sightings. Success! Not only do we see several fin and minke, but our naturalist on board points to the horizon where a couple of belugas are swimming near shore. Moments later, a mama and baby beluga pass our zodiac where earlier we had watched one whale shoot towards our zodiac like a torpedo, only to veer away at the last moment. Wow.

Hop Aboard the Train Léger de Charlevoix.

Train Leger de Charlevoix

As we near the end of our Charlevoix journey, we have time for one more excursion before returning to Québec City: a rail cruise via The Charlevoix Light Rail Transit. Fun. Easy. Relaxing. We wind our way along the shoreline, mesmerized by views of the stunning river and mountain landscape, daydreaming about our unforgettable Charlevoix adventure.

View from Train Leger de Charlevoix

Many thanks to Tourisme Québec for hosting our days of summer play in Charlevoix!

For more information visit:

Lodging:
Hotel Royal William
Hôtel Le Germain Charlevoix
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Hôtel Chateau Laurier Québec

Activities:
Parc national des Grands-Jardins
Katabatik
Vélo-Coudres
Croisieres AML
Les Moulins de L’Isle-aux-Coudres
Train Leger de Charlevoix

Eateries & Cidery:
Le Saint-Pub Microbrewery
Resto-Boutique La Table
Cidrerie Vergers Pedneault
Pains d’Exclamation
Café Chez Nous

Wander on!

Nancy

What about you, wanderboomers? What’s your favorite place to visit in Quebec? 

Filed Under: Activities, Alabama, Baby Boomers and Travel, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Canada, Destinations, Hiking, Québec Tagged With: Biking, Charlevoix, hiking, kayaking, Québec, St. Lawrence River, star gazing, via ferrata, whale-watching

BY Nancy Mueller 2 Comments ON January 28, 2014

Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Party Food

Bob Baumhower Nancy Mueller

Wherever you plan to watch the Seattle Seahawks soar to victory over the Denver Broncos in the NFL Super Bowl XLVIII, you’re probably already thinking about the day’s menu. Whether having a tailgating party or celebrating with a potluck party from the comfort of your living room, finger food, hearty appetizers and an easy super bowl dish always make my list of favorites.

For an inspired Super Bowl menu, who better to ask than a legendary former NFL football player, now reinvented restaurant entrepreneur? After playing college football for the University of Alabama, Bob Baumhower went on to play nose tackle (middle guard) for the Miami Dolphins in the late ’70s through mid-’80s.

Baumhower Restaurants

Despite the fierce rivalry between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets at the time, Baumhower joined forces with the New York Jets quarterbacks, Joe Namath and Richard Todd, to open Bachelors III Restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale which became a favorite celebrity hangout.

Since then, Baumhower has developed his own restaurant empire that includes the Compleat Angler Seafood Bar & Grille in Orange Beach, Alabama. Named in tribute to the classic tale about fly fishing by Izaak Walston, the location combines fresh seafood with Southern Hospitality, a term capitalized in Baumhower’s style of hosting.

Baumhower Restaurants Dipping Sauce

Thanks to sponsor Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, I  had the honor of meeting Baumhower at his restaurant where I  sampled several dipping sauces for Buffalo chicken wings, a meal as legendary as the man himself. To spice up your own Super Bowl festivities, how about trying your hand at Alabama BBQ Shrimp & Smoked Gouda Grits or Caribbean Cocktail Sauce? And don’t forget the Bimini Bread Pudding for dessert.

Be sure and check out Baumhower’s Tailgating Tips for complete information. With record cold temperatures predicted for Super Bowl Sunday in New York and New Jersey, a little hot sauce could go a long way – especially when you top your Bimini Bread Pudding with the Compleat Angler rum sauce.

Wander on!

Nancy

Who’s ready for Super Bowl kickoff, wanderboomers?

 

Filed Under: Alabama, Food & Dining, Gulf Shores, Sports Tagged With: Bob Baumhower, Buffalo chicken wings, Denver Broncos, Joe Namath, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, party food, Richard Todd, Seattle Seahawks, Super Bowl, tailgating, University of Alabama

BY Nancy Mueller 4 Comments ON February 25, 2013

Girlfriend Getaway: 5 Fun Food Adventures in Gulf Shores, Alabama

GirlfriendGetaway (299 x 450)

Okay, wanderboomer gals. Let’s eat!

After dropping off bags at your Gulf Shores lodging, it’s time to sample a few of the “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama before You Die.” But why not make your food outing an adventure? Here’s how to kick your mealtimes up a notch:

1) Cheer on your favorite team at The Compleat Angler Seafood Grille and Bar.

TheCompleatAnglerSeafoodGrilleandBar (450 x 336) (450 x 336)

Don’t be surprised to spot owner/Head Fry Cook Bob Baumhower greeting guests while overseeing the details of his legendary establishment. Football fans will recognize Baumhower’s name from his days of playing college football at the University of Alabama before moving on to pro-ball for the Miami Dolphins.

Come here for the “casual sports scene with a strong Southern twist.” We loved the island spirit hospitality, tasty seafood gumbo, Bob’s 100% fresh beef burgers and fried bananas pudding. Oh, yeah.

2) Visit a cultural icon.

Bushwacker (336 x 450)

That’s how locals describe the Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar (so-named because of its strategic location on the Alabama and Florida state lines in Perdido Key) and also known as “the last great American roadhouse.” We were lucky enough to visit during the annual Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival, but “The Bama” features music 365 days a year.

Order the award-winning Bushwacker (described as “a chocolate milkshake with a kick”), settle back and enjoy the music, or get up and dance the night away.

3) Learn how to make your own sushi.

ZenRestaurantSushi (391 x 450)

Southern hospitality shines at the upscale Zen Restaurant, where award-winning Chef Brody Olive oversees a master staff specializing in Asian fusion cuisine. The open kitchen allows dining patrons to watch the staff create appetizers like the Crawfish and Chorizo Wantons or the Hoisin Barbeque Baby Back Ribs. If you’re up for learning how to make your own sushi, for an additional fee of $20.00 – $30.00 with reservations, you can discover your inner-chef with dishes like the Oyster’s Rockefeller or Curry Hawaiian roll.

Be sure, too, to taste one of the signature handcrafted cocktails like the Zenlicious (orange vodka, Malibu pineapple and cranberry juice) for the complete Zen experience.

4) Hire a Chef.

ChefChrisSherrill (315 x 450)

If you’d prefer to stay in rather than dine out after a day of play in Gulf Shores, Chef Chris Sherrill offers an outstanding alternative with Staycations Catering. As one of 8 Gulf-area chefs to participate in events for the U.S. Olympic team during the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Chef Chris Sherrill knows how to feed a hungry crowd. He’ll even go the extra mile, like heading out to catch flounder himself at 2:00 – in the morning – to create the perfect dish for his customers.

5) Splurge on dessert.

Hope Cheescake (450 x 336)

Gourmet cheesecake lovers will want to sample every single one of Hope’s Cheescakes, I kid you not. Not only are they made with the finest ingredients like Kraft Philadelphia cream cheese, fresh whole eggs, pure cane sugar, fresh lemon juice, and luscious chocolates and liqueurs, but each is a visual work of art. In case you do want to sample more than one delectable piece, the bakery offers bite-size cheesecakes as well. With flavors like Pecan Praline, Chocolate Kahlua, Key Lime and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, how can you go wrong?

What’s your favorite fun food experience, wanderboomers?

 

Filed Under: Activities, Alabama, Baby Boomers and Travel, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Destinations, Food & Dining Tagged With: 100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die, 100% beef burgers, 2012 Olympic Games, Alabama, Bob Baumhower, Bushwacker, casual sports scene, Chef Brody Olive, Chef Chris Sherrill, Dance, dessert, Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar, Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, fried bananas pudding, girlfriend getaway, Gulf Shores, Hope's Cheesecake, Miami Dolphins, Perdido Key, seafood gumbo, Staycations Catering, sushi, University of Alabama, US Olympic Games, Zen Restaurant, Zenlicious

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON February 8, 2013

Happy Days at The Hangout in Gulf Shores, Alabama

CowboyLunchboxTheHangout (397 x 450)
Have a look at one of the most popular attractions in Gulf Shores. Do any of these lunchboxes look familiar?

Not only does The Hangout feature this outstanding collection of lunchboxes, but the restaurant also spotlights an impressive display of Pez dispensers and movie memorabilia.

GonewiththeWindLunchboxattheHangout (450 x 348)

Of course, I would zero in on one of my favorite all-time movie couples . . .

The Hangout is a fun place to visit for its retro decor, live musical performances and family entertainment.  I recommend starting with the “shaka-shaka” shrimp (the secret’s in the sauce) or wild frickles, lightly breaded and fried pickle slices served with ranch dressing. Bet you can’t eat just one . . .

Check out more fun Friday photos at Delicious Baby.

What was your favorite lunchbox when you were growing up, Wanderboomers?

 

Filed Under: Activities, Alabama, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Destinations, Food & Dining, Gulf Shores Tagged With: collections, Delicious Baby, Gone with the Wind, Gulf Shores, lunchbox collection, lunchboxes, movie memorabilia, Pez dispensers, restaurants, shaka-shaka shrimp, wild frickles

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Hello fellow wanderboomers! I’m a Seattle-based travel journalist, specializing in fun travel adventures for the young at heart. My articles have been featured in Hemispheres, AAA Highroads Magazine and Northwest Travel & Life Magazine where I'm a frequent contributor. When this Wanderboomer isn’t traveling, I help global executives polish their personal and professional brand for long-term results.
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