Mobile, Alabama is one of the oldest cities on the Gulf Coast. Full of history and charm, it’s a great backdrop for the annual NORM Conference. There are plenty of sights to see, things to do, and fun to be had in this coastal town. This is especially great news if you’re bringing a spouse or partner to the conference for company. To help those you’re traveling with make the most of their trip to Mobile, here are seven things to do while in town. Oh, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #mobileNORMfun when you post about all your fun adventures!
- Visit the Mobile Museum of Art
If you love art, you’ll love the Mobile Museum of Art! Located in Langan Park, the MMofA houses a permanent collection of over 10,000 works of art. It seeks to provide “a thought-provoking atmosphere where guests are enriched by interacting with the visual arts.” Founded in 1964, MMofA has grown from a modest initiative of the Mobile Art Association in the late 1950s, to the only accredited art museum in southern Alabama. - Stroll Through the Mobile Botanical Gardens
In September the weather in Mobile should still be very temperate, which means it’s a great opportunity to stroll through the Mobile Botanical Gardens. Visitors to this lovely setting are welcome to enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, hiking, walking, drawing, painting and photography. Admission is only $5 and maps are available for self-guided tours. - Check Out Bienville Books
Bienville Books is widely known as Downtown Mobile’s best independent bookstore. Small and independent, they carry a large selection of used hardcover and paperback fiction, local and regional authors, rare and first editions, history, and assorted other books. They also carry furniture, unique furnishings, and work by local artists. This bookstore is an incredibly cozy place to spend an afternoon while your spouse is at the conference! - Wander Along Dauphin Street
Dauphine Street is the main road in Downtown Mobile, with a storied history. Take a virtual walking tour of this iconic street and stroll through history, all while admiring beautiful buildings, bustling businesses, and blocks of restaurants, bars, and gift shops. To make exploring even easier, Mobile CVB is providing a shuttle on Thursday evening after the welcome reception that will travel Dauphin Street. The shuttle will run from 6:15pm to 10:15pm, so plan accordingly! - Tour the Battleship USS Alabama
History buffs will love this Battleship! The Battleship USS Alabama is a unique military attraction that has been docked in beautiful Mobile Bay for fifty years. You can take a two hour self-guided tour through the Battleship and visit the crew’s quarters, sick bay, engine room, and much more. You can also watch a 15-minute film about the ship, as well as view aircraft such as the A-12 “Blackbird” Spy Plane and a P51-D Mustang Redtail, the type of plane flown by the valiant Tuskegee Airmen. - Mobile Carnival Museum
The Mobile Carnival Museum is within walking distance of the NORM conference and is a fun and fascinating walk through history. Take the guided tour and discover the true birthplace of Mardi Gras—Mobile, Alabama! Here you can immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of carnival, view the intricate costumes, crows, and floats of the parades, and experience a behind-the-mask view of the street party by climbing aboard a rocking float. It’s a one of a kind experience you won’t want to miss! - Gulf Quest Museum
If you love the coast, you’ll love the Gulf Coast Museum. Located right next to the NORM conference, it’s mission is to “inspire people of all ages and background to understand and appreciate the Gulf Coast’s rich maritime heritage through exhibits, programs and activities.” With interactive exhibits, informative videos, and hands on learning experiences, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
As you can see, there’s plenty of things to do and see in beautiful Mobile, Alabama! This year, turn your conference into a working vacation and make the most of your time in this wonderful city.
Posted by
