»style GETAWAYS
The Battle House Hotel
photos courtesy Tad Denson — MyShotz.com (Battle House) and mobile bay convention and visitors bureau (Wintzell’s Oyster House)
Why Mobile?
Mobile is steeped in history, a vibrant city redeveloping into an international destination that will provide something to do for all generations. Due to its unique positioning, where several rivers flowing south to the Gulf of Mexico merge into a very large bay before reaching the open water, Mobile was established in the early 1700s as a military and commerce outpost, a heritage it has retained in modern times. Mardi Gras actually originated in Mobile, and its tradition is very much alive with a 2½week celebration each year hosted by the community and the many krewes that put on the show of parades and society events.
Getting There
It’s quite easy: a 3½-hour ride west on I-10, just 45 minutes past Pensacola, with the highway bringing you directly into the downtown corridor.
Where to Stay
There is a plethora of accommodations, from an upscale historic Grand Hotel Marriott Resort Golf Club and Spa, just 30 minutes from downtown overlooking Mobile Bay, to the splendor of The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel and Spa in the downtown district. The Battle House is where royalty, presidents and famous figures have stayed over the past 200 years. It has been revitalized to modern-day standards with many historic
Wintzell’s Oyster House
pieces, such as the huge Tiffany glass skylight ceilings in the lobby and restaurant, and artwork and images throughout the property showcasing the hotel’s critical importance to the history of Mobile.
Where to Eat
Wintzell’s Oyster House Oliver Wintzell opened this landmark restaurant on Dauphin Street 75 years ago, and it quickly became a local favorite for fried, stewed or “nude” oysters and has weathered the test of time and economic cycles. Wintzell sold his ownership a while back, but his spirit, quality of food and his famous quotes are displayed prominently at all locations. For example: “Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to go right now.” Callaghan’s Irish Social Club Opened in 1946, this authentic Irish pub is in one of Mobile’s oldest neighborhoods. USA Today says it serves the Best Burger in Alabama. Within walking distance from downtown, you’ll feel like a local eating there.
A Bit of History
Bellingrath Gardens Walter Bellingrath was Mobile’s first Coca-Cola bottler and amassed a fortune in the early 1900s selling Coke to Alabamans. He and his wife, Bessie, had a passion for creating gardens. At his fish camp getaway property on tallahasseeMagazine.com January–February 2013
79