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Celebrate The Original Mardi Gras

Heralded as "America's Family Mardi Gras," your group will enjoy delightful parades and learn more about the "Birthplace of Mardi Gras in the New World."

Day 1 - MORNING

Museum of Mobile
Visit the Museum of Mobile, located in the Southern Market/Old City Hall, a National Historic Landmark built in 1857. View the rich history of Native American, Colonial, African-American and Antebellum influences that come alive in the museum's 21st century exhibits and Discovery Room, a hands-on gallery for children and adults.

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
Two exhibit galleries offer loads of hands-on fun for adventurers of all ages. Create exciting virtual worlds in the new Minds On Hall. Experience seat gripping thrills in the Gulf Coast's only IMAX® Dome Theater.

Oakleigh Historic Complex
Visit the Historic Oakleigh complex, where period costumed docents guide visitors through three museums on one site. The Oakleigh Mansion (c. 1833), the CoxDeasy Cottage (c. 1850), and the Mardi Gras Cottage, feature 19th and 20th century furnishings. Explore the two very different antebellum houses, and visit the Mardi Gras Museum to learn more about the world renowned festival that was founded in Mobile.

Day 1 - AFTERNOON

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
Relive America's history at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Tour World War II Battleship USS ALABAMA, winner of 9 Battle Stars, WW II Submarine USS DRUM, now displayed above ground, Vietnam PBR River Patrol Boat, B-52 D "Calamity Jane" bomber, A-12 "Blackbird" spyplane, Tuskegee Airmen P-51D Mustang, F-16 Falcon and 20 other historic warbirds from the past seven decades.

Day 1 - EVENING

Mardi Gras Parade
Heralded as "America's Family Mardi Gras," Mobile holds the reigning title as the "Birthplace of Mardi Gras in the New World." The celebration dates back to 1703, when the tiny French colony of Mobile observed North America's first Mardi Gras. The parades delight families from across the country with brightly lit, brilliantly colored, paper mache floats.

Day 2 - MORNING

Bellingrath Gardens and Home
"The Charm Spot of the Deep South." Enjoy 65 acres of year-round floral pageantry in a Southern estate garden. Visit the Delchamps Gallery of Boehm Porcelain, the largest public collection of Boehm porcelain in the United States. Tour the Bellingrath Museum Home, featured on A&E's America's Castles series, and filled with priceless antiques and furnishings. Relax on a scenic cruise of Fowl River aboard the Southern Belle River Cruiser.

Dauphin Island
Only a short drive away, Dauphin Island is just off the Alabama coast, making it the southernmost point in the State. A barrier island, it has protected the coast from many storms and hurricanes...and Union soldiers. Fort Gaines, established in 1821, played a major role in the Battle of Mobile Bay, the largest naval battle of the Civil War. In addition to the Fort, there are Indian shell mounds rich in legend, and the Estuarium Sea Lab where you can see live marine life in their natural habitat.

Day 2 - AFTERNOON

Toomey's Mardi Gras Store
Experience Mobile Mardi Gras year-round at their new store featuring: float pieces, pictures of Mardi Gras' history and lots of great Mardi Gras souvenirs. A fun 30 minute tour stop.

Three George's Candy
The 86-year old treasure is in the heart of downtown Mobile. A mainstay for all the locals. We would be glad to treat your group to a free demonstration in the art of southern candy making and to let them sample their creation. Let your group take a step back in time as they enjoy our beautiful soda fountain and candy store.

Ft Condé Museum and Welcome Center
Visit historic Fort Condé, a replica of the original site built by the French in 1711. Costumed soldiers will lead you through the complex and recount the 300 year history under the French, British, Spanish and American flags. Guests can also browse through the Visitor Center that includes a gift shop and big-screen video of Mobile.

Day 2 - EVENING

Mardi Gras Parade
See the brightly lit floats with costumed revelers in satin and sequins complete with full-face masks and armed with such as throws, beads, moon pies, doubloons, and candy. Between each float, parade goers will enjoy the tunes of marching bands.