Mobile is a historic city with a storied past, but Mobile is more than battleships and azaleas, (though those are pretty awesome). Mobile is a cultural melting pot with a different flavor for all senses. While Mobile has a ton to see and do, perhaps consider exploring Mobile the way the locals do. Here are 5 things to get you started and keep you cool this summer. Locals won’t even notice that you’re not from here!

  • See the city by scooter or bike! Exploring downtown Mobile and the surrounding midtown area is truly the best way to immerse yourself in the history and architecture and to experience the oak-laden streets of Mobile! My favorite part about riding and scooting is stopping off at local restaurants for some grub at Callaghans, Red or White, or Ashland Pub! Be sure to check out some of the seven nationally registered historic districts, including Oakleigh, Old Dauphin Way, and De Tonti. Always remember, be sure to “scoot” responsibly!

  • Whether you’re into art or not, LoDa Artwork is every second Friday of the month; a giant block party where artists and musicians come out of the woodworks to share their talents.  Not only is ArtWalk a great event to experience Mobile’s booming art scene, it's often a venue for unique seasonal events! Right now, you can enjoy Roll Mobile at Bienville Square, one of the South's most iconic squares. Skate around the square under the twinkling lights of a disco ball while music fills the streets. After you hang your wheels up for the night, head over to Squid Ink for a Cadillac Burger and fries! You’ll need the carbs, and trust me — this burger is worth every last one!

  • Paddles Up! If you’re into fitness and you don’t want to neglect it while vacationing in Mobile, check out Crew Fitness. Utilizing Concept 2 bikes and rowers coupled with strength resistance, you can burn 600 calories or more in one class. If you prefer to keep it cool in a kayak and paddle the old fashioned way, check out 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center to book a kayaking trip or sign up for a moonlight paddle through South Alabama Adventures. 

  • Hitting up local estate sales and antique shops is another great way to experience Mobile's culture, up-close-and-personal. In fact, one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday is to explore the estate sale at Olde Mobile Antiques Gallery. Every first weekend of the month, the gallery has an enormous sale where they house multiple estates under one roof! Dance to the vintage sounds of an old record player as you peruse the tables of antiques and nostalgic items that adhere to even the smallest budget (with items starting at just $1)! After treasure hunting, head to the Cheese Cottage just across the street, and try the Ploughman's cheese board or the Buffalo Chicken Salad Sandwich.

  • Nothing is cooler than the beach and Mobile is surrounded by them but the locals' beach is Dauphin Island. There are tons of things to explore from one side of the island to the other! You can explore Fort Gaines or Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Estuarium.I really enjoy exploring nature through the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Birders from all over come here to see neotropical migrants as well as locals like osprey and owls. The sanctuary meanders through tall pines and low palms eventually leading to the beach where you can see osprey nesting in plain sight! The west end is the grandstand to some of the world's best sunsets; sorbet-colored brushstrokes fill the sky as the sound of waves crash in the background. There's really no better way to spend an evening on Dauphin Island!