Why not Alabama?

We rolled into the border crossing in Detroit this past January, towing our 5th wheel trailer, stopped and handed over our passports to the Agent. He glanced at the trailer, then us – “Heading to Florida are you” he asked as he scanned the passports.

“No, actually we’re going to Alabama” I said. Puzzled he looked at me and said “Alabama? Why would you go to Alabama?

Why indeed.

Alabama has 53 miles of Gulf coast shoreline – a small slice in comparison to Florida or even Mississippi to the west. I think that’s why its often overlooked as a winter destination. However, if you’ve been to the Florida panhandle than you’ll know exactly how the Alabama coast compares – cause it’s the same coast.

We had chosen to winter in Gulf Shores, Alabama on the Gulf of Mexico after a lengthy internet search of various destinations and campgrounds – all through the southern States – including Florida. So, why Alabama? Well, first off – price.

Gulf Shores, Alabama is just 20 or so minutes from the Florida state line – yet the site prices at campgrounds on the Bama side of that divide were 20 to 30 percent cheaper. The RV parks we looked at were comparable to Florida – we didn’t see a difference.

So, yeah, I’m influenced by price – who isn’t. But then after arriving we had a chance to tour the area, see the beaches and local attractions and services – after eight weeks in Gulf Shores we figure we didn’t miss a thing by missing Florida.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the next city to the east on the Florida line, are located in Baldwin County on the southernmost tip of Alabama between Mobile, Ala. (50 miles to the northwest) and Pensacola, Fla. (35 miles to the east). Easily accessible from Interstate 10 via Highway 59 or the Beach Express. Most of both cities are on an island which border the Intercoastal Waterway to the north, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Mobile Bay to the west and Perdido Bay to the east.

There are 15 RV parks in the area. The park we chose was about 10 minutes to the beach – multiple beaches in fact. The island is home to 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches. Winter with its lower temps and cooler evenings also means fewer crowds.

Parks abound, with walking and bikes paths galore. Situated between the two cities is the 6,150 protected acres of Gulf State Park right on the coast. Along the Fort Morgan peninsula adjacent to Mobile Bay, Bon Secour (bon SEE-coor) National Wildlife Refuge adds another 7,000+ acres of protected lands.

Temperature may be the only thing that puts some snowbirds off. Average daily high in winter in 64 degrees (17 C) which rises to 74 (23 C) as spring arrives. In February our furnace did run at night – but the days were mostly pleasant. By March everything had warmed up and spring was in high gear along the roadways with flowers and shrubs in full bloom. And, though they did have some snow in early January – we didn’t see any except in pictures from home.

We were also fortunate to be in town for Mardis Gras in February – interesting fact, the first Mardis Gras celebration took place in the city of Mobile in 1703 – not in New Orleans – something the locals will point out to you repeatedly. I also didn’t know that each town has its own parade – and these go on for a week. It’s a party for sure, past that it’s a fun spectacle as each “Krewe” tries to outdo each other with their floats.

Another attractive advantage of Gulf Shores is proximity. From southern Ontario Gulf Shores is pretty much a straight-line south – meaning that in a scant 20 hours of driving we were on the Gulf. That’s two big days of driving or 2 and a half as we did it at a slower pace. It’s all interstate all the way – just try to get through Cincinnati and Nashville in off-hours.

My youngest son and family joined us for a week at the end of February this past year, staying in a modern mobile cabin just a few sites over from our trailer site. With three kids (aged 3, 5 and 6) we sampled the beaches and the roadside attractions – from mini-golf to go-karts; as well as a dolphin boat tour and jungle gym play places. Frankly, though – our campground pool was probably their favourite (heated of course – something you’ll you want to make sure of). there is plenty to do for the adults too.

There is battleship park on Mobile Bay, home to the USS Alabama Museum and (of all things) the oldest tea plantation in America nearby, guarded by peacocks! Tracie, being a teetotaller had to see that. There is even a replica of Stone Henge set back in a pine forest.

Food is a constant delight in the south – and being by the Gulf there is a wide selection of seafood available just about everywhere. We enjoyed so many nice restaurants, from dives to fancy eateries. Tracie and I have a rule that while on the road we avoid fast food and instead seek out local Mom and Pop eateries. I’ll tell you about just one in Gulf Shores that is simply fun (and tasty). Called Lamberts, it’s a large space with benches and picnic style tables. The food is simple and wholesome. Order your mains and then what’s fun is that servers walk around the tables with the sides (beans, Okra, fried potatoes, etc.) and scoop them onto your plate – as you ask for them. And then there are the rolls. Lamberts has multiple billboards that you’ll see driving south long before you get to Gulf Shores. Each claim that Lamberts is home to the “flying rolls”. It doesn’t explain what that means – you’ll have to go there to find out.

We liked it so much we are headed back in January and our boys with their families (5 grandkids now) will have joined us in those cabins – though the kids always end up in bed with us in the trailer. Have a good winter y’all.

Check out www.gulfshores.com