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FISHING is a must, and so plentiful,
Island hosts 10 annual fishing rodeos. There are charter boats (http://gulfinfo.com/fishing.htm ), and a 850 ft. fishing pier where you can rent fishing rods.
BELLINGRATH GARDENS On your way down from Mobile, you’ll want to stop by Bellingrath Gardens, a 65-acre floral paradise. Keeping a full calendar, here are some of things you can expect:
·February: 50,000 bulbs are planted and you’ll see tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, pansies and more. ·March: The azaleas are in bloom. Here are photos of Spring Garden: http://www.bellingrath.org/bloom/spring.asp . ·May: Over 130 varieties of roses to delight eye, plus marigolds, tropical flowers and foliage, hydrangeas, Allamandas, and more. ·November 9 is Chrysanthemum Extravaganza ·November 15 is Mum Festival ·November 28-December 31 (closed Christmas Day) is Magic Christmas in Lights, with myriads of twinkling lights, music, food, poinsettia displays and more.
You can take a River sightseeing cruise or dinner cruise from gardens on Southern Belle. For admission, schedule, and map, go here: http://www.bellingrath.org/rates.asp .
ACCOMMODATIONS You can rent a private beach house here: http://www.beachhouserentalondi.com/ and this site will show you many options, services and links: http://gulfinfo.com . There is also a Campground ( http://dauphinisland.org/camp.htm ) with 150 sites, pavilion with grills, free boat launches, walking trails into Bird Sanctuary, bicycle rental, playground, and boardwalk to a beach on Gulf.
Porch on rented home: me on porch
And don’t miss some of great food in area. I especially enjoyed Catalina Restaurant, on your way back up to IH-10, it’s on Highway 188 up toward Bayou La Batre It’s on Highway 188 up toward Bayou La Batre (pronounced Bat-Tree). Call 334.824.2104.
Also recommended, if you want to swing east and enjoy a drive in beautiful countryside over toward Pensacola, try Catfish barn on Highway 98. You won’t believe food and you won’t believe prices. Take a look: http://www.webstrategies.cc/P1010607.JPG . Best catfish I ever had and I'm from Texas for heaven's sake!
For a peaceful, idyllic beach vacation, try Dauphin Island. As one person said who goes there often, welcome sign ought to say “Welcome to Paradise.”
©Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . I coach around emotional intelligence for wellness, success, and personal and professional development. I also offer distance learning courses and ebooks, and train and certify EQ coaches. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for free ezine. For daily EQ Tips, send blank email to EQ4U-subscribe@yahoogroups.com .
