Tag: Alabama

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Bamahenge, Dinosaurs, Lady in the Lake, Oh, My!

Several of the most unique and interesting roadside outdoor art attractions are located at Barber Marina in Elberta, Alabama.  Billionaire, George Barber, owner of Barber Marina commissioned an artist to build these fiberglass structures.  This impressive collection of oddities, created by artist Mark Cline, is a must-see for anyone traveling through the area.

Visiting Bamahenge is a truly unique experience.  Bamahenge is a partial replica of the famous Stonehenge monument in England, but with a touch of Alabama flavor.  This massive structure built in 2012, stands 21 feet tall and spans 104 feet across and is made from fiberglass pieces.  The structure was painted to resemble the stones of the original Stonehenge, and the effect is nothing short of breathtaking.  Mr. Cline consulted with astronomers to make sure Bamahenge would line up with midsummer solstice.  

Another one of Mark Cline’s stunning and enigmatic sculpture is the Lady in the Lake.  This artist’s work is known for his sense of whimsy and fun, and this beautiful fiber glass sculpture is no exception.  This Lady is in the bay at Barber Marina surrounded by the pier and serene water.  She looks like a lady relaxing in the bathtub with her knees above the water.  Mr. Cline said that the fifty-foot Lady would be 108 feet if she stood up.  That would be taller than the Statue of Liberty without her upraised arm. 

What about the dinosaurs, you say?  There are four hidden dinosaurs hidden in the woods: Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and a Brontosaurus.  The kids and adults will love this fun scavenger hunt to find them.  But the artistry doesn’t stop there.  In addition, there are a couple of knights hidden closer to the marina in the woods, a giant spider, among other sculptures scattered throughout.  There is also a beautiful white Neptune fountain that one would see if they visited Italy.   

Barber Marine is a must stop on your next family adventure. This location offers easy access to nearby attractions, such as Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, making it an ideal stop on any Gulf Coast road trip.  I highly recommend to those interested in exploring this unique and fascinating world of outdoor art that it is worth the visit.  These quirky sculptures will leave a lasting impression on all who see it.  The marina is situated on the beautiful shores of Wolf Bay, and visitors can take in stunning views of the water while exploring the art.  There is no charge to visit the sculptures and the Marina.

Directions to Barber Marina:  Take US Highway 98 for 8 miles east of Foley, Al.  Turn South onto County Road 95.  After 5 miles turn right onto Fish Trap Road.  After ½ mile turn left at the Barber Marina sign.  Drive 1 mile and look to the right.  Bamahenge is located about 100 yards away in the woods. 

Address: 26986 Fish Trap Road, Elberta, AL  36530

Bamahenge
Sun Shining through Bamahenge
Bamahenge
Bamahenge
Bamahenge
Bamahenge
Neptune Fountain
Lady in the Lake
Lady in the Lake
T-Rex
Brontosaurus
Triceratops
Stegosaurus
Knight
Knight
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A Mysterious Island in Alabama? Welcome to the Town of Spectre!

Who knew there was a private islet called Jackson Lake Island outside of Montgomery in Millbrook, Alabama?  Even better, this little piece of paradise contains the movie set from the “Town of Spectre”.  This fictional town is from Tim Burton’s 2003 movie called “Big Fish”.  It based on book with the same name by Birmingham native, Daniel Wallace.   It was so surreal to walk the abandoned town from the film.

“Big Fish” is about reconciliation between the son, Will and his dying father, Edward.  His father told very colorful and larger than life stories as fact.  Will believed these stories his father told all his life to be lies which caused tension in their relationship.  Will explores the veracity of his father’s outrageous tales and discovers there is some truth to it. I do not want to give anymore spoilers.  But in the fictional town of Spectre, shoes are not allowed.  Tourists come to the island to throw their shoes on a line that hangs above the road going into town to pay homage to the film.

After filming, the movie set was left on the island.  One of the houses was destroyed due to the flooding from the Alabama River.  The commercial district of Spectre was lost in a fire when the owners were burning trash.  Sparks accidently set the buildings on fire.  Two Styrofoam trees were left from the movie that visitors can cross under that leads into the imaginary town.  These trees were created by Stan Winston Studio.  This studio also provided makeup and effects for the film.  Several of the crumbling houses still stand that lead up to the little white chapel at the end of the road.  Designer Dennis Gassner built this small town.  The scenes in the picture-perfect town were filmed first, then Tim Burton had the designers to age the buildings to make the town look derelict.  The buildings were constructed for filming the outside.  So, these houses are not completed from the inside.

Goats and sheep freely wander the island and through the mystical town.  They are very friendly and will let you pet them. The goats love a good scratch behind the ears.  The Bright Family own the 60-acre property.   They allow the public to enjoy the island for the day or for overnight camping.  It is also a great place to catch your own big fish, and to boat and kayak.   Admission is $5.00 over the age of 10.  Children under the age of 10 are $3.00 and under 2 years are free.   Camping fees are $15.00 per person per night with children 10 and under $5.00. And under 2 years are free. 

Jackson Lake Island is breathtaking, and so peaceful.   I did not want to leave this magical place.  I highly recommend this location to anyone who needs a quiet getaway.  Do not forget your shoes to throw upon the line.  Jackson Lake Island is located on Cypress Lane, Millbrook, Alabama.  They can be reached at (334)-430-7963 for directions, camping reservations and cost. 
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Mobile’s Historic Magnolia Cemetery: Art, History, and an Iron Lady

Containing over 100,000 buried souls, Magnolia Cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful place of rest for many notable Mobilians from days gone by.  The cemetery was established in 1836 and making it Mobile’s third oldest graveyard.  It contains over 120 acres with beautiful old oak trees and two entrances lined with magnolia trees.  There is also National Cemetery with over 6,000 veterans including a Confederate Rest with its 1100 war dead and two Jewish cemeteries. A plethora of magnificent funerary sculptures keep watch over the graves.  Magnolia Cemetery is cared for by The Friends of Magnolia Cemetery.  This nonprofit organization was established in 1981 by the Historic Mobile Preservation Society to arrange for volunteer workdays to clear the grass that covered the graves and monuments.  Magnolia Cemetery was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. 

Magnolia Cemetery is a work of art with its beautiful cast iron work, mourning angels, crosses, lambs, and monuments. Many of these sculptures in Victorian funerary art represent symbols such as broken columns signify a life cut short while a full column means that a person led a full life.  Lambs signify childhood innocence.  Angels guard the tomb and direct the living to look heavenward.  There is one statue known as the Iron Lady located on the Rowan Family Lot in Square 17.  She is titled “Solemnity.”  She is different from any other statues in other cemeteries because she is made of cast iron.  The other cemetery statues are made from granite or marble. She was forged by the iron foundry of Wood and Perot of Philadelphia, Penn around the mid-1800s and is estimated to be over 100 years old.  The Iron Lady has a eerie legend attached to it.  She was positioned to face the ocean rather than the east.  The legend said she represents a woman who spent each day watching the sea for her lover who never returned.  If anyone tries to move her away from facing the sea, then Mobile is struck with violent storms until she returned facing the sea again.  So, please leave the Iron Lady alone, especially during hurricane season!

Some of the famous historical Mobilians interned here include Michael Krafft, founder of the Cowbellion de Rakin, forerunner to our many Mardi Gras mystic societies; Bettie Hunter, a former slave who became the first Black female carriage business owner; Mr. and Mrs. Walter D. Bellingrath, founders of Bellingrath Gardens; Gen. Braxton Bragg, U.S. Army officer and Confederate General; Battle House Hotel owner James Battle; Apache Indian Chappo Geronimo, son of Geronimo; Renown physician, Dr. Josiah Nott who was one of the first doctors who found the connection between yellow fever and mosquitoes. Dr. Nott lost 4 children and a brother-in-law to Mobile’s yellow fever epidemic.  Dr George Ketchum, Physician and Water Works president who brought safe drinking water to Mobile.  The fountain in Bienville Square honors this man.  That is just to name to few.  The historic figures interred here are from rich to poor, along with many ethnic groups and various military conflicts. There are so many extraordinary stories of our past Mobilians to explore and to keep their past alive.  I challenge you to explore the history of the person behind the grave.   I found one such woman whose story deserves to be told and a statue needs to be made in her honor at the foot of Government Street.  I will share her story in the next blog post.  To be continued…
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The Historic Battle House Hotel – Murder, Mystery and Elegance

Battle House Lobby

What I consider to be one of the best places in Mobile, Alabama to rest your head and to go back in time to experience the extravagance and artistic beauty of Mobile’s oldest hotel is The Battle House Hotel dating back to 1908.  It replaces an earlier Battle House that was originally built in 1852, but unfortunately burnt down in 1905.  The first Battle House was originally built by James Battle and his half-nephews, John, and Samuel. In its heyday it was known as Mobile’s Living Room.  The current Battle House reopened in 2007 with major renovations after being closed for 30 years.  This full restoration of the hotel and the construction of the RSA Battle House Tower made this building the tallest in Alabama. It stands at 745 feet with 35 floors.  The Battle House was named America’s best historic hotel by the Historic Hotels of America, an online booking website in 2020.  It is located on 26 North Royal Street in the heart of downtown Mobile, Alabama.  A hotel this old holds some colorful history, folklore, and murder and a ghost or two.

The site on which the hotel was built was a former military headquarters for Andrew Jackson during the war of 1812.  I also discovered that the first Mardi Gras ball was held at the Battle House in 1852 called the Strikers Ball.  Another fun fact is that the Mobile’s oldest radio station broadcasted from this hotel on February 7, 1930.  Its call sign was WODX before they changed it to WALA in 1933.    The hotel has seen some famous guest such as Oscar Wilde, poet and playwright known for writing such works as The Importance of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Gray and two U.S. Presidents: Millard Fillmore (13th President) and Woodrow Wilson (28th President).  It was also popular with the Hollywood folks when they were in town filming their movies.  Nicolas Cage and Robert De Niro have been spotted in the hotel. Spying on guest’s conversation is easy in the lobby with its Whispering Arches. Just ask the hotel staff on where to stand to hear the conversation on the opposite end.

But what about murder you ask?  Did you know it was the site of Mobile’s most infamous honor killing?  It was called the “Battle House Honor Killing.”   Mr. Henry Butler, a former Mardi Gras King, had been caught fooling around with Mrs. Raymond Dyson, his Mardi Gras Queen.  They were both in the same Mardi Gras court of King Felix III of 1929.  Mrs. Dyson’s husband, Raymond and his brother found out about the affair and wanted revenge. They talked Mr. Butler into following them to room 552, where they eventually beat him to death.  It was the top news story in 1932 by the Mobile Press Register. Raymond and his brother were acquitted of this crime of passion.  It is said that Mr. Butler’s ghost has haunted the hotel’s fifth floor ever since.  I will not be staying in that murder room.

Another ghost story I have heard at The Battle House Hotel involves a young newlywed. In 1910, shortly after the young woman’s wedding, her husband was called away on business and he never came back. She became very depressed and hung herself in the hotel’s Crystal Ballroom.  Guests and hotel employees have reported seeing apparitions and hearing strange voices. Lights and faucets have also been known to turn on and off by themselves and some guests have experienced feelings of someone sitting on their bed.  I hear that the fourth floor is the place to be to encounter such a haunting.  I stayed on the 7th floor in the historic section but did not experience anything out of order other then our missing cocktail glasses.  Hmmm.   When construction workers were working to restore the building, they reported missing tools.   Some specters have sticky fingers.

When I step into the lobby of this grand hotel, I feel like I stepped back in time.  It is very elegant, and the artwork and details are beautiful.  It is my hope that you visit the Battle House or if you are on the street, then step inside and check out this beautiful lobby and the Crystal Ballroom.  I was thrilled to stay for a couple of days after Christmas when it was decorated in grand fashion for the Holidays.  Also, ask one of the employees to share stories of their most notorious guests that have walked these corridors if you dare. 

  • The Battle House
    The Battle House
  • Crystal Ballroom
    The Crystal Ballroom
  • Crystal Ballroom
    The Crystal Ballroom
  • Battle House Lobby
    Battle House Lobby
  • Battle House Christmas Tree
    Battle House Christmas Tree
  • Battle House Lobby
    View to Battle House Lobby

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mobbr-the-battle-house-renaissance-mobile-hotel-and-spa/

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USS Alabama – Mobile’s Own Gray Lady

USS Alabama

The pride of Mobile, Alabama and a part of our skyline is the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship also know as The Mighty “A”.  This South Dakota – class battleship came to rest in the Mobile Bay in 1964 after a campaign in raising enough funds to bring her to her new home as a museum ship. The people of Alabama wanted possession of the ship after hearing of the Navy’s plans to scrap it.  The U.S.S. Alabama had been sitting dormant for many years in a mothball fleet.  This special ship has a proud history serving for three years in World War II.  

The Alabama was commissioned August 16, 1942.  She had an assigned crew of 127 officers and 2,205 enlisted and earned 9 Battle Stars.  The ship is 680’ in length and 108’2” in width with a maximum speed of 28 knots or 32 mph. She does have a lot of fire power:  Nine 16”/45 caliber guns accurate to 21 miles, twenty 5”/38 caliber guns, Forty-Eight 40mm guns, and Fifty-Two 20mm guns. Her crew shot down 22 enemy planes during service in World War II. The U.S.S. Alabama battleship was a veteran in the Pacific Ocean Theater and took part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea.    Surrender documents were signed aboard the U.S.S. Missouri on September 12, 1945 by the Japanese envoy.  The U.S.S. Alabama had an honorable roll the day after these documents were signed.  She led the American Fleet into Tokyo Bay.   The Mighty “A” is also known as The Lucky “A” because she did not receive any damage nor lose any crew member during battle. 

The USS Alabama was decommissioned in 1947 and eventually in 1962 the Navy decided she was to be scrapped.  The legislation in Alabama passed a bill on Sept. 12, 1963 to create the USS Alabama Battleship commission and the fundraising began in the Spring of 1964 to buy her from the Navy and bring her to Mobile.  School children alone helped raised about $100,000 to bring the ship to Mobile Bay.  The children earned a free admission ticket if they contributed any amount of money to tour the battleship once it arrived.  Around 300,000 tickets were issued.  The Navy finally gave permission to give the ship to the State of Alabama. The State took control of the ship on June 16, 1964.  $800,000 was collected to bring the ship to Mobile Bay and the newly created USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.  The Park opened January 9, 1965 to the public.   

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park boast a statewide economic impact of about one billion dollars to the State of Alabama with over 15 million visitors worldwide.  It is dedicated to all Alabama citizens who have proudly served in all the branches of the armed forces of the United States.  Also, no taxpayer money is used to support the park.  It is funded by admission fees, souvenir sales and voluntary contributions for current operating expenses and expansions.  In 1986 the ship was appointed a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service United States Department of the Interior. The Memorial Park also has a plethora of military artifacts including a submarine, tanks, and planes.  There are also memorials on the grounds honoring our men and women who fought and died in service to our Nation.  Come explore and learn about our history and military and the dedicated men and women who served that made this Country great.

For additional information on how to explore the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park go to:

www.USSAlabama.com

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Come to the Bayou

Nestled on the Mississippi Sound, along the Gulf of Mexico, is the city of Bayou La Batre located in South Mobile County, Alabama.  This historic French city, pronounced “By-luh-ba-tree”, is a fishing community known as the Seafood Capitol of Alabama because of the seafood-processing harbor along the water for fishing boats and shrimp boats. This seafood industry has a great economic impact on our State more than $400 million including other seafood brought in from other states to process.  Bayou La Batre is also known for their great history of shipbuilding of fishing vessels to passenger vessels.  Along Shell Belt Road is a favorite area of mine to photograph the different personalities of the shrimp boats docked along the old weathered piers and capture water birds, such as pelicans and herons, that live along the water.  Of course, Sunsets and sunrises always bring great mood and light to the scene.

Bayou La Batre was made famous in the 1994 movie, “Forrest Gump”.  Who can forget all the great shrimp dishes Forrest’s friend Bubba describes in the movie?  Did I forget to tell you how fabulous the seafood restaurants are in this charming city?  Shout out to the Lighthouse Restaurant and the Catalina Restaurant for the best mouthwatering seafood in the Bayou.  Believe me, these are the places to go for the freshest seafood.  Another fun fact is that Disney Studios had secretly built the Black Pearl in the Bayou La Batre shipyard that was featured in the “Pirates of the Caribbean”.   Also, Discovery Channel “Big Shrimpin” TV series was produced to showcase shrimpers and their boats all from Bayou La Batre.   

This community loves to host events to celebrate their seafood industry.  The most famous is the “Blessing of the Fleet”.  This event takes place on May 4th and 5th every year and is the unofficial kick-off to the shrimping season.  The Fleet Blessing ceremony takes place on the dock at St. Margaret Parish with the Archbishop of the Diocese of Mobile who begins the ceremony with a prayer.  All kinds of decorated boats form a procession behind the boat carrying the Archbishop, where they parade to the mouth of the bayou and back while the Archbishop blesses the boats for a bountiful harvest and protection and safety of the men and women at sea.  The newest event I plan to attend is their first annual Oyster Fest which is to take place on Saturday, October 2, 2021.  I cannot wait for more details to be released.  I do love me some good char-grilled oysters.

Finally, I am so excited for Bayou La Batre’s newest project to revitalize its waterfront and protect the shoreline habitats.   This project will protect 127 acres of land and install 1.5 miles of breakwater. The public will also have added access for recreation and fishing opportunities.  It is called the Lightning Point restoration project and will help rebuild the diminishing coastline. This project will include shoreline protection, habitat creation of 40 acres of march, tidal creeks and habitats that include and support fish, shellfish, and birds of all kind.  There will also be boat ramps, walking trails and a lookout point for the community to enjoy.  I am so excited for this new habit which will encourage diversity of the plants and animals.  Lightning Point project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020.  So, come to the Bayou and enjoy this hidden diamond in the rough. 
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Dauphin Island – Sunset and Sunrise Capital of Alabama

One could write a book about this historic, quaint, laid-backed barrier resort island known as the Sunset Capital of Alabama.  But for me, Dauphin Island also boasts of colorful panoramic sunrises.  I love to visit this little bit of paradise we have right here on the Gulf Coast.  It is such a thrill to cross the three-mile Dauphin Island Bridge from the mainland of Mobile County over the Gulf Coast Intercoastal Waterway to the island because I know what hidden gems it holds. The bridge is the only way on and off the island other than ferry on the east end.   There are approximately 1300 residents on this 14-mile-long island.

The best place to catch a magnificent sunset is on the far west end of Dauphin Island.  There is a public beach with plenty of parking for a small fee during the day.  Here you will find soft white sands and sea oats on small sandhills.  If there is a storm on the horizon, you will catch a spectacular show.  After the sun slips below the horizon, the sky will burst into colors of yellow, orange and red.   There are also plenty of shells for your treasure hunt and you might even see a dolphin or two.  Every sunset is different and so peaceful with the surf roaring and waves ebbing and flowing on the shore with various shore birds flying about.  The west end is perfect for a long beach walk, but it is several miles long so bring plenty of water.  

For those early birds, the east end sunrise is just as spectacular, but with a whole different flavor.   Fort Gaines marks the east end of Dauphin Island.  This fort, built before the Civil War, was a stronghold in the Battle of Mobile Bay.  To the south of the fort, you will find a parking for the boaters enjoying their day on the water.   Near the boat launch is a small fishing pier that is popular with locals and tourists and is home to a hungry heron that is ever the opportunist looking to snatch him a fish.  There are plenty of benches and rocks to rest on while you drink your coffee and enjoy the early morning light show.  There is always interesting activity to observe from friendly boaters leaving for a fun day on the water or the workboats coming and going.  Several squadrons of pelicans fly across the painted sky right before daybreak, ushering in another day of Island wonders.

I enjoy the challenge of timing and composing a great sunrise shot and am seldom disappointed with the kaleidoscope of colors that inevitably burst from the heavens. Clouds drifting in can change the whole mood of the sky.  The warm gulf breeze on my face and the smell of salt in the air just enhances the overall experience.  I can tell you that sunrises and sunsets are unique as snowflakes and just as wonderous.  Sometimes it is best to just relax and let the serenity of God’s given moment wash over and refresh your spirit.  I know Dauphin Island holds a special place in my heart and I know it will for you, also.  I invite you to subscribe to my post, as I will be sharing more detail about this secret tropical paradise of Alabama in future. 

Please check out these other blogs on tips to capture the perfect sunrise and sunset:

12 Sunrise Photography Tips for Breathtaking Results
Tips From a Professional Photographer: How to Capture the Perfect Sunrise
Sunset Photography – The Guide to Perfect Golden Hour Pictures

“Every sunrise holds more promise, and every sunset holds more peace.” – Anonymous