It’s so green in Sweet Home Alabama! I arrived in Montgomery the day before my companions so I could enjoy a relaxing day and a splash in the hotel swimming pool. It’s a very refreshing way to start a trip! Watch the video here.
A splash in the swimming pool of our hotel.
Gorgeous White Sand Beaches
The next day we hit the road on a beautiful drive down to the Gulf Shores. There were so many green, lush trees in Montgomery that slowly gave way to gorgeous palm trees as we approached the beautiful Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on the Gulf Coast. I’ve never seen such beautiful white sand in my life. There was a volleyball tournament while we were there, and walking along the beach while watching the finale was a lot of fun. The fresh, crisp ocean awakened my senses and my appetite for adventure. The nearby Gulf State Park is also a wonderful place for camping, hiking and biking.
Hello from Gulf Shores/Orange Beach.
The beautiful white sand from Gulf Shore / Orange Beach.
Exploring the Delta by Boat
Next on our agenda, we wanted to explore the unique delta ecosystem that Alabama has to offer so we headed towards Mobile to take the Five Rivers Delta Safari Tour. It was a wonderful way to get to see some of the wildlife of the region, including many alligators! We were safe in our tour boat as we traversed the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, but there was someone in a small kayak that would have made me nervous. It was a lot of fun to be on the same expedition as a class of sixth graders. There were a lot of questions asked by the kids during this tour and not many of the adults knew how to answer them. Fortunately, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and could step in.
5 Rivers Delta.
Watch out! Alligator!
The visitor’s center also has a wonderful wildlife mini zoo, where I had the chance to get up close and personal with a red-tailed hawk named Ra. It is an impressive animal!
With Ra, a red-tailed hawk.
Lush Green Gardens
A romantic and beautiful place to visit is the Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile. We visited early in the morning and were greeted by a top note of the gorgeous flowers. The gardens are extremely neat, like an English garden and it is beautiful to walk around. They even have a place for you to leave your dog while you enjoy your stroll there. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing day and enjoy the variety of gardens, the Mermaid Pool or Mirror Lake.
The poetic Bellingrath Gardens.
In nearby Point Clear, not only is The Grand Hotel Marriot Resort, Golf Club & Spa an amazing place to stay, it is a very relaxing place for a stroll as well. They did an amazing job with its outdoor design. Its gardens are neat, and you will find little shaded places with a bench to sit if you feel taking it easy or you can enjoy a walk along the Alabama Gulf Coast and then relax on one of the many swings.
Alabama was a great place to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Whether in one of its fascinating cities or on the beach in Gulf Shores, there is always something interesting to see and do.
With one of Brand USA/ Discover America’s cinematographers Bogdan Z. Feeling lucky to work with an amazing crew every time!
Travel Journal available in French here.
Hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. More to come!
Thanks, Caroline
When You Go
Exploring the Ecosystem
Five Rivers Delta Safari
White Sand Beaches
Orange Beach
gulfshores.com
Gulf State Park
alapark.com/gulfstate
Beautiful Gardens
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
The Grand Hotel
marriott.com/hotels/travel/ptlal-grand-hotel-marriott-resort-golf-club-and-spa/
For More Information
Alabama’s Official Travel Guide
CaroLine Style 