Category: Alabama

Reimagining Vanilla: A New Twist on an old Favorite in Time for National Ice Cream Month 2025

Alabama, Alabama Beaches, Bowling Green, Cajun/Creole, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, Gulf Shores, Ice Cream, Louisiana, Maryland, Shenandoah, Virginia

“Vanilla” is often used to describe something considered basic or plain, but we’re here to announce that vanilla is never boring on our watch! For National Ice Cream Month this July, destinations are giving the classic vanilla a glow-up – think spices, swirls and surprising mix-ins that are anything but basic. Restaurants and ice cream shops are churning out creative takes on this beloved base flavor, making each vanilla variation worth melting for.

Cow Tracks Moo Pie from Chaney’s Dairy Barn

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Vanilla goes full-on Southern indulgence here, because Cow Tracks Moo Pie is anything but understated. Chaney’s homemade Cow Tracks ice cream is the real star of the show, with a creamy vanilla base that’s then loaded with chunks of Snickers candy bars and a caramel swirl. As if that isn’t total perfection – brace yourself – it’s then scooped on top of a warm and gooey skillet chocolate chip cookie. What could make this concoction even sweeter? Being able to see the adorable Jersey cows that are on site, providing their fresh milk for the farm’s tasty ice cream. They’re just a moo away from the scoop shop, and visitors can meet the herd on a farm tour while seeing the cow-to-cone magic in action. Vanilla is never plain here … it’s pasture-raised perfection.

Bear Cone from Dollywood Parks and Resorts

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

This National Ice Cream Month, take your vanilla to new heights … Smoky Mountain heights, to be exact, with the Bear Cone, a whimsical treat found at Dollywood theme park and its resorts, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. This adorable cone, inspired by the black bears of the Smoky Mountains, pairs perfectly with Dollywood’s soft-churn vanilla ice cream. With several topping options available, the Bear Cone turns classic vanilla into a mountain-sized treat worth roaring about.

Cake in a Cup from Queen City Creamery

Cumberland, on The Mountain Side of Maryland

Queen City Creamery is serving up a birthday party treat you don’t have to share thanks to Cake in a Cup. Layers of house-made vanilla frozen custard, rich fudge, cookie crunchies, chocolate frozen custard and a sizable swirl of icing come together in one perfectly proportioned treat. It’s a creamy, crunchy celebration of vanilla that’s all about treating yourself … no candles required.

Biscoff Cookie Butter Sundae from Central Sno

Raceland, in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou

Known more for Louisiana’s famed snowballs than sundaes, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou is serving up a tasty surprise at Central Sno. This treat starts with creamy vanilla ice cream that’s layered with crumbled Biscoff cookies and rich cookie butter, then topped with whipped cream. In a region where shaved ice usually reigns supreme, this twist on vanilla is a dish worth celebrating.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Milkshake from The Yard

Gulf Shores, one of Alabama’s Beaches

At the original Yard Milkshake Bar in Gulf Shores (the same sweet shop that scored a “Shark Tank” deal and launched a nationwide craze for wild milkshakes) this limited-time special starts with a scoop of vanilla blended with pineapple puree in a vanilla-iced jar rolled in crushed graham crackers. It’s piled high with whipped cream, more graham cracker crumbs, a pineapple puree drizzle, a scoop of Pineapple Upside Down Cake Cookie Dough and, of course, finished with a cherry on top. Born from a beachy brainstorm, The Yard is proving vanilla can go from basic to buzzworthy with the right mix of flavors and fruit.

Matilda Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream from The Carriage House

Darrow, in Louisiana’s Sweet Spot

Homemade vanilla bean ice cream takes the literal cake here at The Carriage House with a chocolate Matilda Cake inspired by the famous cake from the Matilda movie. Served with a luscious raspberry sauce, this dessert pairs a Southern classic with a touch of Hollywood magic, casting vanilla ice cream in the perfect supporting role.

Affogato from Smiley’s Kustard

Bayse, in Virginia’s Shenandoah County

Vanilla gets a bold wake-up call at Smiley’s with a house-made vanilla soft-serve custard affogato, served with a pour of velvety nitro cold brew. This cool, caffeinated combo is simple, sophisticated and sippable, proving that even the most classic flavors can be buzzworthy.

Honoring Black History in Mobile Year Round

Alabama, Black History, Black History Travel, Mobile

Though Mobile is a great place to visit any time of the year, this coastal Alabama city has rung in the new year with an impressive dedication to cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for Black History Month. Conde Nast Traveler took note and included Mobile on its “Best Places to Go in 2024” list, in part for the city’s strides in cultural development and dedication to celebrating its African American history.

Last July, the inspirational story of the 110 survivors of the last slave ship to enter the United States, the Clotilda, and the town they created just outside of Mobile in the late 1800s was shared with the world through the opening of “Clotilda: The Exhibition” at Africatown Heritage House. This was a pivotal moment in the city’s commitment to embracing its African American heritage. As of this month, Africatown Heritage House is offering group admission to schools, churches and other groups, helping to increase the number of people who can visit in person and learn more about this fascinating story.


Though the opening of Africatown Heritage House was certainly a big part of Mobile’s story of cultural development, there’s plenty more to experience in the city during Black History Month and beyond. Here’s a sampling of both what is new and what’s to come later in the year, for those planning ahead:

  • This past October, the new Historic Avenue Cultural Center debuted its first exhibit, entitled “Remembering the Avenue,” which tells the story of Mobile through the eyes of Black residents, both past and present. The exhibit will run through the end of this year. The center itself is of tremendous historical significance, as it was the city’s Black library before it became the National African American Archives & Museum and eventually the cultural center.
  • Mobile is also developing a Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District, which will be located along the Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Corridor. This area was an economic hub for the Black community during the era of segregation. Churches, schools, and other sites throughout the district will become permanent landmarks and the city is in the process of building a memorial park that will be a gateway to the district.
  • The Isom Clemon Civil Rights Memorial Park is set to open in early spring. The park is located on a site where leaders of the city’s Civil Rights Movement met, and a series of statues by local artists will commemorate their efforts and detail the movement in the city. 
  • To round out a journey and to get full insight into Mobile’s Black history and the countless contributions of Black Mobilians throughout the years, take a tour of stops along the Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail (DFFAAHT). There are trail markers all over the city for a self-guided tour, but a two-hour guided bus tour offers a very personal and comprehensive way to experience the sites.

No trip to Mobile is complete without sampling the city’s unique food scene, especially since 2024 has been officially declared the Year of Food by the State of Alabama. Ginger & Spice and Kanary Bar are just a few of the Black-owned restaurants to try during a visit.

From historical sites to special exhibits to exciting new developments on the horizon, this city offers a unique opportunity to learn about and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans. To experience a destination that truly embraces its African American history and start planning a visit to Mobile, head to https://www.mobile.org/.

Fishing for the Best: Gulf Coast“Royal” Seafood Chefs Reign Supreme

Alabama, Cajun/Creole, Gastronomy, Gulf Coast Alabama, Historic foodways, Louisiana, Regional & Ethnic, Southern cuisine

October is National Seafood Month and in celebration of what’s best about Lousiana and Coastal Alabama seafood cookery get to know the chefs who continually are making outstanding contributions to the local seafood industry, put their skills and knowledge to test in culinary competitions, and walked away with a real crown. These chefs, respected leaders within their communities, are passionate about the bounties of the local waters and its impact on their region’s culture. Who are these royals? Mindy Bianca and her staff at Mindy Bianca Public Relations did the hard work of rounding up their “e-fish-cient” list. And I’m reporting on what they discovered here.

Chef Amanda Cusey

The Terrace in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Fish and Grits

Though she grew up in the southwest United States, Chef Amanda trained and worked extensively in Europe during her culinary journey. She received her Cordon Bleu training in Surrey, England, and worked in restaurants across England and Ireland – perhaps most notably serving as head chef for a Michelin Star chef’s pop-up restaurant in Dublin – before setting down roots in Lake Charles. Her international experience shines through at The Terrace, where Italian influence meets Louisiana flavors. In June 2022, she helped break glass ceilings as she was named the Queen of Louisiana Seafood – only the second ever in the 15-year history of the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off. Her winning dish? Pan-seared red drum over tomato polenta with a crawfish cream sauce.

Chef Jim Smith

The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar in Mobile, Alabama

Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Oysters – in any style!

Though he’s famous for his delicious Lane Cake, the state dessert of Alabama, Chef Jim is also known for being a voice for sustainable and local food education. When he served as Executive Chef for the State of Alabama, he focused on sourcing local Alabama ingredients and supporting farmers and fishermen.

In 2011, Chef Jim was dubbed King of American Seafood and traveled the country introducing people to the world of sustainable seafood. He has continued his advocacy efforts as he’s moved forward in his career … and that included representing the U.S. Seafood Industry in this year’s National Geographic Traveller Food Festival in London and appearances in multiple seasons of “Top Chef.” Now he’s the executive chef at Hummingbird Way, sharing his love for local seafood with every diner who walks through his doors. Prior to 2023, he was the only Alabama chef who had ever taken home the crown of King of American Seafood, which leads us to our next chef.

Chef Brody Olive 

Voyagers in Orange Beach, Alabama 

Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Tiradito (Peruvian take on sashimi with citrus sauce) 

Home to the National Shrimp Festival, Experience the Oyster seafood festival, and other notable seafood events, the twin beach cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, are certainly the place to be if you want to find some of the best seafood along the Gulf Coast. With more than 20 years working in the seafood industry, Alabama native Chef Brody has definitely made his culinary mark.

He continues to impress diners across the five restaurants and banquet facilities he oversees at the Perdido Beach Resort. He embraces the culinary ways of the Gulf Coast, putting the freshest and best locally sourced ingredients on every plate. Besides the numerous Chef and Restauranteur of the Year awards he has earned throughout his career, Chef Brody is now the newest “royal” in the roundup.

In August, he was crowned King of American Seafood in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, bringing the title back home to Alabama for the first time since 2011, when Chef Jim Smith (above) earned the honor. With saltwater catfish, mole crabs and Gulf shrimp in his winning dish, how could he not wow the judges? 

Chef Nathan Richard

Adjunct Professor at Chef John Folse Culinary Institute in Thibodaux, Louisiana

Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Seafood Stuffed Flounder

Besides the crown he received for becoming the Great American Seafood King in 2019, Chef Nathan wears many hats, including professor, private catering business owner and volunteer firefighter … which means he knows how to (safely) turn up the heat in the kitchen! Though he moved to Europe to cook in France and Italy after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, Louisiana remained in his heart. Chef Nathan returned to work at restaurants throughout the American South and settled back in Thibodaux, Louisiana, a few years ago, ready to embrace the Cajun lifestyle once more. When you’re surrounded by the pantry of fresh ingredients that the bayous of Louisiana provide, it only makes sense to cook what you know.

Chef Nathan’s winning cook-off dish was a crawfish and goat cheese king cake, complete with Cajun caviar.

Chefs Keith and Nealy Frentz

LOLA in Covington, Louisiana

Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Louisiana Seafood Gumbo and Pan-Fried Speckled Trout with Capers and Lemon

Chefs Keith and Nealy, a husband-and-wife team, were forced out of New Orleans in 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit, and came to settle in the nearby Northshore. Though they’d both held prestigious restaurant chef positions, they had always dreamed of owning their own restaurant. Thus, LOLA was born. Housed in a historic train depot with the restaurant kitchen tucked away in a caboose, this unique dining establishment keeps it local with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers and seafood suppliers.

In 2012, the pair was proclaimed King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood. A year later, Chef Nealy placed second in the popular cooking show “Chopped.” The couple has continued to represent St. Tammany Parish and Louisiana seafood in both their culinary travel and work at LOLA.

Chef Nathan Richard’s Crawfish and Oyster Boudin

Makes 6 links

  • 1 pound crawfish tail meat
  • 1 pound oysters
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1/2 cup green onion, green and white finely chopped
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup poblano peppers, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons green onion, tops only sliced
  • 8 ounces prepared hog casings

In a large bowl, combine crawfish, oysters, salt and peppers. Set aside. In large skillet over medium heat, add canola oil, and cook onions, peppers, celery, garlic and tomato paste until softened, about 5 minutes. Add crawfish/oyster mixture, and cook 15 minutes more. Remove from heat, and fold in rice, parsley and green onion tops.

Stuff casings while filling is still hot, twisting into 4-inch links. In large pan, add crawfish boudin links, and cover with water. Cook over medium-high heat, keeping just below a simmer; cook until heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain. In a large skillet, cook boudin links over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides

For extra kick, season the bread crumbs, with salt, pepper or cayenne, if you like.

Let the Count Begin: Six Months to Mardi Gras!

Adventure, Alabama, Entertainment, Gulf Coast Alabama, Historic foodways, Lake Charles, Louisiana, Mardi Gras, Mobile, Parades

We may be in the midst of prime summertime, and there’s still fall and the whole holiday season ahead, but we’re getting ready and counting the days to one of the most exciting cultural events in the country. Yes, you guessed it.  Mardi Gras, the iconic Carnival celebration, is just six months away and thus it’s not too early to mark your calendars and make your plans for this incredible, weeks-long event filled with music, parades, costumes and the true spirit of the South.

In 2023, Mardi Gras lands on February 13.
We wanted to get the word out before your inboxes are completely full of haunts, harvests and holidays … because we feel compelled to remind you that all the fun of Mardi Gras extends well beyond New Orleans. We represent six destinations along the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Louisiana, all of which have a story-worthy (and family-friendly!) Mardi Gras celebration just waiting to be shared with you. (Please note that these websites will be updated with details in the coming months, so keep referring back to them as you work on stories.) 

Alabama
  • Mobile, Alabama (the true home of America’s first Mardi Gras!) 

    • Year-Round Reasons to Visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

    Alabama, Beaches, Boating, Fishing, Gulf Coast Alabama, Ocean, Southern cuisine

    The sun will soon set on peak summer season in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, and though the destination is known for its pristine beaches and fun in the summertime, we’re excited to share the many reasons why it’s also a great place to visit in all the OTHER seasons. If we listed out all those reasons, we estimate that you’d be reading a short novel … because there’s an incredible array of experiences available outside the summer season. So instead, we’re sharing two big reasons to visit each season. We hope you’ll want to learn more, and we encourage you to connect with us if the idea of hitting the beach outside of June, July and August appeals to you. 

    Fall: Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and fantastic festivals give Gulf Shores and Orange Beach autumn appeal. 

    • Easy Access to Sand & Sustenance: With its colorful sunsets, fall is an amazing time to enjoy 32 miles of sugar-white sandy beaches and the clear – still warm – waters of the Gulf of Mexico without the summer crowds. There’s also less competition for reservations and shorter wait times at the destination’s long list of incredible restaurants. Sure, you could say this about any destination’s “off” season, but it’s especially important here because there are so many fabulous and beloved culinary offerings. One such standout is Jesse’s Restaurant, which opened its second location on Fort Morgan this year. Offering casual fine dining, Jesse’s on the Bay is known for its steaks, fresh local seafood and signature entrees.
    • Festivals & Events: While Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to great events throughout the year, there are a few standout festivals worthy traveling to each fall.
    • The 50th Annual Shrimp Festival, which features 50 local and regional vendors, will be held October 12-15 in Gulf Shores. Festival attendees will find shrimp just about any way you can think of it.

    Winter: With monthly averages between 50 and 60 degrees, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers mild winter temperatures so you can still enjoy the great outdoors.

    • Birding: Thanks to its prime location along the Mississippi Flyway migration route, Gulf Shores is a popular destination for birders. During the winter migration, birders might spot bald eagles in Gulf State Park and other sites. As part of a larger statewide birding initiative, the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail features six birding loops totaling 200 miles along the Gulf Coast. With snowbird clubs, events and deals, the destination welcomes flocks of human snowbirds, too!
    • Golf on the Gulf: With mild winters and great shoulder-season rates, golfing on the area’s 15 courses is a year-round sport. Course terrain ranges from lush foliage of nature preserves to courses that overlook the Gulf. Among the course designers are such legendary names as Arnold Palmer, Bruce Devlin, Jerry Pate and Earl Stone.

    Spring:The temperatures in this season often make it feel like summer, but visitors can beat the summer crowds and prices by going to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach between March and May. 

    • Spring Break: Planning ahead for spring break, the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach community caters to families in a variety of ways:
    • Rules: The destination truly caters to families … so much so that alcohol has been banned on the beach during the spring break schedules of most major colleges and universities for the past seven years. 
    • Accommodations: The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton property, is one of the world’s leading eco-friendly hotels. It’s also family-friendly, with one-third of its guestrooms featuring built-in bunk beds.
    • Activities: A can’t-miss family activity is Sand Castle University, where families can build a sand castle under expert supervision.
    • Explore Gulf State Park: This is one that can (and should!) be explored any time of year, but spring is an especially good time. Each April, in celebration of Earth Day, the park hosts special programs and celebrations to showcase its incredible sustainability efforts. This park is an especially good place to get a handle on this fascinating coastal region that’s home to nine different ecosystems. In the past few years alone, the 6,150-acre park has restored its sand dunes; expanded its Backcountry Trail to 28 miles; and constructed an Interpretive Center.

    Experience Clotilda: The Last America Slave Ship and Its Discovery

    Alabama, Mobile

     Saturday, July 8 marked the grand opening of “Clotilda: The Exhibition” at Africatown Heritage House in Mobile Alabama, located in the heart of one of the most significant communities in African American history.

    The opening took place on the 163rd anniversary of what’s locally known as “The Landing,” the date when 110 West Africans arrived in the United States – in shackles and against their will – on the last documented slave ship to arrive in this country.

    The exhibit tells a big story in a small space that’s not so much larger than the ship that transported the 110 back in 1860 – 52 years after international slave trade became illegal – then was burned and sunk to cover up the crime that had been committed.

    The group survived the Middle Passage and five years of enslavement, then created the only community of its kind, one that was entirely run by African-born Americans. There they maintained their African identities; continued to speak their languages; established their own set of governance; and built churches, schools and businesses based on what they knew from their homeland.It’s the ultimate story of resilience, and it’s one that has long needed to be shared.

    Discovery

    A tale that was once only whispered among descendants of the 110 is now – finally – being heard by people around the world.In 2019, the remains of the shipwrecked Clotilda were identified at the bottom of the Mobile River, providing irrefutable proof of the 160-year-old crime.

    The sunken ship also offers a tangible link to the 110, making their descendants a rarity among the millions of African Americans who long for specific details about when and how their ancestors were forcibly brought into the United States.Some pieces of the sunken ship scientifically verified to be the Clotilda are among the artifacts on display in the exhibition, which puts its emphasis not on the ship, but on the 110 men, women and children it brought to the United States.

    The exhibit also features a variety of other artifacts, interpretive text panels, and documents.That paperwork includes land deeds and marriage certificates that prove that the shipmates – most of whom didn’t know each other before their capture, many of whom didn’t even speak the same languages or practice the same religions – became a community and, by all reckoning, each other’s family in the absence of true kin. Ripped apart from everyone they knew in West Africa, the survivors eventually established their own family units in the United States.

    Survivors Share Their Stories

    Because they arrived five decades after international slave trade was abolished and they were quite young at the time – the oldest Clotilda survivors were in their early 20s in 1860 – some of them lived well into the 20th century and documented their first-hand accounts. This means that their children and grandchildren knew the stories of what happened to the 110 – their capture, their enslavement, the Middle Passage, and the burning and sinking of the Clotilda – and passed them down from generation to generation.

    Special water tanks hold artifacts recovered from the shipwreck verified to be the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to arrive in America.Credit: History Museum of MobileThe modern-day descendants – ranging from third generation into seventh generation and perhaps beyond – were the first people to visit the exhibition.

    Out of respect to the descendants, the exhibition opened in a special preview for them last Thursday, July 6. Throughout the day, hands were held, tears were shed and hugs were shared, all representing a mix of emotions that ran the gamut from grief to joy. 

    “I hope the exhibit draws attention to the story of our ancestors’ beginnings and to the challenges the Africatown community faces today,” said Jeremy Ellis, president of Clotilda Descendants Association.On Saturday, which marked the public opening of both Africatown Heritage House and Clotilda: The Exhibition, the community of Africatown came together to invite the world to share in a story that has been 163 years in the making.

    The first hundreds of visitors who passed through the doors included descendants from around the country, members of the community, people who have been following this fascinating story for years, the dive team and marine archaeologists who are studying and conserving the boat, the elected officials and donors who set aside the funding to create the site and exhibition, and the museum curators who have worked hard to trace the stories of the survivors.

    “I have spent years reading and writing stories of the survivors,” said Meg McCrummen Fowler, the director of the History Museum of Mobile, which curated, constructed and funded the exhibition and operates Africatown Heritage House. “You can’t do that and not be changed. My hope is that visitors to Africatown Heritage House will leave not just having learned historical facts, but rather having had an experience with history that brings the humanity of the story into sharp relief … and maybe even learning something about themselves in the process.”

    If You Go:

    Africatown Heritage House is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to space limitations, tickets for Clotilda: The Exhibition – which will remain at the site for at least three years – are timed and should be reserved online in advance of a visit.

    Tickets, which can be purchased up to 60 days in advance, are $15 for adults; $9 for guests ages 65 or more, students age 18 or more with a valid school ID, and active or retired military with ID; $8 for children ages 6 to 18; free for children 5 and under; and free for Mobile County residents with proof of residency (though donations are encouraged).

    “I hope that visitors leave Africatown Heritage House knowing that there is still greatness in the community and amongst the people, and feel deeply connected to something larger than themselves,” said Altevese Lumbers-Rosario, vice president of Clotilda Descendants Association. “That is what my ancestor, Kossula, and the remaining founders of Africatown strived to embody, teach their descendants, and anchor their lives to.”

    Learn More About Africatown

    Africatown Community Organizations
    Africatown is a small residential area just north of downtown Mobile. Many of its residents
    can trace their lineage to the 110 survivors of the Clotilda, who founded the community after
    the Civil War. For more than 150 years, members of the community took steps to ensure that
    the incredible story of those who came before them was always honored and never forgotten.
    They tapped into their personal resources and gave of their time, ever committed to
    preserving their history while ensuring a bright future for the generations to come. Their
    decades of dedication has resulted in the establishment of a full array of community
    organizations that work diligently – independently and also in support of each other – to keep
    the dreams of the original residents of Africatown alive. Listed in alphabetical order, these
    organizations include:

    • Africatown Business & Community Panel:
      https://www.africatowncdc.com/africatown-business-community-panel
    • Africatown C.H.E.S.S. (Clean, Healthy, Educated, Safe & Sustainable):
      http://www.africatown-chess.org/
    • Africatown Community Development Corporation: https://www.africatowncdc.com/
    • Africatown Heritage Preservation Foundation: https://africatownhpf.org/
    • Africatown Redevelopment Corporation: created by the Alabama State
      Legislature/HB#448 in 2021: https://atownrc.com
    • Clotilda Descendants Association: https://theclotildastory.com/
    • M.O.V.E. (Making Opportunities Viable for Everyone) Gulf Coast Community
      Development Corporation: https://movegulfcoastcdc.org/
    • Mobile County Training School Alumni Association: http://www.mctswhippets.org/
    • Mobile Environmental Justice Action Coalition: https://www.mejacoalition.org/
      Credit: Mobile County Commission
      Historic Africatown Churches (in order of founding)
    • 1869: Union Missionary Baptist Church, 506 Bay Bridge Road, Mobile, AL 36610
    • 1883: Yorktown Baptist Church, 851 East Street, Mobile, AL 36610
    • 1893: First Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 664 Shelby Street, Mobile, AL 36610
      For more information, contact media@clotilda.com.
      Suggested Reading: Books of Interest (all available on Amazon)
    • Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo” (Zora Neale Hurston, 2018)
    • Clotilda: The History and Archaeology of the Last Slave Ship (James P. Delgado,
      Deborah E. Marx, Kyle Lent, Joseph Grinnan and Alexander DeCaro, 2023)
    • Dreams of Africa in Alabama: The Slave Ship Clotilda and the Story of the Last
      Africans Brought to America (Sylviane A. Diouf, 2007)
    • Historic Sketches of the South (Emma Langdon Roche, 1914)
    • The Last Slave Ship: The True Story of How Clotilda Was Found, Her Descendants, and
      an Extraordinary Reckoning (Ben Raines, 2022)
    • The Slave Ship Clotilda and the Making of AfricaTown, USA: Spirit of Our Ancestors
      (Natalie S. Robertson, 2008)
      Suggested Reading: Articles of Interest
    • “Clotilda: Journey of the Last American Slave Ship” National Geographic, November
      19, 2019 (Please note: This is behind a paywall, so you’ll need to log in with an email
      address or subscribe to access the story.)
    • “Clotilda, America’s Last Slave Ship: Stole Them From Home, It Couldn’t Steal Their
      Identities” National Geographic, January 16, 2020 (Please note: This is behind a
      paywall, so you’ll need to log in with an email address or subscribe to access the
      story.)
    • “Africatown – A Tradition and Struggle Like No Other” by Joe Womack, posted July 7,
      2014 on the “Bridge the Gulf” blog
      Suggested Films
    • “Clotilda: Last American Slave Ship,” currently showing on Disney+
    • “Descendant,” currently showing on Netflix
      Official Tours
    • Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail: https://www.dffaaht.org/
      (established in 2005)
    • Visit Mobile, the official tourism organization for the city, worked with Michelle
      Browder of More Than Tours in Montgomery, to mentor a group of aspiring tour guides,
      some of whom are descendants. Browder helped five businesses establish licenses and
      create marketing tools, in addition to coaching them on how to share fascinating but
      difficult stories in both educational and engaging ways. The first class of “Africatown
      Experience Givers” graduated on January 25, 2023. Please see related document in
      the Clotilda.com press room for more details.

    I

    Try One or All of These 11 Great Cakes in Honor of Duncan Hines

    Alabama, Bakeries, Delaware, Desserts, Duncan Hines, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants, Hotel Du Pont, Regional & Ethnic, Restaurants, Southern cuisine, Uncategorized, Wilmington

    My friends at Mindy Bianca Public Relations tell me they love representing Bowling Green, Kentucky for many reasons, but at the top of their list is the fact it’s the hometown of Duncan Hines. Most of us know his name from boxed cake mixes sitting on the grocery shelves, but that’s just part of his story as Mindy would say. Here’s a big wedge of American pop culture for you … perhaps best served with a tall glass of milk.

    Duncan Hines was a traveling salesman who didn’t know much about cooking but knew a lot about good food and he kept notes during his travels and made recommendations for fellow travelers. His notes became books and his books became best sellers with names like “Adventures in Good Eating” and Adventures In Good Cooking And The Art Of Carving In The Home Tested Recipes Of Unusual Dishes From America’s Favorite Eating Places. Mindy and her team selected these cakes in homage to Hines who was born on March 26, 1880. And these aren’ts any old cakes, they’re confectionary marvels that will make you want to hit the road!

    Bundt Cake from The Cake Shop at Boyce’s General Store, Bowling Green, Kentucky

             Let’s start close to where Duncan Hines himself did … right near Bowling Green, Kentucky. Boyce’s General Store is a foodie heaven, serving as the kitchen and retail shop for two phenomenal dessert bakers, The Pie Queen and The Cake Shop. Though the dynamic duo who bake the cakes create all sorts of flavors – the display case simply makes your mouth water – we’re most intrigued by the bundt cakes. No matter which flavor you get, you can expect a cake that’s moist and rich and covered in a cream cheese glaze. If you don’t need to serve 10 to 12 of your closest friends, go for the mini sampler, which features one each of chocolate, apple spice, snickerdoodle and red velvet.

    7-Layer Caramel Cake from Caroline’s Cakes, Spartanburg, South Carolina

    For years, Caroline’s Cakes has been sending its delicacies out through their successful mail-order service. Last year, though, the bakers finally opened a storefront along Beaumont Avenue in Spartanburg, meaning that visitors to this town along the northern border of South Carolina can finally walk into a shop for an immediate taste of one of the city’s most delicious exports. The 7-Layer Caramel Cake features – surprise! – seven layers of moist yellow cake crowned by melt-in-your-mouth caramel icing. It’s a Southern classic that has achieved ultimate success: making it to Oprah’s list of favorite things! (It’s on our list of favorite things, too, but we know that doesn’t carry nearly as much prestige as Oprah’s.)

    Hummingbird Cake from Lola

    Historic downtown Covington, Louisiana Northshore

      When Hurricane Katrina blew through Louisiana in 2005, Keith and Nealy Frentz, who were both sous chefs at the world-famous Brennan’s restaurant in New Orleans, found themselves out of work. They evacuated to Keith’s hometown of Covington and opened their own restaurant just a year later. It’s hard to decide on the very best meal at Lola – we can confirm that everything on the menu is delicious – but one thing is certain: You must end that meal with a piece of hummingbird cake. Nealy uses her grandma’s recipe to craft this moist banana cake that’s filled with chunks of juicy pineapple and a dash of cinnamon. It’s all topped off with a decadent cream cheese icing, ensuring that both the fruit and dairy food groups are beautifully represented. Hooray for Nealy’s take on the food pyramid!

    Lane Cake from The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar

    Mobile, Alabama

             Lane Cake was invented by Emma Rylander Lane more than 100 years ago as an entry in Alabama’s state fair, with its recipe being officially published in a cookbook in 1898. It entered popular culture through multiple mentions in Harper Lee’s 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird, and it ultimately bumped hummingbird cake (sorry, Nealy!) out of the way to become Alabama’s official state dessert. The cake gets its incredible flavor from its rich icing, which is made with chopped pecans, golden raisins, coconut and Alabama whiskey and then spread between layers and layers of moist cake. Chef Jim Smith, proprietor of The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar, one of Mobile’s favorite restaurants, is the former executive chef for the State of Alabama … so we can confirm he knows his way around the state’s favorite dessert.

    Italian Cream Cake from Cajun Pecan House

    Cut Off, Louisiana, part of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou

    The MBPR team is proud to represent an array of Southern destinations, and you’ll see a running theme among them when it comes to their baked goods: moist cake, some sort of fruit or nut, cream cheese icing. Our favorite selection in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, aka “Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou,” is the Italian Cream Cake from the charming Cajun Pecan House. The place lives up to its name and tosses pecans on and in pretty much everything. Lots of folks come here looking for a pecan pie or a praline – both of which are delicious – but the bakers also put plenty of their namesake nut into a yellow cake batter that’s made extra-moist by the addition of coconut. Then they slather it in a rich cream cheese icing that’s topped with additional coconut and – you guessed it – more pecans! It feels more Southern than Italian to us, but we are NOT complaining!

    Caramel Cake from Deep South Cake Company

    Orange Beach, Alabama

    Orange Beach, Alabama

             Your sweet tooth will get quite a workout at the Deep South Cake Company, which is home to a dazzling array of cakes and cupcakes. But the winner by a landslide – the bakery sells at least 1,400 of them between Thanksgiving and Christmas alone – is the legendary caramel cake. Shannon Rumley and her team put a lot of time and energy into this cake, which features a burnt sugar icing that Shannon’s mother and grandmother taught her how to make when she was just a kid. Achieving the proper consistency for the icing requires constant stirring, so this cake truly is a labor of love. If you’re not into caramel – or if you’re loyal to Caroline’s Cakes (see above) and feel guilty eating a caramel cake from anywhere else – don’t fear: Shannon’s second-best seller is a strawberry cake that cuts the sweet with a little zip from the berries.

    Pink Champagne Cake from Spark’d Creative Pastry

    The bake shop at the historic HOTEL DU PONT in Wilmington, Delaware

             Speaking of strawberries, how about that classic romantic combo of berries and champagne? There’s a lot to love about a stay in the historic HOTEL DU PONT in downtown Wilmington, but we think that being just a few paces away from the offerings at Spark’d, the hotel’s bake shop, is one of the strongest motivators for booking a room here. The Pink Champagne Cake is the delightful merger of strawberry cake, strawberry jam and Champagne buttercream icing. With a little advance notice, the hotel’s pastry team is also happy to create a custom design to ensure that the cake you order is perfectly suited to its recipient.

    Gingerbread Cake from Mrs. Johnnie’s Gingerbread House

    Lake Charles, Louisiana

             A Louisiana bakery that proves that so-called seasonal cakes are amazing all year round is Mrs. Johnnie’s Gingerbread House. Locals know – and visitors are finally discovering – that gingerbread is appropriate for every season, not just Christmastime. This low-key shop, which is easily mistaken for a neighborhood home, is hidden in plain sight. But those in the know (many of whom learned about the Gingerbread House thanks to a viral TikTok video last year) can tell you that this popular establishment offers a special cake that throws one heck of a Christmas party in your mouth. Leona Guillory Johnnie, the original owner of the bakery, spent 40 years perfecting the recipe. Today her son, Kevin Ames, continues her legacy, also serving traditional tea cakes and an array of pies.

    Pinch Me Round from Jamaica

    Mrs. Johnnie’s Gingerbread House

    Lake Charles, Louisiana

    Look for the “Cake Man” on the beaches of Negril during a stay at Sunset at the Palms

             It’s not gingerbread, but some people swear that ginger is the magic ingredient in a dessert that our client resort in Jamaica turned us on to. It’s called “gizzada,” but it also goes by the nickname “Pinch Me Round.” Though it’s technically more of a tart than a cake, the fact that a guy called the “Cake Man” sells gizzadas during his rounds on the beaches of Negril convinced us that the dessert warrants a spot on our list. Each islander has their own spin on this classic Jamaican dessert, which features a pinched pastry shell filled with plenty of sweet, grated coconut. Some bakers like to add a touch of ginger to give it a little kick. The dessert is said to have originated among Portuguese Jews who came to Jamaica to escape persecution, but over the years the Jamaicans have made the dessert truly their own. In fact, they say that the shape of the treat will remind you of the shining sun you’ll see on your trip to the island.

    Tricia’s Jamaican Rum Cake from Market Wego

    Westwego, Louisiana, in Jefferson Parish

             If you can’t get to Jamaica right now, you may be able to live vicariously with a visit to Market Wego, a proper Cajun market in southeastern Louisiana. Its owner, River Shay, says her grandmother, Tricia, simply loved visiting Jamaica. On each of her trips, Tricia liked to sample the island’s rum cakes. Over the years, she took what she loved about each variation to create her very own recipe. Her cake truly pays homage to Duncan Hines, because Tricia swore by using only a Duncan Hines cake mix as the base … and then adding an extra splash of rum at the end. Her recipe is still used to this day, and patrons order the cake at all hours – breakfast, lunch and dinner!

    Flower Cupcakes from Dollywood

    Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

             Dolly Parton’s theme park is known for its delicious meal offerings – around here, “park food” means way more than hot dogs and funnel cakes – but during Dollywood’s annual Flower & Food Festival (this year held April 21 through June 11), the culinary team really steps up its game to make foods that are as attractive as they are tasty. One of our favorites is the collection of “flower cupcakes” available at Spotlight Bakery near the park’s entrance. Each flower cupcake is a beautiful work of art that celebrates the natural beauty of the park, which is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. And to bring it full circle, Parton recently collaborated with Duncan Hines’ namesake company, resulting in her very own line of cake, muffin and biscuit mixes.

    Four Great Christmas Destinations for the Holiday Season

    Alabama, Bellingrath Gardens, Branson, Christmas, Communityu Tree, Dollywood, Family Excursions, Frostburg, Holiday Travel, Maryland, North Pole, Pigeon Forge, Santa Claus, Smoky Mountains, Tennessee Mountain Home

    My friend Mindy Bianca of Mindy Bianca Public Relations (MBPR) introduced me to hr newest employee, Jolly Jinglebutton (I don’t know where Mindy meets these characters), an elf who seems in the know for all things Christmas. And here, in his words, are some great holiday destinations.

    Photo courtesy of Branson Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

    Branson, Missouri

                In this Ozark Mountain town, moms and dads put the kids to bed on Halloween night, sneak some candy to get a little sugar rush, and then scurry around to transform Branson from fall to festive in a matter of hours. Poof! By the morning of November 1, Branson looks like the North Pole … minus the snow! Actually, this year they’re upping their game and transforming the historic downtown into a massive “winter wonderland” display – including hundreds of snowflakes suspended from the lampposts – so maybe it WILL look just like my home!

    There are more than 1,500 beautifully decorated trees all around town, including a giant Community Tree whose themed décor changes each year. This year that tree is titled “We All SHINE ON!” and it will feature more than 200 super-sparkly LED stars in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. The Community Tree display, which will stand nearly four stories tall, will be part of Branson’s holiday scene from November 1 through January 7. It’ll be positioned right next to the Branson Ferris Wheel, which itself is beautifully decorated with lights that “dance” to favorite Christmas tunes during multiple shows each night.

    Photo courtesy of Branson Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

    Though all the attractions around Branson get into the holiday spirit, the highest concentration of lights and décor can be found at Silver Dollar City, a legendary theme park that annually celebrates “An Old Time Christmas.” The park installs more than 6.5 million lights – that’s 680 miles of stringed bulbs! – as well as 1,000 decorated trees, 600 giant wreaths, 3 miles of garland, and 15,000 yards of ribbon. (Fun fact: That’s about 15,000 elves’ worth of ribbon, if we all laid head to toe.)

    And perfect for a holiday visit: At the World’s Largest Toy Museum, you’ll find more than 1 million toys that represent pretty much everything that kids have been putting on their Christmas lists for the past 100 years. This museum sure makes me glad that Santa invested in all the new-fangled technology that relieves us elves from some of the most difficult toy-making tasks. (Don’t even talk about sewing on teddy bears’ noses. Ouch!)

    Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

                We elves took a recent poll, and our very favorite human – ever – is Dolly Parton. There really isn’t anything she can’t do. She writes and sings songs, she acts (check out her Christmas movie on NBC later this year!), she helps finance COVID vaccines, she promotes literacy, and she owns a theme park in the middle of the Smoky Mountains so that visitors far and wide can learn about and fall in love with her Tennessee Mountain Home.

    In fact, Dolly is so amazing that I’m not saying she’s an elf, but I’m not NOT saying she is one, either. Think about it: Some of the best elves I know are named Polly (last name: Peppermintstripe), Molly (Mistletoe), Holly (Hugsomuch), Folly (Funsmith) and Golly (Gumdrop). And then, of course, there’s me … Jolly. Do you think it’s a coincidence that Dolly’s name just SOUNDS elf-y?

    Anyway, back to that incredible theme park, Dollywood, which has a tendency – like me – to go a little Christmas-crazy. Starting on the first Saturday of November, the park is completely transformed into a winter wonderland, coming aglow as more than 5 million gleaming lights sparkle across the property. (They have a team of humans here called “Lighting Bugs” who start stringing in the summertime! They started early this year so Dolly could film her Christmas movie last month!) A highlight of the décor is a 50-foot-tall, animated Christmas tree that comes to life via a synchronized light show throughout the evening.

    And this is a theme park, so there are plenty of rides to enjoy, too! You get to race through the night sky while millions of lights twinkle below. I can tell you from first-hand experience that it’s a lot like how Santa feels when he takes his sleigh ride on Christmas Eve.

    Frostburg, Maryland

                Photographer: Hassan Rasheed

    Take a look at this tiny town’s name. You just know people here are going to make a fuss about all wintery stuff, right? Fun fact: Frostburg is not named for Jack Frost – which is okay with me, because I’ve always thought that guy was kind of cold. Instead, it was named for a family that was among the first settlers here on what they call “The Mountain Side of Maryland,” way back when this area was pure wilderness.

    But that bristly Jack Frost does show up once a year, on the first Saturday of December (this year that’s December 3), for the town’s “Storybook Holiday” celebration. Old Jack pushes his way right to the front of the parade and tries to make it all about him. So typical.

    But you know who it’s really about? The students from Frostburg University, who work with members of the community to raise money for the university’s Children’s Literature Centre. They all come together to celebrate books, reading and literacy. Kids show up to hear Christmas stories, meet authors, write letters to Santa, watch the parade and sip “Cocoa with the Po-Po,” which is hosted by Frostburg’s police department.

    But the very, very best part is – wait for it – when the college kids compete in the Elf Olympics. Events include all the things I’ve spent my life perfecting: cookie tossing, package wrapping, tree decorating, toy creating and even song serenading. It’s so much fun to watch! I asked Santa if I can recruit the best participants for our North Pole team, but he said they probably exceed our maximum height limit.

    Something else I love about Frostburg is that it gives me plenty of chances to support small, local businesses, including an independent bookstore, a shop that sells vinyl records, an old-fashioned theater that shows classic Christmas movies, and a café that serves an eggnog latte that I wish Spazzy Sparkleshots, my favorite barista back in the North Pole, could learn how to make.

    Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore, Alabama (near Mobile)

                I think a lot of people equate Christmas with colder weather and forget that there are plenty of warmer places that really get into the holiday spirit, too. MBPR represents several destinations that prove you don’t have to freeze your jingle bells off to enjoy the holidays. So, I want to tell you about Christmas at Bellingrath Gardens & Home, which is near Mobile, Alabama. The place is named for Walter Bellingrath, who made his fortune owning the region’s Coca-Cola bottling franchise, and O, Christmas tree … do they go all-out when it comes to decorating his 65-acre garden estate!

                During the Magic Christmas in Lights event, which this year runs November 25 through January 4, the gardens are adorned with more than 1,200 handmade set pieces, 3 million glittering lights and 16 custom scenes that can be enjoyed on your own or via a guided group walking tour. And guess what? Everything is designed, welded, painted and lamped on site by three members of the gardens’ staff.

    In December, this area boasts an average daytime high of 63 degrees and a nighttime low of 45, so it’s possible to experience the lights in a comfortable climate but also enjoy a little bundling up … and perhaps a sip or bite of something warm along the way.

    In addition to the light displays, the garden hosts live choral performances nearly every night. I love to sing-sing-sing, so I go every night to show my support … and tap my toes in my little curlicued shoes.

    Also – news flash! – there ARE flowers that bloom at this time of year. Bellingrath is home to one of the South’s most amazing collections of Alabama’s state flower, the camellia. That was Mr. Bellingrath’s very favorite flower … and it happens to be Mrs. Claus’s fave, too! The team here always lets me pick a few camellias and send them home with Santa, who presents them to Mrs. Claus as part of the elves’ Christmas gift to her.

    Re-discover Your Inner Child Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast

    Alabama, Family Excursions, Golf, Gulf Coast Alabama

    Though I missed Be a Kid Again Day on July 8th–and you may have too, it’s never too late to connect with our inner child. And don’t we all need that considering not only our own busy lives but also what’s going on in the world. Sigh! It’s enough to make you want to crawl into bed and pull the covers over your head. But here’s another suggestion.

    Why not head to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, two twin beach towns along the Gulf Coast known for their miles and miles of sugar-white sandy beaches and myriad water and land activities as well as great seafood and lots of you-can-only-find-it-here fun. Want examples?

    Think prehistoric creatures that go beyond the big screen this summer. That’s right. It’s Jurassic Golf. But don’t worry. You don’t have to run from these creatures. Your only concern at this indoor, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course is whether you can get finally get a hole-in-one,

    Or further your education. That’s right. But this isn’t calculus. Instead it’s Sand Castle University, a program teaching “students” the very best ways to build sand castles. Yes, soon you’ll be the beach equivalent of Frank Lloyd Wright. Well, maybe not. But you’ll certainly have some Instagramable moments.

    Those covers aren’t looking like such a great option anymore, are they?

    Well, let’s do some more convincing. Building sandcastles and playing miniature golf with prehistoric relics calls for sustenance. And since calories don’t count on vacation (honest, trust me on this) check out The Yard Milkshake Bar for their creative mind-bending dessert concoctions served in jars. 

    The options at City Donut include their unique, made-from-scratch donuts with toppings like Nerds or Fruity Pebbles, or you can just go glazed–all are yummy.

    Now that we’ve gotten dessert out of the way, sit down for dinner at LuLu’s, a family-friendly restaurant which not only has great coastal cuisine (including allergy-friendly dishes) but also features ropes courses (including the Mountain of Youth, a three-story climbing structure), an arcade, a seasonal caricature artist and live music. Oh and views of the water. Last time I was there I saw a dolphin pop up but he didn’t stop to say hi.

    Fortified, stop at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo which offers up-close and personal animal encounters with kangaroos, lemurs and sloths. For kangaroos and lemurs, kids must be at least 3 years old to attend, but sloths will hang with guests of any age.

    Thye’re definitely not hands-on or good for close encounters but the zoo recently brought in three new African lions (Daniel, Chadwick and Regina from the Pittsburgh Zoo) to assist in lion conservation efforts. Guests will be able to spot them as they’re introduced to the zoo’s resident lion, Nandi.

    Nothing is more relaxing and rejuvenating than getting out in the fresh, coastal air. Hop on a bike at Gulf State Park and enjoy the 28 peaceful miles of the Backcountry Trail. The park offers a free bike-share program, so visitors can explore the nine different ecosystems that make up the park. Bikes in the park are designed for adults and bigger kids; if you have younger children, several local bike shops rent kids’ and tandem bikes. And if biking seems like too much effort, that’s okay. The park also offers more than three miles of public beach to the visitors who prefer to just sit on the sand and listen to the sound of crashing waves.

    Looking for a day trip from the Gulf Shores? Consider Magnolia Springs, a true step back in time.

    Convinced? Then begin planning your trip at https://www.gulfshores.com

    Celebrating Mardi Gras 2022

    Alabama, Cajun/Creole, Fairs, Southern cuisine

    Even if you can’t make it down for Mardi Gras this year, there’s no reason to miss out on the fun. Here are our options for celebrating the holiday in person or from home. So start planning so you don’t miss out on the fun.

    Mobile, Alabama

    Mobile is THE birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, with the American celebration dating back to 1703. In this city, where MoonPies are the most coveted parade “throw” and beads hang from trees year-round, Mardi Gras is truly a way of life.

    Planned Events:

    A full listing of planned events can be found at Mobile.org. All events are subject to change.

    • The 2022 parade schedule extends from January 29 to March 1.
    • A tradition that started in 2021 is continuing to roll into the 2022 Carnival season. The Mobile Porch Parade is a socially distanced way for Mobilians to join in the fun by decorating their homes and registering to be on the official parade map. Everyone is invited to follow the “parade routes” – by way of foot, car or bike – at their leisure.

    Celebrate at Home

    • To help get you in the spirit of the season, Toomey’s Mardi Gras features one of the largest inventories of Mardi Gras supplies anywhere in the world. Headquartered in a 70,000-square-foot facility is overflowing with beads, costumes, masks, and decorations. And that’s just the start. They even have MoonPies.
    • Local women-owned business ellenJAY offers a seasonal Mardi Gras Combo Box, Inside are four beautifully decorated mask sugar cookies, four chocolate chip sammies with vanilla buttercream and Mardi Gras sprinkles, and four cinnamon teacakes. The 12-count combo box is $59.95.

    Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

    Head to  Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and celebrate Mardi Gras on the beach.

    Planned Events:

    A full listing of planned events can be found at gulfshores.com

    . All events are subject to change.

    • Don’t miss the Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade. Organized each year by the City of Orange Beach, this year’s parade is scheduled for Saturday, February 26.
    • They all love a parade. That’s why the city of Gulf Shores offers both land and sea parades on Mardi Gras With the oldest parading order in Baldwin County, the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade will take place at 10 a.m. on March 1. Later that day, the Mardi Gras Boat Parade, organized by Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s, sets sail. 

    Celebrate at Home

    • Possibly the most famous of all Mardi Gras dishes is gumbo, and we’ve got a great recipe to share. Excerpted from Lucy Buffet’s “Gumbo Love” recipe book, Summer Seafood Gumbo. Ignore the name, this gumbo is good year round.

    Coastal Louisiana

    Coastal Louisiana epitomes the Cajun French expression “Laissez les bon temps roulez,” or as we would say “Let the good times roll.” Historically, New Year’s celebrations overlap the Carnival season kickoff starting on the Epiphany (January 6) and continuing on through Mardi Gras beginning this year on Tuesday, March 1.

    Planned Events:

    A full listing of planned events can be found on each destination’s website. All events are subject to change.

    • Lafourche Parish is recovering from the impact of Hurricane Ida last summer, but Mardi Gras is giving residents of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou some reasons to celebrate. Here’s a complete list of the festivities scheduled for this year.
    • Located a short 40 minutes from the French Quarter, St. Tammany Parish is home to such quirky and unforgettable Mardi Gras parades as the Carnival in Covington Parade on March 1.
    • In Southwest Louisiana, the famed Iowa Chicken Run, an event that winds its way through the small town of Iowa to collect ingredients for a celebratory gumbo, is scheduled for March 1.

    Celebrate at Home: