Alabama is one of our first states we posted vacation information on in our former magazine, National Park Vacations but, since the focus was on National Parks, trying to determine how to present Alabama was difficult. 2012 brings our best foot forward on Alabama vacations showing the worthiness of Alabama that includes the Gulf Coast and golf resorts, from Mobile to Fort Payne, which is just a few miles from the Little River Canyon (photo top), Dauphin Island (below) and direct links to vacations in Alabama. The Little River Canyon Preserve is a 12-mile-long canyon and is the largest canyon east of the Mississippi and a scenic drive is available with look out points to enjoy the beautiful scenery. One such look out point is Lynn Overlook, which is the head and starting point for the Beaver Pond Trail. The three quarter mile trail is a bird watchers paradise. The Canyon beauty includes, "sweeping panoramas of the canyon walls and the raging Little River below. Scan the walls of the canyon and you will see natural bridges and amazing formations created by the action of the river and the elements." (Alabama Tourism Department) Enjoy relaxing at the end of the scenic drive at Canyon Mouth Park, which is a day use park and a relaxing place to enjoy a picnic. The park offers grills, a beach and swimming in the crystal clear waters. Fishing is also permitted at the park. The preserve is detailed with vacation options on our Alabama National Park page. Lookout Mountain is the ideal location for a quality couple get-away, perfect for a peaceful anniversary vacation
or summer family vacation. A one-week vacation is ideal but, nobody can become board for a vacation to this area of Alabama/ Tennessee even during a two week vacation. The Little River flows for nearly the entire length atop Lookout Mountain. The area offers scenic views of forested uploads, canyon cliffs and bluffs, pools where waterfalls flow into. The cliffs are of sandstone and have stunning beauty. Just a couple examples of fun and vacation fulfilling things to do include Ruby Falls and the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. Ruby Falls is the deepest commercial cave and has the highest underground waterfall at 145 feet in height. Guided tours are available and they end with an incredible panoramic view from the Lookout Mountain Tower. The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway trolley ride is a one mile ride at a 72% grade straight up the mountain. Tour Civil War sites such as the Battles for Chattanooga Electric Map & Museum, Point Park and the Chattanooga National Military Park system if only a short walk. The bottom or start of the ride offers many stores to shop and good restaurants. The good dining though can be extended by a short drive to downtown Chattanooga. The one restaurant that has stood out when we researched Chattanooga restaurants is 212 Market St. Restaurant, which you can view at www.212Market.com. Fine dining at its best in a casual atmosphere. The menu is one of the best I have ever read. Starters include Grilled Georgia Quail Breasts served with Blueberry Compote & Rosemary Shortbread, a Mediterranean Sampler and Fire & Ice, which is Rock shrimp Gazpacho, Cilantro Sorbet and Avocado but, the best of the appetizers is their fried green tomatoes served with Cajun slaw and Creole Remoulade. One salad example is their Baby Spinach salad topped with Hazelnut vinaigrette, spiced pecans, Gorgonzola, Apples and smoked bacon. Their entrées, desserts and rewards I am leaving to your imagination. Little River Canyon is a choice vacation spot with so much to offer for a romantic vacation or a family vacation. The featured accommodations is the Weiss Lake House in Cedar Bluff.
but, onc you view this hotel that could very well change. Located in Fairhope Alabama, near Mobile, the hotel as their own private beach. The dining options are fruitful even not leaving the hotel with five restaurants and a bar/lounge. The four star hotel does offer room service as expected for this quality of resort but, is limited to specific hours. The golf course is 36 holes and the hotel offers an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a children's pool, and a health club. Spa amenities include spa services, massage/treatment rooms, facials, and body treatments. The golf course is the legendary Robert Trent Jones Golf trail. The hotel is known as the “Queen of Southern Resorts” and is legendary for weddings. So, for those who do not live in Mobile, know that the hotel is the quality Alabama Vacations many seek for a honeymoon or anniversary vacation.
The hotel is also family oriented with amenities such as the children’s pool and family activities offered in
the surrounding area and beaches. Family oriented adventures for Mobile include the USS Alabama tour
– www.ussalabama.com, the Mobile Carnival Museum (Mobile was the birthplace of Mardi Gras) -
www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com, the Mobile Zoo - http://www.mobilezoo.cc, and the Mobile Mystery
Dinner Theatre – http://www.mobilemysterydinners.com, which can be part of a romantic vacation as well. Planning a romantic vacation in the Mobile area, many sources of accommodations are available but, the two main hotels we are mentioning here are the Grand Marriott and the Holiday Isle Resort and Marina on Dauphin Island.
Dauphin Island offers much for a romantic vacation and family vacations from the Holiday Isle Resort and Marina to camp grounds on sugar sand beaches, Dauphin sanctuary, historic fort and a professional golf course. The hotel of the Holiday Isle is the Islamorada Hotel and Resort, which offers astonishing first class accommodations, a “world famous Tiki Bar,” fine dining and nightly entertainment. Whether you stay in Holiday Isle or at the Marriott in Fairview, Dauphin Island should be part of your planned vacation.
To start self planning your visit to Dauphin Island, start with the Chamber of commerce at http://dauphinislandcoc.com. The Islamorada Hotel Resort is world famous for its fishing at the Marina, with Dauphin Island offering the only living barrier reef in North America. An 850’ fishing peer offers premium fishing and lots of room. Charters are also available directly from the Marina. Dive and snorkeling trips are offered as well to nearby ship wrecks and the reefs. The golf course is a premium 6,600 yard 18-hole scenic adventure and the golf course, although a professional golf course and suitable to the not so professional. Direct information can found at www.dipoa.com/golfcourse. The Chamber of Commerce website offers details on the Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary, which offers 164 acres of woodlands with trails through a mix of pines, live oaks, magnolias and stretches along the Gulf of Mexico. Dauphin Island is known is one of the top spots to observe tropical migrating birds and butterflies including song birds and humming birds. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is an extraordinary place to visit, which should be top on your list. The Estuarium offers wonders of Alabama that include habitat details, aquariums and interactive exhibits. Last but, not least, for the nature enthusiast and outdoors man, camping on Dauphin Island is offered at the Dauphin Island Camp Ground. The park offers 150 sites that have power and water, 75 of which have sewer, onside bathhouse with hot showers, washers/ dryers, an onsite store, a group pavilion with large barbecue grill, walking trails, bicycle rental and on. All the information on these fun places to visit can be found at www.dauphinisland.org. Fine dining on Dauphin Island I am not too certain about. First, I believe that restaurants on Dauphin Island may not know the Internet exists. The only restaurant I could find that appears to be at all appetizing is the Island Rainbow, which you can click this page to find more info. Mobile is the best bet for romantic fine dining. Two restaurants that stand out for fine dining is Noja, www.nojamobile.com and Café Royal, www.caferoyalmobile.net. Jesse’s Steakhouse is also a very good choice. All three are rated four star, Noja has 72 reviews, Jesse’s 30 and Café Royal 54 reviews. My opinion from reading the reviews is I give all three restaurants a 4.2 rating on quality of food, experience and ambiance but, a lower 3.8 rating on their menus.
For all travel and dining reservations, golfing, reviews and more, visit 1 Touch Reservations at www.reservationswebsite.com
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