On either side of the entrance to Mobile Bay from the Gulf of Mexico, a fort greets sailors and visitors. But these are not just gathering places for friends and family. Both Fort Gaines on the eastern tip of Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan on the western bank of the Fort Morgan Peninsula have storied ...Read More
If you’re looking to add to your byway adventure at a more leisurely pace, the Mobile Bay Ferry may be just the stop for you. The ferry offers year-round service across Mobile Bay between Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island. Tickets can be purchased at varying rates for passage. No matter where you’ll arrive, the journey ...Read More
Mobile Bay is home to two historical and iconic landmarks: Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan. Take a day to explore them both! You may have heard the phrase “Damn the torpedoes - full speed ahead!” That was the infamous order given by Admiral Farragut at Fort Gaines during the Battle of Mobile Bay. Fort Gaines ...Read More
History buffs know all about the rich history and culture along Alabama’s Coastal Connection, but it might not be so obvious to those passing through. Along the byway, there are plenty of spots to stop and learn a little about the past. If the Civil War era is of particular interest to you, then you’ve ...Read More
America turns 242 this year, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the birth of our nation along Alabama’s Coastal Connection. When you’re finished filling up on hotdogs, hamburgers and beer, head to some of these Independence Day celebrations happening all along the beach byway. As usual, Fort Morgan is blowing it out for ...Read More
Alabama’s role in shaping our nation’s history since its acceptance into the union in 1819 is undeniable. Luckily for visitors, there’s no shortage of ways to learn about Coastal Alabama’s contributions. The state’s history is rich with competing cultures, civil war, innovation and struggle. Learn all about it at these stops along the byway! Fort ...Read More
More than likely, you’ve heard of the weeks-long party that is Mardi Gras. It’s also likely you associate the partying and parading of Mardi Gras with New Orleans. Although New Orleans has a long and storied history with Mardi Gras, you may be surprised to learn that Alabama is, in fact, the birthplace of the ...Read More
There’s no time like the present to learn about the past, and you can do just that when you venture along Alabama’s Coastal Connection. Starting at historic Fort Gaines and ending at Spanish Fort, we planned this day trip with history buffs in mind. Spanning one day and 86 miles, this fun and education itinerary ...Read More
August is almost here, and we’re still celebrating summer along the Alabama Coastal Connection. Beyond camping, hiking, birding and biking, we’ve got some events on the calendar that’ll make you want to pack your bags and hit the byway. Here are some ideas to squeeze the most out of your Gulf Coast summer. On August ...Read More
When venturing along Alabama’s Coastal Connection, you’ll find yourself immersed in the area’s rich history. And there’s no better way to understand Alabama’s unique story than with stops at both Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. Located 23 miles west of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan is an historic masonry star fort built to protect the mouth of ...Read More