The first time our family visited Perdido Key, was two months after my (our) mom had passed. There was definitely some guilt attached to leaving, but I discovered was very necessary. This past Christmas break marked the forth time my family has visited Perdido Key - with every visit, we become more comfortable and it gets better every time. Typically, our family drives to and from the Pensacola/Gulf Shores area and from Chicagoland, it takes approximately 16 hours one way.
This year, we left early on a Friday morning, and instead of stopping in Nashville for the night, we stopped at the Zoo for two hours and then continued driving until we were passed Birmingham, Alabama. (If you aren't aware, next to Missouri, Alabama has the countries worst drivers).
Circling back to the Nashville Zoo, my family tends to visit zoos in most towns and cities that we visit, my two boys (7 and 9) have been into animals since they were toddlers and are card-carrying members of the "Kratts Brothers Club", so zoos/aquariums are wonderful places for us to get out and stretch the legs for a bit. Nashville Zoo was no exception, and as I continue to think about it, while not my favorite zoo, it is the best zoo I feel I've had the pleasure of visiting, and I'm grateful, both of my boy were able to experience everything it had to offer. Since the Nashville Zoo isn't why I'm writing this post, I'll do my best to keep this brief, but the Nashville Zoo was extremely clean, with friendly staff. The animal exhibits were modern, updated, large, and well-kept with natural habitats for their animals, who looked happy. Food was moderately priced and not too "in your face", nor were their souvenirs (I only saw one shop - which was located at the front entrance). While we didn't stay for their "Zoo Lights", my wife and I both agreed we'd go back to see them lit; and honestly, I can't wait to go back!
Onward and yupward to the Gulf Coast!
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Pelham, Alabama. There was a Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Walmart and Dunkin' Donuts within walking distance, so the town has everything one would need on a road-trip. The hotel was typical, except the pool was in a separate building which was a little strange. Including our stop in Nashville, it took us 12 hours to get to Pelham.
Upon waking up on Saturday morning, we took out time getting out of town, since a.) we were passed Birmingham, and b.) our check in at the "Home Away" Condo was 4:00pm. That being said, we were all anxious to get to the coast knowing that our first stop would be our favorite restaurant in the United States, "the Gulf". Know for their Grouper Sandwiches and spectacular views, when I retire, this is where I'll tend bar. I'll be happy to do it for free. Nestled under the "Perdido Pass Causeway", it specializes in fresh seafood and local beers (Lil' Smack IPA by
Chandeleur Island Brewing is tops in our book, and pairs perfectly with the Fried Grouper). Our kids play under palm trees, in the sand whilst we enjoy the food, company, and views; whether its families playing on the beach across the water, boats coming in and out Bayou Saint John, or Bottlenose Dolphins playing in the tidewaters, there's always something fascinating to watch. Dining at the Gulf is pure bliss; even on it's worst day, I can't think of any other place I'd rather be.
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| The Gulf |
The beaches. I'm a big boy, and honestly, I've never liked the beach. But there's something magical about Perdido Key State Park. It's a state park so on paper, it should be fairly busy or crowded, but in the four weeks (over four years) we've spent in Perdido, I bet I've seen less than 100 people total on this beach. It's expansive, private, and quiet; everything I'm looking for in a beach vacation, and like the Gulf restaurant, there's always something to see... Portuguese Man of Wars can wash up on the beach, Ghost Crabs, Ospreys, Great Blue Herons, Dolphin, the Blue Angels are just a few things to watch while lounging and listening to the waves continuously rolling in. Other activities include going for a long walk, looking for shells, tossing a frisbee or dropping a line in the water and see what you reel in! We caught a mullet this year. As previously stated, I've never been one to enjoy the beach, but the lure of the Gulf of Mexico at Perdido has me considering my stance. While I've yet to spend much time in the water, it's a lovely place to spend the day, and I'd gladly trade sunburn and sand in my shoes for the memories created.
The forts. There's a great deal of local and national history that exists in the pre-Civil War/Civil War era forts of the Pensacola/Gulf Shores area and I'm grateful for the opportunity to take kids to visit and engage with all of it. It's living history and we're getting to a point where I can meet my kids head on when they have questions. Not previously equipped with the answers, their questions keep us on our toes and even allows us to reflect about the lives of all who've crossed the thresholds of the doors, their lives and times and even the climate of our Nation today. Thus far, we've visited three forts: Fort Morgan, the largest, Fr. Barrancas, closest to the Pensacola Naval Base and Air Museum, and Ft. Gaines on Dauphin Island. While not an unexpected "enjoyable" experience, visiting one of the five area forts is an inexpensive unique half-day trip, and a great change of pace if you're looking to wander away from the beach.
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| Fort Gaines |
Dauphin Island: Speaking of a "change of pace", this trip we took the island hopper ferry to visit Dauphin Island. While cold, and windy that was arguably the most interest part of our trip (because it was so unlike anything we've ever done)! It's a seven mile trip that took about 35 minutes. You're allowed to get out of the cars and stand on the catwalk to take in the sights. The first one that comes into view on Dauphin Island was Ft. Gaines. But before we made our way to learn about the Battle of Mobile Bay, we visited the Dauphin Island Sea Lab: a local aquarium. (Living 70 miles west of Chicago, we have pretty easy access to the Shedd Aquairum and visit it annually). The Sea Lab was charming and full of local inhabitants. The docents may have been the best part of the visit. Their knowledge, pride and enthusiasm for their state, island and aquarium made for an enjoyable visit. a few highlights here: learning about the "Bonnethead Shark" and finding a Flounder fish, and Great Blue Heron stuffed animals in their gift shop. Sidenote, I'm a sucker for gift shops. I like buying Christmas ornaments of the places we visit, AND I enjoy looking for unique stuffed animals for the kids.
While the kids drive the vacation and what we do, they really don't get a say in what/where we eat (mostly because they eat hamburgers, fries and chicken tenders). So my wife and I dictate where we go and we've landed on a few places that we wish we had more frequent access to... the Gulf had its own paragraph so I won't prattle on, but it's a remarkable dining experience. Hub Stacey's at the Point is another gem, or should I say dive? Either way, it's bar food done well... Beer, wings, burgers, and fries (Causeway IPA on draught) with local musicians meandering their way through cover sets
(mercifully, I've never heard any Jimmy Buffet songs). Perdido Bay seafood is where we grab our fresh, local seafood when we're cooking from our residence. THE STEAMED SPICY RUBY REDS ARE A MUST!!!!! I hate to admit it, but the Key Lime Pie from Publix is arguably my favorite dessert. The food at the Hangout is overpriced and leaves a lot to be desired, but it's a fun place to have a meal with young kids; opt for an appetizer and some drinks and let the kids play. Florabama Yacht Club is entertaining, especially the graffiti on the men's bathroom walls... The triple tail with jambalaya is divine and their hashpuppies are unparalleled! There's a reason Florabama has been open for over 50 years. They give their diners what they want! That being said, the "Bushwhacker" is the most overrated aspect of visiting this region of the gulf coast, save the $10 and take a pass when a staff member asks if you want one while dining out.
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| sunset just outside of Hub Stacey's |
Pensacola Naval Base. It was closed on this visit due to recent unfortunate events that took place. But it's a great way to spend half a day indoors when it's raining. It's free, with the opportunity to buy into "experiences" or movies, but there's no need to spend any money other than at the donation box! If you're kids are into planes, jets, helicopters boats, or space travel, this is the museum for them. The Naval Museum is interactive and hands on, and to some degree a bit overwhelming. While you can spend all day here, there's no need. if the kids start acting out, you can leave and visit Ft. Barrancas (right around the corner) or Big Bertha, the tallest lighthouse on the Gulf of Mexico (it's REALLY high up and scary windy at the top). Dollar for dollar, one can't beat visiting the Pensacola Naval Station with their family.
