Expert: Leslie Johnston - 6/8/2001

Question
My friend and I and our children are leaving this Sunday AM on a trip to Gulf Shores for several days. We live in Olive Branch, MS, which is just south of Memphis. What is the best route for us to take to get to the Alabama coast? Also, can you point out any places that might be particularly good to eat or sightsee? Thanks so much. I hope you can help out on such short notice!  :)

Answer
Dear Karen:

As far as a route, I'm not really sure. Probably Hwy 78 to Birmingham. Then I-65 to just north of Mobile. Then Hwy 59 (?) to Gulf Shores. Check with AAA or someplace like that before you go and get a good map of Alabama.

There is lots of do in Gulf Shores. There is an outlet center just north of Gulf Shores in Foley. They have all kinds of name-brand clothes, china, electronics, etc. (Good on a rainy day).

There is a water park in Foley with water slides, etc.

A nice, upscale place to eat dinner is the Perdido Pass near Orange Beach. It has a marina full of boats and a nice view of the bay.

If you can get a babysitter for the kids, have a drink at the Flora-Bama bar on the Florida/Alabama state line. Very laid back. Jimmy Buffett is known to stop by on occasion.

Ft. Morgan/Ft. Gaines. These two civil war forts are across the bay from each other. The kids will have loads of fun. Take the ferry across the bay to see the other fort on Dauphin Island. Then ferry back to Gulf Shores.

For souvenirs, go to Alvin's. Huge shop. Lots of t-shirts, shell thingies, etc.

I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip and let me know how it went. Good luck and have fun!

Leslie