Winter
time of year
⇓
We drove to the Old Fort Bayou Coastal Preserve, Ocean Springs, MS
The 12 Oaks Nature Trail (0.4 mile loop). This short trail starts in a grove of spectacular live oaks covered in vines and ends at a small overlook over the Bayou.
7
⇓
Davis Bayou Area, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ocean Springs, MS
This is the largest National Park spanning from MS to FL, with 80% under water. There are a few short trails here but we’re going to skip them and head to the next stop on our list for today. It’s cold and rainy and a good day for driving.
⇓
We drove through Bayou La Batre, AL
Known as the seafood capital of Alabama, the town was made famous as the hometown of Bubba from the movie Forrest Gump. It’s a tiny fishing town with not much to do beyond boat watching but we love Forest Gump and we wanted to see it.
https://www.alabamanewscenter.com/2021/11/03/why-you-should-visit-bayou-la-batre-the-seafood-capital-of-alabama//
⇓
We drove all the way to Dauphin Island, AL, Alabama’s southernmost point
Their slogan is “America’s Birdiest Coastal Town”. We drove to the westernmost tip. It’s packed with houses on stilts, some even have raised pools. When the tide is high the water actually comes up around the pilings.
We stopped to check out Dauphin Island Pier. It’s still cold and rainy. Somehow Chris’s wedding ring fell off on the walk back. We looked for it but couldn’t find it in the sand and weeds below the pier.
We drove on to the easternmost point of the island to walk the beach behind Historic Fort Gaines and watch the ferry come in.
7
⇓
We checked into Holiday Inn Express Fairhope-Point Clear, AL
($130/night).
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/fairhope/fahal/hoteldetail
⇓
We went down to the Fairhope Pier to watch the sunset
On the way back to the hotel we drove through downtown Fairhope. Its still lit up for Christmas. It seems like a really nice area with lots of fancy shops and eateries.
8
⇓
Have a question or comment?