ALABAMA: My New Sweet Home

When I was little, people would ask, what’s your dream? I’d readily answer, “I want to see America!”

And decades after, although mainly to pay my last respect to my dear departed grandma, God granted this little girl’s wish and sooo, off I went to conquer America’s beauty, feel the winter chill (I didn’t mind if it’s freezing cold!) and reconnect with family.

Grabe, parang panaginip!  Isang umaga sa paggising ko nasa Alabama na ako as it was my first destination for this trip. I have seen and heard  about this place only in the movies but when I got there, I was in awe of its beauty, class, orderliness and how they maintained every structure untouched, with no marks written even in public places.

My family there was so generous and really kind to show me around, so my first ever visit to the Land of Milk and Honey could be as memorable as it could ever be. I stayed at my Aunt’s lovely home and days after we got there, my US adventure began.  After our family gatherings to send off our beloved Grandma, off we went on a road trip.

Yeees, I thought that was exciting! I have done road trips in the Philippines and I’m just excited that I’d be on a road trip for the first time—abroad!

Alabama is sooo refreshing, homey and peaceful.

Huge trees lined the streets that make driving around very appealing to motorists, locals and tourists.

Walang traffic, walang polusyon.

Even in the seasons of fall and winter, its beauty never failed to fascinate me.

Below are the photos of SOME (next time, will share more!) awesome places– amazingly  stunning sites, restaurants and food that I experienced in my new sweet home, Alabama.

• City of Fairhope

This is my favorite place in Alabama.

This city charmed me the most.  Every spot seems so dramatic, peaceful, clean and oh, the huge trees and the beds of tulips that are strategically placed along the sidewalk gave so much beauty to the surroundings. There are structures with awesome French inspired architecture. Beautiful! Fairhope also has fancy little restaurants that serve delicious meals.

• The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa

A  breathtakingly lovely, serene and fantastic place to unwind and bring the family for a vacation.  Well, after a very satisfying buffet breakfast, we  walked along the hotel grounds overlooking the gulf shore.

Sitting on a bench and watching the ducks play on water in The Grand Hotel’s garden gave me that peaceful feel. It made me wanna stay there for long.

• Dauphin Island

An estimated 45 minute drive from  Daphne, Alabaama. It’s a town on the Gulf Coast island of the same name.  A long stretch of white sand where different bird species migrate and just fly free. It was so cold when we went there, I was all  bundled up! It’s amazing to know how birds and other species are preserved and given respect in this country.

• Mississippi River Cruise

Aboard the Natchez, a ferry named after a city in Mississippi, we cruised along the historical river where huge, old houses and structures can be seen just along the riverbank.

• Whalburgers

I bet most of you guys know Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg? He and his family have put up this burger restaurant that has now branched out  in other places in the US. We visited their branch in Foley, Alabama and I saw that Whalburgers  isn’t just the usual burger chain. It is very spacious and has an al fresco dining area too.

I ordered Mark’s favorite, which is a turkey burger with cranberry  and cream cheese  dressing. Paired with shredded onion rings–oh boy, what a filling and delicious meal it was!

• Mudbugs

Seafood + creole spices + quality and satisfying taste+ good company! That’s how I sum up my Mudbugs experience. To say that I like this seafood restaurant is an understatement, I’m craving and I’d want to visit this place over again! Your hands should be ready for “kamayan” style  dining at Mudbugs. It was also my first time to eat crawfish cooked Cajun style. Wheeew, I can’t resist it! Really this good!

Mudbugs also serves  other  seafood  meals like blue crabs, freshwater shrimps, fish—they have a list on how you would prefer  your seafood  cooked the way you want it.

If you ask me, my Mudbugs experience is still— bitin! Ganoon siya kasarap for me, huh!

Well… or maybe I’m just a seafood person that’s why I love this place.

My visit to Alabama and the USA doesn’t end here.  ‘Til my next travel stories!