Although the Mardi Gras is often associated with New Orleans,  the first city to celebrate the Mardi Gras in the country is Mobile, Alabama, and has since been celebrating this vibrant festival, except during the civil war, since 1703.

There is something about Mobile that will charm you. It has a very rich culture and history, numerous attractions and friendly locals. It is the state’s only seawater port, and is also known as the city of Azaleas because of the abundance of this plant all throughout the city. In fact, a festival honoring the azaleas is held in the city annually. The city is inhabited by about 200,000 people, covers a total area of 159.4 square miles, and is blessed with a mild subtropical climate. Although the city can be reached by bus or car from different states, the fastest way to get into the city is by flying into the Mobile Regional Airport located about 13 miles from the city. It is served by American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines.

Although the city can be appreciated by all types of travelers, history buffs will feel like they are in heaven on earth. It is brimming with evidences of its rich culture and history dating back to centuries ago such as the Mobile Carnival Museum, History Museum of Mobile, Richards-DAR House Museum, Historic Oakleigh House, Conde-Charlotte Museum House, Mobile Medical Museum, University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum, Church Street Historic District, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, and the National African-American Archives Museum. You must not also miss visiting the Battleship USS ALABAMA, Crescent Theater, Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, Mobile Botanical Gardens, Dauphin Street, and the Magnolia Cemetery.

Your trip to Mobile will be perfect if you can join the oldest Mardi Gras festival in the country. Consult your travel agent when the next festival will be held, and start planning a trip to one of the most beautiful cities in Alabama.