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(251) 625-4868 or (866) 443-3299 (toll-free) = Contact Us = 24437 Main Street (Scenic Highway 98) in the Montrose Historic District of Fairhope

Things To Do

HAPPENINGS IN 2008

"Our Body: The Universe Within" at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Museum continues through June 1. This is an educational exhibit featuring actual human bodies. Spanning more than 7,500 square feet, the inspirational human anatomy lesson is comprised of more than 11 whole-body specimens and 75 anatomical displays that have been preserved through polymer impregnation. This unique process, sometimes referred to as plastination, replaces water and fat with reactive plastics that prevent decay and decomposition while maintaining the integrity of the human specimens — organs, muscles and nerves — down to the microscopic level. Prices are $20 for adults; $18 for seniors (ages 60+) and youth; and $17 for children (ages 2-12). Admission includes access to the exhibit as well as the Exploreum’s Hands-on Hall, Wharf of Wonder, Minds on Hall, Ciba Lab and Digital Journeys Virtual Theater. For $5 more, visitors can add an IMAX film to their ‘body’ experience. The Exploreum will be showing two IMAX films: "Wired to Win," a thrilling account of the power of the human brain and "The Human Body," a cinematic ‘day-in-the-life’ of the human body that documents the body’s nine life-sustaining systems from morning to night. For advance tickets, click here.

"We Remember" at the Museum of Mobile continues through May 26. This moving exhibition features 75 black-and-white photographs offering a glimpse into life during World War II. From the battlefront to the home front, this exhibit creates windows back to the people and events that shaped history and the modern world. For more information please call (251) 208-7686 or visit the website.

The Gulf Coast Zydeco Music Fest, Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, at Daphne Civic Center. In addition to wrapping your lips around gumbo, seafood, barbecue, and more food than you can shake a stick at, then washing it all down with gator juice and swamp water, learn how to dance to the beats of zydeco! Ticket are now on sale at the Daphne Civic Center. A one-day adult pass is $12 and a two-day pass is $20. Children ages 7 to 12 get in for half price, and children 6 and under get in free! (All children must be accompanied by an adult.) Friday activities are from 6 p.m to 1 a.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. For more information, click on the link above or call (251) 626-5300. How Suite It Is is all we have left for Friday and Saturday nights, so click here to make your reservation before it's too late!

Gulf Coast Civil War Expo, Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, at the John F. Rhodes Civic Center in Bay Minette. Civil War era relics, antiques and collectibles, with no weapons after 1898. Expo open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Adults, $5; children under 10, free. Buy, sell or trade. Historical lecture series. For more information, contact Mike Shipler at (51) 937-3959 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by e-mailing leedon@bellsouth.net; or Danleigh Corbett at (251) 937-7932 (after 6 p.m.). Civil War Exp, P.O. Box 1861, Bay Minette, AL 36507.

Memorial Day weekend. (Holiday rates apply Friday through Monday, May 23-26. Two-night minimum for advanced reservations. One-night reservations accepted with 48 hours of desired arrival or if a second night is not available.)

Don't forget to check availability and make a reservation.

Big concert and cookout at American Legion Post 199 (Fairhope) on Sunday, May 25. There will be food, music, art show displays, a horseshoe tournament, moon walk for the kids, free air pressure check and inflation service, tiki bar open all day, and more! The event starts at noon, with music starting from 1 to 7 p.m. The public is always welcome. Free admission. The legion all is located on Mobile Street (Scenic Highway 98) overlooking Mobile Bay.

Annual Lawn Festival, Sunday, May 25, at St. John's Catholic Church in Magnolia Springs. Action, bingo, arts and crafts, raffles, live music, children's games, food. Starts at 10 a.m. Located on Highway 98.

Dauphin Island Arts and Crafts Festival, Memorial Day (Monday, May 26) at St. Francis Episcopal Church. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the church hall and on church grounds at 205 Key St. For more details, contact Linda Miller, chairman, at (251) 861-2422.

Baldwin Pops Spring Concert Thursday, May 29, in Foley's Heritage Park. The concert is free and starts at 7 p.m. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music. For more information, call (251) 988-1260.

Baldwin Pops Sunset Concert, Sunday, June 1, at Henry George Park in Fairhope. The concert is free and starts at 7 p.m. Bring a picnic and chairs, and enjoy the music and sunset over Mobile Bay. For more information, call (251) 988-1260.

Fiesta of Five Flags, Friday, May 28, through Sunday, June 8, in Pensacola, Fla. The Fiesta of Five Flags is an annual celebration of the founding of Pensacola, the first European settlement in the United States, in 1559 by Spanish Conquistador Don Tristan DeLuna. Since that time, five different flags have flown over the city -- Spanish, French, British, Confederate and United States. This top-20 celebration is one of the oldest and largest festivals in Florida. The event is a mix of several different events during the 11 days. Click on the link above for a list of events, dates, locations and other details. For more information, call (850) 433-6512 or e-mail info@fiestaoffiveflags.org.

Gulf Coast Hot-Air Balloon Festival, Friday through Sunday, June 13-15, in Foley. Foley Soccer Fields, Highway 98 west. Thirty hot-air balloonists participate in balloon glows, races and other competitions. The festival also features a children's village, arts and crafts, food, seafood cook-off, entertainment, and a motorcycle and hot-rod rally. Free admission. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here for a schedule of events. For more information, call 251-943-3291. Admission is free, but a small charge will be assessed for parking close to the event (yet to be determined).

"A Living History Day," mid-June at Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. Experience the daily routines of the soldiers stationed at Fort Gaines during the Civil War. They will camp and drill with their weapons, including shooting the cannon. The fort's resident blacksmith will demonstrate his craft in the fort's original blacksmith shop. Regular admission charged. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on Fort Gaines, call 251-861 6992 or click on www.dauphinisland.org.

Fourth of July: The Fourth is on a Friday this year, so plan for a long weekend and come enjoy one of several fireworks displays and concerts in Fairhope, Daphne and at USS Alabama Battleship Park in Mobile. You might even want to rent a boat to float out into Mobile Bay so you can take in all three displays at once! Bring lawn chairs and a picnic to make yourselves comfortable during the free concert provided by the Baldwin Pops at Fairhope Pier (end of Fairhope Avenue) starting at 6:30 p.m., then stay for the fireworks display over Mobile Bay. Activities at the USS Alabama Battleship Park start at 6 p.m. with entertainment provided by the U.S. Navy Band (New Orleans), followed by the Mobile Pops at 7:30; gates open at 5:30 p.m. Parking will be available on the park grounds, with no parking allowed along the Causeway. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic, or purchase food at the battleship snack bar; alcoholic beverages and grills are prohibited. (Special-event rates apply for the nights of Thurday through Sunday, July 3-6. One-night reservations will be accepted except for on July 4. Anyone wanting to stay on July 4 must check in no later than July 3.) Click here to check availability and make a reservation.

Independence Day Barbecue and Concert July 4 at American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope. Fresh barbecue pork and chicken plates and sandwiches will be available from $3.50 to $8 in the hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Come enjoy free entertainment from 4 to 8 p.m. featuring Roger Fleshman on the beach. The Tiki Bar will be open with burgers, hotdogs, conecuhs, watermelon and cool refreshments from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be a horseshoe tournament from 5 to 8 p.m Then stick around for a great view of the fireworks at 9 p.m. Free admission all day and a free moon walk for the kids. Bring chairs and sunscreen, but no coolers, please. Call (251) 928-9132 or see www.AmericanLegion199.com for information on Legion activities.

Annual Alabama Deep-Sea Fishing Rodeo mid-July at Dauphin Island. A project of the Mobile Jaycees, this is this nation’s largest salt-water fishing rodeo with more than 3,000 fishermen competing for prizes, including large jackpots, boats and other items. This year the rodeo will kick off with the Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament on July 15. This event, open to all children 15 or younger, is designed to encourage participation of young people in sport fishing and to teach and encourage good sportsmanship. The festivities continue with the liars contest held at the rodeo site on Thursday. For more information, please visit their website or call (251) 471-0025.

Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival early August at various locations in Mobile. This festival takes place at a variety of locations throughout Mobile, with activities including poetry reading and contest, jazz jam sessions, free concerts and jazz workshops. Click on the link above for event details.

Coastal Chorale Summer Show early August. Concert times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at any Baldwin County Vision Bank branch or by calling (251) 928-3952.

The Taste of the Eastern Shore early August at Daphne Civic Center, U.S. Highway 98. One of the top-rated food, beverage and entertainment events on the Gulf Coast featuring food from more than 50 restaurants, live music and dancing. Admission is $25 per person. Nobody under 21 will be admitted. Call 251-626-5300 for more information. Proceeds to benefit Daphne High School.

“Battle of Mobile Bay” Commemorative Day, early August at Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. Cannon salute followed by oral account of the battle, with salutes at 9:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Blacksmith demonstrations all day. The fort is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call (251) 861-6992. Admission is $5 (13 + up), $3 (5-12 years) and free for 4 years and under.

Labor Day weekend (Holiday rates apply Friday through Monday.) Make your reservations early for best room selection. Two-night reservations preferred.

Labor Day Barbecue and Music Concert at American Legion Post 199, Scenic 98 (Mobile Street) in Fairhope. Barbecue pork and chicken from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hall. Music by the Legion All Stars from 3 to 7 p.m. on the beach stage. Tiki Bar will be open with burgers and hotdogs from 3 to 8 p.m. A horseshoe tournament will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Also enjoy art displays by local artists and a free moonwalk for the kids. Admission is free. Bring chairs for outdoor concert overlooking Mobile Bay.

Annual Mullet Festival, Labor Day in Lillian. Hosted by Optimist Club of Perdido Bay, Lillian. Held at the Lillian Community Club on Hwy. 98. Activities for this big indoor and outdoor one-day event on Labor Day begin with a breakfast at 6:30 a.m., traditional “Run for the Mullet 5-K Race” at 7 a.m. followed by a mullet toss and other activities, concluding with a four-hour dance party until 11 p.m. Arts and craft booths available. All proceeds from the festival fund the Optimist programs for area youth. Contact Bob Schaefer (251) 961-3504.

Daphne's Jubilee Festival Sept. 27-28 in Old Town Daphne. This year the Jubilee Festival will feature more than 130 of the finest artists and craftsmen in the region. The juried art show takes place on Main Street (Scenic 98) in front of City Hall and in Centennial Park. Highly experienced judges will pick the best of the best works in the show and artists chosen as top in their category will win cash prizes. Artists are also recognized with the Art Patrons Award. Committee members and resident patrons announce their selection of work with special ribbons upon making a purchase. All festival merchandise will be available for purchase at the information booth. There will also be a delicious assortment of classic festival foods. Kidsart @ Jubilee Festival returns to Centennial Park again this year. It is a great opportunity to provide children hands-on experience in learning and exploring their creative side. To participate, kids buy tickets for only 25 cents each. As always, the fantastic entertainment on stage at the Jubilee Fest showcasing the best acts in the region. The stage will be located on Trione Street. In addition to the many favorite activities, new fun things to do are being introduced such as fence painting, wooden structures, fish prints and puppet making. Olde Towne Daphne is located south of I-10 off U.S. Highway 98 on Main Street (Scenic 98), with the festival starting at the intersection of Main Street and U.S. Highway 64. There will be plenty of parking available at the Daphne Public Library on the corner of U.S. Highway 98 and Whispering Pines Road, with shuttle service provided. Admission is free. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. For more information, call the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce at (251) 621-8222. (Special-event rates apply for Friday through Sunday nights. One-night reservations accepted.)

13th annual Orange Beach Fishing Rodeo, Oct. 1-31. Prepare to get hooked on some of the best fishing in the world! The rodeo, hosted by the Orange Beach Fishing Association. offers anglers a whole month to reel in some really big fish and really big prizes. The Alabama coast is a world-class fishing destination, offering one of the largest artificial reef sites and the only trolling alley in the Gulf of Mexico. Offering $24,500 in prize money. Anglers must purchase a $5 entry ticket to be eligible for the first ($1,000), second ($1,000) or third place ($500) prize money for each category (Offshore: Amberjack, Gag Grouper, King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Trigger Fish. Inshore: Red Fish, Speckled Trout). Click the link above for a list of ticket outlets.

Annual Honeybee Festival, early October in Robertsdale. Begins at 10 a.m. with a parade. Call 251-947-8950 for more information.

Bluegrass Festival at Blakeley State Park, Saturday, early October, near Spanish Fort. The all day live music festival will feature two sets each by Lock, Stock & Barrel, Whistle Stop, the McPhersons, and Alabama Gentlemen beginning at 9:30 a.m. Park gates open at 8:30 a.m. Spectators set up their chairs in the shade of centuries old oak trees and relax to continuous live music at Washington Square, which was the center of the historic old town of Blakeley in the early 1800s. Food and soft drinks are available from the Blakeley Park concession wagon at modest prices. All proceeds from the festival go to the operations of the park. For more information on the festival, click on the above link or call (251) 626-0798. Blakeley State Park is located near Spanish Fort on Alabama Highway 225 about 4.5 miles north of its intersection with U.S. 31.

Wine Festival, Saturday, early October, at Five Rivers/Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort. 1-5 p.m. Come taste 100 carefully selected wines while also feasting on delicacies from area chefs and listening to the soulful sounds of New Orleans Bourbon Street blues artist J.B. Davis. All attendees will receive a specialty wine glass and program listing of all wines available.There will also be a live auction from 4 to 5 p.m. featuring fine wines, and dining and travel packages. Tickets are $45 a person (21 or older only) and are available at Vino e Grappa (Jubilee Square in Daphne), Visions Bank (218 N. Greeno Rd./Hwy. 98, Fairhope), House of Blends (4406 Old Shell Rd., Mobile) and Taste! Wine Shoppe, 2624-B Old Shell Rd., Mobile). This new festival will benefit the emergency assistance fund of The Service Center, a non-profit group in Mobile. Call 251-476-7245 for more details.

13th annual BayFest Music Festival, Friday through Sunday, early October, in downtown Mobile. Come joint an anticipated 200,000 guests who will sing, sway and dance on the streets of downtown Mobile for three days and nights to the strains of over 100 live musical acts. BayFest has become known throughout the region for its vast array of renowned musical talent appealing to a wide variety of tastes and suitable for the entire family. Throughout the past years, the large variety of acts have performed for three days at a ticket price that is less than what most individual concerts cost. All of this takes place in early October during characteristically cool and comfortable weather on the streets of newly revitalized downtown Mobile. BayFest's nine stages offer continuous music for every taste, including country, classic rock, alternative, jazz, R&B, Cajun, reggae, electronica, folk, gospel and more. For a schedule and list of musical acts, including LeAnn Rimms, Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men and Daughtry, click here. The event also includes a family stage and extensive children's activity area. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. For ticket information, click here. For more information, call (251) 208-7835 or visit the website. (Special-event rates apply for the nights of Thursday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 8. One-night advanced reservations accepted.) WE STILL HAVE ROOMS! Click here to check availability and make a reservation.

14th Annual "Colonial Isle Dauphine," Saturday, early October, at Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. A living history weekend exploring life on the Gulf Coast before the fort was built. Re-enactors in pre-1840 dress bring the fort to life. Soldiers will be on hand to demonstrate soldier life of that time period. They will do drilling and firing the cannon. Visit with settlers and their families. Women are cooking over an open hearth, traders are sitting by their blankets. The resident blacksmith will demonstrate his craft in the fort's original blacksmith shop. The fort is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call (251) 861-6992. Admission is $5 (13 + up), $3 (5-12 years) and free for 4 years and under.

Have you checked availability or made a reservation yet?

Annual National Shrimp Festival, Thursday through Sunday, mid-October, in Gulf Shores. The festival is held in the heart of Gulf Shores, Ala., next to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico in the public beach area located at the intersection of Highways 59 and 182. It is one of the nation's premier outdoor festivals featuring over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, an international marketplace and, of course, shrimp! Fried, grilled, broiled or steamed, you can find it all at the festival along with other delicious seafood and non-seafood dishes. Click here for a schedule of events.

Old Dauphin Way Historic Homes Tour, Friday through Sunday, mid-October, in Mobile. The annual tours of Old Dauphin Way's historic homes will feature houses which represent many of the architectural styles of the district: Creole, Victorian, Greek Revival and Tudor. There will be two different selections of homes for viewing. Tour ticket holders are free to visit the homes at their leisure and in any order they choose, but only during the following allotted times: Friday evening candlelight tour, Oct. 13, 5-9 p.m.; weekend home and harden tour, Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 15, 1 to 5 p.m. Homes will be announced and tickets will go on sale in the early fall. Click here to request being notified when tickets become available.

Alabama Coastal Birdfest, Thursday through Sunday, mid-October. The third Alabama Coastal BirdFest is scheduled to coincide with the annual fall migration of many birds from North America to Central and South America. Coastal Alabama is a critical stopover point during this migration. There is something for all birders — from beginners to experts. Every trip features a very special facet of the beautiful Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Proceeds will be used to acquire habitat for birds in south Alabama. Activities include nearly 20 great tours to prime birding spots on the 240-mile long Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, two exciting evening events, a free day-long Bird and Conservation Expo, and much more! For more information, call (251) 990-0922 or visit the website.

Silverhill Heritage Day Festival Saturday, mid-October. A celebration of Swedish and Czechoslovakian heritage with a parade, arts and crafts, ethnic food, live music, games, pony and train rides. Activities will take place at the intersection of State Highway 104 and Baldwin County Highway 55, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. Call 251-945-5198 for more information.

Third-Saturday 'Nothing But the Blues' at American Legion Post 199, Scenic 98 (Mobile Street) in Fairhope. 8 p.m. to midnight. No cover charge. For adults only due to alcohol being available.

Annual Bridal Show at Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Sunday, mid-October, in Mobile. 1906 Springhill Ave. Noon to 5 p.m. If you are planning a wedding or party, the most knowledgeable event planners will be present to offer professional advice and answer any questions you might have concerning your special event. One lucky couple will win a free wedding and reception at Bragg-Mitchell Mansion and an exciting free honeymoon! Admission is at the door; no advanced tickets. Event will include food, entertainment, bridal fashion show and wedding planning seminars. For more information, call (251) 471-6364. (This annual event is always the third Sunday in October.)

Greater Gulf State Fair, mid- to late October in Mobile. 1035 N. Cody Rd. (Corner of Cody Road and Zeigler Blvd.) Regional agricultural fair includes exhibits of farming, industry and business, midway carnival rides and food. Entertainment and special promotions on different nights. Monday through Friday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.

Haunted Oakleigh, Tuesday through Thursday, late October, Oakleigh Historic Complex in Mobile. Performers and storytellers will appear as characters in vignettes through a haunted tour of the Oakleigh House Museum. "A special kiddies area with fun games and no scares will be available for our smallest visitors," an Oakleigh spokesperson said. Concessions will be available. 6:30 to 9 p.m. HMPS members get in free. Adults $10, children $5, or $7 each for groups of 10 or more. Groups should call 251-432-1281 in advance for special arrangements.

Annual Grand Festival of Art by the Bay, late October at Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope. This fine arts show will be located in Pier Park, which is on Mobile Bay at the end of Fairhope Avenue. The show will feature over 100 artists exhibiting in a variety of mediums, including oils, watercolor, acrylics, photography, ceramics, glass and fine jewelry. Artists include both local and national artists, many of whom return each year for this unique event. Admission is free. There will be public shuttle service from several downtown locations to Pier Park. For more information on these events, contact the Eastern Shore Art Center at (251) 928-2228, or click on the website link above.

23rd annual Rennaissance Festival "GATALOP 23," Sunday, late October, at Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. See knights in armor as they storm the castle, view melees and sieges, watch the Lords and Ladies, and visit a Medieval merchant. Watch our resident blacksmith demonstrate his craft in the fort's original blacksmith shop. Hosted by the Society of Creative Anachronism. The fort is open from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. Regular admission is charged. For more information, call 251-861-6992.

The Original German Sausage Festival, Saturday, late October, in Elberta. Sponsored by Elberta Volunteer Fire Department. Held at the Elberta Town Park from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. German sausage and other food booths, music, dancing as well as arts and crafts booths, children’s rides and games. Contact Steve Kirkpatrick (251) 986-5805.

Annual Azalea Arts and Crafts Festival, Saturday and Sunday, late October, in Mobile. A juried arts and crafts fair featuring local and regional artisans and crafters, and entertainment. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission will be charged. For details, call 251-208-5200.

National Senior Games Championship Festival, last week of October in Mobile. This festival is the newest event of the National Senior Games Association (NSGA), a national not-for-profit association motivating 50+ adults to lead a healthy lifestyle through the senior games movement. The National Senior Games Championship Festival will be a three-sport event sanctioned by NSGA. Men and women age 50 and over will compete for the gold in the sports of golf, sailing and tennis. These exciting and challenging events will take place over a three-week period. This annual event is scheduled to be held in Mobile Bay through 2007. For more information, please visit www.nsga.com or call (225) 766-6800.

First Saturday Country Dances at American Legion Post 199, Scenic 98 (Mobile Street) in Fairhope. Come dance to the music of Tupelo Honey, one the Gulf Coast's popular bands, as they play country and oldie standards in a dance hall setting. Free line dance and Texas two-step instruction by the Mobile Country Dancers. Starts at 8 p.m. No cover charge. For adults only due to alcohol being available.

Alabama Pecan Festival, early November at the Tillman's Corner Community Center. Click on the link to learn about the concerts, arts and crafts, Miss Alabama Pecan Festival Queen pageant, musical talent contests, kids activities, pecan recipes and more. For general information, call Billy Bolton at (251) 401-5555. Click here for a map and directions.

Heritage Harbor Days, early November in Foley. The City of Foley proudly presents a cultural heritage exchange in the form of a fun-filled festival in Foley Heritage Park (behind the Depot Museum) and hosted by the Foley Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, contact Kathy Danielson (251) 943-1200.

Wine & Art Festival, Saturday, mid-November, in Fairhope. Sponsored by Lyon's Share Framing and Art Gallery, 330 De La Mare Ave., the festival will benefit the South Baldwin United Way. 6 to 8 p.m. Call (251) 928-3912 or 990-9260 for more information.

Seventh annual Loxley Arts and Crafts Festival, Friday and Saturday, mid-November, at the Loxley Municipal Park and Civic Center. The festival will feature the LA Bluegrass Festival, as well as arts, crafts, heritage arts, children’s activities and an art contest. There will be antique cars and tractors on display along with live entertainment and plenty of food. Activities will be between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. both days. The festival is sponsored by the Loxley Art Council, a nonprofit organization, with proceeds funding art programs for youth and senior adults held at the Loxley Civic Center.

Mobile International Festival, Thursday through Saturday, mid-November, at the Mobile Civic Center. Travel around the world in a day and experience the wonders of the cultures of more than 70 countries. Let us be your passport to adventure as you visit, explore, shop and taste the delicious fare presented. Wonderful artists everywhere, entertainment, great food and more. Thursday and Friday are student days. Saturday is Family Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admissioin: $7 adults; $6 seniors; $4, 7-15 years; free, 6 and under. $1.00 off for advanced tickets effective Oct. 15 at Colonial Mall Bel Air customer service and Mobile Civic Center box ofice at (251) 208-7381. Tour groups, schools, churches, families and individuals are welcome!

Christmas Open House, Sunday, mid-November, in downtown Fairhope. Kick off the holiday season by visiting Fairhope's downtown merchants and enjoying refreshments along the way. 1 to 5 p.m.

Port City Craftsmen Fall Art and Craft Show, Friday through Sunday, mid-November, at Mobile fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are located at 1035 Cody Rd. N. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., original work only. For more information, call (251) 443-7765.

Coastal Chorale Christmas Show Thursday through Sunday, mid-November, at the Spirit Center of Foley United Methodist Church. Concert times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at any Baldwin County Vision Bank branch or by calling (251) 928-3952.

Thanksgiving holidays. (Holiday rates apply Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 26-25. (There is a two-night minimum for Wednesday and Thursday for advanced reservations since there will be no check-ins on Thanksgiving Day. One-night reservations for Wednesday will be accepted if still available as of Monday at 4 p.m.) Click here to check availability and make a reservation.

Annual "Christmas at the Fort" early December at Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. Experience the 1861 Christmas with the Confederate Garrison. A living history weekend for the entire family. Come and join the soldiers as they celebrate a non-commercial Christmas of yesteryears. Watch cooking demonstrations and candle dipping. Children will have the opportunity to creat Christmas ornaments from seashells and other old time decorations. The fort's resident blacksmith will demonstrate his craft in the fort's original blacksmith shop. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission charged. For more information, call [251] 861-6992.

Baldwin Pops Concert at Daphne Civic Center. (Date to be announced.) Join music director Joe Riemer and the Baldwin Pops for an evening of holiday favorites from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (251) 988-1260 or go to www.gulftel.com/popsband/.

Christmas and New Year's holidays. (Holiday rates apply Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, through Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009. (Two-night minimum Dec. 24 and 25 since there will be no check-ins on Christmas Day. One-night advanced reservations will be accepted for all other nights, or for Dec. 24 if rooms are still available as of Dec. 22 at 4 p.m.)

Fairhope's New Year's Eve Celebration. Join us in the streets of downtown Fairhope for music, fireworks and children's entertainment. Ball drop at midnight and free party favors. 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. For more information, call 251-990-0218.

Looking ahead to 2009

10th annual GMAC Bowl Saturday, early January at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile. Click here for ticket information.

69th annual Camellia Show, mid-Jananuary at Colonial Mall Bel Air in Mobile. See why the camellia is Alabama’s official state flower. Thousands of spectacular winter-blooming camellias from gardens throughout Alabama and five other states offer a weekend of dramatic color. Saturday, 3 to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Free admission. For details, visit the above-linked website or call (251) 345-8212. Colonial Mall Bel Air is located on Airport Boulevard just off I-65 at Exit 3.

21st annual Food World Senior Bowl Sailing Regatta, Saturday week ahead of Senior Bowl in Mobile Bay. Sailing enthusiasts from throughout the Southeast take to the waters of Mobile Bay to officially kick off Senior Bowl Week 2007 with one of the premier sailing events held along the Gulf Coast each year. For more information, call (251) 438-2276 or visit the website linked above.

Food World Senior Bowl Fan Frenzy and the Coca-Cola/Wings Sports Grill Meet, Friday of Senior Bowl weekend at Mobile Convention Center. Fans get the unique opportunity to not only meet the nation’s absolute best senior collegiate football players, but also receive photo cards of those players and enjoy all the free Coke and food they can eat. For information, call 251-438-2276 or visit the website linked above. All activities are between 3 and 7 p.m.

Under Armour Senior Bowl at Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The Senior Bowl is one of football’s premier pre-draft events, annually featuring the country’s best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams representing the North and South which are coached by the entire coaching staffs from two National Football League teams. Senior Bowl practices are also attended by over 700 general managers, head coaches, assistant coaches, scouts and other front office personnel from the 32 NFL teams, making Mobile and the Senior Bowl week-long hosts to a one-of-a-kind NFL coaches convention. Click these links for ticket information and for directions.

Mardi Gras season runs from late January through Fat Tuesday, Feb. 24, in the Mobile Bay area. The festival of fun and frivolity includes myths, legends and realities, colorful parades, balls, pageantry and revelry in the weeks and days leading up to Mardi Gras, the eve of the start of Lent. Click on the link above for more details and parade schedules for both sides of Mobile Bay. (Special-event rates in effect Friday, Feb. 20, through Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, Feb. 24.)

13th annual "Battle of Mobile Bay" 5K Race, early February at Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. Sponsored by the Port City Pacers, the 5-K race will start at 9 a.m., followed by the fun run. An awards ceremony will immediately follow the fun run. For more information, please call (251) 861-6992.

Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show, mid-February. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. Free admission. Activities include arts and crafts vendors, a silent auction, balloon jumps, rock wall climbing for the kids, live music, car show, great seafood and drinks, and much more. The event is the main fund-raiser for area children who participate in organized team sports, benefiting baseball, softball, soccer and other sports-affiliated activities in the area. Registration for the Car Show is at 8 a.m., judging is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the trophy presentation is at 3 p.m. Call 251-981-4477 or 251-979-9907 for more information.

Baldwin