Posts Tagged With: Bellingrath Gardens

Mobile, Tuesday March 18

Berney Fly B and B

Well tonight is our last night at Berney Fly B and B, one of only two remaining B and B’s in Mobile. We have enjoyed our time here and appreciated the local insights given by Steve.

The day started at the Mobile History Museum, reviewing the exhibits about the history of the city. It began as a French territory, went over to the British, then the Spanish took over and finally it went U.S. in 1813. Wrought and composite iron was used extensively in Mobile construction. However, during WWII, the people of Mobile sacrificed much of the iron works for conversion into armaments. Its location on Mobile Bay made it a major ship building site during the two world wars. Some ship building continues.

Outside front of one of the miniature houses

View of interior of miniature house

One room detail

There was a special display unrelated to Mobile history that we also enjoyed. A local man made numerous miniature houses, down to intricate detail for interior decorations. The craftsmanship was amazing.

Bellingrath home

Our major destination for the day was Bellingrath Gardens. This was once the home and grounds of the local Coca Cola bottler and his wife. It was originally the site of a fishing camp along the Fowl River because the husband was ordered by his doctor to take more time off from work. The gardens were developed over many years and without children, Mr. Bellingrath established a foundation to run it and the home after their deaths.

The grotto and steps leading to Fowl River

The gardens encompass 65 acres. Due to this winter’s colder weather, we arrived at a time when many buds were out but the mass blooming of flowers for which we were hoping had not materialized. The camellias are ending their time, azaleas and other rhododendrons are just starting.

Some of the blooming flowers

Not that we did not enjoy the garden. The sun was out and temperatures rose to the mid 60s. There was enough color around the garden to make for a pleasant stroll. There is a boardwalk along the river and bayou. When Sarah told us St.Paul was to receive 3-5 inches of snow today and tonight, the day seemed even better.

The sign says “Drink Coca Cola” in Japanese

Before dinner, we stopped at the Mobile Botanical Garden. It has just been designated an exceptional garden by the International Camellia Association. There were fewer blooms here, much of the Garden’s mission is to educate gardeners. But it was another pleasant stroll for the late afternoon.

Mobile Botanical Gardens

Dinner was at The Brick Pit, a local Bar B Q joint highly ranked by various groups and by our hosts. The ribs were some of the meatiest we have tasted.

So tomorrow it is off to Florida via another ferry and our first look at the white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast.

Ed and Chris at Bellingrath

Ed and Chris 9:05 pm