Your favorite must see items on I10 MS, AL and FL Panhandle?

sdianel wrote:
Battleship Alabama in Mobile. Almost destroyed by hurricane but now up and running.

Just to be clear, it was the facilities that were almost destroyed. The battleship never got a scratch, even though it was raised from its moorings by the storm surge. Some of the exhibits were affected, mostly static airplanes. A P-51 Mustang was damaged, but the B-52, and SR-71 survived unharmed.

I spent a night on the USS Alabama, well worth stopping for if you are interested in military equipment.

And I also recommend Pensacola NAS. Just remember the Naval Aviation Museum is on post, so you will be subject to search upon entry. (Take no weapons, explain prescription meds, etc.)

There is also a small museum at Eglin AFB. It is outside the secure area so the base security won't be as big of an issue.

Bellingrath Gardens nice if you enjoy the floral, formal type garden settings. South of Mobile, can do this if one is on their way to Dauphin Island.

Two forts near Mobile Bay are actually in much better condition than Ft. Pickens at Pensacola. Ft. Pickens was partially destroyed by an accidental munitions explosion way back in the WW I era I believe, and there are a lot of parts of the fort unstable and not open to the public. Mind you, you can find the cell where Geronimo was housed at Ft. Pickens.

They also saw much more action during the Civil War. Ft Gaines, on Dauphin Island, and Ft. Morgan, across the bay from Ft. Gaines. Both very nice, and well maintained forts. Scenes of Admiral Farraguts "Damn the torpedoes full speed ahead" during the battle of Mobile Bay.

Shoot, hit all three spots. Start on the east side with Ft. Morgan, ferry across to Dauphin Island, where the landing is almost next door to Ft. Gaines. Then north off the island to Bellingrath Gardens.

And please stop by and see the USS Alabama and related on-shore displays nearby. Lots of airplanes and I believe even a few tanks on display. Well worth seeing.

Great tips so far!

Jim

Just after you enter Mississippi take the first exit, check out the info at the welcome center, then instead of going back to I10 take highway 90 down to the beaches. There are small towns, Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Long Beach, with local seafood restaurants on the water. Continue on eastbound to Gulfport and Biloxi where you will find casinos, restaurants, shrimp tours, lighthouse tour, and George Orr museum. You can take I110 north out of Biloxi to I10 and continue east into Alabama. It is a beautiful drive along the coast. Have fun.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1438845-Activities-Florida_Panhandle_Florida.html

Battleship Alabama in Mobile. Almost destroyed by hurricane but now up and running.

Moving west to east in Florida; Naval Air Museum in Pensacola (camp at Ft Pickens NSS site), Grayton Bch state park (camping and beach time) in South Walton, St Andrews state park (camping and beach time) in Panama City Bch, Apalachicola for fresh seafood, Wakulla Spgs state park (one of the largest freshwater spgs in the world). I agree parts of Hgwy 98 are very nice driving. If you make it as far as the Suwanee River visit Stephen Foster state park (great camping spot).

Almost forgot Gulf State Park now has Zip Lining

Florida Caverns State Park is a nice cool stop and they have a nice campground.

One of my favorite areas in Florida's panhandle is the coastal road, Hwy 98. The stretch between Mexico Bch., on the west to St. Marks on the east, is known as Florida's "forgotten coast". It's reminiscent of the way much of Florida's coastline appeared some 50-60 years ago. The pace is slow and the traffic is light.

It's "Old Florida" with miles and miles of white sandy beaches between sleepy little fishing villages. A small working waterfront keeps the local dives and residents stocked with fresh seafood. Roadside stands carry fresh fruits and veggies, as well as gourmet sauces. The area is indigenous to high grade table honey known as Tupelo. Grab some. You won't be sorry.

There are several SPs along the route as well as commercial parks. The area is becoming increasingly popular with snowbirds. You'll find one of the world's largest natural springs at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs SP. south of Tallahassee. No camping, but a wonderful day trip. Cheap camping can be found at Myron B. Hodge City park in nearby Sopchoppy, Fl. $15/nite w/FHUs. Enjoy your trip. Drive safe.