We were googling around on the computer last night, trying to find out more about the Mobile, Alabama area because we've decided to take a trip south in about a month.
Lighthouse at Pensacola.
My husband decided to look up military campgrounds in the Gulf Coast area. Being an Army Retiree, he has access to thousands of campgrounds, cottages and hotels all over the world that are reserved for DoD and retirees only.
Campground at Pensacola Naval Air Station.
WiFi is available for $15.95 a week.
We at first were going to stay on Dauphin Island near Mobile and on Mobile Bay. Van wants to see the U.S.S. Alabama and the other static aircraft and naval displays there. My main interest is to walk the beaches with him and basically do nothing but dig my toes in the sand, watch the sunsets, cook over an open fire, and sleep with just a canvas roof and open mesh windows around me.
White beaches at Pensacola Campground.
The reviews for Dauphin Island's military and civilian campgrounds were dismal. In fact, out of dozens of reviews, there was little good said about either type of accomodation.
Keeping military and government only campgrounds in search, Van found Oak Grove Campground at Pensacola Naval Air Station. It had dozens of great reviews! We thought it also might be an omen, because he graduated from Oak Grove High School.
You may wonder why we are searching for military campgrounds rather than civilian. Usually the military campgrounds are cheaper, at sometimes half the cost per night versus a commercial campground. They usually are kept neat and clean with upgraded facilities such as modern bathhouses that are remodeled every few years. Some of the bad reviews about Mobile's sited Katrina had devastated the campground and it hadn't been brought back to its normal services, yet.
So, if you know anything about the Pensacola, Florida area - what there is to see, where the best seafood restaurants are located, or if there are any outstanding civilian campgrounds in the area, please let us know.
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Comments: 38
the navy base also has a naval museum with an IMAX theater, if van has a retiree card, you can have access to the naval mall for super cheap deals (i've been dying to get in there). just down the road from there is the awesomest used bookstore.
downtown is an art museum, a museum of curiosities and a historic village (great for photos). the sand is sugar white and water is emerald green and clear.
mason will know where to get the best shrimp po-boy, and your still within driving distance of mobile if van wants to see that.
i'm doing a happy dance right now.
i hope gather doesn't eat this comment now.
mona - Of course Faith gets a postcard. Before we go I'll have everyone who will, send me their address. I'm pretty excited because we haven't been more than four hours from home in five years.
Grems we have two extra beds, one a queen and one a single. Come on down!
John - We don't have any snow right now, but I sure hate the cold, too. The high is going to be an achy damp 38 today.
CC - Gather decided to let you through. All that you said sounds great. I can eat the shrimp part of a po'boy, just no bread, so that's good to go! I was just reading about some trolleys that run through the historic district and that the French and Spanish influences make the town seem lots like New Orleans. I'm really getting excited! And sure, you can come to any of the Navy things you'd like.
i think there is a gallery night in march too. let me check the dates on that as that's always a great time in p'cola.
The first Gallery Night of 2009
not sure of the dates you will be here. once i know that, i can better search for cool things to do.
My suggestion for something to check out while you're there is Fort Pickens. Great area to explore. It's quite a hike since the hurricnaes destroyed the road in, but well worth it if your up to it.
Also, I'm throwing in a fishing pole. The info in one of the books I got says you can fish for $6.50 a day on that long, long pier. I don't want to catch something that would pull me in, but it'd be fun to mess around with it.
Roy - Me, too, being a foot off the ground. It's really cool to know I'll get to meet my first Gatherer. Anyone else want to Gather in Pensacola in about a month?
Magi - I don't think we can have a bad time. Sun + beach + no snow + fresh seafood. That's got to be good.
Bob - I'm jealous! Where are you in Florida?