Explore Alabama || Spanish Fort, Daphne, and Fairhope
I’m back y’all! *moves to the south for 4 months* The drought is officially over and I’ve caught the travel bug worse than ever.
I’ve made some big changes over the last 4 months. During the end of November, I made a move across the country from Maryland to Alabama. I lost some friends along the way and made some new ones. I’ve learned quite a bit about myself during the process, and most importantly, I’m once again close to my family with miles and miles of new territory to explore. It took me a bit to get myself settled and back on the train, but here I am, and I’ve got loads of new content for you, and even more coming your way.
I’ve visited Alabama, specifically Baldwin county in the past, and if you’re interested, you will find the link to that trip within the Alabama section of my page. I’m simply adding to the list here, and I’ve exploring new directions and places that I had no clue existed during my stay here in September. So with that said, and out of the way, let’s get on with it, shall we?
Spanish Fort
A small little town in Baldwin County just about 20 minutes from my current location in Fairhope, Alabama. This town is home to loads of history, wildlife, shopping, and more. My main interests’ here was the old Civil War battleground at Historic Blakely State Park, and of course (animals) the small, but intriguing Alligator Alley.
Historic Blakely State Park
Historic Blakely State Park is beautiful park filled with loads of early Alabama history. The park, although seemingly small, is actually pretty large. It would take quite a bit of time to park and walk the entirety of it, so I opted to drive. It costs a small price of $4 to enter (dog friendly), which is great, because it keeps the park staffed, taken care of, and open to the public without breaking the bank. At the entrance you are given a map of the park, and the guide will give a lovely welcoming speech on where to go, how to get there, and what significance each point has along the path. If you visit the website prior, there is even a printable self-guide.
Blakely State Park houses sites of Alabama’s largest civil war battle, well marked, and highly informational. Highlights for me included the cemetery, the battlefield, and several interesting looking trees with some unsettling history.
The town of Blakely, now a ghost town, after a slow decimation due to epidemics of yellow fever, lies right in the center of the state park. One of the first sites you will come across during your trip to the park is the cemetery. The graveyard contains the remains of early settlers of Blakely that were laid to rest during the yellow fever epidemics. Even on a busy, beautiful Saturday afternoon, the cemetery was relatively empty, offering a strange, but peaceful ambience.
As you continue through the guide, you pass multiple hiking trails, so many of which I was unfortunately unable to explore due to a lack of time, but all relatively easy in nature and flat. My next stop was the battlefield; the site of the last major battle of the civil war.
Here you are able to walk in and around the earthworks and entrenchments which the park has kept in great condition, and lining the center of the field is a replica of the fortifications used to defend the territory during battle. I can’t tell if my dog was more entertained or me.
What drew me to this park in the first place were a few trees. Turns out, that said trees were located right in the heart of the Blakely town center. One located right across from the first courthouse of Baldwin County, with the nickname “The Hanging Tree” for the exact reason you’re thinking.
This tree, and old oak tree was used to hang those found guilty by the local courts. Supposedly, earlier on the very branch these individuals were hung from was still attached to the tree, but appears to have been cut down. From research I did prior to my visit here you were able to stand directly below this branch and could still see notches embedded into the branch from the ropes used to get the job done. Regardless, still creepy enough right?
A bit more uplifting, is The Hiding Tree. The trunk of this tree is naturally hollowed out, large enough inside to fit myself, and my very confused dog (people don’t belong in trees, mom). This tree was rumored to hide soldiers during the civil war from oncoming attackers, and in some cases, ambush their unsuspecting enemies.
On my way out of the park, I stopped in at the little shop near the entrance. The establishment raises honey bees and sell homemade honey, so I picked up a small bottle to take home to mom for only $3!
Alligator Alley
Alligator Alley has got to be one of my favorite animal sanctuary’s I have visited yet. Housing strictly alligators, Alligator Alley is located in Summerdale, Alabama, a short distance from Spanish Fort. This animal sanctuary is home to more than 600 alligators ranging from hatchlings to 50 year old gators! They respond to calls from residents around the state for nosey little gators that wander into the wrong place, making themselves a danger to humans, and bring them to this reservation where they are given plenty of food, all the swampy conditions, and attention they could ask for. $12 to enter (discounted for children), and $4 for alligator chow to feed the gators.
The sanctuary leads you on a trail starting with hatchling age alligators through age 1, 2, 4-6, and then the elderly guys wading in the swamp. If you come during certain times, you can even watch the caregivers feed the older alligators! For those with a weaker stomach, opt in for the $4 cup of pellets to feed to them yourself. My favorite part of the trip was obviously when I got to hold a little 3 year old baby gator. His name was Gatorade (adorable) and he was very even tempered and calm. Great establishment and fun for the entire family.
Odds are, after all this exploring, you are going to be hungry, thirsty, or both. So I’ll hit you with some recommendations and get to work on my next adventure.
Just a few miles up the road is a family owned barbecue restaurant called LA BBQ. I like this place because it has a family picnic home-made cook out type feel to it. The food is phenomenal, and the service is fantastic. Pro tip: GET THE MAC N CHEESE HOLY GUACAMOLE.
Back Towards Fairhope
For those of you with a sweet tooth, might I recommend stopping at this little milkshake joint just about 15-20 minutes from Spanish Fort back towards the direction of home. The Yard Milkshake Bar is 1) brilliant, and 2) BRILLIANT. The name itself, is such an awesome take on the popular Kelis song, with easter eggs all over the menu and decor of the restaurant. The milkshakes are works of art. Loaded with flavor, and worth every penny. I got The Unicorn, and I’ll let the photo speak for itself.
While in Fairhope, I also recommend trying out the brewery (Fairhope Brewery), the French Quarter downtown, as well as the many shopping stores throughout the downtown area. Wallets be wary, everything is priced so well, and just so unique and adorable that it’s quite easy to get lost and go overboard.
With that being said, I’ll close out this post. For those of you just joining me on this journey, please subscribe to my blog. You’ll be notified any time that there is a new post or update so you can follow along. As I’m still building up a following I have no updates on give aways quite yet, but plan to write my first local business support article before the end of the month with an awesome start up company I recently collaborated with, so keep an eye out for that! I’ve got some great adventures coming up that I’m so excited for and even more excited to tell you all about.
Like aforementioned, I’m going to make some changes with my social media and just merge my two instagram accounts. Turns out keeping up with one instagram is enough work, two, just forget it. So if you haven’t already, go ahead and give my account a follow: @unfriendlyadvice
Additionally, summer is right around the corner y’all, so also be sure to check out my discount codes! Beyondbeanie and SerengeeTee have great merchandise and are coming out with great finds for the summer season.
Until next time! ♡ – C
