Not just the old Mobile Airport, it was first "Brookley Air Force Base" back in the day.
This past year several of us from the MS Gulf Coast did quite a bit of exploring in Lower Alabama. Flying into KBFM is pretty cool and if you haven't been to the USS Alabama it's a fun trip.
A few places to see, Dauphin Island has a brand new runway with more parking available. Nothing else at the airport but a short walk (OK, not really short, but do-able) to the Oar House and you can get some pretty good eats. Dauphin Island is just that, an island so landing there is a lot of fun as the runway was built out into the water. 22 miles south of KBFM. If your in the area check it out.
Dauphin Island Airport
By the way, when leaving Dolphin Island fly to the southeast about 3 miles and find the old lighthouse that still stands. In October Ole Glory was tattered and torn but still flying from that old lighthouse. Way cool. Also, east of Dauphin Island is
Fort Morgan, don't miss it either. If it's
nice weather take the ferry across the bay.
On the other (east) side of the bay is Fairhope. Home to Teledyne-Continental Motors, they will have fuel and a full service FBO. They also have a courtesy car that you use to get to
Fly Creek Cafe. If the car isn't available, call the cafe. The owner is a pilot and if they have time he says they'll come pick you up. Really good food and a great atmosphere. As you drive from the airport take go west to the bay and follow the road north to Fly Creek. The drive is worth it, right through old Fairhope.
For a bit more upscale visit to Fairhope check out the
Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa. It's stunning and the Sunday brunch (I've been told) is to die for! I've seen it several times from the air and it's gorgeous. If you don't do anything else, at least check out the website. Those of you looking for a weekend getaway with the wife... hint...hint.
If your looking for a quirky place to have lunch then Foley is for you. Land at 5R4 and go to Lamberts.
Home of the "throwed rolls". Lamberts is too far to walk so call them first and ask if they can come pick you up.
Lastly, at least for now is Jack Edwards and Gulf Shores AL. So many good places to eat there I can't list them all. I've been there several times and they ALWAYS have had a courtesy car. NEW ones even! But just in case,
LuLu's is just a short walk unless you are there in August. Then it's too dang hot to walk. Really good food at a fun place to eat. Gulf Shores is a cool place but if you have time drive down the beach to the east and find Orange Beach. Lots more places on the water there to eat like
Tacky Jacks. OK, even if you drive west towards Dolphin Island you find
Tack Jacks 2 but I like the one in Orange Beach more.
If you haven't been to LA ("Lower Alabama" as the locals call it) you will be surprised at how nice it really is. Drop down low for the last 30 miles or so and slow down. it really is pretty.
OK, one more plug. If you want to visit the Naval Museum on Pensacola NAS, call the fine folks at
82J Ferguson Airport. If they have the time they'll take you to the museum and pick you up. There is a resturant in the museum so making a day of it is easy.
I know it sounds like I work for the Chamber of Commerce but I’m not even from there. Heck I’m not even from Mississippi, I just really like that area. If you haven’t been there, you don’t know what you are missing.