{Gallivant} Mobile, Alabama
While John was away during his detachment we talked about trying to take a little (reasonably local) trip when he got home, to celebrate his graduating Primary. Fast forward a few weeks, and this past weekend we hopped in the car and headed over to nearby Mobile for a little getaway!
John was on base till the early evening so we headed straight into the Garden District to Kitchen on George. Situated right in the heart of the Oakleigh Garden Historic District of Mobile, Kitchen on George is a sweet spot. The warmly-lit bistro atmosphere is a wonderful compliment to their farm-to-table menu, and everything we ate was delicious. We started with tempura-fried okra as well as blackened alabama shrimp and goat cheese grits, both of which I intend to try and replicate at home. I inherited my love of okra from my mom, and while John could do without the slightly slimy texture, I love it. The shrimp were juicy and flavorful, while the goat cheese grits were simply out. of. this. world. Silky, creamy, with a slight tang from the goat cheese. (take me back.)
For our mains John ordered seared duck and I went with a classic roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and green beens, smothered in thyme gravy. If you follow me on instagram (@evr_thegallivant) than you may have noticed that we are in the midst of the Clean Slate Challenge, but we decided to take a night off. Read: John knows I can't resist experiencing local flavor as a part of exploring a new place, and he acquiesced to my foodie soul.
We were spending the night at the gorgeous Battlehouse so after dinner we made our way downtown. We dropped our bags in our room and headed down for a night cap in the Royal Street Tavern, where we sipped a cocktail and listened to some great live music.
Saturday morning we grabbed a quick breakfast at the hotel, packed up, and headed out to Theodore to visit the Bellingrath Gardens.
We spend the afternoon meandering down winding paths lined with blooming azaleas and cammelias, stopping at fountains and along the bayou on the way. Most of the garden hadn't bloomed yet but it was a gorgeously warm day and the beds were still full of lovely winter color.
A froggy friend!
Handsome man.
We have visited some pretty epic gardens together--Versaille, Tuileries, Kensington, etc--and this lovely Southern estate definitely holds it's own. A must-see for sure if you are in the Mobile area, and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Bellingrath Gardens, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, Alabama, 36582
Kitchen On George, 351 George St, Mobile, Alabama (251) 436 8890
The Battle House, 26 N. Royal St, Mobile, Alabama (251) 338 2000
xoxo,
Emily
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