This past week has been a blur of travel along the Gulf Coast.
I spent most of the week in Alabama, state #19 in the van. It was a quick trip, only a few days, but it took me through some of the state’s highlights, including Orange Beach, Foley, and Mobile. Down by Foley, the land lies flat. You can watch the sun travel all the way down to the horizon, unimpeded by rolling hills or thick bands of trees. I watched the sky light up in orange and pink and gold every night.
The people here are friendly; everyone waves and says good morning. My accent quickly gives me away as “not from here” if my gait doesn’t do it first. I looked out of place enough at one park that an older gentleman, observing my proximity to a creek, reminded me that alligators are never far away.
But Alabama has just a handful of miles along the Coast compared to it’s neighbors and I quickly crossed the state line into Mississippi. First stop in state #20, Biloxi.
I first visited Biloxi back in 2018 when my then-boyfriend and I traveled to New Orleans. I was devastated to learn that most of Louisiana’s coastline is marshland and I insisted we visit a real Gulf Coast beach. We spent an afternoon sunbathing in October and sipping drinks from paper bags (apparently a necessity for drinking on the beach.) We dined like the tourists we were at the Hard Rock Cafe and watched hundreds of antique cars parade by.
It is exciting to be back to a place I’ve been before, no matter how unfamiliar. My arrival in the state was met with bright sun, blue sky, and temperatures in the balmy 70s – a far cry from the frigid 50s on Orange Beach.
Next stop is more miles along I-10 heading further west still into Louisiana. This time around I’m skipping NOLA and Bourbon Street in favor of exploring Baton Rouge before turning Bevy northward. Spring in the northeast is still chilly so I’ll be enjoying my time in Mississippi while I have it.
Photos from Alabama
Photos from Florida
Photos from Georgia
Photos from South Carolina
Photos from North Carolina
Photos from Tennessee
This captivating blog post about traveling along the Gulf Coast truly transported me to the serene landscapes and vibrant communities of Alabama, Mississippi, and beyond. The author’s vivid descriptions of the sunsets in Foley and the warmth of the people they encountered along the way painted a picture of adventure and discovery. I especially appreciated the personal anecdotes, like the encounter with the friendly gentleman warning about alligators near the creek. The nostalgia of revisiting Biloxi and the anticipation of exploring Baton Rouge added depth to the journey. Overall, this article has not only informed me about the beauty of the Gulf Coast but also ignited a sense of wanderlust and curiosity about the places the author visited. Fantastic job in capturing the essence of travel and exploration!