December has arrived and there are plenty of fantastic opportunities to create lasting memories with your family and friends! Think back to your favorite memories growing up. I was born in a tiny little town in Mississippi. The sort of place where everyone knew one another and children flourished under the watchful eyes of the community. Some of my favorite recollections from childhood are Christmas caroling with friends and drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows. We walked the well-lit streets of our neighborhood, singing the holiday favorites from little paper hymnals.
These days, our neighborhood in West Mobile, comes together prior to Christmas to celebrate the holiday. Our streets are lined with luminaries to light the way for Santa & his sleigh! There's a neighborhood block party with plenty of hot chocolate! We've even had carolers pay us a visit, and yes I was tempted to join them!
My husband and I enjoy loading up our doggies and riding through all of the beautifully decorated neighborhoods. One of our favorites is 2525 W. Colonnades Dr., off Sollie Road just south of Cottage Hill Road. You'll want to park and walk around this home that occupies a full block. It is incredible! Click here to watch my short video of this year's decorations.
Last week I mentioned Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights. This is another tradition that many residents enjoy. It is definitely worth the drive to view the millions of lights on display! In December 2014, USA Today included Bellingrath Garden's Magic Christmas in Lights in their list of the “10 Best Public Light Displays in America.” Insider Tip: Prepare to walk and wear comfortable shoes!
This year we've added a new destination on our list for downtown Mobile. The Battle House Hotel has a 28 foot Christmas tree in their lobby and we can't wait to see it!
The hotel is located at 26 N Royal Street in the heart of downtown. Visit rsabattlehouse.com for more information. Valet and parking lot options are available as well as street parking.
(Photo credit: Facebook)
On Friday evening, the quaint little town, of Fairhope hosts it's annual Magical Christmas Parade. Strolling through the streets reminds me of my old hometown that I mentioned earlier. Plan to dine on some delicious food at one of the local eateries. There are plenty of local shops for you to finish up your holiday shopping! Click here for details on the parade! December 6th 7-8:30PM.
(Photo credit: Facebook)
Loblolly Farm in Semmes, Alabama is kicking off the season with a Winter Wonderland featuring movies and loads of family fun! Click here for the details. Saturday, December 7th they will be showing the movie, Elf!
If you are visiting Baton Rouge, our friends at the West Baton Rouge Convention Center are rolling out a new event called Westside Christmas Fest. The two day event will be held on December 20 & 21st!
Music, crafts, holiday lights, Santa and family fun will be the theme of this festival. The pro's at WBRCVB are sure to deliver a memorable event for the community to enjoy. For more information about this and other events at the center, click here.
Ice Skating at the Raisin Cane's River Center in Baton Rouge begins on December 20th. There are specific session times, so click here for more information.
The center is located at 275 S River Road in downtown Baton Rouge...right on the Mississippi River!
We've been talking about our next day trip to New Orleans. Of course, we plan to wrap up our evening with a drive thru Celebration in the Oaks! Click here for the details on this wonderful light display.
New Orleans is home to some wonderful food. We've got our sites on Casamento's Restaurant located at 4330 Magazine Street. This locally owned establishment opened in 1919. My husband has some fond memories of delicious food and is ready to visit again! We plan to browse the local shops on Magazine and soak up the holiday spirit!
Check out the hours and menu items by clicking here. Soft Shell Crab, Gumbo, Meatballs & Spaghetti, Oysters on the half shell...oh my goodness! To top it off they have Eli's of Chicago Cheesecake.
Join me in welcoming these new VIP's to the website!
Marcille Sims is a Certified Health Coach ready to help you tackle the holiday season. Did you know that the average person gains 10-12 pounds from Thanksgiving to the New Year? There are healthy habits that she can teach you to incorporate into your daily life.
Read more about her journey from poor choices to a transformation change in her personal life. Click here to find out more about her tried and true program. You will lose the extra weight you've been carrying around. You'll feel energized and balanced and you'll learn how to incorporate these habits for life!
Perhaps you've been in a car wreck, motorcycle accident or you've been hit by an 18-wheeler. You may be wondering if you need to seek legal advise. Charles McCorquodale is the attorney to call.
His quiet, friendly demeanor creates a comfortable setting for his clients. He has been serving the Mobile, Alabama, community for years helping people recover fair compensation for loss of wages, medical expenses and more.
Read more about him by clicking here.
I want to take a moment to encourage you to make memories with the people that are important in your life. Last month friends and family said farewell to Ann Lottinger Taylor. My heart was broken that her life was cut short so quickly due to pancreatic cancer. You may recognize her from Louisiana Sportsman, her family's business, where she was editor.
My friendship with this fearless, dynamic woman began when we were 12. I moved to South Louisiana with my
family and she became a close friend of mine. We navigated the halls of Vandebilt Catholic HS together, joining clubs and finding our way during those teenage years. She was truly fearless and an example to everyone about being true to yourself. I loved her passion for fishing, her joy of laughter, her self-confidence (it can be in short supply when you are a teen), and her ability to not take things too seriously.
Our adult lives found both of us preoccupied with children and careers. I no longer had "a daily dose of Ann" like I did in school. However, I know that she always knew...no matter what...I had her back and vice-versa.
Thank you, Ann, for the impact that you had on my life. I am a better person because you were in it. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories that still bring a smile to my face. (August 6, 1962 - November 20, 2019)
~ Charlsie
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