Nestled among the infamous longleaf pines in Langan Park, visitors will delight in the offerings at the Mobile Botanical Gardens. There is something for everyone, including your canine "kids" in the gardens. Did you know there are 40 acres of hiking trails for you to explore with your dogs?
You will have the opportunity to take your pet on the ultimate "sniff adventure" and enjoy the beauty of incredible plant collections. Of course, be a good visitor and clean up after your dog and keep him/her on a leash at all times.
The park has one of the most enchanting plots filled with a wide variety of Camellia's. Their blooming season begins in October and stretches into early spring. The grassy trails that meander through this area of the garden are magical. This is one of the most relaxing and tranquil places that I have discovered in Mobile.
Even though you might have to brush off some pine needles, there are plenty of areas to rest and take in the natural surroundings. In fact, the garden staff encourages visitors to picnic, draw, paint, photograph and traverse the property at a leisurely pace. Just be sure to leave the gardens in the same condition you found them!
If you make your way up Magnolia Hill, you will see a couple of interesting things. One of the newest editions is an area created for small, outdoor wedding ceremonies. The rustic benches are situated under a shady canopy of mature trees. Further along the path you will discover a bee hive, the propagation garden and a fancy chicken coup. There are a couple of hens living there that are the biggest I've ever laid eyes on!
Be sure to spend some time in the Japanese garden that is home to a school of Koi fish. Some of them are over 20 years old. There is a viewing bridge over their pond that is bordered by a waterfall. This peaceful spot was a highlight for me during my visit.
Admission is only $8 per person with a discount for anyone 60 or older. The gardens do close for special private events, so check their website for details. Here are the hours:
Summer Hours through Labor Day:
Wednesday: 9am – 4pm
Thursday: 9am – 5pm
Friday: 9am – 4pm
Saturday: 10am – 3pm
Sunday: Noon – 3pm
Monday – Tuesday: Closed for Visits
Membership is very reasonable and there are discounts for plant purchases, gift shop items and events. Every March & October they host one of the largest plant sales on the Gulf Coast! As a member you have a passport to over 300 gardens throughout the country!
Insider tips: Wear hiking shoes or supportive athletic shoes. The trails are a mixture of gravel, grass and stones. Tree roots and uneven ground are common obstacles. The gift shop has coffee, water and other amenities for visitors. There are restrooms in three locations on the property!
Dog Friendly Restaurants!
Mobile & Baldwin Counties offer plenty of dog friendly places to dine! If you traverse down Dauphin Street in Mobile, you'll see watering stations and outdoor seating available for pet owners! Squid Ink, Debris Po Boys and Heroes's Sports Bar all welcome pets to their outdoor spaces.
If you happen to be across the bay in Baldwin County, The Shrimp Basket locations offer outdoor seating. In fact, Fairhope, Foley and Orange Beach are very dog friendly towns! We've dined with our fur-kids at Ginny Lane at The Wharf. In fact, Villaggio, Yo Ho Tacos and Southern Grind all offer outdoor, pet friendly seating if you are shopping at this outdoor mall.
Insider tips for dining with pets: Be sure to bring water bowls and food bowls for your dog. I pack a travel bag with bowls, water, food, treats and wet wipes!
Apollo's Paws Pet Grooming has Expanded their Retail Store!
My fur kids visit Apollo's Paws every month for a "shower & shave". Recently, owner, Rebecca Dixon began offering top quality grooming products and tools to keep your pets looking and smelling wonderful! Stop by the 6001 E Grelot Road location Tuesday - Saturday to pick up supplies! Prices are fantastic!
Insider tip: Visit Apollo's Paws website by clicking here to schedule grooming appointments! You can preschedule an entire year!
More Dog Friendly Options!
Gulf Coast Tours welcomes your pets to accompany you on your explorations of downtown Mobile for their Historic Trolley Tour. In fact, little Oliver may be along for the ride! You will need to have your dog on a leash! Pack a bag with water & treats for this 90 minute stint.
Another option, that I have blogged about recently, is the Audubon Bird Sanctuary located on Dauphin Island. The decked trail offers a shady place to walk your leashed dogs on the isle. I will put a link below to that blog. Please note: There are alligators living in the pond.
If you are visiting the island, there is a pet friendly beach near Historic Fort Gaines on the Eastern tip of Dauphin Island. Be sure to pack an umbrella or tent to prevent sunburns for you and your doggie! There are no shady spots along the gulf!
Insider tip: Pack plenty of drinks for you and your pets when you take them out with you.
Pet Friendly Hotels in Mobile, Alabama!
I wanted to provide a few pet friendly accommodation options for those of you visiting the port city area. Imagine my surprise to learn that Fort Conde Inn is pet friendly! In fact, there are 45 choices with something to fit everyone's budget! Click here for a list of available hotels. Of course, read the fine print because most places have size limitations and some request a damage deposit.
What's Happening This Weekend on the Coast!
The Puppy Den Dog Costume Parade & Trick-or-Treating at the Eastern Shore Center, October 22nd at 5:30PM. Click here for details!
Fort Gaines Festival, October 22nd at 3PM. Family fun for Halloween. Click here for details!
Blues Traveler - Live at Five! Live at Five in Fairhope! Today, October 21 starting at 5PM. Click here for more information.
Phil Proctor at Market in the Park October 22nd, 8AM in Cathedral Park downtown Mobile! FREE Event!
There are SO Many things to do this weekend for adults, kids, & families on the coast. Click here for weekend happenings in our area! There are live concerts, Halloween events, and so much more...no boredom allowed!
Lil' Jack encourages you to get out and explore your town this weekend! He'll be "on the street" with us sniffing out all of the dog friendly places in the area! I hope you enjoyed this blog, it really has "gone to the dogs"!
I will leave you with a motivating quote for the upcoming week.
"The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment." ~ Robert Falcon Scott
Have a wonderful week!
Charlsie