Carnival Museum & BBQ in Mobile, AL

Mobile, AL was about an hour's drive from our cabin, but we decided to go over on the ferry to Dauphin Island and drive back. 

On the ferry.

Oil Rig, Mobile Bay

View of the bridge to the mainland from the ferry.

Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island, from the ferry. 

Now you know where that saying came from. 

Heading into downtown Mobile, we saw thousands of beads hanging from the trees after the Mardi Gras parades. 

Trees on the streets covered with beads, post Mardi-Gras. 

Historic District Homes in Mobile, AL

When in Mobile, have some Barbeque! We stopped in the historic district at Saucy Q BBQ. Garry tried the fried fish plate and I tried to be a bit healthier with sides of veggies and collards with my pulled pork. It may have been my only non-seafood meal of the entire month. 

Corn Bread, beans & hush puppies, along with fish. 

Mobile Carnival Museum

The Mobile TV stations featured daily news stories about Mardi Gras in the weeks leading up to February 13. One interview was with a woman who sewed the capes and dresses for people attending Mardi Gras balls. We also saw an interview about a crown-making business. Since this was all new and crazy stuff to us, we made a point of going to the Mobile Carnival Museum. We had a fascinating guided tour with the curator, and learned a lot about the traditions, culture and history of Mardi Gras in Mobile.

The figures on the porch are Folly and Death, and they are holding pig bladders, which they use to beat each other. Yes, that is the true story.  I'm squinting without my sunglasses. 

King and Queen's Capes, crowns and costumes, adorned with fur and crystals.
Capes usually illustrate hobbies and family traditions of the wearer. Some of the capes weigh up to 100 pounds, and need wheels underneath so they can be pulled along while wearing. 

Crown and Scepter

One of the Mardi Gras kings, with his cape and costume.
New representatives are chosen each year.