On the Road to Bon Secour

Several weeks ago my friend and me found ourselves in Bon Secour, Alabama close by the beach in Gulf Shores! It is a lovely area full of history and known for its fishing and shrimping!

View of the Bon Secour River...

We've always wanted to visit the historic home of Swift-Coles but never arrived in time for the tours. And again we did not arrive promptly for a guided tour of the inside. However I did get beautiful photos of the outside and the grounds...

As with all older historic homes, this one has its fair share of stories...ghosts, hurricanes, and all!! Oh the stories, If These Walls Could Talk!!

The Tidewater Mansion was first built as a four-room house in 1882.  In 1908 all wings had been added completing the 16-room home we see today.  I love the Spanish moss draping from the trees...

The story goes that during a hurricane each adult tied themselves to one child, climbed the chinaberry tree located in the L-section of the home, and survived the raging storm and water that poured through the home!

The Swift descendants lived in the mansion until 1976 when Gulf Shores businessman Nick Coles bought and restored the home. Today visitors  can see his vast collection of antiques!

The grounds are being restored. You can view the gardens with the heritage plants and follow along the walkways that were once "swept walks"!   Before lawn mowers and hedge trimmers?!!
("I remember my grandmother telling as a young child sweeping the yard to keep out the grass blades", says my friend.)

The picket fence has been around for as long as the home.  Originally, it surrounded the house to keep grazing cattle out!

The live oaks lining the driveway ...

A beautiful home and next time I will arrive early to tour the inside!!

Where have you traveled lately?  I love my travels down the junkin' road!!

Have a Blessed Day!!

Jan


Partying with...
http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/2011/07/seasonal-sundays-59quantico.html

DebbieDoos

Down the Road to Lulu's Homeport

Oh yes, the junkin' road carried my friend and me to Gulf Shores, Alabama and to Lulu's Homeport! Now most of you will remember that Lulu is the sister of a well known singer/songwriter...Jimmy Buffet!!

Lulu's is famous! It is known for its great atmosphere, good food, good music, and good times! The location is perfect...right on the inter-coastal waterway...

Did I mention the view? Super!!

Lulu's caters to the family...

Outdoor gigantic gym for the kids to enjoy! (The children wore safety harnesses for their protection.)

Beach volleyball for all ages!

Dining outdoors...

(Thank goodness for the outdoor fans and cooling stations as it was hot, hot, HOT!!)

Musicians from all over come to play and sing on Lulu's stage. Even her famous brother, Jimmy, graciously appears in concert! (but never under his own name)

(This singer traveled from Louisiana to appear on stage)


Ahh, Lulu's Homeport...a destination!

The atmosphere is festive and fun! It's a party, happening now!

And speaking of a party I'm partying with...

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2009/01/introducing-outdoor-wednesday.html

Have a Blessed Day!! And see ya down the junkin' road!!

Jan