5 things to do: Alabama Gulf Coast

• Advocate Marketing Staff
• Published: Apr 27, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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1. Have some seafood
Alabama’s Gulf Coast reels in a solid array of seafood dishes, from Royal Red shrimp to soft-shell crabs and everything in between. The Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel offers a brochure titled “100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die” that lists some of the top dishes from around the state. It’s available at http://www.alabama.travel.

The Year of Alabama Food also lists the top dishes along or near the coast.

For more on seafood choices in the Alabama coastal region, call (800) ALABAMA.

2. Step into military history
A glimpse into military history is within sight at Mobile’s Battleship Memorial Park, at Mobile Bay.

Visitors can absorb decades of military history dating back as far as World War II through exhibits featuring marine craft and aircraft.

The largest of the exhibits is the battleship USS Alabama, a 680-foot-long vessel commissioned in 1942 and today considered a national historic landmark.

Also on-site is the USS Drum, a 311-foot-long submarine commissioned in 1941. The Drum, also a historical landmark, arrived at the park in 1969.

Additional military vehicles used on land, in the sea and in the air are also on display throughout the park. There are flight simulators, historical videos and Vietnam and Korean War memorials for visitors to experience.

The park is at 2703 Battleship Parkway. For ticket prices and hours, call (251) 433-2703 or visit http://www.ussalabama.com.

3. Take it off the vine
Missed the Southern Breeze Wine and Culinary Festival in Baton Rouge in April? Don’t fret, because another opportunity awaits in Orange Beach.

Wine, food and the Gulf Coast atmosphere will come together May 2-4 when the tour makes its stop in Orange Beach. This is the fifth event.

The festival stop is more than just wine tasting. There also will be a blend of food and drinks featuring wine seminars and culinary demonstrations.

A limited number of tickets is available for the seminars. For more information, call (251) 968-4600.