- Mobile
A
Alabama’s Seaport City -
Museums, Mardi Gras and Runway Models in Mobile. As I walked past the sidewalk, I noticed a very odd sign that read, “Buy 2 drinks get both half off,” I was intrigued at the odd way of phrasing “two for one drinks” during a happy hour special. I walked in to find a long and narrow bar that lead to a sizeable outdoor patio with separate bar. It was daytime, and the joint was empty, but I opted to stay for a drink, or rather, two. What I had walked into was the newest gay bar in Mobile, Alabama, located right in the heart of downtown, and steps away from two others. Flip Side Bar had an oddly familiar feel to it, but I didn’t solve my mystery until my second appearance, when I chatted up the manager Bob Brunsen. I quickly discovered that Bob had been the manager and “man in charge” of the infamous San Francisco, Castro bar, Daddies, now 440. When I lived in San Francisco, the bar was already 440, but maintained most of what Daddies was all about, and was always my go to spot. The same narrow lengthy bar, with generous pours, and great looking staff, are just some of the similarities I was picking up on when I had first entered, but after speaking to Bob, and looking around a bit more, the comparison was uncanny. If Bob was responsible for running one of the most successful bars in San Francisco, then I knew Flip Side was going to stand a good chance. Also, it’s brother bar, B-Bobs, owned by the same team, literally across the parking lot seems to be a local establishment with deep roots and loyal clientele, so the two bars share a lot of the same patronage. Now back to those sexy bartenders at Flip Side. On night one, I was introduced to Paul Wilkins, a bearded, redheaded Southern boy, who at first appearance was striking with his rugged looks. We chatted about my travels and my work, and he kept a low profile, until my third visit, when he was bartending in the back patio. It was there that I learned about his academia
12
www.connextionsmagazine.com
background and all the intense goals he had set for his future after just graduating with his bachelor’s degree in History. It was also that night that Paul confessed to me that he was straight. It was that moment of pure truth and admittance on his part that solidified what I had realized during my week in Mobile; that once again, the South has proven to not fully live up to its stereotypes, well, at least not Mobile.
spending, but once opened, it will bring in visitors from all over. I was fortunate to have a preview of the facility and the exhibits are beyond interactive and the first of their kind. It’s very easy to see children and adults enthralled with exhibits and information the museum plans to offer. While also in town, I visited the Mobile Carnival Museum. Now prepare yourself for
Fort Conde Inn
Mobile is on the verge of a massive change with the news of Airbus coming in and building three different aircrafts in the small Gulf Coast city. The majority of locals are ecstatic at the news because they know that this type of massive industry will bring jobs and help the local economy. In addition, the country’s largest and most technologically advanced maritime museum is set to open in the spring of 2014. Gulf Quest, the national maritime museum of the Gulf of Mexico has been years in the making and millions in
what you are about to read, as I personally had no idea, and I am pretty confident that most -- outside of Mobile -- also were clueless as to the reality of where the original Mardi Gras began. That’s right, you guessed it, Mobile claims to be the originator of Mardi Gras, having introduced it to New Orleans much later in history. And if you don’t believe me, go visit the museum on a day that volunteer Craig Roberts is working, and he will gladly school you in one of the most entertaining and knowledgeable tours you will ever take.
Mobile Shipyards
- Mobile story & photographs by David Duran
I also happened to be in town during MFW, Mobile Fashion Week. This blew my mind because who knew Mobile would have a fashion week. Well, the organizers put together a week of fantastic shows and events. After showing the pics to San Francisco fashionista & TV host Bianca Starr, she confirmed the legitimacy of the show and compared it to many underground San Francisco shows. With her approval, I knew Mobile had it going on. I didn’t venture further out into Alabama, and not sure I am ready to just yet, but Mobile did win me over. It’s completely unexpected and beautiful. The food scene has already taken off, and gems like Panini Pete’s serve up some kick-ass food. The antique shops are plentiful and the boutiques full of local artists make it worthwhile. The Centre for the Living Arts also offers up some pretty modern interpretations and instillations that leave your creative mind craving more. For the ultimate in accommodations, visit the Fort Conde Inn. Nestled in what once was the most prestigious neighborhood of Mobile, the B&B has slowly taken over the old homes and transformed them into a street lined with luxury suites. With a chef on staff, prepare yourself for the ultimate indulgence options for breakfast. Mobile, with its friendly folks, left me wanting more. I’ve already planned my next visit for Mardi Gras, as I now have to experience the amazingness everyone in Mobile speaks about. The liberal friendly coastal city has a rich history and a welcoming manner that is helping change the perceptions most have of the south. The region isn’t fully there, but with small pockets of awesomeness like Mobile, it’s well on its way.
David & Paul
www.connextionsmagazine.com
13
Alabama’s Seaport City -
Museums, Mardi Gras and Runway Models in Mobile. As I walked past the sidewalk, I noticed a very odd sign that read, “Buy 2 drinks get both half off,” I was intrigued at the odd way of phrasing “two for one drinks” during a happy hour special. I walked in to find a long and narrow bar that lead to a sizeable outdoor patio with separate bar. It was daytime, and the joint was empty, but I opted to stay for a drink, or rather, two. What I had walked into was the newest gay bar in Mobile, Alabama, located right in the heart of downtown, and steps away from two others. Flip Side Bar had an oddly familiar feel to it, but I didn’t solve my mystery until my second appearance, when I chatted up the manager Bob Brunsen. I quickly discovered that Bob had been the manager and “man in charge” of the infamous San Francisco, Castro bar, Daddies, now 440. When I lived in San Francisco, the bar was already 440, but maintained most of what Daddies was all about, and was always my go to spot. The same narrow lengthy bar, with generous pours, and great looking staff, are just some of the similarities I was picking up on when I had first entered, but after speaking to Bob, and looking around a bit more, the comparison was uncanny. If Bob was responsible for running one of the most successful bars in San Francisco, then I knew Flip Side was going to stand a good chance. Also, it’s brother bar, B-Bobs, owned by the same team, literally across the parking lot seems to be a local establishment with deep roots and loyal clientele, so the two bars share a lot of the same patronage. Now back to those sexy bartenders at Flip Side. On night one, I was introduced to Paul Wilkins, a bearded, redheaded Southern boy, who at first appearance was striking with his rugged looks. We chatted about my travels and my work, and he kept a low profile, until my third visit, when he was bartending in the back patio. It was there that I learned about his academia
12
www.connextionsmagazine.com
background and all the intense goals he had set for his future after just graduating with his bachelor’s degree in History. It was also that night that Paul confessed to me that he was straight. It was that moment of pure truth and admittance on his part that solidified what I had realized during my week in Mobile; that once again, the South has proven to not fully live up to its stereotypes, well, at least not Mobile.
spending, but once opened, it will bring in visitors from all over. I was fortunate to have a preview of the facility and the exhibits are beyond interactive and the first of their kind. It’s very easy to see children and adults enthralled with exhibits and information the museum plans to offer. While also in town, I visited the Mobile Carnival Museum. Now prepare yourself for
Fort Conde Inn
Mobile is on the verge of a massive change with the news of Airbus coming in and building three different aircrafts in the small Gulf Coast city. The majority of locals are ecstatic at the news because they know that this type of massive industry will bring jobs and help the local economy. In addition, the country’s largest and most technologically advanced maritime museum is set to open in the spring of 2014. Gulf Quest, the national maritime museum of the Gulf of Mexico has been years in the making and millions in
what you are about to read, as I personally had no idea, and I am pretty confident that most -- outside of Mobile -- also were clueless as to the reality of where the original Mardi Gras began. That’s right, you guessed it, Mobile claims to be the originator of Mardi Gras, having introduced it to New Orleans much later in history. And if you don’t believe me, go visit the museum on a day that volunteer Craig Roberts is working, and he will gladly school you in one of the most entertaining and knowledgeable tours you will ever take.
Mobile Shipyards
- Mobile story & photographs by David Duran
I also happened to be in town during MFW, Mobile Fashion Week. This blew my mind because who knew Mobile would have a fashion week. Well, the organizers put together a week of fantastic shows and events. After showing the pics to San Francisco fashionista & TV host Bianca Starr, she confirmed the legitimacy of the show and compared it to many underground San Francisco shows. With her approval, I knew Mobile had it going on. I didn’t venture further out into Alabama, and not sure I am ready to just yet, but Mobile did win me over. It’s completely unexpected and beautiful. The food scene has already taken off, and gems like Panini Pete’s serve up some kick-ass food. The antique shops are plentiful and the boutiques full of local artists make it worthwhile. The Centre for the Living Arts also offers up some pretty modern interpretations and instillations that leave your creative mind craving more. For the ultimate in accommodations, visit the Fort Conde Inn. Nestled in what once was the most prestigious neighborhood of Mobile, the B&B has slowly taken over the old homes and transformed them into a street lined with luxury suites. With a chef on staff, prepare yourself for the ultimate indulgence options for breakfast. Mobile, with its friendly folks, left me wanting more. I’ve already planned my next visit for Mardi Gras, as I now have to experience the amazingness everyone in Mobile speaks about. The liberal friendly coastal city has a rich history and a welcoming manner that is helping change the perceptions most have of the south. The region isn’t fully there, but with small pockets of awesomeness like Mobile, it’s well on its way.
David & Paul
www.connextionsmagazine.com
13
