Cavaliers Visit Mobile for Bear Contest

What a great weekend! Mike and Doug and David and Michael had a terrific ride to Mobile and back for the Mr. Gulf Coast Bear contest on August 16. On the way there we dawdled along the Mississippi Gulf Coast on US Hwy 90, and stopped for lunch at Annie's in Pass Christian. The restaurant has a beautiful stone exterior and interior, with a fascinating bar. After lunch we headed on along the beach road. We had a brief rain delay in Gautier, then continued on I-10 with a few sprinkles.

After a short rest at the hotel, we rode around downtown Mobile in search of dinner, and stumbled across Charlene's. The food was good, but the architecture was even better. The restaurant is housed in a magnificent old Beaux Arts building built around 1900 that originally housed a pharmacy. The prescription counter is still intact and serves at the restaurant's bar. Along with three massive chandeliers and beautiful crown detailing, it was quite impressive.

The contest at B-Bob's was a real hoot! Five contestants were put through several ridiculous competitions in a fast-paced and hilarious event. It was absolutely the best contest I've ever been to. Their two emcees are professional radio personalities, and they were hysterical. We had a great time!After a short rest at the hotel, we rode around downtown Mobile in search of dinner, and stumbled across Charlene's. The food was good, but the architecture was even better. The restaurant is housed in a magnificent old Beaux Arts building built around 1900 that originally housed a pharmacy. The prescription counter is still intact and serves at the restaurant's bar. Along with three massive chandeliers and beautiful crown detailing, it was quite impressive.

The contest at B-Bob's was a real hoot! Five contestants were put through several ridiculous competitions in a fast-paced and hilarious event. It was absolutely the best contest I've ever been to. Their two emcees are professional radio personalities, and they were hysterical. We had a great time!

At the contest we saw lots of people from New Orleans, including our good friends Mike M. and Adam. Adam gave us a great suggestion for Sunday brunch. We ate at the charming Spot of Tea on Cathedral Square. Terrific food in a charming atmosphere with a restaurant overlooking the square. Definitely a must if you're ever in Mobile for breakfast or lunch.

Mike and Doug high-tailed it home on the Interstate, while Michael and I took a detour down to Dauphin Island. It was a pretty ride, especially once we got to the causeway leading to the island. We rode around the island on the beautifully landscaped main boulevard, then stopped at the Estuarium. This Dauphin Island attraction is a nice small aquarium, showcasing the exotic underwater life of the Mobile Bay ecosystem. Very entertaining.