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Taking the Mardi Gras Service to Mobile Update: Trip Report

Posted on 8/13/25 at 10:45 pm
Posted by South Shore Cyclist
Member since Jul 2023
348 posts
Posted on 8/13/25 at 10:45 pm
We have booked tickets on the new Amtrak route to Mobile and back, for a day trip. Planning to get lunch in Mobile, and then hang out downtown until it’s time to catch the train back. I’m thinking The Noble South for lunch, and then the History Museum afterwards. Spouse is excited about the plans for lunch, but not so much for the museum. Anyone have a better option? Needs to be within walking distance of the train station. Thanks!
This post was edited on 8/28/25 at 12:02 pm
Posted by all4AU
Member since Oct 2009
673 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 12:31 am to
Instead of the History Museum, would she enjoy the Conde-Charlotte House, Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, or Carnival Museum? Go to Loda Bier Garten if you want a beer before catching the train.
This post was edited on 8/15/25 at 2:48 pm
Posted by South Shore Cyclist
Member since Jul 2023
348 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 8:20 am to
Thanks! I will research these. (Not Catholic, but we both enjoy beautiful churches. This would not have been on my radar. I appreciate the suggestion!)
Posted by slinger1317
Northshore
Member since Sep 2005
6867 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 8:51 am to
If I am going to spend 4 hours on a train it better be going through some European countryside, not the wasteland from NOLA to Mobile that I could drive in 2 hours
Posted by South Shore Cyclist
Member since Jul 2023
348 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 10:07 am to
My childhood involved numerous trips on trains traveling from Northeast Texas back to New Orleans. They imprinted on my childish mind the romance and fascination of rail travel. I hope to recapture a fraction of those memories, while traveling through a landscape in which we have made many happy memories.
Posted by geauxpurple
New Orleans
Member since Jul 2014
16601 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 10:14 am to
The only place I have ever made a special trip to Mobile for is Bellingrath Gardens in the early spring when the azaleas are blooming but that is a little ways from downtown.
I think that train is designed for Mobile people to take day trips to New Orleans rather than vice versa.

And there is always the battleship. I have been there but it was decades ago.
This post was edited on 8/14/25 at 10:19 am
Posted by South Shore Cyclist
Member since Jul 2023
348 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 10:29 am to
A family member previously lived near the exit for Bellingrath Gardens, and we made a point to stop there at least once a year while visiting. It’s been a while since our last visit…

We’ve never made it over to the battleship. Perhaps on our next trip to Fairhope, we can add it to the mix.
Posted by slinger1317
Northshore
Member since Sep 2005
6867 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 10:29 am to
quote:


My childhood involved numerous trips on trains traveling from Northeast Texas back to New Orleans. They imprinted on my childish mind the romance and fascination of rail travel. I hope to recapture a fraction of those memories, while traveling through a landscape in which we have made many happy memories.


I hope your upcoming trip brings back memories of those times!
Posted by South Shore Cyclist
Member since Jul 2023
348 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 10:30 am to
quote:

I hope your upcoming trip brings back memories of those times!
Thank you so much! I wish I could give you more than one upvote!!
This post was edited on 8/14/25 at 2:12 pm
Posted by Shexter
Prairieville
Member since Feb 2014
19205 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 11:26 am to
If I used this train, it would probably be to day drink trip to BSL or Biloxi.

quote:

Perhaps on our next trip to Fairhope, we can add it to the mix.


The Battleship is in Mobile very close to the train station.
Bellingrath Gardens is closer to Dauphin Island.
Posted by South Shore Cyclist
Member since Jul 2023
348 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 12:53 pm to
quote:

Bellingrath Gardens is closer to Dauphin Island.
Thanks. We usually take a trip to Dauphin Island when we are in the area. (Fairhope qualifies, to us.) Last visit, we checked out Charles Phillips Antiques on the way.
This post was edited on 8/14/25 at 2:13 pm
Posted by South Shore Cyclist
Member since Jul 2023
348 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 12:56 pm to
quote:

If I used this train, it would probably be to day drink trip to BSL or Biloxi.

I suspect a considerable number of New Orleanians are onboard with this plan.
Posted by rtr72
Alabama
Member since Aug 2011
642 posts
Posted on 8/14/25 at 1:53 pm to
Don’t be a party downer
Posted by Coater
Madison, MS
Member since Jun 2005
33513 posts
Posted on 8/15/25 at 7:58 am to
Love noble south

Another option is Callaghan’s

Also second the rec of touring the battleship.
Posted by Optimism
Member since Jun 2024
786 posts
Posted on 8/16/25 at 10:23 pm to
I could see people from Miss Gulf Coast using it for a weekend trip to New Orleans for a Saints /Pelicans game ,concert ,play at Saengar or just a quick getaway
Posted by SloaneRanger
Upper Hurstville
Member since Jan 2014
12846 posts
Posted on 8/17/25 at 2:33 pm to
quote:

If I am going to spend 4 hours on a train it better be going through some European countryside, not the wasteland from NOLA to Mobile that I could drive in 2 hours


You’re being downvoted, but I agree. And the 4 hours each way is if Amtrak is on time. Based on my experience, it rarely is.
Posted by pensacola
pensacola
Member since Sep 2005
4798 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 1:56 pm to
Any reports from someone who has done it?
Posted by Shexter
Prairieville
Member since Feb 2014
19205 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 1:59 pm to


Departs New Orleans at 7:30, then arrives in Mobile at 11:18
Return trip departs at 4:30 and arrives in New Orleans at 8:13

So you only get 5 hours in Mobile. Doesn't seem worth it unless staying overnight.

It might be worth the trip to Biloxi and back.

This post was edited on 8/19/25 at 2:10 pm
Posted by South Shore Cyclist
Member since Jul 2023
348 posts
Posted on 8/20/25 at 12:00 am to
This guy has a wife??!
Posted by GOP_Tiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
20724 posts
Posted on 8/20/25 at 4:34 am to
quote:

And the 4 hours each way is if Amtrak is on time. Based on my experience, it rarely is.


That's because most of Amtrak trains are a long distance routes that have a very long time and a great many stops to get behind.

This, on the other hand, is its own route. The train isn't coming from somewhere else. There's no reason to think that the trains on this route will often be late.
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