Summer is nearing its end, back-to-school advertisements are flooding radios, television and billboards, temperatures are up and fun time with family is winding down. If evenings filled with homework and school-uniform laundry seem too close, a staycation at one of the many destinations throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties might make the perfect end-of-summer event.

Bellingrath Gardens (Theodore)

Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore offered free admission to celebrate John Bellingrath’s birthday Aug. 6, and many Mobile and Baldwin county residents took advantage of the inexpensive outing.

The Gardens offer winding paths lined with shades of yellow, pink, red and white. Fountains, statues and themed areas attract dazzled eyes. Fresh flower aromas float into nostrils and fingers point at each new sight.

Bellingrath also offers a historic home tour, riverboat cruise, boardwalk, gift shop and café.

Kathy Bowden was invited by her daughter so the family could do something fun for Kathy’s birthday on Aug. 7, she said. She explained that Bellingrath is a great asset to the area, as it offers beauty at every turn.

“I have enjoyed Bellingrath Gardens since childhood, and continue to do so as a senior adult,” she began. “It has a tremendous variety of flowers blooming no matter what season I choose to visit, and their unique way of incorporating colored leaf plants with flowers makes remarkable displays.”

Bowden added that she enjoys the many different parts of the attraction.

“The boardwalk is always fascinating because it allows you to see so many creatures in their natural habitat,” she explained. “One of my favorite spots in the garden is the cypress knee display—I have never seen so many at one time with so many different sizes.”

Bowden said that the day of free admission for Mobile and Baldwin residents helps visitors enjoy nearby adventures without breaking the bank.

“The free visit today means, as an area resident, I can enjoy the gardens more often,” she said.

While the day of free admission encouraged Bowden’s family to make the trip, she admits that she’ll grace the gardens many more times.

“The majestic oaks with their Spanish moss that line the walkways welcome you and beckon you to come back soon,” she mused. “The rose garden is a sight to behold—with so many colors, it reminds you of Joseph's coat. There’s much to see for young and old, so it make a wonderful family outing where you can make new memories and share old ones.”

Jennie Davis, a visitor from Chunchula, agreed.

“I enjoyed the many varieties of flowering plants, the fountains, statuary and the trees—anyone interested in nature should visit the Gardens,” she divulged. “There are conveniently situated benches throughout the gardens, drinking fountains with cold water, a nice gift shop and restaurant, plus a convenient parking lot. There’s something for everyone.”

For more information and ticket prices, visit www.bellingrath.org or call 251-973-2217.

Waterville USA (Gulf Shores)

Kids who grow up near the beach may not get excited about one last summer beach day, but Baldwin County parents who swap the sand for the slides may find their children raving about Waterville USA.

Waterville offers both a waterpark and an amusement park. The water park has several slides and a wave pool for all ages, and the amusement park features go-carts, trampolines, roller coasters and an arcade.

Darren Bowden of Spanish Fort said he took his children to Waterville every summer until they became adults. His daughter Savannah, now 17, works at Waterville.

“That was one of the highlights of their summer every year,” Darren said. “We went at least once a summer for eight years. My daughter works there now, and she said she almost started crying the other day when she saw kids doing the stuff we used to do. That meant so much to me.”

His children’s favorite Waterville activity was riding the go-carts, Darren said. 

“When Savannah finally got big enough to get into one herself, it was like somebody handed the world to her and she was queen,” he said. “She had to ride with Daddy for so many years, and she would say, ‘I can’t wait to ride those rides like you and Kaleb (her older brother) do.’”

When Savannah told him about her teary moment of reminiscing on her childhood at work, Darren said he had a hard time fighting the tears. He will always associate Waterville with fond memories with his children.

For more information and ticket prices, visit www.watervilleusa.com or call 251-948-2106.

Blakeley State Park (Spanish Fort)

For the wildlife, nature or history lover, Blakeley State Park is a close-to-home paradise.

Laden with Civil War relics, diverse animal life and secluded serenity, the park attracts a variety of patrons.

“It’s kind of the best of both worlds,” said Corey Biggs, a local history lover. “For the history buff, there’s the historical aspect—remnants of town of Blakeley, cemeteries, war relics—there’s so much interesting stuff there.”

When Biggs visits the park, he likes to go alone and envision the town of Blakeley during the Civil War.

“I’m into history, so I personally enjoy walking the battlegrounds,” he said. “It’s kind of like stepping back in time. Looking across the battlefield, you can almost get a feel for what it was like there. From time to time, you actually hear horses and forget that you’re in a modern age and you transcend back into the Civil War era. It’s kind of an enchanting experience.”

Biggs said the park has also recently updated its campground to allow tents as well as recreational vehicles to stay overnight. There are also hiking trails and places to launch kayaks and canoes, Biggs said.  

The park also features guided delta tours through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and hosts a variety of Baldwin County events.

For more information and ticket prices, visit www.blakeleypark.com or call 251-626-0798.