2008 Woodie Awards
History is definitely at bay
USS Alabama is smart vacation stop for students and tourists
Ashley D. McGee
LIFESTYLES EDITOR
ladypoeticsoul@aol.com
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: Lifestyles
The Battleship Memorial Park is a favorite amongst on history buff and any child with an endless imagination. The WWII battleship U.S.S. Alabama and the submarine U.S.S. Drum have made the Mobile Bay area their home for almost 40 years and draw in thousands of tourist a year.
Battleship Memorial Park Director of Sales and Marketing Karen Conner attributes the U.S.S. Alabama's popularity to its rarity.
"There aren't many places in the U.S. where you can visit an actual WWII battleship," states Conner, mentioning the closest one to this region, after the U.S.S. Alabama, is in North Carolina.
The U.S.S. Alabama has several aspects which tourists of all ages find appealing. Children often get lost in make-believe games of "navy soldier" or scream in amusement while riding the flight simulator located in the Aircraft Pavilion, while parents become informed about an intricate piece of our nation's history.
"Personally, I like the softer side of the ship. I love touring the actual living quarters. A person who has never served in the military doesn't really know what it's like, but looking at where the soldiers ate and slept allows me to relate it to my own life," added Conner.
Also, any history fanatic is guaranteed to enjoy themselves. Not only are informative and interesting stories about the ship's time at sea posted throughout the floating museum, books about the ship can be bought at the park's bookstore. Along with official navy apparel.
Battleship Memorial Park is located at 2703 Battleship Parkway (about a four minute drive from downtown Mobile), just off Interstate 10. During the summer touring season, it is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tickets for visitors ages 12 and up is $12, $6 for ages 6-11 and children under age six get in free.
Battleship Memorial Park Director of Sales and Marketing Karen Conner attributes the U.S.S. Alabama's popularity to its rarity.
"There aren't many places in the U.S. where you can visit an actual WWII battleship," states Conner, mentioning the closest one to this region, after the U.S.S. Alabama, is in North Carolina.
The U.S.S. Alabama has several aspects which tourists of all ages find appealing. Children often get lost in make-believe games of "navy soldier" or scream in amusement while riding the flight simulator located in the Aircraft Pavilion, while parents become informed about an intricate piece of our nation's history.
"Personally, I like the softer side of the ship. I love touring the actual living quarters. A person who has never served in the military doesn't really know what it's like, but looking at where the soldiers ate and slept allows me to relate it to my own life," added Conner.
Also, any history fanatic is guaranteed to enjoy themselves. Not only are informative and interesting stories about the ship's time at sea posted throughout the floating museum, books about the ship can be bought at the park's bookstore. Along with official navy apparel.
Battleship Memorial Park is located at 2703 Battleship Parkway (about a four minute drive from downtown Mobile), just off Interstate 10. During the summer touring season, it is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tickets for visitors ages 12 and up is $12, $6 for ages 6-11 and children under age six get in free.
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