The Mobile Flea Market

We went to the Mobile Flea Market with Uncle Fred and Uncle Ron on Sunday. It is advertised as the largest Flea Market on the Gulf Coast with over 800 booths, concession stands and free parking. It is certainly a sight to see and a very popular place. Thousands of people attended along with us!

We had a fascinating day, people watching and wandering through the many buildings and stalls. They sell a lot of stuff here. Dave bought a 3/4 inch box end wrench and Uncle Ron bought a cast iron plant. Every time he refers to this plant I look for a metal statue then remember that he's talking about a plant! Cast irons look a lot like a hasta!

Electronics

Hats

Trinkets

Products for sale from floor to ceiling

Boxes, bins and hangers

Purse Applique

Purses

Mardi gras decorated booth

Butcher block table ornament

What surprised us most was the sale of animals at the flea market. From chickens to puppies, rabbits dogs and alligator heads, you could find just about anything there.

The Mobile Flea market is a fascinating place place! It has a quaint, back woods, "what the heck is THAT", kind of feel to it. Fred and Ron informed us ahead of our visit that it is not your usual flea market. Boy is that an understatement!

The Bellingrath Gardens

We toured the home and gardens of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath in Mobile this week. Uncle Fred and Uncle Ron joined us as we meandered through the 65 acre estate. The massive, 15 room, 10,500 square foot Bellingrath home was built in 1935 by the architect George B. Rogers. It is filled with original furniture and housewares, collected by Mr. and Mrs. Bellingrath.

Walter Bellingrath was a native of Atlanta who got his start in the Railroad as a Station Manager. His job was to send and receive telegraph messages. In 1903 he purchased a Coca-Cola Bottling Company franchise in southern Alabama with his older brother for $1,500. They decided to split the franchise with Walter taking the Mobile section because he enjoyed fishing. Needless to say, this proved to be a successful endeavor.

Portraits of Walter & Bessie

The River Room

Main Dining Room

Guest Bedroom

Guest Bedroom

Walter married Bessie Mae Morse, a stenographer at his Coca-Cola Bottling Company, in 1906. They never had children but Bessie loved flowers and together they built their beautiful Bellengrath Gardens then opened it up for the public to view in 1932. They had such a positive response that they ended up opening the gardens year round for the public beginning in 1934. Bessie got the idea to plant azaleas at Belle Camp, the original rustic fishing camp that Walter built to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The Pride of Mobile Azalea

Dave, Ron & Fred entering the Rose Garden

Beth under the fountain

The Great Lawn

The Boardwalk

Bamboo Garden

The Great Lawn

The Great Lawn

Azalea

Camellia

Uncle Fred & Uncle Ron taking a break

We spent about two and a half hours at the Bellingrath Gardens and enjoyed both the walk and the tour of the home. We hope to return again to spend more time exploring the many paths throughout the grounds. There are so many places to sit quietly and just "be in the moment".