Travelogue: Mobile for Mardi Gras, Part 1

February/March 2025
Where We Stayed: The Admiral

Mike and I went to Mobile, Alabama for Mardi Gras! (aka BOOM BOOM) Fun fact: Mobile’s Mardi Gras is the oldest official carnival celebration in the United States. That’s right.. It started in Mobile, not New Orleans!
One of my dearest friends, Gregory, is from Mobile and has been bragging about its Mardi Gras celebrations for as long as I’ve known him. His wife, Stephanie, finally managed to convince me by promising that I, a true introvert, would enjoy this. I knew she wasn’t bullshitting me because Stephanie is even more of an introvert than I am… so if she loves this, it must be amazing.
I didn’t really know what to expect. The crowds and insanity of Mardi Gras in New Orleans would be my idea of hell. But again, I was pinky promised by Stephanie that this would be different – and it was!
It was one of the most joyful, fun, celebratory weeks of my life. Sequins! Beads! Over the top floats and color everywhere! I acclimated to this entire experience quite nicely.
It wasn’t “too much.” Families. Kids. People of all ages. Yes, there was drinking involved by many but I never once felt unsafe or that anything was out of control.
Gregory’s family and friends were also so kind and welcoming to us rookies. The Southern hospitality was genuine and so special. I hope that we can return the favor or pay it forward someday.
One of my favorite sayings is “joy is the ultimate act of defiance.” There’s a lot going on in the world right now, but never forget that there is always a way and a reason to celebrate.
PS: my favorite parade catch? A POTATO.

When in Rome.
Our first stop upon landing was a grocery store. You all know how much I love a new-to-me grocery experience.

We checked into our hotel and then headed out for our first parade.

Killed a little time at a cute bookstore with a sassy cat.

Photo by Gregory.
Here we go! Mystic Stripers!

Photo by Gregory.
The next morning I was a litttttttle hungover but we headed out for breakfast.

Tried grits again. Still hate them.

Back to hotel to pick up the car.

Pop’s awaits! Look. At. All. The. Beads!

I had a VERY good shopping experience.
Mike and I explored more of downtown Mobile.

The bathrooms inside the National Museum of the Gulf of Mexico were ADORABLE.

Fun fact: Mobile’s Mardi Gras colors are yellow and purple. No green!
bead haul from Pop’s!

It was soon time to head out for the Crewe of Columbus parade. But first, dinner on a stick.

Guys. I caught a lightsaber!

Two of my favorite men.
We ended the night at a gay bar cause why not.

A view from lunch the next day.

Mike went into the church while I stayed outside with his drink.
This picture really does capture the vibe. A kangaroo holding a machine gun. Perfect throw of beds. Neon pink. Bubbles.
A Lisa Frank-ish float.

Up next: it was time to get FANCY for the Mystics of Time (MOT) parade!

Keeping it classy.

So here’s the deal: Gregory and his dad are in MOT. Gregory was in the parade this year, which is a big deal. We watched and cheered, in our full black tie apparel, as the MOT Ball was to follow the parade. It is a whole different universe and I have acclimated well LOL
Gregory!!

Aftermath!

Walking to the MOT Ball
the whole point of the MOT (and other like organizations) is to put on an annual Mardi Gras parade. Part secret society, part parade-planning committee. The organization is full of doctors and CPAs and pilots and lawyers and other professionals, who organize allllll of this. And also dress up in the most SERIOUS un-serious costumes. I love everything about it and I’m trying to convince Mike to join ;-)
I will be forever grateful for getting to experience this. Thank you Gregory and everyone else in the MOTs for putting on one hell of a party.
The day after the MOT Ball was Joe Cain Day, but I covered that in my Part 2 post. Now we are zipping ahead to Fat Tuesday, the big day! But actually… not really. Fat Tuesday was kind of quiet compared to the others!
Again, time for dinner on a stick.