Spanish explorers discovered Daphne in 1557 before it became a town in 1874. Many of the city’s museums like the Old Methodist Church Museum of Daphne tell the city’s history through diverse exhibits. This nationally registered historic place was constructed in 1858 and is the second oldest church building in Baldwin County. If you’re looking for more than history, The American Sport Art Museum and Archives is dedicated to the preservation of history in addition to sports and literature. The museum’s collection is composed of more than 1,500 pieces across all media, including paintings, sculptures, assemblages, prints, posters and photography. As you learn about the city’s history, you’ll probably learn that the city is most famous for being one of the few places in the world to celebrate something called a, “Jubilee.” This event brings visitors and locals alike to the shallow waters of the shoreline where they can scoop up blue crabs, shrimp and fish. This gathering, or jubilee, of fish at the shoreline brings people together during a festival where they celebrate their heritage, pride and hometown spirit. The nearby city of Mobile also has more amazing areas and historical artifacts. You can walk the decks of a battleship at Battleship Memorial Park or go below in a World War II submarine and view cockpits of combat aircraft. You’ll even get to see tanks, a plane similar to the one flown by the Tuskegee Airmen and a Vietnam River Patrol Boat.
Also just a short drive from this city is Historic Blakely State Park, a 1,400-acre park where you can camp, picnic, or traverse one of the many hiking trails found throughout the park. The Gatra Wehle Nature Center located in the park features conservation and environmental educational exhibits about the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Nature and fishing opportunities surround you in Daphne. Hotels in this area are a great way to rest up so you can rise bright and early to celebrate the annual Jubilee Festival with locals.
When you book with Choice Hotels in Daphne, you’ll be sure to enjoy unforgettable moments in this small Alabama town. Reserve online now!