Turkey Legs to Go is FanHouse's complete travel guide for all of the 2008-2009 college bowl games. Here, we cover the GMAC Bowl (Mobile, Alabama), which pits Tulsa against Ball State.Overview/Matchup: If you're Ball State, you are most likely doing your best David Byrne impression and wondering, "How did I get here?" This is not my undefeated season. This is not my BCS bowl. And so on. After Nate Davis and crew coughed up a horrid MAC Championship loss to Buffalo, they crushed any argument they had to go anywhere but Mobile. And waiting for them, in the next to last bowl of the year, is Tulsa, who just lost to East Carolina in the championship game. Third place is the second loser!
Hotels: Already one of the finest hotels in Mobile, the Renaissance Riverview Plaza is almost finished with a US$60 million overhaul that will make it one of the finest hotels in southern Alabama. Bowl travelers will also be happy with the hotel's proximity to the stadium; Ladd-Peebles Stadium is just minutes away.
On the opposite side of town from the Renaissance, there's a second clustering of hotels around I-65. The Drury Inn Mobile is a great option for travelers seeking midrange to budget accommodation. Located 10 to 15 minutes from the stadium, the Drury Inn offers excellent service and a surprising number of amenities and accommodations for the price. Just down the highway, the Ramada Inn I-65 offers even lower rates than the Drury but with fewer amenities and less consistent service.
Restaurants: If you're dining in the downtown area, try Wintzell's Oyster House. Wintzell's has been serving Mobile fresh gulf seafood for more than 70 years. For a cheap and delicious meal, head to The Dew Drop Inn Restaurant. The Mobile landmark -- where Jimmy Buffett said he learned to "love cheeseburgers" -- has been serving top-notch cheeseburgers, po-boys and hot dogs since 1924 and they're still crowded every day at lunch
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-03-2009 @ 5:44AM
Unforgivable Wetness said...
Strip Clubs: Of all the cities hosting a bowl game this year, Mobile may rival Boise in both no clubs and bad clubs. There are four topless bars in the city, and none of them are reputed to be good or even tolerable. If pressed for a club, the Candy Store is probably the one locals go to the most. At least these places all offer a full bar. There's a strip joint called the Play House Lounge in Fairview, a city northwest of Mobile on Highway 42, but no one seems to go there, either. For those with a bankroll who want a sure thing, there is reported to be a brothel in town called Exotic Ladies Entertainment.
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