Alabama's third city, Mobile was founded on the Mobile River, and is home to 198,000 residents and countless more visitors at any given point. Renowned for its annual Carnival, the longest running and first establishing in the US, Mobile is also regarded as one of the main seats of culture in the area, and is home to world leading performing arts institutions and ensembles.
Aside from its cultural significance, Mobile is home to a number of museums and art galleries, many with a particular focus on the American Civil War and recent US and regional history, the majority of which are open year round.
Carnival in Mobile is a popular draw, both as a result of being the first of its kind anywhere in the country, and its growing reputation as a fun, family event throughout the state. Comprising of the main parade and a number of satellite celebrations and events, the carnival attracts tens of thousands of residents and visitors alike on to the streets in celebration every year.
