Mobile Bay Magazine

Ole Barnwell Cafe // Photos by Elizabeth Gelineau On US 98, in the former Blue Marlin building, a neighborhood seafood joint that began serving fried seafood to the local community in 1981, David Cooper has created a cheerful, weathered storefront welcoming guests to a new era of fresh seafood and family-friendly service. Ole Barnwell Cafe is the latest venture from Cooper Restaurant Group.

The name “Jimmy Buffett” is synonymous with a certain type of lifestyle: relaxed, easygoing, adventurous, fun and, most likely, somewhere not far from the water. Buffett’s lyrics and musical stylings reflect this lifestyle, and the Caribbean Cowboy sold it so well, he left a lasting legacy. While living vicariously through Buffett’s music is guaranteed to be a good time, there’s another way to escape to a tropical paradise, go on a grand adventure or simply kick back and relax: reading.

McGill’s 1963 cheerleading squad (Back Row: Jimmy Buffett, Billy Brabner, George Schmohl, Maury McDonnell (McGill’s Yellow Jacket), Dickie Brabner, Captain Timbo Reilly, Mike Hilliard; Front Row: Cecile Dixon, Carol Hartley, Cynthia Mosteller, Dusty Wilson (Co-Captain), Theresa Worthington, Bobbie Thornton // Photo courtesy McGill-Toolen Catholic High School When Jimmy Buffett was in high school at McGill Institute for Boys, he was a cheerleader.

The Ox Burger from Ox Kitchen // Photo by Elizabeth Gelineau “If you’re looking for a casual Fairhope spot that consistently delivers flavor without trying too hard, Ox Kitchen deserves a spot on your list. It’s casual, but the quality stands out. My personal favorite is the Ox Burger. It’s flavorful, satisfying and exactly what you want from a good local burger. American cheese, pickles, mayo, shredded lettuce and tomato are topped with gravy and all pair well with a well-seasoned patty.

Photos by Elizabeth Gelineau Like any good origin story, the details are questionable, as are the choices one often makes after consuming margaritas in any quantity. Without knowing the true history, we all accept the fact that a margarita is a Mexican delight that is equal parts refreshing and deadly. The salty rim restores hydration after battling the heat of a tropical beach, while lime juice is refreshing and tequila makes your clothes fall off.

Kenny Scharf, “Evolution Revolution” (2023). Image courtesy Mobile Museum of Art A massive painting on one wall depicts a human-like figure being frisked by policemen — a piece created entirely by Banksy in tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat — leading guests into the gallery. There, black-and-white stenciling decorated with pops of red characterizes more Banksy pieces. Around the corner, paintings filled with various signs and symbols and, usually, a crown indicate work from Basquiat.

Son of Sailor Fest // Photo by Dan Anderson Mobile Museum of Art • 4850 Museum Dr Explore the cultural commentary and artistic expression of five graffiti artists as they move from public spaces to permanent collections. Admission prices vary. Exploreum Science Center • 65 Government St. Draw or trace famous characters, create your own animations and learn all about this fascinating art form at this special exhibition at the Exploreum Science Center.

To close out another beautiful summer on Mobile Bay, we asked our readers to submit their best images that showcase the magic of life on the water. More than 500 entries later, to say we were blown away would be an understatement. We’ve always known this little slice of paradise on the Gulf Coast is special, but your amazing photos left us speechless. Every sunset, first catch, rainbow and soggy dog illustrates what a luxury it is to have this level of beauty in our own backyard.

There are some places that simply feel better with a little salt in the air, music playing and nowhere to be in a hurry. Mobile is one of them. And this September, the Port City has an especially good reason to embrace its coastal state of mind. On September 12, 2026, the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf will open the Son of a Son of a Sailor Experience, an all-new immersive celebration of the life and legacy of Jimmy Buffett.

Peggi Hanrahan cooks breakfast on a gas grill after Hurricane Frederic, 1979. Certain names mean something entirely different to those from the Bay area — names like Ivan, Katrina and Frederic. These are the names of some of the most notorious hurricanes that brought devastation and destruction upon our community.