We Be Trippin': The Great DIS-nee Road Trip

[madbrad76]

Muscle Shoals

Wilson Dam

Wilson Dam


Muscle Shoals is a city in Colbert County, Alabama. As of 2006, the United States Census Bureau estimated the population of the city to be 12,703. The city is included in The Shoals MSA. It is famous for its music and contributions to American popular music.

Indians first inhabited the lands bordered by the Tennessee River. There is no record of when the name Muscle Shoals was first used for the area. However, there are many theories of where the name originated. One theory is that at one time there were piles of mussel shells found along the shoals of the Tennessee River. Another theory is that the shape of the river looks like the muscle in a man’s arm, therefore, Muscle Shoals. The last theory comes from several booklets that were published before Muscle Shoals incorporated. This theory states: “Muscle Shoals, the Niagara of the South, derives its name from the Indians, who, attempting to navigate upstream, found the task almost impossible because of the strong current.” Thus came the word muscle, symbolic of the strength required to “paddle a canoe up the rapids.”

In 1918, a year after the United States entered World War I, the building of Wilson Dam began. The United States needed nitrates for ammunition and explosives, prompting President Woodrow Wilson to approve the building of two nitrate plants and a dam to supply needed electricity for the plants. At its peak, the building of Wilson Dam employed more than 18,000 workers, including some from what is now Muscle Shoals. The construction site consisted of 1,700 temporary buildings, 236 permanent buildings, 185 residential units, and 685 miles of electrical cable. There were also 23 mess halls, a school for 850 students, an 85 bed hospital, and 3 barber shops.

In the 1960s, Rick Hall brought FAME Recording Studios to Muscle Shoals. Famous bands and singers, including Aretha Franklin, The Osmonds, Mac Davis, and Duane Allman, came to Muscle Shoals to record hit songs at FAME. In 1998, it was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.


For more info:
The History of the City of Muscle Shoals




FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) Studios

Muscle Shoals is known for recording many hit songs from the 1960s through today at FAME Studios, where Aretha Franklin recorded many of her signature works. While the music from the area is often referred to as the "Muscle Shoals Sound", all four of the Quad Cities have significantly contributed to the area's impressive musical history. Without question, Muscle Shoals is among the world's most unassuming "music capitals" in that it remains unspoiled by the music industry. It can be said that the same attraction that artists such as Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and The Rolling Stones felt to the area remains intact today. The famed southern hospitality is still present and, at first glance, one may assume that everyone in residence is a part-time songwriter or musician. The community's contribution to American popular music during the 1960s, 70s and 80s is staggering, and the tradition continues to the present day.

A number of artists have made successful pilgrimages to Muscle Shoals in an effort to escape the limelight and write/record their signature works. While famous for classic recordings from Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers, recent hit songs such as "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood and "I Loved Her First" by Heartland continue the city's musical legacy.

A partial list of artists who have recorded in Muscle Shoals:

Pop, Rock, Soul and Jazz
* Aretha Franklin
* Art Garfunkel (solo)
* Bob Dylan
* Bob Seger
* Boz Scaggs
* Carlos Santana
* Cher
* Eric Clapton
* Jerry Lee Lewis
* Jimmy Buffett
* Joan Baez
* Joe Cocker
* Joe Tex
* Julian Lennon
* Kim Carnes
* Linda Ronstadt
* Lynyrd Skynyrd
* Melissa Etheridge
* Paul Simon (solo)
* Percy Sledge
* Ray Stevens
* Rod Stewart
* Simon and Garfunkel (duo)
* The Allman Brothers Band
* The Osmonds
* The Rolling Stones
* Tony Orlando
* Travis Wammack
* Widespread Panic
* Wilson Pickett

Country
* Alabama
* Eddie Rabbit
* Faith Hill
* John Michael Montgomery
* Johnny Paycheck
* Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
* Marie Osmond
* Reba McEntire
* Ronnie Milsap
* Shenandoah
* The Forester Sisters
* The Oak Ridge Boys
* Willie Nelson


Although Muscle Shoals has receded somewhat from its 1960s and 1970s status as "Hit Recording Capital of the World", (as a sign near the airport once read), there is a group of young musicians that are making waves again through the musical world. These include the Drive-By Truckers, Gary Nichols, Jason Isbell, Eric "Red Mouth" Gebhardt, Sons of Roswell, Lauderdale, Angela Hacker, Zach Hacker, The Ugli Stick and James LeBlanc.


For more info on Fame Studios:
Fame Studios

 

[madbrad76]

Guess what everyone? We're FINALLY at the last stop on my part of the Dis-nee Family Road Trip. Disneymommom, if your keeping up, once I finish up in Florence, AL we are on to Dry Prong, LA. I haven't noticed any posts from Disneymommom in a while. We might be at a stand still again once I finish.

 

[madbrad76]

Florence, AL

Picture of O'Neal Bridge over the Tennessee River heading into Downtown Florence, AL

Florence is a city in and the county seat of Lauderdale County, Alabama in the northwestern corner of the state. According to the 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the city's population was 36,721.

Florence is the largest and principal city of the Florence - Muscle Shoals Metropolitan Statistical Area known as "The Shoals". Florence is considered the primary economic hub of northwestern Alabama.

Florence was surveyed for the Cypress Land Company in 1818 by Italian surveyor Ferdinand Sannoner, who named it after Florence, the capital of Tuscany. Florence, Alabama was incorporated in 1826.

Florence is the birthplace of W.C. Handy, the "Father of the Blues," as well as of pioneering record producer Sam Phillips, who discovered Elvis Presley. T.S. Stribling, a 20th-century author and Florence resident, wrote a prose trilogy about the city consisting of The Forge, The Store (which won the Pulitzer Prize), and Unfinished Cathedral. Dred Scott also once resided in Florence, where as a slave, he worked as a hostler at the Peter Blow Inn on Tennessee street. A plaque at the former site commemorates his time there. Bobby W. Miller, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Selma, Alabama in 1965, was credited later with ending segregated locker rooms at the Ford Motor Company Die Cast Plant in Sheffield, Alabama, where he was employed from 1962-1974. Miller was shot down twice in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.

Florence is renowned for its annual tourism events, including W.C. Handy Music Festival in the summer, and the Renaissance Faire in the autumn. Florencian landmarks include the Rosenbaum House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home located in Alabama.


For more info:
Florence, AL Tourism




Florence, AL Arts & Museums
If you've never spent time in Florence, Alabama, you might be pleasantly surprised at our cultural life. You might also think we were a city three times our actual size! Within our city, you'll find a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, which was in the original family's possession until 1999. We have a beautiful art museum, which hosts a variety of exhibits and educational programs and a state-of-the-art library that opened in 2002. Florence is the birthplace of W.C. Handy, Father of the Blues, and his home is now a museum; there's also a museum at a Native American domiciliary mound, located near the banks of the Tennessee River.

This is not the extent of our cultural life, by far! Our University, our Symphony, our performing arts groups, our Festivals, our historic districts, our thriving downtown and our churches all work to make this a wonderful place to live. We have a strong cultural community in Florence, Alabama.




Frank Lloyd Wright-Rosenbaum House

The Rosenbaum House is the only Wright-designed structure in Alabama. It was built in 1939-1940 for Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum who were the sole owners and occupants of the house until 1999 when the house was purchased by the City of Florence.

The house is constructed of cypress, glass and brick and has all the hallmarks of Wright's Usonian style...flat multi-level roofs, cantilevered eaves and carports, flowing space, use of natural materials and expanses of glass. Wright designed an addition to the house in 1948, adding two wings.

The house has been meticulously restored. The City of Florence received the 2004 Wright Spirit Award in the Public Domain from the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy for the preservation of this important architectural gem. The house holds its original Wright-designed furniture and is open as a city museum.

For more info:
The Rosenbaum House




Indian Mound and Museum
Located near the banks of the Tennessee River, the Florence Indian Mound is the Tennessee Valley's largest domiciliary mound. It is a typical example of the work of the early Native Americans who lived in Alabama before the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Creek nations inhabited this region.

It is a 42 foot high quadrilateral mound with a summit measuring 145 x 94 feet. Early settlers in the region found steps on the east side and evidence that the mound had been enclosed by a semi-circular earthen wall.

The museum contains Native American artifacts dating back over 10,000 years, arranged in chronological order from Paleo to Historic periods.

The mound named "Wawmanona" was built circa 500 A.D. and is thought to be locale for tribal ceremony and ritual. The museum displays Native American artifacts from the Mound and the surrounding area, dating back 10,000 years.




Pope's Tavern Museum

At one time a stagecoach stop, tavern and inn, Pope's Tavern is one of the the oldest structures in Florence. Located on the military road that connected Nashville to the Natchez Trace and on to New Orleans, the tavern was an ideal stop-over for weary travelers in the 1800's. Legend has it that Andrew Jackson stopped here on his march to the Battle of New Orleans.

It served as a hospital for both Confederate and Union wounded during the Civil War. The wounded were brought here from as far away as the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, and Shiloh. Later home to the Lambeth family, it remained a private residence until purchased by the city in 1965.

The museum houses beautiful antiques and fascinating artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries illustrating the uses of the structure as a tavern, inn and private residence. The second floor is filled with artifacts from the Civil War and items of local history.

The museum is operated for the purpose of displaying, teaching, and interpreting the cultural history of Florence and the Shoals area. The annual Frontier Day Celebration takes place at the museum the first full weekend of June with demonstrations of pioneer crafts and dulcimer music.




W. C. Handy Home, Museum & Library
"Where the Tennessee River, like a silver snake, winds her way through the red clay hills of Alabama, sits high on these hills my hometown, Florence." William Christopher Handy begins his autobiography, Father of the Blues, with these words.

W.C. Handy was born in a small log cabin in Florence on November 16, 1873. Handy became famous for his blues compositions such as "Memphis Blues" & "St. Louis Blues". He was also a musician, band conductor, and author.
The museum houses a collection of memorabilia, musical instruments, personal papers and original sheet music. Handy's famous trumpet and his personal piano are just a few of the items on display.




Arts Alive

Arts Alive is a project of the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts Volunteers, and was started in 1986. Arts Alive attracts hundreds of art and craft lovers from a three-state region and beyond. Wilson Park in downtown Florence is packed with people for two days as they stroll, meet the artists, and purchase. Arts Alive is a family event, and families flock to the Park to participate!


For more info:
Arts Alive




The Alabama Renaissance Faire

Held annually during the fourth weekend in October at Wilson Park in downtown Florence. Are you in Florence, Alabama in the 21st century, or Florence, Italy in the Middle Ages?

This educational event re-creates the atmosphere of an authentic medieval renaissance faire. Participants dress in authentic, period costumes. Arts & crafts, wandering minstrels, magicians, and chamber singers are also part of the festivities, as you step back in time.


For more info:
The Alabama Renaissance Faire




The Spirit of Freedom Celebration

Held annually on July 4th at McFarland Park in Florence. Thousands of people gather each year to enjoy live music from some of the biggest names in the music business, family fun, and various other activities.

The celebration concludes with an impressive fireworks show illuminating the beautiful Tennessee River. The fireworks show is one of the largest in the Tennessee Valley.




The W.C. Handy Music Festival

Held the last full week of July throughout the Shoals. It is the largest of all of the area festivals. The annual event, named in honor of W.C. Handy, Alabama's "Father of the Blues", features blues, jazz, and gospel music, educational events, coordinated art shows, athletic events, street parties, great food, and much more.

Some of the favorite events of the Festival include Handy Nights at local restaurants and outdoor concerts at parks throughout the Shoals. Some events require admission, but most are free. The event attracts an estimated 150,000 annually.


For more info:
2008 Handy Festival




Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride

The Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride is held annually on the third Saturday of September. The ride begins in Chattanooga, Tennessee and ends in Waterloo, Alabama.

The event includes the "Largest Organized Motorcycle Ride in the South", with as many as 10,000 participants in this historic event to honor the many Native Americans who perished and suffered as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.


For more info:
The Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride





Well folks, the time has finally come for me to say goodbye.

I hope everyone has enjoyed my part of the DIS-nee Family Road Trip. It has been quite an experience for me, and I hope it has been for y'all as well. It's time for us to hop back on the bus and continue on down the road. Disneymommom & Dry Prong, LA here we come!

 

[catotigger]

Amazing job, Madbrad!

I have thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring Alabama - you've really shown us some great things.

Thank you!!!!

 

[Disneymommom]

Guess what everyone? We're FINALLY at the last stop on my part of the Dis-nee Family Road Trip. Disneymommom, if your keeping up, once I finish up in Florence, AL we are on to Dry Prong, LA. I haven't noticed any posts from Disneymommom in a while. We might be at a stand still again once I finish.

I'm here! Took a brief sabatical for surgery but am home now recuperating. I have been reading all your interesting facts about Alabama and thinking there is no way Louisiana is as exciting as that nor will I have nearly as much to post but hey if you want to finish up in Alabama, and head on over to Louisiana, I'll meet ya'll at the Mississippi/Louisiana border and we'll take a little trip through parts of Louisiana.

 

[Disneymommom]

Hey Everyone, I hope you enjoyed your extended vacation in Alabama. You've seen a lot and done a lot and surely learned a lot! We don't have nearly as many exciting places to go here but I hope you enjoy your trip with us.

We're passing the AmeriStar Hotel and Casino just off I-20 in Vicksburg heading towards Louisiana.

There's much more to Vicksburg than casinos, there is the historical aspect and they had some Civil War battles there and if anyone lives in Mississippi I hope that you will jump in here and show us some of what Mississippi has to offer.

In the meantime however, we get to the bridge over the Mississippi River heading into Louisiana, they call it "the old man, the old Miss" that's the Mississippi River. It was so low for so long and then with all the rain we've had earlier this year it has really filled the river back up to where it should be and more!

Then of course since we are on the bus on the bridge, I can't get a good shot of the bridge but there is a railroad bridge that runs along side it and I tried to get a good shot of that but the bridge itself kept getting in the way, this is the best I could do on a moving bus.

Once you get across the river you are now in Louisiana!

 

[Disneymommom]

Well now you are on I-20 in Louisiana heading towards Monroe. I hope you brought your Avon Skin So Soft or some other brand of repellent. I want to introduce you to our State Bird!!!

Just be sure you have your big swatter ready and wear long sleeves whenever possible and your spray and you'll make it until you get out of here and move on to the next state.

 

[Disneymommom]

Before we get too far down I-20, we need to stop for breakfast because there really isn't much from here on down so let's pull over and go inside and get something to eat. Waffle Houses are small buildings so we're going to have to go in and eat in shifts! LOL!

Well now that we are done eating and back on the road, we've turned off of I-20 and are now on 167 South heading to Dry Prong. There isn't a whole lot along here so this is kind of the type of things you will see.

That was an old farm, typical of what you see along the highways in Louisiana.

Here's an old mill along 167...

The leading industry in this part of Louisiana is logging. There are paper mills and log yards all over. This is not such a good shot as we were moving 70 mph but here is one of the logging yards along the highway.

 

[Disneymommom]

Ok, before we head to Dry Prong, let's make a little stop over in Natchitoches, now I know how that looks but believe it or not, it is pronounced "Nak A Dish!" I'm still having trouble learning how to pronounce everything in this area.

If any of you, mostly ladies I am sure, remember the movie Steel Magnolia's, it was based in Natchitoches. The beauty parlor is still there and there is a bed and breakfast that was supposedly the house that was used for the main family's house in the movie.

Do you remember in the movie the Christmas fair where they had all the booths as it was like a carnival or a fair? Also at the end they had an easter egg hunt along the river? Well this is where they had it at. This is the Festival of Lights that is set up along the Cane River in Natchitoches. it's a major event every year and thousands flock there every weekend for this. It's a must if you come back to Louisiana!

Well it's getting late and I think we should all take a little sleep for the night, some of you probably want to stay in the Steel Magnolia B&B, others may want to stay in nearby hotels or even just sleep on the bus. I, however, am just going to lay back, put some ice on my eyes (area of my surgery) and rest for the night. Then tomorrow when you all wake up we'll move on. Goodnight everyone, sweet dreams!!!!

 

[3guysandagal]

Hi everyone!
Missed my cue on the changeover.
Great tour MadBrad!!
Thanks for including Frank Lloyd Wright's "Rosenbaum house".
I am a big FLW fan and have studied and visited many of his houses over the years including "Fallingwater" and "Florida Southern College" which has the largest collection of Wright buildings on one site.
Like I said, Im a big fan and his designs were far ahead of their time, Fallingwater being designed and built around 1935.
Here is a link, you have to see this!!
Not too far from Justin really.

http://images.google.ca/images?hl=e...&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSRXHl9RbbU

Sorry for the hijack, Disneymommom!

Now back to the tour.
Here is our latest map.

Goodnight, and see you tommorow!

 

[Marshay]

the contemporary southern rock band Drive-By Truckers.

What a great name! I never heard of that before.

Fallingwater being designed and built around 1935.

Oh, I loved visiting Fallingwater!! I surprised my DH with a special birthday trip to see FW and then took him to the nearby resort for off-roading course.


Mommom -- love the way you literally took us right into LA with those pictures!

 

[madbrad76]

I'm here! Took a brief sabatical for surgery but am home now recuperating. I have been reading all your interesting facts about Alabama and thinking there is no way Louisiana is as exciting as that nor will I have nearly as much to post but hey if you want to finish up in Alabama, and head on over to Louisiana, I'll meet ya'll at the Mississippi/Louisiana border and we'll take a little trip through parts of Louisiana.

You've done a great job so far. You must have been eagerly lurking ... I mean waiting ... for me to finish up! Your pics remind me a lot of what about 90% of Alabama looks like.

Keep up the good work!

 

[Mrs. Fleagle]

Great trip MadBrad.....that was fun and I'm enjoying out next stop too!

I'm getting a little hungry.... can someone pass the trail mix?

 

[tothesea]

Hey Madbrad, I want to thank you too, for taking us along and showing us so much! I really liked to see where Helen Keller lived...what an inspiring person, even today to so many!

One of my favorite quotes of hers...

"The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart."

 

[tothesea]

Mommom -- love the way you literally took us right into LA with those pictures!

I loved this too DisneyMommom! And staying at the Steel Magnolias B&B! Looking forward to actually seeing Dry Prong! And very glad you joined the trip!

 

[tothesea]

By the way, did anyone ever feed Mrs. Fleagle?

 

[Mrs. Fleagle]

By the way, did anyone ever feed Mrs. Fleagle?

No, and I'm weak I tell you.....WEAK! Where is TimothyTheLurker when I need some virtual nourishment? Oh TIMOTHY!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

No, and I'm weak I tell you.....WEAK! Where is TimothyTheLurker when I need some virtual nourishment? Oh TIMOTHY!

Oh dear! We can't have our passengers passing out from hunger pains!! (...That could bring some very bad publicity for our Party Bus! )

Here! How about some blueberry muffins to tide you over until TimothyTheLurker comes to your rescue or we make a stop to refuel?

Continental breakfast anyone?!?

 

[Disneymommom]

I hope everyone enjoyed their meal at the Waffle House and enjoyed the Steel Magnolia B&B...I especially loved my room, or should I say cottage. I stayed out in the Truvy Cottage and totally enjoyed a relaxing evening there....

I know one of you stayed in the Shelby Room, named after Julia Robert's Character in the movie. Can't you just picture her in this room? I sure can!!!

I'm sure y'all remember she loved pink!!! There are lots of other lovely rooms here and I am sure you've all seen them and stayed in them last night so we'll just move on.

 

[Disneymommom]

While we are still in Natchitoches, let's stop at Pierre Bayou Alligator Park, it's really something to see.

From the protected platforms and walk ways you can see hundreds of alligators, of all sizes, in their natural habitat.They also have a bird sanctuary, a reptile habitat, a Rocky Raccoon Resort and more.

OH, here comes one of our little friends now. He appears to be hungry. They have regular shows where they hang a whole raw chicken from a fishing pole and you can see the alligators come up and take the entire chicken in one bite!

Come on in, explore the unique, mysterious, and exciting world of the American Alligator -- at the Bayou Pierre Alligator Park, located just outside of Natchitoches, Louisiana. This 5 acre park is an authentic Cajun countryside, complete with Cajun music, genuine Cajun cuisine, and an abundunce of world-famous Louisiana "joie de vivre". And, of course, don't forget the gators. Hundreds of alligators will entertain you with hourly feeding shows, but you don't have to just watch. You can feed them, touch them, even have your picture made with them and if you dare, sample some of their delicious alligator in the "Gator Bites Snack Shop".

AFTER A DAY OF FEEDING ALLIGATORS, YOU'VE PROBABLY WORKED UP A PRETTY GOOD APPETITE, SO LET'S HEAD FOR THE "GATOR BITES SNACK SHOP". HERE, YOU CAN SAMPLE SOME AUTHENTIC CAJUN FARE. AND OF COURSE, TOPPING THE MENU IS A MYRIAD SELECTION OF ALLIGATOR CUISINE: ALLIGATOR KABOBS ARE MY FAVORITE WITH THE BELL PEPPERS & ONIONS MARINATED INTO THE TENDER TAIL MEAT AND FRIED TO A GOLDEN BROWN IN OUR SPECIAL BATTER. GATOR BITES ARE ANOTHER FAVORITE IF YOU DON'T CARE FOR THE VEGGIES, ALSO ALLIGATOR SAUSAGE (VERY SPICY) AND ALLIGATOR JAMBALAYA. A FAVORITE TREAT FOR THE KIDS IS THE TASTY GATOR SIPPER,AN ALLIGATOR SHAPED CONTAINER WITH A CURLY STRAW FILLED WITH OUR SPECIAL"SWAMP WATER" (FRUIT PUNCH). IF ALL THESE ALLIGATOR DISHES MAKE YOU FEEL A LITTLE GREEN, TAKE COMFORT IN THE FACT THAT YOU CAN ORDER TRADITIONAL FARE AS WELL AS SOME DISHES THAT YOU MAY WANT TO TRY. LIKE CRAWFISH PIE WITH A TOMATO FLAVOR AND NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIES, A LOCAL FAVORITE.

Specialties
ALLIGATOR KA-BOB -$4.00
GATOR BITES W/FRIES -$4.00
ALLIGATOR SAUSAGE -$4.00
ALLIGATOR JAMBALAYA -$3.00
ALLIGATOR MEAT PIES- $3.00
NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIE-$2.00
CRAWFISH MEAT PIE -$2.50
CHICKEN TENDERS -$2.00
FRENCH FRIES -$2.00
NACHOS WITH CHEESE -$2.00
FRITO PIE -$2.50
CORN DOG -$1.50
HOT DOG - $1.50
COOKIES -$0.65
CHIPS -$0.65


Beverages
GATOR SIPPER -$2.00
SOFT DRINKS 16 OZ. -$1.00
SOFT DRINKS 24 OZ. -$1.50
BOTTLED WATER -$1.50

Now who would want a McD's Happy Meal when they can have this?

BEFORE YOU END YOUR DAY AT THE PARK, MAKE SURE YOU DROP BY THE GIFT SHOP. THEY HAVE HUNDREDS OF ITEMS, FROM FINE ALLIGATOR BOOTS, WALLETS AND BELTS TO SOUVENIR SHIRTS, CAPS AND ALLIGATOR NOVELIES. ALSO THEY HAVE THE LARGEST AND MOST UNUSUAL KNIFE SELECTION AT THE MOST REASONABLE PRICES YOU'LL EVER COME ACROSS. YOU'LL UNDOUBTEDLY BE ABLE TO FIND THAT UNIQUE SPECIAL SOMETHING TO DELIGHT FAMILY AND FRIENDS BACK HOME OR TO SERVE AS A MEMENTO OF YOUR VISIT TO THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND PARK. ALSO BEFORE LEAVING, SAY HELLO TO "TINY", ONE OF OUR 12' LONG ALLIGATORS THAT PASSED AWAY AND IS NOW RESIDING IN THE CENTER OF THE GIFT SHOP. DON'T WORRY, HE DOESN'T BITE ANYMORE.

NO MATTER HOW YOU SPEND YOUR DAY HERE, ONE THING IS CERTAIN: THIS WILL BE ONE ADVENTURE YOUR FAMILY WON'T SOON FORGET; A REAL LOUISIANA EXPERIENCE HERE AT THE BAYOU PIERRE ALLIGATOR PARK.