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Greetings!
Though we haven't had much of a winter, spring is certainly here with some of the best outdoor weather we're likely to see all year.  Helping make your walk along Dauphin Street even more pleasant is our new horticulturist, Hap Kern, RLA. Hap is a landscape architect who is using his impressive talents to continue to transform downtown into a place of constant delight.
In case you hadn't noticed, the season of food and music festivals is fully underway. Sometimes they're even combined, as in the case of Hands on South Alabama's Shrimp Cook-Off and the new South Sounds Music Festival. Mark your calendar for April 14th...more details later. In the meantime, there's more than enough to do in Downtown Mobile. Just check out the events at the end of the newsletter, and pace yourselves!
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Development Buzz
| | New Businesses & Developments
The retail scene in Downtown Mobile continues to grow with  the opening of Bella Boutique in the Urban Emporium at 260 Dauphin Street. The charming shop, which specializes in women's clothing, accessories and gifts, will be opening just in time for spring fashions. Be sure to stop by on March 15th to check out the latest addition to our trendy retail offerings.
Mobile's hippest new place to see and be seen will be opening in downtown this Friday. The creative folks who brought us Taste Wine Bar in midtown have been working to transform 451 Dauphin Street into Haberdasher. Be sure to check it out during ArtWalk.
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Retail Happenings
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| | Dining, Shopping and Entertainment News
Downtown Mobile is the perfect place to shop for your Easter purchases. Whether it's a chocolate bunny from Three Georges or a new outfit for your little one from Attractions, downtown's many retailers are ready to provide a level of service you just won't find anywhere else.
 Inside Up at 7 N. Conception Street has new fashions arriving daily. More good news for fans of the locally produced line of all natural spa butters, bath salts and bath biscotti. The charming boutique is expanding its inventory and will be carrying the entire line of products. Be sure to stop by during ArtWalk on the 9th for saxophonist Jerry Robbins. The Covered Boutique will be open for ArtWalk this Friday night as well. The former tenant of the Urban Emporium has remodeled a larger space to accommodate more complete lines of women's clothing and accessories. Stop by the new shop at the corner of Conception and Conti streets...across from Panini Petes. EntertainmentTINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY
March 9 - 15, 6:30 p.m. daily, 2:00 p.m. weekend matinee
Crescent Theater, 208 Dauphin Street
George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a disgraced British spy who is rehired in secret by his government - which fears that the British Secret Intelligence Service, a.k.a. MI-6, has been compromised by a double agent working for the Soviets.
crescenttheater.com for tickets. |
| Legislative Update | |  Initiatives Could Spur Redevelopment
The Downtown Mobile Alliance has been working with Mayor Sam Jones and law makers in Montgomery to pass some legislation that could be instrumental in the redevelopment of downtowns throughout Alabama. The bills would create historic and new markets tax credits that mirror the federal tax credits, tools used by most of our neighboring states to redevelop their city centers. Some of our most significant and difficult to develop buildings, such as the Van Antwerp, could suddenly become viable projects with such tax credits in place. A building renovation project creates jobs and adds value to the tax rolls, both of which are sorely needed in Alabama.
A third bill would create cultural districts to encourage artists to live and work in specified areas. Original works of art created and sold in such districts would be exempt from sales taxes.
Rep. Jamie Ison of Mobile sponsored the New Markets Tax Credit bill in the House earlier this week, where it passed. Rep. James Buskey of Mobile also spoke in favor of this important economic development incentive. It must still be approved by the Senate and signed by Governor Robert Bentley.
The historic tax credit bill, sponsored by Rep. Victor Gaston of Mobile, is still in committee, but we are hopeful this critical incentive for rehabilitation of historic buildings will have enough support to ultimately pass.
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Late Night Assessment Summit Results
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Nighttime Economy Examined
After four months of meetings, field observation and analysis involving input from dozens of stakeholders, the Hospitality Zone Assessment has resulted in several recommendations that will improve the nighttime experience and create a more vibrant downtown. Initiatives to be explored in the coming months include:
- Developing activities that will create vibrancy in the early evening hours
- Creating a plan to increase taxi availability late at night
- Developing opportunities to increase public safety presence at night
- Creating a monthly MusicWalk in the model of ArtWalk
- Identify primary pedestrian corridors to prioritize lighting improvements
More than a dozen other action items were discussed and timelines assigned. The complete report will be presented to Mayor Jones and the City Council in the next few weeks. This important process was underwritten in part through the generous support of the HZA sponsors: 
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Downtown Directory Attracts Followers
| |  The new Downtown Directory has proven very popular with folks looking for information about our restaurants, retailers and attractions on the web...and has become a handy clearinghouse for anyone looking for specials or coupons for our businesses.
To allow more businesses to have a showcase presence on the Directory, the folks at Local Thunder are offering a tiered pricing structure. To find out more, or to take advantage of this powerful internet marketing tool, contact Anton Kaufer at akaufer@localthunder.com.
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| Downtown Doings | |  Christ Church Cathedral Lenten Music Series
March 14, 21, 28, 2012
12:05 p.m.
Corner of Church and St. Emanuel streets
Christ Church Cathedral will host five Lenten Music programs at 12:05 p.m. on Wednesdays for the month of March in the church at the corner of Church and St. Emanuel Streets. There is no admission charge and the concerts are open to the public. A luncheon will be served in the Chapter House following the concerts. A donation is requested for lunch.
 LoDa ArtWalk
Friday, March 9, 2012
5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Downtown Mobile
Second Fridays in downtown is the place to be! With the LoDa ArtWalk in its 5th year, the event gets better and better each month.
Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk.
Click here for more information. Maps are available at the Downtown Mobile Alliance office and they include all the participating venues, featured artists, and live music.
 Mobile Boat Show & Turkey Calling Contest
Friday, March 9- Sunday, March 11, 2012
Mobile Covention Center
Ages 6-12 $3.00
Adults $6.00
Boats of every size and shape, turkey callers from across the country and a bit of something for everyone in the family will be on display when the Mobile Boat Show kicks off its weekend run at noon Friday at the Mobile Convention Center.
The Annual Boat Show showcases a huge selection of new boats of every make, style and size from all the top dealers. As an added bonus, The World Championship Turkey Calling Contest returns to its Mobile roots after a 14-year run in conjunction with a Birmingham outdoors show. Dozens of the best callers from around the country are expected to compete in five divisions Saturday and Sunday.
2012 Show Hours:
Friday 12:00 - 9:00
Saturday 10:00 - 9:00
Sunday 10:00 - 5:00
For more information, click here.
 Gaither Homecoming 2012
Friday, March 9
7 p.m.
Mobile Civic Center
401 Civic Center Drive
Seven-time Grammy Award winner Bill Gaither will host a spectacular evening of music, laughter and encouragement. The concert will feature the world class talent of the Gaither Vocal Band and a star-studded lineup of award-winning artists including The Nelons, The Isaacs, Charlotte Ritchie, Gene McDonald, Gordon Mote and Kevin Williams.
Click here to purchase tickets online, or by phone: 1-800-745-3000, or in Person at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office.
 Mobile Mystery Dinner
Saturday,March 10, 2012
7 p.m.
Carnival Museum
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
251-479-3212
(NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN AFTER THURSDAY EVENING, 3/8/12)
You are about to embark on a journey that will take you to the St. Patrick's Day festivities at the Shamrock Pub in Blarney, Ireland in the County of Cork.
This event has been advertised as a night of glorious celebration, but if you've spoken to the staff during cocktail hour, you may be aware that all is not as it seems. If you have sensed an air of greed, jealousy, and conspiracy, you are very sensitive and astute, and...I must say, right on the mark!
$57.00 Per Person Includes:
* A tour of the museum
* An Unlimited Wine Bar for the duration of the evening
* A delicious catered meal
* 2.5 Hour hilarious play by the MMD Players!
For more information and to view the menu click here
 Swan Lake
Saturday, March 10, 2012
7:30 pm
Sunday, March 11, 2012
2:30pm
Mobile Civic Center
401 Civic Center Drive
"Swan Lake," a ballet in three acts by Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1875-76), has its roots in Russian folk tales. The story is about Odette, a princess turned into a swan by a sorcerer's curse. The particular performance is based on the 1895 revival of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, staged originally for the Imperial Ballet on Jan. 15, 1895, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.
Purchase tickets by calling 251-342-2241
Click here for more information
 Big Head Todd & the Monsters Concert Monday, March 12, 20128
8 p.m.
Soul Kitchen Music Hall
219 Dauphin Street
"Having a musical relationship is a big deal," says band member Todd Park Mohr, "and I think a lot of our fans, we're their favorite band. So that means a lot to me."
From some musicians the statement would seem arrogant, but from the leader of Big Head Todd & the Monsters, it's pretty straightforward.
Over the last 20 years the band has generated a handful of Top 40 rock singles without ever crossing over to similar success on the pop chart. Yet it has maintained critical respect throughout, and its laid-back guitar-driven sound has earned the band a loyal following.
Van Ghost will be opening for the band. Tickets for this 18-and-up event are $22 in advance, $25 at the door.
Click here for more information
 Learning Lunch:
Michael Portier, Mobile's First Bishop
Archbishop Emeritus Oscar H. Lipscomb Wednesday March 14, 2012 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
History Museum of Mobile
111 South Royal Street
Michael Portier (1795-1859) served as the first Catholic Bishop of Mobile from 1829 to 1859. As a newly ordained bishop, Portier served from 1826 to 1829 as Apostolic Vicar to Alabama and present-day Florida traveling extensively there and in Europe, studying his mission territory, and securing priests and funding to staff the newly formed ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Later, Portier established a small seminary that became Spring Hill College and oversaw the construction of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile.
This is a topic that Lipscomb knows very well. He wrote his dissertation on Portier in the 1960s and has lectured widely on him ever since. Lipscomb was Mobile's eighth bishop. He retired in 2006 and was named Archbishop Emeritus. To RSVP, click here.
M obile Historic Homes Tour
Friday, March 16, 2012 & Saturday, March 17, 2012
10 a.m. - 4p.m.
DeTonti Square Historic District
The Historic Mobile Preservation Society will host the 2012 Mobile Historic Homes Tour on Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17 in the DeTonti Square Historic District. This year's Tour will feature an array of historic homes located in Mobile's oldest residential neighborhood. This year's tour will feature a collection of private homes that all celebrate Mobile's antebellum hey-day, including the house where the Battle of Mobile Bay was watched by General Buchanan and a home that has never been open to the public before, The Bush House, owned by the Society of 1836.
Tickets for the Mobile Historic Homes Tour are $20 in advance, $25 the weekend of the event, and $17 for groups of 10 or more. For more information, contact the Mobile Historic Preservation Society at 251.432.6161.
 Tea at Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
Friday, March 16, 2012
2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
1906 Springhill Avenue
In conjunction with the Mobile Historic Homes Week, the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion is having a Spring Tea fundraiser for continuing renovation and improvements to the circa 1855 Greek Revival Mansion, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. Please join them for a lovely afternoon tea and tour.
Click here to purchase tickets
 Luck of the Irish Cookoff and Parade
Saturday, March 17, 2012
11 a.m.
Bienville Square and Downtown Mobile
The Luck of the Irish celebrates all things Irish with a family- friendly event in Bienville Square on Saturday March 17, 2012. An Irish stew and corned-beef & cabbage cook-off will begin early that day and be ready for tasting by 11 a.m. There will also be awards given out for best dressed chef, best corned beef and cabbage, best tent, and more! The Children's Area opens at 11 a.m. also and is open until 4 p.m. The St. Patrick's Day parade will begin at 2:00 PM at the Mobile Civic Center and winds through downtown Mobile and around Bienville Square. The park will be filled with Irish bagpipers and troubadours as well as beautifully costumed Irish dancers performing to Celtic music and traditional routines that showcase the beauty of the Irish culture and arts.
Advance Tickets $10.00; General admission at the gate $15.00. Call for more details (251-281-8230)
Click here to view website
 Mobile Symphony Presents - "The Celtic Symphony"'
Saturday, March 17, 2012
8 p.m.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
2:30 p.m.
Saenger Theater
6 South Joachim Street
Dust off your green and join us for an evening of all things Irish as the Mobile Symphony celebrates St. Patrick's Day! Mithril, the Gulf Coast's hugely popular Celtic band, joins the Mobile Symphony Orchestra once again for an unforgettable journey to the Emerald Isle.
Please call Mobile Symphony Box Office for Tickets
251-432-2010
Click here for more information
 Mystery of the Missing Leprechaun
Bienville Club
34th floor of the RSA-BankTrust Building
Saturday, March 17th 6pm-9pm
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Kern's Irish Liar's Club. Enjoy a hearty Irish dinner, a pint of Guiness, Irish Jigs, comedy, and maybe even Leprechauns. Tickets are $38 for members and $45 for non-members. For full details click here.
 Ceramics Studio
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Center of Living Arts Clerestory
Led by instructor Vanessa Quintana or Maria Spies, this is a beginning to intermediate class exploring clay as a medium for the expression of 3-dimensional forms. Students will be introduced to wheel throwing and hand building techniques. The class runs for 8 weeks every Wednesday and the cost is $170 for CLA members / $195 for non members.
 Malaga Fest 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
3 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Malaga Inn
359 Church Street
Must be at least 21
The first Malagafest will take place on March 24, 2012. Performers include Rolling in the Hay, Ryan Balthrop with Brooks Hubbart, Honey Island Swamp Band, and Grayson Capps and the Lost Cause Minstrels in that order. Moe's Original Barbecue will be catering the event.
Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door.
Room rates start at $94.
Tickets are available at www.frontgatetickets.com or at the Malaga Inn.
No coolers are allowed on the premises, no pets, and no fireworks.
Click here for more information
 Thirty-Fifth Annual Azalea Trail Run
Saturday, March 24, 2012
8 a.m.
The 35th Annual Azalea Trail Run (ATR) is one of the premier 10K road races in the United States. All of the courses are flat and extremely fast. Come run on March 24th down the streets of old Mobile, where in early spring the city is in full bloom. The pink hues of azaleas mingled with the white blossoms of dogwood and bridle wreath are everywhere in sight, and the sweet fragrance of purple wisteria drifts gently in the air.
For registration information call 251.473.7223.
Click here for more details and to register
Spring Garden Party
Sunday, March 25th
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Visit the following link for more information:
http://www.richardsdarhouse.com/html/dar_events.html
 The Color Purple: The Musical About Love
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
7:30 p.m.
Saenger Theater
6 South Joachim Street
THE COLOR PURPLE, a soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds her unique voice in the world. Nominated for eleven Tony® Awards, THE COLOR PURPLE is a landmark theatrical event, a celebration of love, and a Broadway phenomenon. With a joyous GRAMMY®-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is capturing the hearts of young and old, and uniting audiences in a community of joy.
Click here for more information
 Crawfish in the Courtyard
Thursday, March 29, 2012
6 p.m.
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
Hosted By The Exploreum Junior Advisory Board
Must be 21+ to attend
Join us for the 3rd annual Crawfish in the Courtyard, the Exploreum's signature event heralding the opening of crawfish season on the Gulf Coast! The crawfish bash is for adults only.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Discover Science, the Exploreum's annual program with the Mobile Housing Board and its partner agencies benefiting our area's under-served children.
Admission ticket includes:
· All you can eat crawfish and jambalaya
· Two adult beverages
· Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived exhibit
· Critically acclaimed IMAX film, SeaRex: Journey to a Prehistoric World
· Live entertainment
· Silent Auction
Tickets are $25 each online and at the Exploreum Box Office and $35 at the door.
Click here for more information
Crawfish in the Courtyard is proudly sponsored by: Abita Brewing Company, Gulf Distributing Company of Mobile
 Rock the Runway Fashion Event
Thursday, March 29, 2012
7 p.m.
Battle House Hotel
Distinguished Young Women will present Rock the Runway, an event for dads, daughters and anyone with an eye for fashion. Fashion expert and former Distinguished Young Women national winner Amy E. Goodman will host the runway show and present the latest trends in fashion. The evening will include a live auction and dessert. All proceeds benefit Distinguished Young Women.
For more information and to purchase tickets click here or call 251-438-3621.
 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents "BARNUM BASH"
Thursday, March 29 -
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 7:00pm
Friday, March 30, 2012 at 10:30am (School) and 7:00pm
Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 2:00pm and 6:00pm
Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 2:00pm
Mobile Civic Center
Floor VIP: $40.00
VIP $30.00
$20.00
$15.00
This will be the swankiest circus party in town. All of the amazing acts are tricked-out for the circus party and are ready to perform wild feats of wonder and strength.Don't miss the All Access Pre-Show! Starts one-hour prior to showtime available to all ticket-holders. See animals up close, visit with performers, get autographs, try on costumes, and enjoy the circus fun.
Click here for more information
 Mobile Opera Presents: Turnadot
Friday March 30 - 31, 2012
Mobile Civic Center
Outside the Imperial Palace in Peking, a mandarin reads an edict to the crowd: any prince seeking to marry the princess Turandot must answer three riddles. If he fails, he will die.....
Click here for more information
Or click here to visit the Mobile Civic Center events calendar
 American Red Cross Gumbo Cook-off
Saturday, March 31, 2012
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Bienville Square
Don't miss the 4th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off! Tickets are $10 in advance can be purchased at Bay Bank and BankTrust branches in Mobile County. Tickets are $12 at the gate. Children age 10 and under get in free.
For more information click here or call 251.544.6146
 Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 31, 2012
9 a.m.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Theodore, Alabama
Admission: Adults $12, Children 5 -12 $6.50 and Children 4 and under are free
Thousands of Easter Eggs will be all over The Great Lawn for children to discover. There will be plenty of candy and treats for kids of all ages. Registration for the Easter Egg Hunts will begin at 9:00 a.m. on The Great Lawn. Children may participate in one of three Egg Hunts depending on their age. The Bellingrath Café will have a special snack area on Live Oak Plaza with all sorts of special Easter treats. A professional photographer will be available to take children's Easter Portraits with The Easter Bunny from 9:00 - noon. The Southern Belle River Cruiser will conduct cruises at 11:00 and 1:00. The Easter Egg Hunt is opened to the public.
Click here for more information
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Gallery and Museum Exhibits
| | "Museums and art stores are also sources of pleasure and inspiration. Doubtless it will seem strange to many that the hand unaided by sight can feel action, sentiment, beauty in the cold marble; and yet it is true that I derive genuine pleasure from touching great works of art." -Helen Keller
 "See the Bigger Picture"
Airbus Display at Mobile Regional Airport
A global photo exhibit sponsored by Airbus has landed at Mobile Regional Airport. The exhibit, which features photos taken by children to showcase biodiversity, will now welcome visitors around the world and be used to demonstrate how crucial biodiversity is to residents of the Gulf Coast region.
 Portraits, Inc. Presents: Art & Soul, Featuring Our Alabama Portrait Artisits; A Tribute to Our Italian Heritage; and Not Your Baby Dolls
Mobile Arts Council 318 Dauphin St.
Through Fri, Mar 30
Three exhibitions: Paintings by artists on the roster of Portraits, Inc; works by Carmel Alvis and Nancy Hanrath; and art dolls by Natalie Johnson. Mon-Fri, 9 AM- 5 PM.
 Spanish Moss Miniature Art Exhibit
Cathedral Square Gallery
612 Dauphin Street Brought to you by the Alabama Miniature Art Society, artwork features thirteen nationwide artists and six local artists for a juried exhibit. An awards ceremony will take place during ArtWalk and local artist Mr. Nall will be participating as a judge.  March Winds Blow
Art(ology) 306 Dauphin Street Come discover Art(ology)'s "March Winds Blow" exhibit! Also, artist Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough's stay will be extended; come by and see her gorgeous collage work! For a full list of artists visit their Facebook page.  Edward's Glass Studio Sale
Friday, March 9th during ArtWalk 501 Dauphin St. Come check out the exquisite glass artwork at Edward's during ArtWalk where select items are on sale for 75% off!  The Nomadic Poject-The journey Beyond the Canvas
The Host Gallery
111 Dauphin St. For four weeks, The Host Gallery is proud and excited to display a selection of 36 pieces of the early work of Kristin (Abraham) Llamas, along with a first time look inside the artistic journey that united all fifty states through art. Explore the work, discover vulnerable mirror-written sketchbooks and re-live the story through original art, music and film by Nomadic artist Kristin Abraham and musician/videographer Alfonso Llamas. Artist talk during ArtWalk at 7:15 pm. Visit the event page here.  March Featured Artists: Karen Spaulding & Michael Thomas
Kangal Gallery in the Sail Loft
58 N. Royal St. Check out the beautiful paintings of artist Karen Spaulding and the stunning photography of Michael Thomas at Kangal Gallery this month!  Gizmos, Gadgets, ... and so much more
Sunday, Jan 22, 2012 - Sunday, Apr 01, 2012
The Museum of Mobile
111 South Royal St.
Have you ever wondered where the innovations that make our lives easier came from or how they are made? Washing machines, light bulbs, iPods ©, and countless other gizmos can all be traced back to the Industrial Revolution, one of the most important events in our history. Discover the effects of the Industrial Revolution on society and how the innovations that came from it have evolved. To get further details about the Museum of Mobile, click here.
 The Curious World of Patent Models
Sunday, Jan 22, 2012 - Sunday, Apr 01, 2012
The Museum of Mobile
111 South Royal St.
From the time the U.S. Patent Office was formed by Thomas Jefferson in 1790, and throughout the industrial revolution, inventors were required to submit a working, scale model of their invention when applying for a patent. These wonderful and fascinating original antiques range from stunning, intricately crafted miniature weaving looms, motors and bridges to common household items such as washing machines, mechanical toys, and swing sets. To get further details about the Museum of Mobile, click here.
 Looking Back at Gee's Bend: The Photographs of John Reese
The Museum of Mobile
111 South Royal St.
February 5 - April 15, 2012
Looking Back at Gee's Bend: The Photographs of John Reese is a poignant photographic record of the rural community of Gee's Bend in 1980, situated in Alabama's "Black Belt" in a deep bend of the Alabama River. Most of the families who lived in Gee's Bend at the time were descendants of slaves who remained in the region as tenant farmers following emancipation. To get further details about the Museum of Mobile, click here.
 Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived
January 28 to May 6, 2012
Gulf Coast Exploreum
65 Government St.
Take a journey through our ancient oceans with Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived on display in the Exploreum's new 5,000 square foot exhibit gallery! Visitors enter a full-size sculpture of Megalodon through massive jaws and embark on a journey through this fantastic ancient creature and the world it inhabited-- its size, structure, diet, lifespan, relatives, neighbors, evolution, extinction and the science that continues to reveal Megalodon's tale. Click here to visit the Exploreum's website.
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