WeMo vs Midtown vs Spring Hill vs Downtown

If you were born and raised in Mobile then you have a familiarity with some of the city’s most popular areas of town. Or if you’re a transplant (and we still love you) you’ve come to know or at least heard of West Mobile (WeMo), midtown, Spring Hill, and of course downtown Mobile. Each spot has its own personality surrounded by historic charm, shopping and distinct food destinations. Regardless of what you are looking for, chances are, you will find it in one of these four areas.

WeMo

Name a type of restaurant, retail shop, service or anything you probably didn’t even know you needed and you’ll likely find it in WeMo. Laced with strip malls and corporate coffee, this area is far more than a suburbanite’s paradise. WeMo is also home The Grounds, the University of South Alabama and several local spots. After spending a day at one of the big box stores along Schillinger Road, locals like to head to Montego’s Caribbean Café and Bar on Airport Road or grab some BBQ grub at Meat Boss.

Midtown

Midtown is Mobile’s little-hidden gem. Out of towners may be less familiar with the area but will fall in love the minute they visit. It’s a neighborhood where history buffs and eclectic artisans mix and mingle. After being dormant for many years, the neighborhood saw a resurgence after people began flipping the neglected bungalows. Businesses such as craft coffee spot Chaleur Coffee and cookie aficionados ellenJAY have opened up along neighborhood landmarks such as Dew Drop Inn and Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe.

Spring Hill 

Just a smidge north of midtown you will find the affluent neighborhood of Spring Hill. The streets are lined with centuries-old oak trees and Greek Revival style homes. Like midtown, Spring Hill saw a revitalization in the last few years which garnered a wave of new local businesses. Just steps from Spring Hill College and the Mobile Museum of Art, Spring Hill offers a walkable neighborhood full of beauty and history.

Downtown

Mobile’s downtown area has seen a boom over the last few years. Thanks to a community effort to revitalize the popular district, more restaurants and retail have opened. NoJa, located on North Jackson Street, is a Mediterranean-Asian restaurant in the heart of downtown Mobile with an ever-evolving menu.

There is always something happening. Once a month there is LoDa Art Walk (the second Friday of every month). The Market in the Park, a seasonal farmers market is held every Saturday in Cathedral Square and music festivals such as SouthSounds and Ten Sixty Five.

History is on every corner in downtown (quite literally). Visit one of the cities numerous museums including The Fort of Colonial Mobile and the Mobile Carnival Museum. When you’re done sightseeing, swing by one of downtown’s delicious restaurants. Everything from fine dining like Dauphin’s to hangouts spots such as Loda Garten and The Garage dots the culinary landscape in downtown.

Mobile is a special place with several unique areas to choose from and no matter where you will go, it will always be home.