Uptown Acorn Travels {Point Clear, AL}

J and I love the Gulf Coast, so on our way to the Florida Gulf Coast, we always stop at the Half Shell Oyster Bar in Gulfport and visit the outlets - LaCoste, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Polo. Retail therapy before, during, and after a vacay is always a "good" thing.

This was the first year in many that J and I traveled alone, and it felt so good.

First stop: The Grand Hotel {Point Clear, AL}

If you have not been to the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, put Point Clear on your list. The Grand Hotel is a magical place with magical views and amenities. J and I enjoyed the adult pool which, of course, offered bar and food service. May I recommend the truffle fries? Yum!

Our room in the spa building was well-appointed, but even greater news for our future stays. Here is a great view from our balcony:

By spring of 2018, every room at the award-winning, beloved Grand Hotel will have a new look, and the hotel will become part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, an elite group of only 100 independent-style properties worldwide. The Grand will be the second hotel in Alabama to join the Autograph Collection, along with the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook.

With a short shuttle drive, J and I dined at The Wash House in Point Clear. Wash House restaurant includes homey surrounds for fine Southern coastal cuisine served in cozy rooms with a brick fireplace. This restaurant is great for adults.

Nightcaps at Bucky's Birdcage Lounge back at The Grand are a must.

Views along Mobile Bay are the best.

Point Clear, y'all!