Second Creek - Mobile, AL

Mobile was incorporated in Alabama in 1817, at a time when the population had dwindled, but the incorporation of new neighborhoods, like Second Creek, brought in more families seeking solace from big city living. Farmers and planters wanted to capitalize on natural resources, such as water, cotton and other farming and upriver trades.

History and art combine at the Mobile Museum of Art on Museum Drive, a short driving distance from Second Creek. Permanent museums display historic glass work, pottery, wood designs and paintings, as well as original sketches from well-known artists. This museum also rotates artwork, displaying local artisan creations in changing exhibits.

A $10 entrance fee is charged at the museum, but those who have served in the military receive free admission at all times. A small pond rests in the back garden, brimming with turtles and koi fish. Be sure to snag a souvenir from the gift shop.

Several diners and major restaurant chains compete for domain on Schillinger Road South in Second Creek. Each gives a glimpse of unique cuisine from around the world. If you seek Greek, peruse an authentic assortment of homemade pita breads and gyros at the Mediterranean Sandwich Co. Locals frequent the shop craving fresh sandwiches that include your choice of lamb, bacon, orzo, chicken and heaps of organic vegetables. The vegetarian selection includes grilled cheese sandwiches, romaine salads, tomato and spinach orzo and steamed rice with mixed, spiced veggies.

For refined nightlife and entertainment, consider stopping over at Pour Baby on Airport Boulevard to sample a selection of craft beers and well-aged wines. Sample what you like for $2 per every two ounces, and take a bite from the meat and cheese trays, served fresh to every new table.

A yearning for something different to spice up your nightlife can be met at the Mint Hookah Bistro near Old Shell Road. A hookah lounge sits to one side with a bar and quaint restaurant to the other. You can enjoy a vast selection of tobacco favors, such as pomegranate, blueberry and strawberry, after sampling the homemade hummus with fresh-baked pitas.

Residents of Second Creek generally rely on cars to reach their destination outside of the neighborhood. Sidewalks line the rural streets, making it safe for joggers, dog walkers, and recreational cyclists.

Designated bicycle lanes for commuters are few and far between in the Second Creek area. However, a commute into the city requires getting on Schillinger Road South, Cody Road or Airport Boulevard.

Yellow Cab and Southern Cab Company service Second Creek and neighboring cities. Unfortunately, Uber has not made an appearance in the neighborhood yet, but you can catch a bus along Airport Boulevard or Grelot Road. Keep your eyes peeled for public parking opportunities along these roads.

Ride for half an hour along Schillinger Road South to reach Interstate 10, a direct commute into surrounding counties. This Interstate also hauls locals to the beaches that line the Gulf of Mexico.

Take your pups to the Julien Marx Dog Park for a run around the two fenced-in play areas. Plentiful trees, plastic bags for accidents and a sitting room for pet owners make this park a lovable favorite with the locals. Entry is free from dawn to dusk, and you have the option to purchase an engraved brick for the park path in honor of your beloved pet.

Xtreme Paintball on Schillinger Road South combines exercise and family-friendliness with three playing fields and tons of paintballs per person. Open on the weekends, this park lends top-notch gear to visitors, welcoming new and veteran players with a crash course in safety before letting them loose in the fields.

Make the drive to an annual tradition when you visit Bellingrath Gardens and Home for Christmas. Millions of lights illuminate the walkways, lending a festive glow to your favorite plants and flowers.

Living costs in Second Creek soar to 16 percent greater than the nearest city in Mobile County. A $1.75 bus ride gets locals to and from surrounding neighborhoods, where most residents shell out $896 for one-bedroom accommodations.

Grab a pint of beer at the local sports bar for $6 to $7, depending on which craft brew you choose. Fuel your ride with gas prices that plummet to 2 percent lower than the national average.

The Second Creek neighborhood sits secluded for the most part, away from the chaos of major shopping malls and chain stores. Instead, this town prides itself on smaller, locally-owned and operated boutiques, as well as a few renowned chains, such as Target, Walmart and Kohls.

Massage therapists and nail technicians in the area have positive things to say about Mobile Nail & Beauty Supply on Schillinger Road. Boasting exclusive lines of nail polishes, facial creams and a collection of other must-haves for those in the beauty industry, this little boutique is known for their wide selection, knowledgeable customer service and plentiful parking. Shiny, reasonably priced jewels can be purchased at Goldsteins Jewelry, a boutique specializing in custom jewelry, engagement rings and silver chains.

Publix, Target and Walmart are the neighborhood stores that stock all of your grocery essentials. For fresh fruits and vegetables, take a little drive down to The Fresh Market on Highway 90, or the Biloxi Farmers Market beneath the bridge on Howard Avenue. Both locations provide fresh produce, free-range eggs, and a selection of choice meats and homemade candies throughout the year.