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Road Scholar at the University of South AlabamaInformation Office1504 Springhill Ave., Suite 2515Mobile, AL 36604-3273TEL: (251) 405-9929 (Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT, )E-mail: elderhostel@usouthal.edu

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Mobile, AL

Photos Courtesy of Shelley Stephens, Vincent Lawson, John Stowers of the PressRegister, Julie McKinnell, Mobile Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kristie Haigler,Laurent Cadden, Leigh Patton, civic-online.org, Kelly Anderson, Gulf Shores GolfAssociation, United States of America, Israel Antiquities Authority,Morris+Bailey/csshunley.com, M&A Studios, burningcross.net, The Joshua, GulfShores Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Beginning in January 2013, all Mobile programs havebeen moved to our new location in the heart of downtown,Admiral Semmes Hotel.

The Admiral Semmes Hotel is one of the south's finest,historic landmark hotels, founded in 1940, when it wasacclaimed Mobile's only luxury hotel. Some of the hotel'sarchitectural features include expansive marble floors,stair cases, a unique oval balconied lobby, highlighted by alarge central chandelier, and the original Art Deco elevatordoors. An entire floor of conference space on the mezzaninelevel is located on the second floor near some of therooms.

251 Government StreetMobile, AL 36602

877-919-0099admiralsemmeshotel.com

M o b i l e h a s a N e wL o c a t i o n i n 2 0 1 3 !

ROAD SCHOLAR AT THE UNIVERSITYOF SOUTH ALABAMA

Shrimp Festival

Coastal Christmas SplendorBlooming Mobile

Fall Migration

S i g n a t u r e C i t y M o b i l e

Mysteries of the Deep: Tragedy, Disasters and WarExplore the watery graveyard that is home to many unexplaineddisasters. Discuss tragedies that could have been avoided and positivechanges that have resulted. Examine the Titanic, CSS Hunley,Lusitania and more.

Pensacola Naval Air Museum, Ft. Morgan, MobileBayExplore artifacts and 140 restored aircraft on a fieldtrip to the Navy museum. At Fort Morgan, learnabout its role in War of 1812, WWI, WWII.Discover the history of Mobile Bay and Spanish,French and British explorations with a local expert.

Roots of American Fiddlin' & Regional StylesFollow fiddle music from the 1600s to today with instructor’sperformance, lectures, and recordings. Trace the evolution ofmusic across the U.S., Canada with a variety of styles:Appalachian, Cajun, Cape Breton, Bluegrass, Celtic, WesternSwing and Jazz.

Date: February 24 - March 1, 2013Location: Orange Beach, ALPrice: $669 Dbl / $844 Sgl

In a series of fascinating field trips andlectures, discover the charms ofhospitable Mobile, first capital of colonialFrench Louisiana. Forays into the pastinclude visits to the City Museum, a replicaof early French Fort Condé and Mobile’shistoric downtown. Join an architecturalhistorian amid the Garden District’s treasuryof 18th- and 19th-century museum homes,and marvel at the splendor of stately Bellingrath and its famous andexpansive gardens. Visit the Museum of Mobile where cutting-edgeexhibits bring to life the area as first seen by early Americans. Atthe Richards D.A.R. House, admire the Italianate home’s exquisitefacade, depicting the four seasons in lavish iron lace. Step back intime at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, an “American castle”showcasing treasured antiques, a handmade brick-and-ironworkexterior and 65 acres of lush gardens.

Date: October 14 - 19, 2012February 3 - 8, 2013

March 3 - 8, 2013April 14 - 19, 2013

October 20 - 25, 2013Location: Mobile, AL

Price: $698 Dbl / $903 Sgl (October 2012 Date)$738 Dbl / $943 Sgl (2013 Dates)

University of South Alabama 2012 - 2013 Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, Inc., the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 19752 7

#14321AU Signature City Mobile: History, Heritage, Culture, Beautiful Homes and Gardens

Downtown Mobile

Alabama’s sun-drenched Gulf of Mexicocoast is as attractive to feathered visitors asit is to human ones, never more so than inautumn, when it is a critical stopover pointon the migration route from cold northernclimes to balmy Central and SouthAmerica. Spectacular sightings abound onthis learning adventure for beginning andintermediate birders, enlivened by theexpert leadership of seasoned leaders.Search for spectacular birdlife onAlabama’s coast: Great Blue Herons,pelicans nose-diving into the Gulf for a

meal and many more. Take a field trip to the renowned AudubonBird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island, one of the best locations anywherefor viewing neotropical migrations. On an evening boat excursioninto the wetlands of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, look forkingfishers and Ospreys, plus maybe an alligator or two.

Date: October 2 - 6, 2012September 29 - October 3, 2013

Location: Mobile, ALPrice: $559 Dbl / $729 Sgl (October 2012 Date)

$569 Dbl / $739 Sgl (September 2013 Date)

#14106AU Fall Migration: Great Birding on the Alabama Coast

Discover the birds you canspot on the Gulf Coast area.

Marvelous MobileDiscover the holiday splendor ofBellingrath Gardens by day and themagic of more than 3 million twinklingholiday lights by night. Explore theAmerican Castle at Bellingrath with itsincomparable collection of 19th-centuryfurnishings, antiques and Boehmporcelain. Unveil the lives of thefounders and fascinating history of thismemorable estate. See the wealth King

Cotton brought this charming coastal city and journey through itsdazzling historic district. Discover Mobile’s rich architecturethrough its treasury of preserved and restored museum homes,decorated in period Christmas grandeur. Take an expert-led fieldtrip to Richards DAR, Oakleigh and Cox-Deasy Museum Homes.Get a glimpse of gracious living in Mobile's Official Period HouseMuseum. Learn about the Spanish, French, British, NativeAmerican and African influences in architecture, furnishingsand decorative arts.

Date: December 3 - 6, 2012December 9 - 13, 2013Location: Mobile, AL

Price: $439 Dbl / $569 Sgl (December 2012 Date)$449 Dbl / $579 Sgl (December 2013 Date)

#13587AU Coastal Christmas Splendor: Bellingrath Gardens and Historic Homes

Get into the holiday spiritwith Christmas in Lights atBellingrath Gardens.

Enjoy a complete golf experience onAlabama’s beautiful coastal coursesdesigned by some of the sport’s finest.Improve your game with four days ofgroup instruction as Class A PGAprofessionals cover putting, chipping,rules, etiquette, equipment, club fittingand strategy. Get a video swinganalysis to help improve your game.

Test your skills at four different golf courses including CypressBend and Cotton Creek, designed by Arnold Palmer; and BaysidePeninsula, designed by Earl Stone. Play your choice of nine or 18holes daily.

Dates: March 3 - 8, 2013October 27 - November 1, 2013

Location: Orange Beach, ALPrice: $875 Dbl / $1050 Sgl

#15535AU Golfing at its Best: Master Coastal Courses and Learn from the Pros

Golf near the coast.

#17090AU Mysteries of the Deep, Snapshots in History, and Roots of North American Fiddlin'

As a classical, Celtic, andfolk musician andeducator, Tom Morley isone of the most visibleviolinists on the GulfCoast. Classically trainedwith a degree in musiceducation, Tom hasearned a living with hisviolin in every musicaldirection. He has playedprofessionally in Celtic,Cajun, folk, bluegrass,classical, swing, jazz, and

country styles. Tom has released several CDs withnumerous bands, and performed at venuesincluding the Jazz & Heritage Fest and theFrench Quarter Festival. Tom Morley is featuredin programs 17090, 14414, 9237, and 7243.

I n s t r u c t o r S p o t l i g h t

Road Scholar InstructorTom Morley

Dean Mosher began theformal study of drawing atage 15. He attended theprestigious Harris School ofArt. His study emphasizedclassical illustration and fineart. His 1995 painting"Farragut in theMainshrouds" is part of thepermanent collection at theU.S. Naval Academy inAnnapolis, MD. Dean continuesto work on a series of companionpaintings depicting "Great

Moments in American Naval History WhereCharacter and Circumstances Meet to ProduceVictory." He has conducted extensive Naval historyresearch while striving to make his Naval historymurals accurate in every detail. He recently waselected Historian General of the Naval Order of theUnited States. Dean explores the history and art ofMobile, Mobile Bay, and Fairhope in the classroomas he hits highlights that make this Gulf Coastunique.

I n s t r u c t o r S p o t l i g h t

Road Scholar InstructorDean Mosher

Snap your fingers, tap your toes, marvelat Mardi Gras, and laugh ’til you cry aswe celebrate the human spirit. With anauthor and public speaker who has writtencomedy for radio and television, explorechanging attitudes about what’s funnyand why. Take a musical journey back tothe Big Band era and examine differentstyles and sounds of the greats as we

enjoy swing, jazz, and more. As a very special highlight, spend adelightful day immersed in the origins, history, and traditions ofCarnival in historic Mobile. Explore the structure of humor andchanging faces of comedy reflected in American life. As a bonus,learn the art of telling jokes and funny stories. Delve into thedistinctive styles and sounds of “Big Band” musical greats such asGoodman, Ellington, and more through recorded examplesenhanced by your instructor’s virtuoso live performances. From aprivileged vantage point on the parade route in the heart of historicdowntown Mobile, enjoy the colorful, exciting Mardi Gras dayparades and festivities.

Date: February 10 - 15, 2013Location: Orange Beach, ALPrice: $679 Dbl / $854 Sgl

#14414AU Music, Laughter and Mardi Gras Revelry

Experience the festivitiesof Mardi Gras in Mobile.

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6 3Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, Inc., the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975

With a nationally acclaimed writer-humorist, explore humor and comedy overthe years to learn how they reflect differentoutlooks on life as society changes.Energize your body in yoga classesenhanced by sights and sounds of theocean on a radiant white-sand beach.Learn how to make meals tastier andhealthier as an expert chef demonstratescooking “light” with simple techniquesthat boost flavor and cut bad calories.Harmony, health and happiness await!Hear “inside showbiz” stories and jokes that tickle your funny bone.Exercise your mind while on a field trip to the Pensacola NavalAir Station. Enjoy delicious fruit smoothies prepared by a nutritionspecialist who shows you how easy it is to make your own at home.

Dates: February 24 - March 1, 2013October 20 - 25, 2013

Location: Orange Beach, ALPrice: $649 Dbl / $829 Sgl

#16673AU Eat, Think and Be Merry: Your Pathways to Harmony, Health and Happiness

Get the laughter goingwith instructor TerryCline.

University of South Alabama 2012 - 2013

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Mobile,where the fun and frolic began in1703! Experience the history, customs,pageantry, and excitement of “FatTuesday” as you enjoy a full dayof festivities featuring colorfulparades on Mardi Gras morning,afternoon, and evening. Explorethe Mardi Gras Museum showcasinggowns, trains and crowns of MardiGras Kings and Queens. See thereigning King and royal courtarrive during Monday’s beautiful Floral Parade. Enjoy marchingbands, mounted parade units, and floats created by “krewes” suchas the Order of Athena, Knights of Revelry, Comic Cowboys andOrder of Myths.

Date: February 10 - 13, 2013Location: Mobile, AL

Price: $475 Doubles Only

#14269AU America’s First Mardi Gras: A Snapshot of Pageantry in Mobile

Discover the decorated floats thatpass the streets of DowntownMobile.

Bellingrath Gardens and HomeMarvel at the splendors of anAmerican castle. During our[behind-the-scenes] exploration,learn about the founders, the 65-acreestate’s history, world-renownedgardens, incomparable furnishingsand decorative arts includingBoehm porcelain.

Amazing History and Heritage onDauphin IslandThis barrier island is rich in history and natural beauty. Take fieldtrips to learn about European influences; explore pre-historic IndianMounds; Fort Gaines and its role in the Civil War; theEstuarium/Sea Lab; and Audubon bird sanctuaries.

Marine Life on the Gulf CoastLook beneath the surface at the Gulf Coast’s abundant fish, oysters,shrimp, and more. Take a pontoon study cruise and hear from alocal expert about what really happened in the Deep Water Horizonoil spill, its effects, and what the future holds.

Date: March 10 - 15, 2013Location: Mobile, AL

Price: $698 Dbl / $903 Sgl

#17045AU Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Dauphin Island, Marine Life on the Gulf Coast

Visit the beautiful BellingrathGardens and Home in Mobile.

Experience springtime at its best duringMobile’s most gorgeous month as youattend the Gulf Coast’s premier flower andgarden event. You’ll also explore the homeand gardens of an American castle,Bellingrath. Rounding out your experience,encounter Mobile’s rich cultural heritage inthe graciousness and charm of its notablearchitecture and a treasury of preserved,restored homes. Explore the Festival ofFlowers featuring more than 300,000square feet of landscaped gardens andmultitudes of breathtaking blossoms undertent and sky. At Bellingrath, learn about itsfounders and marvel at the beautiful gardens and the incomparablecollections of 19th-century furnishings and Boehm porcelain. Seemagnificent azaleas, shaded verandas, majestic oaks and myriadspring flowers at historic houses, truly a feast for the senses!

Date: March 17 - 22, 2013Location: Mobile, AL

Price: $725 Dbl / $930 Sgl

#7426AU Blooming Mobile: Festival of Flowers, Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Historic Houses

A flower arrangement tolook like an Azalea TrailMaid dress.

O u t s t a n d i n g O r a n g e B e a c h

The National Shrimp Festival, heldeach October on the beaches ofAlabama's Gulf Coast, has becomeone of America's favorite outdoorfestivals over its 40+ year history.In this holiday for seafood lovers,hundreds of presenters offer artsand crafts, musical entertainment,an international marketplace and ofcourse! - shrimp and other tastytreats prepared in a variety of ways.Learn about the seafood industry,immerse yourself in the festivalatmosphere, and enjoy free time

opportunities to tickle your taste buds. Learn about the seafoodindustry, types of shrimp harvested in the Gulf of Mexico, theireconomic importance, and go behind the scenes at a processingplant to see how some of your favorite foods get from boat to table.With an expert chef, learn how to create your own seafood specialtiesand taste scrumptious Gulf Coast favorites as well as enjoying adinner out at a popular local restaurant. Use the free time reserved foryour personal independent exploration to experience the diversesights, sounds, and tastes of the Shrimp Festival during a full afternoonwith lunch on your own. This is a FLEX program.

Date: October 8 - 11, 2013Location: Orange Beach, AL

Price: $444 Dbl / $594 Sgl

#15555AU The National Shrimp Festival: Arts, Crafts, Music & Food!

Road Scholar participants enjoyingthe festivities of the ShrimpFestival.

Take your shoes off to explore the lifeand lore of this beautiful coastal areafrom sparkling sands to dunes andwave zones. Observe flora and fauna,learn about the importance of richmarine resources, consider the effects ofhurricanes and storms, and discover therich human history of Mobile Bay.Investigate the vast array of area

marine life valued by commercial/recreational fishermen anddiscuss the seafood industry, its economic impact and the effects ofregulation on this centuries-old profession. Learn about beachdevelopment, erosion, landforms, wetlands, long shore currents andbarrier islands. Discover the rich history of Mobile Bay includingNative American, Spanish, French and British influences, and recallits storied past and roles in war.

Date: February 3 - 8, 2013Location: Orange Beach, ALPrice: $625 Dbl / $800 Sgl

#10416AU Shifting Sands: Distinctive Natural & Human History of Mobile Bay

Enjoy the white sandy beacheswhile diving into historyand marine life.

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Mobile,where the fun and frolic began in1703! Experience the history, customs,pageantry and excitement of Carnivalas you learn about mystic societiesfrom locals. Celebrate Mardi Grasfamily style and practice your newfound tricks for catching moon pies,beads and more. Enjoy a full day offestivities featuring colorful paradeson Mardi Gras morning, afternoon andevening. Explore the Mardi GrasMuseum showcasing gowns, trains and crowns of Mardi Graskings and queens, and see the reigning king and royal court arriveduring Monday’s beautiful Floral Parade. Enjoy marching bands,mounted parade units and floats created by “krewes” such as theOrder of Athena, Knights of Revelry, Comic Cowboys and Orderof Myths. Discover Mobile’s rich cultural history with field trips tothe City Museum and beautiful coastal architecture in historic districts.

Date: February 10 - 15, 2013Location: Mobile, AL

Price: $738 Doubles Only

#7877AU America’s First Mardi Gras: Three Centuries of Pageantry in Mobile

Join the festivities of MardiGras in Mobile.

Chef Leslie Thorpe is a twentyyear veteran of the food andbeverage industry. He has used acombination of experience,education, creativity, anddedication to move through alllevels of the commercialkitchen from dishwasher toexecutive chef. Chef Thorpehas worked in fine restaurantsand hotels throughout Florida,Alabama, and Texas. His love

of food has recently set him in a new path as theCulinary Arts instructor at Murphy High Schoolwhere he uses the same dedication and creativity toinspire a new generation of culinary professionals.Chef Thorpe is featured in our programs 16673,15555, 16675, and many more.

I n s t r u c t o r S p o t l i g h t

Road Scholar InstructorLeslie Thorpe

VIDEOS AND PICTURES OF ROAD SCHOLARPROGRAMS AT USA ARE NOW ONLINE!

Visithttp://www.roadscholar.org

VideoOnline

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4 5Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, Inc., the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975

Learn from five outstandingspeakers. We’ll also explorecharming Fairhope, founded as autopian colony and long noted forits picturesque vistas, now hometo notable artists and writers.Leave room in your imaginationfor surprises, too! Discover therich history of Mobile Bay fromexplorers to the Civil War and itsstatus as an international port, witha field trip to Fort Morgan, site ofthe Battle of Mobile Bay. Delightin the exploration of humor andcomedy as reflected in American

life and make the joy of laughter a daily happening. Explore musicalorigins of the fiddle/violin with an expert violinist, as you trace theever changing music of this fascinating instrument.

Date: February 17 - 22, 2013November 17 - 22, 2013Location: Fairhope, AL

Price: $599 Dbl / $674 Sgl

#7243AU 5 Scholars in 5 Days: History, Humor, Music, and More

Dive deep into the history ofMobile Bay by visiting FortMorgan

University of South Alabama 2012 -2013

B e a m i n g B e c k w i t h

Enjoy a wonderful week as you experienceour rich coastal heritage. Recall the adventuresof Spanish, French, and British explorers.Sail aboard a 72-foot schooner in MobileBay. Examine the variety of architecturalstyles that grace this hospitable city. Discovernatural wonders, listen to the sounds ofmusic, visit the lovely town of Fairhope —once a utopian colony and now a haven forartists and writers — and savor Southernhospitality. Explore the antebellum “ironlace” mansion-museum, Richards DAR

House. Take an expert-led journey aboard an eco-explorer boat into theMobile Delta with its diverse flora and fauna. Hear virtuoso live musicperformed just for us.

Dates: January 27 - February 1, 2013March 3 - 8, 2013April 7 - 12, 2013

September 22 - 27, 2013October 27 - November 1, 2013

Location: Fairhope, ALPrice: $599 Dbl / $674 Sgl (Jan 2013 date only)

$635 Dbl / $710 Sgl (March, April, Sept and Oct 2013 dates)

#9237AU Sail on Mobile Bay, Explore Delta; History, Mansions, Music, and More

Enjoy the ride of a ‘72schooner the Joshua onMobile Bay.

Experience the beautiful coastalenvironment of Alabama in the bestpossible way: under sail! Begin bylearning the basics of sailing on asmall scale during a fun day on aSunfish. Then join Captain CarolBramblett aboard the 72-foot woodenschooner Joshua — during four sailing

excursions, you’ll get hands-on lessons in the basics of techniqueand navigation. Keep an eye out for dolphins, pelicans and otherwildlife.Feel the thrill of moving with the wind as you sail throughspectacular waterways including scenic Mobile Bay. Lessons includeboat safety, hoisting and trimming the sails, tacking and jibing,docking, anchoring and rules of the waterway. Learn to use naviga-tional charts and interpret information about tides, currents andwinds to plot your course.

Date: September 29 - October 3, 2013Location: Fairhope, AL

Price: $635 Dbl / $710 Sgl

#13878AU Sailing and Navigation on Spectacular Waterways: Schooner, Sunfish

Sailing lessons on the Joshuain Mobile Bay.

Learn about aspects of life on, around,and in Mobile Bay. Beginning withnature, look for native and migratorybirds with a naturalist, learn about plantsand trees that make the coastal areaunique, touch alligators in the classroomand observe them in their natural habitat.Learn about seasonings and ingredientsincluding “The Trinity,” plus tips foreasy one-dish meals. Leave with anenhanced appreciation for the goodthings of life. Explore the historic little

city of Fairhope, notable for its beauty, charm, appeal to artists andwriters, and architecture. Enjoy a cooking class and taste samples asyou master soups and gumbos with an expert chef. As a specialhighlight, learn about the natural phenomenon known as Jubilee!

Date: November 4 - 9, 2012Location: Fairhope, AL

Price: $579 Dbl / $654 Sgl

#16675AU Coastal Wonders: Fairhope, Rich History and Tasty Soups and Gumbos

Dig into the sand and dis-cover the coastal creaturesthat live amongst us.

I n t e r g e n e r a t i o n a l I n t e r g e n e r a t i o n a l P r o g r a m sP r o g r a m s

Take your grandchild toenjoy a beautiful baysideretreat center and all kindsof animal adventures ledby experts. In addition,enjoy the kids performingskits, go beach-combingtogether, swim, feed thezoo animals, and nocturnalanimals, and look for the100-plus kinds of birds.Learn the basics of caringfor horses and ride alongwooded trails. On analligator farm field trip,see and touch baby gators,learn about conservingnuisance alligators, andlook for some of the 150-plus adults onsite. Explore“The Little Zoo ThatCould” (seen on AnimalPlanet), home to more than290 animals includinglions, tigers, bears, monkeysand macaws, with a specialdemonstration by thezookeeper.

Horses, Monkeys, Gators Galore:Adventures With Your Grandchild by

the Bay and More(ages 9-12)

June 23 - 28, 2013 AND July 28 - August 2, 2013Fairhope, AL

Program number: 14915AU$618 per adult / $543 per child

Due to the unique nature of this program, the registration processrequires special attention. To ensure proper enrollment, please callour Registration Services Department, toll-free, at 1-877-426-8056. Our staff is available to assist you Monday throughFriday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern Time.

Terry Cline, Jr., became apublished writer at age 17.During his career he wrotecomedy material for radio andtelevision, published a jokebook for deejays, and wrote achildren’s play and musicals.Terry has published eightnovels, including books pub-lished by the Literary Guild,Doubleday Book Club and the

Mystery Guild. In 1988, his novel “Quarry” wonthe Mississippi Library Association Award forFiction. Look for his latest book, “The Return ofEdgar Cayce” on www.amazon.com.

I n s t r u c t o r S p o t l i g h t

Road ScholarInstructor Terry Cline

VIDEOS AND PICTURES OF ROADSCHOLAR PROGRAMS AT USA ARE

NOW ONLINE!Visit

http://www.roadscholar.org and“Search” for the Program Name.

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Weather on the Gulf CoastTypical weather on the Gulf Coast is generally warm. It’swarm and humid in the summer months but dips down to aslight chill in the cooler months. Here are the highs and lows.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

63 67 73 78 85 89 91 91 87 80 72 6542 44 49 55 64 70 73 72 68 58 48 42