Our recent trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, promised days of sun-kissed relaxation on its incredibly soft, sugar-white sands. However, Mother Nature had other plans for one of our mornings, greeting us with unseasonably chilly temperatures and blustery winds that made a beach day less than ideal.
But true adventurers know that a change in plans can often lead to the most memorable experiences! With an unexpected free morning, we opened Google Maps and started scouting for nearby points of interest. Lo and behold, a fascinating cluster of roadside attractions near Gulf Shores popped up in Alberta. While they looked close as the crow flies, navigating around the bay meant a scenic, albeit 40-minute, drive to our day trip destination.
What we discovered was a quirky, captivating collection of art and oddities, all thanks to the vision of one man!
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Bamahenge: Alabama’s Stonehenge
Our first stop was the intriguing Bamahenge. Nestled within a wooded area, this partial replica of England’s Stonehenge is a truly unexpected sight in rural Alabama. Crafted by eccentric millionaire and local attraction owner George Barber, Bamahenge isn’t just a random arrangement of stones. It consists of fiberglass blocks, meticulously placed to align with the summer solstice, much like its ancient counterpart. The stones are approximately 21 feet tall, giving a true sense of the monumental scale of the original. Barber commissioned artist Mark Cline (who also created our next stop!) to build this unique structure.
Dinosaurs in the Woods: A Prehistoric Surprise
Just a short drive from Bamahenge, we stumbled upon another of Mark Cline’s creations: Dinosaurs in the Woods. We slowly drove down the road keeping a lookout for the dinosaurs – there were no signs or markings. We managed to find four of the five dinosaurs hidden among the trees, creating a fun scavenger hunt (the other was on the opposite side of the street and we forgot to look on our way out). These life-sized fiberglass dinosaurs, including a formidable T-Rex and a majestic Triceratops, are silly and a thrilling discovery in such an unexpected setting. They’re part of George Barber’s larger collection of unusual art scattered throughout his property.
Neptune’s Fountain: A Grand Aquatic Display
Next, we encountered Neptune’s Fountain, a magnificent bronze sculpture dramatically placed in the middle of a traffic circle at the Barber Marina. This grand fountain features the Roman god Neptune, trident in hand, surrounded by sea creatures. It’s an imposing and beautiful piece, adding a touch of classical grandeur to the landscape. Interestingly, this isn’t a unique piece; a nearly identical fountain can be found in Kansas City, Missouri, specifically at the Country Club Plaza, where it’s known as the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain, showcasing its classical inspiration.
The Knights of the Woods: Guardians of the Green
Just around the bend of the traffic circle, tucked away deeper in the woods, we discovered a series of identical knight statues. We saw one from the car, but soon realized we needed to park and walk into the wooded area.
We found five of these armored figures, standing stoically amidst the trees. These knights, also creations commissioned by George Barber, are often referred to as the Knights of the Round Table or Barber’s Knights. While they don’t represent specific historical figures, their presence evokes a sense of medieval fantasy and guardianship over this collection of eccentric art. They add another layer of unexpected charm to the area’s artistic landscape.
The Lady of the Lake
But the most impressive sculpture was undoubtedly The Lady in the Marina, a truly breathtaking and colossal figure rising majestically from the water. This stunning, ethereal sculpture is formally known as “The Lady of the Lake” (though affectionately called “The Lady in the Marina”). She is modeled after George Barber’s own wife, and her gaze is directed towards the Rising Dawn, specifically looking eastward over the waters of the bay. The Lady stands at an incredible 60 feet tall, making her an unforgettable sight and a true highlight of this unique art park.
Near the Barber Marina, we also spotted a massive spider sculpture and a few other pieces, showcasing the sheer breadth of George Barber’s artistic vision. After spending about 90 minutes exploring these delightful oddities, we decided to make a loop back to our hotel, but with a slight detour through Florida.
After immersing ourselves in these sculptures, we were curious – who was George Barber? George Barber is an American businessman, real estate developer, and philanthropist from Alabama. He may be best known as the founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, the world’s largest motorcycle collection (a Guinness World Record). He also developed the Barber Marina where he commissioned a collection of large, unusual sculptures as a passion project (many of which we saw)
Lunch and Bingo at Flora-Bama!
Our return route took us across the state line into Florida, where we made a legendary stop at Flora-Bama. This iconic establishment is a conglomerate of restaurants and bars straddling the Alabama-Florida border. We enjoyed a lunch at their restaurant before heading across the street to the famous Flora-Bama lounge for a drink. Justin opted for a refreshing beer, while I indulged in a large Miami Vice, served in a sturdy, hard plastic souvenir cup – a perfect memento! We wondered around the different rooms and even out to the beach for a little bit. After walking around, we were just in time for a game of bingo, so we happily settled in, played two rounds, and soaked up the lively atmosphere with our drinks.
What started as a canceled beach morning turned into an unforgettable day of discovery, art, and classic Gulf Coast fun. Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan!
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