Here’s to you, Foley, Alabama! (Of Trains, Mini-North Poles, and Rain)

To the City of Foley,

Despite being located in Alabama……… despite your dreary weather full of cloudy skies and constant rain………… despite the four hour drive from our home……..despite the fact that there is no inside play areas here…….despite the fact that your “Tanger Outlet”, which was purported to be a HUGE mall filled with over 120 outlet stores, turned out the be a basically a very large strip mall with all outdoor walkways……..

Our family has found a way to have a good time in your city.

First, there was the cotton fields, and flower farms which we oood and ahhd over , as we drove into town. Those were lovely to see. Then, there was the ease of finding the hotel, and realizing it was ideally located just off of the main drag. We are greatful that a mini-fridge and microwave in the room, meant we could cook some foods here, and not have to eat out for every meal. There was the fact that our hotel room had a KING-sized bed! All four of us fit in it……. comfortably!Next, I am grateful that my children are quite young and can still be entertained simply. With no coin-operated motion required, both children had fun pretending in these little “rides”. 

During the three hours that it managed not to rain during the trip, we explored the Foley Train Museum. Both TallyDad and myself thought it was pretty cool experience: sitting on the bench “waiting on the train”, seeing the luggage cart that contained actual old suitcases,  experiencing the past in a very physical way.  Our preschooler loved ringing the bell on the small kid-sized train, and pretending to drive the massive steel caboose. Our son adored the rocks, nuts, and bark that were littered around the landscape. Each member of the family enjoyed themselves in their own way.

Additionally, there was the Mini-North Pole set-up in the down-town park. Comprised of a large pine decorated like a Christmas tree and small buildings complete with windows and people inside, this was a true gem to visit. The preschooler looked carefully inside each building’s window, and walked the entire circumference of the tree. She admired the wooden decorations scatted across the landscape: a mailbox for Santa letters, singing carolers, gifts, and street signs. Our son played” hide and seek” behind and around the buildings. This quickly morphed into “run and chase”, which for him is the most fun game ever!

Your citizens, dear Foley, (Foley-ites? Folians? Folk of Foley? Foley Folk?) have been quite nice. Everyone we have encountered here has been very polite: opening doors for me and I maneuver with a child in an Ergo and a preschooler holding my hand, using “Yes Ma’am” frequently, waitresses saying “Good Morning ya’ll, nice to see you this morning.” and smiling genuinely as if she really means it.

(Oh! How I love the manners of the Deep South!).

Overall, you have provided our family with a vacation to remember. Thank you.

Cordially Yours,

TallyMom and Family