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5 Scholars in 5 Days: History, Humor, Music and More

Program Number: 7243RJ
Start and End Dates:
11/17/2013 - 11/22/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Fairhope, Alabama
Price starting at: $599.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Learn from five outstanding speakers. We’ll also explore charming Fairhope, founded as a utopian colony and long noted for its picturesque vistas, now home to notable artists and writers. Leave room in your imagination for surprises, too!




Highlights

• Discover the rich history of Mobile Bay from explorers to the Civil War and its status as an international port, with a field trip to Fort Morgan, site of the Battle of Mobile Bay.
• Delight in the exploration of humor and comedy as reflected in American life and make the joy of laughter a daily happening.
• Explore musical origins of the fiddle/violin with an expert violinist, as you trace the ever changing music of this fascinating instrument.



Activity Particulars

Walking a few blocks.




Date Specific Information

11-17-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by University of South Alabama.




Fairhope

Founded in 1894 by adventurous people seeking a personal utopia, lovely Fairhope sits high on bluffs overlooking Mobile Bay. This charming Southern city is known for its beautiful parks, moss-draped live oaks and picturesque downtown that attracts artists, writers and visitors alike.
Accommodations
Comfortable conference center on beautiful Weeks Bay.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Thomas Morley
As a classical, Celtic, and folk musician and educator, Tom Morley is one of the most visible violinists on the Gulf Coast. Classically trained with a degree in music education, Tom has earned a living with his violin in every musical direction. He has played professionally in Celtic, Cajun, folk, bluegrass, classical, swing, jazz, and country styles. Tom has released several CDs with numerous bands, and performed at venues including the Jazz & Heritage Fest and the French Quarter Festival.
 
Thomas McKinstry
Tom McKinstry is retired from the U.S. Army as a Lt. Colonel. Tom served in Vietnam as an aviator. He has a bachelor’s degree from Spring Hill College and a master’s from the University of South Alabama. Tom retired as a high school teacher in Mobile and was an assistant professor at Spring Hill College and the University of South Alabama. He has been a favorite instructor for the University of South Alabama Road Scholar for many years.
 
Dean Mosher
Dean Mosher is a nationally respected artist and historian. His epic historical paintings can be found in museums, National Park visitor centers and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. For five years he held the office of Historian General of the Naval Order of the United States, and he was awarded the Commander General’s medal in 2006 for saving the Order’s archives. Dean lives with this wife and their two children in their two storybook castles, which have been featured on HGTV.
 
Richard Ward
Dr. Richard L. Ward is an associate professor in the communication department at the University of South Alabama. He has published articles on film and broadcast history in media history and studies in popular culture and is the author of “A History of the Hal Roach Studios.” Additionally, his short films have been shown at the Oxford Film festival and the Gulf Coast Film Festival, and his film “Doppelgangster” won a Golden Lion award at the 2003 George Lindsay/UNA Film Festival.
 
J.D. Crowe
J.D. Crowe is a newspaper cartoonist who draws five cartoons a week on local, state and national issues for the Press-Register in Mobile, Alabama. Earlier in his career, J.D. was a freelance artist and writer in Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego. Currently working on his fifth editorial cartoon collection book, J.D. lives in Fairhope, Ala., with his wife, daughter and a menagerie of animals.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
  Fairhope, Alabama 5 nights
 Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Type: Other
  Description: Hiking trails, private pier with gazebo, chapel, rec hall, pool, kayaks, canoes and sunfish, comfortable southern porches for socializing and relaxing.
  Contact info: 10400 Beckwith Lane
Fairhope, AL 36532 USA
phone: 251-928-7844
  Room amenities: Private bath and air conditioning.
  Facility amenities: All rooms have a private bath and free parking. Beckwith has a wonderful pool, and is located on Weeks Bay, fun for fishing, boating and swimming.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior:  Local hotels available. Please call to get information on Hampton Inn 1-800-426-7866, Holiday Inn Express 1-800-962-1833 or Marriott's Grand Hotel 1-800-228-9290.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  Local hotels available. Please call to get information on Hampton Inn 1-800-426-7866, Holiday Inn Express 1-800-962-1833 or Marriott's Grand Hotel 1-800-228-9290.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Conference Center Check-In is at 4:00 PM, Registration is from 4:00 -5:30 PM You will be staying at Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center that night.
  End of Program:
Class ends at 10:30 AM. Conference Center Check-out is at 11:00 AM You will be staying at Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. An Road Scholar health form is required for each person.
  Parking availability:
Parking is adjacent to the lodging and is free
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Fairhope, Alabama
  Nearest city or town:  Fairhope
  Nearest highway: Interstate 10
  Nearest airport:  Mobile, Alabama (airport code MOB)
  From End of Program
  Location: Fairhope, Alabama
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Mobile to Beckwith Camp and Conference Center

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Mobile Bay Transportation
phone: 251-476-7711
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$75 for 1-3 people, or $25 per person for 4 people or more
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour and 15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

48 miles
   

You must register at least 24 hours in advance. When you call you will get Yellow Cab, you must ask for Mobile Bay Transportation. They will transfer you to Mobile Bay Transportation. You can register on line by e-mailing dispatch@mobilebaytransportation.com or you can call 251-476-7711. Confirm your reservation before your flight lands to ensure pick up. Prices subject to change.
 
Driving Directions
  From I-10, East or West Traveling from the east or west on I-10, take exit 35 onto Hwy. 98 South to Daphne & Fairhope. Stay on four lane highway (do not exit onto Scenic Hwy. 98), four lane highway will narrow to two lanes. In approximately 3 miles Hwy. 98 will intersect with Scenic Hwy 98. Turn left onto Scenic Hwy 98. In approximately 2 miles you will see a Camp Beckwith sign. Turn right onto CR 27 South (Mary Ann Beach Rd.) Continue on for Approximately 2 miles, you will see a sign marking the entrance to Beckwith Camp and Conference Center on your left. Turn left into Beckwith and continue until you see Alves Hall. You will register here.
  From Pensacola Airport Take Airport Blvd. to Ninth Ave. then take Ninth Ave. South to Fairfield Ave. Take Fairfield Ave. West to Hwy 98, Take Hwy 98 West. Go through Elberta, Foley, and Magnolia Springs Cross the Louie Brannon Bridge (Fish River) Approximately 2 miles past the bridge you will see a Camp Beckwith sign. Turn left onto CR 27 South (Mary Ann Beach Rd.) Continue on for approximately 2 miles you will see a sign marking the entrance to Beckwith Camp and Conference Center on your left. Turn left into Beckwith and continue until you see Alves Hall. You will register here
  Interstate 65 From I-65, take exit 37 South, the Bay Minette/Gulf Shores Parkway exit. Take State Highway 287 south to State Highway 59 south, Gulf Shores Parkway. Take I-10 westbound at Loxley, Alabama (exit 44). Travel seven miles to exit 35. Take Exit 35 onto Hwy. 98 South to Daphne & Fairhope. Stay on four lane highway (do not exit onto Scenic Hwy. 98), four lane highway will narrow to two lanes. In approximately 3 miles Hwy. 98 will intersect with Scenic Hwy 98. Turn left onto Scenic Hwy 98. In approximately 2 miles you will see a Camp Beckwith sign. Turn right onto CR 27 South (Mary Ann Beach Rd.) Continue on for Approximately 2 miles, you will see a sign marking the entrance to Beckwith Camp and Conference Center on your left. Turn left into Beckwith and continue until you see Alves Hall. You will register here.
Equipment Requirements: No equipment needed for this program.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration, Check-in and Orientation/Dinner is in the Dining room/Introductions
(Sunday, November 17)
   
 Afternoon: Participants will check in and register for the week from 4-5:30 PM. They will receive keys to their rooms and packets of information for the week. Beginning at 5:30 PM we will have an orientation, all information will be discussed and any questions will be answered at this time. (*Please note classes and class time are subject to change based on weather and instructor availability.)
 Dinner: Dinner is served in the Beckwith dining room.
 Evening: Introductions and any additional questions will be asked at this time.
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: All meals served in dining room/Morning Class on Music/Afternoon Class continue with your music program/Evening Class
(Monday, November 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in the dining room.
 Morning: Follow fiddle music from the 1600s to today with instructor's performance, lectures, and recordings
 Lunch: Lunch served in the dining room.
 Afternoon: Follow fiddle music from the 1600s to today with instructor's performance, lectures, and recordings.
 Dinner: Dinner served in the dining room.
 Evening: Enjoy a relaxing and entertaining evening class. From music to humor, area studies, and special lectures this is a session you're sure to enjoy!
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: All meals served in dining room/Morning Class on Area History/This afternoon continue your history class, then take a field trip to discover the area/Free Evening
(Tuesday, November 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in the dining room.
 Morning: Study the history of Fairhope - a dream for a group of individuals who sought a special utopia. First settled by the Single-Tax colonists, the town had a “fair hope” of success. It soon established a spirit of individualism, attracting an eclectic assemblage of industrious, freethinking, and creative people. Today, the city is a growing community with more than 12,000 residents.
 Lunch: Lunch served in the dining room.
 Afternoon: During your first session, learn about Baldwin County, known for its lovely parks, moss-draped live oaks, and charming panoramic views of Mobile Bay. Discover how artists, writers, and craftsmen have found this area be an inspiring haven for their work and creativity. In this class you will also get a taste of the rich history and heritage that makes the city of Fairhope one of the top three Southern towns in Southern Living’s Readers Choice Awards. Hop aboard a bus for a guided tour of the area. The guide points out areas of interest including places to go and things to see.
 Dinner: Dinner served in the dining room.
 Evening: Free Evening
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: All meals served in the dining room/Morning Class on the Battle of Mobile Bay/After lunch take a Field Trip to Fort Morgan/Evening Class on Storytelling.
(Wednesday, November 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in the dining room.
 Morning: Spend a class with a local historian! Learn about Mobile Bay and its explorations by the Spanish, French, and British. Trace the history of Fort Morgan and its role in the War of 1812, WWI, and WWII. From history buff to casual listener, this segment is guaranteed to impress!
 Lunch: Lunch served in the dining room.
 Afternoon: Forget the history books and the classroom chalkboards, experience history first-hand along Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast. During your field trip to Fort Morgan you will meet a guide who will explain how the Spanish used Fort Morgan in the 1500's, then rebuilt it in the early 1800's as protection against Native Americans. Standing atop the fort with a view of the once-embattled Mobile bay, visitors today can imagine the summer of 1864 when Confederate and Union naval forces fought for control of the harbor entrance. Rich in fun, rich in beauty... rich in history, Fort Morgan is a must-see attraction!
 Dinner: Dinner served in the dining room.
 Evening: Enjoy an evening on Storytelling
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: All meals served in the dining room/Morning Classes on humor and comedy/After lunch class on Jubilee/Evening Class with dogwood trailmaids.
(Thursday, November 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in the dining room.
 Morning: Humor and Comedy begins your morning. Explore the world of illustration with a local cartoonist. Discover how to tell your own personal stories in a humorous manner with local storyteller.
 Lunch: Lunch served in the dining room.
 Afternoon: Discover Jubilee, a natural phenomenon that takes place from time to time on the shores of Mobile Bay in Alabama. Occurring mainly on warm summer nights, often in the early pre-dawn hours, the event initiates a joyous community beach party. Learn what this rare celebration is all about and why it benefits coastal residents.
 Dinner: Dinner served in the dining room.
 Evening: Enjoy the lovely ambassadors of the Fairhope area the Dogwood Trailmaids
   
Accommodations: Beckwith Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Breakfast/Check Out/Morning Class Humor and Comedy/Box lunch to go.
(Friday, November 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served family style in the dining room.
 Morning: Check out of lodging. Get ready to laugh this morning as you take a look at films and how they are developed in a comical way.
 Lunch: Class ends at 10:30 AM. Box lunch to go.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Fairhope, Alabama Eastern Shore Art Center
Built around the site of wood-burning Pinewood Kiln, an Alabama Historical Landmark. Monthly exhibits feature oils, watercolors, mixed media, photography, sculpture and ceramics. Concerts, lectures and workshops also featured. For additional information, visit www.easternshoreartcenter.com
  Historic Blakeley State Park
Blakeley is the site of the last major battle of the Civil War. Excellently preserved battlefield and breast works for you to come and explore.
  Marietta Johnson Museum
Housed in one the 1907 classrooms of the Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education. The museum contains books, literature, artifacts, photos and videotapes pertaining to the progressive philosophy of Marietta Johnson.
  The Fairhope Historical Museum
For an exciting view into Fairhope's past, please visit the Fairhope Historical Museum. The museum is full of artifacts from old Fairhope. You can see displays on Clay City, the Single Tax Association and the Civil War. You can also see personal belongings from some of Fairhope's first families.
  U. S. Sports Academy/Sport Art Museum
It is considered to have one of the largest collections of sport art in the world. Additionally, it houses archives which document the history of science of sport. Tours are available and it is free to the public.
  Weeks Bay Reserve
The Weeks Bay Reserve provides a living laboratory for education and research groups to learn about estuaries, those coastal areas where rivers meet the sea. The Reserve is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and is also a part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U. S. Department of Commerce. For additional information, visit www.weeksbay.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Coasting: An Expanded Guide to the Northern Gulf Coast


Author: Jolane Edwards(Author), Carolyn Lee Goodloe (Author), Laurel Wilson (Author), Judy Barnes




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