Robertsdale

“The Southern Plantation Corporation of Chicago, Illinois founded Robertsdale in 1905. They chose the city's present location largely because of the fertile farmland and the fact that the Louisville and Nashville Railroad line had just recently made extensions to Foley, Alabama. The town was named after one of the officials of the Corporation, Dr. B.F. Roberts, and was incorporated in 1921. Nestled in the middle of Baldwin County, Robertsdale is a quickly growing city with a small town atmosphere.

Robertsdale is called the Hub of Baldwin County. The city's central location provides quick and easy access to the beautiful white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama and the historic ports of Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.”

I first discovered Robertsdale when my family and I drove through it on our way to Orange Beach for our annual summer vacation when I was around 7 years old. I remember being impressed by live oak and palm trees lining along the highway and old stores/business districts that reminded me of the Andy Griffith show. I never thought that I would actually live there one day.

About three months ago, I officially became a Robertsdale citizen after moving in a very unique warehouse right in the middle of this very small, charming town. Although I grew up as a “city” girl, I took the risk by moving to Robertsdale, a middle-class, farm-y town where you see dirt bikes and 4-wheelers on every road, find out that there are actually more farm equipment than cars, notice that almost every man wears his favorite camouflage shirt, wave at every person that passes you, and learn that almost everyone in Robertsdale can be related to each other in families. The reasons why I moved to this town were because I wanted to be closer to my “second” family, become more involved in my current church in that town, be closer to beaches (only 30 minutes away), and explore what it is like to live in a small town. We call Robertsdale a “Hub City” because it is right in the middle of everywhere, but it is perfectly between two busy cities – Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL. Despite crazy tourists trying to speed up on highway right next to my warehouse, Robertsdale is near lovely beaches, the best outlet mall where I can find cheap clothes and numerous excellent seafood restaurants! Robertsdale has what I need – a bank, grocery stores, doctor’s offices (I am still amazed that my new doctor knows some signs), my wonderful support system, a few restaurants that serve homemade food, my church, walking trails where I can jog, a cool gym, several parks, and a perfect home-y coffee shop/ice cream parlor where I can surf internet on my Mac. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any Wal-mart or McDonalds. Recently, Beth and I walked to Robertsdale's square park for its annual Honeybee Festival about ½ miles away from my place where we enjoyed seeing kids ride on mules, petting pigs and goats, watching some men ride on the bull, and watching senior citizens dance to country music. It just reminded me of Sweet Home Alabama movie. Soon, we will have our annual Christmas parade here!

I still work in downtown Mobile which is about 30 minutes away from my home; however, I carpool with my super-sweet boss (along with my four-year-old student) three times a week which saves me tons of gas. The best thing about driving to my work in the morning is being captivated by the beauty of Mobile Bay while driving on a 10-mile bridge across the bay. Every time I see water, I quickly think of “peace.” I usually spend my time praying and being still as I drive or ride with my boss on that baywalk. I guess I enjoy what God is giving me at this moment. I don’t know if I will live in Robertsdale permanently or temporarily; however, I praise God for allowing me live there!