OWA: The Creek Indian Story Behind Coastal Alabama’s Big Adventure

If you’ve driven through Foley, Alabama, you’ve probably seen the signs for OWA Parks & Resort and perhaps wondered about the unusual name. Well, let us tell you a little bit about this nest of a find. What is OWA?  Is OWA simply a catchy name for a theme park? Is it connected to Native American history? And what does “OWA” actually mean?

The answer is an important part of the story. This YourNestAway find is a destination created and developed by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and its name is inspired by the Muscogee Creek language, meaning “big water.” ,  The name also connects to the 14-acre lake at the center of the original development.

Today, OWA has grown into a 520-acre entertainment and resort destination featuring Tropic Falls, a theme park, water attractions, Downtown OWA, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, hotels, and other experiences to make YourNestAway more enjoyable. Behind all of those attractions is a story of tribal entrepreneurship, economic development, and a vision for creating something significant on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

And for visitors discovering places like OWA, YourNestAway doesn't just finding you a place to stay—we are YourNestAway while you explore everything a destination has to offer.

Because every great adventure needs a Nest to come back to.

YourNestAway — Your Nest, Wherever You Go.



To be continued...

The Mardi Gras Wars: Mobile vs. New Orleans

Two Gulf Coast Cities.

One Great Tradition. And a Friendly Rivalry That Never Seems to End.

In this Nest of a story we delve into some rivalries that are just serious.

And then there are the ones that make you smile, talk a little trash, defend your hometown with everything you've got—and then sit down together for a good meal afterward.

Along the Gulf Coast, the rivalry between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana, falls squarely into that second category.

It is the Mardi Gras Wars.

For generations, the two cities have shared a cultural connection that runs deep. Both proudly celebrate Carnival. Both fill their streets with colorful floats, costumes, music, parades, royalty, and revelers. Both have developed traditions that are uniquely their own.

But there is one question that can get a Mobile resident and a New Orleanian talking very quickly:

Who had Mardi Gras first?

And that's where the friendly war begins.

Whether you're coming to Mobile for the parades, heading to New Orleans for Carnival, or exploring both Gulf Coast celebrations, every great adventure needs a place to Nest when the festivities wind down.

That's where YourNestAway comes in—helping you find your Nest away from home, so you can spend less time worrying about where to stay and more time enjoying where you are.

Because when the beads are caught, the music fades, and the parade is over, there's nothing better than having YourNestAway waiting for you.

YourNestAway — Your Nest, Wherever the Celebration Takes You.



To be continued...

Alabama's “Firsts”: From Football to Mardi Gras—and Jambalaya

When it comes to the question of “Who did it first?”, Alabama is no slouch.

In fact, if you start making a list of the things Alabama can legitimately claim, you might be surprised at how quickly that list grows.

From a football program that has established itself as one of the most successful in college football history, to Mobile's claim as the birthplace of America's oldest organized Mardi Gras tradition, Alabama has a habit of showing up early—and leaving a lasting impression.

And then there's the food.

Specifically, jambalaya.

Ask most people where jambalaya comes from and you're likely to hear Louisiana, New Orleans, or perhaps Gonzales, Louisiana—the city that famously calls itself the “Jambalaya Capital of the World.”

But dig a little deeper into the history of the dish and you'll find something fascinating:

The paper trail for jambalaya runs straight through Mobile, Alabama.

For travelers following Alabama's stories, traditions, and flavors, the journey is just as much about discovering where to Nest as it is about discovering where to eat, explore, and experience.

Whether you're coming to the Gulf Coast for Mardi Gras, chasing down the history behind jambalaya, catching a game, or simply exploring Alabama's many “firsts,”

YourNestAway gives you a place to call YourNestAway from home.

Because every road trip needs a good story—and every great adventure needs a Nest to come back to.

YourNestAway — Find Your Nest. Discover YourNestAway.

To be continued...