Spring is almost here – get a preview with Can’t Miss Alabama!

Indulge your senses at Mobile’s Festival of Flowers March 10-14  

Delight in 65 acres of gorgeous scenery at Bellingrath Gardens.

The 2016 Festival of Flowers presents “Taking Flight to a World of Gardens” featuring historic landscapes and architectural features. See landscaped gardens reflecting Southern heritage at Providence Hospital at 6801 Airport Blvd. in Mobile. Shows are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Order tickets online for $12 or pay $14 at the gate. Children 12 and younger enter free. To visit the festival and tour Bellingrath Gardens and home, call 251-973-2217.

Have spring tea at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion in Mobile March 11

Celebrate the beauty of Mobile at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion‘s Annual Spring Tea. Nestled among majestic oaks, the mansion’s spacious verandas, floor-length windows and stately columns provide the perfect setting for enjoying delicious treats, tea and an informal tour of this lovely home. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. Proceeds benefit the mansion’s operation and restoration. Visit the site at 1906 Springhill Ave.

Tour private historic homes in Mobile March 11-12

Enjoy six private historic homes dating to the 1890s, showcasing several architectural styles, period antiques, private art collections and collectibles. Mobile’s official house museum, Oakleigh Historic Mansion, includes a walkable tour through the lovely, tree-lined thoroughfare at Government Street. Proceeds benefit the Historic Mobile Preservation Society and the Oakleigh Historic Complex. Buy tickets on-line. For more information, call 251-432-6161.

Go to the Azalea Festival in Semmes March 12

The Azalea Festival is fun for all ages, with a children’s area, arts and crafts, pony rides and other activities. Snack on delicious food as you peruse the azaleas and other plants at Mary G. Montgomery High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An Irish ode: Eat, drink and be green at Birmingham’s St. Patty’s Day celebrations March 10-13

See an Irish flag-raising ceremony and a parade, while enjoying live music, Irish food and drink specials at Five Points-area restaurants and bars. The inaugural Irish flag-raising is on Thursday, March 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the flag pole at Chic-fil-A at Five Points South. The Birmingham Irish Cultural Society will lead the ceremony, which will include pipe and drum performances, the UAB ROTC and an Irish blessing. On Saturday, don’t miss the 32nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, led by the Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The lineup starts between 10th and 11th Ave South by the Alys Stephens Center in the UAB Highlands parking lot.

Enjoy the Spring Arts and Crafts Show in Gardendale March 11-12  

See the Easter Bunny at the Gardendale Arts and Crafts Show.

See the offerings of more than 60 arts and crafts vendors at the Gardendale Civic Center. Win door prizes and enjoy music on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, get photos with the Easter Bunny from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $10. Call 205-683-0354 for details.